Rescue complete.

The rescue operation for the distressed vessel Blue Dolphin was completed earlier than expected, thanks to the cooperation of the Blue Dolphin's crew and the calm actions of the passengers.

"Rescue complete. Seyla, are there any ships navigating nearby?"

"No ships are currently navigating in the vicinity, and there are no signs of rescue vessels approaching."

I had hoped that a Rimurian warship or coastal patrol vessel might have received the distress signal and come to rescue us, but there was no sign of that.

According to navigation data, this region contains hazardous zones where communication disruptions are likely to occur along all routes leading from here to the Rimurian Galactic Empire.

Given that it was nearly miraculous that Fubuki picked up the distress signal, waiting here would only waste supplies like food, and rescue was unlikely to arrive.

"Unfortunately, we'll have to head toward Rimuria as planned."

Shin nosuke entered a marker indicating the location and rescue status into the Blue Dolphin, then turned Fubuki around.

"Then, I'll go to Rimuria briefly to hand over the rescued people—Andy, please head back to the guild and report first."

"Understood. Please be careful and come back safely."

From their current position, Rimuria Galactic Empire territory was about a week away; they could deliver the rescued individuals within ten days at the earliest.

About one hour after departing toward the Rimuria Galactic Empire, Shin nosuke stood up from the pilot's seat.

"Millena, can you take the controls for a moment?"

"What's wrong?"

Millena tilted her head in question.

"I'm planning to greet the captain of the Blue Dolphin first, and then check in with the others. After being stranded and anxious, we've finally arrived at a rescue vessel from another nation—furthermore, the ones who guided us to safety were two armed dolls. As the ship's captain, I should be the one to make contact."

"If you're going, then I'll come with you. As a Rilumian, my presence will be even more effective. I'd also like to greet Lady Alicia."

Still, Milina was a refugee—essentially cast out from the Empire—so it was unlikely everyone would warmly accept her.

Still, Shinnosuke thought, Milina's words did make sense.

"…Well, it's fine. We're the ones who rescued them, after all. We have no reason to be criticized by the crew about our origins."

Shinnosuke recalled Marks from his post of vigilance at the bridge and handed over control of the Fubuki to him, then headed toward the cargo hold accompanied by Milina.

At the entrance to the cargo hold, where the rescued Blue Dolphin crew members were being housed, armed Maderia stood guard.

It wasn't about locking away the rescued, but security required some precautions—allowing over a hundred people to wander freely through the ship wasn't feasible.

As Shinnosuke was about to enter the cargo hold, he suddenly noticed Milina had opened her forehead eye.

Aware of Shinnosuke's gaze, Milina looked up at him and silently smiled, her lips curling into a gentle grin.

(Ah, I see. That's what it is. You really are thinking about scary things.)

Shinnosuke, realizing Milina's intentions, gave a wry smile and led Milina and Madeira into the cargo hold.

When Shinnosuke and the others entered the cargo hold, the captain and first mate of the Blue Dolphin were already waiting there, having been informed beforehand by Madeira, and they saluted Shinnosuke respectfully.

"Thank you so much for rescuing us. Thanks to you, not a single crew member or passenger was lost."

Shinnosuke, responding to the captain's gratitude.

"Just doing my duty as a sailor."

As he spoke, Shinnosuke glanced toward the others watching from a distance.

"Captain Kasimura of the escort vessel Hayabusa. I understand you may still feel uncertain, but please be assured. I will personally see to it that you all reach the Rimuria Galactic Empire safely."

Shinnosuke spoke, but the others' expressions remained troubled.

Not quite fear, but clearly bewildered—though, given the circumstances, it was hardly surprising.

Standing behind Shinnozuke, whose stern face is framed by a black captain's uniform, are Maderia, a heavily armed doll, and Miliena, whose forehead eye is open.

Maderia, though outwardly overloaded in appearance, is no less impressive in ability—but what's truly frightening is Miliena.

Miliena, an awakened being, calmly surveys everyone with a serene smile, her forehead eye open.

It's as if she's saying: 'I see right through your unnecessary thoughts.'

Milena’s intimidating presence was so powerful that the rescued passengers didn’t even dare look at her.

“...Hey, Milena, aren’t you being a bit too effective?”

Even whispered remarks from Shinosuke didn’t faze Milena in the slightest.

“Quite satisfactory, I’d say. At a glance, no one seems to be harboring any dangerous thoughts. As long as they stay quiet and cooperative, things will proceed smoothly.”

Milena spoke casually.

Her confident posture, utterly unbothered by the gazes of others, was completely characteristic of Milena.

While most people looked away from Milena, one woman stood up.

"Milena, it's been a while. How have you been?"

Milena's expression brightened instantly upon seeing the woman in a simple yet elegant dress, with a sword slung at her waist.

"Welcome back, Sister Alicia. I'm so relieved you're safe."

She must be the noblewoman in question—Alicia Estoney.

Though standing directly in front of Shinnosuke, Alicia stepped just outside the reach of her sword's guard, lifted the hem of her dress, and bowed gracefully in his direction.

It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lord Kasimura. I am Alicia Estoneya, eldest daughter of the Estoneya noble family of the Empire.

Saying this, Alicia gave Shinnosuke a playful glance, though her third eye remained closed on her forehead.