第１２０４堀：幽霊の未来 (Part1)
Chapter 1204: The Ghost’s Future
Side: Comet
I am currently in the "Ghost Observation Room," a space recently established within the Lancer Academy of Magic. Well, in truth, it’s effectively the "Havia Observation Room."
At this moment, almost everyone involved in this affair—save for the subject herself—is gathered here. Naturally, that includes Popuri, the person responsible for this academy.
"So, Popuri. Are you truly, absolutely certain you don't want to be the one to tell her? There is still time, you know."
I press Popuri for an answer.
Thanks to the recent arrival of Fiora and Noriko, we’ve reached a consensus: there is a high probability that Havia is aware she is a ghost—or, at the very least, she recognizes the fact that she is already dead, even if she doesn't use the word "ghost." We’ve decided to confront her with this reality directly. Even if she hasn't fully grasped the nature of her own death, we’ve judged that this will serve as the catalyst for whatever comes next.
As for Havia herself, I spent all of yesterday observing her, and she is remarkably stable. In that sense, she is entirely different from the typical ghost whose sense of self is fragmented or unclear.
Yet, the role of delivering this truth has been delegated to Fiora and Noriko—people who, to put it bluntly, are "outsiders" to her life. In other words, Popuri, her mentor and the head of this academy, has left the burden of revealing the "truth" to others.
I understand that it’s a difficult thing to say. But I couldn't help but feel that, deep down, this wasn't what Popuri truly wanted.
"…To tell you the truth, I am still conflicted. But I lack the confidence to tell her that fact myself. No, rather, the more I speak with Havia, the more I feel that perhaps it would be better to leave things 'as they are'…"
Popuri trails off, closing her mouth. She was likely about to say that it might be better to just maintain the status quo. But, in the end, that is nothing more than a delay of the inevitable.
Still…
"Ah, that’s not necessarily a bad thing, either. I, too, think that since she is stable, there might be no need to poke at it unnecessarily."
"…You’re too soft, Master. But it was I who wished for 'change.' More than that, if Yuki-dono hadn't pointed it out, I wouldn't even have noticed she was there."
"Even so. The human heart is neither simple nor easy to navigate. That is precisely why Yuki didn't demand that you make a hasty decision, right?"
It’s true that while Yuki has the achievement of having "found" her, it has become a source of both a heavy burden and mental strain—a case of "ignorance is bliss" turned on its head. Yuki wanted to give Popuri one more chance to steel her heart, but as if to signal that time had run out, he walked briskly to the lectern in the observation room and slammed his hands down upon it.
"Everyone. Have you rested enough? If there are no objections, we will proceed as planned: Fiora and Noriko will go to tell Havia the truth."
He states it clearly. This is the final chance to stop or change the plan.
We had already discussed the strategy thoroughly while eating earlier. Since there was nothing left to confirm or argue, everyone remained silent in affirmation.
"Good. Then, I will explain the plan once more. It’s not a complicated matter. Fundamentally, Fiora and Noriko will simply go and tell her the 'truth.' As support, Sota-san, the ghost expert, will be there. Popuri will accompany them as the academy representative, and Kagura and Mikos will go as her classmates. After that, we will all observe what becomes of Havia."
That’s all we can do. Tell her the truth and watch the reaction. It’s such a simple thing, yet it weighs heavily on the spirit, the heart, and the body. It is the truth, yes, but the mere act of speaking it might sever the relationships built until now in an instant. Especially for Popuri.
"The operation begins at 12:00. We have about 30 minutes, so make sure you’ve taken care of your business, like using the restroom."
As Yuki says this, everyone begins to move. Some leave the observation room, while others stay in their seats and begin to drink tea. And then… there are those who keep their eyes fixed on the monitor, never looking away from Havia.
I’ve said what needed to be said; the rest is up to the person herself. It would be meddling to say any more, so I take my seat and start sipping my tea as well.
Then, Yuki approaches me…
"By the way, what is Havia like, all things considered?"
"What do you mean 'what is she like'? You’ve read the reports, haven't you? She spends her time reading various books and putting them into practice. And she’s remarkably stable."
That’s right. There is none of the "fuzziness" she had when we first found her. She is a fully realized individual with a clear sense of self.
"Ah, I don't mean that. I mean things like her personality or her capabilities."
"Oh, that. Well, I think I touched on that in the reports, but… let’s see. To put it simply, she’s a 'child with strong curiosity.' It’s exactly what you’d expect from someone attending this academy. But as for her abilities, honestly, there’s nothing to write home about. As you can see, she just spends her time reading books and trying to put them into practice. Well, she certainly has some knowledge regarding the ecology of monsters, but that’s about on par with Wasfi at best."
It’s not at a level that would make one’s eyes pop out. Though, the fact that she is a ghost at all is a case study that would make anyone’s eyes pop out.
"Then, once things settle down, shall we ask her what she wants to do? And perhaps measure her actual strength."
"Oh? Are you already thinking about the 'next step'? We don't even know what will happen to Havia yet, do we?"
"It doesn't hurt to think ahead. Besides, if Havia has a path she wants to walk, providing it might help her maintain her sanity. That would be a good thing, wouldn't it?"
"True enough. Ah, did you mention that to Fiora and Noriko…?"
"Of course. I told them to recruit her, subtly. Well, the only 'bait' seems to be asking her if she’d like to delve deeper into the research she wants to do."
"If it were me, that alone would have me dancing with joy and biting down on the hook."
Ah, if someone told me, "I will support your research," I would nod my head in agreement without a second thought. For a researcher, a sponsor is that precious and essential.
"That’s why, conversely, it might help her regain her composure or rationality, don't you think?"
"That makes sense."
Yes, even if she were to become a vengeful spirit upon hearing the truth, if she is a person dedicated to research, she might return to her senses the moment those words are offered to her. Well, if she doesn't, she loses everything anyway.
Still… I recall my conversation with Popuri earlier and offer a bitter smile.
"What’s wrong?"
"Nothing. It’s just that I’m not very good at guiding people. Popuri was hesitant to tell the truth herself, and I couldn't do anything for her. Even if it was a long shot, I wish I could have offered some kind of 'answer' or 'hint' like you did, Yuki."
"Ah, is that it? Still, what Popuri is thinking and what I am thinking are similar, yet different."
"Is that so?"
"Yes. Popuri is thinking of Havia’s 'happiness.' I am merely stating the 'environment' I can offer Havia. Both are talks of the future, but they are different, aren't they?"
"Indeed. Happiness is different for everyone, so it’s impossible to know. I see, so you’re saying you’re the more realistic one."
"That I am a realist is true enough. Well, even so, wishing for a student’s happiness is only natural. As a teacher, that is."