Aqua

"Rapid reversal! Detach from the current hyperspace region."

"Wait...?!"

Arisa and Merisa are bewildered by the sudden command.

Given that they had just escaped from hyperspace and returned, this reaction was completely natural.

"It's fine. We're just taking a slight detour to return to Salius. Marks, once you've rerouted and delivered the two of them, launch immediately."

No, um... I'm having trouble understanding, but does that Aquarius have something on the ship?

It's no surprise that Arena and the others are confused—they couldn't possibly know the circumstances.

But this is a major problem for Shinosuke.

Aqua is a large vessel originally derived from a flagship-class battleship developed by Syokouji Industry, having its combat armaments removed except for self-defense anti-aircraft weapons. It serves as the HQ ship, functioning as the central command hub for Syokouji Company, and is used as the chairman's personal transport for frontline command or inspection tours.

Therefore, the person aboard the Aqua must be the company's chairman, Emilia Syokouji.

Shinnosuke's older sister.

Shinnosuke, terrified by the Aquarius, tries to steer away, but it's already too late.

"Master, it's too late. The Aquarius has captured us."

"Damn it! Is there any communication coming through?"

"No special contact has been detected, and Aquarius shows no signs of altering its course. However, Fubuki has confirmed that you, Master, are in this region. It has concluded that attempting to escape here would be a grave mistake."

"Damn it... the silent pressure is overwhelming... There's no choice. We'll return to Salius Central Colony as planned."

Shinonsuke resigned himself.

Fubuki, having given up on escape, reluctantly headed toward the dock.

Although the Aquarius, also bound for Salius Central Colony, had not responded to further contact, Fubuki's movements were continuously tracked—right up until she reached Shinonsuke's dock, and Aquarius docked at Saikouji Industry's facility.

"Welcome back, Master Shinonsuke."

"We're so glad you're safe."

Milena and Seira greeted the returning Shinonsuke and his group.

I expected to be scolded for taking such risks, but instead, the two greeted Shinonsuke with warm smiles.

The same was true for Lina, who had been waiting at the union hall.

"Ah, Shinonsuke-san, welcome back. That must have been quite a ordeal."

Shinonsuke reported on their return and the events that had occurred in hyperspace, including the rescue of Alisa and the others, but Lina maintained a gentle expression throughout, calmly going through the necessary procedures.

"...Hey, Marks. I thought I'd be scolded by three people, but this situation feels off. Honestly, it's kind of scary."

"Master, if I may say so, are you a masochist?"

"W-What are you talking about?!"

"You were clearly waiting to be scolded by the three of them, Miirina included."

"There's no way that's true!"

Shin nosuke and Marks huddled away from the counter, whispering about pointless matters.

"Shin nosuke-san, Marks-san. What are you two whispering about over there?"

"Uh? N-Nothing at all!"

Seeing Rina's cheerful expression, Shin nosuke and Marks both felt their blood run cold.

"Hey, Marks! What do you mean 'your blood ran cold'?!"

Shin nosuke, making up his own story and jumping to conclusions without provocation.

"Master, what are you talking about?"

The two were utterly ridiculous and completely lacking in tension, yet Rin watched them with a cheerful smile on her face.

After smoothly completing the procedures, Rin learned that Rin, Seira, and Milena had decided to believe that Shinosuke and the others would return safely, and thus resolved not to worry unnecessarily.

Glen and the others were waiting for Shinosuke and Marks upon their return to the dock, having just heard the news of their safe return.

"Shinosuke, I'm so sorry! And thank you for saving Aliesa and Merisa!"

Glen was on the verge of hugging Shinosuke tightly, but thankfully, Karen managed to hold him back.

Shinnosuke, I’m truly sorry for putting you and your crew in danger while trying to save Alisa and the others, and for losing your ship’s internal fireboat... The damages Shinnosuke and the others have suffered in this incident will be fully compensated by us, and we’ll take full responsibility.

The damage Shinnosuke sustained in this accident was the broken securing latch used to hold the internal combustion boat and the Seeker Eye, both of which were mounted on Fubuki.

Although neither option is inexpensive, the damage resulted from Shinosuke's judgment and actions under the unpredictable conditions caused by spatial distortion, so the responsibility lies with Shinosuke—but Glen and the others won't accept that.

Since Shinosuke managed to rescue the important crew members, Alicia and Marysa, and recover the valuable exploration vessel, Seeker Eye, Glen—given his personality—would never back down, even if Shinosuke had refused.

Since they were important business partners and mindful of their future relationship, they agreed to discuss compensation for Shinosuke's losses at a later date. Given that Alicia and Marysa were visibly exhausted, Glen and the others decided to withdraw early.

"Phew, that's one chapter done. I still have to report to the Space Environment Bureau, but I'll do that tomorrow. For now, let's just rest properly."

Shin nosuke suddenly feels exhausted, his shoulders slumping.

"…Master, there's a message from Psychoj Industries. They say they urgently need you to come over."

"…No way…"

Shin nosuke's quiet, fleeting hope crumbles completely, shattered by an unavoidable call that offers no choice but refusal.