193: Plant Specialty Store

"How's today looking?"

Adjusting the powered suit would now have to be done gradually, over several days.

It might require a few more direct meetings for fine-tuning... but hopefully, we'll have things figured out by the time the 'Carnival Viper' overhaul is complete.

The following day.

"No abnormalities found in the 'Strange Water Mirror'."

"There's no log or trace whatsoever."

First, check in the morning whether there are any signs of the cosmic monster Magatsuki's activity.

From the words of Meqoshi and Joharis, it seems the 'Strange Water Mirror' has shown no reaction whatsoever.

That means Magatsuki isn't taking any active steps.

"Where's Vee?"

"Same here. Nothing out of the ordinary has occurred within the Shibrasmiss system. There have been robberies and murders, but in each case, the perpetrators are apprehended immediately."

No reaction from Vilijania either.

Moreover, the fact that robberies and murders are happening as usual... well, that's just the nature of humanity, I suppose.

In the current empire, most incidents are resolved immediately, and most are not premeditated but rather impulsive in nature.

Without something as unique as Maeglinia, the empire's latest technology would easily trace any evidence, proving one's guilt instantly.

So intelligent people don't commit crimes in the first place, and even those with a bit of sense will make sure their actions draw in investigators, turning it into a coordinated effort—like the incident in the Nelianipotts system.

But even so, crimes still can't be eradicated... yeah, I suppose it's just human nature, nothing more.

That's why we'll be doing some sightseeing and surveillance today. So... shall we go buy some plants for Satā's greenhouse?

Understood.

Yes, sir.

Got it.

The main thing right now is that no incidents involving us have occurred yet.

With that in mind, after preparing for our outing, we head toward the botanical store in the Third Primeval Colony.

Welcome!

The plant specialty shop was located in a particularly safe area within the Third Primeval Colony.

Several security personnel stood in front of the store, and the surrounding area, while popular, was well-organized and orderly.

The shops around it seemed to carry mostly high-end and rare items.

So, why was a plant specialty shop located in such an upscale neighborhood?

Of course, there was a reason for that.

"Still, the air out here is much better than outside."

"Yeah, it feels like the oxygen is denser here."

"Reminds me of the crisp air in the Flaretanbo system."

"……"

What's being sold here isn't imitation—it's real, living plants.

And it's not just seeds that are easy to handle; many are already potted and ready to grow.

Plants in this condition naturally absorb large amounts of water, perform photosynthesis, and reduce carbon dioxide while increasing oxygen levels.

For small quantities—within the range typically manageable in a household, or common plants sold in such stores—there's no issue no matter how much photosynthesis occurs.

We simply need to adjust the amount of oxygen produced by the colony.

However, within the empire, there are plants that perform explosive photosynthesis, capable of handling oxygen production for small colonies on their own, as well as others with terrifying reproductive capabilities that can quickly cover a colony in a thick green mat if not handled properly.

If such plants were to go unchecked and spread throughout a colony... naturally, it would lead to nothing good.

That's why plant specialty shops exist—ensuring such plants don't enter the colony, while keeping records of who bought what.

And because such expertise and knowledge are required, the products themselves are expensive, which is why plant specialty shops are mostly located in high-end districts.

"Now then, what should we grow... First and foremost, it must be something edible or possessing medicinal properties."

"You're right. Since we're cultivating in Satā's greenhouse, ornamental or air-purifying plants should probably be excluded."

"If we can't expect large yields, then something effective even in small quantities would be preferable."

"In that case, perhaps spices? Personally, I think pepper or chili peppers would be good choices."

Anyway, enough of that.

So, what should we grow?

Some plant specialty stores sell hundreds or even thousands of different types of plants, ranging from ornamental to edible varieties.

The area we're in already includes plants that have bloomed, and many are potted, with a variety of specimens that appear to have grown to a certain extent.

On another floor, there are sections dedicated specifically to seeds, and in some cases, there are even specialized floors for aquatic plants.

Ah, there's even a floor dedicated specifically to selling data on how to grow plants, including for beginners.

No surprise, given that the entire multi-story building is devoted exclusively to plants.

"Yeah, I should reiterate—no matter how I grow them, I can't guarantee they'll survive. Just remember that."

"I understand. I'll have them inspected once the harvest is complete, right?"

As we walked through the store, examining the products, we discussed what to grow next, heading toward the seed-only floor.

Since we're cultivating in the Ether Space, it'd be much easier if there were plants known to be suitable for assessing potential problems or impacts... I wonder if such plants even exist?