第１１２６堀：唐揚げからくる怪談の再認識 (Part1)
Chapter 1126: Re-evaluating the Ghost Stories Born of Fried Chicken
Side: Yuki
"So, you two managed to eat so much fried chicken that you can’t move?"
"I apologize."
"I am terribly sorry."
In a corner of the Lancer Academy of Magic—a room granted to the Weed research team—lay Yupia, Emperor of the Zuraburu Empire, sprawled out like a tuna hauled onto a deck. Beside him, his right-hand man, the man known as the "Grand Strategist" Show, was also lying flat on his back, clutching his stomach.
"Well, I suppose I should take this as a sign of peace? Besides, the old man’s fried chicken is just that good."
"Indeed. It is a masterful craft. It seems his skills haven't dulled in the slightest."
Kirika said this while nibbling on a piece of chicken. I took a bite myself...
"Yeah. It’s just plain delicious. Getting the balance right is surprisingly difficult."
"It really is. Rurua-oneesan and I have been trying our best to replicate it, but we just can't seem to get it right."
"Yes. It is exceptionally difficult. I suspect the key lies in the oil temperature and the frying time, but... no matter what I do, I cannot achieve this specific texture."
"It is the work of a true artisan."
It seems Aslin, Filia, and Rurua have been working hard to recreate the old man’s recipe. Honestly, I’ve tried once or twice myself, but I couldn't capture that specific quality. I suppose those who think fried chicken is just "tossing something in oil" will never reach the heights he has. As Filia said, that old man is a true culinary craftsman.
"The seasoning is so simple—just salt—yet it’s genuinely delicious."
"It’s so good that even though I just ate, I find my hand reaching for more."
Labyris and Shera had only just finished eating at the inn, yet here they were, joining us for another round.
"Ugh... my diet..."
"Vilia-onee, you can struggle with your inner conflict alone. Hiiro won't hold back. If it’s delicious, I’ll eat plenty."
"Exactly. Just eat a lot and move a lot, that’s the secret."
While Vilia stood frozen in a battle with her own conscience, Hiiro and Dressa were devouring the chicken without a shred of hesitation. Honestly, they’d already eaten, yet they were still going strong. And they weren't the only ones.
"Why can't I stop?"
"Because it’s just that good, obviously. This is going to be a hit. Mikos-chan guarantees it."
"Yes, it’s a guaranteed success. Because it’s delicious."
"I’m surprised he can produce a flavor like this. Just frying it with a simple salt seasoning... yet everything about it feels different."
"Man, it really is delicious, isn't it?"
"Y-yeah. His skills haven't slipped at all."
Everyone who had been eating earlier was still at it. What kind of addictive substance is in this chicken? I mean, it’s good, but still.
"I get that the chicken is good, but why is everyone gathered here?"
"Hm? Well, Yuki, Yupia and Show collapsed, didn't they? We couldn't just leave them there, could we?"
"Exactly. We couldn't just abandon them at the old man's inn, and Rurua insisted on bringing them here."
"Yes. I thought since this room is under Weed’s management and there was space, it would be appropriate... was there a problem?"
"No, bringing in the patients—or rather, the idiots who overate—is fine. What I’m asking is why are you all still sitting here eating more chicken?"
There was no reason to bring the chicken all the way to the research lab—or rather, the room assigned to Weed—just to eat it. Or so I thought, but...
"Hm? Well, Yuki, this is about the only place we can use, isn't it? I couldn't exactly ask Popuri to lend us a classroom just because we bought some fried chicken, could I?"
"True. If we told the principal that, she’d bring down the thunder. Literally."
"Y-yeah. She’s strict about those things."
"Ah, I see. Well, it’s just us, so I suppose it’s fine..."
True enough. I couldn't exactly turn a school classroom into a party venue without permission. If I did, I’d just be inviting complaints, and I’m not the type to make such selfish demands. I’m not some chaotic fool.
"Oh, by the way, I heard from Kagura and the others—is it true there are ghost stories going around here?"
Deciding the chicken topic had run its course, Labyris grabbed my sleeve. Right, she’s terrified of ghost stories.
"Hm? Oh, that. No, it’s not the kind of ghost story you’re imagining. Or rather, we’re still in the middle of gathering rumors."
"I see, so there hasn't been any actual damage yet?"
"None. If there were something clearly dangerous, I wouldn't be prioritizing the Great Tree Sea."
After all, if you leave those kinds of threats alone, people could lose their lives. But I haven't heard any such intense rumors yet. At least, not for now.
"I see. A problem for the investigation team, then."
Sensing what I was getting at, Dressa threw another piece of chicken into her mouth. Seriously, stop eating already. Well, I suppose it is a party, so maybe it’s fine?
"Exactly. We can't spare any more personnel."
"But in that case, why not ask Kagura-san and the others to conduct a full-scale investigation? Aren't Nilua-san and Wazfi-san scheduled to come here?"
"Asking Kagura and the others... I’m not sure if that’s a good idea. What if something like Noriko shows up? Can they handle it?"
I asked Kagura if she could handle Shera’s suggestion, but... she shook her head immediately.
"No way. If something like Noriko appeared, we’d definitely die this time."
"Yeah, Yuki-sensei. That’s impossible. Absolutely impossible."
"True. The only reason we survived last time was because Luna was the one who prepared it... normally, you don't come back from that alive."
Well, at least they have a proper understanding of the supernatural. I should be happy about that, but it means they can't handle the investigation.
"I understand how you feel, but if there really were ghosts on Noriko’s level, wouldn't there be a pile of corpses at the academy by now?"
"That’s true. I agree with Dressa. If something of that level existed, well... you know."
Comet agreed with Dressa’s assessment. It’s true—if there were vengeful spirits or evil entities on Noriko’s level, the death toll would be obvious. And yet, I haven't heard a single rumor of that.
However, Agil threw a stone into the pond.
"No, no. If a ghost story results in blatant deaths, that’s just a criminal case, right? Ghost stories are supposed to be uncertain things—not deaths, but disappearances, or people suddenly returning to their hometowns without realizing it. Isn't that how it usually goes?"
"..."
"..."
"..."
"Ah."
That’s it.