277: The situation remained unresolved.

"Your Highness. How did it go?"

"Indeed, both of them had solid defenses. From their expressions, it was nearly impossible to read any information."

Viljaniira moved away from the Crown Prince and Prince Syncubilim, then headed toward the group of researchers and unit leaders they seemed to be protecting.

But both of them, well... they're something else.

It's only natural that Prince Shinkubirimum is keeping secrets from Virijianira, given their relationship, but does that mean His Royal Highness the Crown Prince also has his own secrets?

Hmm, royals are really scary.

Still, from what they've had me read, it seems both Lord Hevy and Prince Synquibirim truly wish to resolve this situation.

Is that so?

Yes, that's correct. But that's only natural. The Vanilla Sid Mod Research Institute isn't a place involved in the imperial succession dispute, and it's an essential hub for the empire's development. Attacking such a neutral site would bring nothing but harm and no benefit whatsoever. Anyone with even a modicum of sense would simply approach the culprit with a smile and then, with a grin, hand them over to the Emperor himself.

"That's what makes imperial nobles so frightening—instead of cutting their losses right away, they try to turn it into their own achievement..."

"Totally agree."

"In truth, preventing something before it happens would be a greater feat. But once it's already occurred, making the most of it for one's own benefit is almost like a habit."

Having arrived near the place where the injured and suspects were being gathered, he thought.

Since both the Crown Prince and Prince Sinquubirim had their respective imperial forces and nobles present, their subordinates and entourages were glaring at each other, while the rank-and-file soldiers endured the tense atmosphere, remaining alert to their surroundings.

"Satu."

"Understood. I'll release whatever inventory is available."

I took the mashed bulb, now a thick, gooey paste, from the greenhouse and transferred it into a large container.

Meanwhile, Vilijanira and Mekoxi explained the situation to the on-site commander.

First, I had the soldiers drink it to check if anyone was under Magatsu's control, then proceeded to administer it to the suspects.

"Still, I'm not sure if what I have on hand will be enough."

You're right. I'd like to offer it to researchers if possible... Please arrange a negotiation with the company that previously received Heikyo Moruly for testing, would you? Heikyo Moruly should still be a rare commodity in Teisei Vanilla Sid, so I assume somewhere it's being mass-produced for research purposes.

Understood. I'll give it a try.

Now, the brainwashing will be undone.

As for the subsequent interrogation, I'll leave that to the soldiers...

"Still, why was the Vanilla Sid Mod Research Institute attacked? It wasn't about the 'Hetero Mirror,' was it?"

"Looks like it. Given the circumstances, it's obvious the researchers weren't targeted for murder... Maybe they wanted to steal something from an ongoing mod experiment?"

"Mr. Satou, I don't believe that's the case. The Vanilla Sid Mod Research Institute can only conduct small-scale experiments, with theoretical development through desk research being our primary focus. We have not received any information about the theft of the latest theoretical papers or confidential data."

"Oh, right. Yeah, that's true. This is where that kind of thing was supposed to happen."

It's somewhat late to bring up, but the Vanilla Sid Mod Research Institute is primarily focused on theoretical construction. Actually building and testing mods is, for the most part, conducted at a dedicated colony located outside the Imperial Star Vanilla Sid system.

Moreover, if there's even a slight possibility of an event collapse, equipment is transported beyond the stellar system to conduct experiments there.

So, although they claim to be a mod research institute, the equipment available here is barely at the minimum level required by the Imperial Star Vanilla Sid standards, let alone enough to actually build mods.

"……"

"Vee?"

Looking at Vilijanila at this moment, she seems to have a grim expression.

She's looking at something like a list of victims.

Could it be...?

"Sat. I may have made a mistake."

"What exactly?"

"Dr. Mizeon is injured."

"……"

So that's it, then.

But it's hard to believe that just that would make Viridiana look this grim.

That means there must be some additional information we haven't heard yet.

"And the moment I realized that, my eyes began to sense that the threat in this area hasn't fully vanished. Something is happening. There's no doubt about it."

"「「「……」」」"

Viridiana's eyes locked onto the resurgence of danger.

Ah, uh... that's serious.

"First, contact Dr. Mizeon about Heikyo Morelyu."

"Yes, that's definitely the right move."

"Miss Vee. The negotiation has been settled. The two companies will bring it as promised."

"Then, contact Brother Heivvy. Have the researchers, the injured, and even the deceased drink it—just to be safe."

"Dead people... Ah, technically, it's not entirely impossible, I suppose. Better to be safe than sorry, though."

"That's exactly what we mean."

We hurried toward Dr. Mizeon.

The surrounding soldiers were startled by our sudden movement, but seemingly held back by their positions and didn't try to stop us.

Then we stood before Dr. Mizeon.