第１１３５堀：外から見ると気づく違い (Part2)

第１１３５堀：外から見ると気づく違い (Part2)

"It seems she noticed something while looking at the monitor. I felt it would be problematic for her to keep watching, so I left it to the two of them to handle."

"Hoh. So Shuten-chan could see it too, could she? Well, it’s not entirely surprising. It seems that, aside from Principal Popuri, the ability to notice or see these things is tied to having a high degree of spiritual sensitivity."

"Mm. As Taizo says, that seems highly probable. But as Kagura and the others have said, I will never take Shuten there."

I made sure to drive that point home.

At that, Emperor Yupia nodded in agreement and turned his attention to us.

"Rest assured, I would scold anyone who brought a child to such a place. But tell me, Cleena, Samantha, how are the little ones faring?"

"Mm. They are growing steadily. The due date is this month."

"Yes, they are growing up healthy and strong."

"That is good to hear."

"Indeed. Nothing could be better."

In truth, Emperor Yupia, Shou, and we expectant mothers are already acquainted. They had come to offer their greetings directly when they first visited Weed. Upon hearing from Yuki that there were members among us who were pregnant, they had gone out of their way to pay us a visit.

"That aside, I’m curious. Why did that figure only appear on monitor number five? Was there some special mechanism involved?"

"No, nothing of the sort. All the equipment is identical. We were monitoring under the same conditions. Well, perhaps something happened during the installation, but..."

"If Yuki-sama didn't do anything to the cameras or the equipment, that leaves only the people who installed them. Are the ones who set them up currently there?"

When Samantha asked this, Emperor Yupia raised his hands, looking strangely uncomfortable.

"...I was the one in command of the camera installation this time. Though, in truth, I did nothing. My apologies."

"Indeed, I was the same—a commander in name only. I had no idea how to handle the cameras, so I ended up leaving it to Aslin and the others."

"Mm. It’s only natural not to know. You were just handed the cameras; there’s no way you could have mastered them instantly."

"That’s true. You needn't worry about that. But if that’s the case, it means one of Aslin’s group must have installed camera number five. And are they at the academy today?"

"No, Aslin and the others should be in Weed today. I didn't expect results to show up the very next day, so they should be sleeping soundly at home."

Just as Yuki replied, an unexpected fact came to light.

"I was the one who installed camera number five. I went to set it up yesterday along with Yupia and Shou-dono."

"The Principal installed camera number five?"

"Could the Principal actually set up the camera?"

"To an extent. After all, it is this academy that is working in cooperation with Samantha’s family to focus on the production of these cameras. It would be a problem if I, the Principal, couldn't handle them."

Ah, true. When put that way, it makes perfect sense.

Then, a message came in from Souta, who had been listening to the conversation.

"An interesting discussion. I see. The difference with camera number five is that Principal Popuri touched it, and that is likely why it appeared."

"Hmm. That is highly probable."

"What do you mean by that?"

"The ghost that appeared only on camera number five is, in the first place, only visible to Popuri-san. In other words, there is some sort of 'connection' between the ghost and Principal Popuri, and the ghost may be adjusting its wavelength to be perceived through that 'connection'."

"Wavelength. Or perhaps one should call it spiritual power, or magic. When it was installed, Popuri’s magic likely remained on the camera lens. That is why it is possible that Popuri was able to perceive it through this specific camera."

I see. I certainly understand the logic.

"But how do you intend to prove that?"

"Well, it isn't particularly difficult. At the moment, none of us feel anything in this hallway, so we will have to wait for nightfall again, but we can make preparations before then."

"Indeed. We shall have Principal Popuri touch the lenses of the cameras installed here. That may very well make the image appear clearly."

Hmm, I see. So, if it is reacting to 'something' about Popuri, having her touch the cameras might make the ghost appear even more clearly tonight.

"Does that mean we have to stay up late tonight, too?"

"No, I believe it would be better for you to get some sleep."

"Yes, please make sure you rest properly."

What a shame. It looks like we’ll just be waiting for the results.

The difference with camera number five is whether or not Popuri touched it.

Does that mean if Popuri touches them, the ghost will appear?

Or is there some other cause entirely?