69: Joharis Sagokeyo

"Apologies for the wait. This is the 'Pumpkin Witch,' a walk-in-type spacecraft custom model from apparel manufacturing company 'Eniwear Two.' I'm Captain Joharis Sagokeyo. Are you the party led by Virijanira Vanilagenroot?"

The spacecraft that appeared in the port of the guide colony in the Flaretanbo system was a small vessel, just over 100 meters in length.

And the voice coming from inside the ship was one that could hardly be distinguished from that of a young girl.

Yet despite the intelligence unit having reported it, the name that came up was 'Eniwear Two'—a clothing manufacturer I myself am familiar with...

I briefly turned my gaze toward Mebokushi.

"Confirmed. This is the ship scheduled to carry the cargo."

"Yes, that seems to be the case."

"I see. So that's how it is."

"Yes. We've confirmed it here as well. Open the hatch and come aboard."

It seems to be genuine after all.

Then it should be fine.

So, as things stand, the ship called "Pumpkin Witch," docked at the harbor, opened its hatch and extended a boarding tube. I, Virijianira, followed by Memokushi, climbed aboard.

As I was getting on, I suddenly remembered something.

"Eniweatsu" is a clothing manufacturer that produces, distributes, and sells apparel throughout the entire empire.

As for design, it was neither good nor bad—just the kind of clothing an average imperial citizen would wear, and priced accordingly.

It wasn't the top seller anywhere, but it sold steadily across every star system.

I personally never had any dealings with them, due to my own abilities.

But since they're mentioned here... that must mean 'Eniweatsu' is one of the front companies owned by the Imperial Military Intelligence Corps.

That's why it existed in every star system, and undoubtedly exchanged information behind the scenes.

Well, if it's appearing so openly here, it must be a well-known secret among people of a certain rank or higher.

"Alright, inside the ship..."

"Sorry, but I'll need to close the hatch before giving you the tour—please wait a moment."

"Understood."

"Got it."

Now, arrival inside the ship.

Well, it's a pretty ordinary entrance.

A few seconds after I arrived, Virijianira entered, followed a few seconds later by Memokshi, who confirmed the situation before the tube retracted and the hatch closed.

『Heading over now.』

「……. Could it be that this ship is operated by just one person—or someone roughly equivalent in number?」

"There's a possibility of that. Given the importance of the Flaretanbo system, the crew would likely be kept to a minimum. Our movement, not to mention the sudden decision to host the Count Flaretanbo's tea party, was all quite spontaneous."

"That's plausible. From what Memo has found, most of this ship is designed to operate automatically through a basic AI system. So, as long as there's one person at the controls to oversee operations, the ship can be managed effectively."

The voice echoing through the ship fades away.

Probably, the person claiming to be Captain Johaliss is now heading this way.

Still, even if the vessel can be operated solo, is it really possible for someone to come alone...?

Could it be that the侦查 unit in the Flaretanbo system is short-staffed?

No, wait—perhaps personnel have simply been diverted there to investigate that infamous serial murder case.

That side is important, both locally and for the empire as a whole—especially for Viridianiara.

On the other hand, moving Viridianiara itself is generally manageable, as long as the route is secured in advance.

In that case... perhaps it really could be handled by just one person.

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

And as I was thinking such thoughts, an object resembling a barrel-shaped pot equipped with caterpillars and manipulators approached, making a deliberately loud noise.

"Are you Captain Joharis Sagokio?"

"That's right. Ah, just a moment. Let me show myself properly."

Responding to Virijianira's words, the lid of the barrel-shaped pot slid open from the inside.

From inside the barrel-shaped pot, a translucent blue object emerged.

As it came out, it gradually shaped itself, taking on the form of a round, slightly transparent girl.

"Alright, let me introduce myself properly. I'm a covert operative for the Imperial Army Intelligence Unit—undercover, I'm a hired captain with the 'Eniweatsu' mobile sales division. Currently, I'm serving as the captain of the 'Pumpkin Witch,' Joharis Common Sagokyo C Flaretanbo. Nice to meet you."

"Yes, nice to meet you, Joharis-san."

"Nice to meet you as well."

"Ah, please take care of me."

I see. Among the races confirmed within the Empire, this species is considered an oddity—a race with a fluid, ever-changing body, almost like a liquid... a slime.

It appears that this is Joharis's race.

"Then, I'll set the ship to automatically navigate to near Planet Flaretanbo 1. I'll give you a detailed explanation of the ship afterward. Until then, please wait in the rest room."

Understood. I'll be waiting. By the way, what about the others?

They're not here. The only ones free besides us are all rookies who can't be trusted to work alone, and the seniors are swamped with that incident and other matters. So, I know it'll be inconvenient, but please bear with it.

I see. We can handle most things ourselves, so don't worry.

Thank you.

Well, for now, I'll just wait in the rest room.

From what I briefly checked on the main console, this ship seems a bit unusual.

We shouldn't be moving around without proper explanation.

With that in mind, we headed toward the rest room.