Why was he targeted?

Leg, the captain of the destroyer Jabbering, possessed the distinctive thought patterns of the Tasclearian people.

This meant eliminating all unnecessary elements and making decisions strictly based on logic.

While his vessel was equipped with numerous state-of-the-art missiles, he neglected to repaint the damaged areas across the ship's hull, making it look like a dilapidated hulk at first glance.

The tactic Leg chose to counter the Mobius-class cruiser was a bold salvo of ten anti-ship missiles.

With the destructive power of the missiles Leg fired, two direct hits would be enough to completely sink the cruiser.

Even accounting for possible interception, these state-of-the-art, high-cost missiles have such high accuracy that five or six launches would be more than sufficient against a cruiser.

Even so, Leg unhesitatingly fired off ten precious missiles.

At first glance, it might seem like wasteful shooting, but this was precisely the result of Leg's rational decision.

The goal was to ensure the destruction of the Möbius-class cruiser, block the return path of the combat craft, undermine the morale of the other ships, and force the other cruiser into range of the A884.

The battle was decided when Leg's javelin sank the Mewius-class cruiser.

Afraid of being caught in the crossfire, the Aqua Arrow-class cruiser tried to distance itself from the Mewius-class, which had become the target of the missile barrage, but Ira would not allow it.

"You're not getting away!"

Accelerating A884 sharply, Ira destroyed the main engine of the Aquar Arrow-class vessel directly ahead with a direct cannon shot, sinking it.

With Ira having already destroyed another cruiser, the convoy's path was now completely clear.

Only four combat boats and one destroyer at the rear remained.

"Combat boats are dispersing and initiating escape. Targeting the one that's lagging behind."

As Mark's report indicated, the combat boat that had sunk the flagship began to disengage and retreat.

Meanwhile, the Fire Dagger-class destroyer that had been pursuing from behind reversed course and attempted to disengage.

The combat boat with no place to return to, and the destroyer that had lost all will to fight.

There was no longer any way for them to survive other than to quickly flee this region of space.

With their mothership lost, the pilots of the combat vessels had no choice but to abandon their ships and be recovered by the destroyers.

"Enemy vessels have disengaged. All escort vessels maintain alert status while continuing convoy escort. The 6325 Stellar Federation territory is within reach, but remain vigilant until the very end."

『『『Understood』』』

The Imperial Ghost Units had been formidable, but our escort fleet was composed of seasoned pilots, and this time we proved superior, allowing us to repel the Ghost Units.

Yet, Shinnosuke and the others had a different concern.

Even if we're transporting valuable supplies, I don't understand why we'd be targeted by the Imperial Army's Ghost Units. Even if secrecy is necessary, this will affect our escort mission ahead. Could you please explain, at least to the extent possible?

Shin nosuke asked the captain of Orion, the flagship of the Rangurdo Company's fleet.

...Most of the metal we're carrying is gold. The rest are all equally valuable metals, and they're all products intended for sale to the traders of the 6325 Stellar Confederation.

What the Langurto Company was transporting was gold.

A precious metal with unwavering value, foundational to the economy since ancient times.

"Wait a moment. You're telling me this massive amount of gold is being routed through the 6325 Stellar Confederation—surely it's ending up in an empire locked in a prolonged war, needing military funding, isn't it?"

Ira's voice carried clear anger.

"Although we, the personnel on site, have not been informed of the transaction's exact purpose, our dealings with the 6325 Stellar Confederation's trading partners are legitimate commercial activities. There are no procedural flaws, and the Free Merchant Guild has approved them."

Orion, the captain, speaks of the legitimacy of the transaction without denying Ira's words.

So, that must be the truth.

"Unbelievable... to be involved in the Empire's war..."

Ira reveals further anger, but regardless of emotional appeal, it is a fact that there are no flaws in the procedures of the Ranglud Consortium.

Whatever 6325 does with the items sold by the Ranglud Consortium, or where they choose to resell them, is entirely within 6325's discretion and freedom. Since the transaction has been finalized, the Ranglud Consortium has no right to interfere.

Ira understands this logically, which means she cannot blame the Ranglud Consortium, let alone the people on site. Yet, she still cannot bring herself to accept it emotionally.

Incidentally, although she's heard Iyla's account regarding Leg, Leg himself shows no interest, maintaining a poker face without uttering a word.

After all, reading the emotions of a Tasclean, whose facial expressions rarely change, is difficult.

Iyla openly displays anger, while Leg's thoughts remain utterly unreadable.

Nevertheless, as long as the Ranglud Consortium has not broken any laws, she must fulfill her escort mission.

Listening to Ayla and the others' exchange, Shinnosuke couldn't quite make sense of it.

"But if the shipment is destined for the Empire, it's odd that the Empire's ghost unit would be the one to strike."

『Well, wouldn't it be better to take it directly rather than going through 6325?』

Milena and Seira, listening in through Bridge, nodded in agreement, but Shinnosuke still wore a troubled expression.

"But if we do that, it'll crack the relationship between the 6325 Stellar Federation and the Empire, making future deals impossible. Besides, we can't afford to worsen ties with the Damura Stellar Cluster Commonwealth during our ongoing war with them....Could it be that there are factions within the Empire itself who don't want this product falling into imperial hands—perhaps even hoping to seize it for themselves?"

In the end, without resolving Shinosuke's doubts, the convoy arrived safely at the 6325 Stellar Federation without further attacks.