210: Post-Adjustment ※
This chapter is told from Vee's perspective.
"Then, is this arrangement for sharing the results acceptable?"
"No objections."
"Noted."
"Let's agree."
"No disagreement."
While Satu was undergoing questioning,
I was also participating in the discussion.
The current issue is determining, regarding this incident, where our contributions end and where those of the Shibrassmis Stellar Empire's military or the Security Maintenance Organization begin.
That said, there was hardly any disagreement.
For my part, I was content as long as we received credit for the portions only we could have accomplished.
In truth, I stepped back because I feared claiming more would only invite unnecessary disputes.
"As for the next agenda item, it concerns how much of this matter we should disclose."
"To be honest, I'd rather not make it public. The incident with Magatsuki alone wouldn't be that bad, but the details about the individual colony are simply too shocking."
"Even just hearing about that incident made us frown in disbelief... Imagine the reaction if the public found out..."
Even if we use it to suppress the actions of the oppressive faction, the shock value is too great... It's far too horrific. But keeping it hidden isn't without its own problems either...
Now, on to the next agenda item... I shouldn't be the one to speak on this matter.
This concerns events within the Sibra Smith system—those outside it have no right to interfere.
"Shall we make it visible only to those who wish to see?"
"That would be safest. Still, let's set a few safeguards in place. It's not wise to reveal everything indiscriminately."
"Indeed. The thought of a minor stumbling upon it makes it impossible to show, even if only by accident."
So, as I stay silent, things naturally settle toward a safe course.
In truth, hiding it would draw criticism, and making it public would draw criticism too.
In that case, it would probably be safest to leave it accessible to anyone who wishes to investigate.
Moreover, setting aside that matter, the fact that that individual colony was left unattended was undoubtedly a failure by the local authorities, and as a lesson, it was decided that all senior officials would later be required to read about it.
‘Now, as for the rest… how should we handle Suumerē?’
‘As for humans turning into space monsters… was there a similar case among the Flaretanbo star system, perhaps with a person named Maegurinia?’
'It's also known that five other Magatsuki units were produced besides this one. We should consider the possibility of similar incidents occurring.'
'I don't think we need to reveal everything. If people start believing that merely holding a Magatsuki grants the power to become a cosmic monster, the resulting damage could be catastrophic.'
You're absolutely right, Lady Virijanila. Even if we see a Magatsuki, we must never touch it. To do so would result in our bodies being taken over. We shouldn't reveal any more information about it to the public.
That much is true about the Magatsuki. But what about this individual, Suumerē?
How about that...?
Let me just cut to the conclusion.
As for Suumerē... it was declared that she had died by the time the Magatsuki ran rampant within her personal colony.
Fortunately, neither Suumerē nor Shū Suumerē at the time of seizing the Magatsuki bore their original faces, so no records remained in cameras or other devices.
Should her family ever come to realize the truth, she will be prepared to reveal it. But conversely, if they never discover it, she will remain as she is now.
The morality of Sumuree's self-pledge to seek revenge against humanity, transforming into a cosmic monster, and causing her family to suffer the loss of their daughter twice over.
Due to these factors, information surrounding Sumuree was kept confidential, and only a limited number of humans were allowed to learn the truth.
『——…』
『——…』
The discussion continued with finer details… and then ended.
The conference screen, utilizing faster-than-light communication, shuts down.
"Thank you for your efforts, Lady Vee."
You did great, Lady Vee.
Thank you, Memo, Joharis.
Well then, the meeting has concluded.
Sata… still seems to be taking some time.
Thanks to Memo, the Sata-perspective data from the powered suit should have already been transmitted over there. But regardless, Sata's testimony is also necessary, so this is unavoidable.
"However, Lady Vee…"
"Yes? What is it, Memo?"
No, it looks like the issue of imperial succession is coming up again.
Please don't say it. I was trying my best to ignore it.
I'm sorry, but that's the truth.
The order of succession to the throne is elevated.
I can't think of a more problematic topic than this.
"Yeah, something like 'if the inheritance order gets too high, it'll cause trouble,' right?"
That's just the type they are. Especially since we're heading to Teisei Vanilla Sid now, if someone's on top there, it's only natural that those kinds of people would start stirring things up...
Something like getting caught in a spill, huh... Yeah, that's definitely annoying...
Let's just say it's acceptable for those whose inheritance rank has dropped due to my rise in rank to bear resentment toward me.
It's appropriate, even.
Perhaps there are some among them who, like me, would have preferred to see their status lowered.
But as for those who come crawling to me just to get a bit of my favor... I truly don't want anything to do with them.
Even if they brought some benefit, that'd be one thing, but many of them bring nothing but harm instead.
"But you can't just avoid going toward Imperial Star Vanilla Sid, can you?"
"Yes, we have no choice but to proceed. There is no alternative—whether to deliver the news about the Siltrilich System to His Majesty the Emperor, or to obtain information from the Siltrilich System."
"Then let us plan our precautions before we go. It would be best if we could avoid any trouble."
Now, if the imperial succession order were truly to rise... what should we do?
We must think through our strategy.
03/04 Correction of typo