第１２０６堀：面接幽霊の (Part1)
### Chapter 1206: The Interviewee is a Ghost
**Side: Yuki**
"Hey there! Wait, aren't you the guy who gave me those manga?"
The "ghost" known as Hivia entered the room with a casual, airy greeting, looking entirely ordinary. Even now, having fully grasped the reality of her own spectral existence, she showed no signs of spiraling into madness. Usually, in cases where someone realizes they’ve passed on, they either manifest as a vengeful spirit or simply fade away, but she displayed neither.
Truly, this was an exceptionally rare case. In that sense, I felt it was vital to secure her for our side. Then again, I’d never actually had the chance to study a ghost in such a controlled setting, so I couldn't say for certain.
"Indeed, I am the manga guy. And today, I’m also your interviewer for a position here in Weed," I stated plainly. Most of the members sitting in on the meeting looked like they were about to burst out laughing. I wasn't lying, so I didn't see the problem.
"Oh? So, what am I supposed to do?"
"Popuri, Comet, and Kagura have already briefed me on your abilities, and there are no issues there. I’d very much like you to join us in Weed. We’ll pay you a proper salary, of course."
"Oh! Awesome! I can finally be independent!"
*Independence, huh?* Well, I suppose it’s usually quite difficult for a ghost to find gainful employment. Setting that aside, I needed to get to the explanation.
"The reason I asked you to come all the way here is to discuss the Great Sea of Trees and the matter of your current state as a ghost. Both fall under my jurisdiction."
"Wait, aren't you supposed to be the 'interviewer'?"
"Ah, unfortunately, we’re short on personnel. I’m juggling quite a few roles these days. That’s exactly why I’m looking for talented people like you."
"Fufu. So, you set your sights on me, Hivia?"
"Exactly. Sorry to jump right in, but may I ask my first question?"
"Sure! I'll answer anything."
She was so cheerful, completely devoid of any bitterness. In a way, she reminded me of a slightly smaller version of Dressa. I wanted to ask what a "bright" ghost was even supposed to be, but that was just a matter of personality, and not what I was here to investigate.
"First," I began, "when did you realize you were a ghost—or rather, that you had died? I assume it was a bit hazy at first?"
"Hmm, let’s see. I think I remembered it when I was reading the manga you gave me. You know, the one about the ghost teacher? *Hell Teacher*. While I was reading that, it just suddenly hit me, and I spent a while writhing in agony."
*Ah, that time.* I recalled the surveillance reports mentioning her writhing while reading. We had concluded she was just deeply moved by the story, but to think she’d realized her own death from reading a famous ghost manga... Manga really is something else.
"I’m surprised you handled that so well."
"I was a bit puzzled by that too, but I came up with a hypothesis while we were talking."
"Oh?"
"Well, the ghosts in that manga always have some lingering attachment, and they’re all negative emotions, you know? Do you get what I mean?"
"I see. So, for you, Hivia, it wasn't a negative attachment, but something more positive?"
"Exactly! I mean, there were stories about me still pursuing my hobbies even after becoming a ghost, so I think that’s just the type of person I am. Probably, anyway."
"Well, we’ll need to investigate that further. You’ll have to undergo regular check-ups—are you okay with that?"
"Yeah, that’s fine. Oh, but there is one thing I’m a little worried about."
"What is it?"
"If I’m a ghost, does that mean I’m something like a land-bound spirit? If so, won't I be unable to leave this academy?"
"Ah, you’ll have to consult with the expert sitting right here." I gestured toward Sota-san, who was sitting next to me.
"An expert? On ghosts? You mean... a spirit medium!?"
"Haha, I hate to dampen your expectations, but I don't think I’m quite a spirit medium. I’m more of a humble servant of the gods, if anything."
"A servant of the gods? A shrine official! Does that mean you were at a shrine?"
"I did serve in a menial capacity there, yes."
"Wow! Just like you said, the old man is an expert!"
Such pure innocence. It was blinding. Dealing with someone like Hivia made me feel like the schemes we’d been plotting were truly wicked.
"Yes, he is definitely an expert, so please rely on him if you need anything. And Kagura-kun as well."
"Eh? Kagura too? Why?"
"She is my granddaughter, and she is what you would call a shrine maiden."
"Whoa! A shrine maiden! Kagura is a shrine maiden?!"
"Um, yeah, I guess so."
"Haha, she’s just being shy."
"Wow, Kagura would look so good in shrine maiden robes! Show me! Wait, does that mean I’m going to be exorcised by Kagura? Eek, that would be a problem!"
"Don't worry, exorcism isn't the only job of a shrine maiden. Offering prayers to the gods is part of it, too."
Hairen, the god in question, had already left the room, saying he might accidentally help Hivia pass on if he stayed. I was genuinely surprised that Hairen would exercise such restraint, but then again, his nature is to prioritize the well-being of those before him. In that sense, it made perfect sense. I doubted Hairen would do anything to harm Kagura or Hivia, whom he seemed to favor. Why did I have such absolute trust in him?
"Alright! You have to show me sometime!"
"Ugh, it’s not something you just show off for fun."
"No, it’s fine. It’ll be an experiment to see how a ghost reacts."
"That’s true. I’d like to see Kagura in her shrine maiden attire, too."
"Even Noriko-sensei says so."
"Yes, yes. It’s good that you’re getting along, but I haven't finished my questions yet. We’ve covered the ghost awareness issue; now, let’s talk about the Great Sea of Trees."
"The Great Sea of Trees, huh? You mean the survey?"
"Correct. You mentioned you were taken down by a Wyvern Zombie. Do you remember the location or any specific details?"
"I remember that perfectly. Even as I am, I spent plenty of time venturing into the Great Sea of Trees to research monsters."