第１１３８堀：準備は出来て余裕がある (Part2)
"You’re being a bit dramatic, Principal. Though, I admit, it is delicious."
The green tea and Japanese sweets possess a quality that truly settles the soul. I can feel the tension draining away, making my previous anxieties seem like nothing more than a phantom of my own making.
"Indeed. You look much better now. Was there something troubling you?"
"Eh?"
Taken aback by Sota-san’s sudden inquiry, I let out a startled sound. I certainly had been troubled, but I hadn't thought I’d been clumsy enough to let it show. To have my inner thoughts pierced so effortlessly left me reeling.
Enol-san gave Sota-san a sharp rap on the head.
"Sota. I have told you time and again to temper that 'reading' of yours; it frightens people. My apologies, Popuri-dono. This one has a sharp intuition for such things. He means no harm."
"It’s quite alright. But 'intuition,' you say? That is truly remarkable. I did feel as though something was wrong, though it remains frustratingly vague."
"Vague, you say?"
"Yes. It’s what I spoke of this morning. I feel as though I am on the verge of remembering, yet it slips through my fingers. It is an incredibly unsettling sensation."
Having no reason to hide it, I spoke plainly. Sota-san studied me in silence for a long moment.
"Hmm. Water, could I trouble you for a moment?"
"What is it?"
"I don’t believe Popuri-dono is hiding anything. Yet, there is an undeniable connection to *that* thing. That much is certain, isn't it?"
"Indeed. A connection exists, without a doubt. And yet, it still eludes your memory?"
Though it wasn't their intention, I felt as if I were being chided for my inability to recall. Perhaps I am simply projecting my own guilt onto their words.
"Yes. I am certain something happened, but what it was... I cannot grasp it at all."
"Still not clear, then? ...Well, it seems to be a matter that won't yield an answer just yet. Let us gather what information we can in the meantime."
"I would appreciate that. This sort of thing is entirely outside my expertise; I shall leave it in your capable hands, Sota-san."
Indeed, dealing with "ghosts" is a specialty I lack. These entities seem to be of a different nature than the zombies or spirits one might encounter elsewhere. In the If Continent, the phenomenon of magical depletion ensures that creatures sustained by mana simply cannot maintain their existence. To me, this is an entirely unknown adversary, and I have no intention of acting recklessly. Entrusting this to the experts is, in my estimation, the most logical path.
"And has there been any movement on the camera I infused with mana?" I asked, sipping my tea to gauge the current situation.
Given the lack of excitement in the room, I assumed the answer would be negative, but it was worth confirming.
"No, nothing to report. Since the last footage was captured around 1:30 AM, we are operating under the assumption that if something is to occur, it will be around that hour."
"I see. So that is why Master and Taiki-kun are whiling away the time with games. Honestly, that Master of mine..."
Knowing they weren't simply slacking off brought a measure of relief. Still, it meant I had nothing to do for the time being. While enjoying the tea was pleasant, I decided to return to my station to check the monitors.
"For now, I shall return to my desk to monitor the situation. And, if it wouldn't be too much of an imposition, might I have another cup of tea?"
"Of course. By all means, there is plenty more."
"And sweets as well," they added kindly.
I took my seat and turned my gaze to the monitor, but it showed nothing more than a dark, unremarkable corridor. The moonlight was beautiful tonight, casting a soft, ethereal glow through the windows and into that darkened hallway.
"...Ah, it’s happening again. I feel as though I’m on the verge of remembering something... but it’s no use. It won't come to me."
*Sigh.* What on earth have I forgotten?
I tilted my head, continuing my vigil with earnest focus, but twenty minutes passed without incident. Eventually, I stepped away from the desk to accept the offered tea and sweets.
"We still have time, so let us take it slow."
"Indeed."
As I drank, the warmth of the tea gradually calmed my spirit. Perhaps I should keep green tea in the Principal’s office from now on?
As I pondered this, we settled into a state of patient waiting. A relaxed atmosphere, where one can share a laugh, is far preferable to the frantic pace of a crisis. If we could play games, it would be even better.
After all, the new *Monster Hunter* is coming out soon.