第１１３０堀：まずは映像で確認する (Part2)
"That's it! Yes, Yuki. I'll leave it to you!"
"I see. Is that truly the more prudent path? No, I believe I should state it clearly myself. I promised I would keep no secrets."
The paths chosen by Comet and Taizo-san diverged at my suggestion. This, I suspect, was the fork in the road of destiny—the threshold between being scolded and avoiding it entirely.
"And Zargis, you have no one in particular to report to, do you?"
"Indeed. I am a carefree bachelor."
"Honestly, you really are easy to work with."
"I would prefer you didn't push me too hard, though. Ah, this investigation is an exception, of course. I am very much looking forward to it."
It is a good thing to enjoy one's work, I suppose. As I was thinking this, the installation team returned.
"Big Brother, we're done!"
"We have completed the task."
"Big Brother, did we do it well?"
"Big Brother, work all done."
Aslin and the others rushed over to report.
"Good work, everyone. The rest is up to the monitoring team, so go and get some rest. We'll call you if anything happens."
"Yes!"
They answered obediently and left the room together in high spirits. However, there were those who did not follow them, but remained behind...
"So, how is the monitor looking?"
"Are there any problems?"
Deryu and Shera, the team leaders, asked for confirmation.
"Nothing in particular. You two should go rest with Aslin and the others."
"Understood. Oh, but if you manage to capture any footage of the ghost, do show us."
"Yes. I would like to see it if that happens."
"That’s fine, but don't show it to Labyris."
Labyris has a terrible fear of ghosts, after all.
"We know that."
"Indeed. Then, if you'll excuse us."
Deryu and Shera left the room as well, leaving behind only those who had assisted with the installation...
"I must say, that was a fine experience. Yuki-dono, I thank you."
"Yes. It was extremely enlightening."
The Emperor of the Zuraburu Great Empire and the Great Imperial Hope, who had engaged in the labor as mere workers. Well, if they are satisfied, that is all that matters. They must be desperate for cameras now, but that is a matter to be settled another day. This is hardly the place for such discussions.
"I'm glad to hear that. So, Popuri, how was it?"
"Honestly, I’m not sure. I enjoyed the work, but are you certain the gap between the classrooms is suspicious? You aren't just mistaking it for another dead point, are you?"
Indeed, the reason I had Popuri accompany us on this task—aside from the desire to speak with the Emperor of Eupia—was primarily to have her see the rumored location with her own eyes. I had hoped that as the administrator and supreme authority of this academy, she might discern something, even if the perception of the area had been skewed. It seems, however, that there was no such easy answer.
Moreover, this dead point, which exists in a corner where the currently used classrooms are lined up, is nothing more than a tiny, negligible gap between two rooms.
Yet, even so...
"It’s no mistake. It’s not just Mikos-chan; Amanda and the others say the same thing."
"Yes, Headmistress. About a hundred years ago, there was a story of a student walking down this very corridor who suddenly vanished."
"Hmm, but you know... the renovation of this area was a hundred years ago, wasn't it?"
"No, Headmistress. That corner of the classroom was renovated about two hundred and fifty years ago."
"Was it? And there were no reports of deaths back then, were there?"
"No. Well, there have been students who died due to failed magic experiments or while venturing into the Great Tree Sea, but there are no records of anyone dying in front of the classrooms or during the renovation work."
They seem to be speaking under the assumption that there is something unusual about the deaths, but unfortunately, this world is just that kind of place. Magic is researched here for the sake of combat and possesses sufficient lethality, and there are creatures far more ferocious than wild animals roaming about. Even talented young elites can die easily if they make a mistake or let their guard down.
Therefore, the death of a person for such reasons likely wouldn't become a subject of particular rumor. Especially since the Lancer Magic Academy is the most prestigious institution on this continent. Unless there were actual, tangible repercussions, such vague occurrences would likely be dismissed as mere gossip.
"Well, if we don't know, then so be it. I'll investigate. That's all there is to it."
"I suppose so. That’s the only way. Well, please report to me if you find anything."
"You got it. Now, I should hurry and contact Hifii."
For now, I will simply say that Comet was scolded by Hifii afterward.
The iron rule of psychic research: Install fixed cameras. As many as possible. It’s a classic, after all!