夏のスペシャル ２０２５年度 夏の怖い話 その１０ (Part1)
Summer Special: 2025 Summer Ghost Stories, Part 10
Side: Taiki
"For what it's worth, I checked the other rooms in the community center after using the restroom, but it was just a normal community center."
"I see. Well, having a bunch of supernatural phenomena going on there would have been a hassle anyway, so I suppose that’s a relief."
Yuki-san and I, accompanied by Prol and the others, are moving toward the sixth and final stamp location. Conveniently, it’s located near the local government branch office. That way, we can find out the results immediately after stamping the final spot.
"We still have to do our job of inspecting the houses properly, after all."
"That’s true. If we don’t do that properly, we might just get tossed back in."
"…That might actually be the goal, come to think of it."
"Well, we’ve managed to get the work done, so I think we’ll be fine."
Yes, even though we rushed through things, we did manage to inspect the houses. There were certainly some things worth noting. So, even if Luna-san tries to pick a fight, we should be able to manage. I think.
"Worst case scenario, we might have to send Rushi and the others back first."
"Eh? That won't do! Protecting Yuki-sama is our duty."
Hearing Yuki-san’s words, Rushi immediately objects. Well, that’s only natural for an attendant. Prol and the others nod in agreement, as if to say it goes without saying.
"Ah, there’s been a misunderstanding. If you girls get outside, call for Seraria and the others to come to our rescue. That would speed up our escape. Luna wants to play pranks on us—or rather, she’s having fun—so she’s not going to let us go that easily."
"Exactly. She’s the type to make it look like we’ve escaped, only to drop us into the next stage. She’s capable of that."
"She is."
Yuki-san nods solemnly at my words. It’s terrifyingly likely that she’d do exactly that. I can’t deny the nature of Luna-san’s mischief.
"…I see. Indeed, contacting the outside is a sound strategy. However, there is no need for all of us to return."
"Yes, that’s right. Only one of us needs to return to make the call."
What Prol and Rushi are saying is true, but…
"Taiki-kun mentioned earlier that there’s a possibility of being teleported to strange places, right? That means if we don’t have at least a two-person team, whoever goes back will be facing supernatural problems alone."
"…In other words, you want us to select two people to go ahead?"
"That’s the idea. Though, if there’s a possibility of supernatural trouble on the other side… should I split you and Taiki-kun up, too?"
"No, I don’t think Luna-san is cruel enough to target Prol and the others here. At least, not while we’re around."
"Now that you mention it, you’re right. The ones she wanted to trap were us, so it might be safer if we aren’t there."
"Exactly. If she tries to use Prol and the others as hostages…"
"We’ll be able to act without restraint."
Yes, the condition for us not going on a rampage is that their safety is guaranteed. Our own safety is a given, of course. But there’s a high probability that she’ll judge Prol and the others to be safe as long as we are present. Therefore, splitting up is, in a sense, safer. If they report that they ran into danger after returning, Luna-san will face appropriate retaliation. And ultimately, if we are to return, having one of the female members go back is the most optimal choice.
"…I understand the situation. However, that’s something to decide after we finish collecting the stamps and see what happens, right?"
"That’s true."
"Then, let’s start by investigating the house in front of us."
Oh, right. As I turn to look in the direction Prol is pointing, there stands the house that should contain the final stamp. It is…
"Yes? It’s not really a house, is it…?"
"A rental warehouse, or perhaps a rental office?"
There, a building stands with a warehouse on the ground floor and what looks like a house or office space on the upper level.
"What kind of building is this?"
Orelia asks, looking just as confused as the rest of us.
"Ah, well, as you can see, the first floor is a warehouse of decent size, and the upper part is for living."
"Usually, these are used as rental offices or workspaces. There are similar houses lined up, and there are signs out front, aren't there?"
"Ah, you’re right. It says 'Sheet Metal Painting' and 'Woodworking Shop.' So this is their workplace?"
"Exactly. People who work for themselves rent these warehouse-offices as a place to work. Of course, it can be used as a residence, too. Since the warehouse is large, it can also serve as storage for cars or motorcycles."
"Oh, I see. Is this a good house, then?"
At Hovis’s question, I exchange a look with Yuki-san. It’s a bit questionable as a place to live, but by the definition of "house," it’s not wrong. Since we even considered the community center as a candidate, this isn't technically incorrect.
"It’s true. It’s a bit noisy for a place to live, but as a 'house,' it’s not wrong."
"It just goes to show there are all sorts of houses. Though, it does make you wonder why this one in particular."
As Yuki-san says, there are countless buildings more suited for ghosts and ghost stories. Not that I’m saying this kind of house can’t have a ghost story, of course.
"Shall we split up to investigate, like before?"
"No, houses of this type barely have any rooms. The office upstairs isn't much, either."
"Is that so?"
Prol tilts her head, looking puzzled. Well, it can’t be helped if she doesn’t know. In that case, showing her is the fastest way. So, I decide to show them the first-floor warehouse immediately.
"Here we go."
I say that as I lift the shutter. Inside, there is a small room for a restroom and a break area, but thanks to the glass walls, the interior is completely visible.
"It really feels like a workspace. Well, it wouldn't make sense if you couldn't use the space broadly, so that’s to be expected. Still, without tools or materials, it’s just a large empty space."
That’s my impression after looking inside. Yes, that’s how it is.
"I see, so the first floor is used entirely as a workspace."
"In that case, this could easily be used as a small workshop."
"It’s convenient. By building houses of the same shape like this, they keep costs down."
"It’s more convenient to have this shape if it’s a workspace rather than a shop. Though, I imagine a blacksmith’s forge would require quite a few modifications."
"So it’s different from a shop. Oh, I didn't know these existed."
Surprisingly, Orelia and the others seem to appreciate this warehouse-style house. Yes, as Yayui pointed out, this shape is convenient because it can be built and sold without needing to hear the client’s specific requests. Fully custom-made homes are expensive, and the number of people who can build them—especially nameless, independent craftsmen—is limited.