Hm… Not bad.

(It tastes very strong, but it’s a fine wine. I think I’ve uncovered a hidden gem.)

Oh, there you are, Kuguri-san.

Hello, cica. Did you need something?

There’s a letter for you. From Saeki Alfred…

Saeki Alfred…?

Oh, it’s not a familiar name?

I can’t say it is.

…Hmm…

I should go for now. Kiroku-kun and his team wanted help with their tour…

Come here, cica.

Hm?

The sender of this letter wants to give me something… And I’m sure you’re desperate for it right about now.

He wants to…give you…his manor?

So the sender would like to transfer ownership of the house to you, Kuguri?

Th-That’s crazy. I can’t believe he’d just hand over an entire mansion like th⁠—

I-I mean! …Whatever. I guess I get what it feels like to have too many houses, since I’m super rich and all!

That’s really amazing. He must be someone impressive to be able to give away a house like it’s nothing.

He is one of my lambs who lives to serve me, after all. Whether I accept his offering is another matter.

Lambs? Are there gonna be sheep there?

Oh, um, by “lamb,” he means… Let’s just say that they’re really passionate fans of Kuguri-san.

Yes, they’re my supporters, or my patrons, you could say. Don’t you have a few sponsors yourself, Renga?

Ohh, sponsors. I know about those!

So about that mansion⁠— Oh, I guess it’s kinda hard to see on my phone.

Master, please use this tablet.

Thanks, Kinari-kun. Let me look up the address. Here. Can everyone see the pictures?

Ah… Is this…The Haunted House on the Hill?

H-Haunted? Kisuke, you know this place?

I do… It’s in Ward 6…

I didn’t know…someone lived there…

Due to its uninhabited and dilapidated appearance, it seems rumors have arisen around HAMA about it housing ghosts.

Yep. Since you were looking for a haunted house, I thought it’d be perfect for your tour, especially since it’s in Ward 6. So I wanted to let everyone know.

I believe your judgement was correct, Master.

Looks like we got the perfect place, Kisuke!

Now I’m not sure if we can actually use it yet, but I thought we could go and check it out first.

So… Kuguri-san.

Yes?

(He’s a fickle person. I need a plan to convince him if he says no.)

Since the letter was written to you, I’d like for you to join us… I-If that’s okay.

Sure, I was planning on it anyway.

Huh?

Read the last line on the letter. “An aged wine from the year 2039 will be supplied for your enjoyment.”

Oh. So you just wanted to go so you could drink.

Yes, exactly. While you scout out the mansion, I’ll be relaxing with a bottle of fine wine.

Excuse us…

Wow… So this is what it’s like…on the inside.

The letter told us we could just walk in, but… It’s so quiet. A-Are you sure someone actually lives here?

The interior design is quite classical.

Based on the architectural design, I assume it was originally built overseas and reconstructed in JPN.

The building is over a century old. As far as I can assess, approximately 30% of the exterior is damaged.

The vibes make it a perfect fit for a tourist attraction! If the owner’s okay with it, I’d like to take some pictures and report it to Kafka…

Thank you for your patience. Domeki-sama and his accompaniment, correct?

Welcome to the manor, esteemed guests.

Hello. Are you the head of the house?

No, I am simply a housekeeper. Due to various circumstances, the master is unable to see you today. I apologize.

Is that so? That’s fine then.

Cica here would like to take pictures of the manor. Is that alright?

But of course. The master would never deny a request from you, Domeki-sama.

There you have it.

Th-Thank you! I’ll be taking some photos here and there then.

I shall guide you to the main hall. Right this way…

…Ah.

Hm?

(Her head…)

WAHHHHH!! H-H-Her head f-f-f-fell…?!

Are you okay?! I mean, since your head fell off, I guess not, but…!

She is a robot. There is no issue with her head.

Huh…? A-A robot?

Pardon me. It falls off quite easily.

Phew… That’s good… M-My heart almost stopped beating for a sec…

Your heart… Nishizono-sama, would you like me to give you a cardiac massage?

Huh?

What?! No, it was just a figure of speech. But thanks, Kinari.

Wha…

If you require one, please let me know.

…?!

(Someone’s laughing from behind me…)

(…Huh? Nobody’s…there…?)

Ch-Chief… Did you hear that laugh…?

Hm? Someone was laughing?

Hmm… I didn’t hear anything… Maybe you just misheard it.

…Oh.

(Did I really…?)