Confrontation, Layered Commerce

Upon arriving at the Damura Cluster Commonwealth, Shinnosuke and the others immediately begin searching for a buyer for their rare metals.

This time, they've brought five tons of Rare Metal No. 625—relatively stable in market price—and fifteen tons of Rare Metal No. 1247.

Before listing the metals for trade, Shinnosuke's group checks the current market prices within the Damura Cluster Commonwealth.

"No. 625 is stable, but No. 1247 is slightly lower than usual."

"The drop in trading prices is probably just temporary, but we don’t have time to wait for a recovery."

"Still, it’s within expected ranges. Let’s go check it out."

Shinnosuke’s group decided to visit the merchant ship union to gather information about potential buyers.

Although Seira, as an apprentice working toward her maritime certification, didn’t need to accompany Shinnosuke’s team on their rare metal trading trip, she insisted on coming along.

When Shinnosuke and his team exited the dock, carrying samples of two rare metals in a case, an unexpected figure? awaited them.

"We've been expecting you, Miss Kashimura. The chairman is waiting. Please follow me."

The figure standing there was a female-type doll used for reception and office duties at Layered Corporation.

Behind her stood a company vehicle bearing the Layered Corporation logo.

"Expecting us?"

The doll replied to Shinnosuke and his team, who exchanged glances.

"Yes. We received word that Mr. Kasimura's ship has docked, and Layered Corporation insists on personally inviting you all."

It seems Layered has already been working behind the scenes.

Given the circumstances, it doesn't look like we'll be able to secure deals with any other companies.

"We might as well accept the invitation..."

"That would be the quickest course of action."

"...?"

Shinnosuke and his team, prompted by the doll, climbed into the back seat of the vehicle.

"I didn't notice it during our last negotiation, but you're actually an autonomous doll, aren't you?"

The doll from Layered Corporation, who had come to pick up Shinnosuke and the others by using a self-driving vehicle.

Apparently, she wasn't just a standard office接待 doll.

"Yes, I am the M-028TX model doll, designated Stella. As you've noticed, I am an autonomous doll, but I have not filed a human rights petition, so there's no need to worry about me."

Even if you say that, Stella has a biological tissue exoskeleton, so without the sensor unit on the side of her head, she'd be indistinguishable from an ordinary woman.

Shin nosuke isn't clever enough to change his approach based on whether someone has human rights or not.

Casually checking Stella's sensor unit, it's clearly a model made by the well-known military-industrial conglomerate, Swain Enterprises.

Though the true purpose of its operation remains unclear, it's evidently a highly advanced doll, even if not designed for military use.

Stella sits calmly across from Shinnosuke and the others, but her current knowledge of the group is completely transparent to Layered—this time, too, they're likely to be drawn into Layered's rhythm.

Before ten minutes had passed, Shinnosuke and the others arrived at Layered Corporation and were led into Layered's office.

"Welcome, Mr. Kashimura. Mr. Marks. And Miss Star. I apologize for the sudden invitation. Had you notified us in advance, we wouldn't have had to make such a rude intrusion."

Even though the information was from the shipping consortium's records, it was impressive how thoroughly he already knew even Seira's details.

"Thank you for the invitation. You must have known about us regardless of prior notice. It seems we were never truly able to escape from the start."

"Such a harsh thing to say about running away... I'm simply doing my best to show proper respect to a valued client."

Seyla watched Shinnosuke and Layered with a pale, tense expression as they exchanged smiles filled with subtle rivalry.

She slightly regretted having followed out of mere curiosity, now feeling the tension in the air.

Without much regard for formalities, Shinnosuke and the others were swiftly seated at the negotiation table.

From the very first move, the pace was entirely Layered's.

"Right away, if you're not here for security duties and have come all the way to the Damura Star Cluster Commonwealth, you must be after rare metal trading, correct?"

There's no point in hiding it now that we've come this far.

Shinnosuke took out a sample of the rare metal.

Yes, I've decided to try my hand at trade in order to gain experience and build a track record as a free merchant. I've brought back two types of rare metals.

Layered examines the rare metals, having received Shinosuke's approval.

"Hmm... No. 625 and No. 1247, are they? The quality is above average. Quite good indeed. However, No. 1247 is slightly devalued. Bad timing, that."

Layered returns the samples to Shinosuke.

"There's nothing we can do about it. We don't have time to wait for the value to recover. We'll just have to go with the current state."

"Do you have a plan for the transaction?"

Shinonosuke smiles wryly at the seemingly pointless layered approach.

"Since I was invited here so soon after arriving at the Damura Star Cluster Commonwealth, I have no leads... It's all up to what comes next."

"Then, does that mean my company also has a chance?"

"For you, it may be an opportunity, but for me, cut off from any escape route, isn't it more of a crisis?"

"Not at all! I'm thinking of mutual benefit. I prioritize trust and will never conduct business that harms our valued customers."

The real purpose behind Layered's move was the rare metal that Shinnosuke had brought in.

Growing tired of pointless posturing, Shinnosuke quickly shifted his mindset.

"I understand. Let's begin the negotiation."

Seeing Shinnosuke's willingness to negotiate, Layered stiffened his expression.

"Then, Mr. Kashimura. How much of it do you have this time?"

"Five tons of No. 625 and fifteen tons of No. 1247."

Unlike last time, this time he openly reveals his hand from the beginning.

"That's quite a substantial amount. You must have pushed yourself quite hard, haven't you?"

"Not really. I acquired these within the range of profits from my previous work, so even if this trade fails, I won't end up in debt."

"Prudent, as always."

"I just wasn't built for gambling—risk-taking isn't really my nature."

While speaking, Layered finishes his calculations and presents the buyout price.

"How about this amount?"

The price Layered presented was just slightly above market value.

While it would yield a reasonable profit, it wasn't particularly exciting.

"Even if you negotiated elsewhere, you'd probably end up with about this figure."

Shinonsuke feigns hesitation.

He still can't read Layered's true intentions.