第１２００堀：準備はいいかい？ (Part2)
"Indeed. I had heard the accounts from Carrie, but the existence of a ghost is truly something else. I felt a profound sense of dread myself. However, with repeated training, one can grow accustomed to Noriko. I suspect Princess Fiora will likely follow the same path. Though, to be as unfazed by any manner of specter as you are, Yuki-sama, that is still a distant horizon."
"Hey now, don't sell me short. Even I find ghosts and things beyond my understanding terrifying, you know?"
" " " "Eh?" " " "
To my chagrin, all three of them wore expressions of utter shock... or rather, I heard four voices overlap. I turned to see Aurelia standing there, holding a tea tray.
"Why are you surprised, Aurelia?"
"My apologies. I had simply assumed that there was nothing in this world that could possibly strike fear into you, Yuki-sama."
"I’m a man who loses sleep over budget deficits, for heaven's sake."
" " " "Ah." " " "
That single word brought a collective understanding to the four of them. Anyone would be terrified of budget-related matters, especially when it means having to outmaneuver Eris or Tefa.
While we were on that subject, Aurelia finished serving tea to Stasia and the rest of us before quietly exiting the drawing room.
"Now then, let us return to the matter at hand."
"Right. And what of Aurelia, Yayui, and Hovis regarding this affair?"
"I have told them nothing. It would only invite confusion. I believe it is best they wait until there is a tangible result."
"But surely, you intend to bring them to the Lancer Magic Academy?"
"Only if they don't perceive it as a 'ghost.' Besides, they lack the necessary mental preparation. They are barely proficient in standard combat as it is."
After all, they were originally slaves and commoners. They have no combat experience, nor any resistance to the spectral. If I were to bring them into a situation where they are forced to acknowledge the presence of a 'ghost,' the outcome is unpredictable—and we simply lack the time. Their primary role is dealing with the general public, after all.
"I see. That is the policy, then. Very well, I shall proceed accordingly."
"Good. And based on what I’ve heard, the report is accurate? There is no issue with involving Havia?"
"Yes. As I mentioned, the training has been rigorous, so Havia should pose no problem. My only remaining concern is Noriko’s contact. I suspect Havia might react more strongly to Noriko than to Princess Fiora."
"Well, they are both ghosts, after all. The plan is to start with Fiora, then Noriko. This time, the priority is observing the changes when she meets Fiora. As a secondary objective, we are confirming whether Noriko can travel to other lands without incident."
While we had agreed to bring Noriko along, I harbored a lingering worry: could she actually leave our territory? She moves freely within Weed, but does she even register when passing through gates?
Still, it is likely we will need to conduct further investigations into spectral phenomena in the future, and if that becomes necessary, we must consider deploying ghosts to deal with ghosts. Noriko is our first test case.
"Haha, you are certainly right that Noriko is the more likely variable."
"I won't deny that. Still, if we can manage with just Fiora, that would be ideal. Besides, if you pit one monster against another, you often find they simply join forces and turn their sights on you."
"I see. You mean to say that if you force two beasts to fight, they might end up attacking the observer instead?"
"Exactly. I have no desire to be the common enemy of two powerful entities."
Some movies I’ve seen ended with them merging into a single, greater horror, after all.
"I have heard such tales, indeed. In that case, it would be best if we could conclude this at the stage of meeting Fiora."
"Agreed. As for the other side's timing, have you received any word from Kagura and the others? Regarding Havia’s condition? Comet and Agil told me they were ready whenever."
"Ah, about that—Kagura and the others have been so buried in editing their reports that they haven't been seen much."
"Ah, right. I did ask for a progress report, didn't I? Is there that much to edit?"
"It would seem so. Principal Popuri has been gathering Curse, Comet, Agil, and Show to solicit their views on the value of the Magic Academy to each of their respective nations."
"I see. So, rather than just empty words of support, she’s demanding a logical, reasoned argument."
"That is likely the case. The idea is that this will not only strengthen our ties but also serve as a formal evaluation of the Academy’s research achievements to date. I expect the reports will be handed over and discussed when you go to collect Princess Fiora."
"Understood. That makes sense. I hope I didn't put them out by asking for it on such short notice."
I had intended it to be a simple progress report I could listen to while soaking in the bath, but it sounds like it has turned into a rather serious document. Well, perhaps that is for the best.
"Very well. We depart tomorrow as planned. Please inform Fiora and Noriko to prepare themselves."
"Understood. I shall see to it."
And so, the stage was set. Tomorrow, Fiora and Noriko would finally set out for the Lancer Magic Academy.
Fiora, Noriko—to the Lancer Magic Academy we go.