269: Information Provision

"So, from where to where was the range of your calculations, Vee?"

"Up until Magatsuki was brought into this venue, it was within the range of calculation. We didn't know who would bring it in or what they'd do afterward, but we were certain it wouldn't lead to a fatal situation."

"I see."

The off-the-record interrogation... well, it ended rather smoothly.

Considering that personnel arrived immediately to retrieve Magatsuki, the ones conducting the inquiry were probably from the Viridianiela side.

For now, we're resting in a private room within the venue while gathering information from Viridianiela.

"Um, so when they say it's not a threat, that's based on Your Highness's judgment, right?"

"Yes, but that’s based on additional information we’ve gathered, and the fact that we’ve confirmed explosives can’t be brought into the venue due to near-perfect security."

"Miss Vee. I’ve finished compiling the list of nobles. Please review it later."

"Understood. Noted."

If what Vilijanira says is true, we’ll need to verify the route Magatsuki took to enter, where he began manipulating Tougotto, and any connections he may have had with Prince Sinkubilimum.

Well, that’s no longer our concern.

Just then, the door to the room is suddenly knocked on.

"Come in."

"Apologies for the interruption, Lady Vilijanira."

The three who entered the room were Harwatto-te, Tarkotton, and Kyukirasto.

From their demeanor and voices, it seemed Tarkotton had brought the other two with him.

"Tarkotton. From your expression, I assume you’ve come to share important information?"

"Yes. That's correct. Given the circumstances, I'll skip the preliminaries. The shortsword-type Magatsuki has already been replicated. The one Tarkotton was holding was likely one of the copies."

"...I'd like to hear your evidence, if you don't mind."

"Of course."

It seemed she had brought information that Vilijanira wasn't aware of.

Tarkotton sat facing Vilijanira, her faintly rainbow-hued irises directed toward both me and Vilijanira.

Behind Tarkotton, Harwatto and Kykirsta stood awkwardly, clearly uneasy.

Meanwhile, I sat beside Vilijanira, with Memokshi and Joharis standing behind us.

"The incident involving the arrest of Lord Sichenbrain the other day. Following that, several trusted aides of Prince Shinkubilim moved to a factory where mechanical intelligence couldn't monitor them. Afterward, something produced there began spreading across various locations on Imperial Star Vanilla Sid. One of those items is the one currently held by Tarkotton. Here is the evidence."

Several sheets of paper and printed photographs are presented by Tarkotton.

I see. I wouldn't have been able to figure it out on my own.

But judging from the expressions on Vilijanira and Memoxi's faces, it seems to be significant evidence.

"So, what we're saying right now is... we didn't know what the other party intended to do, we didn't know exactly what it was, and we're seeking leniency? Is that about right?"

"Yes, something like that. It seems our family members are involved to some extent, and I'd rather not get dragged into trouble myself just because of the family."

Then, Vilijaniira and Tarkotton continued discussing various matters.

To the best of my understanding, here's a summary.

The House of Simewukasu, to which Tarkotton belongs, and the House of Simewunankun, to which Tougotto belongs, were both factions aligned with Prince Shinkubirimu.

Although the prince's true intentions remain unclear, Tarkotton sensed that he was aiming to disrupt today's marriage-seeking dance party, so he secured the evidence and brought it here.

Moreover, it's said that Tougotto was honestly quite inept, so he was likely discarded as useless.

The factory that appeared early on was an abandoned facility related to metal, and it seemed suspicious that personnel had been gathered there despite no recent reconstruction work having been done.

This area, perhaps.

There were also mentions of who did what, but I couldn’t keep track anymore.

Still, if that’s the case, the Magatsuki OS that differed from the one seen in the Shibramissi system probably wasn’t the original—it was a copy, right?

"I see. In that case, depending on the circumstances, I shall convey your message to His Majesty the Emperor."

"Thank you, Lady Virijanira."

Depending on the circumstances... Well, if Lady Virijanira ends up victorious, that’s the general idea.

Conversely, if this conversation reaches Prince Syncubilim, it might put Tarkotton in danger... But then again, he’ll probably manage to handle it himself.

All I care about is safety afterward.

"Then, there's a chance Magatsuki might have entered the venue as well. Sata, could you please take the item to the dance hall?"

"Got it. I'll go back—I'm fine staying here, right?"

"Yes, you're fine. We'll wait here in this room until you return."

Wait a moment... is this my cue as the greenhouse supervisor?

After confirming that Mr. Tarkotton and the others had exited the room and that the area inside was secure, I stepped out from the room, adorned as the fancy greenhouse supervisor, into the ballroom.