夏のスペシャル ２０２５年度 夏の怖い話 その１０ (Part2)
"Still, this means even a newcomer wouldn't need much capital to strike out on their own. After all, they’d only have to worry about this rent. Add in the renovation costs, the price of tools, and... well, a few other things, but it’s still far better than commissioning a custom-built home from scratch."
"It was certainly worth seeing, wasn't it?"
"It was. I think this could be put to good use in Ranks, too."
"I imagine so. It’s a convenient setup for craftsmen without much money to gain their independence. Though, drafting the rules for it will likely be a headache."
"True, but we'll have to set up a trial run first to iron out the issues. It’s only natural that any rules made without knowing the reality of the situation would have holes in them."
Yuki-san seemed to be evaluating the warehouse-office hybrid structure in much the same way. I felt the same. I wonder if Ratz-san or Eris-san would be pleased with this? I suspect it’s convenient enough that someone like Narjia-san or Zargis might even try to rent one personally. Though, since I can't imagine what they’d use it for, I doubt Yuki-san would grant them permission.
"Um, I understand that it’s convenient, but where is the stamp?"
"..."
Rurua’s voice brought us back to reality. We had been completely distracted by the house tour. Well, it was worth seeing, after all. Or rather, since we came here specifically to inspect the property, I suppose we weren't technically doing anything wrong.
"For now, there’s nothing that looks like a stamp in the warehouse area on the first floor."
"And the private rooms are completely visible from the outside, too."
Since no one was renting the place, it was just a simple, barren room with a lonely table and chair. If someone were actually using it, I imagine there would be a refrigerator and other related knick-knacks scattered about.
"Then, it must be in the office area on the second floor."
With that, we headed upstairs. Access to the second floor was via a staircase near the shutter on the first floor. There was a door right before the stairs, seemingly designed for soundproofing. Since it was summer, the enclosed stairwell felt stiflingly hot. Once we reached the top and opened the door, a spacious room spread out before us.
That said, compared to the standard houses we’d seen—excluding the community center—this space felt distinctly like an office, a place of business. A large table and sofa for receiving guests were positioned near the front, while the back was lined with several desks, giving it a proper professional atmosphere. There was a partitioned area that, upon inspection, contained a kitchenette, a restroom, and even a shower room.
"You could certainly live here."
"You could, but I imagine anyone who does would be the type to treat their work as their lover."
"True."
If you lived here, there wouldn't be much space for personal life, so unless your work was essentially your hobby, you probably wouldn't be able to stand it. As we finished our rounds, thinking that there was nothing else to see, a voice rang out.
"Whoa!?"
Yuyui let out a cry, and I spun around instantly. She was startled, but she hadn't lost her footing. As expected of Yuki-san’s attendant; she wasn't the type to panic just because she saw a ghost. But more importantly, I looked where she was staring. Like Hovis earlier, she hadn't looked away, so the ghost was likely still there. As I tried to follow her gaze, I saw Rurua sprinting forward.
"He’s hanging! There’s still time!"
At her words, Yuki-san moved in a flash. I figured it was a ghost and therefore a lost cause, but Rurua was a nurse-in-training. Recognizing that her actions were correct, I rushed over as well. In that split second, Yuki-san had already cut the rope, caught the man’s swaying body, and lowered him to the floor.
*“Eh?”*
The ghost let out a sound of genuine surprise at the swiftness of the rescue. I get it, I really do. You don't usually expect to be rescued immediately when you're trying to haunt someone.
"Are you conscious?! Can you understand me?!"
Rurua remained perfectly calm, acting exactly as someone aspiring to be a medical professional should...
*“Ah, well...”*
The ghost, who should have been hanging, looked apologetic and simply faded away.
"Oh, he’s gone. Is he... going to be alright?"
"...I’m not sure if 'alright' is the right word for someone who’s already dead, but I suppose it’s fine."
"Is that so? Oh, the stamp."
...Well, at least we have the stamp now. I suppose there’s always a chance of getting that kind of reaction from a ghost. Rescuing the injured isn't just a job for doctors and nurses; it’s something any person should do. Though, I suppose most people wouldn't be quite so quick to jump into action out of pure surprise.