64: Cosmic Monster Black Fall Shark

"Cosmic Monster Black Fall Shark?"

"Yes. Based on the documents and testimonies submitted by Sir Sata, we've confirmed that the cosmic monster encountered was an unobserved species. Therefore, as compensation for concealing Vee-sama's achievements and covering up the circumstances, the naming rights have been transferred to the captain of the Dipsauce, who named it the Black Fall Shark."

"I see."

I went to testify for the patrol unit and gave my account of everything unrelated to my main body.

By the time I returned after finishing my testimony, the space monster we had encountered had been named the Black Fall Shark.

"I'm sorry, Sat. I ended up selling off the naming rights without asking."

"No, that's not a problem. Considering Vee's situation and my own future, I don't want to be known as the one who named an unknown space monster. Honestly, I don't want to be the one who names space monsters that'll continue causing damage, even if there are few of them."

"I'm glad to hear that."

Actually, I'd say it's almost a relief when it comes to naming.

The Blackfall Shark will undoubtedly continue causing damage along the Empire's faster-than-light travel routes, and it cannot be eradicated.

That's why, if you recklessly take on the role of a caretaker, you never know where you might get tangled up in some strange way.

The captain of the *Dip Sauce* has a defined living area and is a seasoned sailor, so earning this reputation—despite its drawbacks—by surviving an encounter is understandable. But we're not like that.

So personally, I find this quite fortunate.

"By the way, Sat. What about the patrol unit? Any sign of them daring to challenge the Blackfall Shark?"

"There's no way they could. It's a planet-sized cosmic monster that roams freely through hyperspace, not regular space. First, they'd need to develop the technology to even detect where it is. And building something like that isn't the job of a patrol unit—it's for specialists. They must understand that themselves."

"That's right. Yes, that's how it usually works."

"Hmm?"

Vilijanira's expression had taken on a look of deep thought.

Had something happened while I was being questioned?

"Memokushi?"

"While you were being questioned, not only was the name Blackfallshark decided upon, but we also received messages from various sources."

"I see."

Yeah, something definitely happened.

Memokushi opens up a list of the incidents.

"First, the intelligence unit is urging us to send as much information as possible, even if it's just speculation."

"Of course. But we've already sent it."

"Yes, we've already sent it."

Next, an interrogation request from the intelligence unit.

That's to be expected, so it has nothing to do with Vilijaniara's expression.

"Also, local media outlets are requesting information—or rather, seeking interviews."

"Well, that's to be expected too. But we've already declined."

Yes, it's not advisable to say too much from the standpoint of the notes.

Two news outlets from the Flaretanbo system have sent reporters for coverage.

That's perfectly natural, and since the necessary documents have already been handed over and the interview itself has been declined, there's no way she'd be showing any expression related to Vilijanira.

There's also a tea party invitation from Count Flaretanbo. He seems interested in learning more about the cosmic monster Blackfallshark.

"Count Flaretanbo... Ah, the noble entrusted with governing this star system. Well, I can understand that. After all, a cosmic monster was discovered right near the very system he rules. And refusing this invitation...

Wouldn't be advisable. Lady Vee officially holds the title of viscount. Her request is legitimate. In fact, declining would be the one causing friction."

Three invitations from Count Flaretanbo.

Naturally, I suppose.

It's only natural for the ruler of the Flaretanbo star system to want to hear firsthand from someone who's directly witnessed the presence of the space monster Black Foul Shark in this area, or whether it can even be defeated.

In fact, failing to do so would be the foolish move.

But then, I don't see why Virijianira would have any trouble with this, do you?

Just accept it openly and speak openly.

If they're rulers of a galaxy, they should have sound judgment—given a proper explanation, they'll surely understand that defeating the cosmic monster Blackfall Shark is currently impossible, and that there's no need to worry excessively.

In fact, if they can't grasp that, it's precisely the kind of issue that would warrant their removal from power.

"Additionally, there's a request for cooperation to emulate the perception abilities of the Imperial Army's technicians or of Lady Vee and Lady Sata."

"Detection methods themselves are essential, aren't they? For future use."

"Yes, but if we're accepting, it'll just be a basic version in the Flaretanbo system. The full-scale version will come after we go to Imperial Star Vanilla Sid."

"Hmm, so that's another reason to head to the Vanilla Sid system, then."

Four invitations from Imperial Army technicians.

As expected.

At that time, only I and Viridiana were able to detect the attack by the space monster Blackfall Shark.

And even if my OS-based detection is out of the question, Viridiana's eyes might still be replicable.

Whether or not she can perceive it and react is another matter entirely... But considering the Empire's future distribution, we can't afford to skip this.

So, this is another case we simply have to accept.

After all, intelligence units are part of the imperial military, making it even more so.

"Hmm, so what exactly is Vee troubled about?"

"Well..."

"Future sight, right?"

"Yes. For some reason, I get the sense that getting deeply involved with the patrol unit will inevitably lead to some kind of threat."

Ah, so it's one of those familiar cases.

But even if it's familiar, the fact that it's specifically the patrol unit that's triggering this is certainly strange.

And indeed, given the current situation, it's certainly plausible that this oddity is connected to the cosmic monster Black Foul Shark.

"By the way, whether it's the tea party with the count Flaretanbo, the media interview, or the collaboration with Imperial military engineers—any of them seem to carry the aura of an impending threat. It's as if each has a certain probability of triggering it."

"Yikes, that's scary."

Ah, this Black Fall Shark is just a trigger—the real threat is probably something entirely different.

I'm the one who's been waiting.