Negotiations on an Ocean Planet

After crossing international space, Fubuki entered the territory of the Damura Star Cluster Commonwealth, proceeding along a route just within the borders toward a certain planet.

"But why did Layered Commerce choose such a remote planet?"

The destination of Shinosuke and the others is Thoom, the most remote and isolated planet even within the Damura Star Cluster Commonwealth.

Planet Thoom is a frontier world situated at the opposite end of the Rimlia Galactic Empire, which is under the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth. It's a resort planet, with 70% of its surface covered by oceans. It also serves as a major military exercise ground for the Commonwealth forces. In any case, since there are no significant outposts nearby and tourism is the only industry, this region has remained untouched by the recent war—making it an ideal location for the Layered Corporation.

"From our perspective, dealing with this detour is nothing short of inconvenient and troublesome."

Still, it's a fact that we've been able to proceed remarkably smoothly—so smoothly, in fact, that it hardly feels like we're in the middle of a war—since we're navigating along the very edge of the Damlar Star Union's territory.

"We'll soon enter the planetary control zone of Planet Thum. Since there's only a space station for route management orbiting Planet Thum, we must obtain permission before entering the atmosphere."

Understood. I'm initiating atmospheric entry sequence, Marks—handle the necessary procedures.

Understood.

Fubuki reached orbit around Planet Thum and assumed entry posture.

"Permission to descend granted. Displaying descent point data."

Shinonsuke put on the glass monitor.

Understood, confirmed. Descent point marked! Fix bow-up angle at fifty degrees. Begin descent.

Fubuki descended toward Thoom, maintaining the atmospheric entry posture.

Fubuki descended into Thoom's atmosphere.

This shipment contained 70 tons of rare metal No. 1247.

While there was little room for profit due to stable trading prices, it was a core product of Kasumura Corporation, carrying minimal risk of loss.

Shinonsuke disembarked with Marks after docking Fubuki at the port.

Being a resort planet, the temperature is high, but the sea breeze is pleasant.

Shinonsuke was greeted at the port by Stella, a doll from Layered Trading Company.

Dressed in a cool, breezy dress rather than her usual business suit, she seems perfectly suited to the perpetually sunny resort destination.

"Welcome, Mr. Kasumura. Layered is waiting for you. Please follow me."

Stella led him to a cottage by the seaside.

Inside, Layered in his usual suit greeted Shinnosuke and the others.

"Welcome, Mr. Kasumura. We've been waiting for you. Thank you for traveling such a long distance."

Shinnosuke lightly shook Layered's offered hand, shrugging his shoulders.

"No kidding, it was really far."

I apologize for the inconvenience. We've been forced to set up a temporary office in this remote location to avoid the spreading conflict. That said, it's safe here and quite convenient, so we're actually considering upgrading it from a temporary office to a full branch.

Shin nosuke and Layered quickly moved into business discussions after exchanging a casual greeting.

"Now then, Mr. Kasimura. This time, it's the transaction for rare metal No. 1247, correct? The quantity is 70 tons. If you're selling all of it, that would be a great help to us, but do you have any other transactions planned elsewhere?"

"Other transactions? Are there any other traders on this planet? If you're thinking of dealing with someone on another planet, that would be far more troublesome. Just buy everything. That's why I brought it here."

"You do have a point. In that case, we'll take care of purchasing the entire lot."

Layered forces a blatant smile, yet ultimately presents a price that includes the hefty travel fee for journeying all the way from the remote Thorne, adding it directly to the market's trading rate.

It seems the venture utilizing Rare Metal No. 1247 is progressing smoothly.

The negotiation proceeds smoothly, and both parties reach a satisfactory conclusion.

There's no need to linger after the negotiations are over, but even Shinosuke wouldn't make a round trip like this and go back right away.

Since we've come all this way and landed on the planet after atmospheric descent, I decided to take a couple of days to rest and recover.

"Would you like me to suggest various plans for enjoying a resort? I can also arrange accommodations for you."

Layered offers help, but since I just want to relax casually, I politely decline.

I don't need anything more than Fuuki's own room for lodging.

Shinosuke and Marks quickly headed out, eager to explore, but once outside, they couldn't think of anything to do.

As expected of a resort town, there were only shops and restaurants catering to tourists—nothing that caught Shinosuke's interest.

Even if they tried to go eat, Marks doesn't eat, and the same goes for alcohol.

"Come to think of it, going out with Marks isn't much fun at all."

"Don't blame me. Master simply doesn't know how to enjoy free time. Why don't you just enjoy meals or alcohol on your own?"

"No, sharing a meal at a place like this requires a companion....Marks, how about drinking oil instead of alcohol?"

"My maintenance oil isn't meant for oral consumption. Besides, I don't even have a mouth."

Having given up on Mark when he was brushed off, Shinosuke decided to wait until Layered's work was done and then ask him to eat together again.