Then such an occurrence happened one day.
I was in the library during the evening.
There studying metastasis cases and then Fitts-senpai showed up.
Sunglasses and White hair.
He had on a stylish mantle, over the specified school uniform, sturdy boots, and tight white gloves.
Though I've met Fitts-senpai many times, I have a feeling he is always dressed in these clothes.
[Rudeus-kun, is it alright if I join you?]
[No need for formalities, now then, I warmed a place for you, please sit down and have a thaw.]
[Ahaha, sorry to trouble you...] [4]
When I handed over the seat I was using, Fitts-senpai sat down while trying not to be embarrassed.
I pull a new seat next to him, and continue conducting my research.
[Have you made any progress in your researching?]
Fitts takes a look through what books I have at hand.
It's been a week since then.
I have come here everyday hunting documents related to metastasis.
[I have come to understand that similar cases to what happened to Fedoa Territory also have happened in the past.]
Fitts-senpai asked to hear all about what I had researched so far.
[Nothing as large scale as what happened in Fedoa Territory surely, but there are cases of someone just going out one day and disappearing, then suddenly one day they are back again. These stories seem to mostly fit that criteria.]
The so called spiriting-away.
One person suddenly disappears by themselves, they appear somewhere else, then just as suddenly they reappear back in the same place.
Things such as this are relatively frequent in this world... though it is a rare occurrence.
[So, then, you are saying what happened to Fedoa Territory is like the same thing?]
[I am wondering about that...]
Casually, I happened to look at what Fitts had in his hand, it was a book on metastasis as well.
[Perhaps, you would be willing to give me a hand with this?]
When he heard that, he shook his head.
[I don't think so. I also am just examining the metastasis event normally.]
[Oh is that so? Is there a special reason for that? Perhaps a command from Princess Ariel?]
[It's nothing like that...]
Fitts-senpai moves his hand to his jaw, and seemed to consider something for a little while, then the edges of his mouth crooked and he laughed.
He was laughing at himself.
[To tell you the truth, an acquaintance of mine also became missing because of the metastasis event.]
[That is, umm, what can I say? That's not good...]
I remembered the list of fatalities at the refugee camp.
The number of fatalities was vast.
And it's been five years since it happened.
It's already been considered too late to find any other survivors.
Surely, even an acquaintance of Fitts-senpai wouldn't be alive still.
I, who had every member of his family still alive, was immeasurably lucky.
[Actually, I recently came into the knowledge that they somehow are still alive.]
[Eh? Ah, is that so?]
[Yeah. But, up until that point I had been studying everything I could about Metastasis... Like for instance, I hoped to be able to discern a pattern where one could potentially occur in the future. I thought something like that would be easy to locate, so I searched and searched!]
Is there a trend in the appearance of the metastasis events?
Indeed, I hadn't even considered such an idea.
[As expected of senpai! How very insightful.]
[Nah, it's nothing like that... Besides, I wasn't able to come to any kind of conclusion with all that I had found in the end.]
Fitts-senpai said so, his jaw slackened, and he seemed to be looking depressed.
According to the story I heard, it was one year after the metastasis event that the Princess was overthrown.
Naturally, there may have been signs before the overthrowing, but at that time Fitts-senpai was a guard. He would have had his hands full with work.
[Sometimes it just can't be helped.]
There is a thing called a viewpoint.
To give up the search when there is no longer any more reason to keep on participating.
Rather, using the position of the guard, this school's library could be used to check matters concerning the case from different angles.
Having been found, the information gathering was being done.
With that much alone, it can be said that it was enough.
[Past aside, let's consider this matter from here on, for the time being senpai, can you tell me about what information you've manage to find in your search?]
[Sure, I'll bring you the consolidated information tomorrow... However, I don't want you to hold too many expectations. Because I don't think I was skillful at researching it, Rudeus-kun may find too many things wrong with it immediately after looking at it.]
Fitts-senpai seems to have no confidence.
Isn't he currently a 4th year student?
Is it like what I heard a few days ago: that Fitts mostly guarded Princess Ariel to and from classes, and then did whatever routine and miscellaneous duties?
Also, didn't you later say that you belonged to the student council?
And in the middle of all of that, still had time to do research on this little by little.
Not escaping from all that hectic work even with a so called reason.
He's an amazing person.
[Just let me borrow some of your time, senpai.]
Anyhow, all morning is assigned to research.
Having seen the situation, and having my previous life's knowledge, I more or less came up with a prediction.
[Umm, that is... Rudeus-kun. Can I consult with you on this matter?]
Abruptly scratching the back of his ear, Fitts-senpai cast his eyes downward and muttered a bit.
I tilt my head to the side in puzzlement.
[Isn't it alright?]
There is the matter of thanking you for helping me the other day.
I'll gladly listen to anything you have to say.
[In researching the Metastasis events, I'd like to lend you a hand with it.]
I felt deeply grateful in hearing those words.
[No, rather you would be the one lending me a hand. I've only just started researching a few days ago, so the amount of information I've gotten so far is minimal.]
[But, I cannot give you very much time. Most likely I imagine Rudeus-kun would be doing all the research alone by himself. Wouldn't you hate it? Someone who just takes advantage of a partner and when he comes, is likely just a nuisance?]
I would disapprove of a guy who only sometimes shows up for something like a research project and leaves it to the other person to do all the work alone.
When hearing it like that, it certainly sounds disagreeable.
Possibly, Fitts isn't one of those types who will do something in vain.
I know that I am not a very bright person.
If it's true Fitts-senpai is considered a genius, if he was to check my findings, it's possible he might be able to find something useful.
[It's not that disagreeable of a thing. I look forward to working with you.]
[Right, I also look forward to working with you.]
When I said so and shook his hand, Fitts became shy and laughed.
With his small face, and soft hand.
My heart throbs.
A male partner...
...no, couldn't be.
It might be my mind playing tricks on me.