第１１２８堀：こういうことは意外と人が集まる (Part1)
**Chapter 1128: Surprisingly, People Gather for Things Like This**
**Side: Yuki**
With Taiki-kun now fully on board, we begin the strategy meeting.
"Right, I’ll explain the situation briefly."
I need to make sure Taizo-san and Sota-san grasp the key points clearly. That said, there isn’t exactly anything groundbreaking to report.
* We are investigating the numerous "dead points" existing within the Lancer Magic Academy.
It’s a very simple premise. However, the concerns are:
* Popuri hasn't noticed them at all until now.
* Neither I nor Taiki-kun were able to recognize these anomalies as anomalies.
* This implies the existence of something—some entity or technology—capable of manipulating perception or causing supernatural interference.
"Hmm. It is indeed a strange tale. It seems the effect of 'not approaching' or 'not being conscious of' these spots does not work on me."
"That’s likely because you came here with the specific intent of investigating these dead points, Taizo-san, and because you possess the 'Magic Nullification' skill."
Barriers that shift perception in this manner are, ironically, less effective if you are consciously looking for the target from the start. In our case, we had other primary objectives, and the investigation of the dead points was secondary, which is likely why they faded from our awareness.
"So, we’ve cleared the first hurdle. Good work, Kirika-san."
"No, Sota-sama. I merely felt that something was amiss. It was the Master who sincerely took my sense of unease and acted upon it."
Stop, don't phrase it like I’m the amazing one. I didn't notice this mystery on my own; it was thanks to Kirika that I became aware of it.
"But it is strange, isn't it? Why was Kirika-san the only one to notice? When we looked at those dead points, we just assumed, 'Oh, this place is old and has had so many weird renovations, so that’s why there are more dead points,' and convinced ourselves of it. Why did you notice, Kirika-san?"
"Indeed, that’s what I’m curious about, too. Kirika, why did you notice?"
"Um, as I mentioned to the Master before, I wasn't certain it was suspicious at first. I just had a strange sense of discomfort. While I was being questioned by the Master, Eagil-sama, and Comet-sama about it, I eventually arrived at this conclusion."
Kirika says it was truly a coincidence. Was it just her intuition at work, then? Even so, there are plenty of others here with superior intellect and attention to detail, like Eagil and Comet. Why was it only Kirika who caught on? Well, I suppose you could just call it the instincts of an intelligence operative...
"Hmm. Kirika-kun seems to have sharp intuition regarding this matter. If we are sending a team to investigate the site, it would be safer to have her accompany them, would it not?"
"Yes. Please, designate me for the investigation. There is no need for the Master, or anyone else, to put themselves in danger."
Kirika states this firmly, but the little ones immediately object.
"Ehh, I want to go investigate too!"
"We shall go investigate. We shall solve the mystery."
"Yes. I will fulfill my duties in place of my brother."
"I’m going to catch the ghost."
Aslin, Firia, Vilia, and Hiiro are full of enthusiasm. I suppose at their age, there’s nothing they’re afraid of. Well, I think Vilia looked a little scared when she heard the word "ghost," but that’s just part of the fun at that age, I guess.
"Hearing you talk about it, it sounds exciting."
"Wait, Shera, are you sure it’s okay for you to be here? What about Gartz?"
"Oh, diplomacy has been running quite smoothly lately. At this point, I’m mostly just handling mediation for Catherine-san from Haiden, so it’s fine."
"Ah, I see. In that case, Kirika, we’re coming along too. Otherwise, there’d be no point in us being here."
And so, Shera and Dressa, the guardians listening behind those four, are also fired up. Well, this group has been stuck doing rather mundane tasks like diplomacy or waiting endlessly on ships lately. Of course, they’ve been using their paid leave properly for this, so there’s no issue.
"Hmm, hmm. A mysterious tale, indeed. Not a ghost, but a spirit or a yokai?"
"If this is true, it’s extremely troublesome. Though, I have met Noriko-dono once, and she didn't seem like such a terrifying person at all."
"Hm? What’s this? You’ve met Noriko as well?"
"Huh? What is that line? Why are you speaking as if you’ve met her before?"
"Well, she is the author of the manga I love to read. How could I not meet her?"
"Hah, it seems she really has been to Weed many times."
"Naturally, as there is diplomacy with Weed. I sent Show to learn technology and foster exchange, but other high-ranking officials from Zrubl have visited as well. It is high time they properly recognized the existence of Weed."
And for some reason, Emperor Eupia and Show are also part of this dead-point investigation team. No, they were just here because they overate the fried chicken at the old man’s place and collapsed, and since they were lent a room, they wanted to thank and greet Popuri. But as luck would have it, Popuri was in the middle of a meeting with a Zilba diplomat.
So, they are participating in our strategy meeting until Popuri finishes her talk. It makes no sense, but it’s not like we’re losing anything by having them sit in. I do want to maintain good relations with this Emperor Eupia—or rather, the Zrubl Great Empire. This matter is just about investigating a mysterious dead point at the academy; it’s not exactly a secret.
Actually, it’s a surprise that these two have already met Noriko. At least it saves me the trouble of explaining what a ghost is.
"Right, I’d like to say let’s head out immediately, but first, I’ll explain the rumors thought to be related to the points we’re investigating. Mikos."
When I say that, Mikos steps forward with a notebook.
"Yes. The points we want you to investigate this time are based on rumors Mikos-chan gathered from the active students attending the Lancer Magic Academy. I don’t know how credible they are, but these are rumors that many of the students told us."
Mikos stands beside me and operates the computer connected to the projector, displaying an overview of the rumors.
* About 100 years ago, there was a student who went missing after claiming they would solve the mystery of the academy.
"We would like Yuki-sensei and the others to investigate this rumor."
"Why this rumor in particular? There’s also talk that the student just ran away, isn't there?"
"I heard that too. In fact, that rumor is supposed to be the more prominent one, isn't it?"