第１２８１堀：今更聞くまでもない (Part1)
Chapter 1281: No Need to Ask
Side: Hivia
"Yes? You wanted to speak with me?"
"Yeah, Popuri is calling for you."
Today, just like any other day, I was here in Weed, passing the time by reading various books and practicing my drawing, when Yuki-oniisan—who should be incredibly busy—came to see me in person, carrying a message from the Principal.
I call him "Oniisan" quite casually, but he is the number two in all of Weed. He is the Queen’s husband. Under normal circumstances, someone like me shouldn't even be able to meet a person of his stature, but thanks to my somewhat... delicate background, I’m able to speak with him like this.
"Mm, got it. Thanks."
I replied, immediately gathering up the documents and books I had been reading. Honestly, if I spoke to a noble like this, I’d likely have my head rolling on the floor in an instant, but Yuki-oniisan isn't like that. He’s a down-to-earth person. Besides, more than that...
"Is your body alright?"
"Ahaha, why are you worrying about my 'body'? Rurua-onesama gave me a stamp of approval that I’m undeniably, perfectly dead, no room for doubt."
That’s right. I am already dead. And the version of me that exists here didn’t come back as something easy to understand like a typical undead; for some reason, I became a "ghost." If I focus, I can make my body completely transparent, or adjust it to be semi-transparent at will. Well, I can’t use terrifying powers like Noriko-sensei’s "vengeful spirit" abilities, though.
So, asking about the "body" of someone like me? It’s a bit strange. It makes you wonder if he’s just an "incredibly kind person" or perhaps "a bit of an idiot." But Yuki-oniisan isn't an idiot. On the contrary, he’s the one who showed me the path to "living as a ghost." Even so, I still think asking a ghost if their body is okay is a bit much.
"Ah—I mean, you understand the nuance, right?"
"Sorry. That was mean of me. Yeah, I’m fine. I’m mentally stable, too."
I struck a pose, flexing my arms to show him, and gave my answer.
"I see, you look fine. In that case, shall we go see Popuri now?"
"Understood."
And so, I ended up following behind Yuki-oniisan. Since I am a "special case," I basically have to be with someone affiliated with Yuki-oniisan whenever I go anywhere. After all, I am a ghost.
"So, what does the Principal want? Let me guess, it’s about resuming the investigation of the Great Forest, right?"
"Yeah, your intuition is a lifesaver. Nairua and Wazfi are scheduled to participate as well."
"Eh? Wazfi is one thing, but isn't Nairua a specialist in magic tools?"
"Well, yeah. But she’s a graduate of the Academy. The idea is that she might notice something the others wouldn't. Of course, Cleena and Samantha will be there too."
I see. It seems they’re gathering people connected to the Academy to investigate the deep reaches of the Great Forest. I nodded in understanding and followed him, but instead of heading to the Academy, we went to the usual conference room in the General Government Building. The Principal and the Vice Principal were already waiting for us there.
"Yahoo. Principal, Vice Principal."
"Oh, you look well, Hivia."
"Yes. It’s good to see you looking so healthy."
"Ahaha, you say that like it’s been a long time, but we see each other every seven days, don't we?"
"Even so, worry is worry."
"Exactly as she says."
The two of them nodded as if it were only natural. I understand the sentiment, and I’m even a little happy about it. Though, politically speaking, it’s probably just a show of them properly checking on the person they’ve taken into their care in Weed. No, that’s a cynical way of looking at it. I know the Principal and the others are surprisingly overprotective; they genuinely worry about me.
Just as I was thinking that...
"Fu, fufu. You say such kind words to Hivia, but you completely ignore us."
"Now, now. There’s no particular issue with me and Nairua... wait, did Nairua have an 'issue'?"
"Gufu. I, I’m the one saying it, but I really am a problem child, aren't I..."
"No, that’s not Nairua’s fault. Don't worry about it."
Yuki-oniisan actually patted Nairua on the head while saying that. When it comes to that "problem," it’s just that Nairua’s father committed treason—though that’s putting it lightly—but I know Nairua herself is innocent. However, usually, in any country’s law, treason involves collective responsibility. The entire clan, young and old, men and women alike, would have their heads cut off. Despite that, the Principal and Yuki-oniisan were the ones who managed to save her. They hid her in the Academy, and now they’ve prepared a new family register for her in Weed and even provided her with employment. Thanks to that, Nairua is officially just a "lookalike." No matter what anyone says, right?
"...Th, thank you. Bu, but, I don't think it’s right to pat a woman’s head so casually."
"Is that so? My bad. Besides, Popuri and the others aren't ignoring Nairua or Wazfi, are they?"
"That’s true. Just like Yuki-sama said, we see the Principal and the others quite often. And besides, Nairua, isn't it the case that you’re the one who says 'don't treat me like a child'?"
"...Th, that’s right. Unlike in the past, lately, I, I’ve been paying attention to my appearance, you know."
Nairua said that while blushing slightly, turning her face away from Yuki-oniisan. As she did, her beautiful, long pink ponytail swayed smoothly. Ah, I hadn't really paid attention to such things before, but her hair didn't just flop around—it flowed. I couldn't help but think, *'Wow, that’s so beautiful.'*
...Come to think of it, I wonder if I can take care of my hair like that? I’ll ask Noriko-san about it later.
"No, no, Nairua. My apologies as well. It’s good to see you’re doing well. Honestly, you look healthy in every sense of the word."
"Indeed. To see Nairua actually caring about how she looks to men, I’m moved to tears."
"...I, I don't know how to feel about you being that happy for me."