109: Proceeding with routine operations in peace

"Oh, was the incident from a few days ago resolved without a hitch?"

"The one... ah, the copycat who mimicked Meglenia, the one we found a corpse during our inspection?"

"That's right. Well, since they couldn't even copy the original properly, getting caught so easily was inevitable, really."

A week or so had passed since the Meglenia incident.

Recently, we—more accurately, Vilijanila—patrolled various locations while also moving around the Flaretanbo system as bait.

Well, as previously mentioned, we ended up discovering corpses during our inspections.

We even reported illegal waste disposal companies we stumbled upon during our travels.

And we happened to catch a pickpocket who was causing trouble nearby.

There were incidents like that… and some that seemed like they might turn into troublesome situations, but none escalated into serious threats, and everything was resolved safely, so it’s not a problem.

Got it!

“Huh, freelance writing seems to be quite popular, huh?”

“Would you like to try writing, Lord Joharis? I think you could contribute to the publishing house where Lady Vee is officially employed.”

"I'll pass. My writing skills aren't that great."

At the same time, I've been posting my own articles alongside Vilijanira's.

While I can't write about Megalnia, I've covered various highlights and delicious treats from the Flaretanbo system—starting with the confectionery shop promoted by Count Flaretanbo, followed by the Iwani Nature Reserve, Feikando canned goods, Sfipool Hotel, and Flaresuden snacks, among others.

Tehirokakou Corporation... unfortunately, it seems they can no longer accommodate visitors, so we won't be able to go.

Well, there's nothing we can do about that—let's just move on.

As for the article's sales... compared to the initial release, are they slightly better than during the Glorobeta star system era?

Since it wasn't a well-known tourist destination, perhaps more people are discovering it for the first time now, which could explain the higher readership?

If that's the case, that's certainly a pleasant surprise.

"Satā, I heard the investigation has reached the base of the 'Cult of Cosmic Monsters.' Is there anything significant there?"

"There shouldn't be anything. It's just people blindly following a belief. Ah, though I'd be curious if it's connected to the Maeglinia incident."

"I asked precisely with that in mind... but the report says there's been no resistance, information has been disclosed smoothly, and no signs of concealment have been found."

"Hmm. Well, the 'Cosmic Monster Cult' has always seemed pretty individualistic to begin with, and their gathering places are mainly for exchanging information. Given that, it's not surprising that no critical details have surfaced."

The footage displayed on Vilijanila's information terminal shows the scene of investigators entering the base of the 'Cosmic Monster Cult' located within the Flaretanbo star system.

That said, the 'Cosmic Monster Cult' originally stemmed from a belief system close to animism, and most followers were content with observing cosmic monsters from afar and coexisting—basically, as long as they could gather information to avoid being attacked, that was enough.

Those like the Maeglinians, who sought to become cosmic monsters themselves, were considered heretics even among heretics, so it's unlikely such individuals would have left behind any significant records under the majority's influence.

In fact, considering future developments, it might be better for the 'Cosmic Monster Religion' of the Flaretanbo system to team up with the Flaretanbo noble family and become partners in advancing cosmic monster research.

Looking at the current situation, that would be more convenient for both sides.

"Lord Sata. We've received a request from Count Flaretanbo to assist in recruiting employees from Seiryō Corporation. What would you like to do?"

It depends on the content. Send it over here.

And at this point, Memokushi received a message from Count Flaretanbo, so please forward it here.

Hmm, whatever... I see.

The request covers analysis and improvement of the Sw system in the Flaretanbo system, development of a cosmic monster avoidance system utilizing it, and inquiries regarding the 'Hishui Mirror.'

Indeed, all of these would be beneficial if we could leverage Seiryō Corporation's expertise,

but Count Flaretanbo has no established connection with Seiryō Corporation.

We'll proceed through official channels, but we want to increase the chances of a successful invitation—anywhere from 1% upward.

So, you're asking me to cooperate, or rather, to write a recommendation letter for you.

"Will you take it?"

"I can't guarantee the outcome, but if you're still willing, that's how it is—I can only go as far as a recommendation."

I'll be paid a decent amount as compensation, and there's no negative reputation attached to the Flaretanbo system.

Then, writing a recommendation letter is nothing much at all.

To be honest... I get the feeling some of the Seiryō Corporation employees are practically itching to get their hands on this kind of opportunity right now.

Things like SW analysis and improvement don't come up all that often, after all.

You know, those guys—the ones who love analysis, or engineering, or observation, or refinement... Well, you know the types. I can practically picture their faces.

Perhaps I should caution Count Flaretanbo to make sure he doesn’t lose control completely.

I think it’ll be fine, but just to be safe.

"Master of disguises, that’s what he is."

"Those employees at Seiryō Corporation are undoubtedly skilled, but still, there seem to be various complications."

"Something about this is making us feel a bit uneasy, too."

"As long as we keep education for Sata in mind, there shouldn’t be any major issues..."

That should do it.

I handed the introduction message to Mebokushi and had him send it to Lord Flaretanbo.

That should... reach Seiryō Corporation within a day or two, probably.

After that, I'll have to rely on Lord Flaretanbo and those around him to handle the follow-up.

Well, it'll work out somehow—I'm sure of it.

11/29 Typo corrected