Chapter 49: I Don’t Care! We Are Team Rocket Soaring Through the Galaxy!

As they say, all good things must end. Early that morning, I gathered Monaluna, Helle, and Cindira to pack our bags for the Imperial Capital. Ignoring the Old Mage’s pitiful attempts to keep Monaluna and Helle, I strode to the town’s exit with a triumphant smile.

“President!” Martin, Cook, and many friends from the Gentleman’s Advance Association had gathered in the distance, waving.

“Ah, I’m coming!” I jogged over, sweat beading on my forehead. So you’re still scared of Helle? Hopeless. But this time, I’m taking her away.

“President, you’re leaving?”

“Yep, off to the Imperial Capital to scout the path for you!”

“President… we…” The boys hesitated. “We don’t know if we’ll ever be worthy enough to visit you there…”

“What nonsense! You’re all my brothers—great gentlemen! Stay true to the code, and one day you’ll gain the power to protect everything. I’ll wait for you!”

“Yes, President, your words are wise!”

“We… we won’t give up!”

“Sob… I’ll become a gentleman!” The boys from Crescent Town burst into tears, bidding me farewell in a chorus.

After parting with the Old Mage and our friends, we boarded the princess’s carriage. The driver was none other than our old friend, Kasa.

“I didn’t expect you to be so well-liked,” Kasa teased, loading the girls’ luggage.

“Of course,” I said, perched on the carriage door with legs crossed, watching him bustle. “I’m the town’s finest youth—hailed as the upright Mashang and the honest, solid Klath.”

“Then, Mr. Exemplary Youth, care to help with this luggage?”

“Nope. I’m the honest Klath, not the hardworking Klath.” I ignored Kasa’s deep resentment and kept lazing.

“Why not store the luggage in spatial items?” Kasa panted after finishing.

“Too much. Nana’s Spatial Ring can’t hold it. My belt could, but they don’t trust my character—afraid I’d do who-knows-what with their underwear. So nothing went in my belt.”

“…And what happened to the upright gentleman?”

The carriage rolled along. The three girls rested inside; I was kicked out to chat with Kasa.

“Kasa! So boring! I wish we’d get robbed!” I yawned, nearly asleep.

“Don’t be silly. This is the main road—no bandits here,” Monaluna called from behind the curtain.

I lifted it. “Hey, you three. Don’t believe bandits will show up?”

“Obviously not! Impossible. I know robbery inside out!” Cindira shot me a glare.

“Right, forgot you were a bandit leader.” I wouldn’t argue with her about this—my heart couldn’t take it.

“I doubt bandits would attack us,” Helle spoke up. “This is the princess’s carriage, bearing the royal insignia. Any bandit with sense wouldn’t be stupid enough to target us.”

“Exactly!” Monaluna sneered at me. “Klath, stop fantasizing. No one’s foolish enough to rob a royal carriage.”

Heh. A royal carriage? That’s exactly why we’ll get robbed. I gave up explaining to the trio of adorably clueless girls.

“How about a bet?” I pulled a necklace from my sleeve—a dazzling ruby on a silver chain, warm fire element radiating. “I lose, you get this. You lose, Helle acts in a little play with me.”

“Deal!” Monaluna and Cindira’s eyes locked onto the necklace, agreeing instantly.

“Miss, I haven’t agreed! Miss Cindira!” Helle protested, though her gaze drifted to my hand.

“Don’t worry. It’s a set—necklace, hairband, bracelet. Win, and each gets one. I’ll leave the stakes with you now.”

“Helle~” Monaluna tugged her sleeve.

“Sister Helle~ You have earrings. Cindira and I have none~” Cindira tugged the other sleeve.

“Alright, I agree,” Helle finally relented.

“That’s the spirit.” I handed the jewelry to them.

“Wait, I want in too!” The doll-like Dragon Princess popped from my arms, flapping tiny wings.

“Whoa! A monster!” Kasa jumped, startled.

“Hmph, mortal!” The Dragon Princess ignored him, glaring at me. “I want to bet too!”

“You want jewelry? Where would you wear it, Dragon Princess?”

“I don’t want jewelry. Get me a new ‘remote-controlled vessel’!”

“…Pfft! Isn’t the fluffy one perfect?” I burst out laughing.

“I don’t care! You tricked me into this vessel, brat! I’ve lost all face. I want a normal one!”

“But I don’t have one! Helle sewed this stitch by stitch—it’s adorable~” I stifled my giggles.

“Does the Dragon Princess dislike my doll?” Helle looked downcast.

“…Anyway, get me a normal vessel!” The Dragon Princess perched on my head, yanking my hair.

“Ow! Fine! I’ll bet with you too. But you must act like Helle. I’ve got the perfect role.”

“You keep saying ‘act’—how?” Monaluna grabbed the doll and hugged her.

“Hehe, let me explain. Super simple—no practice needed…”

Unnoticed, the road grew emptier. Mountains rose higher; forests thickened. I lay dozing at the carriage door, humming a catchy tune from my past life. Suddenly, Kasa slammed the brakes—I nearly flew out.

“Whoa, reckless driver?! Expert at sudden stops?” I steadied myself and punched him.

“Bro, you’re the jinx!” Kasa pointed at a fallen tree and boulders blocking the road, spittle flying.

*Clang clang!* A gong sounded. Bandits in black poured down the mountains, forming before the barricade. Their leaders: a burly giant with a spiked club, and a thin, short man with iron claws.

“Listen up! We’re bandits, and toda—” the thin man shouted.

“See~ I told you!” I pulled back the curtain, pointing. “Look! Convinced?!”

“Today we’re here to rob—” he persisted.

“Ugh, real bandits! Annoying! Oh dear~ my jewelry won’t come off! What to do~” Cindira pretended to struggle.

“Mine too~!” Monaluna chimed in.

“I don’t care. If I act with you, you can’t take the jewelry back!” Helle glared at me warily.

“We’re here to rob you!! Robbery!!” the thin man roared.

“Alright, alright. Helle, hurry out—they’re impatient. And you, dummy Dragon Princess!”

“Brat! Call me Dragon Princess!”

“Hey!!! Be serious! We’re robbing you! Respect our job!” the thin man shrieked, near tears.

“Boss, he’s messing with us!” the giant rumbled, puzzled.

“Ahem! Bandit brothers, sorry—we weren’t ready. Could you try again?” I stepped down with Helle.

“Fine! Listen! We’re bandits, and toda—”

“Klath, why black clothes?” Helle asked curiously.

“Uniforms boost discipline!” I lectured.

“Today we rob you! Hand over your gold—”

“I don’t get it. Black in daylight? So conspicuous—how to do bad things?”

“Oh, it’s freezing—they’re working hard! Stop being picky. Service jobs are tough; show understanding!” I scolded the fussy Dragon Princess.

“Hey! Be serious!” the short man jumped.

“Boss, he’s definitely messing with us!” the giant insisted, conflicted.

“Uh, time’s tight, bandit brothers! Skip ahead to the next part?” I negotiated.

“…Fine!” he gritted.

“Great!” I pulled Helle forward, striking a pose.

“Since… since you asked with all your heart!” Helle stammered shyly.

“We shall mercifully tell you!” I declared shamelessly.

“To prevent the world’s destruction!” Helle shed her shyness.

“To maintain world peace!”

“To carry out the evil of love and truth!” She matched my stiff movements.

“The cute and charming villainous duo!”

“Helle!”

“Klath!”

“We are Team Rocket, soaring through the galaxy!”

“White hole, the white tomorrow awaits us!”

“That’s right, meow~” The Dragon Princess leaped out perfectly.

“……” The bandits stared, dumbfounded.

“Boss…” The giant shook the dazed short man.

“Wha… what?” he muttered blankly.

“Boss, I confirm it—he’s messing with us.” The giant’s voice was firm, deep, and muffled.