Rescue Operations

"Then, let's begin the rescue operation. Everyone, rely on each other."

Shinnosuke gives orders to Marks, Seira, Milliena, and Madelia via the bridge.

Left behind on the bridge are Shinnosuke, Seira, and Milliena, while Marks and Madelia are to guide the Blue Dolphin crew members arriving via transfer to the cargo hold.

Marks is equipped with a large shield and a blaster assault rifle, while Madelia wields a blaster machine gun. Though Marks is expected, Madelia's appearance—complete with rabbit ears, a maid outfit, and a blaster machine gun—makes quite the striking impression.

Madelia's usual combat style centers on close-quarters combat, but she deliberately equipped herself with a machine gun for a visual intimidation effect. However, fully understanding Shinosuke's intent, she went even further—instead of keeping her combat knife hidden beneath her skirt as usual, she now wears it strapped to her belt over her apron dress, turning her into a striking image of a beautiful-faced, expressionless rabbit-eared maid heavily armed to the point that her presence makes Marks seem almost insignificant by comparison.

It would be safer for Shinosuke and the others to use internal shuttles or fireboats for piston transport, but since that would take too long, they decided instead to dock Fukubuki directly onto the Blue Dolphin and transfer her through the access passage prepared for the assault.

Marks and Madria took their positions, while Tsukikage entered alert status around the perimeter.

Seira informed the Blue Dolphin that the rescue operation had begun.

From Fubuki to Blue Dolphin, we will now dock for rescue operations and establish a communication通道. First, please have your second officer, doctor, and two attendants transfer to Fubuki to assist with welcoming the others. Please note that our vessel does not have surplus food or water, so please bring as much as possible from your side. Firearms and similar weapons are prohibited, except for the captain and second officer, who are permitted to carry them. If you have any special circumstances requiring transport of such items, they will be held in your captain's custody initially and stored securely in our facility after transfer. During boarding, two armed dolls will escort you for security reasons—please understand and cooperate.

"Blue Dolphin confirms understanding. We will comply with your instructions—please proceed with the rescue."

After confirming Blue Dolphin's response, Shinnosuke guided Fuuki toward the port side of Blue Dolphin and extended the access passage.

Although connecting the access passage didn't mean forced boarding, Shinnosuke aligned it precisely with Blue Dolphin's entry point for docking.

"Master, connection confirmed. No air leakage. Beginning transfer of the person in need of rescue."

"Understood. Be careful, and take care."

Opening the classified hatch would be Mark's responsibility first.

Although Madelia might seem more suitable, Mark stepped forward due to Madelia's overly expressive exterior and emotionless expression, which could unnecessarily intimidate the person in need of rescue.

Once boarding begins, passengers will simply be guided in small groups, but with 121 passengers and crew members, plus the additional task of transferring food, water, and personal belongings, the rescue operation is expected to take at least four hours.

Still, thanks to the cooperation of the Blue Dolphin's crew, the rescue operation was progressing extremely smoothly. However, just as things were going well, a minor issue arose.

"Master, there is an imperial noble among the passengers who has requested permission to bring their sword—the symbol of their noble status—into the cargo hold."

Sinnoke frowned at Marks' report.

"Carrying weapons is strictly prohibited. Why can't it be stored in the captain's secured locker?"

He thought he couldn't afford to accommodate every noble's whim.

But apparently, the noble wasn't being quite so rigid after all.

"He said he understands it's a burden, but if it's truly impossible, then leaving it with the captain would be acceptable."

At that moment, Shinosuke suddenly realized and turned around.

Sitting in the co-pilot's seat was the former imperial noble, who never parted with his sword.

"Milina, is a sword really that important to an imperial noble?"

Milina nodded in response to Shinosuke's question.

"Well, it depends on the family line. For families of civil officials, it's not necessarily so, but for those directly descended from the imperial family or military officers, a saber is something they'd never part with—even letting it go is seen as a profound humiliation."

"Is that true for you too, Milina?"

"No, it's not quite like that for me. The Ringlund family has always been a line of civil servants. Don't you remember when I first rode into Kerberos and tried to hand the sword over to you, Shinnosuke? To me, it's a meaningful blade, but that's about the extent of it."

Listening to Milina's casual reply, Shinnosuke fell into thought.

Shinnosuke didn't owe loyalty or gratitude to imperial nobles, but he still wanted to respect their circumstances as much as possible.

He didn't want to treat nobles as special in and of themselves, but it seemed no other passengers were attempting to bring weapons aboard.

"Markus, does the saber you're trying to bring in have any special features?"

Swords like Milina's, capable of astonishingly sharp cuts through ultra-high-speed vibrations, or specialized sabers with laser blades, can be far more dangerous than a poorly aimed blaster, depending on the user.

"Confirmed: a composite ceramic thrust-type saber with a sharp, practical blade, but no special features—just a standard, conventional saber."

If that's the case, it would be physically impossible to pierce Marks's large shield or his armor itself, so keeping him under observation by Marks and Madelia should pose no problem.

Just as I was thinking this, Milena suddenly interrupted.

"Mr. Marks, do you know the name of that nobleman?"

"Yes, Alicia Estoney, a 27-year-old woman. She has two attendants, both unarmed."

Milena's expression brightened instantly upon hearing Mr. Marks's words.

"Alicia-sama? Then there's no problem, Shinnosuke-sama."

"Sama? Is she Milena's elder sister?"

"No, I merely refer to her as 'older sister.' She is also an awakened one like me and holds the right to inherit the throne, though it's only nominal. She herself has no interest in the throne and is a bit of a wanderer, always drifting around. Her personality is perfectly fine, and her swordsmanship is, well, passable."

"How does she compare to Milena?"

"I've never truly fought her seriously, but in sparring matches, it's 24 bouts with 17 wins and one draw—naturally, I won all 17."

As Milena said, it seems there's no issue.

Wanting to quickly finish the rescue operation, Shinnosuke decided to allow the sword's presence.