落とし穴外伝：おじさんたちは星空の向こうを夢見る (Part2)
Taizo-san and his wife, Hifii-san, were the ones who greeted me.
I couldn't help but wonder why the top two figures of the Hifii Holy Kingdom were here in Weed, but apparently, they find it difficult to act like a normal married couple back home, where they must always maintain a stiff, formal composure. They often come here to unwind.
Well, I suppose being royalty or nobility is a heavy burden to bear.
As I entered the room, I was surprised to find Souta-san and Mizu already there.
"Hello there. Did something happen, Havia-san?"
"Are you feeling unwell?"
The two of them were immediately concerned for my well-being.
Souta-san and Mizu are experts in the supernatural, after all. It’s only natural they’d worry, especially since I am a ghost myself, but...
"Something did happen, but my health is perfectly fine. I’m full of energy!"
"That is a relief to hear."
"...A ghost being 'full of energy' feels a bit contradictory, but I suppose that’s a good thing."
I decided to let Mizu’s dry remark slide.
I’m well aware of the contradiction myself, but considering how many ghosts are working away here in Weed, it’s hardly a new issue.
As I was thinking this, Hifii-san served us some tea.
"If you didn't come to see Souta-san and the others, does that mean you came for us?"
"Oh, yes. That’s right. I wanted to consult with Taizo-san."
"With me?"
Taizo-san tilted his head, looking genuinely surprised.
"Well, let me explain..."
I told them how Yuki-oniisan had granted me permission for space exploration, but that I had been told to start by gathering personnel and submitting a formal project proposal.
Upon hearing this...
"I understand. I will help you in any way I can."
"And I as well."
They both offered their cooperation with bright, welcoming smiles.
"Eh? But you two aren't exactly free, are you?"
That’s right. Even if they offered to help, they aren't in positions where they can just easily step away from their duties.
"Well, I am busy, certainly, but it would be foolish not to attach my name to a space exploration project."
"Indeed. Space is something every child dreams of at least once. If we can lend a hand in making that a reality, we would be delighted to do so."
"Kids are meant to dream, after all," Mizu added with a shrug.
"So, Taizo-san and Souta-san are drawn to space as well."
"Of course. A world expanding far beyond the sky—it’s thrilling, isn't it?"
"It truly is. Back on Earth, it was mostly just the moon, but being here on another planet, we’ve learned there are countless worlds out there. All that’s left is to go to them. It sounds simple, but we lack the wealth, the territory, the authority, and the knowledge to do it alone. I don't think I could just ask for permission and receive it."
"That is true. Even if you asked Hifii-san, she wouldn't give you a simple 'yes'."
Taizo-san said this while glancing at Hifii-san. We followed his gaze, and Hifii-san offered a wry smile.
"To be honest, space is beyond my imagination. It’s a matter of whether it can even be realized. I trust my husband, of course, but if you ask how much the citizens would understand or support it, that is where we would stumble."
"Naturally. However, if Yuki-kun is the one saying it, that is a different story. The supplies, the funding, the location—all of that can be cleared. What we need now is the personnel who can properly direct those resources toward the goal of space."
"Indeed. Even with our names attached, we can't help much on the ground, so that will be the point of contention. The question is, who? Zargis-san or Narjia-san would be difficult to spare."
"I mentioned those two, but I was told that Wazu-fi wouldn't be able to handle it," I admitted.
"Hmm. In that case... ah, what about the Earthlings? Or rather, since there are Japanese people here, why not recruit them?"
"Eh? Are there Japanese people here?"
"Were there?"
I tilted my head in confusion along with Souta-san, but then I looked at him and it suddenly clicked.
"The ghosts! Everyone!"
"Exactly."
"Ah, now that you mention it, most of the people working in Weed are originally from modern-day Japan."
"Let's consult with Lieutenant Yamamoto."
"Oh, that’s amazing! If they’re Japanese, they’d understand space, right!"
I waited for Yamamoto-san’s contact, my heart racing with excitement at the thought of talking about space with all the ghosts.
What children dream of is what adults once dreamed of, too.
Everyone, deep down, is a dreamer.