66: Schedule for the Flaretanbo System

"Then, Master Vee, Master Sata. Let's go over what comes next."

"Understood."

"Got it."

Now that we've gotten a handle on one aspect of the threat, let's discuss what comes next.

"First, for tomorrow and the day after, we'll remain at the guide colony and undergo questioning by the Imperial Military Patrol Unit."

"Got it."

It might seem odd to be questioned again tomorrow, even though we were just questioned today, but of course there’s a reason for this.

One is to clarify new questions and contradictions that emerged from today’s questioning.

The other is to discuss parts we’ve only just remembered now that we’ve had time to settle down.

That’s it.

The act of questioning has its own rhythm—some things can only be asked right after an incident, while others only become clear after some time has passed.

Of course, misunderstandings, mistakes, and slips of the tongue can happen at either timing... but it's the responsibility of the professional conducting the questioning to discern the truth. All we can do is answer honestly, without lying.

"Additionally, during the course of the inquiry, Imperial military technicians will conduct a brief examination of Lady Vee and Lady Sata."

"To develop a device or mod capable of detecting the cosmic monster, Blackfallshark."

"Yes, but given that we're in a guide colony, there are limits to what we can do—this will be nothing more than a basic, bare-minimum solution."

"Well, trying to develop a mod or analyze anything myself is probably out of the question..."

Detecting the cosmic monster, Blackfallshark... that's still going to be quite difficult, isn't it?

Since we don't have the option of not doing anything, as previously mentioned, we might as well tackle what we can. So, while we're idle, let's at least do the bare minimum inspection. That's probably the gist of it.

"After concluding the interrogation, we'll head to Planet Flaretanbo to attend a tea party hosted by Count Flaretanbo. We'll be traveling aboard a spacecraft prepared by the intelligence unit, taking about a day to reach our destination."

"Are we not going through the Flaretanbo system's primal colony?"

"We won't be. Direct descent onto the planet has already been approved. Once we land, we'll be using dedicated transport vehicles."

"Hmm..."

Direct descent onto the planet without stopping at the primal colony... It seems Count Flaretanbo might actually be quite serious about this after all.

Well, I can understand that feeling.

Given that a space monster the size of a small planet is right nearby, I suppose they'd want to gather as much accurate information as possible.

Still... even without considering the nature of the space monster Blackfall Shark itself, I'd say this star system—Flaretanbo—is safe, really.

This seems like something only I'm aware of... but we can talk about it later.

Anyway...

"By the way, when it comes to a tea party, there's definitely some kind of dress code, right? What's the situation?"

"There most certainly is. But rest assured, not only your attire, Lady Vee, but also the clothing intended for Lady Sata has already been loaded onto the ship prepared by the Intelligence Unit."

"I see. Since we've got a full day until arrival, that should be plenty of time."

"Moreover, all other necessary items have also been fully loaded, so there shouldn't be any issues."

It seems there won't be any issues with preparing for the tea party.

I don't know much about noble tea parties, but I've heard they require quite a bit of effort—costumes, makeup, gifts, and so on—if you're attending.

This time, since it's so sudden, just having the information about the gift should be enough, but I was wondering how the rest would be handled—apparently, they'll take care of everything properly.

Truly worthy of a count.

As someone entrusted with the title of count, they're certainly dependable.

"The issue is that even under this schedule, Lady Vee was aware of the threat."

"Isn't that either a traitor within the military or nobility, or the opponent being an out-of-the-ordinary monster? At the very least, they must have some involvement with the inspection or the tea gathering somehow."

"I believe that's the case. I'm still sensing the threat even now."

"Still sensing it...?"

But there is a bizarre murderer evading even the count's watchful eye, and that individual may very well pose a threat connected to Vilijanira.

At this point, it's almost a two-choice situation.

If anything, it would be better if it were an organization.

While an exceptionally abnormal individual might be beyond my ability to handle, a well-organized group could always be dealt with through sheer force if worst comes to worst.

"Also, after the tea meeting with Count Flaretanbo, we'll revert to standard duties—visiting Planet Flaretanbo 1 and the Prime Colony, while moving around various locations as bait."

"I see."

"It would be ideal if we could conduct inspections without any concerns. Sat, take notes."

"Right."

"Yes, indeed."

After that, we'll proceed just as we did in the Grogrobeta star system.

Then, during the day traveling from the guide colony to the planet, I should make a fresh list of everything I want to see and eat.

"That concludes the list. Do you have any questions?"

"I don't. Sat, how about you?"

"I'm fine. I'll speak up if anything comes to mind."

With that, the schedule confirmation was complete.

By that time, it had become just the right hour, so we decided to head toward the cafeteria inside the guide colony that staff members usually use.

Correction of typo on 10/22