222: Why Dr. Mizeon?

"Mother and the current head are cousins, you say? That's undoubtedly a family relation... but..."

"Yeah. It's a rather distant one. And as you can tell from my name, I was raised as a commoner. To top it off, I've never set foot in the Vanilla Side system before. I've heard of it in passing throughout my life, but in practice, we've had no connection at all."

"I see."

There seems to be a blood connection between Dr. Mizeon and Lord Isei Meetsu.

However, if they've had no involvement in each other's lives up until now, one could say they're closer than strangers, yet nearly as unrelated as unrelated people.

"Still, the fact that Dr. Mizeon was specifically chosen... does that mean the Satā connection is still at play?"

"Probably. I can't think of any other reason why they'd specifically choose me. I know it's awkward to say, but there must be countless researchers more qualified than me. If there's nothing unique to me that could easily be transferred to someone else, then the only thing left is my long history with Satā."

"Which means... what are they after?"

"Well, there's no need to think about criminal tactics. They're reasonable enough to negotiate with—trying to force compliance through threats is beneath even third-rate methods, and hinting at retaliation is a second-rate approach. The fastest and most effective way is to offer compensation and gain their voluntary cooperation. I can't imagine a commander in the Empire's intelligence division who doesn't understand that."

Then, what's the reason for summoning Dr. Mizion using someone so nearly unrelated?

Well, judging by the conversation between Vilijanira and Dr. Mizion, it's probably something related to me.

I don't know everything about Dr. Mizion, so there might be something else, but...

"...Dr. Mizion, I'll escort you to Imperial Star Vanilashid, and I'll also provide assistance if anything goes wrong afterward."

"You're right. Logically, such a thing shouldn't happen, but even in political struggles, one can still get caught up in particularly pointless conflicts. If Princess Vilijanira can help, that would be a great relief."

"Shall we get started, then?"

"Right. Let's get started."

Vilijanira and Dr. Mizion pulled out their information terminals and began some operation.

Probably, they were exchanging messages through some kind of chat.

By limiting communication to short range and shielding the screen with your body, there's no way anyone outside could glimpse the information, even by accident.

If someone here could interfere with this exchange, it would only be Memokshi, the artificial intelligence, or Joharis, who likely has an information terminal hidden within their container.

Well, if there's something I need to know, I'm sure I'll be told later—no problem with that.

"Can't Dr. Mizeon step into the world of politics and bureaucracy as well?"

"Thank you for the compliment. But I'm not interested in that world, so I'll politely decline."

Something like a sharp, crackling sound seems to echo... No, not quite that.

It's as if, beneath the surface, there's a growing intensity...?

Hmm...

"By the way, Sata. I've got a question—why are the androids behind Dr. Mizeon dressed as maids?"

"Under the empire's laws, Syrilo Corporation mandates that androids complete five years of labor after manufacturing before gaining civilian status. But what good is that status if they have no work afterward? So, starting around their third year, they begin vocational training tailored to their abilities and personal preferences."

"So, they're aiming to become maids, then?"

"That's right."

I replied to Joharis, who had just spoken up.

Indeed, judging by their attire, there's no doubt they're interested in serving or maid work. But since they previously worked at Seiryō Corporation, we can reasonably assume they possess a certain level of skill, caution, dexterity, physical ability, combat proficiency, and academic aptitude.

"The discussion is settled."

"……"

And it seems the discussion between Vilegianira and Dr. Mizeon has reached a conclusion.

We straighten our spines, ready to hear Vilegianira's words.

"We will now escort Dr. Mizeon as we head toward Imperial Planet Vanilashid."

"……"

"Upon arrival at Imperial Planet Vanilashid, we won't be able to accompany him constantly, but we will do our best to stay with Dr. Mizeon whenever possible and ensure his safety."

Hmm, I see.

I wonder what kind of exchange took place?

Normally, I'd think Viridiana would be the one being guarded, not the one doing the guarding.

The reason is simple—something about the situation just feels off.

"Suspicious, you mean?"

When I listen to the circumstances surrounding Dr. Mizeon's request, it's clear that refusing the request isn't an option—yet something feels like it's about to happen, so we need someone ready to respond. At the same time, we must only hint at these circumstances, not reveal them outright. But the cause of such a situation remains invisible. So, there's no other way to describe it—something's suspicious."

Yeah, I knew that already, but it really does seem off.

"Is there anything else reacting besides the noise on the 'Hisonkyō'?"

"I don't know. It might be there, or it might not. Either way, it's highly likely that a situation requiring action by the intelligence unit has occurred."

The cause could be anything.

If the cause could be anything, then nothing would be surprising.

There's no room for complacency at all.

"That's precisely why we must remain vigilant. Something is definitely happening."

We nodded in unison.

Then, we decided to return to the 'Carnival Viper' with Dr. Mizeon and several androids dressed in maid uniforms.