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The commercial race Tajirun is a race with a complex political map. The treaties and diplomatic relations they have made with various nations and races cannot be easily summarized in a few words.
But even I could quickly see the uniqueness of the Menoah family. The Menoah family was a group that held a unique position among the Tajrun.
The Tajirun clans, whose business is economic activity, try to maintain friendly relations with other nations and groups. For this reason, the Bellato Federation acknowledged the influence of the Tajirun clan and even created a separate autonomous region for them.
However, the Menoah family did not belong to the Tajrun Autonomous Region. Rather, the Bellato Federation ostensibly rejected the Menoah family and reluctantly established official relations with them.
‘Human trafficking.’
This was because the Menoa family’s main product was ‘people’.
Human trafficking is a major industry and is practiced in the real world. There are many groups and races on the planet Novas who have no qualms about slavery.
However, among the values that the Bellato Federation upholds are equality and freedom. It is impossible to publicly acknowledge the Menoa family while shouting about equality and freedom.
Woohoo.
The sound of the airborne vehicle’s engine could be heard intermittently across the ground.
Jafar and I were traveling in a six-person aerial vehicle. As it was Jafar’s personal vehicle, the interior was cozy and luxurious. Judging from the thickness of the vehicle’s windows and metal plates, it seemed like it would have great protection.
“… … The Menoa family operates a residential mothership and moves their residence periodically. They also have many enemies.”
Japha continued to explain about the Menoa family. I listened with my ears open, as if the words were engraved in my mind.
“So is that why you are more obsessed with private armies than other families?”
“Yes. The Menoa Guard has two captains per battalion. There are also two units. Since one unit was completely destroyed this time, we will be cautious until the next guard unit is trained.”
Hearing this, I realized how much damage the Menoa family had suffered. They had lost half of their power.
‘The damage to Jafar’s boss was not small. If he had been careful, everything Jafar had built could have gone down the drain.’
The Menoa family also tried to kill Anguis Regina, who was a great asset to Jafar Corporation. If they had succeeded in doing so, Jafar Corporation would have been greatly shaken.
“They are trying to kill you like this, but can you be sure that you will be safe within the Menoa family?”
Jafar was going to the Menoa family with only me and ten Equsians. If the Menoa family decides to attack, Jafar will die.
“I came here to make a deal. You have given me permission to come. Trust is important to a merchant. If you kill me, the Menoah family will fall as well. No one will do business with those who lure customers and then kill them. Especially not within Tajrun.”
“It’s like even countries that are mortal enemies don’t kill their envoys and ambassadors.”
“This is the minimum trust, which is almost like an unwritten rule. I don’t know how to say it, but hoy… … Most Tajirun are cunning and sneaky. Many of them will do anything for profit. If there were no minimum trust and rules, it would be chaos. By the universal moral standards of humans, it would be full of ‘evil people.’”
“Interesting, an evil pacifist.”
I tilted my head, resting my chin on my arm on the armrest.
“To be exact, I’m more of a pacifist. Just because I don’t prefer violence doesn’t mean I’m good or kind. Like I am.”
Occasionally, Jafar would blurt out a line that cut to the heart of the matter.
To be honest, I enjoyed talking to Jafar quite a bit. His cool-headed view of reality, self-criticism, and self-awareness made me happy.
“The evildoers who talk about violence being bad usually do evil through other means than violence. They use complicated systems and laws that are difficult for the poor and short-strapped to understand. Technological advancements make it difficult to privatize and monopolize violence… … so they privatize and monopolize systems and laws.”
“That’s a bold statement for an imperial soldier, hoyoyoot.”
Jafar laughed.
“Because I’m a former soldier.”
I spoke like a very subversive reactionary.
But I still missed the Guard and the Imperial Army. Being an Imperial soldier was a perfect fit for me. I would go to battle with my loyal soldiers, earn merits, win victories, get promoted, get better equipment, and fight the enemies of the Empire.
It’s fun to just imagine. It’s a life full of fulfillment, with no time to be bored.
‘At some point things got seriously wrong… … .’
I thought back to myself, having grown up as a soldier of the Empire without any trouble. This is only an assumption, but… … I would have risen to a fairly high position. If my ideology had not changed, I would have become a truly great sword of the Empire. A sharp, strong, and unhesitating blade that melted and tempered even the instability of my cadet days.
The current me is dull, rusty, and creaky. Even I don’t know what kind of sword I am. I don’t have a clear self-awareness. Even when I make up my mind strongly, I quickly waver and change my judgment.
“You won’t have time to sleep once we arrive, so get a good night’s sleep now.”
After saying that, Jafar stopped talking to me. I nodded and closed my eyes.
* * *
The aerial vehicle arrived at the area where the Menoah family was staying.
Looking down, I saw a wide expanse of low forest, with pools and ponds here and there, as if dotting the ground. Although it was a wetland, the climate was cool, so it didn’t feel like an unpleasantly dense tropical rainforest.
“This is where the borders of Cora and Belato meet. Hmm, the location itself is Belato territory.”
Jafar said while looking at the holographic map.
There were three aerial vehicles belonging to Japa Corps. One was occupied by me and Japa, and the other two were occupied by the Equsians.
In the center of the wetlands was a round, dry hill. There, a circular spaceship, more than enough to house a dwelling, was parked.
The spaceship was large enough to accommodate hundreds of people, and was literally a mobile mansion. In addition to the mothership, there were three other residential ships that were like detached buildings nearby.
I looked at Jafar’s expression. Jafar looked out the window at the mothership and said nothing. His feelings must have been very complicated.
There were four air vehicles that arrived before us. Judging from their colors and appearances, they were air vehicles belonging to different affiliations and groups.
“I am an official of the Bellato Federation and another member of the clan. I am here as a notary.”
Jafar explained. They notarized Jafar’s visit to the Menoa family for a fee. If Jafar were to be murdered in the Menoa family’s residence, they would publicize it.
Jafar approached the notaries and went through the paperwork.
I stared at the Menoa mothership in front of me for a while. It was so large that I couldn’t even see left and right at a glance.
I know this in my head. The planet Novas is inhabited by many races, but there aren’t many indigenous races. The main race of the planet Novas, humans, were immigrants.
However, I am a native of the planet Novas. I have never considered myself an immigrant or a foreigner. My home is, after all, the planet Novas and the Empire.
‘Our ancestors must have come on these huge ships and colony ships.’
I have never experienced interstellar flight before. I have never even imagined or wondered what it would be like to travel between stars.
“The procedure is complete. Now, let’s go in. Oh, and don’t forget to take care of the interpreter. Not all Tajiruns are as good at human language as I am, hoyooo.”
Jafar took the lead and spoke. I checked the armor on my chest and waist and followed Jafar one step behind.
Wow!
Part of the wall of the Menoa mothership opened up and we descended. There were stairs installed on the inside of the wall, so it was easy to climb up.
Clank, clank.
At the top of the stairs were two Menoa guardsmen. They were on guard duty, standing with a measured expression and looking at us.
Me, Jafar, and ten Equsians entered the Menoa mothership.
Clang! Clang!
As we all entered, the door slowly closed.
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The interior of the mother ship has long corridors that can accommodate vehicles. Since it is actually a residential ship, it would be convenient to secure a corridor width of this size to facilitate the movement of goods.
Unlike the exterior, the interior had many nature-friendly decorations. There were even long, nameless vines growing along the walls.
Kiing.
As we reached the end of the driveway, the door opened and a Tajirun was waiting for us.
‘… … They all wear baggy clothes and look similar, so it’s hard to tell them apart.’
As is the case with all alien races, it was often difficult for other races to distinguish them. This was because the focus of recognition for individual distinction was different for each race.
From a human standpoint, Tajirun had a fairly high level of difficulty in distinguishing individuals.
– Long time no see, Japa.
My translator said the name Jafar, but when I listened carefully, I heard it was an unusual name, Jaspiekedera. Hmm, maybe that’s a common name among the Tajrun or Menoa families.
-How have you been? Lisanda.
The name came out from the name interpreter that Jafar had registered in advance. It was such a long and unique name that even Lisanda found it tiresome to explain.
Japha had seven siblings. Including himself, there were eight siblings. They were the direct descendants of the main family and were currently the center of the Menoa family.
I stood back and watched the situation blankly.
-You’re really bold. I didn’t know that an exile would come back as a guest.
-There is a proverb in Bellato that says: If you want to catch a beast, go into its den.
It seems like something has changed, but whatever. Jafar revealed his ambitions slyly.
-I guess you enjoyed your life in Border City.
-There were some achievements. They are somewhat powerful in that area. Do you know the saying, “A snake’s head is better than a dragon’s tail?”
There was a thorn in the words exchanged between Lisandah and Jafar. They were not hiding it, but openly poking at each other.
– Excellent, Jafar. When I banished you, I thought you would die in a few days. You’ve always been dull and lacking. Oh, don’t feel bad about it, do you? It’s true that you were stupid.
-I also feel sorry for my past self. Being kicked out was a blessing in disguise. There are those who realize what they are capable of only after being driven into a dead end.
The word ‘telephone restoration’ was spoken by Japha in human language.
-What, me, on the phone? Are you kidding me? You?
Lisandah was only this embarrassed and showed her emotions.
‘You’re playing with it.’
I thought I knew why Lisanda had come out to greet me. She must be the weakest of Jafar’s brothers. She must be the type of person who acts as a lackey to her powerful brothers and takes advantage of their byproducts.
-You were expelled because… …!
-What good will come of speaking out such dishonorable things? There are other races here too.
Jafar quickly interrupted Lisanda.
I too was curious as to why Jafar was exiled. If he had brought me here, he would have told me, but Jafar kept it a secret from me.
-How shameless. I really wanted to see you burn to death.
– Those who were burned to death were innocent soldiers. Did you think I wouldn’t prepare for anything? Even now, I can’t believe that my family agreed to the attack. It was an incredibly poor decision. It was very stupid. My family’s prestige was also damaged.
Emotions were running high. Lisanda flicked her tongue and glanced at Jafar. – You think you’ll be safe as a guest? Your dedicated bodyguard didn’t even dress you in combat gear.
-Was the Menoa family a family that invited guests and killed them? And… …The person next to me is more dangerous than you think. The moment I am released from my leash, I am a human who will turn this place into a mess. Do I think I am the only one in danger? The Menoa family brought a bomb in the form of a person into their house.
Lisandah’s gaze stopped on me. Her vertical pupils narrowed. I shrugged and continued to listen to Jafar.
“… … Click, click.”
I moved my index finger left and right, imitating the second hand of a clock. I’m a time bomb, ahem.
