45: Things that don't come when you're on guard

"This is the flour production line. Even though we're talking about flour, there are various types—strong, medium, and weak flour—and at Triticum Factory, it seems they use different wheat varieties suited to each type of flour. Naturally, during each stage, there are also parts that aren't used..."

Just like at the Tea Freez Company's mod factory, our guide is a memo-cy that has installed the necessary data.

"This is the beer production line. Besides water, yeast, hops, and wheat, there are other required ingredients, but these appear to be specially prepared by the Tricity Factory itself. However, the memo notes that it would be more appropriate for Lady Vee not to consume them yet."

"Memo, I understand that. By the way, Satu doesn't drink much alcohol, does she?"

"Hmm? Ah. I'm not really fond of alcohol. It doesn't suit my taste, and I never get drunk."

So I pay extra attention to my surroundings instead.

Specifically, I'm personally checking the factory, residential areas, laboratories, port, even the surrounding space around Tricity Factory, and various other locations...

"Satu?"

"No, nothing's happening—there's no sign of anything at all, you know."

"Satu..."

Despite Vilijaniela's words, there was no indication that anything was about to happen.

Given Vilijaniela's eyes and everything we've been through, I was expecting something to occur.

"I understand how you feel, Satu. Memo was the same way before."

"Memo!?"

"...Yes, that's right. From Memo's experience, I don't think it'll come while you, Satu, and Memo are clearly on guard. That's just how it usually goes."

"Yeah, I get it. It doesn't matter whether the other side is reacting to our alertness, but somehow it shows up once we lower our guard."

"Yes, exactly."

"...You two could ease up a bit, couldn't you? There were times before—like at the orphanage or with TeeFriz Corp—when everything ended without a hitch, weren't there?"

"But this time, it's Vee herself who's making the move."

"I already initiated a new backup the moment Vee-sama spoke those words, didn't I?"

"..."

Vilijanila seems about to say something.

But even if it's brief, considering past events and my duty as guard, I can't afford to let my guard down.

As for Memokshi, since he's been acquainted with Vilijanila even before I was born, he's likely encountered such situations many times already... So I believe this response is appropriate.

"Still, Satā-sama. Maintaining constant vigilance is a waste of focus. Let's relax a little more. If anything happens, Vee-sama will notice first."

"You're right about that."

"Also, regardless of the memo team's carelessness, as long as we're on the factory tour route at the Tricity Factory, we should be fine as long as no other guests get close."

"That's true. If anything were to happen here, it would be a major embarrassment for the Tricity Factory—worst case, it could even crack the foundation of the corporate colony's authority. There's no need to worry that much, I believe."

"I see."

I nodded in agreement to Memoqui and Viridiana's words.

Indeed, if some trouble were to occur right now, and it turned out to be the fault of the corporation, Tricityam Factory would likely be held accountable from the standpoint of maintaining colony security and managing operations.

Given that, it's probably safer to assume nothing will happen at all.

"Then I'd better stay properly on guard."

"Sat—!?"

"Excellent, Lord Sata. You've clearly understood everything we've discussed so far."

That's exactly why I'm on high alert.

Besides, relying on Vilijanira's superior eyesight wouldn't be appropriate for a bodyguard.

With that in mind, we continue our vigilance as we proceed with the factory tour.

"Good, nothing's happened up to this point."

"Yes, indeed."

Let's discuss this matter thoroughly later, especially your thoughts about me.

"..."

And thus, having successfully completed about two-thirds of today's schedule, they arrived at the cafeteria for lunch.

"Right then. Lunch time. As expected at Triculum Factory, the main course is likely to be something made from flour."

"It seems so. Bread, cereal, udon, pizza... quite a variety. It looks like some pre-release products are mixed in as well."

"……. Vegetables and fruits appear to be sourced from various locations across the Glogrobeta system, and the meat seems to be a soy-based substitute. In a way, this could be considered the most up-to-date cuisine from the Glogrobeta system."

Indeed, the cafeteria at Triculum Factory was vast.

The reason is simple: not only visitors, but also employees, their families, and people on holidays come here—essentially everyone in the colony—so a substantial area is required.

Moreover, the menu is so extensive that one could easily spend an entire day just in this cafeteria, if they wanted to.

Even just choosing a single cereal offers a wide variety—from familiar options to rare flavors and pre-release samples meant for tasting.

Hmm, there are also short breads in the snack section.

Well... I suppose I might as well try them all.

"Satā, you're doing something weird again..."

"No worries, no worries. It's me, after all."

With that, I decided to order and taste-test all the short breads without caring about what others thought.

Meanwhile, Vilijaniira chooses the prepared meal bread.

Yeah, that one looks promising too, with its specially crafted bread and carefully selected vegetable combination.