Facing the Feisi City Enforcer and guards, Wu Xiaomi and Lulutina raised their hands.
“You’re not going to run?” the Enforcer Miss held up the handcuffs.
“We have no ill intentions. We never planned to seize the property or rights of the Natives. So, there’s no reason for us to run,” Wu Xiaomi submitted as the cuffs were fastened.
“But you are accused of theft and murder, with solid evidence.”
“The innocent have nothing to fear. We can explain everything clearly. As long as Feisi City’s court is fair, the misunderstandings will be cleared.”
Only after both were handcuffed did the Enforcer Miss finally exhale.
“I have seen how you live in the White Space; you are dangerous. Killing is an everyday affair for you.”
“Well, most people really are like that,” Wu Xiaomi awkwardly followed the Enforcer forward. “But it’s also for survival—those who are starving often act like that.”
“I must say, you staying here has slightly changed my view of the Raiders. However… if your companions would just surrender peacefully, it would better prove your innocence.”
“We want to prove ourselves simply, but sorry, we cannot be sure if Feisi City’s justice system is fair.”
“Hah… such doubt is unnecessary. Feisi City is the Empire’s most important port city, directly governed by the Empire. No one dares to practice injustice here.”
“That’s good then.”
…
The prison conditions were not bad—far better than the two private dungeons at Wilson Manor.
The floors were clean and neat, with transparent supervision, giving the impression of a modern prison.
“This is one of the most comfortable cells I’ve ever stayed in,” Lulutina said contentedly, lying down and resting her head on the handcuffs.
“How many times have you been in a cell?”
“Ten? Twenty? Sorry, I lost count. If you include detention centers, it’s probably over fifty.”
This girl was probably raised in prison.
“There’s food and drink in the cell, why not freeload here?”
By the way, last time it was the two of them locked up together as well.
What a coincidence. Though now, I have a different identity.
“Your trial will begin tomorrow at ten in the morning,” the Enforcer Miss stood at the cell door, posture rigid. “We deeply sympathize with your loss of home.”
“But if you have infringed on citizen rights, then the entire Empire will regard you as invaders. I hope you are not invaders.”
“Every mission we’ve done has video evidence. Please rest assured, Enforcer Miss, we conduct ourselves openly and honestly.”
After all, the Recording Jewelry had no storage limit; most people had it on 24/7, like Lulutina.
There was more than enough evidence to prove their innocence.
“Let’s hope so.”
…
Perhaps because Wu Xiaomi was a new “male” arrival, Lulutina showed little interest in conversation.
Wu Xiaomi was happy with that.
The night passed quietly.
Soon, the next day’s trial time arrived.
“Let’s go.”
Escorted personally by the Enforcer Miss, they left the cell.
Only then was communication restored.
Suddenly, the entire screen filled with team announcements.
[Temporary Mission Team – Team Channel – Ah Lei: Everyone, attention! Fully investigate all ocean-related intelligence. Search for, but are not limited to—tsunamis, underwater volcanic eruptions, seawater poisoning, biological crises!]
What’s going on?
Why is it suddenly so tense outside after a night of silence?
[Ah Lei: I just confirmed again, all the Sea People Entertainment Stores in Feisi City have closed and fled! Wuwuwu, my Miss Tentacle… Anyway, the situation is very abnormal. Please continue monitoring ocean-related events!]
The prison was right next to the beach.
Wu Xiaomi looked over—the beach was tranquil.
Bikini-clad women lazily sunbathed, and a giant freighter was entering the port, loaded with massive containers.
Everything was orderly, without any hint of danger.
[Huang Xiao: Aren’t you being a bit too sensitive? Maybe it’s just a crackdown on prostitution…]
[Ah Lei: No! Other stores are fine, only the Sea People’s shops all vanished at once. They must have received some information.]
[Huang Xiao: That’s a stretch, maybe they’re just visiting home…]
[Ah Lei: I talked deeply with them. They have a unique danger perception ability.]
“What’s wrong?” the Enforcer saw Wu Xiaomi and Lulutina pause and asked.
“Nothing, just received news from our companions.”
Wu Xiaomi decided to ask indirectly.
After all, the Enforcer Miss was official Feisi City personnel and might provide more information.
“Is there any special day recently? Like the Mirrored Night of Burial Mountains?” Wu Xiaomi asked.
“No special day.”
“Then, have you heard about the Sea People Entertainment Stores closing? Is Feisi City conducting crackdowns specifically targeting those stores?”
It was a bit embarrassing to ask, but life was at stake, so Wu Xiaomi spoke out.
“No, no crackdown. In Feisi City, as long as you have a business license and regular health check certificates, entertainment stores can operate legally. For some races, releasing sexual tension in certain seasons is a rigid necessity,” the Enforcer shrugged. “I haven’t heard of any recent actions against Sea People shops.”
So it was legal…
Not an official crackdown.
They really fled as a group.
“Do you know about those ocean races?”
On the way to the court, Wu Xiaomi casually chatted with the Enforcer.
“Apart from different body structures, they’re mostly no different from us,” the Enforcer looked at Wu Xiaomi. “Like the difference between you and us… Your Spirit Source conduits have a very different arrangement, but otherwise, in the way of thinking and reasoning, there is no difference.”
“Maybe we share a common origin from tens of thousands of years ago.”
“I agree with that theory,” the Enforcer nodded firmly. “So most people in Feisi City don’t see you as invaders. I hope you won’t disappoint Feisi’s citizens.”
“We won’t.”
Wu Xiaomi raised their head.
No matter where, courts always present a tall and imposing image.
Apparently, civilizations evolve in similar ways.
Intelligent beings use intelligence to resolve conflicts, hence there are magistrates and courts, like this one.
But equally, as long as rules are made by intelligent beings, there is room for corruption.
Entering Feisi City Trial Court, standing inside the cage in the center.
Four beams of light shone down sharply, dazzling.
Within that light, Wu Xiaomi could not see anyone’s faces—only faintly knowing there were many people seated in the audience seats.
This was a highly watched trial.
The debate in court would decide the relationship between the Natives and the Raiders.
From now on, would they be enemies or friends?
What attitude should we have towards them, and what attitude should they have towards us?
— The tragic refugees, the trustworthy partners, or… the detestable invaders.
“Defendants, do you admit to stealing, entering Xilin City Museum at 17:57 on the 10th day of the 9th month in the Empire’s calendar, and taking fifteen items belonging to Mr. Wilson?”
Piercing eyes fixed on Wu Xiaomi and Lulutina.
The pressure was immense.
Lulutina raised her head.
“I plead guilty.”