110: 'Shake Border' ※

This chapter is told from Vee's perspective.

"Confirmed signature. From now on, this vessel, 'Pumpkin Witch'... known as 'Shake Border,' is under the command of Imperial Military Intelligence Unit, Lieutenant General Vilijaniira En Banalagengroot P Banalashid."

"Yes."

"Additionally, the pilot of the 'Shake Border,' Joharis Common Sagokiyō C Flaretanbo, will also come under Lieutenant General Vilijaniira's command. No issues with that, correct?"

"None at all."

That day, in a room aboard the 'Pumpkin Witch'—no, rather, the 'Shake Border'—the three of us: me, Memo, and Joharis, gathered together.

Before me, multiple documents were presented, and I signed my name on them.

But I'm writing down not just an everyday name, but a long, formal one.

"Please take care of me from now on. Mr. Joharis... no, Joharis."

"Likewise, Your Highness Vilijanira... or, Vee."

"Yes, please take care of me."

The reason for needing a formal name is simple.

This ship is rare even within the empire, and requires careful handling.

Specifically, this includes the ability to freely change the ship's hull color, the authority to alter its official name at will, high-level shields, a versatile duplicator capable of producing nearly anything given the materials and blueprints, various radar countermeasures, and more.

Should such capabilities ever be misused, the consequences would be severe, making it essential to always maintain clear accountability.

And because I fully understand this, I must be careful in how I proceed from now on.

Of course, I must avoid any worst-case scenarios, but more importantly, since I am in a position tasked with safeguarding the peace of the Imperial citizens, I must strictly adhere to Imperial law.

I will proceed with caution.

"Apologies for the rush, but could you please begin constructing the flight plan to the Neliannipotz system?"

"Can the date and time fields remain blank for now?"

"Yes, that’s perfectly fine."

"Then, I'll be on my way."

Joharis walks out of the room.

"Now, Your Highness. There's one more announcement."

"……"

Memo shows me a message with a serious expression.

"It's from the Imperial Family. As of this moment, the imperial succession rights of His Imperial Highness Virijanira En Banalagen Ruto P Banalashido have been elevated to 17th place."

"I respectfully accept this honor."

The message bears the crest of the Vanilla Royal Family, which governs the Vanilla Galactic Empire, indicating it is an official decree.

There is no option to refuse this decree.

It is an order from the Emperor.

So I accept the message, close the screen...

"Ah... I really don't need this..."

Sighing deeply, I slump face-down onto the desk.

I understand your feelings, Vee-sama. It's going to be a hassle to keep track of this memo... I wish I could pretend I never received it, even now.

"You say that, yet you don't do it."

"Indeed, I wouldn't. If I did, the memo would be destroyed along with the backup and spare body. That would be troublesome for you too, wouldn't it?"

"Troublesome indeed. So I won't say any more complaints."

The succession to the throne of the Vanilla Galactic Empire is entirely determined by the Emperor's appointment power.

The standard is meritocracy.

However, when we speak of merit here, it encompasses not only physical strength, but also administrative ability, decision-making skills, age, the strength of one's supporters, past achievements, and the trust earned from subordinates—every aspect related to the individual.

Then, when asked whether my abilities truly match the position of seventeenth in line for the throne—something that, by general standards, seems quite high... Well, they couldn't possibly match.

"It's probably because of Lady Vee's recent accomplishments. Particularly standing out is having the cosmic monster Satā as a subordinate, which sets her far apart from the other candidates in line for the throne."

"Yes, that's true."

Therefore, Your Majesty couldn't simply ignore Vee-sama's feelings and elevate her status without cause. After all, it's the first achievement since the founding of the Vanilla Galactic Empire.

I suppose that's right...

I understand the reason.

It's due to Satā's strength.

Satā's accomplishments, achieved under my command, are considered my own achievements.

It's something to be proud of—that I've handled the troubles meant for Satā, just as promised... But even so, being ranked seventeenth in line for the throne is far too high; truthfully, I'd rather not have it at all.

"If you dislike such a high rank so much, why not exile Lord Satā?"

"Absolutely not."

The words I spoke in response to her note came out surprisingly smoothly, even to myself.

"May I ask why?"

"...Satā is enjoyable to be around. Not in terms of combat ability, but in terms of everyday atmosphere."

"...I see. Then, Lady Vee has no choice but to do her best. There's certainly a possibility that others may try to interfere with the contract between Lady Vee and Satā from now on."

"I understand. That's why I'll give it my all when such situations arise, and I'll already have countermeasures prepared for those who might target us."

Please do your best, Master Vee.

But yes, indeed.

If Satu chooses to distance herself from me of her own will, that's one thing—but I absolutely cannot tolerate anyone else taking Satu away from me.

Therefore, I'll make sure to do whatever is necessary to stay by Satu's side.

For Satu's sake, and for mine as well.

"Then, Satu-sama, let us consider our actions in the Niliani Potts system together with Master Joharis."

"Alright. Let's do that."

Touching the hair ornament on my head, I left the room.

12/02 Revised draft