231: Members of the Imperial Family

"Given today's events, I would now like to discuss three significant figures within the current Vanilla Universe Empire."

We had safely arrived at the Vanilla Genroot Viscount Family, the ancestral home of Vilijanila.

While Vilijanila spoke with her mother, I and Joharis received a briefing from Memoqsi regarding the Emperor and his inner circle.

In addition, since Memoqsi connected the video and audio feeds, Dr. Mizion and the maids also ended up receiving a lecture simultaneously.

"First, His Imperial Majesty. My name is Golyamaoukin En Banila P Banilashido, and though it's nearly an open secret, he is Vee-sama's father."

His Imperial Majesty... he has golden hair and eye color just like Vilijanila.

Apart from differences in gender and the depth of his involvement, it's obvious to anyone that Vilijanila shares a blood connection with him.

"As for the Emperor's stance, he's a moderate who steadily expands the empire at a steady pace while prioritizing domestic affairs. However, as you can see from certain actions he's taken, he isn't hesitant to resort to force when necessary. So those who've underestimated the Emperor have all ended up suffering dearly."

"Well, if it weren't for that, the Empire's governance wouldn't be possible, would it?"

"I suppose so. But I do feel grateful for the good life we're able to live thanks to it."

The Emperor's position remains unchanged.

He certainly doesn't tolerate blatant corruption or injustice, nor does he neglect maintaining order.

If truly necessary, he could make the difficult choice to abandon an entire star system. Personally, I believe he's exactly the kind of ruler befitting his position.

Incidentally,

His Majesty has two concubines in addition to his empress consort, and ten or so mistresses, including the mother of Viridianiara. He has two children with the empress, two with each concubine, and several more—counting Viridianiara—among the mistresses’ children. Including those deemed ineligible as legitimate offspring due to their abilities, there are said to be around a dozen children in total.

Truly a prolific family.

However, among them, it seems that only the children of the primary wife and a few of the concubines have realistic claims to the imperial succession—Vilijanira being about the only other exception.

Truly an ability-based system.

Still, even those without official succession rights or formal recognition as legitimate heirs receive proper support if they are acknowledged as one's own child, so outsiders probably shouldn't be making judgments.

"The imperial heir's full name is Heivikane Kara En Vanilla P. Vanilla Sid. As for policy direction, we aim to continue the path set by the current emperor. If one were to identify a difference... I would like to place slightly greater emphasis on the development and dissemination of new technologies."

Next, the imperial heir.

Visually, he appears to be a younger version of the emperor.

He seems to have a faint reddish tint in his hair, though just slightly.

Although he is the next emperor of the Vanilla Cosmos Empire, he shows no arrogance from his position, steadily building solid achievements and securing a firm standing.

If nothing unusual occurs, there should be no problem with him becoming the next emperor.

Incidentally, it seems he hasn't followed the Emperor's example in matters of romance—apparently, aside from his consort, the Crown Princess, he has only one secondary consort, introduced at her recommendation.

Also, it's said he already has one child.

"What about his relationship with Vee?"

"It's going well. We get along like siblings, and there are practical benefits too. So, at the very least, if it comes to choosing between someone who might incite the army and Lady Vee, they'd definitely pick Lady Vee."

"I see."

If their relationship with Villigianira isn't bad either... Hmm, then it seems there's no problem.

Or rather, isn't Vilijanila's reluctance to rise in the line of succession simply because she doesn't want to risk shaking the position of His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince?

"Finally, the second in line to the throne: His Royal Highness Prince Sinquubirimzo En Banara P. Banarashido."

I've heard about children from a concubine.

Finally, Prince Shinkubirimuzu.

Her hair is a reddish gold, and she has a handsome, well-proportioned appearance.

She seemed like an unappealing figure from Mebokushi's perspective, her introduction laced with sharp remarks, but when those edges were removed and the meaning was carefully considered...

The official stance was that she belonged to the hardline faction, advocating for stronger imperial and noble authority than currently held, increased surveillance over ordinary citizens, and a determined effort to eradicate crime.

In reality, their priority is clearly protecting the privileges of the elite class, ranking higher than the expansion of the empire itself.

Their relationship with Virijanira isn't exactly cordial.

That seems to be the case.

Well, I won't say it outright—it'd sound awkward—but essentially, they're enemies.

Still, as the second in line for the throne, they do possess solid practical capabilities.

So, according to the information Memoqsi has on hand, even if he were to inherit the throne, it seems no major issues would arise.

In terms of maintaining the empire, there's really no significant difference between them.

"Huh? So that's the guy who made such a foolish demand?"

"In fact, that's precisely what's troubling us. Even if pressured by supporting corporations and nobles, we don't think someone like him would make such a blunder..."

The absurd demand Joharis mentioned, of course, refers to the matter of Dr. Mizeon.

But upon reflection, that does make sense.

Considering the criteria for succession to the throne of the Vanilla Sid Empire, someone with extremely little capability wouldn't be granted inheritance rights, even if they were the child of the legitimate consort.

Hmm, perhaps there's something we just can't perceive from our own standpoint.

"We should stay on guard. There might be a weapon capable of brainwashing—Magatsuki—somewhere in the Vanilla Side system? Maybe that's what this is about."

"Yes, we should be cautious. Better to be prepared for anything."

Still, there's nothing we can do directly.

All we can really do is check whether there are any special entities like Magatsuki over there, and be ready to handle the situation if they are.

"With this, I conclude the lecture on the three individuals involved in the future of the Imperial Family."

Incidentally,

It seems the Emperor's father and grandfather—the former Emperor and the one before him—are still alive.

However, upon abdicating the throne, they have sworn not to involve themselves in politics except in the case of extreme emergencies, and now reportedly live a carefree life on a distant planet.

So, it seems unlikely they'll get involved with us in the future.