255: Heading to the Underlayer

"Your Majesty. I've secured the invitation to the marriage-seeking ball. However, Her Majesty the Empress has set one condition for attendance."

"What is it?"

"Something unique to you and Satu-sama. She kindly requested that you bring a dish—just one, if possible."

"I see. Then... shall we head to the Underlayer?"

To put it simply, we had this conversation, so we ended up heading to the Underlayer of Teisei Vanilla Seed, and I was tasked with bringing the plants I’ve been cultivating in my Ether Space greenhouse.

Moreover, only someone of royal blood—even a legitimate child—could hastily gather items from the Underlayer of Teisei Vanilla Seed.

As for the plants grown under my OS environment, that goes without saying.

Thus, I was chosen.

Incidentally, showing up without a gift is considered highly inappropriate even for members of the imperial family, and it would also undermine the credibility of the rumor that I'm engaged to Viridiana.

Therefore, it was said that choosing not to take it along was not a viable tactical option.

"Um, right... wasn't it the Viscount Isay Mitsu who was going to provide the chef?"

"That's correct. Due to Dr. Mizion's connections, a skilled chef happened to be staying at the Isay Mitsu viscount's household, and since word spread about their exceptional talent, they've agreed to assist us."

"The chef is also said to be highly capable as a hunter and forager. They'll be accompanying us on this material collection mission."

And so, we arrived at the location connected to the large elevator leading to the Underlayer.

The security level was on par with that of the Imperial City or the entrance to the Intelligence Division's headquarters—quite stringent.

Also, there's a large airlock, presumably to separate the Underlayer from the Middle Layer.

"Are those the people... huh?"

There were several silhouettes ahead of the massive airlock.

The military vehicles and several soldiers present here are likely the security personnel stationed at this location, as well as guides and monitors for us in the Underlayer.

Among them, two individuals stand out, dressed differently from the others.

"Ah, good day! We're pleased to meet you!"

One is a woman wearing a maid's uniform.

More precisely, she is one of the artificial humans sent from Seiryō Corporation, a researcher named Dr. Mizion's assistant—Wami Seetogoyago.

The other guide wasn't sent by Lord Isenmītsu, but rather by Dr. Mizion—after all, opportunities to visit the underlayers of Imperial Star Vanilla Sid are rare, especially for someone like me.

Moreover, she seemed extremely tense.

"Oh, you're the ones I met before."

The other one was a Dragonian man wearing a strikingly bright red outfit.

The one who I met before in the Grogrobeta system and who made me a meal—Zakurok Hayomotsugu.

Since he's here, it seems he was the chef staying at the Iseimētsu Viscount's household.

"Zakurok-san, isn't it? It's been a while."

Oh, you remember my name? I'm truly grateful. Indeed, since this is a proper occasion, allow me to introduce myself formally. I am Zakurok Baron Hayomotsugu P. Hinomoto. I am deeply thankful for the rare opportunity to work with such exceptional ingredients.

"Then, allow me to introduce myself as well. I am Vilijanira En Banaragenruuto P. Banarashido. I'm truly relieved. I've had the pleasure of tasting your cuisine before, and it was absolutely delicious, so I can confidently look forward to your work this time as well."

"I will do my utmost to meet your expectations."

So... "Baron" means Zakurok is from a noble family, then.

Still, one can sense a background where working as a traveling chef suited him better, something along those lines.

"Looks like we're all ready. Then, everyone, please follow me. It'll take about an hour to descend to the lower levels, so let's use that time for introductions and meetings once we get there."

"Understood."

"Got it."

Since it would take time, we all moved together through the airlock.

The Underlayer of Imperial Star Vanilla Sid is a completely isolated space, entirely separated from the world above the Middle Layer.

It is a sealed environment where humidity, wind, and sunlight are perfectly controlled, allowing the ancestral species of organisms scattered across the Galactic Empire to live in the state they were in before the empire existed.

Because of this environment, strict checks and thorough cleaning are required whenever entering or exiting to prevent contamination, such as from genetic material.

While it is possible to bring items out from the Underlayers with special permission, only a very limited number of items from the Middlelayers can be taken out, even with special permission, and in general, everything must be brought back.

Therefore, each individual must exercise the utmost care in their actions.

I was told this by a military officer during my descent into the Underworld.

…….

To be honest, I have to say something.

I’m probably out of line in every possible way, aren’t I?

Well, I suppose the Empress, the Emperor, and even Chalirizm and Great Mother must have granted permission, which is why this retrieval mission is proceeding—but still, I’m a cosmic monster stepping into the Underworld. Isn’t that just asking for trouble?

"Satā. Is something wrong?"

"No, nothing at all."

For now, while we're in the Underlayer, I'll avoid creating new dolls or opening gates to the greenhouse—just to be safe.

There's too much that's frightening.

"Then, having concluded introductions, I have a question. Mistress Virijianira. What dish would you like to prepare?"

Still, the meeting comes first.

Zakurok has already thrown out a question.

In response, Virijianira said...

"I think vanilla ice cream would be best."

She replied with complete confidence.