第１１４５堀：大事なのは…… (Part2)
Why is it that even though I only had a cute little lapse in memory, it feels like my quality of life is deteriorating? I came all this way to help the adorable Kagura, so why is this happening?
While I was pondering this conundrum—a question as complex as solving the mysteries of the deep cosmos—the conversation with Hivia had already begun on the other side of the call screen.
"Hello, Hivia."
"…! Principal? Principal!? And the Vice Principal, too!?"
"That’s right. What on earth are you doing in a place like this so late at night?"
"Are you plotting another prank?"
Wait, isn't this conversation a bit too normal? She’s a ghost, after all. Or perhaps "normal" is for the best? After all, the girl named Hivia has no self-awareness of her state.
"N-no, that’s not it. I just had some business… Business? Wait, what was it? Why did I come here?"
"Honestly, having memory lapses at your age is a bit concerning."
"Besides, you don't need to come all the way here this late at night. The only business I can think of that happens at night is mischief."
"Ugh. Huh? But why am I in the school building so late at night?"
…It seems her memories aren't continuous. Just as the water said, she is a shadow, not the true entity. Well, if that weren't the case, given how she ignored us yesterday, it wouldn't be strange for her to be angry.
"It seems you’re confused. Why don't you come to my office so we can talk properly?"
"We’ll have some tea and sweets."
"Oh, really!! I’ll go, I’ll go!"
Yes. She really is a sweet, honest girl. Without a shred of hesitation, she accepted Popuri’s suggestion. In truth, once we get to the office, I plan to feed her those sweets and tea immediately.
We begin to move. The problem is whether Hivia can actually leave the hallway…
"Ow."
Hivia stops abruptly, as if she’s bumped into something in the empty space, and begins to mime feeling around for an invisible wall.
"Are you alright, Hivia?"
"Oh, yes. I’m fine. But, is there some kind of invisible wall here? Huh, but I don’t feel any magical power at all. What could it be? And why doesn't it affect everyone else?"
Oh, she’s becoming conscious of the difference between herself and those around her. If she doesn't have self-awareness, accidentally triggering it here isn't part of the plan…
"Kagura. Hold her hand. That will let you pass."
"Yes."
Kagura trusts me without a flicker of doubt and takes Hivia’s hand.
"Eh? Big sister?"
"You must have just tripped on something. So, hold my hand. Let’s go. Did you mind?"
"No. Big sister’s hand is warm, so it makes me happy. Wait? Warm makes me happy? Does that mean it was cold before?"
Well, ghosts don't have body temperature. If anything, they’re sub-zero. Kagura’s warmth must feel incredibly comforting to her. More than anything, the fact that she feels happy proves that Kagura possesses the power of a shrine maiden. In other words…
"Alright, let’s go."
"Yeah. Oh, I made it through. Was bumping into that wall earlier just my imagination?"
Yes, it seems that by entering a state of being "possessed" in a sense, one can peel a lingering spirit away from the spot they are bound to.
"Hairen. Did you know this would happen?"
The question comes from Enol. I answer with confidence.
"Intuition."
"I knew it. When we get back, you’re getting extra studies."
"Ehh—?"
Wait, intuition isn't good enough? I feel like that’s unfair since no one could have tested it. But, putting that aside, I need to keep chasing after everyone while staying at a distance. Besides, I can just skip the studying. Even Lilishe-sama says there’s no need to force yourself to study. If you force it, nothing sticks. Yes. As expected of a Goddess!
Everyone arrives at the office without any issues. However, I can't enter the room, so I sit in the hallway with my knees pulled to my chest, watching the scene inside.
…Huh, I’m starting to feel a bit sad. Sigh, a goddess, yet all alone.
"…I think I understand why ghosts start to resent the living."
Ah, being all alone in the world is painful, isn't it?
"What are you blathering about? I’ll be your conversation partner, so cheer up."
"Yes. Thank you, Enol. I’ll do my best."
That’s right, I’m not alone. Kagura and everyone else, do your best. Yes, tell Hivia that she isn't alone. What matters is conveying your feelings clearly through words. Hairen knows this intuitively. Having sharp intuition is a difficult thing, isn't it?