Contract Priority

As Shinnosuke and the others flee from the Rimurian ship, heading straight for Akneria, they suddenly witness an unusual sight near the border of Akneria in international space.

"Naval fleet. The 3rd Fleet and the 18th Fleet...?"

Shinnosuke mutters in surprise upon seeing the massive fleet.

There, deployed before them, were the Akneria Space Force's 3rd Fleet and 18th Fleet—a massive fleet numbering in the hundreds.

"So many warships... Could this be a fleet sent to support the Damura Star Cluster Commonwealth?"

Seyla, overwhelmed by the sight, watches in awe. Shinnosuke, however, shakes his head.

"No, if they were intervening in the conflict between the Empire and the Republic, they'd be moving in a vertical formation suited for mobility, not a horizontal formation. The fact that they're deploying in a horizontal formation here suggests they aren't planning to intervene just yet. Perhaps the Republic hasn't even requested aid yet."

Mireena tilted her head in response to Shinnosuke's words.

"Then, what are they doing with this fleet here?"

It's a show of force. The Empire must be closely monitoring the movements of neighboring countries now that they've begun their invasion campaign. By positioning their fleet here to defend their territory, they're demonstrating their resolve to resist any attack from our side. At the same time, they're signaling that they'll intervene immediately if called upon by the Republic. Having two fleets stationed in this region means that, across the entire sector connected to the Republic, there could be another five or six fleets deployed as well.

Positioning fleets for intimidation is rather roundabout, isn't it?

"You're right, but actually sending a fleet to the duchy would be even more troublesome. If we send too many fleets, the situation could easily shift from Rimuria Galactic Empire versus the Damura Star Cluster Duchy to a full-scale war between the Rimuria Galactic Empire and the Akneria Galactic Federation—completely defeating the original purpose. We need just enough force: not too many, yet effective enough for military intervention, and enough to avoid angering the duchy. Probably no more than three fleets, and even those would have to be two-digit numbered squadrons—something like the 10th Fleet or later, not the precious one-digit ones."

Honestly, this is such a hassle.

Moving a fleet costs money, and just keeping it stationed or stored in a spaceport also requires funds. Yet we have to maintain our combat strength within a limited budget. Senior military officers have to worry about things like that. I never rose to a high rank, so I never had to deal with such burdens. But still, even though it was just a show of force, deploying several fleets shows that Acneria isn't just bluffing.

Shin nosuke veered around the deploying fleet, not hindering their movements, and hurried back toward the Solius Stellar Province, glancing sideways at their bold display.

Afterward, Kerberos entered Acneria's territory without incident and smoothly crossed into the Solius Stellar Province's control zone.

"Markus, contact the representative from Psychoji Industries and have them come to Kerberos's dock immediately—urgently."

"Understood. Priority one, correct?"

"Yes, before reporting to the guild."

Markus understood everything after hearing Shinosuke's words and asked no further questions.

"Understood."

Seeing the exchange between the two, Seira and Miliena exchanged glances and tilted their heads in confusion.

By the time Kerberos docked, the sales representative from Psychoji Industries had already arrived, having been contacted by Markus.

Normally, a single representative would come for routine procedures, but since this was an urgent matter and Markus had skillfully arranged things in accordance with Shinnosuke's wishes, he had brought two muscular men along.

Neither man was familiar, but they were likely security personnel from Psychoji Industries.

After docking Kerberos, Shinnosuke invited the three of them onto the bridge.

"Mr. Kashimura, you mentioned an urgent matter?"

Shinnosuke handed the Kerberos data disk containing the navigation data to the representative.

"According to our contract, I'm providing a copy of the navigation data. Please take it back to the company as soon as possible and back it up."

"Thank you for always providing such valuable data. However, if this is merely a contractual data delivery, I don't see why it needs to be rushed—has something unusual happened?"

The official, who had asked with hopeful anticipation, as if expecting something interesting, instantly changed expression upon hearing Shinnosuke's words.

"We have just returned from the Damura Stellar Cluster Commonwealth. I believe you are aware of what has been happening in that nation. On our way back, we encountered a minor incident and engaged in combat with one Aquarius Lance-class cruiser and two Fire Sword-class destroyers from the Rimuria Galaxy Empire."

"Are those the Aquarius Lance-class cruisers and Fire Sword-class destroyers—the latest warships from the Rimuria Galaxy Empire?"

"Well, although the engagement was limited, we ultimately managed to inflict damage on the enemy cruiser and slipped away during the opening."

The officer, understanding the serious intent behind Shinnosuke's words, trembled as he held the received disk.

"This is... incredibly valuable data. Mr. Kasimura, I sincerely apologize, but we must take this data into our company's custody as soon as possible. With your permission, we'll be taking our leave."

After seeing the three depart hurriedly, Shinnosuke looked at Marks, Seira, and Milena.

"There's going to be some trouble ahead. I'm heading to report to the union now, so I'm leaving the watch to all of you."

Seira and Milena hastily stop Shinosuke as he tries to leave alone.

"Wait a moment. Are you going by yourself, Shinosuke-san?"

"Something's been off since earlier. What exactly is going on?"

Shinosuke turns back at their words.

Thinking about what's ahead, it'd probably be better if Mark and I go our separate ways. That means Mark should stay here. I'll likely be the one getting dragged into trouble, so I'll handle this alone.

"Then let me do it!"

Seyla and Milena simultaneously began speaking, glaring at each other.

"Miss Milliena. I'm an official crew member of Cerberus. Leave this to me!"

"No, if trouble is expected, I am the most suitable person. I have some experience, and my abilities could be of use."

Though the two were sparking arguments on their own, Shinnosuke couldn't keep up and walked off alone.

"Wait a moment, please!"

Since Seira and Milena felt their timing was too precise to waste time here, they decided, through a very fair (provided Milena didn't use her abilities) game of rock-paper-scissors, that Milena would accompany Shinnosuke.

When Shinnosuke and Milena reported to the Free Merchant Guild, as Shinnosuke had expected, the staff member Lina seemed different from usual.

Her efficiency in handling the procedures was unimpaired, but she lacked her usual smile, carrying a somewhat tense atmosphere.

"Yes, we've confirmed the completion of the convoy escort mission for the Langルド Trading Company. Andy-san's Beetle returned before Shinnosuke-san's group. Congratulations on a job well done. We'll credit the reward to Shinnosuke-san's card."

"Thank you."

At the moment the mission completion procedures were finished, Rina stared intently at Shinnosuke's face.

"Moving on... Regarding the rescue of the passenger vessel Blue Whale, the Blue Whale has safely arrived at its destination, the Lyras Stellar Province colony. We've received a report from the Blue Whale stating they were rescued by your Kerberos team from an unidentified vessel's attack. In addition to verifying the data you submitted and disbursing the reward, Star Ocean Travel, the company operating the Blue Whale, has also offered a gratitude payment. However, one point remains: the vessel that attacked the Blue Whale was confirmed to be a warship from the Rimlia Galactic Empire. Is this absolutely certain?"

Shin nosuke nods, as if urging Rin to keep her expectations in mind.

"As I reported the facts, exactly as they are."

After a brief pause, Rin stands up.

"Shin nosuke, please come with me to another room. There are people waiting to see you."

(Just as I expected. Though their response is slow.)

Rin's offer was, for the most part, exactly what Shin nosuke had anticipated.

Lina led Shin nosuke and Milliena to the guild's reception room, then turned back to look at them at the door.

"Please wait inside. I'm not permitted to join you, so please go in alone, Shin nosuke."

Though Lina looked slightly pale, Shin nosuke, who knew exactly who awaited them inside, didn't ask any further questions.

"I understand. Thank you. Milliena, you can wait here..."

"I'm going with you!"

Milliena seemed determined to follow Shinosuke no matter what.

As Milliena entered the reception room with them, five men and women in suits awaited inside.

"We've been waiting. You must be Captain Kasimura of the escort vessel Cerberus, the free merchant, correct?"

One of the men spoke up.

His tone was neutral and polite, but there was no hint of friendliness.

(They're definitely from the military intelligence division...)

Shin nosuke didn’t know who these men in front of him were, but he knew exactly what they were.

He had confirmed it firsthand.

"Yes. Free merchant Shin nosuke Kashimura."

Milina, standing beside Shin nosuke, radiated a sharp, crackling hostility—like a cat with every hair on its body standing on end.

To top it off, her third eye on her forehead was wide open.

The man, utterly unfazed by Milina’s menacing presence, kept his gaze fixed solely on Shin nosuke.

"It seems you've noticed—we are members of the Cosmo Military Intelligence Division."

"Likely."

"Good, your quick understanding is helpful. Now, we have a question for Mr. Kasimura."

It appeared these individuals had no intention of letting Shin Nosuke and the others sit down.

They seemed determined to wrap up their discussion quickly on the spot.

"What is it you wish to ask?"

The man showed Shin Nosuke a data disc.

The very same one just handed over to Rinna moments ago.

"Was it you who engaged an Imperial warship disguised as a passenger vessel during your return journey from the Damura Stellar Federation? Is there any doubt about this fact?"

"If that vessel wasn't a pirate ship disguised as an Imperial warship, then it's true."

"Has this information been disclosed to anyone else?"

There's no point in withholding anything—I'm a free merchant affiliated with the guild, and I'm obligated to report to them, so I've already completed the necessary reports. As for flaunting my work's results, I don't have that habit. However...

"But?"

"I have a contract with Psychoji Industry, the manufacturer of the Cerberus I possess, regarding data provision. I've provided all data from this voyage, including combat data, to Psychoji Industry according to the terms of that contract."

The man listening to Shinnosuke's words showed no sign of disturbance and did not change his expression.

"Is that so? I thought Mr. Kashimura was a bit more perceptive. How disappointing."

"It's the result of my contemplation. I'm a free merchant, after all. Contracts take precedence over military matters."

"I understand. Mr. Shinosuke Kashimura, we request your cooperation on this journey."

The man pulled out a single invitation letter from his pocket and showed it.

"This invitation isn't mandatory, but I believe you'll understand, Mr. Kashimura. We'd also prefer not to go through unnecessary procedures, so we kindly ask for your cooperation."

Shin nosuke and Milliena were surrounded by five people.