Two-Person Galactic Journey: Earth Was Destroyed While Imprisoned in Space Prison

Chapter 126

The Earthlings who had been unexpectedly sold off seem to have gotten quite used to life in the universe, for better or worse. Perhaps it was because Kait had delayed things, but the number of those choosing not to immigrate to the Federation had grown somewhat. He chose to interpret that positively, thinking they had found a place of their own.

That said, there still seemed to be places where they weren't treated well, and on this day, Kait brought back a double-digit number of Earthlings to the Federation's Central Star Cluster for the first time in a while.

"Quite the large group, Kait."

"Yeah. I've finished registering them as citizens, so I'll leave the rest to you."

After completing the citizenship registration, he guided the Earthlings to their residential district. Normally, he would leave that to the administration, but this time the circumstances were what they were, so he brought them himself.

Even Rebecca, their representative, seemed to find it odd that Kait had brought them personally. She lowered her voice and asked,

"What exactly happened? It's rare for you to go this far."

"Unfortunately, it's just a case of scum existing even within the Federation."

This time, Kait had gone to an artificial planet operated by an organization friendly with the Federation. While not part of the Federation due to ideological differences, they claimed to respect its values.

Kait's delayed visit was due to that situation, but the actual operations on that artificial planet were far from legal.

"I thought something was off. Even though it was outside Federation jurisdiction, there were an unusual number of Federation ships interfering. It was like they didn't want me going there."

In short, they had been hiding the truth from the Federation.

In form, the artificial planet was treated almost like a special zone of the Federation. These zones were installed on Federation residential planets to satisfy the potentially troublesome traits of certain species that might otherwise inconvenience others.

Federation citizens had taken advantage of that system and funded the creation of the zone to enjoy entertainment not allowed within the Federation. Naturally, it was illegal.

That organization pretended to be under the Federation's protection while secretly conducting illegal operations. The Earthlings had been purchased as illegal laborers. "There was demand for them," the manager had said with a laugh.

"They were forced into illegal work, and when they learned that a high-ranking Federation official was behind it, they fell into despair. Some of those involved might even be connected to the Central Star Cluster."

"Is it safe?"

"I confirmed it with the council on the way here. The top official is a holder of Fifth-Rank Citizen status—Alto Romia. He's famous as a self-made man who rose from Low-Rank Citizen—Zaza Amza—to Fifth-Rank Citizen."

Apparently, he had used profits from illegal activities to expand his citizenship status.

There seemed to be a fair number of Federation citizens among the customers. However, their citizenship ranks were generally low. High-ranking citizenship required not only wealth and ability but also character and ethics, so perhaps it was inevitable.

"Ritimiele was furious about this incident."

"Huh? Why would she be?"

"Ritimiele has been observing Earthlings for a long time. Among Federation citizens, she treats them with considerable care. When I explained the situation and requested support from the council, the message must have reached her—probably through Terapolapaneshio's network."

Perhaps due to her connection with Kait, Ritimiele was still working as deputy leader in Zodogia on a project to restore Earth's environment. Though her evaluation of Earthlings as a species was low like everyone else's, she still watched over them with something like a guardian's gaze, which was deeply appreciated.

In any case, as soon as she learned the situation, she flew over from Zodogia in her own ship. While Ritimiele caused a diversion by rampaging, Kait completed the rescue of the Earthlings.

"There's going to be a trial, so they'll be treated as important witnesses. Since some of the customers might be citizens living in the Central Star Cluster, I had to bring them myself. More importantly, they still don't fully trust the Federation. Until the trial concludes, I plan to stay in the Central Star Cluster myself."

"I see. ...I'm not sure if that's good or bad."

"Hm?"

Kait tilted his head at Rebecca's unsettling remark. It was rare for her not to be openly glad about his staying in the Central Star Cluster. It was true he had brought trouble back, but even so, her reaction was unusually negative.

"Did something happen?"

"A visitor. For you, Third-Rank Citizen Kait."

Rebecca replied with a grimace. She seemed to be in a very foul mood, almost to the point of clicking her tongue.

"A visitor? For me?"

"Yes. Even though I told them we didn't know when you'd return, they insisted on staying. Acting all high and mighty for no reason—truly a nuisance."

"Oh boy."

For someone as generally amiable as Rebecca to act like this...

If they were staying, that meant they were in the Earthling residential district. Judging by her tone, it didn't sound like they had gotten permission.

"I guess I'd better meet them."

"Honestly, I'd rather not let you, but having them stay indefinitely is a problem too."

"Got it. I'll meet them."

Why was he never free from troublesome matters?

With a deep sigh in his heart, Kait followed behind Rebecca, who was leading the way with angry shoulders.

***

"So you're Third-Rank Citizen Kait, huh. ...I see?"

The appraising gaze wasn't pleasant. Beside him, Rebecca clicked her tongue loudly enough to be heard.

"Nice to meet you. And you are?"

"I am Leen. Head of Planet Ragav and holder of Fourth-Rank Citizen status—Darda Elra."

"I see. Pleased to meet you."

Even though no one asked, he revealed his citizenship rank. Clearly an authoritarian type. The kind Rebecca disliked.

Kait didn't let such analysis show on his face and instead observed how the being named Leen would act.

According to the Federation's classification, Earthlings were a species with developed forelimb-end functionality. Leen also seemed to fall under a similar category, but his atmosphere was different from that of Earthlings.

He didn't walk on two legs, but three. Two in front and one in the back, which might be a tail. It was covered by clothing, so it just looked like he was standing on three legs.

And on his upper body, he had four arms. That made seven functional limbs in total. His face resembled a crocodile, at least by Earthling standards. Overall, his appearance was unsettling.

Rebecca and the others looked at him as if he were something eerie. But for Kait, who had traveled the universe and interacted with many diverse intelligences, this level of strangeness didn't even register as strange.

"So, do you need something from me?"

"Indeed. I wish to borrow the power of the now-famous Third-Rank Citizen Kait."

Leen was probably trying his best to be polite, but his tone was undeniably arrogant. Since he called himself the head of a planet, perhaps he had once been royalty. The fact that he was now a Fourth-Rank Citizen suggested a change in status after joining the Federation.

In any case, Leen's request was for help. Regardless of his haughty demeanor, Kait figured he could at least hear the details.

"My power? I doubt I'll be of much use."

"Not at all. The fact that you have influence over the people of Terapolapaneshio is remarkable in itself. I can't help but be envious."

Kait raised an eyebrow at the slight edge in Leen's words.

Whether it was jealousy or distrust, Leen's words lacked sincerity. Kait didn't sense deceit, and he could tell Leen was somewhat desperate. But still...

"If that's the case, then I probably won't be of any help. The people of Terapolapaneshio have treated me well, but I don't have enough influence to say I'm important to them."

"What?"

The one who let out that surprised voice was Emotion, who hadn't said a word since returning. Please, not now.