Chapter 174
In response to Clael's question, Eric took on a troubled expression and opened his mouth.
"No... Unfortunately, we haven't found any book that fits the description."
Eric turned around.
In the library, Eric's companions were searching for the cursed book in various places.
They were pulling books out one by one from the shelves, peeking under desks and on top of shelves, even going so far as to overturn trash bins in their investigation.
"Just in case, I've also had them check the storage room and the librarian's office in the back. But... we haven't found anything like a cursed book. Maybe one of the students who discovered it took it home."
"............"
That was impossible. The cursed book couldn't be taken out of the library.
Clael knew that from game information... but with no way to reveal his source, he couldn't tell Eric.
"According to the eyewitnesses, the book is large enough to be held in both arms and has a black cover. It stands out, and I doubt anyone could sneak it out without the librarian noticing..."
"There are eyewitnesses?"
"Yeah, about ten people came forward to me. Among them, there are even some who actually wrote their names in it."
"............!"
That was surprising.
Even when the academy's teachers interviewed students, they couldn't find that many witnesses.
Let alone anyone who had written their name in the cursed book.
(Frustrating, but... they're probably more trusted by the students than the teachers, especially since he's both the crown prince and student council president...)
You couldn't blame the students for that.
Since it was the school and teachers they were dealing with, it's understandable they'd be afraid of getting scolded or hurting their records, and thus not speak up.
Especially for someone who wrote the name of someone they hated in the cursed book.
"The students who came forward said they were momentarily tempted and wrote the name of someone they disliked, but that person actually fell ill. Overcome with guilt, they confessed to me... They're remorseful. I'd appreciate it if you wouldn't blame them."
"I can't speak for the academy, but at least I won't pry."
"Thank you, I appreciate it."
After thanking Clael, Eric turned his gaze to Reina.
"So... Reina. From your perspective as the Saint, do you sense anything suspicious in this library?"
"No... From what I can see, there's no trace of malevolent energy."
Reina glanced lightly around and spoke with a sigh.
"There are faint lingering traces, but it's impossible to track from those. I think we'll have to find the main body somehow."
"I see... In that case, there's no helping it."
Eric shrugged and looked back at Clael.
"We'll handle the investigation here. Mr. Byrne and Reina, could you check the other areas?"
"......Understood."
Clael also felt a little awkward being with Eric.
He decided to leave it to them... and go after a different Seven Wonders.
"Um... President Eric. The investigation of the storage room in the back is complete..."
A female student called out to Eric from behind.
She had a plain appearance and an unremarkable face that didn't stand out.
"Thank you. Did you find anything?"
"No... Unfortunately, nothing............!?"
The female student who had been talking to Eric suddenly looked startled.
Her eyes were fixed on Clael and Reina standing next to him.
"L-Lady Saint...!"
"Oh... And you are...?"
Reina tilted her head.
Clael looked between the two, wondering if they knew each other, but before either could continue speaking, an intruder cut in.
"Ahh! It's Reina onee-chan!"
The high-pitched voice came from... one of the romanceable characters, Luei Biscuit.
Luei had apparently also been searching for the cursed book in the back, but the moment he noticed Reina, his eyes sparkled brightly.
"Yay! What a coincidence to meet you here! Could it be... you came to see me!?"
"............"
"Ah...!"
Luei let out a cheerful voice and closed the distance.
As the small boy approached with nimble movements, Reina took a step back, and the female student let out a surprised cry.
"Fugya!"
Immediately after, Luei tumbled over as if someone had swept his legs.
Clael assumed, exasperated, that he'd been hit by his usual bodyguard plushie... but something was different today.
"Huh?"
"Eh?"
"Fugyuu..."
At Luei's feet, lying on the floor, was a book.
A leather-bound book with a black cover. It looked so old it was impossible to tell when it had been made, and it was large enough to be held in both arms.
"'The Black Cursed Book of the Library'...?"
It was unmistakably the cursed book Eric and the others had been searching for.