Switching gears

"Thank you for the 200th time!"

Shin nosuke and the others arrived at the Damura Star Cluster Republic, still burdened by the resolve lost during the 6325 Stellar Federation's collapse.

Layared, who had welcomed them at a remote colony to escape the intensifying war, immediately blurted out something utterly unexpected upon seeing Shin nosuke.

"What's going on all of a sudden? What's the 200th time, and why are you thanking me?"

"This marks our two-hundredth transaction, and I would like to express our gratitude to everyone who has supported us."

Shin nosuke didn't understand a word of Layered's speech.

"So what exactly does 'two hundred times' refer to?"

Upon inquiry, it turned out that "two hundred times" referred to the number of transactions that had generated a certain level of profit since Layered Trading Company had expanded its operations and begun trading with merchants from other countries.

"This milestone two-hundredth transaction happens to be our current deal with Mr. Kashimura."

Even if you say that, the transaction itself hasn't even begun yet.

"Isn't that something for after the deal is finalized?"

Layered nodded in agreement with Shinosuke's words.

"True enough, but from our perspective, the transaction with Mr. Kashimura is one that promises mutual benefit—essentially guaranteed success."

Despite saying such things, his intentions to steer the deal in his favor were all too obvious.

What made it even more annoying was that he wasn’t even trying to hide his intentions.

"Yeah, there’s no doubt both sides will benefit. By the way, since this is the memorable 200th transaction, is there any special perk or bonus?"

Synosuke baited him, but Layarded instantly dropped his smile and reverted to his usual calm demeanor.

"No, there’s nothing special this time. It’s just a regular transaction, as usual."

Synosuke was left utterly taken aback by Layarded’s words.

In the end, the subsequent transaction turned out to be uneventful, just like any other routine exchange.

After the transaction concluded, Synosuke and Layarded exchanged information, but it appeared that the situation between the Damura Constellation Commonwealth and the Rimlia Galactic Empire was not favorable.

"Originally on the defensive, the Empire has recently intensified its offensive. We've received intelligence about reinforcements heading their way, which means the Commonwealth's path to defeat is becoming increasingly clear."

"If that's the case, then you're in a tough spot, Mr. Layered."

Layered shrugged casually in response to Shinosuke's words, a nonchalant expression on his face.

"Not particularly difficult, no."

"Huh?"

"Even if a nation falls, as long as people continue their daily lives, there will always be opportunities for trade. That's my principle, you see. I couldn't possibly worry about the fate of a country. Opportunities are everywhere. My company has already prepared for the fall of the duchy."

His business spirit is too strong.

Shin nosuke might want to learn from it, but it's definitely not something he could ever imitate.

However, if the duchy becomes part of the Rimorian Galactic Empire, my dealings with Mr. Layered will become difficult.

That is not a problem either. We are prepared for such a scenario. We will contact you again regarding the method of transaction at that time, so please don't worry.

Although it's still under wraps for now, it seems Layered has no intention of cutting ties with Shinnosuke or other foreign merchants.

Regardless of the fate of the duchy, trade between Shinnosuke and Layered Trading Company will continue in the future.

For Shinnosuke, maintaining this relationship remains a matter of necessity.

With that, this mission is now complete.

The convoy escort mission was a success, while trade in the 6325 Star Federation ended in failure.

And the transaction with Layered Company went as usual.

While it was profitable on paper, Shinnosuke found the outcome unsatisfactory.

"Well, this result was unavoidable, I suppose."

"Yes, there's no use dwelling on it. Let's shift our focus and move forward."

On the return journey, Shinnosuke and Marks exchange these words on the bridge of the Fubuki.

"Hey, you can't do anything by moping around. You're the one who told me to face reality and be tough right from the start, not me!"

"The master back then was trying to escape reality. But we can't keep dwelling on it forever. Let's move forward and change our mindset."

"Ugh, you're so annoying."

Shinnosuke said that, but his expression was cheerful.

I've already firmly shifted my mindset, even without Mark's prompting.

"Still, Layered Commerce is impressive. Even in the midst of the duchy's crisis, they show no concern at all. From the way they're acting, it seems they'd keep doing business as usual even if the duchy were to fall. That kind of boldness is something I could never imitate."

Seyra and Miliena counter Shinno's words.

"I think, Mr. Shinno, you're not far behind either."

"Wha—?"

"That's right. Compared as merchants, Layard doesn't even come close to Mr. Shinnosuke. But before anything else, Mr. Shinnosuke is a sailor. As a sailor, no matter what happens—whether the country falls or not—Mr. Shinnosuke can survive anywhere as long as he has a ship, can't he?"

Marks nodded in agreement with Seyra and Miliena's words.

It's not just Mr. Shinosuke—whether it's me, Sera, Marks, Andy and Elen, Madelia, or everyone at Kasimura Company, we're all sailors first and foremost. We've had plenty of failed business ventures, but as long as we have a ship, we're sailors. That's all that matters.

Shin nosuke nods in agreement with Milena's words.

Thus, Shinosuke and the others safely returned to the Salius Stellar Province.