Pursuing new business opportunities

Deciding to head toward the 6325 Star Union Republic in pursuit of establishing a new trade route, Shinosuke set out.

This product is Metal No. 35, advised by Rina.

A special metal used as a material for ships, colonies, and similar structures, which, while not highly valuable, is expected to have stable trading potential.

In the 6325 Stellar Federation, although mining output is low, the region produces a large number of industrial goods, including spacecraft, and exports them extensively, making this metal constantly sought after by all kinds of businesses.

"Although the profit margin with No. 35 might be small, in the 6325 Stellar Federation even small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as individual companies, are buying it, so I think the risk is low."

Rina's explanation aligned perfectly with Shinnosuke's thinking.

Since this is our first trade with the 6325 Stellar Confederation, we've decided to proceed cautiously and avoid major risks, keeping an eye on developments.

"Then, we'll acquire No.35, trade it in 6325, and on our way, deliver No.1247 to Layered Merchant Company in the Damra Star Cluster Commonwealth. We can even conduct research on the cosmic whales—perfect timing."

"Yes, that sounds right."

Rina's expression darkened as she listened to Shinnosuke speaking with Marks.

"So we're heading to the Damura side too, huh... Well, I guess that's unavoidable. After all, the Damura Star Cluster Commonwealth is the main stage for Shinnosuke-san's trade operations."

Rina immediately brightened up with a cheerful smile.

"Sure, it's called the main stage, but when it comes to dealing with the Layered Company, we're on the defensive all the time."

Shinnosuke chuckled self-deprecatingly, and Rina responded with an even brighter smile.

"You can't just keep retreating. You've got to be bold sometimes—whether it's business or love."

"Love?"

"That's right. Sometimes you pull back, sometimes you push forward. When you spot an opening, you strike decisively. The game isn't just about the person in front of you—it's about keeping an eye on the competition around you, too. Business and love are the same."

Shin nosuke nodded in understanding.

"Ah, I see. That's helpful."

Rina puffed out her cheeks at Shin nosuke's lukewarm reaction.

"Helpful? You're... already..."

"...You're so oblivious."

Markus, to everyone's surprise, spoke with a sigh.

"Hm? Markus, did you say something?"

"I didn't say anything. Even if I did, Master wouldn't understand it anyway."

"What's that supposed to mean...?"

After that, Shin Nosuke and the others completed the procedures to purchase 300 tons of No. 35, designated for the 6325 Stellar Federation, and 100 tons of No. 1247, intended for Layered Commerce.

"Be careful out there."

After completing the procedures, I left the guild accompanied by Linna’s smiling farewell.

Departure is scheduled for after Tsukikage and Fubuki return from their transport duties and inspection, but we should be ready to set sail next week.

Two days later, Tsukikage, belonging to Andy, returned first.

While Andy and Ellen rested, Shinnosuke and the others proceeded with receiving the ordered No. 35 and loading it onto Tsukikage.

Since Tsukikage hasn't engaged in combat during this mission, the work proceeds smoothly with just energy replenishment.

Once Fubuki returns from inspection and loads No. 1247, preparations will be complete.

At a time when the departure date has also been set, Shinno received a message on his terminal from Ira, a mercenary and escort vessel crew member, via the free trader network.

I decided to connect the monitor in Fubuki's bridge and listen to the conversation, but for some reason, Milena and Seira were standing behind Shinnosuke, glaring sharply at Ira.

Unfazed by the two women's intense stares, Ira immediately got to the point with Shinnosuke.

"Hey, Shinnosuke, I heard from the guild. You're heading to 6325, right? When are you setting off?"

It's the day after tomorrow. I'm planning to go to 6325 for trade, and then head to the Damura Star Cluster Republic afterward.

"Then it works out perfectly. Shinnosuke, I need to talk to you—could you help me with a escort mission just to 6325?"

"Help with an escort mission? What do you mean?"

According to Ira, the Ranglud Company, affiliated with the Free Merchant Ship Association of the Salius Stellar Province, reportedly requested the association to provide convoy escort for a fleet consisting of one large freighter and three medium freighters bound for the 6325 Stellar Federation.

The reward was quite substantial, but since it came from the notoriously unreliable Langlord Company, no one stepped forward to accept it.

Normally, the Langlord Company would have arranged for mercenaries to guard their cargo at a low cost by loaning them money or providing equipment, but this time, since it was a high-stakes deal where failure wasn't an option, they apparently demanded that only top-tier mercenary pilots affiliated with the guild be assigned as guards.

Normally, even though the Ranguldo Consortium had a poor reputation, it wasn't outright criminal, and there were certainly mercenary pilots willing to take the job for the reward. However, this time, due to unfortunate timing, every guard pilot capable of meeting Ranguldo's requirements was otherwise occupied, leaving only Ira and one other guard vessel pilot available to accept the assignment.

Since there was no one else available to take on the escort duty, I was planning to handle it with just one other vessel, but I wasn’t entirely confident. If Shinnosuke is going to 6325, I’d appreciate your help.

Originally, Shinnosuke’s group had planned to head out on trade alone, but taking on a convoy escort duty significantly increases the level of risk involved.

The reward Ira offered is certainly high, but this convoy escort mission must be extremely dangerous.

"Well, we can consider it, but if we take it on, our share of the reward will be reduced. Are you sure you're okay with that?"

The total reward for this job is fixed, and it will be divided equally among the escort vessels that accept the assignment.

In other words, if only one person takes it, they literally have it all to themselves; if ten people take it, the reward is divided ten ways.

If we're only taking on one more ship besides Aila, the reward is halved. But if we bring in Shinosuke and the others, with Fubuki and Tsukikage handling two ships, the reward drops to a quarter by simple calculation.

Since Andy isn't a top-tier player, Andy's Tsukikage will be treated as a subordinate vessel to Fubuki's fleet, requiring some adjustment to the reward distribution, but even so, Andy's share will still be significantly reduced.

"I'm fine with how the rewards are divided. I've already gotten approval from the other person as well."

In that case, there's no problem with Shinosuke taking on the responsibility himself.

Shinosuke decided to take on Ira's request, having secured the approval of Milena and Seira standing behind him, as well as Andy and the others.

"Then, since Ira has taken on the escort mission, we'll be joining as well."

"That's a relief. I'll handle the guild's paperwork—just make sure to report it directly to your contact."

This unexpected job had turned out to be a major undertaking.

Departure is in two days.