318: The Siltrilich System Afterward

Today's update consists of two parts.

Here is the first part.

"Ah～, finally, today's work is done."

"Good job, Master Vee."

"Good work. Vee."

"Good work, Master Vee."

It's been a full year since the battle against the Funaqua main body ended.

Yes, a year.

For a whole year, we've been stationed in the Siltrilich System.

Someone long ago once said.

Ending a war is far more difficult than starting one.

Even we, who invaded the Siltrilich System and defeated Funaqa, have run into that difficult truth.

"Indeed, the vast distance between the Empire's various star systems seems to be the core issue. We can still communicate easily thanks to Sata, but consider the situation if Sata weren't here..."

"It's already a struggle just to send information. Here."

I'll skip the specific details.

However, the nobles who governed the Siltrilich system were thoroughly examined physically, and most were either executed or stripped of their status; numerous companies collapsed as well, and the damage was so extensive that infrastructure work continues around the clock even today.

It seems the Siltrilich system itself was problematic, even apart from the incident involving Funaka.

As a result, the imperial forces, led by Vilijanira, are completely overwhelmed with work since arriving in the Siltrilich system.

Since it's said that influential nobles like Captain Tarkotton will arrive soon, things should calm down then... but until then, it's clear they'll remain extremely busy.

"And so, Satā-sama. What about Funaka's remnants still on the home front of the empire?"

"They say it's being crushed steadily, but no matter how much they crush it, it keeps emerging from somewhere. Some even claim it's been planted across every star system."

And there was also a problem arising within the empire due to the destruction of Funaka's main body.

Apparently, Funaka had deployed detachable fragments—completely severed from the main body—throughout the empire, and now that the main body is gone, those fragments have lost their control and are causing trouble across various regions of the empire.

Fortunately, these so-called fragments don't differ in physical ability from ordinary humans if they haven't fully developed, nor do they retain thoughts or memories, so they aren't necessarily hostile... but still, it's safe to say over ninety percent are hostile or behave like criminals, so they remain a problem regardless.

Therefore, the empire has decided to deal with them collectively, just as Chirarizumu = Konpuroekusu once said it would someday be necessary to do.

Perhaps there are individuals somewhere who have completely escaped the empire's grasp and are quietly amassing power... but then again, worrying about hypothetical scenarios like that won't solve anything, so it's better not to think about it.

"Seems like there's a problem everywhere."

"Couldn't agree more."

"Those carefree days from just over a year ago feel like a distant memory now."

"I agree, Lord Joharisu."

We all looked up at the sky, reminiscing about the state of affairs before we fought Funaka.

"Then, to restore that relaxed state, shall we proceed with colonizing the neighboring star systems of the Siltrilich System? Memokushi."

"Yes, data regarding the relevant star systems is ready here."

Now, within the Siltrilich System, a project to independently advance the colonization of adjacent star systems is currently underway, utilizing a specific method.

Although we have received permission from the higher-ups of the Vanilla Space Empire, we've received absolutely no assistance whatsoever.

"Joharis."

"These are the reports from the reckless explorers investigating each star system. We've also detected where dangerous anomalies are located throughout the region."

If this project succeeds, the Siltrilich System will fully secede from the Vanilla Space Empire and become an independent nation.

And in that case, it has already been decided that Vilijaniela will assume the position of First Queen.

"Satu"

"Thanks to the auxiliary device left behind by Funaka, my OS is spreading smoothly. I've fully reached the neighboring star system. Though, as for beyond that... it'll probably take decades, so it'll be up to Vee's generation to reach the next one."

"Yes, I understand. That's perfectly fine."

Yes, it's another country.

Not a VanillOS, but my... SatOS, laid across a new cosmic empire.

That is the nation that will be born from now on.

"More importantly, are you truly alright with this? If the kingdom were to be fully established, SatOS would no longer be able to leave this country easily—far beyond decades, perhaps for thousands of years."

"Senior... I'm not sure if that's the right term, but if they've been running rampant like that before, there must be a way to fix it. Besides, I don't seem to have a lifespan of my own. It's perfect—keeps me from getting bored."

What name this country will have, or what kind of nation it will become, remains unclear at this stage.

But still, as long as I lend my power where I can, I believe things will work out somehow.

"Then... "

"Then?"

"Ah... Vee. As your fiancé... no, as your partner, I want to stand beside you. The time I spend for you will always be essential, a vital part of the endless future we'll share. So even though we're publicly engaged now... I'd like us to be engaged privately as well. What do you think?"

Kneeling before Vilijaniira, I offer her the ring I made from my own bones.

"..."

Vilijaniira took the ring from my hand with trembling fingers...

"Delighted."

She smiled and replied, so tenderly.