246: Intelligence Division Headquarters

"Then we shall proceed to the Intelligence Division's headquarters."

Two days after the tea gathering with Their Imperial Majesties.

After meeting up with Dr. Mizeon, we set out for the Intelligence Division's headquarters.

Additionally, Dr. Mizeon is accompanied by Mai Saitogoyashi, an artificial human created by Seiryō Corporation.

"What happened to Ker?"

"It seems something happened—Ker senior has been hired by the Iseimītsu Marquess family. That's why he's currently undergoing training with them."

"Something like that…"

"Anyway, it's not really my concern. You don't need to worry about it, Satā."

Among the five maids brought by Dr. Mizeon from Seiryō Corporation, Ker Saitogoyashi was the eldest and had always acted as the leader.

Yet at the same time, since Ker was nearing the end of her tenure at Seiryō Corporation, she should have been actively job hunting.

It was certainly a relief that Ker had found employment, and I didn't think there'd be any oddities if she joined the Isenmitsu Viscount's household... still, I couldn't help but feel there was something going on behind the scenes.

"For now, I'll send my congratulations as a senior."

"Thank you. I'll be sure to relay your congratulations to Senior Kell later."

Oh well.

It won't end badly, so there's no need to worry.

Besides,

"We'll soon be arriving at the entrance to the district housing the Intelligence Division's headquarters. There are no connecting roads or transit routes inside, so please proceed on foot from the entrance onward."

"Thank you."

Seems we've reached our destination.

So, after the car stopped at some parking spot, we got out in this order: me, Johalis, Memoksi, Vilijianira, Dr. Mizeon, and Mai.

"The intelligence division's headquarters isn't hidden, though it's heavily secured."

I scanned the surroundings using even my main eyes.

It seems the intelligence division's headquarters occupies an entire district in the middle class area.

What stands out is the extremely limited means of access to the interior.

As the chauffeur mentioned, there are no roads or tram lines connecting to the inside, and even elevators appear to be restricted in number.

It seems the circulation of water and air, as well as energy supply, are completely isolated from the outside, and communications via radio waves are also cut off by the mod.

Moreover, the wall separating the inside from the outside appears to be a single metallic plate.

Yet despite such rigorous security, the information terminal clearly states that this location is the Vanillan Universe Empire, and that the headquarters of the Imperial Military's intelligence unit is situated here.

One would normally expect such a place to be concealed... So why is it so openly stated?

"According to what I've read in the history of the intelligence unit, as the Empire grew larger, the intelligence force became too big to conceal. So, they shifted their strategy—openly displaying the location of the headquarters while strictly guarding and concealing the movement of people and supplies."

"I see."

It seems that if concealment is impossible, they decided to go public instead.

That's why, beyond the parking lot, there's a checkpoint-like area, and the parking lot itself has multiple entry and exit points, making it seem like they can easily disguise things.

When it comes to bringing in items, they seem to only allow a quantity that can be carried manually by people—truly strict indeed.

But then again...

"By the way, what about countermeasures against unusual intrusion methods like my teleportation?"

"Who knows? I've never bothered to think about it."

"Lord Sata. There's no need to worry. Surveillance cameras and security personnel are present inside, so we can handle most situations effectively. Given that there are no ordinary civilians inside and regular inspections are conducted, I believe the security here is among the best in the empire."

"I see."

So, according to Meikoshi, I'd be detected soon after breaking in—so it's safe enough.

But if the opponent is someone like that Chirarizumu = Konpurukekkusu... there's nothing I can do about it, really. It's unavoidable.

Yeah, I'll keep my guard up.

Even without that, not every member of the intelligence unit is necessarily friendly toward Virijanian and Dr. Mizeon.

"Madam Virijanian, Dr. Mizeon. We've heard your story, so please just undergo a minimal physical examination, and you'll be fine."

And so, we moved on to a checkpoint-like facility.

After undergoing a scan there—similar in nature to, or perhaps even higher in quality than, the one given in the guide colony—we were allowed to proceed into the sector.

"Due to security protocols, radio communication will only function within the sector, so please keep that in mind."

"Thank you."

And thus, we safely entered...

"This looks like an ordinary town."

"Looks like an ordinary town."

"This is just an ordinary town."

I, Joharisu, found that my impression perfectly matched Miya's—just an ordinary townscape spread out before us.

Yeah, really an ordinary townscape.

It feels a bit eclectic, as if various cultural influences are mixed together, but there's nothing particularly distinctive about it—just a typical, unremarkable townscape.

There are buildings, restaurants, small shops, and adults, children, and elderly people all walking around normally.

Wait a minute... Didn't Memoqsi just say earlier that regular civilians aren't supposed to be inside here?

"This place also serves as a training facility."

"Ahh, I see. Well, given that they're intelligence operatives, that makes sense. Still, it's surprising to see such open activity."

"I've heard that deeper-level training takes place at dedicated facilities, but the Memos don't know anything about those."

I see.

Training for intelligence operatives to infiltrate across the Empire.

Is this place also used as a venue for such activities?

Upon closer inspection, the 'Eniweatsu' unit that Joharis belonged to is also listed here... Yeah, that makes sense.

Indeed, if you're going to train, it's better to have an environment close to real operations, and to treat it as proper work.

That's efficient.

Wait a minute... but then what about the child I just saw...?

"Better yet, Satya. Let's head toward our destination."

"Right, that's true. But where exactly is it?"

"It's the place where intelligence gathered from across the Empire is compiled. The library."

Vilijanira pointed ahead, where a massive structure stood clearly visible even from this distance, reaching all the way up to the ceiling of the section.