80: After the tea gathering ※

This time, it's from Vee's perspective.

"Phew. The tea gathering ended safely, didn't it?"

"Yeah. I don't know, I'm exhausted."

"It's because Satā-sama isn't used to it. Still, the goal was achieved, and a suspicious individual has emerged regarding the serial murder case, so I'd say it went quite well."

After arriving at the hotel, I first moved to 'Pumpkin Witch' and changed back into my everyday clothes.

Still, I'll keep the hair accessory Satā gave me on for now, given the circumstances.

"Hmm. I can't say I'm eager to get used to that thing. I mean, showing up to a tea party with that... it's like having a conversation between opposing interests. I'd think it'd give someone unaccustomed to it a hole in their stomach."

"I've heard that attending such events can even cause trauma for those who aren't suited for them."

"Satā. Please don't worry. I'm not particularly fond of events like this either."

But I was exhausted.

Since I'd invoked the name of the Vanillagenroot Marquis family, I had to be careful not to make any slip-ups or give away any commitments.

Moreover, some people knew I was treated as the Emperor's illegitimate child, so I had to be mindful not to disappoint them, which required careful navigation on my part as well.

As a result, right now I'm in my hotel room, looking utterly disheveled—only Satto and Memo would find me acceptable in this state.

"What happens next?"

"As for us personally... from tomorrow onward, we'll be touring and inspecting facilities on the surface of Planet Flaretanbo 1, including the Fikando Corporation's canned food factory, the Flarésuden Corporation's confectionery plant, and the leisure facilities at the Sfipool Hotel."

"As for transportation, cars within the city, and the 'Pumpkin Witch' outside urban areas. It seems the higher-ups in the intelligence unit intend to assign Memo and the others exclusively to Lord Johalis, as long as they remain within the Flaretanbo system."

Responding to Sata's words, I study the map of Planet Flaretanbo 1 and information about companies operating factories and facilities on the planet, deciding on my schedule for the days ahead.

Fortunately, since we have Mr. Joharis and the 'Pumpkin Witch,' we won’t have to worry about securing transportation like we did in past star systems.

"We just need to wait regarding the serial murder case, right?"

"More accurately, we can't do anything beyond waiting. We have to consider the pride of the Imperial Army and police maintaining order in the Flaretanbo system. Still, if we're attacked, we'll fight back."

Of course. We can't allow anyone to harm Lady Vee.

As far as I can see with my own eyes, it's almost certain that Miss Maeglinia is involved in the series of bizarre murders.

However, based solely on what I've observed, I only recognize a connection. There is zero concrete evidence that would convince a third party.

Therefore, I can only convey that she seems suspicious—and I must not go further than that.

Arresting someone without evidence is nothing short of a criminal act—something absolutely forbidden for someone tasked with upholding the empire's peace and stability.

"...Incidentally, what about staying quietly for a few days until the matter at the hotel is resolved?"

"That... might be best avoided. For some reason, it seems the threat dramatically intensifies the moment you decide to do just that."

"If being obedient just makes things worse, that probably means something's already happening somewhere."

"That seems like a reasonable conclusion..."

Upon noticing the option that Satā had pointed out—something I hadn't realized before—I immediately saw a sharp increase in danger, suggesting I'd unconsciously been avoiding it all along.

Even with my own eyes, the performance remains just as baffling as ever.

"By the way, a note—what about the Spesfana family?"

"I've looked it up. Sending it now."

If you must move, you should gather as much information about the other party as possible beforehand.

The memo promptly provides information about the Spesfana baronial family, as researched in the brief time since the tea gathering.

"The Spesfana family, as the individual himself mentioned, seems to be one of the households overseeing the Imperial Army's military research division stationed in the Flaretanbo star system. They emphasize, or perhaps specialize in, fields related to observation."

"Ah, so that means the lens manufacturer who was in charge of the person who had so many photos of that space monster?"

"It's Tehirokaqou Corporation. Naturally, there appears to be a connection."

Hmm, I see. I understand.

Current Baron Spafana is the father of Miss Maglania, and she is the only daughter of the Spafana baronial family, having two older brothers and one younger brother.

She openly declares herself a follower of the Church of Cosmic Monsters, and it is clear that she desires to observe and explore cosmic monsters.

She received her education from elementary school through university on the planet Flaretanbo 1, and has ventured beyond the Flaretanbo star system on several occasions.

There are no suspicious points in her background, nor has she been missing for an extended period of time.

Additionally, regarding her role today at the tea party—acting on behalf of Baron Spefana—it appears that Baron Spefana was actually discussing countermeasures against cosmic monsters in the back room during the event and was unable to appear publicly.

In short, it seems that, based on what can be easily checked, she's just someone with a mild interest in cosmic monsters—essentially a blank slate, so to speak.

"Hmm, did I miss? But my eyes still insist she's the culprit... Still, how exactly did she manage to slip away from the investigation's scrutiny...?"

"Miss Vee. For tomorrow's sake, please rest now."

"...Yes. You're right. I will."

With the unsettling feeling of something I couldn't quite understand weighing heavily on me, I climbed into bed and closed my eyes.