Ch.182This Place is Safe! (2)

# Chapter 182: This Place Is Safe! (2)

And when suspicion turns to certainty, there was obviously only one choice for me to make.

‘This is definitely option 1.’

[Option 1: If it’s extremely suspicious, just verify it (Linked event will proceed, random chance of spy detection event occurring)]<Selected>

Although the event message tried to maintain a somewhat neutral tone.

The very fact that option 1 had a linked event essentially proved that Samiya’s suspicions weren’t just some conspiracy theory.

[Resume]

————————————–

After releasing the pause and having quite a lengthy conversation again.

“Then first, it’s most important to determine whether this story is true…”

“Of course. I’m already grateful that you’re willing to believe my opinion, Minister.”

Considering that Prosnack’s recent expansionist tendencies might be the work of the fake (probably) Commander-in-Chief Fern’dus.

We decided to form a unit including psionic operatives and infiltrate Prosnack territory.

Unlike typical covert operations and infiltrations, this time we had the help of the Prosnack Commander-in-Chief’s daughter and diplomat, so perhaps that’s why…

“Hmm, so this is essentially like going on a tour.”

“This mission should be easier than expected, Minister.”

“…Is that so?”

Among those who had shown fanatical behavior toward me in various ways in the past.

There was a certain pervert who had stolen my underwear from my drawer despite multiple security locks and an energy field.

I could only nod at the words of Alarcon, who boasted top-tier infiltration and investigation skills even within the Purification Unit.

“Then depart immediately. Don’t report back until you return as you might be discovered…”

“Understood, Minister.”

“Well, since this mission isn’t about assassination or terrorism, don’t get yourselves killed doing something stupid. Everyone come back safely.”

“…!”

“Minister, you’re worried about me!”

“Idiot, he’s worried about all of us, not just you.”

“Ah, the Minister’s generosity is wider than the vast oceans of Ka’zan!”

Watching them act so smugly, I felt regret for having offered words of encouragement as I issued the deployment order for them to leave directly from the underground temple.

—————————————

After issuing the deployment order.

“Minister, is our discussion finished now?”

“Hmm, I suppose so?”

Having sent off the Purification Unit members and thinking my conversation with Ambassador Samiya was over.

I was chewing on a piece of snack that Riel had brought, savoring its sweetness.

‘Thinking too much makes me feel like my brain is running low on sugar.’

Whether I was actually deficient or not, I kept reaching for more snacks.

‘Wait a minute, could the ambassador and the marines also have chips implanted?’

Perhaps because my brain was now charged with sugar.

I recalled a hypothesis I had forgotten earlier.

“This is quite delicious.”

“Isn’t it? Gaia sent it as a gift.”

“Oh my.”

I found myself giving a suspicious look toward Ambassador Samiya, who was also nibbling on a snack just like me.

Perhaps she noticed my gaze.

I thought she was eating daintily like a proper lady, but she had already finished and put down the empty wrapper.

“Is there something else you wanted to discuss, Minister Arto?”

As she readjusted her posture and asked me, I paused time again to contemplate.

[Pause]

‘How should I phrase this?’

No matter how I dress it up, what I’m about to say essentially amounts to: I’m suspicious of you, show me proof!

And that kind of conversation is exactly the attitude that people with warrior cultures like theirs hate the most.

‘If I speak like that, those marines over there might rip off Minister Gi-yeol’s head and turn it into some kind of battle cry or whatever.’

But thanks to this pause, I could avoid blurting out words without thinking.

After various considerations, I finally made my decision.

[Resume]

“…Ambassador Samiya, my question might seem rude.”

“I’m curious what you’re about to say.”

“Is it possible that these berry chips have also been inserted into you or those marines over there?”

My decision was to just ask directly and boldly.

‘The manly approach should work well enough.’

Of course, since I’m not insane, I tried to follow proper protocol in my questioning.

But honestly, if I had asked something like this to any other diplomatic ambassador?

I would certainly receive an extremely scathing message from their country that very day, asking if I thought their ambassador had such a pathetic mind that needed brainwashing.

Because if someone who isn’t a Synth or a cyborg with brain implants has a chip—

Or more precisely, if they have “something” including a chip—

Anyone would see that person as nothing more than a puppet controlled by someone else’s will rather than their own.

Moreover, given that this was all part of countermeasures against the AI rebellion that once swept across the galaxy…

Saying what I just said to a foreign diplomatic ambassador was essentially the same as euphemistically saying:

‘I can’t trust you, get out.’

Even after blurting this out, I was filled with worry about how to handle it if Ambassador Samiya got upset and stormed out.

But fortunately, perhaps.

While I was pondering this, Ambassador Samiya blinked her eyes a couple of times while looking at me.

Eventually, she waved her hand with a peculiar gesture and responded in a light tone.

“I understand what you were concerned about, Minister, but please don’t worry.”

After saying that, Ambassador Samiya unbuttoned the upper part of her coat.

She then pulled out both arms and showed me up to her shoulders as she spoke.

“Neither I nor anyone in the Prosnack diplomatic corps receive vaccine injections containing those chips.”

“…Hmm?”

“As you know, Minister, it would be impossible for someone to function as a diplomat with chips in their head.”

I found myself nodding at this plausible explanation, which seemed quite reasonable for Prosnack, who don’t typically place much value on diplomatic activities.

“Moreover, I am the daughter of Fern’dus, the Commander-in-Chief of Prosnack. A ruler wouldn’t insert control devices into one of their few blood relatives—they’re not slaves after all.”

“…”

That proud declaration of being part of the privileged class.

It gave quite a different impression from the supposedly egalitarian principles that the Prosnack government claimed to uphold.

To be frank, it seemed closer to our people—

That is, the aristocratic class of the Sevelians.

‘Come to think of it, it makes sense that they would send an ambassador with a mindset compatible with our class-based empire.’

Ambassador Samiya also explained about the marines she had brought with her.

“As I mentioned before, the marines here, including those present, also serve as my personal guard.”

“I’ve heard that, but… Ah, so that means?”

“As you suspected, Minister Arto, since they were cultivated as my personal guard, they couldn’t be left in the leadership’s control.”

“…”

“And it’s not just the leadership—my siblings and I don’t exactly get along well either.”

Interesting.

As far as I knew, the Prosnack Union was close to a military dictatorship.

It seemed that all sorts of sinister political machinations were constantly occurring among the Commander-in-Chief’s children.

“Hey, why didn’t you guys get vaccinated?”

“AHHH-SEI!! Do you think mere germs would affect marines with fighting spirit?!”

Of course, judging from the conversation between the marines and Purification Unit members in the distance…

Regardless of Ambassador Samiya’s policy, it seemed they had no intention of getting vaccinated in the first place.

“I see…”

After hearing all this, I could understand why Ambassador Samiya was being particularly friendly.

“…Could it be that you plan to use us in future power struggles within Prosnack, Ambassador Samiya?”

“Of course not.”

*Sip*

In response to my words, she merely took a sip of tea that came with the snacks.

Looking at her, I felt a chill down my spine as I realized that our empire and the entire ISTO had nearly been unwittingly dragged into Prosnack’s internal power struggles.

In the midst of this, Ambassador Samiya suddenly seemed to remember something and put down her teacup to speak to me.

“By the way, Minister? Our meeting has become headline news… isn’t that dangerous?”

I felt mixed emotions at her bringing this up now, but I answered her question.

“You’re right. This meeting in particular carried many risks… which is precisely why I suggested we meet here.”

“Indeed… with such a fortified base and elite troops stationed here, I suppose we can feel safe.”

“And it wasn’t for nothing that we went up to the second floor only to come back down to the basement.”

At my explanation about taking precautions against assassination and other threats, Ambassador Samiya nodded and said to me.

“Plus, in orbit, there must be two of your empire’s prized super dreadnoughts and a stealth destroyer fleet…”

“If any disturbance occurs, the Internal Affairs Security Division or the Imperial Guard from the palace would also rush here, so please don’t worry too much.”

I emphasized our safety again to the ambassador as I picked up a glass of iced coffee that came with the snacks.

And just as I was about to take a sip.

*BOOOOOM…!!!*

*SPLASH!*

With a sudden vibration that shook the entire place.

I ended up wearing my iced americano instead of drinking it.