Preparation for Departure

Although Shinnosuke has accepted the mission to escort the Rangurdo Merchant Fleet, the destination—Damura Stellar Federation—brings forth another objective.

The rare metal transaction with the Layered Merchant Guild.

With plenty of time before departure, Shinnosuke reached out to the Layered Merchant Guild to inquire about the desired rare metals.

"Twenty tons of No. 1247, and ten tons of No. 854."

Confirming the response from the Layered Merchant Guild, I check the trading prices of each rare metal in the Salius Stellar Province.

"Price for No. 1247 remains stable, but No. 854 is surging in price and in short supply. It's uncertain whether we can secure ten tons, and even if we could, our budget wouldn't cover it. We have two options: borrow from the Guild or risk a credit transaction despite the danger."

After receiving Marks' report, Shinnosuke fell into thought.

"Hmm, since we're not primarily engaged in trade, we should avoid the risk of accumulating debt. If we order 20 tons of No. 1247 as planned, how much of No. 854 could we possibly acquire?"

"About five tons, but only if we have the inventory available."

For now, he decided to submit a purchase request to the Guild, then head there to handle the procedures and gather information.

Nevertheless, since Marks had to oversee the final inspection of the upgraded Cerberus engine, he decided to bring along Seira and Milena.

Since Seira is an official crew member of the Cerberus, she'll need to gradually take on responsibilities related to trade and other duties in the future, so it's important she gain experience alongside Shinnosuke. As for Milena, her ability to persuade Shinnosuke—though Shinnosuke is rather easy to convince—might come in handy someday, so it's worth developing further.

When the three arrive at the guildhall, as usual, Rina is waving at them from the reception counter.

"Shinnosuke-san, over here, over here. I've been waiting for you."

Even though she said she'd been waiting, Rina didn't understand why she was waiting.

Shinnosuke had come for business on the merchandise trading floor.

"Rina-san, you've already handled the paperwork for the next job, right? I'm here to purchase rare metals today."

Rina nodded in response to Shinnosuke's words.

I've received a handover from the product transaction officer regarding your visit to purchase rare metals, Shinnosuke. Actually, one of the union's new initiatives for improving operations has just begun: a trial program to assign dedicated support staff to certain members. Currently, it's limited to sailors with proven track records, but I've volunteered to be your dedicated liaison. If you approve, I'll take full responsibility for all your business requests—from paperwork to product transactions.

Apparently, as part of measures to prevent recurrence of the previous case of abandoned requests, dedicated liaisons will be assigned to freelance merchants who hold specific qualifications and proven track records, in order to build trust and provide support across different departments within the guild.

Currently, this is still in a trial phase and limited to certain freelance merchants and guild staff, but it's planned to eventually extend this system to all freelance merchants and guild employees.

"How about it? Can you accept this?"

There was no way Shinosuke could resist the way Rina looked up at him with a coy expression.

"Understood. I'll leave it to you."

With the icy glances of Seyra and Miliena lingering in his back, Shinosuke accepted the guild's (Rina's) proposal.

"Though it's hardly my place to say, isn't Shinosuke-sama a bit too soft on women?"

"Shinosuke-san, were you always like this even in the military?"

"No, well, it's just that there were only men in the military..."

Shinosuke trying to dodge the question.

At that very moment, inside the bridge of a corvette from the Frontier Patrol Squadron, patrolling the Solius Stellar Region.

"Ah-choo!... Could it be a cold? But why did I suddenly feel so irritable all of a sudden?"

Claire Arnes, a second lieutenant undergoing training as a ship captain, muttered to herself alone.

Regarding the rare metal order, we can supply the requested 20 tons for item #1247 as ordered. However, item #854 is currently in short supply, with all suppliers out of stock, and prices continue to rise sharply. Given Shinosuke-san's budget, we can only secure three tons. Although we've obtained tentative approval from the supplier for credit-based transactions, even with that arrangement, the maximum we can provide is five tons. How would you like to proceed?

Shin nosuke contemplates Rinna's proposal.

Either way, it doesn't look like we'll be able to prepare the requested 10 tons.

"This job is primarily focused on convoy escort, and since we don't want to take high risks in trade, we'll reduce the amount to three tons."

Rare metal trade still hasn't found its footing.

Right now, there's no need to compete as merchants—we should prioritize steady, reliable results.

"Understood. I'll arrange it immediately, but delivery and loading will be on the day after tomorrow."

Understood. As long as it's ready by next week's departure, that'll be fine. I'll inform Layered Trading Company about order No. 854 that we won't be able to fulfill it as requested.

This job involves escorting a convoy for Langrode Trading Company and conducting a rare metal transaction with Layered Trading Company.

Dealing with two major corrupt trading firms—better avoid unnecessary risks if possible.

Once the rare metals were secured, Shinnosuke suddenly remembered something.

The gem evaluation and investigation requested by Layered.

Not an urgent task, but a convenient opportunity—Seyla seems uninterested, yet Linna and Milina happen to be here.

A common woman and a former imperial noblewoman—perfect for gathering opinions.

Shinnosuke arranged five gems on the counter: red, orange, pale pink, blue, and green.

Actually, I've been asked by Layered Trading Company of Damura Star Cluster Kingdom to conduct market research on a new gemstone. Would you be willing to help out?

Shinnosuke carefully explained the gem's origins and the request from Layered Trading Company, making sure no misunderstandings would arise.

Rina took the gem in both hands, cradling it gently as she peered at it closely.

"Wow, so it glows in the dark or when submerged in water?...Oh my! It's beautiful!"

"Well, that's right, isn't it?"

Milierna, her eyes cool and detached, contrasted sharply with Lina, whose eyes sparkled with admiration.

"For now, I'll give you a gem of your preferred color. Please let me know your evaluation later."

"Eh? You're giving this away? Something this valuable?"

Lina was clearly taken aback, having just learned it was a newly discovered diamond.

"It hasn't reached stable production yet, so its price hasn't been set—this is why we're conducting research. Since I received it for free, I don't need to hesitate. Please also consider what price would be reasonable."

Regardless of origin or purpose, it's undoubtedly a gift from Shinnosuke.

In the end, Lina chose the red gemstone necklace, while Milena took the green gemstone earrings.

"How about you, Sera?"

"I... I don't actually need it."

Despite having refused before, Sera seems uninterested in the gemstone.

In the end, Shinnosuke was left with three rings—orange, light pink, and blue.

"Surprisingly, rings aren't very popular..."

Shinnosuke muttered, earning cold stares from Lina, Seira, and Milena, though he remained oblivious.