Time is more precious than gold.

The Tsukikage and Fubuki set sail, loaded with essential supplies.

Neither ship has installed passenger units, but there was no choice.

The return journey alone will take several weeks, but this time is a race against the clock—living conditions for those being rescued are a distant second and third priority.

The cargo holds of each ship will likely have to accommodate them, but in an emergency, they'll just have to endure the bare minimum environment.

Fubuki and Tsukikage reached the Rimuria Galactic Empire's territory, the vicinity of planet Librina, as quickly as possible.

Although they were contacted several times by imperial ships along the way, they were not subjected to inspections, as they were still within the grace period for leaving foreign territory, and only had to explain their purpose of travel through communication.

"Fuuki will descend into the atmosphere of Planet Librina to deliver supplies to Layered Corporation and accommodate refugees. Tsukikage, escort the refugees to the designated colony. Meet here in this region at 10 a.m. the day after tomorrow, but if either ship arrives more than two hours late, proceed back home without waiting."

This is Tsukikage, understood. Proceeding to the target colony.

After parting from Tsukikage, Fubuki enters the atmospheric descent sequence toward the planet Librina.

"Authorization for atmospheric entry has been granted by the Librina orbital control center. Mark the descent point. Proceed toward it."

"Understood."

Shinonsuke guides the ship according to Seira's instructions.

Shion, lacking experience with atmospheric entry, watches attentively beside Seira.

"Shinonsuke, confirm the crew's seatbelts are secured. You're good to go."

"Got it. Fixing the bow-up angle at fifty degrees. Beginning descent."

Shinonsuke pulled back on the control yoke, initiating atmospheric entry.

"Wait? You're doing this manually, not on auto?"

Shion, watching Shinonsuke at the controls, exclaimed in surprise.

"Yes, Shinonsuke seems to prefer manual control. We don't use the autopilot much even during regular flight."

Seyla answers, not taking her eyes off the instruments.

Mireena, seated in the co-pilot's chair, places her hands on the control yoke linked to Shinonsuke's, learning the manual descent procedure.

"Come to think of it, except when Mireena or Marks were flying, Shinonsuke has mostly been doing manual piloting."

"It seems Shinonsuke prefers flying by himself."

Seyla and Shion, chatting casually as if they've become completely comfortable with each other.

The two appear to be around the same age, with Shion looking slightly younger at first glance, but in reality Shion is ten years older—closer in age to Shinonsuke than to the newcomers.

Shinonsuke can't help but feel a stark contrast between the new crew members' appearance and their true nature.

It seems like it'll be quite a challenge for him to get used to them.

After safely descending onto Librina, Fubuki docked at the harbor of the ground city, Alenda.

At the harbor, not only Fubuki but also ships from the Akneria Galactic Federation and other nations were arriving one after another.

"Then, I'll handle the delivery paperwork for Layered Commerce. Milina, Marks, and Sion, I'm counting on you to oversee the unloading and reception of refugees. We don't have time—let's get moving!"

"“““Understood!”””"

When Shinosuke and the others stepped off the Fubuki, Layared was already waiting there, accompanied by the secretary doll Stella.

"Lord Kashimura, I've been awaiting your arrival. Given the urgency of the situation, let's begin the procedures immediately."

"Thank you. I've brought the ordered goods. This time, I have no intention of negotiating the price. If the market rate is acceptable, please take them off my hands."

I brought the minerals here in response to Layered Commerce's request, but this time it's just a side opportunity while transporting refugees—I don't intend to make a significant profit from the mineral trade.

A modest profit would be enough.

"We appreciate that. We'll purchase them at five percent above market rate."

The deal—more a swift agreement than a proper negotiation—ended in under five minutes. As soon as Sera and Stella finished the paperwork, unloading began immediately.

Meanwhile, Milina dashed to the temporary exit checkpoint set up at the port.

The checkpoint was in chaos, and communication issues were disrupting the processing.

"But what will you do, Lord Layard, now that the duchy has fallen?"

Considering future dealings, Shinosuke questioned Layard.

"Even if you ask what we plan to do, we intend to continue our trade as always. As long as people remain, life goes on, and opportunities for commerce are endless—whether the duchy falls or its rulers change."

"Truly, you have a strong merchant spirit."

"It's a natural decision for a manager. We can't leave our company staff stranded without support. There's no time to worry about trivial matters. That said, once the empire's rule is established, certain restrictions will inevitably be imposed. I doubt we'll be able to continue trading with Lady Kasimura as we have in the past."

"Indeed, that's likely. It'll probably become much harder for me to visit as freely as before."

Leviard glanced around before lowering his voice.

"We'll contact you again regarding future matters, so please wait for our update. Future dealings will inevitably carry some risk for both parties, but it's for our mutual benefit. Let's make sure things go smoothly."

"……"

Shin nosuke silently nodded in response to Leviard's words.

Once the handover of goods to Leviard's Company is complete, the next step will be accommodating the refugees.

This time, Fubuki is scheduled to evacuate citizens of the Aclenia Galactic Federation who are currently stranded on the planet Librina, with an assigned quota of approximately 60 people.

While the cargo hold could accommodate over 100 passengers if only boarding were required, Fubuki has loaded every available supply—including food and drinking water—into the storage space previously occupied by the lost fighter craft.

However, Fubuki is not a passenger ship, nor is it equipped with passenger modules.

In effect, refugees are being crammed into a cargo hold equipped with air conditioning but not designed for human comfort, forcing them to endure for several weeks under these conditions.

Under such circumstances, the refugees' stress cannot be ignored.

Thus, the ship's capacity for accommodating them is actually quite generous.

However, such assumptions are shattered abruptly.

"Lord Shinosuke, there are far more refugees than we anticipated. At this rate, we simply won't have enough ships."

Mireena sent an urgent message to Shinosuke's terminal, directing him toward the international departure gate.