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Fifth of Seven Mysteries (8): Our Secret Place
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The Oran Knight Military Academy, where we attended, was located on a small hill in the city of Rodon. Since it also served as a defensive base to protect the mansion of Duke Lengrad, the brother of the princess at the time, it was likely built in a location that was hard to attack and easy to defend. It didn’t seem like the city developed after Duke Lengrad’s mansion was built, so maybe there was originally a castle or something here. Now, I stood on one end of the castle wall that encircles the hill.

Below me, I could see the colorful roofs of the city and the figures of people walking through the streets. When I looked up, it was a clear, and transparent blue sky. The scenery spread out before me was more picturesque than any painting, literally breathtaking.

As I was lost in that view, one by one, my companions from Catrap climbed up onto the wall. Just like me, they almost let out exclamations of amazement, but quickly swallowed their words and gazed blankly at the magnificent view. Indeed, if we made too much noise here, we’d definitely stand out. It was clear as day that an instructor would soon come and scold us. Everyone was sitting on the castle walls so as not to draw attention, and in small voices repeatedly said, “Amazing,” “Incredible,” “Yeah, amazing”.

Among them, Heinz said.

“When you think about it, it’s only natural that the door led to stairs up to the wall.” (Heinz)

He sounded a bit disappointed.

That’s right. These walls were originally built to protect Duke Lengrad’s mansion, so it makes sense that there would be preparations for defending it from attackers, like launching attacks from atop the walls. Still, judging by the condition of the door, it hadn’t been used in a long time. Since there’s no record of the city of Rodon being attacked, maybe it was never used at all and got buried in history.

“No, that’s not possible. At least, someone must have known about it.” (Frank)

Frank objected to my thoughts.

When I asked why he thought so, he said.

“Because it’s still part of the Seven Mysteries.” (Frank)

True, that makes sense.

“Then, why was it forgotten?” (Ratt)

Ratt-kun asked in a leisurely voice.

“Come on, isn’t it obvious?” (Lite)

Lite tilted his head as if wondering how we didn’t understand.

“I have no idea, degozru.” (Hana)

Hana said, to which everyone nodded in agreement.

Lite sighed and shook his head before saying,

“Anyone who discovered a view like this would naturally want to keep it to themselves, right? I mean, I wouldn’t tell anyone and would use it as my secret spot.” (Lite)

We were all thoroughly convinced.

“Yeah, I wouldn’t want to tell anyone either. It’d be troublesome if rumors spread, and we couldn’t come here anymore”. (Rick)

Rick-san said, while nodding.

“Then, it’s our secret place.” (Maria)

Maria murmured happily, and that was exactly what we all felt.

 

—

 

After enjoying the town view from the wall for a while, we quietly descended in shifts, so as not to stand out. This time, it was me, Heinz, and Lite who were left behind.

“It’s too bad it wasn’t a hidden room.” (Lux)

I said to Heinz.

“Well, it can’t be helped. Besides, it’s not such a bad thing.” (Heinz)

He replied.

What he meant was that since this part of Duke Lengrad’s mansion remains as one of the Seven Mysteries.

Investigating the Seven Wonders is not a wrong direction. It provides evidence that it may be the case.

“Well, two wonders remain… Hopefully one of them is a hit.” (Lite)

Lite joined in the conversation.
“Yeah, well, even if neither works out, we’ll just come up with a new approach.” (Heinz)

Hearing that, I decided to ask one more thing. It wasn’t something that really needed to be asked, but my curiosity got the better of me.

“Hey, Heinz, why do you want to end this war so badly? I mean, of course, it’d be better if it ended, but…” (Lux)

Heinz looked puzzled for a moment.

“Hmm… When you ask why… Well, like you said, it’s just better if it ends.” (Heinz)

After pausing for a moment, he added.

“…And also…it would be pretty cool if we were the ones who ended it, don’t you think?” (Heinz)

He said quietly, sounding a little embarrassed.

 

—

 

After solving the Fifth Mystery, we borrowed the key to the old school building and checked the academy newspaper again. We also informed the librarian, who had been holding onto the three volumes we previously found, that the remaining files had been safely recovered. When we told her they had been stacked in a classroom some distance from the library in the old school building, she was puzzled.

“Why would they be there…?” (Librarian)

However, since the documents weren’t particularly important, she didn’t inquire further. Unlike when Heinz had been reading them alone at night, with 10 of us dividing the work, we went through the papers in no time.

Watching the process, Heinz sighed and said, “I should’ve asked for help from the start,” to which Sonia teased, “That’s your punishment for keeping it a secret”, making him smile wryly.

After getting through about half of the academy newspapers, it was getting dark, so we called it a day. There were a few interesting articles, but no decisive information, so we decided to continue our research. After returning the key and leaving the library, we waved goodbye to the members who weren’t headed for the dormitory.

As I stretched, feeling satisfied with the day, I, Heinz, Ratt-kun, Frank, and Sonia began walking back to the dorm, chatting along the way, when Frank suddenly stopped, as if remembering something.
“What’s wrong, Frank?” (Lux)

I asked, turning to look at him.
“Oh, nothing. I just remembered. I have a favor to ask of you, Lux.” (Frank)

“A favor?” (Lux)

“Yeah, can you let me disassemble your beloved gun, the Counter?” (Frank)

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