第１２４６堀：頼るのをためらうモノ (Part1)
Chapter 1246: The Reluctance to Rely
Side: Yuki
I returned to the surveillance room with Taizo-san and Sota-san in tow.
Comet wasn’t there, but Noriko had returned in her stead.
On the screen, Comet was directly monitoring Haviar’s condition.
"Oh, you're back."
"Yeah, I heard the report."
"Right. Thanks, Fiora."
"Not at all. So, what is the reality of the situation? How is she doing?"
"Well, I’d like to hear your take on it too. You heard something to that effect from Haviar-kun, didn't you?"
"Indeed. I imagine the words of a genuine ghost carry more weight than those of a pseudo-spiritualist like myself."
*Geez.* Setting aside the overly eager way Taizo-san asked, what kind of joke is Sota-san calling himself a "pseudo-spiritualist"?
Well, I only thought it; I didn't say it aloud, choosing instead to watch Noriko’s reaction.
"It’s not like Haviar said anything specific. Besides, she spends her time happily reading manga and science magazines. But as time passes, she’s started to worry about her own existence, and lately, she’s been staring off into the distance quite often. Usually, you’d just brush that off as her being troubled by something, but..."
"You never know which way the wind will blow."
"Exactly. She doesn't seem to fully grasp what she is herself. She knows the concepts of vengeful spirits and malevolent ghosts, though. Because of that, there’s a possibility—however slight—that she might suddenly stop believing in her own senses, or rather, her own existence."
"Hmm. In other words, Noriko-kun, you don't think it’s wise to let too much time pass like this."
"Yes, just as Taizo-san says. It’s been a while since she started recognizing herself as a ghost, and she’s beginning to re-recognize the fact that she is 'unstable.' Sota-san, have you ever heard of such cases?"
"Hmm. I have heard that many ghosts don't even realize they are dead to begin with. Some say it is dangerous to force such an individual to realize their own death. It is likely a side effect of that realization."
It’s the idea that understanding the truth is exactly what drives one to madness.
It’s a common trope in movies and dramas, isn't it?
How to spend the limited time one has left.
"I see. Is it similar to a terminal diagnosis, like the one we heard from Rurua?"
"Yeah, that’s a good comparison. Once the remaining time is announced, there’s a chance the screws in their head might come loose."
"That’s a fitting way to put it. Seeing the end in sight can drive someone to extreme actions."
"And in this case, since she’s already dead, it’s even more precarious..."
" " "Hmm..." " "
I couldn't deny Noriko’s explanation.
What she was saying was far too accurate.
However, I couldn't even imagine an appropriate way to deal with it.
After all, we have no idea how to "fix" or stabilize a ghost.
As I was thinking that, Orelia, who was with us, spoke up...
"…Might I offer a suggestion?"
"Hm? Did you notice something?"
"No, it is merely a shallow thought, but perhaps we should abandon the idea of 'investigating Haviar-sama' and instead focus our efforts on her 'survival'? Fortunately, we have the Goddess."
" " "Ah..." " "
We all gave noncommittal responses to Orelia’s words.
"O-oh, did I say something wrong?"
"No. Considering the current situation, that is indeed the best course of action."
"Phew. I’m glad to hear that~"
"But, if it’s the 'best' way, why do you all seem so unenthusiastic?"
Hovis seemed relieved, but Yayui seemed bothered by our attitude.
Well, I suppose that’s a natural reaction given how we were acting.
"It’s not a complicated story. I just hate 'Gods'."
" " "Ah." " "
At my simple, clear-cut answer, Fiora and the others looked as if they’d realized they’d made a mistake.
For me, relying on a Goddess is something I want to avoid as much as possible.
After all, *that*—that very entity—is the root cause of all the hardships I’ve been pushed into.
Orelia and the others knew that, but they clearly hadn't interpreted it as "avoid relying on them at all costs."
"I-I am terribly sorry. I didn't even consider your feelings, Yuki-sama..."
"No, I was being too stubborn. This isn't just about discovering a ghost. We found one of Popuri’s precious students."
"Indeed. As Yuki-kun says, we cannot simply use her up for the sake of research."
"That is true. If there is a way to save her, choosing it is the natural thing to do. However, Yuki-kun, do not push yourself too hard. 'Praying to God' is easier said than done. Surely, there must be a price to pay?"
" " "Eh?" " "
Fiora and the others froze in surprise at Sota-san’s words.
Noriko nodded in agreement.
"Well, naturally. It’s too good to be true to think you can just ask a God to solve something you can't handle yourself and expect them to listen for free, right?"
"Exactly. Since ancient times, it’s been a given that such contracts come with a staggering price."
Yeah. As the two of them said, it’s been a rule since time immemorial that asking a God to grant a wish comes with a massive downside.
The only good part is the beginning; everything after that is a guaranteed downward spiral.
"Ahaha, Noriko-san, Taizo-san, you shouldn't try to scare everyone like that. Luna-sama and Amaterasu-Omikami-sama have a personal contract with Yuki-kun, and it’s not as if Yuki-kun is entirely dependent on them. So, surely they would grant a request like this without a price?"
"I wonder about that..."
Sota-san said that, but the one on the other end is *that* Luna.
The chances of her throwing a difficult challenge our way just for the fun of it are quite high.
Still, it’s true that we have no other options.
If we had all the time in the world, it would be different, but to ensure Haviar’s safety, I have no choice but to rely on Luna.
"Hey, you’re watching this for your own amusement, aren't you?"
" " "?" " "
As Fiora and the others tilted their heads in confusion at my sudden outburst...
"Well, obviously I’m watching. You’re talking about me, after all."
Without any warning, Luna appeared out of thin air right in front of us.
Fiora and the others, who had never seen Luna before, were startled, but they quickly stepped in front of me.
"W-who are you?"
"Oh my? What’s this, more new girls?"
"One of them is, yeah."
"No way! The other three have 'I love him' written all over their faces, too. Man, I’m so happy for you, keeping your harem in such good shape!"
I wanted to scream "Shut up!", but that would mean denying Fiora and the others, so I bit my tongue.
"I’m carrying the weight of people’s lives here. It’s not a lighthearted matter."
"You really are serious, aren't you? Oh, and as for who I am... how should I put it?"
"Don't ask me. For starters, I already know about Lilishe and Hairen."
"Ah, that makes things easier. I’m Luna, the Higher God who brought Yuki to this world. Nice to meet you!"
" " "..." " "
The four of them went completely blank at that incredibly casual introduction.
Yeah, I figured as much.