221: Going to pick up Dr. Mizeon

"Satu. How long will it take to open the gate to Seiryō Corporation?"

"Given the distance, it'll probably take around ten to fifteen minutes."

"Still remarkably impressive."

"I agree, Lord Johalis."

As Virijanira and the others moved into the greenhouse, the main body began moving through the Ether Space.

Even though the coordinates were known, the distance between the Vanilla Sid system and the region where Seiryō Corporation was located was generally considered immense.

It's no wonder the imperial army would be curious about just how powerful my teleportation ability truly is, given that it can cover that distance in just a dozen minutes or so.

"Ah, we've arrived."

For the time being, I'll casually chat and check the greenhouse for a few minutes, and the main body safely reaches its destination.

Forming the gate.

"Alright, there's a protocol on the other side—something like countermeasures against transference, or procedures for dealing with those who've arrived via transfer. Just wait a moment."

"Understood."

Then, I alone pass through the gate, moving to a private room located inside Seiryō Corporation's premises.

『Ahem, message to the transference recipient: Please state your name and purpose, if you would.』

I hear the voice immediately.

Then, I respond.

Sata Common Sateks L Seiryō speaking. I've come here to fulfill my request—to bring Dr. Mizeon from the Vanilla Side system to the Imperial Planet Vanilla Side. Additionally, due to circumstances on their end, there are three companions accompanying me.

『Companions... Please have them come out as well, and state their names.』

Understood.

I announce my name and state my purpose.

One by one, following me, Memokushi, Viridianiara, and Johalis stepped forward and announced their names.

But that wasn’t all.

"Excuse me, but before we take Dr. Mizeon to the Vanilla Sid system, I have a few matters I’d like to confirm. Could you please arrange a meeting space for us?"

"Understood. Just wait a moment—I’m having tea, a table, and chairs prepared on the other side of that door right away."

It seems Viridiani has something she wants to ask Dr. Mizeon.

After waiting a few minutes,

the door to the room opened, revealing all the necessary preparations in place for conversation, along with Dr. Mizeon and several androids standing there.

The androids—judging by their maid-like uniforms—were probably trained specifically in serving duties.

Nice to meet you, Princess Vilijanira. I am a member of the Seiryō Corporation's Artificial Human Manufacturing Division, Education Department. My name is Mizion Common Avalokita C. Ikazunoroot.

It's a pleasure to meet you again, Dr. Mizion. I am Vilijanira En Banilagenroot P. Banilashid, of the Imperial Military Intelligence Unit.

Dr. Mizion introduces himself, and Vilijanira repeats his name, both taking their seats.

Behind Dr. Mizion stand the artificial humans, and we line up behind Vilijanira.

While maintaining a certain level of alertness, the atmosphere remains generally light.

After all, there's a connection through me, and Vilijanira is aware of Seiryō Corporation's reputation, so there's no real reason to feel tense.

"Dr. Mizeon. I apologize for the urgency, but I have a few things I'd like to confirm."

"Of course, please go ahead. There may be some things I can't discuss due to company policy, but I'll share whatever I can."

Meanwhile, as Vilijanira speaks, I, the greenhouse supervisor, come from the greenhouse and hand over reports and documents to the android in a suit sent by Seiryō Corporation.

It wouldn't be worth setting aside individual time for this.

"First, then. What request did Dr. Mizeon receive from the Empire? We don't even know why we were ordered to bring Dr. Mizeon here."

"Hmm. In simple terms, it was just a work assignment from Seiryō Corporation."

Dr. Mizeon shows some documents.

"The request involves adjusting the 'Anisui Mirror' installed at Teisei Vanilla Sid. While I'll avoid technical details, it seems there are persistent noise and bugs that local staff simply can't handle."

"Noise and bugs..."

I glance sideways at Memoqui.

So that's what Memoqui sensed—something unusual.

"Forgive me for asking, but can Doctor Mizeon manage to resolve this?"

"Who knows? Honestly, I can't say."

"Unsure?"

I'm involved with Satā, so I've also been working on the development and refinement of the 'Hisonkyō.' That means I know more than researchers who have no direct involvement. I've reviewed the noise data too—I believe we can handle the usual issues. Still, my true expertise lies in educating artificial humans. If you're asking whether I can deal with problems that even the top-tier technicians stationed at Teisei Vanilla Sid can't handle... well, I can't give you a definite answer.

Ah, I can understand Dr. Mizeon's words.

Indeed, Imperial Star Vanilla Sid does have technicians on par with those at Seiryō Corporation... or rather, when it comes to installation and maintenance, they're likely even better than Seiryō's personnel.

Given that even those experts can't handle it... well, it's certainly not guaranteed that I can.

"Shall I bring out even more exceptional researchers, then?"

"Of course I thought that. Seiryō Corporation thought the same. But the request specifically named me—I can't be replaced by anyone else. Isn't that awfully suspicious?"

"Not just suspicious, I'd say it's past that point already."

"I agree completely."

Still, it seems they really wanted Dr. Mizeon.

It was so blatantly suspicious that both Jōharis and I couldn't help but make a sarcastic remark.

It reeks too obviously—so much that they don't even seem to care about hiding it anymore.

"The thing is, they're paying well, it's a legitimate request, there are no suspicious aspects to the task itself, and the safety guarantor appears to be a relative by blood, so they've entrusted Satā with securing safety along the journey. Plus, they've guaranteed that refusing is certainly an option, and even if we can't resolve the issue, there won't be any trouble or disputes. Given all this, Seiryō Corporation can't exactly turn them down... which is why I'm sitting here right now."

"……"

Hmm, I'd almost rather refuse this request now, it's so thoroughly arranged.

It's so meticulously arranged that it's almost frightening.

"Is the guarantor of safety, Lord Iseimētsu, the viscount?"

"Yes, that's correct. My mother and the current head of the family are said to be cousins."

Even so, if I'm going to accept this request, I should gather as much information as possible beforehand.

Deciding on that course, it seems Vilijanira chose to continue speaking.