Rina's Tears

During the operation to destroy the space pirate Velvet, Shinnosuke was harshly scolded by Seira and Milliena for getting injured in combat with Madeira.

Although Shinnosuke had been forced into a boarding action after a fierce battle, and Madeira had already breached the ship and launched a sudden attack, it wasn't really something that warranted scolding. Still, neither Seira nor Milliena cared about the circumstances—what mattered to them was that Shinnosuke and the others had been injured.

Still, Shinnosuke had no reason to be reprimanded, yet his explanation? It didn't work on either of them.

Moreover, despite Madelia herself— the one who injured Shinnosuke and the others— being right in front of them, both of their anger was directed solely at Shinnosuke, creating an extremely unjust situation.

On the other hand, Seira and Milena both showed understanding toward Madelia’s circumstances and welcomed her joining the guild with open arms.

In the end, only Shinnosuke was scolded (Marks wasn’t reprimanded at all)—a clear case of wasted reprimand.

Andy and Elen watch the scene with Shinnosuke and the others. While Elen nervously watches Shinnosuke's interactions, unable to intervene, Andy wears a somewhat dazed expression, his gaze fixed on Madelia.

After being released from Seira's lecture, Shinnosuke decides to head to the Free Merchant Guild to deliver his report.

Although he would normally prioritize repairing the damaged Marks, Shinnosuke decided to head first to the Guild, as he needed to report the capture of the Class-S bounty, Velvet, without delay. He sent a repair request for Marks to Psychoj Industries before setting off toward the Guild.

The journey to the Guild was made by Shinnosuke, Marks—whose head was half missing and one arm missing—and Madelia, the newly joined companion.

I plan to file Madelia's human rights application and register her as part of the crew, in line with the report.

I might get scolded by Lina, just like I did with Ciel and the others, but there's nothing I can do about that.

Shinnosuke, having prepared himself mentally, went to meet Lina at the Guild—but to his surprise, Lina didn't seem angry at all.

"Shinnosuke-san, welcome back. I've heard the details from Zanyi and the others who returned earlier. It must have been quite difficult."

Lina greeted Shinnosuke with a smile that wasn't quite her usual one—slightly forced, as if she were holding back.

"Well, we managed... The injuries have been treated, and there are no serious issues."

"That's good to hear. Then, let's get started right away. Arresting the space pirate Velvet, and uh... filing Madelia's human rights petition and registering the crew members..."

Lina begins the procedures with a bright demeanor, but as she progresses, her expression gradually loses its smile, until she eventually lowers her head.

Then, without looking up or meeting Shinnosuke's gaze, she continues with the procedures.

"...Shinnosuke, please don't take unnecessary risks. I understand how dangerous it is, especially for those serving on escort vessels—sometimes the union even asks them to risk their lives. It may seem contradictory coming from me, but I'm truly worried. I can't go out into space with you, so all I can do is wait..."

Rina, speaking as if forcing the words out, kept her eyes lowered, avoiding Shinosuke's gaze, and calmly proceeded with the formalities, her eyes glistening with tears.

After completing the human rights application for Madelia and finishing all procedures, she silently rose from her seat and walked away.

"Master, wasn't the second injury a real shock for her?"

"...I suppose that's true, but there's nothing I can do about it. I don't know what words would comfort her right now. As long as I remain a sailor, her worries won't disappear, and I have no intention of quitting my life at sea. This is something she'll just have to work through on her own."

Still, her tears cut deeper into Shinnosuke's heart than any scolding ever could.

Not only did he capture Velvet, a top-tier bounty, but he also eliminated numerous other space pirates who had bounties on their heads.

Even if Zany and Dag split the reward, the amount would still be substantial, and adding the high-performance doll Medria to their team made this a major windfall for Shinnosuke—yet he still couldn't shake off his unease.

Still, as Shinnosuke said, this was something Rinah herself had to accept and resolve.

There's nothing Shinnosuke can do about it right now.

After completing the procedures, Shinnosuke left the guild with Marks and Madelia.

"Next, my head and arms need repair."

Hearing Marks's words, Shinnosuke shrugged.

"About that, the Salius branch of Cyberj has no spare parts in stock. It seems Marks's treatment will have to wait until next week, as we'll need to order them from headquarters."

"Then, shall I remain like this until then?"

"That's how it is, then."

"...This is a real black company."

"Well, don't say things like that."

Shinnozuke and Marks engage in a pointless conversation.

Maderia watches the two of them expressionlessly.

On her head, the rabbit-ear sensor unit remains attached.