279: The Plan of Prince Synkubilimum

"Brother Heeby"

"You've arrived. Vee."

We returned to the place where His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prince Synkubilimum were located.

While we were away, a grand tent had been set up, along with chairs, desks, and holographic boards that allowed free display and writing of documents.

No, it's not just that—there are also modifications deployed inside the canopy to control air vibrations, preventing sound from leaking out.

I see. If the canopy is properly sealed, we could conduct a strategy meeting right here.

"I heard the corpses started moving. Could I ask for more details on the situation?"

"Of course."

Before long, only a select few individuals remained around the Crown Prince, just as only a limited number remained around Prince Synquibirim.

From their expressions, attire, demeanor, and sense of personal space, it seems these remaining individuals are likely the ones the Crown Prince and Prince Synquubilum truly trust.

Interestingly, Prince Synquubilum's entourage normally treats me and Virijanira with respect, which is unexpected.

Yeah, it's clear these two don't have any ordinary companions around them.

"Anyway..."

Regardless of that, let's address the current situation.

It seems that just as we were about to administer the Hekyomoryu, the corpse suddenly started moving.

This phenomenon is identical to one previously detected two weeks ago in the Deliyoshomanshi system, involving an illegal mod. Along with the accompanying folklore, moving corpses will now be referred to as zombies.

Zombies possess extremely high physical capabilities, though their durability and endurance are not taken into account. However, severing their head significantly diminishes their mobility.

Anyone bitten or scratched by a zombie immediately develops a high fever and is likely to turn into a zombie upon death.

"Ah, I see. That's quite a dire situation."

"No, that's not quite right. We've confirmed that the zombie mod works regardless of whether the target is alive or dead, and the transportation patch for the countermeasure mod will be completed imminently. For the zombie mod to take effect, the target must die—preventing death is not particularly difficult with modern medicine. Controlling the currently active zombies shouldn't be far off."

...

The zombie mod that initially caused significant damage in the Delijoshomashi system seemed to be easily contained during its second appearance, and even on the Imperial Planet Vanilla Side, without causing major harm.

Well, if there's no problem, then that's fine.

Later, I learned that this zombie mod was highly likely connected to Funaka.

Apparently, in the end, a space monster-like entity that spread the zombie mod across the cosmos even showed up.

It seems the local authorities have eliminated them.

And what about Vee?

Ah, yes

Viljaniela speaks of the possibility that her memory was read using Magatsuki's abilities.

Moreover, it was likely indicated that there was a memory of the location of the Vanilla Seed OS Research Institute within the read memories, given that the individuals present were deemed non-problematic.

What became of the two after hearing Viridiani's words?

Hmm. I suppose I can understand why they'd target that place... But even knowing they're coming, sending guards there is a hassle. If we send someone clumsy, they might end up being used against us instead...

The Crown Prince is troubled.

The location of the Vanilla Sid OS Research Institute is kept secret, known only to authorized personnel, and the nature of the research being conducted remains confidential as well.

Given the possibility that the other side might turn the situation to their advantage, it's probably unwise to increase personnel recklessly.

"Damn it, then my plan's already ruined. Sigh, I've gone through all sorts of trouble—controlling, settling accounts, quietly eliminating those useless allies—but this far? This is the end."

The prince's attitude... it's hard to read.

He seems frustrated, yet somehow relieved... Hmm?

"About Shinquu's plan, right? Deliberately cooperating with them, gathering information, then striking when the chance comes. Wasn't that it?"

"About right. Well, they were probably thinking along similar lines. Right around the time the zombies started appearing, some of my subordinates went missing. Likely they've either joined the other side or been forced to. I'll send you a list later—just eliminate them if you see them."

Ah, I see. Prince Shinquu Buremzo was cooperating with Funaka while secretly working against them.

And yet, despite sensing that information, the Crown Prince had not shared it with Vilegianira.

Or perhaps even the Emperor Himself?

...

The nobility is terrifying.

"So, does that mean Prince Shinquu Buremzo lost a large number of subordinates?"

Not a subordinate—just a pawn. Not one I’d regret losing, but one that’s an obstacle to the next emperor’s path. In fact, it’s troublesome if it doesn’t disappear. Honestly, I’d like it to at least manage to lag behind a little, even if it’s not very bright… but since I can’t expect anything from it, I suppose I’ll just say it’s on my side. That’s all there is to it.

"Ugh..."

To be honest, you're just pushing yourself too hard, Vilijanira. What's with your eyes—this is completely unreasonable. How many times have you forced us to revise our plans because of you... Ah, damn it, once I start venting, I can't stop. Still, it's definitely helpful having someone like you around to handle the troublesome people.

"Ugh... You really know how to say it, don't you? After failing, too."

"It's not failure—it's a cancellation. I'm not someone who keeps going when I know it's bound to fail."

Ah, I see. Yeah, I definitely can't grow fond of Prince Synkubilimzo.

So he knew about Vilijanira's eyes, understood our situation, realized he could handle it, and still deliberately provoked us with all those schemes.

All for the benefit of the Vanilla Galactic Empire.

It might indeed be necessary, given the vastness and depth of the Vanilla Galactic Empire... but still, I can't bring myself to like it.

Never, absolutely, under any circumstances.

"Here, take this list and the information. Use your keen eyes to strike at their weak points. As a member of the imperial family, as a noble of the empire, fulfill your duty."

I'm sorry, Vee. We'll handle things on the ground ourselves, so please head toward the one only you can deal with. Probably, this is the decisive moment.

……. Yeah, I understand. Sata, Memo, Johalis, shall we go?

……. Got it.

……. Understood.

……. Roger that.

Something about why Virijianira had been reluctant to go to the Imperial Planet Banarashido, or her harsh attitude toward the Emperor, suddenly felt much clearer.

Yeah, once the current matter is settled, I’ll suggest to Virijianira that we leave Banarashido.

Following Virijianira, I stepped outside the tent.

05/12 Correction of typo