Chapter 29

I wish I could help Irene, but I can't. All through dinner, her hands are colder than ice and shaking. Maybe she isn't someone who's good at talking to a crowd after all.

I don't think others will be mad at her for what the company that sent them did. She didn't know either, and it wasn't like she would be able to change a thing. She isn't even informed by them.

If It is up to me, I'll punch those bad beings who only care about their money and leave Irene's team behind. Who knew what would happen when Irene's group settles on a remote planet? It is amazing that they're doing great, but...

I shiver at the thought. Something could've gone wrong and the village would be left to die off on their own.

When people say uzains are bad bandits, sometimes I think that there are far worse beings out there. At least we're honest and we left no uzains behind.

Um...

Well, I did wrong and left Zil behind because I was dumb. But... In general, the rule is still correct.

I shrug. It isn't like I would meet them again anyway, so... At least I won't repeat my mistake again.

I wonder whether I can make the announcement to the village for Irene, then she won't have to be this nervous, but she is the only one who's qualified to talk to the rest of the village. I can't do it for her without raising the concern of the rest of the beings. I don't want to overstep anything.

I give her a hug before she stands on a chair with a microphone in her hand. I take a step to the side. This time, I can't even help by promising I will fight enough so that we can get out of here.

She tells the beings about what we found out from Vikul's spaceship. Everyone's so quiet that I can hear their breathing. If any of them dares to blame Irene for what happened, I'm going to punch them.

Even after she's done talking, everyone's quiet. Last time, after she told them about losing contact with their home company, there were rumblings soon after, but now... It's almost like everyone's still busy understanding what she said.

It must suck to know that they are abandoned here by whoever hired them. But... I think the village is pretty good.

Irene's gaze is almost sticking to the floor now. "So... if you have any questions, ask me. Otherwise, Acea will take the names of those who want to head back there. I'll be here as long as some of you want to stay. Yeah, that..."

She turns off the mic and gets off the chair. Her lips tremble as if she is about to cry and crumble into pieces.

I hug her, not caring what others will think. I can't let her remain upset, even when it may be the better thing to do when...

No, I have to take care of my mate, and I don't give a fuck who may see.

I pat her back. "It's okay. We all know. You've tried your best."

"I don't know..." She buries her face into my chest and her tears soak me. I stroke her back, wishing I could take some of her anxiety with me.

"Irene... Time to take a rest."

"But I don't want to."

"You have to. I'm going to carry you out of here if you don't walk on your own."

"I'm not tired."

Acea comes by our side. "Boss, just take a rest. I'll handle the signup. Just so you know, I'm not leaving us either."

I glare at him. There's no "us" for him. And if he doesn't correct his sentence, I'm going to show him what I can do with my punches.

He seems to sense my glare. He clears his throat. "I mean, it has been a pleasure to work with you and the team."

I take my glare away from him. Irene's mine, and I'll make sure everyone knows that.

She takes a breath and finally seems to be gathering strength. She lifts her head from my chest and pats me. It must be rough for her...

She says, "I can only hope that everyone won't blame me."

Acea shakes his head. "Most of us are reasonable and will know that it's not because of you that we're suffering."

She nods, but still seems a bit too hesitant to be certain about it.

Another being comes up. They are a family. "Are you leaving here?"

Irene says, "Like I said, if some of you want to stay here, I'd stay here with you too. Even though trying to hide from everyone isn't that easy, and I regret it, we've put in a lot of work to make this place a decent place. I think I see potential. Now we aren't stranded anymore."

The family looks at each other, nodding as if they're deep in thought. They walk off, seemingly getting ready for the night.

I pat Irene's side again. She is pale and looks like she can faint at any second.

"Here," I nudge her. "Let's head back. I believe Acea will tell us what the beings are thinking about tomorrow. We don't have to hurry. Vikul will help us."

She leaves the food area with me. Her steps are still shaky, but... If I hold onto her, everything will be fine, right?