117: Vanilla Press Corporation

"Is this the place?"

"That's correct, Master Satu. This is the headquarters of Vanilla Press Corporation's Nerialni Potts star system branch."

The next day.

We moved around inside the colony.

Just in case—though it was unlikely—I had left 'Sexy MiAzuma' early, anticipating possible unexpected issues, but everything went smoothly, and I arrived at the Nerialni Potts star system branch office of 'Vanilla Press' about two hours ahead of schedule.

"That's too early. Shall we kill some time at that café over there?"

"Sounds good."

"Understood."

"Got it!"

We entered the café following Vilijaniira's instructions, and decided to pass the time by casually enjoying light snacks and non-caffeinated tea.

As we waited, I began to recall information about 'Vanilla Press'.

Vanilla Press is a major media corporation headquartered on Imperial Star Vanilla Sid, with branches throughout the entire imperial star system.

A publication outlet where Virijianira regularly publishes her articles, and also one of the front companies for the Imperial Military Intelligence Corps.

As one might expect from a front company of the intelligence corps, the reporting content is fundamentally pro-Imperial family and pro-nobility, and it would not be an exaggeration to say that the company plays a significant role in shaping public opinion among the Imperial nobility.

That said, they don't tolerate corruption, report on incidents without shielding those involved, and clearly declare their stance on the side they support... so personally, I consider them within the realm of neutrality and fairness.

Ironically, nobles who are harshly criticized by 'Vanilla Press' must have truly done something beyond repair.

"... I just wanted to mention, this discussion today is likely to be rather unpleasant to listen to. But please try not to show it on your face."

"... Got it. Maybe I should just cut my facial muscles' passive control entirely."

"Yes, that sounds like a good idea."

"Man, now I'm suddenly not so jealous of you anymore..."

Now, the place we're heading to is the headquarters building overseeing branch offices, subsidiaries, and offices scattered across the Nierianipotts system.

We'll be meeting someone in a fairly high position—certainly not an ordinary employee who knows nothing, but someone who also carries the covert operations unit's identity.

Such people should, by the Empire's standards, be reasonably competent. And yet, if meeting them turns out to be unpleasant... that must be what it means.

Well, if I just keep the puppet's facial muscles unconnected to emotions, I can easily maintain a poker face. I'll just half-listen and quietly work on my report in the background.

"Then let's go."

Movement begins.

Exiting the café, we enter the headquarters building normally, announce our appointment, and are led to the designated room.

The room has a hidden passage, which leads further inward.

What awaited us was...

"I've been waiting. Vilijanira-kun."

"Apologies for keeping you waiting."

This was a private chamber completely isolated from the outside world.

From what I could see, radio waves were entirely blocked, and power and air conditioning systems were fully independent, operating solely within the room.

Of course, there were no windows, but the entrances... there were probably around five of them.

The furnishings consisted only of a minimal desk, a chair, and video equipment.

It seems additional counter-surveillance measures have also been implemented through other mods.

Yeah, you could practically call this room completely secure against espionage.

And inside such a room was a human man in his thirties, apparently.

He seemed to be someone of considerable standing within the intelligence unit of the Niliani Potz system.

"There's no problem with the timing. It's as scheduled. But unlike you, I don't have time. So I'll get straight to the point."

"I understand."

That said... I personally don't find this person very appealing.

Not because he's a villain.

It's more like being around him is exhausting, or not enjoyable—something like that.

Yeah, good thing I already disconnected my facial muscles in advance.

To summarize briefly the message delivered to Viridianiara:

・The intelligence unit in the Niliyanipots system is highly capable, so Viridianiara's assistance is unnecessary.

・We'd rather not have Viridianiara recklessly moving around and either increasing our workload or ruining our operations.

・Therefore, please specify your intended destination, and refrain from going anywhere outside of what we've approved.

・Don't interfere with my career advancement.

Maybe this place, then.

Hmm, I don't really sense any room to breathe here.

It's fine that you're ambitious and clearly capable in practice.

It's also undeniable that you don't seem to have any intention of betraying your teammates through jealousy, sabotage, or fabrication.

Still, personally, I just don't see why you're so eager—really.

"Please direct all future correspondence to this address. Well then, I'll take my leave."

"Thank you for your hard work."

With that, the man left after saying his piece.

His name?

Well, he did introduce himself, but I wasn't paying attention, so I don't remember.

Anyway, it's enough to know he's someone from the Nelianipotts branch headquarters.

"Then, memo, sata, joharis. Shall we head back?"

"Understood. Master Vee."

"Got it."

"Got it, got it!"

Incidentally, the mecha that Joharis usually rides is here with us, but it's Memokushi operating it.

So where is Joharis himself?

Joharis is a slime.

Therefore, using a route unique to slimes, he's currently on a separate mission.

Why would he do something like this?

…….

There are suspicions that a member of a criminal organization has infiltrated the intelligence unit in the Niliani Potts system.

A person who isn't incompetent, nor particularly capable—easy to predict in their actions. That's the kind of person the representative from 'Vanilla Press' is.