78: The tea party continues

"Then we'll be on our way."

"Yes. If we decide to go, we'll let you know."

Even after the three who had approached Virijanira for business left, the tea party carried on.

That said,

"Wait...!?"

"..."

While the five who had come prepared were one thing, there was no way she'd call out to someone who had come with a hesitant, half-hearted attitude just because the five had managed to get through.

So I glared at anyone approaching this table, especially those who came with a hesitant, half-hearted attitude, making sure they wouldn’t come too easily.

As a result, another one awkwardly averted their gaze and walked away.

"Fufufu. I simply can't help but envy you, having such an excellent subordinate, Lady Villigianira."

"Thank you for the kind words—I accept them with gratitude."

In addition, Villigianira is currently engaged in conversation with a woman claiming to be a member of the 'Eniweatsu' company.

Since she identifies as a member of 'Eniweatsu,' she must be either a colleague or superior to Joharis, the one who drove the spaceship 'Pumpkin Witch' and the vehicle that transported us. Given that she has been invited to this gathering, it's safe to assume she is Joharis's superior.

And if she's Joharis's superior, that means she's also a member of the intelligence unit.

"Joharis-san was also a wonderful person."

"I see. I'm sure that girl would be delighted to hear you say so."

…….

Well, yes, both of them are from the intelligence unit, so they're chatting casually while secretly exchanging information—leaking details to Lord Flaretanbo at the same time.

For that very reason, it's impossible to allow ordinary people to get close to this place.

"……. Both of you."

And then, a woman in a dress approaches alone.

I glare at her, but she pays no mind—whether she doesn't notice or simply ignores me, she comes closer without hesitation.

It seems there's no stopping her.

So I alert Vilegianiara and the people of 'Eniweartsu' about the outsider's approach, and the two pause their conversation momentarily.

"Forgive the interruption to your pleasant talk."

"Just as we were coming to a natural pause in our conversation, there's no problem. So, you are...?"

I observe the woman.

A blue dress adorned with stars scattered like constellations, yet tastefully restrained—neither flashy nor excessive.

Accessories resembling stars.

Black hair with golden eyes.

Makeup applied with moderation, her features well-proportioned.

She's undeniably beautiful, but in a way that feels ordinary—just a plain, everyday beauty.

"I am Marguerine Baron Spefana. Today, I am attending the tea party of the Count of Flaretanbo on behalf of the Spefana Baronial Family."

"Thank you for your courtesy. I am Vilijanira Visca Banalageneroot. I have come today at the invitation of Count Flaretanbo. Satu, could you please switch seats with her?"

"Understood."

"Miss Meglinia, since you've come all this way, please take a seat. I assume you have something to discuss?"

"Thank you. Then..."

I stood from my chair as requested by Vilijanira and moved behind her.

Then, quickly, a servant from Count Flaretanbo's household rearranged the seat I had just vacated, and Meglinia took her place.

As for the Baron Spafena family... they are a noble household involved in governing the Flaretanbo system, apparently overseeing military research.

This time, they were invited to the tea gathering due to that connection, and so far had been making rounds as a representative, greeting the other attendees.

Still, having me yield my seat... this Meglinia person seems to have some connection to the series of bizarre murders involving the removal of eyes.

According to our prior agreement, I had decided that whenever I yielded my seat upon Viljaniela's request, it would be a sign that Viljaniela sensed a threat.

"Fufufu."

"Ho ho ho."

"Yes, that's right."

Still, at present, there's nothing suspicious to see.

All three— including the employee from Eniweatsu— are getting along well, smiling and chatting casually.

"Come to think of it, quite a few people who've approached me today have been asking about space monsters. Do you happen to be interested in them too, Miss Maeglinia?"

"Space monsters? Well, yes. If you're asking whether I'm interested or not... I'm very interested."

"Really?"

"Yes."

Oh, Vilijaniira's gotten bold all of a sudden.

Though only those who knew about Vilijaniira's eyes could understand, the mysterious threat behind the series of gruesome murders had a tendency to connect to real-world phenomena related to the space monster known as the Blackfall Shark.

Given that tendency, whether or not there was a reaction here became significant.

Yet the words that followed were somewhat surprising.

A size capable of swallowing stars, an unknown so advanced that even the empire's most cutting-edge science cannot comprehend it, a lifespan measured in hundreds of millions of years, the vitality to navigate through space alone, powers akin to a deity—capable of maintaining their own operating system. And beyond that, countless other abilities, knowledge, and ecological traits unique to cosmic monsters. Anyone who, after knowing all this, remains unmoved by them simply does not exist in this world. Though I, a lowly being, am unworthy even to approach them, let alone truly understand them, merely uncovering a fragment of their mystery would make me among the wisest in the empire. That is why I—huh!?

«««……»»»

That was truly the force of a tidal wave.

"I-I'm sorry. I got carried away all by myself..."

"I-It's alright. Miss Margelina, are you perhaps a follower of the 'Cosmic Monster Cult'...?"

"H-Haha. You've figured it out, haven't you? Yes, that's right. I am indeed a devoted follower of the Cosmic Monster Cult."

And despite looking slightly embarrassed, Maeglinia readily admitted she was indeed a believer of the Cosmic Monster Cult.

11/04 Correction of typo