novelraw Chapter 218
Chapter 218
Chapter 218
As for Zalt Va's treatment, they decided to leave it to the underground Smallfolk, and Emotion and the others chose to return to the surface. They had no intention of getting further involved in underground politics.
They also decided not to invite them to join the Federation. It didn't seem like they had the technological capability to venture into space, and more importantly, the underground Smallfolk loved their life underground. There was no reason to push Federation membership on a stable species. And it wasn't because Terapolapaneshio held a grudge due to the past with Kait—this proposal came from Rutimi De and Adie Ze.
There were two promises made with the underground Smallfolk. One, the Federation would take responsibility for repairing the giant beast Bassalem. Two, the underground would not interfere in the treatment of the surface Smallfolk who had been exiled above.
At the very least, Borno-kki and the others hoped to immigrate to the Federation. It's unclear how many other Smallfolk survived as surface Smallfolk, but Rutimi De, who had been in a similar position, said she wanted to confirm their intentions as much as possible.
Just like Kait had done for the Earthlings scattered across the galaxy because of Divin. Since this was only within the planet Ramadite, it would be somewhat easier compared to back then.
"Well, I suppose it's safe to say we've established friendly relations."
"Yes. Especially since we received so many souvenirs."
They were granted permission to take the route known as the Heavenly Path on their return. It was a much easier journey than retracing their original path. The cart pulled by the Worker Bees was piled high with the staple food of the underground Smallfolk, given to them as a gift.
Underground mushrooms. They are a type of fungus planted in pulverized wood underground. It's unclear if they're the same as mushrooms on Earth, but they are a staple food shared by both Kambandi and the underground Smallfolk. They were given as a token of friendship. When asked whether this would cause issues with food and population management, the response was that it wouldn't be a problem since a large number of exiles would be sent out soon. Everyone understood the situation well enough that no one pressed further.
The path from the residential area to the Heavenly Path was long. Even as they continued to relocate, they had always preserved the route that connected to the Heavenly Path. It was considered sacred and important for air circulation. It's unclear whether the underground Smallfolk understood this when they preserved it, but perhaps it's thanks to this path that they are still alive today.
"Wow, you all are incredible. Even we, who are used to this, find it tough."
"Yes, this much is fine. If you're tired, please say so. Let's take a break."
The Smallfolk guide assigned to lead them to the Heavenly Path looked at them, gasping for breath. Emotion, who didn't need to breathe, and Terapolapaneshio, whose breathing status was unclear, were exceptions, but both Rutimi De and Adie Ze remained unfazed. It was a result of their body modification, though there was no need to explain that every time.
Perhaps out of pride, the guide didn't ask for a break. As they continued down the single path, they began to notice a slight incline.
After walking for a while, the guide came to a stop.
"My guidance ends here. If you climb up from here, you should reach the Heavenly Prison."
"Thank you for guiding us. Take care."
The guide likely didn't have the strength to return immediately, but didn't sit down—just stood there, ready to see them off.
Not wanting to be rude to the guide, the group began climbing the slope right away. When they looked back, they saw the guide staring at them in a daze.
***
Right in front of Emotion, who had returned to the surface, stood the Queen Bee.
Judging from Emotion and the others' reactions, it seemed the coordinates of the Heavenly Path's entrance had been identified quickly.
"Hey, welcome back, Emotion."
"I've returned, Captain."
"How was the underground?"
"Hmm. There wasn't much that looked tasty."
At that answer, Kait let out a wry smile.
Muttering that this had been a gourmet journey, Emotion looked toward the Worker Bees she was leading.
"What's that?"
"It's said to be the staple food of the underground Smallfolk. We received it as a token of friendship."
"Staple food? Huh..."
They looked like misshapen mushrooms. Once above ground, it became clear how eccentric the colors were. Kait, saying "Huh, I see," with a slightly stiff smile, encouraged the group to board the Queen Bee.
"First up... Bassalem, right? Let's start with repairing the giant beast."
"Yes. I'm counting on you."
The side of Queen Bee opened, and they quickly boarded.
Rutimi De was thrilled, saying'That Kait's Queen Bee of the Third-Rank Citizen (Enec Lagif)!'. It felt like a bit of an overreaction.
"By the way, Captain. What happened to the surface Smallfolk?"
During the battle with Dandariol, there had been Smallfolk signals inside the Queen Bee. But now, there were no surface Smallfolk inside. While wondering if they had been left near the giant beast Bassalem, Kait, standing outside the ship, chuckled softly.
'It's not like I was just lazing around while you were gone.'
"?"
Suddenly, the monitor on the Queen Bee lit up. Several ships appeared in the skies of Ramadite.
They were larger than the Queen Bee, but by Federation standards, they were classified as medium-sized, not large.
For now, they were still moving in a group. The ships seemed to be Federation vessels—perhaps Kait had summoned them.
"Did you call this fleet, Captain?"
'Yeah. They're necessary for relocating the surface Smallfolk, right?'
"Makes sense."
The multiple ships were probably meant to search Ramadite in parallel.
Apparently, Borno-kki and the others had already boarded one of the ships. It was easy to imagine them looking bewildered inside the unfamiliar vessel.
Just by flying, the Queen Bee reached the giant beast faster than expected.
"Well then, time for repairs. Rutimi De, Fourth-Rank Citizen (Darda Elra), could you tell us the upcoming plan?"
"Yes. First, we need to call the engineers who will handle the repairs. In the meantime, we plan to investigate the composition of the giant beast Bassalem."
"I see."
The composition of the giant beast. Its outer skin appeared to be sewn together from patches of other beasts' pelts, but what about the inside? The elasticity it showed during the fight with Kait made one curious about its internal structure.
'Seems like some beasts are starting to return. We'll need to be careful so they don't gnaw on the giant beast.'
As if to support Kait's words, a small beast appeared beyond the broken trees. Though it didn't approach the damaged giant beast, the area had likely been its territory. It looked around warily.
The Queen Bee descended to the surface and opened its hatch.
Rutimi De, Adie Ze, and Terapolapaneshio hadn't originally boarded this ship. Since Terapolapaneshio had arrived on the Di-Kigaia Zarmos, it made sense for them to return to it.
Then, the smaller Terapolapaneshio emerged. With movements that suggested it knew exactly where the main body was, it headed toward the large Space jellyfish. When the two touched tendrils, the smaller one smoothly slipped into the larger.
'...Whew, we made it back safely. Emotion, Fifth-Rank Citizen (Alto Romia), excellent navigation. I commend you.'
"Thank you."
Saying happily that there were no missing parts anywhere.
The Di-Kigaia Zarmos descended from the sky.
'Well then. I'd love to chat with Kait, the Third-Rank Citizen, but I need to help Rutimi De, the Fourth-Rank Citizen. Let's talk more another day.'
'Sure. I'm not planning to leave right away either. Let's prioritize the giant beast situation first.'
'Of course.'
Before Terapolapaneshio boarded the Di-Kigaia Zarmos, Rutimi De and Adie Ze, who had been watching from inside the Queen Bee, hurriedly disembarked and ran toward the Space jellyfish. Their reaction was a bit slow.
"Well then. I guess things are finally back to normal?"
'Yeah. Feels like it's been a really long time.'
"Yes. It feels like we've come home."
It felt more natural than expected. Emotion realized that she had come to feel like the Queen Bee was her home without even noticing it.