227: Arrival at Imperial Planet Vanilla City

'Landing complete.'

Normally, docking a spacecraft at the upper echelons of Imperial Planet Vanilla City requires going through a number of cumbersome procedures.

This is necessary for security reasons, but it's truly a hassle. In fact, several colonies orbiting Vanilla City have been specifically built and operated to handle these descent and landing formalities.

However, the 'Carnival Viper' was under the Imperial Military Intelligence Division, and its commander, Virijanila, was the Emperor's illegitimate child—well known for her numerous accomplishments.

Perhaps the Emperor himself had already spoken about this in advance.

As a result, the procedures were greatly simplified, and landing at the designated location of the Imperial Military base was granted with exceptional smoothness.

"From here on, you will follow the military escort. Please keep up with the notes."

Understood.

Now, the 'Carnival Viper' will undergo various replenishments and maintenance under the Imperial Military's care.

That said, I believe most of those procedures were already completed during the repairs at the Shibrasmith System, and the next time it will be used is when we leave the Vanilla Sid System... so for the time being, it'll likely be left largely untouched.

And so, after exiting the Memoxy, we board the imperial military vehicles prepared to welcome us.

First, for Dr. Mizeon, it's the House of Iseimitsuko.

"Remarkable structure... Is this layer entirely meant as a road, or a dedicated mobility layer?"

"This is what's known as the middle layer, the upper mobility sector. As Satā said, this layer is equipped with transportation infrastructure designed for high-speed horizontal movement."

The large vehicle we boarded descended from the airport down a slope, moving from the top layer to the very top of the middle layer.

And according to Vilijanira, this layer is called the Upper Transit Zone... Judging by what we can see from the main body, an unbelievable number of roads and overhead lines are spread out in every direction, with an equally staggering amount of vehicles and trams moving about.

The thick pillars occasionally visible seem to be areas where various pipes are bundled together for vertical movement—perhaps also gathering personnel and materials needed for maintenance and monitoring, depending on the situation.

After that, there are cases where vehicles lying sideways from our perspective are moving normally, suggesting that gravity control mods are also being utilized.

Regardless, merely establishing and operating such a large-scale, well-organized transportation network without issues is enough to demonstrate the empire's overwhelming power.

Incidentally,

as the term "upper transit sector" implies, there appear to be similar sectors located toward the lower part of the middle layer as well.

Both of these sectors are designed for movement, but the pathways are arranged to minimize overlap as much as possible. By efficiently using the two sectors, it seems one can reach any location within the middle layer of Tei-sei Vanilla City in a short amount of time.

"Movement in the vertical direction has changed."

"Yes. This area is close to the cluster of the upper layer's parliament and various government offices."

"The Iseimei Family, being a lineage of bureaucrats, likely chose this area for convenience in their work. It's what you'd call an upscale residential district, so the治安 should be quite good."

The scenery outside the car changes.

From a landscape dominated by roads, it transforms into a view of dozens—no, hundreds—of meticulously maintained mansions standing side by side.

Commercial establishments are almost nonexistent, and a quiet, serene atmosphere hangs in the air.

Just as Memoqui said, this is definitely a safe neighborhood.

"Smaller than Lord Flaretanbo's mansion, but still packed with luxurious homes."

"There are many subtle signs of craftsmanship in the repairs—hardly noticeable at first glance. Probably means these houses have stood for a long time."

Also, as soon as I entered this area, my main body was already evacuated outside the Imperial Star Vanilla Side.

There's no telling what the compensation would be if something precious, like a valuable mod, were accidentally damaged.

While I wouldn't hesitate when the situation demands it, it's best to avoid danger whenever possible.

"Arrived."

"Note."

"Yes, no mistake. This is the Isenmētsu Baron's residence."

We'd apparently reached our destination.

Keeping a watchful eye on our surroundings, we got out of the car.

"Is this really it? Hmm, doesn't seem like someone with bad taste, does it?"

From what we could see, the Isenmētsu Baron's residence appeared to be an ordinary mansion.

A well-tended front garden with just the right amount of care, leading to a high-quality white mansion that was neatly maintained.

There were no strange-shaped trees in the garden, no ferocious beasts glaring menacingly, no golden-looking statues, no groups of people moving together, no walls painted in vivid colors, no cannons protruding from the roof—nothing like that at all.

It was truly an ordinary mansion.

Incidentally, the mansions I mentioned earlier were only briefly glimpsed when viewing other sections from the main building, but they were all real.

It seems the culture really does differ from district to district.

We've been waiting for you, Lady Viridiana, Dr. Mizeon.

And then, a senior butler appeared, bowing respectfully toward us who were waiting in front of the mansion.

After a few exchanges between Vilijanira and Dr. Mizeon, the gate swung open, and we were invited into the mansion.

Where is Lord Iseimeetsu?

"We apologize. The master is currently occupied with work and is hurrying here as we speak. He had originally intended to wait at the mansion since morning, but an urgent matter came up."

"I see. It's understandable—government work must be quite demanding."

"That's true. While it's unavoidable, please rest assured. We will make sure to welcome you properly until the master returns."

And so we were led to a room in the mansion, a lounge-like space.

To begin with, the tea served was exceptionally high-quality and delicious.

03/21 Typo corrected