Like a fleeing hare

The Rimurian Galactic Empire launched an invasion against the Damura Star Cluster Commonwealth, and both sides' space fleets entered combat.

This news struck shockwaves across the galactic nations, but Shinnosuke, who was currently staying in the Damura Star Cluster Commonwealth, immediately began making preparations to leave the nation.

"We don't know the true intentions behind Lymria Galaxy Empire's invasion of this Damura Star Cluster Commonwealth, but that's none of our concern. We must leave this nation before we're caught in the crossfire or our space lanes are blocked. Marks, start planning our return journey."

"Understood."

"Sera, please request departure clearance from the harbor authority."

"Noted."

"Milena, assist the two of them with getting the departure preparations underway."

With that, Shinnosuke stood up while loading a magazine into his handgun.

"Please wait a moment. Shinnosuke-sama, where are you heading?"

Shinnosuke turned to face Milena.

"I'm going to Layered Commerce to discuss information gathering and future plans."

"Going alone?"

"Yes. Though there's still no public unrest, I'll check the situation on the way."

"It's too dangerous! I'll come with you. Though I may look delicate, I do have some skill with a blade. A few thugs with guns won't be a problem."

"No, it's not that serious. The real trouble is that mobile devices are restricted, so we can't contact the merchant guild or call for a vehicle. It's not far, but we'll have to walk all the way to Layered Commerce. Not to mention, you're in that dress..."

Although Millena hadn't yet received her uniform and was dressed in a regular dress, she climbed onto Cerberus. Upon Shinosuke's words, she puffed out her chest proudly.

"Leave it to me. I'm confident in my stamina. Even in this dress, I'm perfectly fine. I'll run all the way to Layered Commerce."

Millena, full of confidence.

Sinosuke nodded and turned to Marks.

"Marks, get Skippers One and Two ready."

Understood.

Marks, having received Sinosuke's order, headed toward the storage bay inside the Cerberus.

"What exactly is a Skipper, Sinosuke-sama?"

Millena tilted her head in confusion, but Selia did the same, equally puzzled.

"It's a ground mobility system mounted on the Cerberus. It's extremely useful at close range."

"Such a convenient device exists?"

"Yes, only two are installed, for emergency use."

While they were having this conversation, Marks brought out Skipper No. 1 and No. 2.

"Master Shinnosuke..."

"What is this..."

Mireena and Seira stood frozen in astonishment, staring at the Skipper before them.

"This is a skipper. By pedaling, the crank rotates, and this rotational motion is transferred through a belt to the wheel, generating propulsion. As long as the rider's stamina holds, it can move forward indefinitely—truly the ideal personal mobility device..."

"It's just a bicycle, isn't it?"

Before Milena stood the mode of transportation that had established its function in ancient times, unchanged in form and passed down to the present day—what is commonly known as a bicycle.

Although today it is mostly used for recreation or sports, given the well-developed transportation systems on planets and colonies, it proves extremely useful in emergencies.

"Aah, a bicycle. Can Milena ride one?"

Milena, asked by Shinosuke, scowled and mounted the bicycle—Skippa 2—dressed in her formal gown.

"Don't mock me. I'm not just skilled in swordplay—I also enjoy riding bicycles! Now then, Lord Shinosuke, let's be off!"

Shinosuke and Milena raced toward Layered Company on their bicycles, Skipper One and Skipper Two.

Shinosuke and Milena sped through the distance that would take only ten minutes by carriage, pushing their bikes at full force.

"What are you doing here, Lord Kashimura? If you had something to discuss, you could have just sent word earlier..."

Layered greeted them with a look of disbelief, surprised by their sudden arrival on bicycles.

"No, we couldn't use mobile devices, and we couldn't find a car either."

"Oh right, that's true. Since the invasion by the Rimlia Galactic Empire, civilian communication lines have been restricted. But still, two people on bicycles?...Well, whatever. Anyway, what's the matter?"

Layered, who seemed completely unfazed by the fact that their own country was under attack.

"We've been informed that the Rimurian Galactic Empire has launched an invasion. If you have any useful information, I'd like to purchase it. Also, we should discuss future transactions."

Layered sighed with apparent boredom at Shinosuke's words.

"What, that's all?"

"That's all?"

Yes. I'm neither a soldier nor a government official—I'm a merchant. Whether the country is attacked or loses a war, it makes no difference to me. Even if the nation were conquered and destroyed, merchants would not perish. No matter how much the land turns to ashes, as long as people remain, human life continues, and with it, opportunities for trade. In fact, wartime often brings profit opportunities everywhere you look. In short, this is precisely the moment for business. That said, we've only just begun, and we're still assessing the situation. If I need anything further, I'll contact you myself.

"But if, by any chance, the Damura Star Cluster Commonwealth were to be absorbed into the Rimulia Galactic Empire, I would no longer have the资格 to conduct transactions..."

Syunosuke's business credentials do not permit transactions within the Rimulia Galactic Empire.

In other words, if the Damura Star Cluster Commonwealth were to be absorbed by the Rimulia Galactic Empire, my ability to conduct business with Layered Commerce would be lost.

"That's no problem at all. There are countless ways to handle it. We certainly don't intend to lose such an important business partner over something so trivial."

Layered, unfazed despite his own nation being at war, even calling it a favorable opportunity for business.

Shin nosuke, who had rushed over in haste, suddenly felt foolish.

"Seems I worried unnecessarily. My deepest apologies."

No, please continue our partnership as before. As for information, there's not much of value right now. At this moment, the only things worth noting are that the Damura Star Cluster Commonwealth forces are at a disadvantage, and the fighting hasn't yet reached the Akneria sector in space. That said, even though the battle hasn't spread there, Imperial fleet ships might still be prowling around, so please be careful when you're heading back. It's not much of a report, so there's no need to pay for it—I'll cover it as a courtesy.

"Is that so? Thank you very much. Then, we'll be heading back."

It had been a somewhat futile effort, but obtaining the information was still a success.

Just as Shinosuke and Milina were preparing to return to the spaceport by Skippers 1 and 2, they were stopped by Layered.

"I'll escort you to the spaceport. It seems the spaceport will close in another two or three hours, so you'd better hurry."

"What? The spaceport is closing?"

"Yes. Our nation's capital planet borders the Rimlia Galaxy Empire, meaning this colony is the closest to the front lines. Once news spreads, you'll see a massive surge in people and ships trying to flee. Closing the spaceport is just a matter of time."

Layered throws in one final, shocking revelation.

In the age of vast interstellar travel, Shinosuke had to hastily return to Cerberus, with two bicycles tied to the roof of Layered's company vehicle.

When Shinosuke and Millina returned to Cerberus, Marks and Seyla were already waiting, preparing for departure.

"Master, we must leave immediately. The spaceport is in chaos due to ships trying to escape from the colony."

Just as Layered instructed.

Checking the monitor, I can see numerous vessels departing from the spaceport.

"Um, this ship has received departure clearance, but if we can't leave within the next fifteen minutes, our turn will be delayed. They say it's uncertain when our next chance will come."

The situation is more urgent than anticipated.

Shin nosuke jumps into the pilot's seat and quickly completes the system check.

"Understood, departing immediately. Serah, notify the harbor control center of our departure."

"Understood... Received. Confirmed disconnection of all cables, release of locks, and severance of mooring lines. You may depart."

"Understood. Let's get out of here before we're caught in the war."

Shin nosuke detached the Cerberus from the docking bay and steered it toward the Acalia Galactic Federation.