236: Meeting with the Emperor

"Just to be certain, I'll conduct a check, Lady Virijianira."

"Yes, thank you for your diligence."

We entered the massive column-like section beneath the imperial palace after undergoing strict security checks.

Then, we ascended by transferring between several elevators, as if deliberately designed not to be connected in a single line.

"Madam Vilijanira, and to your companions as well. From this point onward, you are officially within the Imperial City's boundaries, so please be mindful."

"Understood."

The atmosphere shifted.

Though the previous sections had already been well-maintained, this area felt like it had risen by one level in quality and distinction.

Probably it's because the quality of the materials used for the floor and walls, the quality of the carpet laid on the floor, the craftsmanship of the paintings and vases with flowers displayed, and the thoroughness of their maintenance and cleaning have all improved.

Honestly, not a single speck of dust or stain in sight—creepy.

"Uh, I can't help but hesitate about stepping in barefoot..."

"Yeah. Honestly, it's kind of scary."

"There's no need to worry so much. If you just follow the common standards of the Empire, there won't be many people around to criticize you."

"I agree with Lady Vee. You should be mindful, but there's no need to fear."

"True enough. People who are overly concerned with manners probably wouldn't be allowed in here anyway."

Viljaniela, Mekoshi, and Dr. Mizeon seem unfazed, but Johalis and I are genuinely terrified.

I can't help but worry they might do something reckless—this petty, commoner's fear just won't go away.

Hmm, maybe I should just float a little off the ground using a gravity control mod...

"Satu. Don't use mods. You'll just cause trouble if they detect it."

"Yes."

Before I could even finish thinking it, Viljaniela had seen through me and shot me down.

There was nothing I could do, so I walked ahead of Viljaniela.

"We've arrived. This is the venue for today's tea gathering."

"Thank you."

We continued walking through the imperial grounds for a while.

Eventually, we arrived at a greenhouse capable of directly harnessing sunlight from the top-tier tier of the palace.

We moved deeper into the greenhouse, passing by plants likely native to the underlayers of Imperial Star Vanilla Sid, until we reached a space equipped with a moderately sized table and several seats.

"Here we are, Vee."

"Thank you for having me today, Mother Nei."

Only one person is here now—Mother Nei Bili Lin of Viridiana, along with the serving staff and guards.

Since the other members are of royal blood, they probably won't appear until after us, so they must be timing their arrival carefully.

"Ah, let's chat a bit... No, it seems we don't have the luxury of time. Honestly..."

"..."

Just as I was thinking that, several shadows approached from ahead.

At the front was the man I'd seen in Memokshi's documents—none other than the Emperor himself.

He was clearly smiling.

Behind him were a woman whom I presumed to be the Empress and the Crown Prince, both wearing expressions that mixed mild astonishment.

Then there were the attendants, among whom was a woman of mechanical intelligence. The moment she appeared, Memokshi’s eyes twitched slightly—perhaps she was the Mother, or even the Great Mother.

Regardless of the reason, it seemed that everyone present here was considered family—everyone except Virijanira, who made no attempt to conceal their emotions.

As for Virijanira herself... she wore a smile so expressionless it might as well have been a mask.

Honestly, it was frightening.

"I've been waiting, Vee. I hear you have a report for me. Let me hear it."

"Thank you for having me here today, Your Majesty. Now, if you'll allow me, I'd like to discuss the suspicions regarding the Siltrilich System."

"Vee."

"...Yes, Your Majesty?"

"You can call me Dad. This is private, and there's no risk of anything leaking to the outside."

"Since there are no issues, I'll continue. 'Your Majesty.'"

That Vilijanira-san? His Majesty is clearly showing a disappointed expression—should we proceed like this?

That Memokushi-san? Vilijanira has already begun explaining—should we not stop her?

Dr. Mizeon? Why do you look so satisfied, as if everything has finally made sense?

Um... well... um... ah...

"……"

Oh, I caught the prince's eye.

My gaze swept from the emperor to Villigianira, then slightly shifted.

Though it might be terribly impolite, I couldn't help but feel a strange sense of sympathy toward the meaning behind that glance.

You know, like, "We're both in a tough spot," kind of feeling.

Hmm, I'll look into the relationship between the emperor and Villigianira later—maybe ask Villigianira herself, or someone else.

For some reason, it almost seems like Villigianira is holding a grudge against the other side all on her own.

"Those are my findings. Your Majesty, while I recognize this is a difficult matter, I believe we should take some action regarding the Siltrilichii star system."

As I was pondering these thoughts, Villigianira concluded her report on the mysterious force lurking within the Siltrilichii star system—the entity responsible for creating the cosmic monster and causing harm throughout the empire.