23: The True Identity of Vee

"First, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Vilijanianira En Banaragengroot P Banarashido. I was born in the year 2571 of the Imperial Calendar and graduated from Banarashido Imperial University about two years ago."

"So you entered and graduated through accelerated programs, I see. That must be where your exceptional command skills during space combat operations come from."

"No, that's just a hobby. My university specialization was managing and operating star systems or colonies."

"Oh, yes."

Thus was Vilijanira's self-introduction.

Given that the current Imperial year is 2587, Vilijanira is now sixteen years old.

In the Empire, university entrance typically occurs around age eighteen, so her academic abilities are at least assured.

"And yes, I do use the imperial name (En) on occasion, but ordinarily I go by the title from my mother's family—Viska, the viscount. So, if you could please treat me according to the standards expected of a noble when interacting with me, that would be greatly appreciated."

"Got it. Though, to be honest, I'm just a commoner (Common). Whether it's the imperial family or a viscount, the higher-ups are still higher, so I doubt my attitude would change much anyway."

"Even so, it's fine."

I understand why you'd prefer not to use the royal family's name unless absolutely necessary...

It's just too powerful.

You can use it to instantly crush foolish nobles who flaunt their authority, or to smoothly transfer command, but using it otherwise... well, it might bring as many troubles as benefits.

As for falsely claiming a noble title, it is, of course, strictly prohibited for someone of lower rank to assume a higher one—such an act could result in immediate execution.

However, the reverse is generally not punished, provided the individual does not later complain about not receiving treatment befitting their true rank, which would be a shameful display.

"And what of your relationship with His Imperial Majesty?"

"On paper, His Imperial Majesty is recognized as my biological father. DNA testing has confirmed our blood relation. At the time I was conceived, my mother was both an unmarried mother and a maid serving the imperial household, so there is ample evidence surrounding this matter."

"Hmm, I see."

"But in reality, I believe the purpose was to assign status to children deemed advantageous in terms of genetics, appearance, or abilities—so they could serve the imperial family. With today's technology, falsifying a few pieces of evidence is easy, and I lack the means to verify whether certain tests are truly authentic."

"Ahh... I see..."

I glance briefly at Meikoshi.

Meikoshi, taking advantage of being out of view from Viljaniara, shakes his head in apparent disbelief.

I see it now.

Viljaniara believes the Empire manipulated her for their own purposes, but in truth, she is genuinely the Emperor's illegitimate child.

It's almost as if the Emperor himself would be disheartened by Viljaniara's attitude.

Still, I can understand her perspective.

Saying you're the Emperor... or even the current Emperor's daughter... that could mean you might one day inherit the rule over this vast Vanillar Universe Empire, right?

That's... unbelievable, and probably better not believed for the sake of your mental health...

"So, on paper, being the Emperor's daughter means I have inheritance rights. What's my rank?"

"There are children born to official concubines of the Crown Prince, Second Prince, and noble families, so my rank is quite low. I believe it was around twenty-fourth place..."

"O-oh, is that so..."

Your succession rank is actually quite high, Princess Vilijanira.

Well, it's not likely to come up anytime soon, though.

Frankly, it seems like Vilijanira doesn't really care much about matters that don't interest her.

"As for my current work, shall we talk about it? Right now, I'm publicly known as a freelance writer, just like Sata, writing mainly about travel and food. But behind the scenes, I'm actually working for the Empire's intelligence unit. Oh, and the company that publishes my freelance articles? It's actually a front company established by the intelligence unit."

Hmm, hmm.

Now, from here on, it's about my current job.

Since our official assignments match up, we can move forward together, which makes sense.

As for the behind-the-scenes details...

"Still, even though we're called an intelligence unit, the information we're asked to gather is fairly superficial—things like how people are living their daily lives, what rumors are circulating, and the like. We're not expected to infiltrate any organization or collect intelligence involving illegal activities."

"That's actually a relief. I don't really have that kind of ability... Honestly, I might as well say I don't have it at all."

"In fact, what's expected of us is to serve as bait. Anyone who can gather even a little information will quickly realize that I'm not just some noble daughter—I'm someone with ties to the royal family. If someone like me were to travel without proper protection, it would inevitably stir up quite a commotion."

"I see. And while that commotion unfolds, the real targets will slip through the cracks."

"That's right. But we're unlikely to even notice the true target. If it were just a matter of directing us somewhere, that'd be one thing, but there's no reason to share any deeper information with us."

It seems we'll be serving as a diversionary intelligence unit.

Well, that's fine—I can handle that with my abilities without any trouble.

After that, if the main intelligence unit hasn't obtained information at the level that Vilijaniara could access... then, I'm sure, discussions about purges or tightening internal controls will quietly unfold behind our backs.

"Is that about all I should tell Sata right away? Well then, Sata. I'll be counting on you as both a fellow journalist and bodyguard from now on."

"Yeah, the pleasure's mine. Vee."

For now, we've at least learned the essentials about each other.

How things develop from here depends on our actions, but I'm sure it won't turn out badly.

Vilijanira and I shook hands.