Free Merchant Shinosuke Kashimura

In the galactic world, starships are indispensable for human survival.

They serve as transportation between planets and colonies, both within and between galactic nations, as carriers for various goods, as military forces to protect national sovereignty, and as sources of entertainment that enrich people's lives—used in countless ways.

From 20-meter-class personal small cruisers to massive vessels stretching hundreds of meters and capable of transporting hundreds of thousands of tons of cargo, ships of various sizes and capabilities navigate the vast expanse of space.

Amidst this array of massive vessels capable of transporting hundreds of thousands of tons of cargo, Shinnosuke's Cerberus is an 85-meter-long corvette—relatively small even among military ships—and because its hull is mostly occupied by power systems and weaponry, it is highly maneuverable and heavily armed. However, its payload capacity is only about 30 tons, and even if some weapons are removed, it still cannot carry more than 50 tons, making it distinctly inadequate as a merchant vessel.

The crew consists of one to five personnel, but the ship features three individual cabins, two double rooms, and additional facilities such as a bathroom and an automated kitchen. While there are certain limitations, it is fully capable of supporting long-term voyages. Indeed, Shinosuke has established his base at the colony in the Sirius Stellar Province, but he has no intention of living within the colony; instead, he plans to sleep and reside aboard the Kerberos vessel.

Shinosuke registered as a free trader with the Free Merchant Guild of the Sirius Stellar Province.

While galactic nations host numerous large-scale corporations and organizations like the Skyward Company, which dominate the economy with vast capital and organizational power, not all galactic trade and distribution is monopolized by these major enterprises.

Small-scale operations or jobs that large corporations avoid, such as dangerous tasks, are entrusted to local merchant fleets, with registered independent traders taking on these assignments.

In other words, merchant guilds serve as intermediaries between clients requesting work and independent traders.

Although Shinosuke has begun his journey as an independent trader by registering with the merchant guild, simply being registered doesn't automatically change anything.

No matter what, you can't earn a living without working—and just keeping Cerberus docked at a private berth already incurs enormous costs.

You can't get anywhere without doing work first.

There are two ways to conduct business as a free merchant: either freely trade and conduct commerce within the scope permitted by your qualifications, making decisions based on your own judgment.

While this method offers the potential for substantial profits, it also carries significant risk, and all responsibility falls on you alone.

The other option is to take on jobs from those offered by the guild that match your skill level and your ship's capabilities.

Since the guild acts as an intermediary, you can't expect to earn more than the reward specified in the contract, but the contractual risks and potential troubles are minimal, allowing you to earn steadily and reliably.

Above all, there are countless jobs available through the guild, so as long as you're not overly picky, you'll never lack work.

While both options have their pros and cons, Shinnosuke, lacking any experience or know-how as a merchant, needs to take on guild jobs to gain experience. So, he promptly visited the guild to accept a job right away.

Guild-issued tasks are posted on the network and can be taken on from any terminal owned by a free merchant, but most merchants still prefer visiting the guild's counter in person to handle the paperwork directly.

They came to conduct business face-to-face with the guild staff, hoping to pick up valuable information not shared publicly through casual conversation, but in Shinnosuke's case, he had an additional intention: to receive advice from the guild staff as a novice merchant.

When Shinnosuke and Marks arrived at the guild, they found the guild clerk Lina and a large man arguing at the reception counter.

"Why can't the escort ship depart?"

"I apologize, but the sailor we had scheduled has damaged the ship while fulfilling another assignment..."

"We've been preparing for this trip for a full month! We even paid the deposit! How can you possibly cancel the departure today? Can't you arrange a replacement at least?"

That's... it came up suddenly, so I tried contacting other sailors who have escort vessels... I'm sorry, I'll return the contract payment you've already provided...

There's nothing we can do about it! This is the perfect time to make money in the asteroid belt! The risks are high, so we've taken on debt to secure a high-paying contract! If we can't go on this job, we won't just be in the red—we'll be bankrupt!

It seems there's been a contractual issue regarding the escort ship request.

Shin nosuke gave Marks a subtle glance, then approached the counter.

"What's the matter?"

The large man, who had been pressing in on Rina, turned to look at Shin nosuke with suspicion. But upon seeing Shin nosuke's captain's uniform, his expression changed.

"You're a ship owner, aren't you?"

Stepping back slightly from the man's imposing presence, Shin nosuke nods.

"Yes, I'm a ship owner. Though still new as a free merchant, I hold escort vessel certification and a corvette."

Shin nosuke shows his license, but suddenly notices he's surrounded by seven men and women besides the large man in front of him.

"I'm Glen. I'm working with these guys here as treasure hunters. Though to be honest, we're not really after treasures—we're after rare metals, fuel, and other raw materials. Calling ourselves treasure hunters is just for show. Basically, we're miners."

The big man introduced himself as Glen.

"So, Mr. Glen, you mentioned you need a escort ship?"

That's right! The asteroid belt we're mining is one that big corporations avoid. Since large ships can't operate in the asteroid belt and the profits are much smaller compared to large-scale mining, that's where small-scale hunters like us come in. Just as we're after treasure, others are after our treasure too.

So we're being targeted by people like those so-called space pirates, huh?

"That's right. They're hiding within the asteroid belt, waiting for us to uncover the treasure. Mining operations require specialized equipment and technical skill. Pirates like them don't possess such expertise, nor do they put in any effort—they only think about stealing what we've found."

Shin nosuke also nodded in agreement with Glen's explanation.

Those who are diligent or hardworking wouldn't waste themselves on space pirates.

"So, we really need to hurry and get a护卫 ship, then?"

"Good, let's get straight to it. Our feeding ground, the asteroid belt, is a vast canal that flows continuously on a cycle spanning centuries. Every few years, a cluster of asteroids rich in rare metals drifts through this belt—prime opportunity for profit. I've been sniffing out this chance for over a month now, relying on my experience and instincts. That's why I've already booked a capable sailor. Naturally, since it's a dangerous job, the contract fee is doubled."

"Are you going to go into debt just for this?"

Well, I'll admit it—our real self is usually a lot more generous. But I messed up on the last job. I spent almost all our savings buying a new mining vessel. That's why we can't afford to miss this opportunity. We had to stretch ourselves thin just to come up with the contract fee. If this job goes well, we could easily pay off the debt and even make up for our previous loss. But now, right when we need it most, our escort ship can't make it? That's just cruel. If we go ahead without protection, our mining fleet will be like an open invitation to space pirates. If that happens, we won't just go bankrupt—we'll be reduced to cosmic dust... Damn it!

Glen is blatantly pretending to cry, and it's obvious he's faking it.

Though Shinnosuke isn't the kind to fall for such manipulative tears, he still has the option of taking on this job.

Shinnosuke looked at Marks.

"What do you think? Do you think we can handle this alone?"

Marks asked Glen.

"As for the mining convoy, how long and how many ships do we need to protect?"

Glen stopped pretending to cry and looked up.

"It's called a convoy, but it's really nothing impressive. Just a medium-sized mining mother ship, two mining vessels, and one exploration vessel. The two mining vessels are stored on the mother ship and moved to the site, so during transit to and from the site, I'll need protection for just the mother ship and exploration vessel—two ships total. During mining operations, we'll need protection for the two mining vessels as well, bringing the total to four ships. The journey to the site takes about three days one way. The mining operation itself will last two to three days nonstop, with shifts. We don't want to be targeted by pirates, so we want to keep the risk as low as possible. Anyway, with ten days, we should be able to get back."

After hearing Glen's response, Marks looked at Shinnosuke.

"Although it's ten consecutive days of work, I don't require rest, so my master and I can handle it. While we can't be overly optimistic with the uncertainty of combat against space pirates, it's certainly not impossible."

Shinosuke nodded in agreement.

"Compared to unfamiliar transport or trade, a slightly higher risk might actually make a escort mission more suitable for a first job."

Glen, having heard the conversation between Shinosuke and Marks, grasped Shinosuke's hand.

"Please, take the job!"

Not just Glen—his companions also surrounded Shinosuke and Marks, blocking any chance of escape.

There was no turning back now.

"Alright then. I'll accept the request."

Glen nearly lunged at Shinosuke in relief, but Shinosuke, a man of sound judgment, easily dodged the embrace.

"Thank you! I'm sorry to ask so suddenly, but I'd like to leave right away. Are you sure you're ready?"

"Understood. Let's finalize the contract and set sail immediately."

Shinosuke called out to Lina, who was watching anxiously from the reception counter.

"I'll take on Glen's request."

Lina bowed her head, looking apologetic.

"Thank you so much. Breaching the contract could damage the guild's reputation, so I truly appreciate your taking it on. It's a dangerous request, but I'm counting on you."

Lina, half-relieved and half-worried, gave a complicated smile as she proceeded with the contract formalities.

Lina Quest had been a staff member of the Free Merchant Fleet Guild for five years, a 27-year-old single mid-level employee.

She led a fulfilling, rewarding life, and took great pride in her work.

The guild's role is to act as a bridge, receiving requests from clients and forwarding them to freelance merchants. By facilitating these transactions through the guild, we maintain proper and fair trade, which in turn safeguards the livelihoods of countless people.

That said, not only in escort duties but in all aspects of spacefaring work, danger is ever-present. It's not uncommon for someone who sets out on a mission into space to never return.

I've seen more than a few crew members who joined the guild, took their first job, and never came back.

Still, work keeps coming in, and there's no end to the tasks for independent traders.

The guild staff can only watch as those they've assigned jobs set out into the dangerous reaches of space.

Thus, Rinna disciplined herself not to grow accustomed to her work, not to fall into complacency, nor to be confused—she greeted each day with a smile at the counter, fully committed to her duties.

And she never failed to offer words to those setting off on their journeys.

"Safe travels!"

Rinna sent off Shinnosuke and Marks with warm, smiling farewells.

Since the Glens were eager to set sail as soon as possible, they postponed their introductions and detailed preparations, deciding immediately to depart.

"Application for departure submitted to the Harbor Control Center and the Merchant Ship Association's dock management office... received. You may depart at any time."

Upon receiving the report from Marks at the central operator station, Shinnozuke activated the ship's main engine.

"Dock control room, Cerberus is departing. Unlock the airtight hatch!"

At Shinnozuke's request, the hatch of the dedicated dock opened, and the launch platform carrying Cerberus moved into departure position.

"Ship hull lock disengaged, Cerberus is departing!"

Shinnozuke fired the thrusters and pulled back the steering yoke.

Cerberus detached from the launch platform.

Shinnozuke and Marks' first mission had begun.

I've poured out everything I'd been saving up in this episode.

I expect the posting frequency to drop from next episode onward, so I kindly ask for your understanding.

I aim to maintain at least one post every one to two weeks, or every three to five days at minimum.

Thank you for your continued support.