Cosmic Whale Research Request

Shin nosuke showed a grim expression upon hearing the request from Sanders and the others.

I can't really judge yet since I haven't heard the full details, but the risk is simply too high.

This risk is not a realistic danger, but a professional one.

"A survey of the cosmic whales... I'm interested, but I can't say whether I'll accept or decline without hearing the full details. Let me be clear: if I'm told to focus solely on a survey request from the Cosmic Environment Bureau, then I won't be able to take on this assignment."

The cosmic whales, known for their elusive nature and the mysteries of space.

The investigation is expected to take a long time, and if I focus solely on it, I won't be able to take on other work—clearly not worth it.

However, Sanders and Yan had already anticipated Shinnosuke's thoughts.

"No, there's no need for you to focus solely on this investigation. You can handle it during your free time while continuing your other work. Because of this, the compensation will be modest, but it's fine even if you don't discover the space whale. In that case, just report the findings from the area you investigated."

Looking at the contract Sanders presented, the reward is indeed small, but it's not a bad deal if I can receive payment simply for conducting investigations during other work assignments.

"However, is it really acceptable for a public institution's budget to pay rewards even if the extremely difficult-to-find space whale isn't discovered?"

To Shinosuke, it might be a good deal, but as a proper free merchant, he should respond honestly to his client.

It's not acceptable just because he'll be paid.

Yang smiles gently and explains this to Shinosuke.

"There's no need to worry about that matter. In truth, even if we dispatched our own survey vessel, there's no guarantee we'd locate the space whale. Considering the costs involved in a self-conducted search, it's far more economical to entrust the task to Mr. Kasimura. Moreover, Mr. Kasimura has encountered space whales on three separate occasions—dating back to his time in the space navy. To my knowledge, I've never heard of any other sailor with such an experience. Though it may sound unscientific, we've decided to bet on Mr. Kasimura's remarkable luck. Naturally, the Space Environment Agency has also approved this budget proposal."

Markus reacts to Yan's words.

(Master's so-called good fortune? More like bad luck, really. The Master is a habitual violator of the unofficial regulations of the Acneria Galactic Federation Space Force. He always says the wrong things, attracts unnecessary attention, and somehow twists fate in the direction of 'this shouldn't happen' or 'I don't want this to happen'...)

Markus thinks this way within his memory, but keeps it to himself, not voicing it through the speaker.

In stark contrast to Markus's thoughts, Shinnosuke sees no problem with accepting this request.

Moreover, in addition to the basic reward, there will be an extra payment if they discover a space whale and collect some form of data.

If that's the case, even if it's just a side job, he finds himself wanting to investigate a little more seriously.

"Understood. I'll accept the request under those terms. However, the contract period will generally be three months, and at the end of each three-month period, we'll decide whether to renew the contract. We'll also review the compensation at that time."

"Yes, that's exactly how I'd like it."

Despite Marks' reservations, Sanders and the others agreed to Shinnosuke's proposal.

Shinnosuke reported the mutual agreement to Rina and finalized the contract with the Space Environment Bureau.

Since Fubuki is undergoing inspection and maintenance, she can't set sail immediately, so he begins looking around for any promising job offers.

"Currently, transport requests from the Damura Star Cluster Commonwealth are still the most common. However, the situation with the war against Rimuria isn't looking good, and the danger level has increased. In the past month, nine ships accepting transport duties to the Damura Star Cluster Commonwealth have gone missing—among them were vessels crewed by experienced sailors."

Indeed, being a sailor—especially a merchant—comes with its fair share of risks, and it's not uncommon for ships to set sail and never return.

However, even if the merchants willingly accepted the dangers of traveling to the Damura Star Cluster Commonwealth during wartime, the fact that nine ships have gone missing within just one month goes beyond what can be considered mere personal responsibility for those who took on the risk.

"Nine ships missing in just one month? Are they all truly missing? No reports of being caught in combat or sunk by space pirates?"

If they had been caught in combat or attacked by space pirates, they should have sent out distress signals.

In cases where ships sank or went missing as a result, they would be classified as sunk.

On the other hand, true disappearance means vanishing without any warning, leaving no debris behind.

This typically occurs when ships enter unreachable zones or asteroid fields and become trapped, fail in space jumps, or—extremely rarely—get sucked into black holes.

Vessels that are sunk without time to send a distress signal are also treated as missing, yet even so, nine ships per month are reported missing in the same region—considered an unusually high number.

"One seasoned sailor's vessel sent out a distress signal before vanishing, but the other eight disappeared without any warning. The coast guard is conducting search and investigation efforts, but so far, there are no leads. Therefore, I think it would be best to avoid work in the direction of the Damura Star Cluster Republic... "

I understand Lina's concern, but if I let myself worry about it, I wouldn't be able to run a business.

That said, despite the high volume, the transportation business with the Damura Star Cluster Republic has become unprofitable due to low fees.

"There's nothing promising in the shipping requests lately. Maybe I'll try trading this time."

"Trading, you say? The Layered Merchant Company? They just contacted us about needing delivery of Metal No. 1247."

Sinnosuke, arms crossed, looked up at the ceiling in response to Marks' question.

Indeed, trading with the Layered Guild of the Damura Constellation Kingdom could yield profits that far outweigh the risks of entering a war zone.

"But even the Layered Guild isn't ideal—relying on a single trading partner isn't sustainable. Growth is limited, and further expansion seems unlikely..."

"Still, if we tried to trade with other companies in the Damura Constellation Kingdom, wouldn't the Layered Guild always get there first?"

"You're right. Even if we tried to trade within the Damura Constellation Kingdom, small businesses there would always be beaten to the punch by the Layered Guild, and we lack the management foundation and track record to compete with larger corporations."

"Then, wouldn't it be difficult to find new business opportunities?"

Shin nosuke smiled slyly at Marks.

"Take the Damura Star Cluster Commonwealth, for instance. Other nations—say, the 6325 Stellar Federation—would be beyond Layered Commerce's reach, wouldn't they? Given the risks, let's focus on them this time."