Sometimes, you just need to slow down.

After delivering information about the transport ship sinking and Velvet's death, the lieutenant, true to his word, dropped off Shinosuke at the dock 15 minutes after setting off.

Shinosuke watched the lieutenant's car disappear into the distance, utterly dejected, but realized that worrying about everything wouldn't help.

Now was the time to shift his mindset.

(Doing good work isn't possible when you're like this. Sometimes, rest is just as important.)

Deciding on the spot, Shinosuke returned to the dock and gathered the crew.

"I have something to propose."

The crew tilted their heads in confusion at Shinosuke's sudden words.

Even Marks did, but Shinosuke deliberately ignored him.

"What is it? So serious all of a sudden?"

Shinosuke nodded in response to Milena, who spoke on behalf of the group.

So far, we've been through a series of demanding tasks, and we've managed to complete them all. What we need now is rest and renewed energy to face new challenges. We've taken vacations before, but those were just breaks from work. So I'm proposing something different: let's take some time off and go on a vacation together as a team?

For an instant, everyone's eyes lit up at Shinnosuke's words.

Mark's dual cameras are literally glowing, but he mustn't react or make remarks—just ignore it completely.

"Shinnosuke-sama, really, really true? If this is a lie or a joke, I won't forgive you!"

Millena clinging to Shinnosuke's right arm.

"Where exactly are we going on vacation?"

Seyra on his left arm.

Andi and Eren don't hug him, but they're clearly thrilled.

Maderia and Marks remain expressionless, but no one comments on Marks's camera flashing intensely.

"The destination shall be Torchigi, a frontier planet in the Garra Stellar Province. Torchigi is also my hometown, and the planet has excellent hot springs. How about a week-long vacation on Torchigi?"

"「「「「「Agreed!!」」」」"

All except Maderia speak in unison.

Shin nosuke deliberately ignores Marks.

"Then it's settled. I plan to leave as soon as possible, but first I'm heading to the guild."

Though it's Shin nosuke's spontaneous idea, good things happen quickly.

Without delay, Shin nosuke heads straight for the Free Merchant Guild.

Upon arriving at the guild, Shin nosuke walks directly to Lina's counter.

"Oh, Shin nosuke. What is it? Did you forget something?"

It wasn’t surprising that Lina tilted her head—Shin nosuke had only just reported back and left the guild a short while ago, and now he was back again.

“No, actually, I’m here to invite you…”

“Huh? Invite me? Are you asking me out on a date? That’s unlike you, but I’d welcome it!”

Lina’s eyes sparkled as she leaned forward over the counter.

“No, it’s not a date invitation.”

“Huh. That’s boring.”

It's not a date, but actually, we've decided to go on a vacation—what you might call a consolation trip—with everyone from the guild. I was wondering if it might be alright to include you, Lina and Iris, who've looked after us so diligently on a daily basis. It'll be about a month total, including the week-long vacation and the travel time back and forth, but I understand it might be difficult with your busy schedules and the sudden invitation. What do you think?

Lina's expression grew stern after hearing Shinnosuke's words.

It was the look of someone making a decision, ready to face battle.

"...Shinnosuke-san, would you mind waiting just a little? Yes, perhaps only ten minutes?"

Lina stood up abruptly, called out to Iris who was sitting at a different counter, and led her into the office of the administrative director, Darcis.

Eight minutes passed while waiting at the counter, and then Rinna and Iris emerged from Director Darcis's office, walking toward us. For some reason, the two of them seemed to be moving with a light, airy step.

"Everything's settled! Both of you have been approved for vacation leave. I'd love to join you!"

Rinna and Iris beamed with broad smiles.

Suddenly, I noticed Darcis peering at us from the gap in the office door, glaring slightly—but Shinosuke pretended not to see.

The vacation dates were set, but since the women needed various preparations, it was decided that departure would be five days from now.