310: Reiterating the ※

This conversation is now from a third-party perspective.

Please take note.

"Well, that's pretty much the current situation here."

"Truly impressive, Sat and the Imperial Fleet. Can you really implement that many measures in such a short time?"

"Lord Johalish. I don't think just the regular Imperial Army could have managed this. The units aboard this fleet are elite."

While sipping tea prepared by Sata, the four—Sata, Vilijianira, Memokshi, and Johalish—reported on the current status of their respective tasks.

To an outside observer, it would have seemed fair to say that everything was already fully prepared, despite there still being exactly four days until their arrival at the destination.

"..."

"Sata. Are you worried?"

"I am. It's only natural, given who we're dealing with."

Even with all that preparation, Sata still couldn't shake off her anxiety, and Virijianira directed a glance toward her.

And then think.

How can I possibly ease Sata's anxiety?

...Let's make and eat a parfait to change our mood. If we gather the ingredients from the warehouse of 'Shake Border,' we should be able to make something fairly impressive.

Uh...?

"Of course, I'll make one for Sata too. I've noticed, you know—since you've been joining us at 'Tamaimazekawa,' you haven't had the chance to enjoy a proper meal. What Sata needs right now isn't to overthink, but to regain calmness by taking a break and stepping back to look at the situation with a clear mind."

"Ah, uh-huh."

And so, the idea that came to mind was... in a way, very much like the kind of action one would expect from the Vilegiani crew—simply eating.

Vilegiani shoved the other three aside, grabbed various kinds of ice cream from the warehouse aboard the 'Shake Border,' arranged them in glass dishes, added canned fruit, red bean paste, and hastily made mochi, and created a parfait that looked haphazard but tasted exactly as they thought delicious.

"Enjoy our meal!"

Then they ate.

They scooped up the fruit with a spoon, brought it to their mouth, savored it, then continued with the sweet bean paste, mochi, and ice cream, each item similarly scooped and eaten. Eventually, rather than individual ingredients, it was the mixed combination that ended up in their mouths.

At first, the simple, pure taste of each ingredient stood out, but gradually, the flavors blended into a more complex sweetness, layer upon layer.

It was a taste that seemed to mirror exactly the current state of the Satas—like beings utterly different in origin, even in race, coming together, communicating, and gradually creating something unified.

"..."

"Are you calmer now?"

"Sort of, or maybe probably... Anyway, I think I'm calmer than just a moment ago."

I see. Then that's good. While Satā certainly doesn't need to eat physical food for survival, the act of eating is also important for mental fulfillment. So, I think it's important for Satā to eat at a normal, human level.

Maybe it's true. I might have valued meals more than I even realized myself.

There's no need to deliberately conjure up such lofty thoughts.

What mattered most to Sata right now was the simple pleasure of eating something delicious and feeling truly satisfied. Inside Sata, after eating the parfait made together with Viridiana, that feeling was undeniably present.

"... Well, since you're here, how about one..."

What is it?

"Currently, Sata and I are engaged. And I have no intention of abandoning this position. Not only in the sense of a romantic relationship, but I truly admire Sata."

"……Vee? What's suddenly…?"

"It's about Sata. After finishing this parfait, I'll probably be worrying again about whether I can stand up to Funaka. So, before that worry fills my mind completely, I thought I'd fill it with something else instead."

"…Yeah…"

Sata stands stunned by Virijianira's words.

Moreover, Memoqsi and Joharis had quietly slipped away from the scene, and in the living room, there were no other shadows besides the two of them.

"Replying... no matter how I respond, it'll inevitably trigger that so-called death flag, so let's just leave it unanswered for now."

"Even silence might be interpreted as a reply..."

Perhaps. That's right. At present, my eyes aren't sensing any threat directed at myself. And whether or not I feel threatened right now is unquestionably dependent on whether Sata can handle it. So Sata, feel free to deal with Funaka without worry. It'll work out somehow. My eyes will ensure that.

...

Viljaniira reaches out her hand.

"Satā. It hasn't been that long since we last met, but..."

"I understand."

Satā, in response, kneels on one knee and gently, slowly, places her hand over Viljaniira's extended one.

"In the name of Viljaniira en Banalagenruuto P Banalashido, I hereby grant permission for the true power of my fiancé, Satā Common Seitekusu L Seiryō, to be unlocked. My goal is to confront the god hiding in the shadows of the Banal Universe Empire—Funa ka Konpureaukus. Please, lend me your strength to defeat him and all that belongs to him."

Understood. I shall devote all my strength to defeating Funa ka Konpureaukus and all who stand with him—for the sake of my fiancée, Virijanira.

Thus, a vow was made in secret.