Time is more precious than gold.

Fubuki headed once more toward the Rimuria Galactic Empire's territory, housing refugees at the designated colony.

This time, 64 people were accommodated: refugees from the Kingdom of Seralet and the Sacred State of Seigul, along with foreign ministry staff who had been working until the very end to handle and coordinate their departure procedures.

The high-speed vessel that came with us has already departed the colony, making Fubuki truly the very last ship.

Launch permission has been granted. After this vessel departs, the colony's spaceport will be closed.

Understood. Then I'll set sail.

Ash takes hold of the steering wheel of the Fubuki, setting off from the spaceport following Seira's report.

Shinnosuke is having a meeting with a foreign affairs official.

According to Seira's calculations, there's a risk we won't be able to exit Rimlia's territory in time to meet the deadline for leaving the country—worst case, we might even be captured by Rimlia's fleet.

"It's a tight squeeze—whether we make it or not depends on timing. Ash, follow the route Serah set at maximum cruising speed."

Leave it to me. This Fubuki is perfect for showcasing my piloting skills, and Seira-chan's route setting is flawless. I'll make it in time!

Fubuki accelerated to escape Rimlia's galactic territory.

Though Fubuki raced through the imperial territory, it remained uncertain whether she would make it in time.

Moreover, as the boundary of imperial territory and the deadline for departure drew near, imperial warships were gathering in the surrounding space.

Most were ships painted white, with some black-hulled vessels mixed in.

"These are the ships of the Imperial White Rose Fleet and the Black Rose Fleet. Both are private fleets of the imperial royal family, but they're both formidable forces."

Shin nosuke nods in agreement with Ash's words.

"Indeed, they're well-organized just to track a single escort vessel. Even against just one target, they show no signs of complacency."

"Then again, maybe it's because there's only a single prey that they're determined not to let it slip away....But still, it feels a bit odd."

Ash tilts his head.

"What do you mean?"

"The Black Rose, the Black Rose Fleet, shouldn't have been involved in the invasion of the Damura Star Cluster Commonwealth—they were supposed to be guarding the capital. It's strange that a ship from the Black Rose Fleet is showing up here like this."

Indeed, in a battle that's already concluded, there's no shortage of forces, so there's no clear reason to send a fleet that was meant for capital defense on such a mission.

There is indeed something concerning, but right now, Shinnosuke and the others have more pressing matters at hand.

They must evacuate beyond the imperial territory before the deadline.

"Communication incoming from an imperial vessel."

Seira, responsible for communications and navigation control, channels the signal from the imperial ship through the bridge speaker.

This is the Rimlia Galactic Empire Imperial Household Guard, White Rose Fleet. To the escort vessel of the Acnelia Galactic Federation currently in transit: you have four hours remaining to exit imperial territory. If you fail to depart by then, we will forcibly seize your vessel. If you determine that you cannot comply, surrender immediately. The safety of your crew will be guaranteed.

Shin nosuke and Ash heard the transmission and exchanged mischievous grins.

"What are we going to do about that?"

"No need to take it seriously."

"Then should we say something back?"

Shin nosuke shook his head.

"If we provoke them and miss the mark, it’ll be pointless. Let’s ignore it. No unnecessary words—our intent will be shown through action....What’s our current speed, sir?"

Seventy percent of the maximum sustained cruising speed, leaving some reserve. Want to push it higher?

Yeah, let's raise it to 80, no, 85 percent, and put some distance between us and these annoying guys.

Understood

Ash pushed the throttle lever forward, instantly accelerating.

Fubuki was originally fast and highly maneuverable, but the Rimuria fleet, attempting to partially surround her, failed to respond promptly to her sudden acceleration, quickly falling behind.

'Wait! Follow our guidance!'

Panicking, the Rimuria fleet rushed to pursue.

"There's no way I'm stopping just because someone tells me to! There's no speed limit violation, and I'm well within the evacuation deadline they set. I have no reason to listen to their complaints, nor any obligation to follow their orders!"

"Exactly! Ash, don't hold back!"

"Got it! Seriously, you and this ship are absolutely amazing! I might just fall head over heels for you!"

"...."

Shin nosuke chooses not to ask what exactly she's falling for.

Seyla and Milena's gazes from the bridge were unnerving.

Ash's ship-handling skills were exactly as expected.

Even though they were traveling almost in a straight line, he effortlessly distanced themselves from the pursuing Lymria fleet, showing no signs of fatigue during the hours-long escape.

"Approaching the border of the zone! Expected to exceed the departure deadline by 15 minutes and 25 seconds!"

Ash pushed the throttle lever to the maximum, responding to Seira's report.

"Maximum combat speed! That’ll buy us two minutes and fifteen seconds! Now it’s just a matter of guts and determination to break through!"

The Fubuki accelerated from cruising speed to maximum combat speed.

The Rimlian fleet ships, on alert near the boundary, attempted to block their path, but Ash, fully aware of the Fubuki’s capabilities and performance, effortlessly dodged them.

"Three minutes remaining. Communication from the Rimuria Fleet."

"Warning to the Akneria-class escort vessel. You cannot exit our territorial waters by the deadline. Therefore, we will seize your vessel. Slow down and follow our guidance!"

Hearing the warning, Ash flashed a broad smile.

"Shin nosuke, it's fine, right?"

"Fly however you like!"

Fubuki charged straight into the encirclement without slowing down.

"Wait, slow down! You'll crash! Move out of the way!"

"If you don't want to crash, then you get out of the way! I'm coming through! Get out of my way!"

With that, Ash darted through the narrow gap in the Rimurian fleet's hasty evasive maneuvers, breaking through the encirclement.