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Victory Celebration (3): The Academy’s Second Mystery – Motionless Stone Statue

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The somewhat awkward atmosphere surrounding my story was skillfully changed by Rinkert-san. After that, the conversation meandered with various topics for a while, and eventually drifting to summer vacation plans.

“So all of you are going to Maria-chan’s mansion. That sounds wonderful.” (Rinkert)

Rinkert-san said in her gentle manner, which strangely made us want to hear more from her. Then, Heinz looked my way.

“By the way, we’ve got the first half of the summer vacation sorted, but what about the second half?” (Heinz)

We’re planning to visit Maria’s house only for the first half of the summer vacation. Maria said she wouldn’t mind if we stayed as long as we liked, but I also want to spend some quality family time. That’s why the busy Rita comes over, and when she leave, we also have decided to take our leave together.

“What to do, you ask? Well, how about something like fishing, as Heinz mentioned before?” (Lux)

“That sounds good, but I’ve just thought of something else.” (Heinz)

“Here, you mean this Western-style mansion?” (Lux)

“Yes. This mansion was one of the Seven Mysteries, right? So, there are six more, right? How about we investigate those?” (Heinz)

“Investigate? But how?” (Lux)

“Well, we could ask at the library and conduct interviews.” (Heinz)

“That sounds interesting. I’m in, degozaru.” (Hana)

Hana joined in. Those two were generally fun-loving guys.

“Sure, I’ll help after we get back from the trip.” (Rick)

Rick-san also seemed somewhat enthusiastic.

“What do you think, Sonia?” (Heinz)

With Frank and Ratt-kun staying at their homes for the entire summer vacation, and Maria being excluded, only Sonia was left.

“Hmm. If it doesn’t inconvenience people like Rinkert-san here, I’d be up for it.” (Sonia)

“Of course! Then it’s settled! Let’s start asking our acquaintances about the Seven Mysteries from tomorrow!” (Heinz)

Heinz was quick to act.

Hearing our conversation, Rinkert-san interjected.

“The Seven Mysteries… If nothing has changed from the old days, I know one of them.” (Rinkert)

“Oh! Please tell us!” (Heinz/Hana)

Heinz and Hana leaned in eagerly.

“It’s the ‘Motionless Stone Statue’.” (Rinkert)

Rinkert-san lowered her voice as if sharing a secret.

A motionless stone statue? Isn’t that just a normal thing?

Seeing everyone’s puzzled expressions, Rinkert-san chuckled softly.

“You just thought a motionless statue wasn’t mysterious at all, didn’t you?” (Rinkert)

“Uhm, yes.” (Rick)

Rick-san answered on behalf of the group.

“But, here’s the strange thing.” (Rinkert)

Rinkert-san’s story indeed turned out to be quite intriguing.

 

—

 

After spending a considerable amount of time there, we thanked Rinkert-san and left the mansion.

We emerged from the narrow path onto the main street of the academy, but whether by coincidence or not, the main street was deserted, and no one seemed to notice our presence. Since the academy was less populated on a day off, no one paid much attention to us. However, with the mysterious cat and the woman in the white dress, it made me wonder if there could be anything more mysterious than this mansion.

We wandered around the main street and headed west towards the practical area of the academy. Our destination was near the southwestern hill of the practical area. To be more precise, it was a somewhat shaded spot between the forest along the main street and the hill beyond it. We divided up to search for the object of our quest.

“There it is!” (Ratt)

Ratt-kun called out.

The statue was smaller than expected, about the height of my knee, and it was placed casually against a tree. It was an angel statue in the form of a young boy, which seemed somewhat out of place for the practical area, though in some ways, it fit right in.

After observing it for a bit, I suggested.

“So, should we try to move it?” (Lux)

“No way! What if it’s cursed or something?” (Ratt)

Ratt-kun shook his head vigorously.

While we were discussing this, Frank approached the angel statue and tried to move it with some effort.

“Yeah, it’s impossible with just our hands.” (Frank)

“…Frank, you’re amazing,” (Ratt)

Ratt-kun said while looking at Frank with admiration.

The “Motionless Stone Statue” Rinkert-san had mentioned was indeed a statue that wouldn’t move no matter how much you tried.

The academy was originally built on a vast estate that once belonged to the younger brother of the former princess, Duke Lengrad. The mansion where Rinkert-san lived was a remnant of that era. During Duke Lengrad’s time, the estate was home to various mansions and gardens, adorned with countless statues and art pieces.

In fact, the rivers and ponds in the practical area are remnants of those gardens. They were repurposed for use as combat training grounds, but all the art pieces that once decorated the area were removed except for this angel statue.

The reason why only this statue couldn’t be moved was simply because it couldn’t not be moved. Although it looked small enough that a strong person could lift it on their own, it wouldn’t budge no matter how much it was pushed or pulled. Attempts to dig around it and remove it with its base proved futile, as this statue’s base was buried unusually deep underground, much deeper than any of the other statues.

Rumors began to spread that “those who try to move the statue get injured” or “the statue curses those who try to move it,” leading the construction workers assigned to the task to refuse to remove it. With little artistic value and the growing rumors, the angel statue was left as is and remains in place to this day. That was why Ratt-kun was reluctant to touch it, but Frank, being strong, didn’t hesitate.

The angel statue was covered in moss and appeared forlorn. We felt a bit guilty leaving it in such a state, so we decided to clean it up a bit. While it wasn’t completely spotless, it looked significantly better.

“So, does this count as the second of the Seven Mysteries? We’ve seen it, but what should we do next?” (Rick)

Rick-san asked Heinz.

“Hmmm, let’s put this one on hold for now. For today, let’s just consider it confirmed! Everyone! Continue searching for the third and fourth mysteries and report back to me!” (Heinz)

Heinz declared with enthusiasm.

“Yes, yes, Captain.” (Frank)

Frank joked, and despite the somewhat unsatisfying nature of this mystery, we left the scene.

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