夏のスペシャル ２０２５年度 夏の怖い話 その７ (Part2)
"That’s how it is. Well, putting that aside, I’m hoping to glean some information from what’s under our feet. Let me just pack this into a plastic bag."
Yuki-sama produced a plastic bag from somewhere—I hadn't even noticed him carrying it—and began shoveling the newspapers inside.
"We’ll look into the information from these papers after we’re done investigating this place. Get your slippers on; we’re moving in the same formation we used for the last house."
"Understood."
And so, we resumed our tour of the house—or rather, our search for the stamp. But...
"...This is awful. I wonder what happened here?"
"You’re right. It feels like something occurred, and they had to flee in a panic."
"Yeah. The futon is still laid out, and the covers are kicked back, so it looks like they left right after waking up."
The room we entered first appeared to be a private bedroom. It didn't just retain a sense of daily life; it felt as if it were frozen in the very moment something had gone wrong. There was no sign that anyone had tidied up to vacate the house. Dust had simply settled over everything, layer upon layer—a testament to how much time had truly passed.
"But with this much clutter, we’ll never find the stamp."
"There’s just so much stuff in here."
They were right. The owner of this room clearly hadn't been interested in cleaning; books and belongings were piled everywhere, making it impossible to know where to start. If we started digging through it all, it would only lead to trouble.
"Hey, why don't we consult with Yuki-sama before we search this place and move on to another room for now?"
When I suggested this, the others nodded. We were just about to step out of the room when—
"Eek!?"
A woman’s scream echoed through the house. We exchanged glances, silently agreeing to halt our search and rush toward the source of the cry. It seemed we were the last to arrive, as the others were already gathered in front of a room. Inside, I could see Prol-san sitting on the floor. So, the scream had been hers.
"What on earth happened?" Orelia asked on our behalf.
"I don't know yet. Taiki-kun, what’s the situation?"
"I'm not sure myself. I entered the room to investigate, and she suddenly let out that cry. Besides, it wouldn't be appropriate for me to touch her."
"Ah, I see."
Yes, Yuki-sama understands those nuances perfectly. It is our duty to save the ladies when they are in a pinch. Well, provided we have the leeway to do so.
"Prol, can you hear me? Prol?" Yuki-sama called out, but there was no response.
"Prol. I’m going to touch your shoulder."
As Yuki-sama placed a hand on her, she finally snapped out of it.
"Oh, Yuki-sama?"
"Yeah, are you alright? Can you talk?"
She seemed to have regained her senses, looking directly at him.
"Huh? This room is surprisingly clean, isn't it?"
"You're right. Now that you mention it, it’s much more organized than the last room."
"It really is."
Compared to the previous room, this one was perfectly tidy. And... wait. Why did it feel so devoid of life? Even though it clearly belonged to someone, just like the other. While we were lost in these thoughts, Yuki-sama and Prol-san had already finished their exchange.
"I see. You thought you saw a girl, and then she fell apart?"
"...Yes. I reached out to call to her and touched her. Then, for some reason, hair became tangled around my hand, and her head turned toward me."
"That sounds terrifying."
"...Yes. I was certainly startled. However, there’s nothing here now. Wait, I’m certain she was by the window."
Following her gaze, we looked toward the window and spotted the stamp resting on the sill.
"There it is."
"That’s the third one. It doesn't seem like a coincidence. Let’s take the stamp and go. I don't want to stay in this house any longer than necessary."
I agreed with Taiki-sama. We could stamp our books once we were back and calm. If there were traps, we’d deal with them then.
"Agreed. Orelia saw a spirit, too, so let’s head back to the safe house to review the footage."
And so, we decided to return to our base. That left only Yayui, Hobis, Yuki, and Taiki as the ones who hadn't experienced a terrifying encounter yet. Well, well—I wonder what will happen next.