247: Intelligence Unit Library

"A library... it's not a 'kan'—more like a building, right? This."

"Yes. From the base level of this section all the way up to the base level of the upper section, it's connected, so structurally it's a building. But due to its purpose, it's treated as a library."

We enter the library.

Naturally, we undergo another body check when entering or exiting, and our entry is recorded using an adult certification card.

Since surveillance cameras are installed throughout the facility, it should theoretically be possible to track exactly who accessed which documents and when.

And if that's possible... well, the information we six obtained is almost certainly going to be known by the relevant parties by now.

Even if he's a bastard, he's still part of the imperial family—along with the cosmic monster, the mechanical intelligence, and the Seiryō Corporation researcher. Though Joharis and Mai aren't particularly notable on their own, the four of us together, including me, are more than enough to draw attention.

"Whoa, there are actual paper books here...?"

"Unusual these days. I've never seen one before."

"Joharis-sama, Mai-sama. Here, we deliberately include certain information in printed form."

"I see. If the information exists only in paper form, then it can't be viewed without coming here, and it can't be stolen unless it's leaked. That's correct, isn't it?"

"Exactly, Mistress Mizeon."

Inside the library, in addition to dedicated information terminals that access electronic data collected in the upper-level server rooms, there are various types of information terminals available.

For example, a pad-style information terminal designed to prevent physical electronic interference with its internal data, yet capable of displaying only specific data.

A book made by binding plant-based paper, which surprised Joharis and Mai.

A scroll made from parchment, a type of paper crafted from animal skin.

A letter composed of thin wooden boards connected by string.

A stone tablet carved with characters on a large stone.

And so on.

"There's no information you can't find here," one might be tempted to say.

"Not quite, Sata. After all, this is merely the intelligence unit's library. Information not deemed worth keeping exclusive to the intelligence unit is sent elsewhere."

"That's right. Such information is typically forwarded to the library planet in the Winoregistry system."

"Is that so?"

"Yes. Conversely, confidential information is mostly available here."

It seems that the library houses classified information from across the empire's entire history and geography.

Hmm, some of these materials feel more like they belong in a museum than a library.

Though protected by mod-based safeguards, they're presumably sturdy enough to withstand casual handling... Still, the fact that they're kept here rather than in a museum suggests they're information that shouldn't be made public.

I'd rather not get too close or look at them casually—there's something about them that feels inappropriate to examine.

Incidentally, the Winorelge Lari system is said to be a star system located slightly away from the Vanilla Side system, and it's known for having a planet entirely composed of a library—the so-called Library Planet.

According to Virijanira and Mekoshi, the empire collects, records, and preserves original documents of general historical and geographical information from across time and space, while simultaneously compiling modern references on a system-wide scale.

Our intelligence unit's library and the Library Planet in the Winoregirari system are mutually complementary.

Therefore, information that can be safely released is sent to the Library Planet, while material that should not be disclosed is gathered here.

It seems the information we're looking for must be in one of them, and if it's not in either, then it's likely either a lie, new information, or something an individual has kept secret...

"Alright, then I'll have to split off from Mae for a bit. We're after different things."

"Indeed. But we also need to ensure no one is following us from our side..." Johalis.

"Got it."

"Right, I'm counting on you, Johalis."

And so, with the basic information about the library covered, our initial surprises and doubts were temporarily set aside.

With that settled, we would now fulfill the purpose for which we had come here.

Dr. Mizeon and the others were gathering information related to the source of the noise affecting the 'Aqua Mirror' set to be installed in the Vanilla Sid system, in an effort to determine how to eliminate the interference.

Still, the culprit somehow feels like Chirarizumu = Konpurukekusu or something similar—my intuition tells me it's quite likely... well, we'll probably end up investigating alien monsters or 'Vanilla OS' at some point.

"We're dealing with the Siltoririchi system, then."

"That's right. And Magatsuki too, of course."

Vilijianira will be looking into the Siltoririchi system and Funa-ka.

I think we're involved in quite a few cases tied to Funa-ka.

But just as there were rumors of a space monster-like entity among the Gigarok space pirates who attacked Seiryō Corporation, there are likely cases involving Funa-ka even where we ourselves aren't directly involved.

Gathering information on those cases is our first priority.

Ideally, we'd find something decisive—like their appearance or means of transportation—but if we had that, the Imperial Army would already be mobilizing全力.

The library seems to have not just a snack area, but even a place to nap. Let's take our time and investigate thoroughly.