“Sort of, yeah,” I reply casually.
“What do you mean by that?” she asks, finally looking up and meeting my gaze.
“He owed me a favor,” I say with a shrug. “So he assigned me this mission. I’ve been traveling the galaxy for the past four years, gathering intel and sharing what I find. I focus mostly on planets that are likely to be terraformed in the future.”
It’s the usual script. I make it clear I’m in contact with Akifumi—easy enough to verify. But I also frame myself as someone he might want to send far away to settle a debt. After all, who’d willingly take on the job of combing through every corner of the galaxy?
“I see. That’s… a noble task,” she says, though her tone suggests she thinks it sounds like a nightmare. “And what brings you to Jaga-18?”
“Just here to fix a few things and restock on non-perishables. I’m running low on dehydrated milk, powdered eggs, and a few other essentials. Not exactly easy to find a decent grocery store out here.”
“Of course! You’re welcome to stay as long as you need,” Hilda says warmly. “Just let Isaac know what you’re looking for, and he’ll make sure it’s delivered straight to your ship. Do you need anything else?”
I glance out the window. Beyond the gardens and residential buildings, I see the edge of the forest—lush, dense, and untamed. That’s where Ileana is hiding. I feel it.
“To be honest, I don’t need much,” I reply. “Wingo and I are used to being on our own. We tend to avoid crowds. What we really need is wilderness. If it’s not too much trouble, I’d like to move my ship to asecluded clearing. That way, Wingo can stretch his legs while I work on repairs.”
“And maybe, just maybe, we can quietly begin our search for the girl.”
“Oh, I get it!” Hilda nods. “You’re free to set up anywhere outside the residential zones. Your… uh… companion can hunt, though there aren’t many species here. Mostly birds and insects.”
“Rhoo, insects!” Wingo exclaims. “My trunk is watering already! Finally, something alive to eat!”
I smile. Insects and berries for him, wild fruit for me. It’ll be perfect.
“Thank you,” I say sincerely.
“Are you sure you won’t join us this evening?” she asks. “The Governor’s out of town on a personal matter, but I’m sure he’d be thrilled to meet you.”
“I appreciate the offer, but like I said—I’d rather find a quiet spot with Wingo. I don’t plan to stay long.”
“What a shame,” she sighs. Then turns to Isaac. “Make sure our guest gets everything he needs.”
Hilda and I step outside—and wouldn’t you know it, we run right into the governor.
“Hey, Henri, you’re back!” Hilda says brightly. “Let me introduce you to Pherebos, an emissary of Akifumi, just passing through Jaga-18 for a few days.”
“Hello!” he says, turning to me. That face… those eyes. Something about you feels familiar. “Have we met before?”
“Yeah,” I reply. “I stopped by briefly at the celebration for your appointment as governor. I think it was on BN-30.”
“BN-35,” he corrects instantly. “I was still an administrator back then, before I got assigned here. I remember speaking with you—briefly.”
“Right. I just dropped in to grab some fruit before heading out again.”
“Pherebos was just telling me how much he prefers solitude to crowds,” Hilda adds. “He even turned down my invitation to join us tonight.”
Henri’s expression shifts. His face falls, just slightly—like something inside him deflates.
“Well, to be honest, the mood at tonight’s buffet won’t be very festive,” he says. “The boy’s right—he’s better off alone than surrounded by mourners. We just lost two respected members of our community… including my partner’s sister. I’m not really in the mood for conversation.”
“Lies!” Wingo says sharply in my mind. “He’s not grieving. He feels fine.”
“You sure about that?”I ask silently.
“I’m telling you—this guy isn’t who he says he is.”
I take his warning seriously.I’ll keep an eye on him.
