75: Meeting with Count Flaretanbo

"That looks like a colossal kettle designed specifically for the Sw of the Flaretanbo system."

"A kettle?"

"Yes, a kettle... Given how Satasama was raised, it's unlikely he'd be familiar with such an object. In simple terms, it's a container used for boiling water to create hot water."

"Wow, so using something other than a water heater—does it change the taste or something?"

It seems that thing isn't a pot, but a kettle.

Still, the fact that Mebokushi specifically mentioned it being ultra-large suggests it's no ordinary one.

Functionally... it appears to hold a spherical water body from the Flaretanbo Star System inside, heating it via fire from below until it boils.

As the water in the spherical body heats up, it evaporates, gradually reducing the water volume beyond the range of Sw in the Flaretanbo Star System—just as is currently happening, loudly hissing and producing a massive amount of hot water.

It should be easy enough to generate hot water using a water heater or a mod, so why go through such an inefficient method that requires firewood? Either it's for flavor or for show... well, there's probably some meaning behind it.

"Anyway, Mistress Sata..."

"Hmm? Ah, work. Understood."

"Since the time has come, I now announce the beginning of the tea party hosted by Lord Flametanbo. Please, my lord."

At least the sound of the kettle boiling seemed to serve as a signal for the start of the tea party.

The voice, amplified through a megaphone, echoed throughout the hall.

At the same moment, the guests gathered in the venue began to move.

And though he was now wearing a suit, the nobleman seemed oddly more suited to a straw hat and a jumpsuit as he began his greeting.

He resembled Baron Flaretanbo quite closely.

"Then, Satu. I'll entrust you with the escort and security duties."

"Understood. Vee."

Now that Baron Flaretanbo had finished his speech, the tea party would officially begin.

In such cases, guests will either sit at designated spots to enjoy tea and sweets while chatting, stand up and talk without sitting, or move from one guest to another while seated... something along those lines, at least.

However, due to the specific purpose of this tea gathering, the initial movements of Vilegianira and Baron Flaretanbo are predetermined.

When Baron Flaretanbo finished his greeting and took his seat, Vilegianira would then approach, greet him, take her seat, and immediately begin speaking.

So, I escorted Vilegianira to her designated position.

"Nice to meet you, Baron Flaretanbo. I am..."

"Oh, I've heard much about you. Please, come this way. Today..."

Well, there's no way anything could go wrong, really.

I may not be well-versed in etiquette, but I can certainly appreciate the grace of Villigianira's movements, and it's hard to imagine such beauty lacking proper manners.

In fact, I'd wager that good conduct was likely one of the conditions Emperor His Majesty set for recognizing her as a legitimate heir, so considering that, it's hard to believe Villigianira would ever cause a scandal through poor manners.

While I was pondering such things, Villigianira and Count Flaretanbo were discussing the cosmic monster Black Folschark, speaking loudly enough for everyone nearby to hear.

Essentially, they were just recounting the details they'd been questioned about by the patrol force after the incident.

My own observations were sprinkled in here and there, and there was also mention that the safety of the Flaretanbo system itself seemed significantly enhanced due to Sw's influence.

Is the safety of the Flaretanbo system high? Yet, it feels as though there are numerous unexplained accidents between our system and neighboring systems... Is that...?

Regarding that point... Satu

"Yes. Personally, I believe kaiju cannot enter the Flaretanbo system. Therefore, they may be moving along the boundary line between systems, which could explain why the density has increased. If we could somehow adjust the range of Sw... that might be a solution."

"I see. But altering the range... that's a difficult proposition... hmm..."

Also, since I was asked for my opinion at the end, I'll respond accordingly.

Perhaps now, people with sharp intuition will understand that my knowledge about the cosmic beast known as Viridianiola comes from me.

Well, considering the Count Flaretanbo and other high-ranking officials in the Flaretanbo system already know my true identity, this is clearly a decoy for those who didn't know beforehand and might be thinking ill of me.

Even without that, I'm aware that some people give me envious glances from time to time, simply because I'm the one escorting Viridianiira in her current form.

"Ahh, my apologies. No, actually, thank you very much. Lady Viridianiira. Thanks to you, I believe we’ve managed to reassure the citizens of the Flaretanbo system."

"I’m glad to hear that. If I’ve been of even the slightest help to Lord Flaretanbo, then that would truly make me happy."

In any case, the message intended for Lord Flaretanbo had been successfully delivered.

With that, Virijanira stood up and began to leave.

A few other guests also stirred and moved away.

Their movements suggested they were people involved in defending the star system.

Likely, they would take Virijanira's words back and immediately begin acting on them.

"Is that the end of the business?"

"Yes, we've finished what absolutely had to be done. Now, let's proceed smoothly while preserving the Count's dignity—publicly, of course."

Then, publicly, we'll enjoy the tea party.

The rich aroma of the tea, mingling with the sweet scents of macarons, cookies, and cakes.

Though I can't indulge too much as a guard, it's still something to look forward to.

Of course, it goes without saying that we'll also be investigating the back alleys for any suspicious individuals—particularly those connected to the series of bizarre murders.