第１１３２堀：いきなりヒットは意外と困る (Part2)
I borrow the mouse and set the fifth monitor to full-screen mode.
It is a high-resolution camera, as expected; even when zoomed in, the image remains crisp, capturing every detail without a hint of grain.
"This fifth monitor is the one filming the long corridor in a straight line, right? You can see the camera on the opposite end."
"That’s right. There’s no other configuration where cameras would be facing each other like this."
In other words, there is no room for the misunderstanding that it might have been displayed on a different monitor.
"At this rate, it doesn't look like Yuki or Taiki can see it either."
"I can't see a thing."
"Regrettably, neither can I. Now then, where is Popuri, who claimed to have seen the ghost?"
I scan the room, but Popuri is nowhere to be seen.
"Ah, Popuri-dono fell behind on her work due to yesterday's commotion. She is currently tied up with paperwork."
"I see."
Well, I suppose it’s hard to focus on work after discovering a ghost.
So, she’s finishing up last night’s tasks now that the sun has risen.
If it were me, I’d be too drowsy to function and would surely be asleep, I think to myself, just as the surveillance room door opens...
"Yaaawn. Honestly, fighting a mountain of paperwork from the crack of dawn after barely sleeping yesterday is brutal."
As expected, a sleepy-looking Popuri enters.
It seems she barely managed any rest at all.
"It cannot be helped. Even if there is trouble, the paperwork won't finish itself unless I buckle down. Oh, Yuki-sama. Good morning."
"Hm? Ah, Yuki-dono. Good morning. Sorry to bother you so early in the day."
"Morning. I wanted to talk right away, but it looks like Taizo-san and the others haven't slept either."
I had initially suggested that everyone should get some sleep and recover, but...
"No, that can wait until after this report. I’ve summarized what I saw yesterday as best as I could. I’ll let myself sleep once the report is finished."
"I see. In that case, we must hear it as well."
"Indeed, Zargis-dono."
They are truly raring to go.
*Sigh*, if that’s the case, I suppose I have to wake the others up too, or it’ll be a problem.
"Wait a moment. I’m going to wake the other two."
"The other two? Ah, I see."
Taiki-kun looks toward the two I’m eyeing and immediately understands.
Naturally, no one else stops me. Leaving them asleep here would only make things more troublesome later.
"By the way, Kirika."
"Yes, I am here."
"Were you able to confirm anything regarding yesterday's phenomenon on your end?"
"...No. There was nothing on the dungeon surveillance either."
"Is it the type that only certain people can perceive? Well, that’s something to discuss once Sota-san arrives. And the support to ensure Sota-san doesn't overexert himself?"
"Yes. My subordinates are currently accompanying him. It seems Enol-sama will be joining them as well."
"Good. If Enol-san is there, that shouldn't be a problem. Now, Kirika, help me wake them up."
"Understood."
With that, I decide to start by waking my wife, Agil.
"Hey. Agil, wake up."
"Mm? I'm sleepy..."
"It’s not time to be sleepy. It’s time to work."
"Hah? Oh, Yuki... Alright, alright. Give me a hug first~"
She is completely groggy.
Well, she’s my wife, so I don’t mind; I lift her up and shake her awake just as she requested.
"At this rate, you’re not a wife, you’re just a child."
"Hmph. That’s rude. From any angle, this is a scene of a husband and wife embracing, isn't it?"
"You say that while still wrapped in your sleeping bag? Anyway, once you’re awake, wipe your face with the towel Kirika prepared and gather at Popuri’s spot."
"Understood."
"Right this way."
Kirika busies herself taking care of Agil, who has finally emerged from her sleeping bag.
Yeah... no matter how you look at it, she really is just a child, isn't she?
Well, that’s fine. Next is Comet.
"*Zzz...*"
"I’m still surprised that an undead can even make snoring sounds."
She is sleeping so peacefully.
Still, I can’t just let her stay asleep.
"Hey. Comet, wake up."
"Mm? Yuki? What is it?"
"We’re going to verify the ghost incident from yesterday."
"Ah... right. Hey, I’m going to claim that reward from before. Wake me up just like you did for Agil."
"What are you talking about?"
Negotiating with groggy people is a futile endeavor, so I just hoist her up.
"Whoa!? You actually did it!?"
"Why are you so surprised? You don't need to waste your reward promise on something like this. I know well enough that you researchers are sloppy."
"...Hmph. Are you saying you don't feel a heart-pounding thrill while holding a beauty like me?"
"No, I don't think that’s appropriate in a workplace setting. Well, if you want to be treated that way, set the stage properly."
"You said it. Then I’ll have to take you up on that sometime."
"As long as it doesn't turn into a gaming tournament."
Comet emerges from her sleeping bag and takes the towel from Kirika to wipe her face.
*Sigh*... why is just getting the members together so exhausting?
It’s a problem if they don't show up, but it’s also a problem if they do.
It means the investigation will continue, and the intensity of the situation will only rise.