MTLNOVEL Chapter 100
From the conversations between Gil and Rene, I learned that “Sears” refers to an organization that effectively controls the Bozon settlement.
They run and manage an illicit city, but their influence extends beyond just Bozon. They’ve expanded their commercial reach to other settlements and cities, including even the star city where Governor Angreus resides.
The reason their headquarters is set up in a place as lawless as Bozon is simply because it facilitates their operations. They deal in both legitimate commerce and with illegal groups like space pirates, trading everything from food and supplies to used spaceships bought from the military.
“Sears is the reason Bozon has survived without government interference up to now… But…”
“The newly appointed Governor Angreus is concerned about Sears’ influence… Is that what you’re saying, Gil?”
Gil nodded slightly in response to Rene’s words, then pulled out a newspaper from beneath the counter to show us.
“A branch in the star city was raided? … Has it escalated to that point?”
The newspaper, with its slightly reddish hue, featured a large headline reading “Forced Raid!!” and included a grainy photo of soldiers seizing items from a store.
The article detailed that, following a decree from Governor Angreus, all Sears-operated branches in the star city had been simultaneously raided. The reason was straightforward: it was abnormal for an illegal organization to operate in the star city, and unlike his predecessor, Angreus intended to condemn Sears.
In response, Sears’ affiliated press had issued a condemnation statement, with some newspapers aligning with that stance.
“So, the relationship between the government and Sears is that hostile?”
“It’s not just hostile; it’s on the brink of exploding… A civil war could break out if things go badly.”
Although Governor Angreus’ forces are overwhelmingly superior in terms of strength, Sears has its own private army and commercial leverage. According to Gil, even merchants not directly influenced by Sears were dissatisfied with Angreus’ hardline stance. Additionally, Angreus had only recently arrived on the planet Zerad, and there were already talks of trying to drive him out.
The impending conflict seems to be an economic war, with Sears preparing to counter with its working-class citizens.
(So, is the situation better than I expected?)
Both Sears and we, broadly speaking, are anti-Angreus factions. While the specifics differ, our common goal is to remove Governor Angreus from this planet. Even if cooperation isn’t feasible, things might not be as bad as they seem.
“Then, it might be easier to get information on Governor Angreus…”
“You want information on him? You guys?”
Gil looked at us with a surprised expression in response to Rene’s musing.
“Yeah, there’s been some recent developments.”
“In that case, you might be in luck. Some interesting information has come in recently.”
“Interesting information?”
Gil responded with a deliberate nonchalance, adding, “Oh, nothing important.” Rene, undeterred, continued the conversation without showing any dissatisfaction.
—
The bell above the shop door rang, signaling a new arrival.
I moved aside from the counter to clear the way, thinking it might be a customer.
The person who entered was another Gaia Lizard, distinguished by a prominent snake-like head, but with a physique as impressive as the Crocodilian Dorzak I had seen earlier. I thought he looked like an impressive Gaia Lizard, and assumed he must be an acquaintance of either Gil or Rene.
“Hey, Gons.”
Gil, leaning on the counter, greeted the black Gaia Lizard named Gons with a casual wave.
Rene, on the other hand, seemed somewhat cautious.
From their interaction, it was clear that Gons was familiar with Gil. Perhaps he was another merchant acquaintance? I watched closely, curious about their conversation.
“Let me introduce you. Gons here is someone I know, and he oversees the Gaia Lizard in the Bozon settlement. He’s also one of the executives in Sears.”
“…I hear there’s an important report. A Gaia Lizard woman and a suspiciously dressed human male who aren’t typically seen in the settlement… What’s the reason for calling me here, Gil?”
Gons, exuding an air of high-handed authority, asked in a low voice. He then noticed the newspaper on the counter and made a displeased face.