33: Eyes to Measure the Future

"So? Why did you ask me to scout?"

In room 301 of the hotel 'Edible Crescendum.'

Having arrived at this clearly luxurious suite, which featured two bedrooms and a separate living area, we decided to pick our respective rooms and then begin discussing things.

Incidentally, as a welcome gesture, floral tea had been provided, so both I and Vee were drinking it.

Hmm, the relaxing effect from the jasmine flower scent is truly wonderful.

It's also beautiful to watch the flowers bloom vividly within the transparent teacup.

I feel so calm and at ease.

"That's right... First of all, in my eyes, there are various body-enhancing mods naturally built in."

"I remember hearing that before."

"While I'll skip the detailed specifics of the mods I possess... among them are some that have effects akin to foresight."

"Clairvoyance..."

Now, about what Vilijanira is concerned with.

First, this matter seems to stem from a mod that Vilijanira possesses.

"Is it literally seeing the future? Or is it predicting the future by observing and analyzing the current state?"

"The latter. However, it appears that information I'm unaware of—processed unconsciously—is also used in the analysis, so I can only perceive the results."

"I see."

A precognition mod, perhaps.

Well, the former is theoretically impossible, so the latter is to be expected.

But analyzing information that even Vilijaniara herself doesn't perceive, isn't aware of, and unconsciously acquires... that's quite a thought.

"It's like, exhausting just thinking about it. So basically, it just warns you of sudden danger without explaining why, right?"

"Exactly. It does get tiring when the cause remains unclear."

"By the way, as far as the memo's records show, Lady Vee's accuracy with her foresight exceeds 90 percent. So if she activates it, you can safely act upon it—though you should certainly remain cautious."

"Hmm, I see. So the reason she just now appealed to me was because of her foresight, which is why she asked me to scout ahead—was that the gist of what you said earlier?"

"Yes, that's correct."

Yeah, well, for an intelligence unit operating as bait, that kind of ability would be quite convenient—but also exhausting, I imagine.

"May I add one more thing? Even when disregarding her abilities and lineage, and simply focusing on her tactics, Lady Vee tends to run into trouble quite often. From what I’ve been told, in the current empire, getting involved in a crime once or twice in a lifetime is considered quite frequent. Yet Lady Vee has encountered criminal incidents at least ten times more than that."

"Note... that's certainly true... but..."

"Yeah. That's how it is. But I know there are people like that, you know? I'm no stranger to such situations myself."

Plus, I happen to have a knack for attracting trouble, too.

"But if that's the case, then I should definitely stay on guard... Wait, could it be that Vee's foresight is reacting to me? That's what I'm suggesting, you know?"

"On that point, it's already been adjusted. The advantage and drawback of a mod embedded in the body and constantly active is simply getting used to it. I no longer perceive Sata's presence as a threat to my eyes."

"Is that so?"

And my influence seems to have no effect.

"Sata."

"Hmm?"

My eyes do not perceive Sata as a threat. Even within the limits of my own understanding, I cannot recognize any threat. Yet my foresight clearly tells me that some kind of danger is approaching.

...

We can't be sure what scale of threat we're dealing with, nor whether it falls within the range of what we can influence. But one thing is certain—danger is approaching, and the consequences could seriously endanger the lives of the empire's citizens.

Before I realized it, I found myself standing before Vilegianira, my spine straightened.

Since nature itself seems to compel one to behave this way, I’m certain that the imperial blood flowing through Vilegianira is genuine.

"Therefore, if anything should happen, I ask you. Satra, please use your power to protect the empire’s citizens."

"As you command. Vee."

Assisting good people, even those not within one's own territory or closely related, truly embodies the proper conduct of an imperial noble.

Yes, it's truly fortunate that Vilegianira is my contract partner.

"Still..."

"Still?"

"First and foremost is Vee's safety. Please keep that in mind."

"...Understood. I'll bear it in mind."

That's precisely why I must clearly state the priority.

All lives have equal value, but there is a priority when it comes to protecting them.

"Now, we don't know what will happen, but it's dinner time. We should eat something now to replenish our energy—otherwise, we won't be able to act when the moment comes. So, let's head out to eat."

"Indeed. That makes perfect sense. Then, shall we be on our way?"

"Understood. I'll accompany you."

So, what will tonight's dinner be?

In response to the threat Vilegianira sensed in the future, I maintained surveillance around the hotel with my main body while heading toward the restaurant located on the top floor.

09/23 Correction of typo