276: Two Princes

"..."

By the time we arrived at the entrance to the Vanilla Sid Mod Research Institute, the atmosphere was already tense and on the verge of exploding.

Not between the institute and the attackers.

But between the two individuals who had rushed in as reinforcements for the institute.

Overall, the attackers have already been fully subdued and are silent; several bodies have already begun preliminary examination on the spot, so there will be no further casualties. Still, the atmosphere remains heavy.

"Good day. Prince Synquubirim, and Brother Heivie. How fitting that the two of you arrived together—truly impressive coordination."

Vilijianira stepped boldly into that place.

Not between the subordinates glaring at each other directly, but rather straight into the space between the two leaders of the opposing groups—the Prince Heivikanelara, the crown prince, and Prince Synquubirim, the second in line to the throne—both radiating a tense atmosphere, seated across from each other at a makeshift table.

"Vee... I never thought I'd run into you here."

"Viljaniira. So you're here already, as usual, having anticipated me with those eyes of yours."

"Ah, no, not at all. I was just having lunch at a nearby shop when this situation unexpectedly unfolded. I simply came here to resolve it while dealing with the ongoing suppression along the way. Though it seems the suppression of the attackers who broke into the research facility has already been completed."

Yeah... the air feels incredibly heavy.

Even without any gravity control mods or added weight, it's as if the very atmosphere itself feels physically oppressive.

I'd personally like to leave this place immediately.

"...Let me at least align our understanding of the situation. From my perspective, humans manipulated by Magatsuki launched an attack on the command unit, while unidentified androids attacked the research facility, its surroundings, and key areas within this sector. However, thanks to the efforts of the soldiers and security forces, the assault has been suppressed, and the incident has already come to an end."

Vilijanira opens her mouth, speaking so that everyone can hear.

In addition, the attackers we apprehended have been brought here, stacked inside a trailer.

Their Magatsuki brainwashing has already been reversed, and any self-destruct mods have been neutralized, so there should be no issues.

"Same here, more or less. I'm currently re-evaluating who each of the individuals serving as squad leaders actually are—there are members from my faction, others from Shinqu's faction, neutrals, and even some from my father's faction. It's quite complicated. To make matters worse, a few people have already died... This situation has become quite troublesome."

The Crown Prince continued speaking.

Incidentally, it seems the Crown Prince happened to be in the neighboring plot at the time, and was fortuitously greeting the Imperial Army soldiers stationed there.

…….

Fortuitous indeed, truly.

My situation is pretty much the same. Right now, my top priorities are identifying the manufacturer of the androids and figuring out what their goal was. Based on the Magatsuki incident, I initially thought the target was this so-called 'Hishōkyō,' but judging from the damage report, it doesn't seem to be the case. After all, it appears only the security personnel at the research facility were killed.

The prince opens his mouth as if to connect, saying "Shin'kubirimu."

Every time he opens his mouth, a faint crimson light flickers deep within his throat, and it seems Prince Shin'kubirimu has undergone significant physical enhancements—visible even to the naked eye—particularly in his throat... no, his entire digestive system.

It's the same as the Vilijaniira's eyes.

Incidentally, it turns out Prince Shin'kubirimu was merely coincidentally located in the adjacent sector.

This sector is different from the one where His Highness the Crown Prince was located. However, it seems I was able to quickly arrive on-site right after the incident, having spoken with the noble who manages this area and secured forces.

…….

Yeah, apparently it was just a coincidence—three of us together.

I’ll leave it at that and not dig deeper.

"Isn’t this the result of the security personnel's efforts?"

"No, based on the camera footage, there are several researchers who clearly had the opportunity to be killed but only ended up injured. Ah, those people were protected jointly by Heivie and my people. Honestly, it's impossible to tell who's an enemy and who's a friend. That's why things are so tense. I envy you, Virijianira—you don't even need to doubt anyone."

There are no lies in Shinqu's words. Only security personnel and nearby residents are being killed. Researchers and high-ranking officials in charge of the sectors are only lightly injured. That's precisely what makes it hard to understand the enemy's intentions. It's as if causing chaos itself is their goal.

"But there's no announcement of responsibility accompanying the chaos, nor are there any other significant incidents occurring elsewhere," he said. "Indeed, if you were told that the very atmosphere of this place was the goal, you might just find yourself convinced by that explanation."

The situation feels as though the air itself is creaking under pressure.

Vilijanila, Prince Shinkubirimzo, and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince all appear to be cooperating smoothly on resolving the situation—exchanging information, handing over captured attackers, conducting rescue operations, and verifying damage—but behind the scenes, there's clearly a game of psychological maneuvering going on.

In fact, unless my understanding is completely off, all three of them are aware of Funaka's existence.

Therefore, Prince Shinquubirum should be receiving assistance from Funaka.

Considering that, along with the relationship between Virijianira and the Crown Prince...

"We can provide the item capable of breaking Magatsuki's brainwashing. How about that? (I just hope no inconvenient information comes out after the brainwashing is lifted.)"

"Are you sure it'll work? If it harms one of my people, you won't get off easy. (Go ahead, I don't care—no one'll remember anyway. But if there are side effects, you better understand the consequences.)"

"Yeah, Hekyomōryu. I've heard it worked in similar cases at a marriage matchmaking ball. (Just do it—getting Magatsuki's brainwashing undone is worth it.)"

This might be it.

Or perhaps something even more ruthless is not out of the question.

It's frightening.

The imperial family—terrifying.

We're forced to fight, just because of what we're seeking, but it's utterly terrifying.

Can't you all get along a little better...?

Let's try to get along....