Chapter 140

The news that a relocation candidate for Ragav had been decided came at the same time as the report of the completion of the seventh artificial celestial body. As expected of the Federation—they work fast.

Kait had no specialized knowledge about the target star system for relocation, so there was nothing he could advise. Even so, he wanted to believe the report was sent as a basic courtesy to the one who proposed the idea... or at least, he wanted to believe that.

'Please, Kait, Third-Rank Citizen (Enec Lagif). Lend me your wisdom!'

"Again?"

The words slipped out unintentionally. One couldn't read the expression of a space jellyfish, but somehow it looked a bit sheepish.

"So, what is it this time?"

'W-Well. We've managed to narrow it down to four candidate locations, but we can't decide on the final one.'

"Oh?"

Kait was rather surprised they had found four locations in such a short time. In the vast territory controlled by the Federation, finding a suitable region for relocation—he had assumed it was possible, but the Federation's information-gathering capabilities were truly overwhelming. Especially in their own sphere of influence.

But the space jellyfish said they couldn't decide. That meant—

"Each location has some issues compared to the original Ragav, doesn't it?"

'Exactly. While I wouldn't call them major issues, the people of Ragav do have a tendency to insist on their own opinions. That's what's troubling me.'

Kait understood that concern all too well. It wasn't that Leen had a special attachment to his homeland—it seemed to be a racial mindset. Or perhaps that was normal.

In any case, Kait understood what was bothering the space jellyfish. And that it wasn't overthinking.

"So, in short, you want to choose a location that, at the very least, someone like Leen would find acceptable?"

'That's right. Do you have any good ideas?'

Kait understood why Terapolapaneshio came to him for advice. The other staff didn't have a good impression of Leen. Which was the same as not having a good impression of the people of Ragav. If consulted, they would surely say there was no need to get their approval and that the decision should be made unilaterally.

If unnecessary friction was left behind, it would surely cause complications later. For the space jellyfish, the important thing wasn't Ragav, but Earth's future. To protect the future of the jellyfish living on Earth, it was important to avoid negative rumors spreading here.

"If that's the case, I have only one idea I can offer."

'What is it!?'

"Let them decide. Let them choose where they want to relocate."

'Huh?'

***

Along the wall of Kait's room, over ten monitors were lined up. The staff for this meeting were displayed on them, waiting for the others to join.

The final monitor lit up. Displayed on it were Leen, and—

'Oh, Leen, Fourth-Rank Citizen (Darda Elra). That one's a new face, isn't it?'

'Yes, Lord Terapolapaneshio. I am Bunaha, a mechanical intelligence serving Ragav. It's an honor to meet you.'

'Bunaha, Sixth-Rank Citizen (Ab Rag). Your attendance wasn't scheduled.'

'My apologies. Since His Majesty Leen was away, I was acting in his stead in Ragav's governance. I'm here today to report on that.'

Bunaha's tone was polite, but there was a subtle sharpness to it. It was likely true that Bunaha had been handling Ragav's internal affairs. The report didn't seem to be a lie. However, the fact that Bunaha was attending the meeting with Leen suggested there was some intent behind it.

Leen also seemed slightly more at ease. Likely because having a trusted ally in a meeting where he had none brought him reassurance. Hopefully, that wasn't the sole reason Bunaha had been summoned.

'I see. Good work. This meeting involves the King of Ragav, Leen, Fourth-Rank Citizen, and us. It includes highly confidential matters. I'm sorry to trouble you, but please step out for now.'

Emarimores opened the discussion. But Kait saw that statement as a misstep.

The content was calm and logical, leaving no room for objection. However, the opponent was a mechanical intelligence who had assisted Leen, and it seemed they already had a counterargument prepared for Emarimores' statement.

'I see. So, unless one holds some political power in Ragav, they are not allowed to participate in this meeting?'

'That's correct.'

This is bad. Kait instinctively held his forehead and looked up at the ceiling.

'Then I believe I qualify to participate in this meeting. At present, I am responsible for 90% of Ragav's internal governance, both in judgment and execution.'

'What? Ah—!'

Emarimores reacted. Realizing they had been outmaneuvered—but it was already too late.

If Bunaha was the mechanical intelligence entrusted with internal affairs, then they certainly had the right to participate.

Since Emarimores had said it, there was no way to refute it now. Terapolapaneshio gave a brief word of approval.

'Thank you. Now then, what is the agenda for today's meeting?'

'Ah, well, that would be—'

Kait noticed Emarimores glancing this way. It seemed they were wary that if they said anything, their words might be twisted against them.

With no other choice, Kait decided to take over the conversation.

"Once again, Sixth-Rank Citizen Bunaha. I'm Kait, the one who proposed the idea. Today's agenda concerns the relocation of Planet Ragav."

'I see, so you are Kait, Third-Rank Citizen. I've heard about the relocation from Lord Leen.'

"I see. Then this will go quickly."

Kait spoke to Bunaha with a smile. Bunaha, however, showed no signs of friendliness. It seemed they were not convinced by Kait's idea either.

"Currently, the Federation has selected four regions of space as candidates for Planet Ragav's relocation. I would like the two of you to choose from among them."

'Tch.'

A tongue click. Kait wasn't sure if it came from Leen or Bunaha. His words were clear and left no room for misinterpretation—perhaps that was what irritated them.

Leen wouldn't meet his eyes. Like Emarimores, he seemed wary of speaking. That meant the person Kait needed to persuade was Bunaha alone.

"We'll withhold the names of the regions and star systems. We don't want to introduce any unnecessary bias."

'......Very well. So, what are the four options?'

"First. Here is the data on the amount and quality of light emitted by the star, and the neighboring planets that would be allies in this star system."

Kait operated his terminal to display the information sent by Terapolapaneshio on the monitors. It appeared not only on his own screen but also on those of all the meeting participants. A few people let out impressed sounds.

'I see. The data looks fine, but where do you plan to place Ragav?'

"In orbit around the fourth planet. The issue is this: there is already another planet orbiting the star in a similar environment. Although no life has developed on that planet, if Ragav relocates there, there will be two planets sharing the same orbit."

'I see. That is certainly a problem. Is removing the other planet realistically possible?'

"Reports say it is. Also, there are no planets with life in this star system, so in that sense, rearranging celestial bodies shouldn't be an issue."

'Understood. Then, the next one—'

It seemed they wanted to put that one on hold. Kait, prompted by the flow, continued with the remaining three star systems.

The second is a star system where the star emits a high amount of heat. Due to the relationship between light and heat, Ragav would need to be placed farther from the star than before. The issue with this location is that the planet's orbital period would increase.

The third is a star system with an aging star. Naturally, the shorter lifespan of the star is a major issue. That said, the lifespan isn't a mere thousand or ten thousand years, so arguably, it could be ignored. Still, it's likely that in the not-so-distant future, they'd need to relocate the planet again.

The last one is a star system with planets that already host life. There are intelligent beings, so if they expand into space, it could become problematic. In a way, this was the most troublesome star system. However, environmentally, it was the closest to Ragav's original system.

Each proposal had its pros and cons, but Kait assumed that if Leen and the others were to agree, it would likely be the first star system. It was the quickest and most practical to resolve the issue.

Bunaha also seemed to be moved by Kait's explanation and was nodding in agreement.

"That's all."

'I see. So there are some restrictions, then.'

"That's right."

'......Then, Kait, Third-Rank Citizen. As I am participating in this meeting for the first time, I'd like to confirm some basic matters, if that's alright?'

Here it comes. So this was the real agenda.

Kait gave a faint smile and replied, "Go ahead, ask anything."

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