第１２８１堀：今更聞くまでもない (Part2)
"Oh, come on, Nairua, try to remember your old self properly. Besides, it’s a compliment—you’re cute, so what’s the harm? Anyway, we didn't gather here just to tease you, did we?"
"That’s true. I was so surprised by Nairua-san’s reaction that I nearly forgot."
"Mm. Women are chameleons. We should move on to the main topic."
Samantha and Cleena wrapped up their banter and turned their gazes toward Yuki-oniisan. In this group, the ones who steer the conversation are either the Principal or Yuki-oniisan.
"Right. We can save the small talk for later. You ready, Principal?"
"Yes, I’m ready."
After confirming, Yuki-oniisan turned back to face me.
"We’re planning to resume the investigation of the Great Forest soon."
"Yeah, I heard."
"In light of that, a concern was raised: 'Is it really safe to involve Hivia in this?'"
"Excuse me?"
I didn't understand what he meant. Does that mean they’re taking me off the investigation team? Why? Just as I was wondering why they would say such a thing, the Principal spoke up.
"It’s not that your abilities are lacking, Hivia. It’s your current situation. We’re worried about you."
"My situation? Oh, you mean the fact that I’m a ghost? But thanks to the medicine Yuki-oniisan brought me, I’ve been stable, haven't I?"
I thought it was a bit late to be bringing that up, but then the Vice Principal chimed in.
"Yes. We have heard from many people that you are stable 'for now.' However, can you say with absolute certainty that you will remain composed regardless of what we might encounter during this mission? Can you guarantee that nothing will happen?"
"..."
Only then did I realize what they were truly worried about. It was true that I was stable now, but I was still a ghost—a phenomenon that remained largely a mystery. There was no telling when I might turn into an evil spirit or a vengeful wraith like Noriko-san. And even if I did, there was no guarantee I would be able to maintain my sense of self like she did.
However...
"I can't say that nothing will happen."
That’s right. I’m a researcher, if only a fledgling one. I couldn't bring myself to say "absolutely" to anything. But there were some things I did know.
"But you see, I believe that by witnessing the end of my own existence, I can move on to the next stage. And I don’t believe that seeing it will change me for the worse. Besides, even if the worst were to happen, I know you all would stop me."
This was a choice I had made. There was no turning back now, and since Yuki-oniisan and the others had promised to support me with everything they had, I wasn't worried about that at all.
In fact, if anything...
"Besides, if my existence were truly that dangerous, you wouldn't have brought me here in the first place, would you? You wouldn't even have offered me protection."
"Well, that’s true. But surely you can understand why we’d be hesitant to put you in a dangerous situation?"
"I do. I know you’re all looking out for me. But I don’t want to be left out now. If that happens, I might just end up going there all by myself."
I said it as if it were a joke, but if it really came down to it, I was prepared to go alone. Of course, I’d intend to get some help from the people around me—I’d have to, otherwise I couldn't even leave Weed.
When the Principal heard my answer, he...
"Haaah... I figured it would come to this."
"Indeed."
Perhaps they had expected my response, as both the Principal and the Vice Principal let out a sigh and a wry smile.
"Very well. I understand your resolve, Hivia. I grant you permission to join the Great Forest investigation team."
"Thank you very much."
I made sure to offer my proper thanks. Good. Now I was officially cleared to cooperate with the investigation.
"So, what should I do first?"
"First, you’ll need to rendezvous with Comet and Agil. The Academy has already set up the schedule. Once the plan is finalized, report it to the Principal and me. If there are no issues, we’ll begin the investigation. In the meantime, do your best to make sure you’re prepared to keep up."
I see. Depending on the 'investigation methods' involved, there was a possibility I wouldn't be able to keep up on-site. I’d have to make sure I was ready for that.
Researchers—those who seek the truth—cannot be stopped. We can only push forward.