第１１３９堀：反応が良すぎても逆に疑わしい (Part1)
**Chapter 1139: When a Reaction Is Too Good, It Becomes Suspicious**
**Side: Comet**
I am currently focused on a certain hunting game famous in Japan.
We’ve gathered under the guise of a ghost investigation, but my role is strictly limited to "surveillance" and "video analysis." In other words, I can’t actually take action until "something" happens—or, to put it another way, I can only shine once "the time has come."
Still, I can’t exactly sleep until then, so I’m killing time with this game. If I didn’t, the sheer boredom might just lull me to sleep. Well, I suppose I could conduct some other research, but that’s hardly appropriate for this setting.
"Haa. Master, you really are at your own pace no matter where you are."
As I play, Popuri approaches, looking a bit more composed after having some tea.
"That’s my charm, isn't it? Being impatient doesn't make time pass any faster. Our time is finite, and if I have to scramble, I’ll scramble as much as I need to. But now isn't that time. If I can gather materials during these hours, I’ll do just that."
Exactly—use time effectively. That’s a lesson that remains important even after you’re dead.
Honestly, being around Yuki brings one job after another in such an interesting way. Well, I suppose it was the same when I was with Hifie. Since I seem to be quite busy even as a corpse, I think it’s a good thing I’ve learned how to play like this.
However...
"Popuri. You’ve lived a long life with your eyes open, I’m sure, but you seem strangely on edge right now. What’s pushing you into a corner like this?"
Indeed, for some reason, my student Popuri looks terribly dejected. At a glance, she doesn't seem to have any physical issues, but she appears mentally exhausted. And it’s not the kind of fatigue that comes from overworking. It’s clearly related to this ghost business.
"…I can't remember."
"You mentioned that during the day, too. So, why are you so fixated on not being able to remember?"
I find it utterly baffling. If you can’t remember, then that’s that.
"I feel like it was an important memory."
"Hmm, I see. And because you feel that way, yet can't recall it, it’s bothering you?"
Well, is that it? The type of person who can't stop until they’ve solved what’s nagging them? But still...
"Forcing yourself to remember something you can't recall is quite difficult, you know."
"…I know that."
"And what exactly is it that you can't remember? Is it about that ghost? Or the hallway where it appeared?"
"…I think I’m mostly bothered by the ghost itself."
Good grief, she’s so vague.
"I’m sorry."
Sensing my dissatisfaction, Popuri apologizes. If it were Yuki, he’d probably offer support upon seeing her so weak.
"If you’re going to apologize for something like that, you’d be better off putting on a brave face and standing tall. You are the principal, aren't you?"
I’m not that soft, so I let her have it. If I don't, I can't play my game in peace. That said, she is a principal for a reason; the strength immediately returns to her eyes.
"Yes. You’re right. I’ll pull myself together."
"Good. That’s better. Though, I don't think you don't understand what I’m saying. Well, I suppose it just means it’s that important to you."
"Yes. It’s just... it really bothers me. Excuse me, I’ll have some sweets."
"Yeah, yeah."
Perhaps having regained her usual composure, Popuri picks up a sweet from the table and sips her tea again.
"That’s the kind of pattern that makes you want to go to the bathroom later, you know."
I meant it quite casually, but Popuri froze stiff.
"Hey, hey. Are you actually scared?"
"Well, a ghost actually appeared on camera, so isn't it natural to be scared?"
"Ah, that’s true, isn't it."
Ghosts are unknown entities. Well, I have acquaintances like Noriko who are ghosts, so they aren't entirely unknown to me, but that familiarity can be its own kind of complication. Besides, even I have never dissected a ghost to see what makes it tick, so they are essentially unknown organisms, aren't they? Yes, that is indeed scary.
As I was thinking that, Yuki, who was playing the game with me, looked up...
"Oh, and regarding the bathroom, make sure at least three people go together. School bathrooms are definitely in the top three spots for ghost stories."
"That’s true. A classic trope of ghost stories. Though I doubt there’s a Hanako-san here."
"Well, that’s unique to Japan. Though I suppose the places people fear change depending on the country. Anyway, one more round?"
"Oh, I’d love to, but let’s check the monitors for a bit. It’s a bit early for the scheduled time, but it’s almost midnight."
Yes, before I knew it, the date was about to change. This is the time of night when ghosts are most likely to appear. The hour of the ox, as they say.
"That’s right. Everyone, let’s stop the games for a moment and check the monitors."
Zargis, who couldn't read the room, was playing Pokémon solo. He seems incredibly frustrated that I beat him earlier. But that wasn't a loss due to luck; there was a clear difference in skill. So, no matter how much he tries, he won't be able to beat me. Well, I don't mean to disparage his effort, though.
"Lady Comet. Is something wrong?"
"No, nothing at all. Come now, let’s check the monitors..."
As I said that and turned my gaze to the monitor, there it was. A girl with silver hair, wearing the school uniform from Popuri’s files, was indeed standing in the hallway.
"..."
However, just because I perceive it doesn't mean it’s the truth. I had gathered information from Popuri beforehand, so it’s possible I’m being influenced and seeing a "hallucination." No, I’d actually prefer that to be the case. To successfully film a ghost the day after hearing about it—that looks like a staged TV program no matter how you slice it.
Therefore, I should first confirm if anyone else sees "it." I take my eyes off the monitor and look at Agil, who should be watching her own screen in the seat next to me...
"..." "..."
Agil, perhaps curious about me or needing something, turned toward me with a creaking, mechanical motion, and our eyes met. There is a slight tremor on Agil’s face. Yes, it’s the look of someone who has seen something they shouldn't have. In other words, judging by the situation, she likely saw the exact same thing I did.
No, wait. Until I confirm it, this is just speculation. It’s not certain. She might just be saying there’s nothing on her screen, or perhaps she just wants to ask if I want something to eat because she’s hungry.
"...Agil. By any chance, did you see it?"
"...Yeah. Judging by that look, you did too, Comet? Can you still see it now?"