273: Near the VanillaSide Mod Research Institute

"Is that the VanillaSide Mod Research Institute?"

"Yes, that's correct."

The next day.

We arrived at the district where the VanillaSide Mod Research Institute is located.

In other words, this is also the district where Dr. Mizeon is currently on a business trip, adjusting the 'Hetero Mirror' and removing noise.

Although it's easy to confuse it due to the similar nature of the materials involved, what's actually being handled here is only mods.

The section housing the Vanilla Sid OS Research Institute, which deals with 'Vanilla OS,' is a completely different area, and to be honest, I don't even know where the OS research facility is located.

Probably, among the four of us, only Viridianila and Mekoxi know.

Anyway, enough of that.

"So, was it really okay for me to come into this section?"

"Dr. Mizeon has actually sent a message saying they'd like you to come in. It seems they want to confirm whether the adjustments to the 'Strange Water Mirror' are working properly by observing your movements within the Ether Space."

I see.

Since it's such a good opportunity, I'd also like to visit a well-known restaurant in this area. I've received a request asking me to dine at the establishment as a token of appreciation for my cooperation, and to provide candid feedback afterward.

Our goal isn't the Vanilla Side Mod Research Institute, but the restaurant nearby.

Apparently, the shop is privately run by noble-connected individuals, more of a hobby than anything else, so they're not too worried about sales, but the place is so quiet it's becoming a concern for the family... In short, they seem to want a boost by having Viridiana visit.

Also, they asked me directly to write an article without any filtering.

Well, from what I've casually looked into, the shop seems perfectly fine to write about normally.

"An interesting request, isn't it? If that's all it takes..."

"At least I didn't notice anything strange about the client, the shop owner, the shop itself, or the customers. So if anything's going to happen, I think it's probably outside the shop."

"Something happening... Could it be related to the main source of Magatsu Powder? No, that can't be. If that were the case, the timing would be too convenient—too coincidental, even."

"I think it's probably fine. My eyes aren't detecting any threat at this moment."

A sinister aura lingered in Jhoharis's words.

Well, I mean, yesterday we did discuss that if interference were to come, it'd likely target the 'Hetero Mirror' during its adjustment phase. Given everything we've been through, it's hard not to feel uneasy... But if Vilijanila's eyes aren't detecting anything, then we should be safe—probably.

"We're here, then."

"Feels like a regular town restaurant."

"That's exactly right. I've heard the mod Research Institute staff sometimes come here for lunch."

The transport vehicle came to a stop, and we all stepped off together.

Yeah, looks like an ordinary shop from the outside.

The smell... I can sense something spicy.

"Shall we go in?"

"Welcome! How many guests?"

"Four guests. One of them is a mechanical intelligence, so they'll only need a seat."

"Understood. Please follow me to the table in the back."

As the door opened, the aroma suddenly grew stronger.

At the same time, a staff member greeted us, and we were led toward the back of the shop—farther in than the entrance could see, appearing somewhat isolated from the rest of the space.

It's no surprise this is a shop located in Teisei Vanilla City, or perhaps more accurately, one near the mod research facility—just by the looks of Vilegiani and Mekoshi, one can roughly gauge their status, and they're clearly handling things with practiced ease.

"We don't offer energy replenishment for mechanical intelligences, so we kindly ask for your understanding."

"We understand, so please don't worry."

They take their seats.

Three glasses of ordinary water are brought out.

Yeah, this is really just ordinary water.

Just plain water with a faint trace of minerals and a hint of residual disinfectant.

"Alright, what shall we order?"

"We don't know what's available at this place, so it's all a surprise. I can usually tell by the smell what's most prominent."

"Well, it's clearly meant to be noticeable, so this must be something they're confident in."

On the table-mounted information terminal, the chef's face photo—apparently that of a former noble—is displayed, followed by the menu items being recommended.

As for the menu... well, given the spicy aroma that filled the air the moment we entered the restaurant, it's clear the main dish is curry.

More precisely, curry rice.

There are several varieties of salad and beverages available, but the main course is curry, with three different options chosen daily from a selection of around a dozen.

It seems the rice, mixed grains, naan, bread, and other options are all available to be combined as desired.

"Hmm, all of them sound tempting."

"Having three choices does make it hard to decide, I agree."

"I'll take the 'three toppings' option, please."

"Is that so? Then let's go with that."

Truly a neighborhood lunch spot, or perhaps just a privately run one—either way, they seem quite flexible with their offerings.

So, I, Vilijanira, along with Joharis, ordered three types of curry today, plus drinks, salad, and main dishes.

"Shall we check the outside perimeter once more, while we still can?"

"Thank you, Satā-sama. But from what I've seen in the notes, nothing unusual has occurred—everything's perfectly peaceful."

"True, but better safe than sorry."

We never neglect surveillance around us.

After all, we're only as safe as our past has been, right? Yeah.