第１２８０堀：調査再開について (Part1)
Chapter 1280: Resuming the Investigation
Side: Popuri
In the midst of preparing for the entrance exams for the international student program, Yuki-dono paid me an unexpected visit.
"What brings you here? Did those three get into some kind of trouble?"
I was referring to Nilua, Wazfi, and Havia, whom I had placed under Yuki-dono’s care. Those three were quite the eccentrics, even by the standards of the Magic Academy, so it wouldn't have been a surprise if they had caused some sort of catastrophe. I braced myself, hoping this wasn't some impossible request—though I doubted a man like Yuki-dono would ever be so helpless as to simply throw them back at me.
"No, there’s no problem there. This is about something else."
"Something else, you say? My apologies, but could you wait just a moment?"
I excused myself and turned back to the pile of documents on my desk, quickly scanning the urgent ones and stamping them for approval. After about five minutes, I finished the immediate tasks and looked up to find Yuki-dono sipping tea, looking perfectly relaxed.
"Sorry to keep you waiting."
"Ah, no, sorry for the sudden intrusion."
"Well, that’s just how it is between us, isn't it?"
After all, Yuki-dono is a Dungeon Master, and I am, in a sense, his subordinate. I wouldn't dream of barring my master from entering, and Yuki-dono doesn't place any restrictions on my visits to Weed. It is, in truth, an excellent superior-subordinate relationship. As I pondered this, I took a sip of the tea Lara had prepared for me.
"So, if it isn't about those three, is this regarding the international student program?"
"Hm? No, that’s not it. By the way, is the Lancer Magic Academy sending students this time? I thought it was only the major powers for this round?"
"Ah, yes, that’s correct. However, many of the candidates from those major powers are actually graduates of this academy. I’m currently gathering the documentation for that."
"Ah, for the selection process?"
"Exactly. The first wave will likely consist of students in fairly prominent positions, but we have to consider what comes after. It just goes to show how much interest every nation has in the study-abroad program Weed is spearheading."
It’s a testament to how much weight they place on Weed’s power and status—or perhaps, how they’ve realized they can no longer afford to ignore it. This is a welcome development for us, as it indirectly validates the very existence of the Magic Academy.
"So? If it’s not about the student selection, what is it you need?"
I assumed this was work-related, but I couldn't fathom why he would choose this specific moment to drop by. I tilted my head, wondering what else it could be, and asked him directly.
"I’ve decided to resume the search for Havia’s remains and continue the investigation of the Great Forest."
"Ah, I’m grateful for that, but are you sure you have the time? What about your other work?"
I recalled that the investigation of the Great Forest had been pushed back due to a backlog of other duties. The primary cause for that delay was supposed to be the very 'international student program' documentation I was currently working on.
"I’ve finished the arrangements on my end for now. As for the student program, it’s just a matter of bringing in the students from each country and managing the operations. There will be various troubles, no doubt. Actually, I’ll need to have you come to Weed at a later date to provide your opinions and advice, given your experience running an academy that accepts students from diverse nations."
"I see. So the preparations are complete. And I understand regarding the advice. I’m in and out of Weed often enough as it is."
"I’m counting on you."
"And so, we are finally entering the Great Forest. For me, this is... the fulfillment of a long-held wish, I suppose?"
I tilted my head, surprised by my own words. Lara, observing my reaction, looked genuinely puzzled.
"Headmistress, is there a problem? The investigation of the Great Forest is also meant to be a search for Havia’s remains, is it not? It is a survey for the sake of safety and peace of mind."
"Ah, no, it’s not that. I welcome the investigation of the Great Forest itself, but I’ve started to wonder about the search for Havia’s remains. Even if she has been stabilized by the medicine provided by the gods..."
"Ah, you’re worried that seeing her own remains or uncovering the traces of her past might destabilize her?"
"Exactly," Yuki-dono said. "That’s precisely what I’m worried about. It’s exactly as you say—I’ve started to wonder if it’s really wise to stir up Havia’s psyche at this point. After all, she is a ghost of sorts, and no one knows what might trigger a collapse. She’s finally enjoying her life in Weed, doing what she wants to do. I couldn't help but think: is it really worth the risk?"
"...That is a valid concern, indeed."
Lara, hearing my anxiety, looked troubled as well.
"Well, I understand your concern. However, we should ask Havia directly and let her decide. It’s not for us to decide on her behalf. Besides, if we keep it from her and she decides to act on her own, we might end up repeating the tragedy of her death."
"Ah, yes. You’re right."
He was right. The reason Havia ended up dying was because she had followed the Great Forest investigation on her own. In the beginning, Havia had submitted proper applications, but they had been rejected—on the grounds that she was just a student. It wasn't actually me who made that decision, but I understood all too well that I must not repeat such a mistake.
"Then, rather than me speaking to her alone..."
"Indeed. It would be better if we all spoke together. Noriko-dono, Nilua, and Wazfi should be there as well."
"Yes, that sounds right. By the way, I’d like to have this matter settled to some extent before the international student program begins. You see, Nilua and Wazfi will be helping with the program’s support. It would be best to confirm the safety of the Great Forest beforehand, don't you think?"
"Looking at it from that perspective, you are absolutely right."
For context, this Magic Academy was built by reclaiming the northern part of the 'Great Forest,' which is surrounded by mountain ranges in the center of the If Continent. The reason the academy was established in such a place was that my mentor, Comet—who was also a Dungeon Master—chose it to shelter orphans. She deliberately chose the Great Forest, teeming with monsters, to ensure that enemies would not be able to attack.
Nevertheless, it was a double-edged sword.