Two-Person Galactic Journey: Earth Was Destroyed While Imprisoned in Space Prison Chapter 126

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 sowhat. He chose to interpret that positively, thinking they had found a place of their own.

That said, there still seed 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 ti 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 ti the circumstances were what they were, so he brought them himself.

Even Rebecca, their representative, seed 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 ti, 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 claid 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 sothing 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 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 troubleso 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 entertainnt 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. So of those involved might even be connected to the Central Star Cluster."

"Is it safe?"

"I confird 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 seed to be a fair number of Federation citizens among the custors. 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 ti. Among Federation citizens, she treats them with considerable care. When I explained the situation and requested support from the council, the ssage 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 environnt. Though her evaluation of Earthlings as a species was low like everyone else's, she still watched over them with sothing 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 so of the custors 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 sothing happen?"

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

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

"A visitor? For ?"

"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 soone as generally amiable as Rebecca to act like this...

If they were staying, that ant 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 et them."

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

"Got it. I'll et them."

Why was he never free from troubleso 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 et you. And you are?"

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

"I see. Pleased to et 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 nad Leen would act.

According to the Federation's classification, Earthlings were a species with developed forelimb-end functionality. Leen also seed 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 sothing 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 sothing from ?"

"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 deanor, 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 sowhat desperate. But still...

"If that's the case, then I probably won't be of any help. The people of Terapolapaneshio have treated 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.