147: Hiratrasugumi System

Today marks a three-chapter update.

This is the third chapter.

Once again, happy new year.

Thank you for your continued support.

"Hiratrasugumi System... Is Mōmōdak treated as a rare specimen?"

"Oh? A native of the Hiratrasugumi System?"

"Yes, something like that."

Having left the booth of Nnhohohopada System, I headed next to the booth of the Hiratrasugumi System.

The displayed item is a duck characterized by a black-and-white spotted pattern—specifically, a live Mōmōdakku. What's for sale are the meat, eggs, and other products of birds native to the Hiratrasugumi System.

"Yet it's treated as a rare item..."

"Of course it's rare—more precisely, a rare creature. The bird lays eggs packed with a milk-like nutrient, perfect for feeding hatchlings."

"Really... I'll take one pack of eggs, please."

"Thank you very much!"

Hmm, well, every star system probably has species that exist nowhere else.

If you think of Mōmōdakku as one of those, it's not really that strange.

So, I bought a pack of twelve eggs, then headed to the next booth.

Also, right now I'm pulling a carry bag to store what I've bought, but I'm transferring the items directly from this carry bag into the refrigerator aboard the 'Sexy MiAzuma' ship, so I don't have to struggle carrying my purchases.

"Fwafuro Saboru Cactus, huh?"

"Aren't they cute? They barely need any care to grow."

"Auto-Start Pistol for Reflex Training"

"A small difference at the start can make all the difference in the end."

"The latest manual for building the perfect body."

"A pride of our star system."

After that, I continued walking around the venue, approaching booths that caught my eye.

Every booth displayed items that fit the theme, with sales pitches and hand gestures never ceasing.

"Protein juice."

"Ah, strawberry flavor sounds good. I'll take it, even if I have to rely on mods."

"Nerve Build tablets."

"Oh, sorry. I just have a personality that doesn't respond well to that kind of thing."

The pinnacle of the empire, the ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation time is now in your hands—welcome the Rejep bedding set!

"Oh wow, the price is insane..."

I'd browse around like that, picking up something suitable as a souvenir for the Vilijanira group.

Things like root vegetables, leafy greens, sweets—those kinds of perishable items, you know.

Things that don’t fade away... I’m still not quite sure how much of that is actually safe.

"Hmm? Oh—there’s a booth with no staff around."

Seeing a booth without any employees, I approach it.

"Hmm, Morulyfregler system. I’ve never heard of that."

The name of the system is the Morulyfregler system.

After a quick search on the information terminal, it seemed this was a star system where terraforming of a planet scheduled for colonization had just been completed, and settlement had only recently begun.

In other words, it appeared to be a system where even the unknown dangers or secrets still lying dormant were completely unclear.

"Hmm? If that's the case, wouldn't this booth be exactly the kind that should attract attention...?"

"It seems they only managed to set up the booth at the last minute, so they've barely been able to report anything beyond the current status. So, people who just happen to pass by might glance at it, but that's about it—probably only those interested in donating or investing for development purposes."

"I see. Oh, thanks for the explanation."

"No, no— I just noticed you seemed curious."

Suddenly, I realized someone was standing beside me.

The person with sky-blue hair and violet eyes was dressed in something that hovered right on the edge—whether it was too revealing or too modest, and whether it violated imperial law or not, it was hard to say.

"Anyway, may I ask which way you're headed?"

"Just a passing old man. Now then, what's the current situation in the Morlyfregler system?"

Though he called himself an old man, he looked like a young man in his early twenties... or maybe there was something vaguely feminine about him, though overall he definitely appeared male.

And the atmosphere around him felt, well, generally relaxed.

He was truly an odd person, I couldn't help but think.

Seeing that the self-proclaimed older man was heading toward the booth, I followed suit.

"Welcome! Though to be honest, the only thing I have for sale here is this incense. Even that, though, is still in the early stages of research."

The shopkeeper from the Morulyfregler system... well, there's something servile about them.

I suppose if you have nothing to sell and haven't even figured out your selling point yet, showing up in a place like this might naturally lead to such an attitude.

"Hmm. Looks like there are all sorts of new species of plants and animals here."

As for the Morulyfregler system itself... it really seems the terraforming was only just completed.

There are photos of such newly discovered plants and animals, and images of unusual minerals seemingly affected by the Sw and terraforming, but that’s all.

Even ecological studies of the flora and fauna haven’t begun yet, let alone analysis of edible parts or taste.

As for the minerals, their properties haven’t been fully investigated either.

I see… there’s simply no way this is ready for display at a judging event.

"This is the plant that was brought in—said to be the most abundant near the settlement site, with distinctive characteristics and a unique scent. It's called Hekyomoryu, and it's a flowering plant."

Even so, I take a look at the product.

The Hekyomoryu plant grows from a bulb resembling an onion, bearing flowers in white and yellow, emitting a crisp, refreshing fragrance... though the scent is one I've never smelled before.

Hmm...

It's confirmed that it lacks strong toxicity and has minor medicinal effects on the digestive system.

However, it's unsuitable for consumption due to its low nutritional value.

The perfume made from the flowers is crisp and refreshing.

While the bulb can also be crushed to make perfume, it emits a distinctive odor that's quite difficult to remove.

"Hey, you. Since we're here, why don't we try roasting and eating the bulb together?"

"Wha...? Ehh...?"

For some reason, a self-proclaimed old man suddenly calls out to me here.

He holds two plants of hekkyo moryu with bulbs, though it's unclear where he pulled them from, and already has a smell-proof mod and a shichirin grill set up.

Wait, shouldn't lighting fires outside designated areas be strictly prohibited within the colony...? Isn't this self-proclaimed old man a bit too free-spirited?

"Are you sure this is okay?"

"We managed to secure permission from the judging committee officials... In addition, we've received substantial funding for the Morufregler System from that gentleman, so if it causes no inconvenience to our guests, we'd be grateful if you'd accompany us..."

The people from the Morufregler System are looking at him with distant, bewildered expressions.

Just who is this guy?

That self-proclaimed old man.

"Well, there's no problem, so I'll go along with it."

"Thank you so much. Truly, thank you so much."

Hmm, I have no idea how this came to be. It makes absolutely no sense.

I don’t understand it, but if I can get free food, I’ll at least go along for that much.

With that thought, I approached the self-proclaimed older man placing the vertically split hekkyumoryu onto the hibachi.