253: What is a Marriage-Seeking Dance Party

"First, I'd like to explain what a marriage-seeking dance party is to you, Satā-sama."

Upon returning to the Vanillagenroot Viscount's residence, Me-mokushi began explaining the marriage-seeking dance party.

"A marriage-seeking dance party is an event held in designated areas across the Empire of Star Vanilla City. To participate, one must be unmarried, possess adult certification, and desire engagement or marriage."

"Hmm, I see."

"Really? Such an event exists? That sounds quite a hassle."

There isn't anyone who has an opposite-sex childhood friend, a close schoolmate with whom they've grown particularly close, or a colleague with whom they've built a bond— and even if there were, such relationships wouldn't necessarily make them suitable marriage partners. Events like this are necessary for the maintenance and development of the Empire.

As for the purpose of the marriage-seeking ball, it seems to be exactly what its name suggests.

Hmm, at this point, I'm not just slightly unsure— I'm really torn about whether I should even be showing up here.

I'm gender-neutral, and to begin with, I'm a cosmic monster.

Still, I can understand what Vilegianira is trying to achieve.

"Maybe if Vee and I both attend together, people will just assume we're engaged, and that'll reduce the number of intrusive emails about romantic relationships?"

"You're absolutely right, Master Sata. Moreover, I should mention that those who still send such messages at this stage are already perceived by others as the type of person they are, thus becoming shunned by sensible individuals. In essence, it serves as a single strike that combines both retaliation and defense."

"I see."

Yeah, I suppose this could actually reduce the number of certain emails I receive.

However, there are drawbacks to this method.

"Um, Vee. If we go with this approach..."

"I'm fine with it, so it's just up to Satu to accept it."

"……"

I was concerned that this might tarnish Vilegianira's reputation or dignity, or cause other issues—but apparently, Vilegianira sees no problem with it at all.

But even though Vilegianira is a child of the lower rank, she is still part of the imperial family, so it's not right for her to decide marriage on her own... No, actually, I think the Emperor mentioned during the tea gathering a few days ago that he'd leave matters concerning this to Vilegianira herself, the Empress, and her mother.

Given how the Emperor acted back then, it's unlikely he'd go back on his word now...

Wait a minute—this really is up to me now.

…….

"If necessary, I can sever ties with Vee at any time—so long as it's done unilaterally, that is... well..."

"Understood. Then I shall proceed accordingly."

Yeah, as long as Vilijanira's honor and reputation remain intact in case something comes up, there shouldn't be any issues.

We're not actually entering into a marriage, after all.

It's just a pretense, that's all.

"..."

"Hmm? What's wrong, Johalis?"

"Nothing at all, sir~"

For some reason, Johalis looks like he's about to say something... I wonder what it is?

"Um, well, assuming joining is fine, does something like a royal-hosted event even have any real meaning?"

"I shall explain."

That aside,

According to Memokushi,

The matchmaking ball is held by gathering people from the Imperial Star Vanillashid and surrounding star systems. Even if restricted to nobles and wealthy families, the number of attendees is still staggering.

Even if multiple dates are scheduled with certain conditions, it ends up resembling a daily event.

Given this situation, if one particular family continues hosting the event, it would create financial and novelty issues. As a result, various families now take turns hosting it on a rotating basis.

When different families host the event in turn, naturally there are noticeable differences depending on the host.

I don't really know much about nobility, so this part is hard for me to grasp... But apparently, once an engagement is announced, it's not just tied to the other family—it also creates connections with the hosting family. It's difficult to attend a ball hosted by a family you're on bad terms with. There are issues of social standing, exclusivity, and all sorts of complications that just keep piling up.

Yeah, nobility really isn't for me.

Anyway, amidst all this, there's the royal-sponsored matchmaking ball.

It could be said that this is the highest-ranking and largest of all the matchmaking balls, attended only by a select few who have passed a preliminary screening.

Yet, due to its visibility among many people, including those running the venue, it's said to be exceptionally talk-worthy.

Precisely because of that, the list of attendees is finalized over a month in advance, making it absolutely impossible to sneak in at the last minute.

Then again... well, Viridiana is a royal bastard, after all, and she gets along fine with the Emperor and Empress... plus, her purpose isn't to find a fiancé, just to appear alongside me... so apparently, there's no real issue at all.

It's strange... it's all progressing far too smoothly, somehow...

"Alright, I'm fine with joining, but why do I, the greenhouse supervisor, need to be involved? Honestly, I'd rather keep that thing as hidden as possible."

"Simply put, it's a spotlight operation."

"A spotlight operation..."

"Yes, exposing potential threats."

"Could you be more specific?"

"If anyone starts thinking oddly upon seeing the other side's Sata, we'll either catch them or keep an eye on them and take appropriate actions. In short, it's intelligence work."

"Aha, I see. In a way, you're taking on Vee's usual role. There aren't many people in Teisei Vanilla Seed who'd dare try to go after Vee, so I guess I'd be the one acting as bait."

"That's exactly right."

Hmm, well, I suppose being the bait isn't really a problem.

It'd probably be better to eliminate even one suspicious individual now, so we won't have to worry about unexpected complications later with Funaqa or Prince Shinkubirumu.

"Then shall we begin preparations tomorrow? We'll probably need to adjust the dress as well."

"O-oh?"

Well, Vilejaniura seems to be enjoying herself, so I guess that's fine.