The Return of the Black Rose

The battle over the Dalmara Star Cluster Commonwealth took a dramatic turn when the White Rose Fleet, led by Ezaria, responded to a request from Imperial Army Supreme Commander Elran and entered the conflict.

The situation has now become so dire for the Aclenia Galactic Federation's space fleet that even their intervention would hardly be able to reverse the outcome.

The victory of the Lymria Galactic Empire is imminent, yet Emperor William of the empire remains uneasy.

He is deeply concerned about his sister, Ezelia, who has led her private fleet, the White Rose Fleet, to the front lines, and the absence of Ezelia—the one he relies on emotionally—fills him with restless anxiety.

Even as William remained restless in his anxiety, he carried out his duties as imperial emperor. At that moment, a single destroyer entered the Imperial Fleet's spaceport.

It bore no identifying markings—clearly a special operations vessel.

"Been a while since I ran away from royal life and came back home."

From the special operations vessel stepped Velvet—no, rather, the Second Imperial Princess of the Rimlia Galaxy, Bellrosa Rimlia.

"Princess Bellrosa, we have been awaiting your arrival."

The one who greeted Bellrosa at the spaceport was an elderly gentleman.

The man, clad in a black uniform, was Bellrosa's personal butler and Deputy Commander of the private fleet, the Black Rose Fleet—General Zackbarn.

"Zackbarn? It's been a while, hasn't it?"

Bellrosa glanced briefly at Zackbarn and continued walking.

Zackbarn, following behind, draped the uniform of the Black Rose Fleet over Bellrosa's shoulders.

The rank insignia on the collar indicated the rank of rear admiral.

"Every member of the Black Rose Fleet has been eagerly awaiting the return of Admiral Bellrosa."

I wasn’t planning on returning to the Empire, even if they were waiting for me. Palace life and the admiral’s seat just weren’t for me. Well, I suppose I owe my sister my life—barely avoided execution after making a terrible mistake. But now that things have come to this, I guess I should fulfill my duty as commander of the Black Rose Fleet… though that can wait. First, I’ll go greet His Majesty, William. I’m sure he’s been nervous without his sister and the White Rose Fleet around.

Without paying heed to the guards stopping her, Bellrosa entered William's office in the imperial palace.

"Big sister Bellrosa..."

"I'm back, William. Not bad for an emperor, huh?"

Even though he was her brother, the man standing before her was the Emperor of the Rimlia Galactic Empire.

Yet Bellrosa showed him no hesitation or restraint.

"Big sister... why are you here?"

"There was definitely something going on. You were just about to be strangled when Sister Azelia called you back. I've heard the story—your White Rose Fleet went on an expedition and you were scared stiff, weren't you?"

"I-I never was!"

Don't push yourself too hard. You've always been timid, after all. Still, you're smart—maybe you'd surprisingly suit being emperor. Don't worry, I'll protect you in place of your sister. I'll handle the defense of the imperial capital's surrounding space with my Black Rose Fleet. There's no need to be anxious—'I' have absolutely no interest in the imperial throne. In return, I'll let you have your way as fleet commander.

Having said what she wanted, Belrosa turned on her heel and left the office without waiting for William's reply.

Having finished her one-sided greeting to Emperor William, Belrosa returned once more to the spaceport.

Before her lay the flagship of the Black Rose Fleet—a fast battleship named Black Rose.

The Black Rose on this side hasn't changed at all—still a stunning vessel, hasn't it? Zackburn, you're ready, aren't you?

Yes. All ships of the Black Rose Fleet are ready for deployment.

"Very well. Let's set out right away....That said, it's been a while since I've taken on the role of fleet commander, so for the time being, Zackburn will be serving aboard the Black Rose as my deputy!"

As you wish

Without delay, Belroza boarded the Black Rose and took her seat in the commander's chair on the bridge.

"From now on, we'll conduct familiarization training and defend the imperial capital. No dawdling—move out!"

At Belroza's command, the 190 ships of the Black Rose Fleet launched simultaneously.

Though small in number, the Black Rose Fleet was known for its speed and high mobility, boasting a full complement of fast vessels.

Though not an official military force, the private fleet of Bellrose had nonetheless undergone extensive combat experience and training under Zakkburn's command during the period when its commander was absent and the fleet was under Ezelia's temporary custody, resulting in a high level of proficiency.

Seeing all ships swiftly depart and deploy across the operational zone, Bellrose nodded with satisfaction.

"Feels good. We could jump into actual combat right away. Zackburn, contact Langlitt and keep me updated. The situation's shifting. There'll be things for Langlitt to handle in the near future, so for now, lend him a hand with his side income."

"Yes, ma'am... By the way, Lady Bellrose."

"What is it?"

"Regarding the free merchant who captured the space pirate Velvet...?"

"Oh, that detestable man, you mean?"

Bellrose grimaces.

"Though I have no connection whatsoever with the space pirate Velvet, I find it unpleasant and irritating to allow such a man to roam freely through space. If you wish, I can dispatch a special vessel to deal with him."

Bellrose shakes her head at Zackburn's suggestion.

"There's no need to worry about me. Leave him be."

"That's not like you at all."

"That man is an extremely dangerous venomous snake. If you poke him or reach out carelessly, he'll bite you. Since we'll never meet again anyway, there's no point in bothering with him."

"You're paying quite a high price for that mercenary. No surprise, given you're the one who defeated the space pirate Velvet."

Bellrose glared at Zackburn.

Don't get it wrong! That man isn't the one who beat me. It doesn't matter to me whether I lost or not. What matters is that he's the man I fought four times and still couldn't kill...