The location where I was taken with my hands cuffed was the center of the residential area within the “Inanna 12.” The space, with its vast expanse and clear sky displayed on a screen, featured buildings that seemed to embody a fusion of medieval architecture.
Their structures, replete with several spires and many sharp angles, were unmistakably Gothic. The kind often seen in VR games set during the high Middle Ages. However, the rooftops and some arches incorporated graceful curves and lavish decorations, characteristic of the late medieval Baroque style around that period. Moreover, in the front courtyard, an intricate garden that resembled stacked circular flower beds spread out, evoking a distinctly Rococo atmosphere. It all had that “somewhat cherry-picked the good parts” feel, suggesting sloppy historical research often found in VR games.
Yes, it was beautiful, but for someone like me who compares it to historical references while playing—occasionally even playing without full immersion—it felt extremely half-heartedly constructed.
“Stop spacing out and start walking.”
“Alright, alright.”
The guards prodded me from behind to quicken my pace. Honestly, not even allowing a bit of leisurely sightseeing—it’s a real lack of customer service.
Additionally, the Gear Priests surrounding the building gave me side-eyed looks or sneered openly as they whispered amongst themselves. If rumors about a heretic being brought here have already spread, then there’s nothing to be done, but it didn’t improve my mood.
And yet, my greater concern was with Galatea, who was walking ahead of me.
She was dressed in a Gothic Lolita outfit primarily in black and silver, apparently having been given time to prepare. The extravagance of her attire and the lack of restraints suggested that she hadn’t been categorized as a criminal yet.
However, with knights tightly flanking each side to prevent her from escaping, it was obvious she was under heavy guard. The situation wasn’t good.
Thinking about what she might be feeling made my chest feel tight.
She must feel anxious, frustrated, and perhaps even regretful.
But then, it’s not as if I can handle everything “physically.” That leaves me in a difficult situation.
“Selene, are you still connected?”
“In some way. I’m currently bypassing several places equipped with Faraday cage functionality for relay transmission.”
While being mindful of her, I managed to contact my partner via compressed wave language. Thanks to her, there was still a connection. Our main drone drone is stationed outside above, while I’ve covertly swallowed the relay drone into my pocket. Due to a relay race-style setup passing through several relayers, there’s about a cumulative 10-second communication delay, which feels a little unsettling.
“Still, seeing the world through your sensors is fresh, isn’t it? The amount of information is astonishingly minimal.”
“Is that sarcasm? I can’t see electromagnetic waves or heat sources daily, and my narrow field of vision limited to the front causes me quite a bit of trouble.”
“It’s not sarcasm, trust me. If it were me, I would have gone insane.”
However, has my harsh method of hiding myself angered Selene lately? She’s cold. She frequently uses sarcasm, and doesn’t join in when I try to lighten the mood. I’ll have to do something to cheer her up once everything goes smoothly.
Still, having my partner, albeit temporarily, act as a prisoner doesn’t feel good either.
On the other hand, causing an uprising on the spot and launching an offensive toward the Holy Capital isn’t something I want to do either. With this fragile body, one mistake and I could die. And the death toll resulting from such actions is unimaginable.
Moreover, having Galatea commit a capital offense or abandoning the struggling common people would prick at my conscience, making it painful to watch.
And yet, I hesitated to confront the grim reality head-on, given the circumstances.
Reflecting on everything, there were bitter words I probably should have said. The gloomy expression on a face that generally radiates lively smiles and her tousled, lifeless hair resembled a lethargic cat, which was difficult to witness.
Now, how much can my defense help Galatea?
“Hmm…”
Lost in thought, I was led into an imposingly decorated cathedral, filled with stained glass, and then unceremoniously tossed into what looked like a waiting room. To my dismay, I was gagged with something that resembled a scuba diving regulator shoved into my mouth. Though it prevented my saliva from dribbling out, it also made any vocalizations, beyond moans, impossible.
This was troubling. With this gag on, I wouldn’t be able to defend myself verbally.
Furthermore, this situation indicated that my heresy-related trial followed a pre-determined path dictated by the conspiracy-laden Exgiel Border Territory.
Truly, it was suffocating and unbearable.
“Why, what has been done to my superior officer! You’ll pay for this if it’s within my power! I’d access satellite cannons if I could!”
“Stop it, Selene. If we used an old model from deployment days, a Class 4,500-ton orbital bomb would vaporize me too.”
“Ugh! Damn it! May the curse of Saint A·Satō fall upon you!”
While it’s touching to have her upset on my behalf, I do feel uneasy with my destruction being prioritized. Even a place like “Inanna 12” would vanish if hit by what they call “standard orbital bombing.” Including me inside it, too.
And again, she cursed, using the name of a saint this time. A unique author known for works blending mechanical and human love, whose followers share many beliefs with T·Osamu about the number sequence faith.
In any case, to curse using a saint’s name indicates she’s quite upset. Hopefully, after solving the issue, there won’t be a storm of anger later.
Being gagged, I was led into a conference hall with a crescent-shaped layout, adorned excessively and extravagantly. Its seats were arranged in tiers like a lecture hall, but each seat was generously sized, so despite the great expanse of space, the room could only accommodate about fifty people.
In the center, presumingly the chairman’s podium, stood a solitary woman.
She wore what looked like an expansive, white cassock dress, adorned with prominent shoulders and intricate, lavish embroidery, evoking religious mysticism. Additionally, her face was completely concealed by a completely white veil.
Despite her sumptuous attire, her bodily contours were unmistakably visible. Perhaps the aesthetic perception of the clergy differs from knight classes, especially given that Galatea had always been averse to revealing her body lines through clothing.
With a prod from the soldier, I sat—rather rudely—at a crude chair prepared just left of the center and was subsequently restrained. Though it could easily be torn off, in this organic body, without embedded weapons, I’ll refrain from overdoing it.
If only I were in Type Alpha Variant Two now—my outward appearance resembles an old human prostheses. With built-in blades on the arms and scatter ammunition, I’d shout, “Taste this!” and deliver a physical rebuttal.
“The time has come. We shall now commence the interrogation.”
At once, a high-pitched noise resonated and the sound from the microphone, sharp and somewhat neurotic, echoed throughout the hall. It seemed to suggest the distaste the hall itself held.
“The proceedings will start with the trial for the Knight Dodge. First, we’ll go through the facts.”
“In that case, I, Virgil Daggersson, will present an overview of the case to all present.”
Standing up with the sound of his chair scraping, I recognized the middle-aged male Magius Geanaite knight Galatea had addressed as Lord Virgil.
Come to think of it, Galatea had a noble surname. In the Canopy Holy Capital, where a noble class system clearly exists, having a surname indicates someone of significant status. Hence, why she isn’t bound.
While I mused over this, the words continued—grating upon my ears. So, I activated an emotional stabilization protocol to try to remain as blank as possible.
It was relentless. False accusations poured in.
That this expedition’s failure was doomed from the start, accusations that Galatea, alone of the group, had survived despite being thrown into hell on her first deployment, branding her shameless. Worst of all, the claim that through unorthodox means she had seized control of “The Great Mother”—accusations piled one on another.
Who’s dodging responsibility here?
And is the young knight nearby—relatively young compared to others, but approaching 30—meant to take the blame? With the tone alone, it doesn’t feel like this Virgil ever supported the expedition to “The Great Mother.”
This is political exclusion.
Of course, politics may use anything available, but it’s unpleasant nonetheless.
Whoever you are, and whatever station you hold, your words can’t be retracted. There will be justice, so wait and see.
On second thought, I’ve changed my mind. The consequences should come sooner.
“Done. Are there any questions or objections…”
“Objection!”
The thunderous sound reverberated through the meeting hall, startling everyone. They were in chaos, plugging their ears, confused about whose voice it was. I’ll seize on their astonishment.
Hehehe, I know this system here operates using compressed wave language control. Though lacking crew access, I can easily commandeer the microphone and speakers.
“I am Nozomu Matsuyo. Someone involved in creating this vessel ‘Inanna 12’ and in fact, was responsible for reclaiming ‘The Great Mother’ from a deformed threat. The current explanation is filled with malice and bias, far from impartial. To preserve the honor of Knight Galatea, I must respectfully raise this objection.”
Though higher-level factions might be difficult to convince, I’ll assert my connection to the creators of the Holy Capital to induce bewilderment. I wasn’t formally part of the crew, but it’s true that this craft, sold by the higher authority, has ties to my military role. Technically, it’s an ingenious argument, but I haven’t fabricated lies.
“What was that?!”
“Chairperson! Please mute the microphone! There’s a malfunction!”
“Who is it?! Where is the voice coming from?!”
With everyone caught off guard by these sudden developments, now’s the time to make an impression. It will also benefit my image. How curious, to suspect hacking or unauthorized access right away. Using the relics of our kin to transmit compressed wave language, I’d expect a broader perspective from you all.
“All along, it’s been me. The man who has been suddenly branded a heretic.”
All eyes are on me. Good, good, be amazed. With military training and experience as both the interrogated and interrogator, I’m well prepared for this.
“Guards! Check the gag!”
“Stop dallying and secure him!”
“Ha ha ha, amusing. As you can see, I’m restrained in my chair, and even gagged in such a way that it hurts my throat. However, I’m speaking through the language used with your tin staffs.”
Galatea looks shocked at my statement. Sorry, but even you were misled. But it was necessary. Explaining everything at once would only alienate others, and for smooth interactions, a dash of deceit or pretense is occasionally excusable.
“Let me present evidence.”
Oh, look what I found—via wireless detection through Selene. Let’s dim all the lights in the hall and project a stored “stereoscopic image projector.”
“Selene, archive D29-H15 please.”
“Roger. Give me a second to prepare the space-time loop. Oh, shall I add some background music?”
Why are you so enthusiastic, Selene? The show’s good without it. From your high vantage point and mine, capture it as is.
Let’s start the video then.
Though it hadn’t been used in a long time, the projector was well maintained, displaying sharp images of Galatea and me, bloodied and fighting together with everyone against the monstrous multi-legged war machines that had descended from the skies like nameless beasts.
Many Magius Geanaite soldiers lost their lives to those creatures. Though I didn’t personally know them, it would be disgraceful for their honor as friends of fallen war comrades and shared adversaries to be soiled for political purposes.
The moment I started projecting the fierce battle inside “The Great Mother,” some officials who hadn’t wanted to take responsibility seemed to regain their sanity, shouting louder than even the battle sounds.
“Get that man out! What audacity in this sacred chamber!!”
“To fight bravely and then fall in battle, only to have their honor defiled, is disgraceful indeed. Observe the vast monstrosity before you. This is the tribute to the Magius Geanaite who fought until their destruction. I demand you bow in apology for defaming Galatea’s pride.”
“Guards! Hurry! Remove him and throw him in a dungeon!”
By the time the guards remembered their duties and began to remove the gag and drag me by the collar, it was already too late. I’ve set the data to upload and loop automatically, so without intervention in the control room, it’ll play endlessly.
Mr. Lord Virgil, it’ll be fascinating to see how you justify the discrepancies between this indisputable evidence and your words. I’ll leave a relay drone to spy on you.
” Nozomu!!”
As I was escorted out, Galatea leaned forward, clearly worried, so I waved to reassure her.
There are several cards left up my sleeves. Let me handle this well…
[Additional Note on Planetary Exploration] Many products by the Higher Authority are structured to accept compressed wave language voice commands, though often security measures are present but left untouched even on foreign export models.
The update on 2024/07/25 is scheduled for around 18:00.
