There's no time to be targeted.

According to intelligence from Lieutenant Selica Cruze of the Galactic Fleet Intelligence Division, certain high-ranking officers within the military are aiming to eliminate Shinnosuke.

To Shinnosuke, there are people from his days in the Galactic Fleet whom he suspects of harboring ill will toward him, but now that he's left the military, he can't think of anyone who'd want to kill him.

Still, it's information from Intelligence—so it's likely true that someone is after his life.

"…So, it seems I'm being targeted for assassination."

Since I couldn't keep this from my fellow coworkers, I decided to explain the truth, but their reactions were completely unexpected.

"If someone is trying to kill you, Shinnosuke-sama, then it's simple—I'll stay by your side at all times. With my abilities, predicting and avoiding an attack would be no trouble at all."

"Besides, when you're working in space, you're constantly in danger, aren't you? I've been attacked by space pirates and special forces from space military units before... If someone is really after Shinnosuke's life, wouldn't it be better to just keep taking on more space missions for a while? Wouldn't it be far more difficult and troublesome to target Fuuki in the vastness of space than to target Shinnosuke on a colony?"

Milena and Seira seem hardly fazed.

"I'm scared too, but we can't afford to dwell on that."

"That's right. We've already decided to follow ShinnoSuke and the others, so we must prepare ourselves."

Andy and Ellen seemed somewhat shaken, but since they weren't in charge of operating Tsukikage, their risk level was lower compared to Seira and the others who were constantly with ShinnoSuke.

In the end, everyone agreed that Seira's proposal was the most practical, but it was impossible to accept a guard request while ShinnoSuke himself was clearly the target.

For the time being, they decided to focus on transportation and trade.

With that settled, action could begin immediately.

Although ship inspections and maintenance would take about two more days, there was no harm in starting sooner rather than later.

After instructing Marks and Andy to replenish their ships' energy and ammunition and keep them ready for departure at any time, Shinosuke headed to the Free Merchant Fleet Association, accompanied by Millena.

Delivery requests from the Damura Star Cluster Commonwealth are still coming in frequently.

That's right. The war situation with the Empire has been eerily balanced, dragging on indefinitely. In such a scenario, it's inevitable that the weaker duchy will become exhausted. When supplies run short, there's no choice but to import from other nations. Look here—requests are coming not only from private companies within the duchy, but also from the duchy government itself.

"That might be the Empire's intention. By dragging out the war, exhausting the duchy's people, and breaking their spirit, their hatred could be turned not only against the Empire but also against the duchy itself."

"Even though I'm from the Empire, I have to say—how despicable."

"That's just how war is. Strategy and tactics aren't inherently good or evil. Still, for us, it's convenient that this kind of war means more work."

"Something like wartime profits, maybe?"

"Yeah, not just us free merchants—companies from the client nation also stand to gain."

In the end, Shin nosuke decided to take on transportation requests related to pharmaceuticals and medical system equipment among the many available jobs.

When he looked toward the reception counter to begin the acceptance procedure, he couldn't spot Lina at her usual spot.

When I asked Iris, who was at a different counter, she said today was her day off.

Since the Kashimura group just got back from work, they probably won’t take on their next job right away, so they’re taking a paid vacation. Someone even said they should invite Kashimura to dinner.

Iris, who was handling the business affairs alongside Rinna, kept adding unnecessary information while moving forward with the procedures.

A tense aura emanated from Milena, who stood beside Shinnosuke.

"But it seems she received an urgent call from her family, so she's suddenly returned to the colony where her family lives."

The sharp, killing-like atmosphere beside her vanished upon hearing Iris's words.

Gently glancing over, Milena was now wearing a composed, straight-faced expression, as if nothing had happened at all.

I decided to bypass unnecessary complications and quickly finish the necessary procedures.

The destination for this mission is a colony on the planet Wesley, part of the Damura Star Cluster Commonwealth.

It's a hot zone near the Rimulian Galactic Empire's territory.

Though dangerous, the rewards are substantial.

"Yes, the procedures are complete. We'll begin cargo unloading three days from now, correct?"

"Yes. As soon as loading is finished, we'll set sail immediately."

Understood. Please take care. Though, it's unusual for Kasimura to accept consecutive requests like this.

Shin nosuke shrugs in response to Iris's question.

"Yes, I'm a bit in danger of being targeted, that's all."

As he speaks, Shin nosuke walks away, turning his back to Iris.

"I see. Then please be careful....Wait, what?"

Happy New Year.

Wishing you a wonderful year ahead.