Oran Knight is out (2/3 chapters for today)

 

 

Latter Days of Summer Vacation (2): Old School Building’s Library

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**Today’s Diary**

 

For the past few days, I’ve been enjoying some relaxing days.

The other day, Rick-san also returned, so we’ve been going out to town with everyone and spending time fishing with Heinz.

It’s been very peaceful.

However, something caught my attention today, so I thought I’d write about it.

 

—

 

“So, what happened with the Seven Mysteries?” (Rick)

In the early afternoon, Rick-san invited me to the library, and I was spending time reading as well. Heinz was still sleeping. It seems he stayed up late yesterday. I also invited Sonia, but it seemed she went out to town with Hana. Having reached a good stopping point, Rick-san suddenly asked me in a low voice.

“There’s nothing new regarding the third mystery about the artificial lake in the practical training area. It seems Heinz is still searching for the fourth of the Seven Mysteries.” (Lux)

“I see. I’d like to help too, but I’m not as well-connected as Heinz. Oh, right. Maybe there are some records in the library?” (Rick)

As Rick-san said, the library holds a variety of books. Among them, there might be something related to the academy.

“Yes, let’s try looking for them” (Lux)

We split up to search the shelves, but we couldn’t find a section dedicated to records about the academy. Just as we were halfway through, we met up with Rick-san.

“Did you find anything?” (Rick)

“No. Did you find anything, Rick-san?” (Lux)

“Nope. Let’s ask the librarian.” (Rick)

At the counter of the library, which was quiet due to the vacation, we approached the seemingly bored librarian and asked if there were any books about the academy.

“Oh, those are in the old school building library.” (??)

The response came.

“There’s a library in the old school building too?” (Rick)

Rick-san asked.

“Of course. Although, most of the popular books have been moved here, so what’s left are only those that are too valuable to discard.” (??)

“Can we go in there?” (Lux)

I asked.

“Ah, then please write your name on this form. As you know, it’s academy property, so handle it with care.” (??)

After filling out the form, I received the keys to both the old school building entrance and the library.

“Make sure to lock up properly when you return.” (??)

I thanked the librarian who handed over the keys, and we left the new school library.

As we stepped out, Rick-san asked.

“Lux-kun, have you been to the old school building before?” (Rick)

I shook my head.

It was a cloudy day, with the sky threatening rain, as we made our way to the old school building. Inside, the old school building had a quiet and somewhat unsettling atmosphere, but it was surprisingly well-organized and clean. There was no musty smell. That was to be expected. While it was quiet during summer vacation, the building was frequently used for moving items during the regular term. Hence, borrowing the keys was easy. The librarian had mentioned that the library was located at the far end of the second floor. We walked down a slightly creaky wooden corridor.

“Here it is.” (Rick)

Rick-san whispered this in a subdued tone, even though the place was deserted. I could understand his sentiment. As we opened the library door, the distinctive scent of old paper wafted into the hallway.

“This is quite a room with atmosphere.” (Lux)

Compared to the new school library, this one was much smaller, but the bookshelves were intricately carved and had a sense of weight and history.

“Well, let’s start searching.” (Rick)

Rick-san said this cheerfully, and I responded, “Yes, let’s,” as we began to browse the dimly lit shelves of the old school library.

Books and pamphlets labeled with “Academy” were lined up next to each other. However, given the solid binding of the books, it was unlikely that they would contain stories about the Seven Mysteries. We were looking for something more like gossip articles from the academy’s newspaper.

“How about this?” (Rick)

Rick-san’s voice came from across the room. I moved over to where he was and saw a row of files lined up on a lower shelf. The spines of the files were labeled ‘Academy Newspaper’. The most recent date on them was 10 years ago, around the time the new school building was constructed. The newspaper had only been active for about three years, starting 12 years ago.

“Did it end when the founders graduated?” (Lux)

“It seems so.” (Rick)

Unfortunately, the endeavor didn’t continue beyond that. However, it was fortunate for us. If it had been passed down continuously, it would have been overwhelming just to go through it all. Nevertheless, the three years’ worth of newspapers amounted to 12 volumes of files. Since they were not available for borrowing, we had no choice but to read them on-site.

“It’s impossible to go through all at once. Let’s come back a few times during the summer vacation and split the work.” (Rick)

“Yeah, sounds good.” (Lux)

As I answered, I picked up the file at the very front and began flipping through it.

The first issue was there, featuring articles on campus events, comments from instructors, and local events in Rodon. The layout was honestly quite amateurish, showing that they were still figuring things out as they went along. As I turned the pages, focusing on the events of the time, I suddenly heard a knocking sound on the window, followed by the sound of rain starting to pour.

“Wow, that came on quickly. I guess it’s just a passing shower?” (Rick)

Rick-san walked over to the window. The already dim room grew darker, and the small text on the newspaper became hard to read.

“Hey, who’s that over there? Lux-kun, come look.” (Rick)

I abandoned my reading and went over to the window with Rick-san. From the window, we could see the back of the old school building, where we had once wandered looking for the mansion.

“Look over there,” (Rick)

Rick-san pointed out, and I saw the shadow of two figures. They were in uniforms, but not ones from our academy.

“Who could they be?” (Lux)

I wondered aloud as I watched them. They looked to be around our age, so they were likely students.

“What if they’re spies or something?” (Rick)

Rick-san said playfully. Although it was a joke, it wasn’t entirely unfounded. It was unusual for people to be in this area without a clear reason, especially with the restricted research buildings nearby. Even though it was an academy, this was a significant military facility, and it was natural to assume that spies might be present.

The rain seemed to be a passing shower, as the drops quickly grew smaller.

“Should we check it out?” (Lux)

I suggested.

While calling an instructor would be the proper course of action, the vacation period meant there were fewer instructors around, and we might lose sight of them while looking for help.

“Yeah. Let’s just observe for now. But if they seem to be carrying weapons, we’ll retreat, okay?” (Rick)

We decided to leave the old school building unsecured for the moment and hurried out to the backyard to investigate.

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