第１１２８堀：こういうことは意外と人が集まる (Part2)
"Indeed. Isn't the prevailing theory that the students who vanished from the academy simply ran away?"
It was Kagura and the other exchange students who put a stop to Mikos’s line of reasoning.
"You're being naive. That’s just the general rumor regarding those who disappeared from the academy. You’re conflating the two. To prove it, Amanda, if you would."
"Yes, I understand."
Responding to Mikos’s request, Amanda stepped forward to provide further clarification.
"As Kagura and the others say, rumors of this nature are common, but it is said that this specific rumor is the origin of them all."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Well, to put it simply for you, Firia-chan, the rumors about students disappearing at the academy are all said to be based on this one. In reality, most of the cases people talk about are just students who dropped out, just as Kagura and her group suggested."
"So, you’re saying there is a case where a student truly went missing while trying to solve the mysteries of the academy?"
"Exactly as Labyris says. That is the rumor. Or rather, this is the only disappearance case where the details are actually documented. The others lack any motive or explanation—they simply vanished. The rooms were found empty, leading everyone to conclude, 'Ah, they must have run away.'"
I see. The original rumor is the only one with substance, while the subsequent ones are just hollow derivatives. It’s a classic case of how rumors evolve. The source material remains solid, while the spin-offs become increasingly threadbare.
"I understand. I get that only that specific rumor has detailed accounts, but do you know the location?"
"Of course we do, Agil-san. This rumor is... well, it’s right here on the screen."
The spot Mikos indicated with her red laser pointer was...
"Wait, isn't this a classroom that’s still in use?"
"I’ve seen this place before. This is where the classrooms were when my older brother and the others were students."
Just as they said, this was the classroom floor for the grade we were enrolled in when we first entered the Lancer Magic Academy.
"Huh? I know Yuki was a student there, but isn't this floor for a lower rank?"
"At the time, I was only admitted via recommendations from Enaria and Zilba. Besides, I hadn't shown my true capabilities yet, so I entered in the middle of the pack."
Ah, the nostalgia. It brings back memories of my younger days.
"Fufu. That’s where you met Samantha and Cleena, wasn't it?"
"That’s right. Good times. I remember being turned away at the academy gates by Samantha."
"That certainly happened."
*Oof.*
"And I was surprised by Cleena’s eccentric behavior."
"Ah, that really was a shock, wasn't it?"
*Agh.*
Taiki-kun, who came to this academy with me, was nodding along with a nostalgic look, but I thought I heard some strange, pained noises coming from the other side of the connection...
"Um, Yuki-san. This is a difficult conversation for the two pregnant women, so perhaps we should..."
As Shera tugged on my arm and I looked in the direction she pointed, I could see the tops of Samantha and Cleena’s heads through the call monitor.
In other words, they were slumped over their desks.
"Ah, my apologies. That was a bit much for the two of you. Let’s change the subject."
*I would certainly appreciate that...*
*And honestly, I’d prefer not to remember it at all.*
"Yeah. My bad."
"Sorry."
"So, Samantha and Cleena are participating in the meeting too, then?"
Since this meeting is being broadcast to my wives and inner circle via call, they can participate even while at Weed. In fact, Seraria, Tori, Riel, and Kaya are all listening in intently. Kirue and Sasari are too busy with childcare and housework to listen, but it’s quite a full house, all things considered. Incidentally, Jessica and Ria, who are pregnant like the other two, seem to be resting due to severe morning sickness.
*Yes. It is about our alma mater, after all.*
*I never imagined there would be a ghost at the academy.*
"Well, it’s not confirmed yet. But do you two recognize the rumor Mikos is talking about?"
I figured I should ask Samantha and Cleena, since they are graduates. Man, this was supposed to be a simple investigation into a ghost story, but it’s turning into quite the ordeal. Still, everyone gets excited about investigating ghosts, right? You can’t help but watch those kinds of programs! Am I right? Come on!