234: What is the prince aiming for?

"Then, could you please explain the situation? Memoqsi."

"I'm asking as well. Memo."

"Understood."

After the interrogation ended, I returned to the Vanillagenroot Viscount's residence.

And it seemed that Vilijaniura and the others had finished preparing for tomorrow's tea party, as they had come back.

With that, I left Joaharis, looking exhausted, and decided to ask Mequxi about what had happened to me today.

"First, who's the leader of those people?"

"Prince Synkubilimzo. That said, there are many layers between him and the actual operations, and some individuals are distorting orders—both intentionally and under false pretenses. So, our investigation won't reach the prince himself."

"I see."

As for the main figure, there's really nothing else to say.

But he's taken sufficient precautions to ensure he won't be touched directly.

Well, if I may say so, this incident is essentially just a matter of certain nobles' agents being overbearing toward commoners, only to be caught and apprehended in turn.

As Mékoxi has reached, it might be possible to trace the trail all the way to Prince Shinkubirimzo with proper investigation and concrete evidence, but even if we do, it's hard to imagine such a discovery would have much impact.

Yeah, probably best not to worry about the mastermind.

"Would it be fair to say the goal is just a mock reconnaissance operation?"

"Yes, that seems correct. Though it is admittedly a rather clumsy endeavor."

Well, to put it mildly, he's just a disposable pawn. I wasn't even sure if I had the right information about Villigianira at this point.

The real purpose of these people is just a clumsy imitation of power reconnaissance.

Perhaps they're trying to figure out what kind of person I am.

Basically.

That's right. They're also expendable. We're making steady progress with our inquiries into their circumstances...

What about above them?

The ones who tried to attack me were, at the very least, people serving noble families.

That means there must be an order-giver, and thus some motive behind that order.

Naturally, the police are investigating that aspect as well...

"Mainly, the reasons seem to be information gathering, seeking personal gain, or harassment out of jealousy. It appears the prince deliberately leaked partial information."

"I see. So the prince's goal isn't just gathering information about Sata, but also selecting subordinates capable of making sound judgments based on that information."

"That's likely the case. Even if something happens to Sata, it won't hurt the prince personally. Since they're already in opposition to Sata, there's no real consequence. So, they're simply using the situation to their advantage."

"I see... Nobles are truly frightening."

It seems they're using me to sort out who's useful family and who isn't.

No mercy, or rather... I don't know how to put it.

Anyway, as long as they don't cause trouble at the shop, I suppose I can tolerate them.

Just that one point— I've come to hate Prince Shinquubirim, no, I already do.

"And what about the guy with that bomb equipped with the shield-piercing mod?"

"He's a member of the Hibo Ga Bō baronial family. We're currently interrogating him under strict security, having isolated him from the others."

"Of course, since his charges are different from the others."

The shield-piercing mod cannot be handled without prior authorization, and even with authorization, its use is prohibited except in specific locations or situations.

In other words, bringing it to that location alone constitutes a criminal act.

Moreover, if it's attached to a bomb... If it explodes without my intervention, the consequences will undoubtedly be severe.

"Furthermore, the Hibouga Boa noble family in the Imperial Star Vanilla Sid has already come under investigation. Given their less-than-reputable history, it's likely we'll find something if we look closely."

"I see."

"It's a positive development if families harmful to the Empire are brought down."

Indeed, it's fitting to call this the Imperial Star, Vanilla Sid.

The police are acting swiftly as well.

"Speaking of which, there were other noble house members present at that scene—what about them?"

"I don't think even the prince would consider hiding such information. Rumors are circulating that details from those present at the scene have reached their employers, who in turn passed them on to higher-ups. The reports vary—some are accurate, others are utterly disgraceful."

"So, another round of筛选 is taking place there, is that right?"

"Looks like it."

Hmm, packing so many meanings into a single statement.

Really, nobles are scary.

Or rather, judging by the way the memo was phrased, could it be that the Crown Prince, or other imperial heirs, or even high-ranking nobles, sent their own people to that location to gather intel on me?

I'm starting to feel seriously uneasy now...

"Vee. I didn't make a mistake in how I handled things, did I?"

"You didn't make a mistake. No appointment, aggressive behavior, causing trouble at the shop... Even without mentioning the bomb incident, they were rude and confrontational. So, even if it's a positive point that you subdued them without injury in an instant, it couldn't possibly be a negative one."

"No, what I'm worried about is whether it's causing you trouble, Vee."

"There's definitely no issue on your end. Considering my position and role, it might have been more problematic if I hadn't acted at all."

"I see, then that's good."

Hmm, if there's no problem, then it's fine.

"Anyway, Sat. Should we talk about tomorrow's plans now?"

"Uh? Got it."

That's all we need to discuss on this matter.

After that, I, Vilijanira, and Memokshi discussed the tea gathering scheduled for tomorrow.