90: The Resolve of an Imperial Noble ※

This chapter is told from Vee's perspective.

"Then, so be it."

"Ugh... This is a huge responsibility... But I'll do my best. I am part of the Intelligence Unit, after all..."

Having finished the necessary communications, I leave Johalis groaning in the pilot's seat and head toward Satā and Memo.

It seems the two have also concluded their conversation and are now searching for Méglínia.

"Satā. There's a message."

I address Satā.

Perhaps sensing something from my expression, Satā turns serious and looks directly at me.

"An announcement?"

"Yes. A directive from Lord Flaretanbo regarding this matter. I'll send the details to your and Memo's information terminals right now, but briefly put... we'll eliminate Méglínia, even if it means sacrificing the Flaretanbo system."

"...Wait a moment. Let me carefully analyze the written directive."

"I'll wait."

Sata's expression darkens as he reads the information terminal.

His face grows increasingly grim with each line he reads.

And his reaction is entirely understandable.

After all, Count Flaretanbo has made significant moves to eliminate Méglínia.

To give just a few details from the content...

For the next up to 168 hours—equivalent to one week—I have declared a state of emergency across the entire planet Flaretanbo 1, imposing a nighttime curfew and prohibiting unnecessary外出, ordering all non-essential workers to stay home.

At the same time, authorization has been granted to attack any spacecraft or rockets attempting to escape the planet without permission, allowing immediate destruction without prior warnings or deterrent measures.

Furthermore, access to the Gaido Colony has been restricted, preventing entry into or exit from the Flaretanbo system, with immediate destruction authorized for any unauthorized attempts to force entry.

In effect, this means they are willing to temporarily halt all industrial activity within the Flaretanbo system and completely close off the entire system, just to eliminate Megalnia.

"If it's deemed necessary to eradicate Megalnia, then any damage—so much so that the entire planet Flaretanbo 1 might be suddenly obliterated—wouldn't be blamed on the perpetrator, but on the Count of Flaretanbo... That's taking responsibility too seriously, don't you think?"

And even in the worst-case scenario, where both sides are destroyed, they still intend to kill.

It seems that Count Flaretanbo, as the noble governing the Flaretanbo system, has recognized a threat that must never be overlooked—a clear and present danger to the empire's future, a threat that must be eliminated at all costs.

"It appears that Count Flaretanbo has judged the situation to be extremely urgent."

"No, no, no... We don't have to go that far. We're not that far yet, right? Yeah, 'not yet'—we're not there yet."

"Still, you mean that, from Satā's perspective, it's possible for things to reach that point depending on how much they grow?"

"...That can't be denied."

Satā replies, looking slightly embarrassed.

It seems the Count Flaretanbo's resolve wasn't at all excessive after all.

"Please don't worry, Sata. We're not talking about destroying an entire planet right away. Something capable of that kind of power would require proper preparation time."

"In other words, once the preparations are complete, it'll be too late—everyone living on Planet Flaretanbo 1, all the industries we've nurtured, even the natural world we've protected... they'll all be gone. It's hard to feel safe, isn't it?"

"You're right. That's how it will be. But that's certainly not desirable—neither for anyone."

"Yeah, I suppose."

The Count of Flaretanbo's response would certainly be praised among Imperial nobles.

Given that he correctly assessed the threat the enemy posed to the entire Empire, and having considered how to minimize damage in the worst-case scenario, where the worst kept compounding upon itself.

Still, ordinary citizens probably don't possess such thoughts or preparedness—indeed, it might be healthier that they don't.

Therefore, for the general public, only the fact that the perpetrator of the serial bizarre murders has been identified is communicated, along with emergency measures such as a state of emergency declaration, a nighttime curfew, and a ban on interplanetary travel—nothing more.

"Vee. If Megalynia is discovered, I'll fly straight to the site and handle it myself. That should ensure Vee's safety too."

"I authorize it. Please do your utmost for the people living in the Flaretanbo system."

And yet, Sata... from our past interactions, I know he's not someone who would ever allow such a final measure.

At the same time, I know he’s not the kind of person who would panic or make mistakes upon hearing such information.

Still, feeling a twinge of regret, I keep my expression neutral and issue my command to Sata.

“Full force.”

“Yes, full force. No matter what happens, I’ll take responsibility. I’ll grant whatever reward you desire. So, eliminate Maglenia at all costs.”

“Understood.”

At all costs… eliminate Maglenia.

"Then... Vee. I'll be away for about an hour."

"Where are you headed?"

"I'm paying a visit to Seiryō Corporation. Since they studied me, they might have a general countermeasure against cosmic monsters."

"Understood. I'll gather information here in the meantime."

"Ah."

Sata's figure vanishes.

Sata had previously obtained the coordinates of the Hira Tora Tsugumi system and the Seiryō Corporation's colony, and had said she could travel freely between those locations, so she must have used that to teleport.

And for her return, she should come back to the coordinates of the hair ornament I'm currently wearing.

"Memo, hurry up with gathering information. We must first locate our target."

"Understood. What should we do if we can't find them?"

"We'll use me as bait to lure them out when the time comes."

"...Understood."

I don't know what Satā will bring back.

But regardless of what happens, we began moving.