294: Zica Sushi

"This is the area managed by Baron Simaekahako, correct?"

Two days had passed since returning to Imperial Star Vanilla Sid.

During that time, Viridianiara and Memokushi had thoroughly investigated, but found no particular cause for concern.

Since even Viridianiara showed no reaction, it seems unlikely that anything imminent would shake the empire or pose a threat to Viridianiara herself.

Since I'd already accepted an invitation during the matchmaking ball, here I am today, arriving at the district inhabited by the Simaekahoko and Simaukasu noble families.

"The chaos level differs completely from one area to another, huh?"

"Lord Johariss. The viscount family governing this district appears to have entrusted most of the administration to the baron families who handle the day-to-day affairs. And it seems the barons have each pursued development according to their own individual visions..."

"I see. That explains the chaos."

Indeed, as Johariss had said, the scene unfolding before us upon entering the district was one of utter disorder.

The place we're standing in is like a town built atop an enormous, ocean-like fish tank, but if we look in another direction, we see areas filled with buildings reaching all the way to the ceiling, other areas where trees as large as those buildings are planted, and yet other areas where flat, layered grasslands stretch out—this chaotic arrangement where entire districts are nested within districts.

Apparently, this entire sector is primarily focused on the production and improvement of mammals, fish, and plants.

"Looking at the other areas, the region governed by the Baron Shimeakahoko seems quite livable."

"Yes, indeed. While this sector itself is considered a high-threat area, compared to other regions, this part has relatively better治安."

By the way, the Shimeukasou family is responsible for the area filled with massive buildings, and from the Vilijaniira's perspective, that area seems to be the most threatening.

It's hard to tell whether it's because they find Tarkotton-san threatening, or because the area's治安 is poor.

"So, it's good that we came here. Did you find out anything, Vee?"

"No, nothing at all. It's possible that our coming here, having read too much into things, was the entire point all along."

"Given Tarkotton-sama, that's entirely plausible."

"Really? He's truly in a league of his own among imperial nobles, isn't he?"

Well, it seems our visit here was a complete shot in the dark when it comes to conspiracy theories.

It seems the intention might have been to do something while Virijianira was here.

"In any case, since we've come all this way, let's enjoy a meal before heading back. We were asked to review a restaurant in the area governed by Lord Shimeakaha, and we know that returning after thoroughly enjoying ourselves won't increase any threat. So, we should consider that something beneficial for us might be happening."

"Understood."

"Yes, sir."

"Got it."

Well, if there's no issue from Vilegianila's perspective, it makes perfect sense to enjoy ourselves before heading back.

With that in mind, we'll go ahead and visit the shop that Mr. Tarkotton asked us to review.

Incidentally, this time Vilegianila came without making any appointments whatsoever.

That means we can't meet up with Mr. Tarkotton, nor can we personally confirm whether it's acceptable to conduct the review at the shop.

"Then, first things first, here we are."

"A sushi restaurant?"

"It reminds me of the events in the Shibrasmis system."

"Mr. Joharis. It might not be wise to compare this place to 'Akira Sushi.' That shop was clearly a high-end establishment."

"I understand, so it's fine."

With that, the first stop.

This is a place called 'Jika Sushi.'

"Welcome. How many guests?"

"Four, with one being a mechanical intelligence, so they'll just be taking up space. Also..."

Vilijanila immediately begins negotiations.

The negotiation... seems to have gone well.

We're led deeper inside.

"Well then, which shall it be? You catch your own, or shall I serve you something I've already caught?"

"First, I'd like to try the ones you've already caught. If I'm still eating when I catch another, then I'll have the next one from your side."

"Understood, sir!"

The room we're led into has not only ordinary chairs and a table, but also a fishing rod and a fishing pond.

Wait a second—this isn't a fishing pond.

Is it directly connected to an impossibly huge fish pen that fills the entire area beneath us?

And naturally, countless fish are swimming about inside the pen.

"Could it be that what the shopkeeper mentioned earlier about 'catching your own'...?"

"Exactly as you imagined, Satā-sama. The fish caught here are processed by the shop and turned straight into sushi."

"Bold move, I must say..."

I couldn't help but sigh in astonishment at Memokushi's words.

There are various concerns—laws, safety, hygiene—but since neither Memokushi nor Vilijanila are bringing them up, it's probably fine.

Even if one overlooks those issues, this system is nothing short of incredible.

It's remarkably well-designed and skillfully managed.

"So that's the reasoning. Satā, would you mind focusing solely on fishing for a while?"

Understood.

For now, I lowered the tip of my fishing rod into the fishing pond.