An Unusual Change in the Guild

After returning to the Sirius Stellar Province following their precious encounter with the Cosmic Whale, Shinosuke and the others visited the Merchant Ship Guild. When they arrived, the eyes of the receptionist, Lina, lit up.

"Welcome back... Wait, Seira-chan! Did you get your uniform made? It looks so cool—adorable!"

Lina's gaze was fixed on Seira.

"Yes, um... Shinosuke helped me get it made. I really love it."

Lina leans forward from the reception counter to examine the uniform.

Incredible—despite following the design of Shinnosuke's captain's uniform, it's been completely redesigned for a woman. So lovely... Wait, no way... Could it be...?

Rina's gaze lingered on Seyra's left shoulder.

Oh no, this might be a problem...

Shinnosuke's hunch proves correct.

"This logo... Wait, what?! Psycho-J Designers? And also, Gina Langley?"

Seyra's uniform bore the Psycho-J Designers logo embroidered on her left shoulder in a color matching her outfit, carefully designed to remain inconspicuous.

Moreover, it was a special logo exclusive to the top designers within Psycho-J Designers.

A premium mark so subtle that most wouldn't notice it—but instantly recognizable to those who did.

It seemed Linna was among those who noticed.

"Ah~ How exactly did you order a one-of-a-kind uniform designed by Gina Langley? You can't just get something like that by throwing money at it, you know?"

Saying that, Rina now gazes at Shinosuke's captain's uniform as if licking it, but there's no embroidered logo from Psycho-J Designers on Shinosuke's uniform.

The reason is that while Emilia designed Shinosuke's captain's uniform, she chose not to include the logo mark, as she has long since stepped back from both running and designing for Psycho-J Designers.

On the other hand, Seira's uniform was designed by the chief designer of Psycho-J Designers, and embroidering the special logo mark is considered a point of pride for the designer. It was embroidered only after receiving Shinnosuke and Seira's approval.

"Yeah, well, I have a personal connection who helped arrange it... that's about it, really."

Shinnosuke vaguely deflects the question with a half-hearted explanation.

"Is that so? I'm jealous... Shinnosuke, if you get the chance, please introduce me too."

"Yeah, well, if the opportunity arises..."

Seeing their exchange, Seira understood everything and wisely refrained from saying anything further.

Never underestimate a young girl's ability to read the air—Seira herself hadn't spent recent years as a student for nothing.

After the greetings and small talk had wound down, Shinosuke began reporting the results of his work and proceeding with the contract completion formalities.

Seira had been standing behind Shinosuke, but happened to be caught by Zany and Dag as they passed by.

"Hey, missy, you got a new ship uniform? Looks great—really suits you!"

"Yeah, you're really pulling it off..."

"Ah, um... t-thank you..."

Seyla, though she could read the air, hadn't yet learned how to handle older men—she fidgeted uncomfortably surrounded by the two older men, but Shinnosuke was busy with paperwork.

Since there was no real harm being done, they decided to leave her be.

"Yes, I've confirmed the completion of both requests: escorting a cargo ship to the Gara Stellar Province, and transporting medicine from the Gara Stellar Province. The reward has been credited to Shinnosuke's card. Well done."

After completing all the procedures, Shinnosuke stood up, only to suddenly notice that the atmosphere within the guild was different from usual.

The floor was bustling with many free merchants, and Lina’s smile was as cheerful as ever.

Yet, near Lina’s counter, a different attendant’s station and its surrounding area were strangely devoid of free merchants, with guild staff gathered around, their faces serious as they whispered urgently.

"...?"

"Did you notice it?"

Lina followed Shinosuke's gaze, lowering her voice and urging him to sit back down at the counter.

Though Shinosuke had no intention of getting involved in anything unnecessary, Lina seemed eager to talk.

"If it's nothing to do with me, I'm not interested?"

Just to be safe, she set up a barrier.

"For the moment, it doesn't directly involve Shinnosuke, but it might end up affecting him... possibly."

"...?"

"In fact, there was a case of a sailor with a patrol ship abandoning their mission."

Apparently, the patrol ship crew member hired to guard Glen's mining operation had abandoned their duties and fled back.

Patrol ship crew members face high risks, but the rewards are substantial.

That is why trust is paramount, and this applies equally to the merchant shipping consortium that mediates these jobs.

There are specific rules for escort vessel crews, including a strict prohibition against abandoning their duties or fleeing while abandoning their assigned target.

Of course, it's not required that an escort vessel stay afloat at all costs, but it is explicitly stated that every possible measure must be taken to protect the escorted target.

The recent case of mission abandonment reportedly occurred when the escort ship, accompanying the Glenn group as protection, failed to take any action against the pirate vessel, nor attempted to defend the Glenn group, but instead fled in panic. This behavior was meticulously documented in the data submitted by the Glenn group, who barely escaped with their lives.

We had received a report from the sailor who had fled back earlier, stating that the escort ship had experienced engine trouble and had become separated from the Glenn group, but the situation changed completely when the Glenn group returned safely. The Glenn group has now demanded compensation from the merchant shipping consortium that had helped the fleeing sailor, and they are prepared to pursue legal action. It's become quite a complicated matter. I expect that, in accordance with the consortium's regulations, an investigative committee will be convened.

A disciplinary inquiry committee is convened by the shipping association to determine responsibility when a serious rule violation occurs.

The party responsible for the violation

The union staff member who mediated the business and their immediate supervisor

The affected party involved

Shipping Association Executive

Labor union's legal advisor

(Also applicable to the lawyer of the person being questioned)

・Union staff not directly involved in the contract

Two third-party freelance merchants holding qualifications of grade C or higher

It is held with their attendance.

In this case, since it involves a destroyer crew member, the third party will be selected from among free merchants who hold the qualification for destroyer operations.

You should be prepared in case they call on Shinosuke as well.

But I've only recently become a free merchant, and I don't have much experience.

"No, attendance at the inquiry committee doesn't depend on experience. It's determined by the qualifications the sailor holds. Shinosuke has a Class C qualification for escort vessel duties, and he also has disciplined military service experience, making him perfectly suited for this role."

Lina whispers this to Shinosuke in secret.

In truth, Lina, who was already set to attend the inquiry committee as a third-party union employee, had recommended Shinosuke—but that fact remained secret for now.

In any case, it was said the decision would be made by today or tomorrow at the latest, so Shinosuke decided to temporarily pull his dock up.

And the next day.

The decision to hold an inquiry committee was made, and according to the rules of the Free Shipping Association Inquiry Committee, Shinosuke was formally invited.