At departure time

The next day, Free Merchant Fleet Association employee Lina Quest, who had arrived at work earlier than usual as usual, dashed out of the association upon receiving a report from Iris.

The time now was just past 7:30 a.m.

Since the ship was scheduled to depart at 8:00, Shinonosuke's Fubuki must already have entered its launch sequence, making communication via personal handheld terminal impossible.

When Shinonosuke was aboard the destroyer Kerberos, his dock was close to the Union, but after increasing their fleet size, the dock was relocated far from the Union—so far that even running wouldn't get him there, let alone using the orbital transit system.

Therefore, his target is the spaceport park near the Free Merchant Guild.

The spaceport park, protruding from the colony, features a viewing platform covered in ultra-hardened glass, offering a prime spot to observe spacecraft entering and exiting the docking bays.

From this platform, he should be able to see Fuuki depart and follow her along the assigned flight path.

At that moment, Shinnosuke was advancing through the departure procedures on Fuuki's bridge.

"Good, all systems nominal. Marks, please request departure clearance from the control room."

"Understood, already submitted. The launch platform is moving."

Looking at the bridge monitor, one can see Seira and Milena watching Fuuki depart, both wearing anxious expressions as they watch Fuuki preparing to launch.

"Still, it's good they both agreed so readily."

We were planning to be separated until this matter was resolved. Yet, although both Seira and Miliena understand this logically, they haven't fully accepted it emotionally. I may not comprehend such feelings, but they're clearly trying to be considerate of their master's worries, even as they push forward toward the final confrontation despite their inner resistance.

Shin nosuke smiled faintly.

"That's right. We absolutely have to return safely. If we were to be caught off guard and defeated, those two would never let us hear the end of it."

As they spoke, the launch platform carrying Fubuki began to move. The dock's sealed door closed, and the aft airlock was opened, pushing the platform out to the departure berth.

"Launch platform secured. Lock released. Departure approved."

"Understood. Fubuki, departing."

Shin nosuke fired the thrusters, lifting Fubuki upward.

Rina, having arrived at the Spaceport Park, dashed straight up to the observatory.

"Phew... phew... I made it..."

Rina rushed to the observatory's ultra-reinforced glass.

From the dock where Shin nosuke was stationed, she could see Fubuki rising upward, distant from the observatory.

Fubuki, having departed, should now pass directly in front of this observatory before heading toward the control navigation route.

Fubuki, visible in the distance, turned around and began approaching.

Lina clasped her hands together, praying for the safe return of Shinnosuke and the others as Fubuki drew nearer.

"Shinnosuke-san, please... please come back safely..."

Eventually, Fubuki passed before Lina, who watched from the observation deck.

Fubuki slowly swayed from side to side as it passed directly in front of Lina.

"Shinnosuke-san... you must come back... please come back!"

Lina shouted toward the retreating Fubuki, though she knew it was impossible to be heard.

Fubuki gradually increased its speed toward the control route.

"Master, was there any particular reason for that sudden yaw maneuver?"

Markus asked Shinnosuke, who had abruptly shaken the ship's hull.

"Not really... I just felt like it."

"Is that so? Earlier, when we passed by the observation deck of the spaceport park, I saw Lina's figure there. Was that related in some way?"

"Huh? So that's how it was? I had no idea at all."

Shin nosuke replies with a forced smile to Mark's question.

"Is that so? You didn't notice?...Master, if we end up stranded out here and turn into cosmic dust, not only will Seira and Millina scold you, but even Lina will give you a piece of her mind."

"Haha, that would be terrifying."

"Seriously... I don't want to get scolded too just for being caught in your mess."

Shin nosuke shrugs and smiles.

"Come on, Markus. We're partners, aren't we? Stick it through to the end."

"I'll accompany you to the underworld or anywhere else, but I'm not taking scolding from those three. You handle them yourself, Master."

"Stop saying such unkind things, Markus."

Markus lets out a sound mimicking a sigh—something he's only recently learned—toward Shin nosuke, who's always talking nonsense.

"Ugh... Please stop saying such foolish things. We'll be entering Air Traffic Control's jurisdiction shortly."

"Got it. Then let's go!"

Shin Nosuke pushed the throttle lever forward, setting a course toward the designated international airspace to settle matters with Velvet.