Shin nosuke in custody

"The charge for your arrest is unlawful attack on a space military vessel, subject to the 'Response to External Attacks' clause in the Space Military Regulations."

A military police officer displays identification and a warrant issued by the Space Military Police Headquarters (not an arrest warrant).

The military police unit, responsible for criminal investigations and upholding discipline within the military, generally does not have investigative authority over non-military personnel—ordinary civilians.

However, exceptions exist in every case.

This time, they've applied that exception, but they've done so rather forcefully.

The most compelling evidence is that they arrived not with a judicial warrant, but with an internal military arrest order to temporarily detain the suspect.

Moreover, they haven’t brought a warrant to seize Fuuki as evidence, which likely means there wasn’t sufficient grounds to obtain one from the judicial court—understandably so.

At the very least, it seems Fuuki won’t be unlawfully seized for now.

So far, it has largely gone according to Shinosuke's expectations, but that doesn't mean he intends to blindly follow orders.

"Understood, more or less. I'll comply with your instructions. However, I cannot agree to the detention of my other crew members on board my ship—especially not including her!"

Sinosuke replies in a low voice, yet his crew show no signs of unease.

"Even so, this is a serious crime—private vessels attacking military vessels and causing crew deaths. It's only natural to detain those involved, including her."

Sinosuke responds to the soldier's words with a smug smile.

Yet his eyes betray no amusement.

"Listen here... [Galactic Standard Translation: Stop being so careless...], no, don't say such foolish things. The investigative authority of the military police only extends to military personnel, but there's an exception clause allowing it to be applied to outsiders in certain cases, right? If that's the case, then detaining me should follow the same rules as detaining a soldier. Therefore, the naval regulation stating 'In cases of unlawful incidents aboard a vessel during active duty, responsibility falls entirely on the captain if the act was carried out under the captain's orders' should apply here. That means only I should be the one detained!"

"If resistance is offered, we will not hesitate to use force. That is our direct order."

Shin nosuke glanced behind the men.

As expected, they appeared to be watching the situation.

"I am offering no resistance, nor are they. If you persist in such reckless actions, won't they speak up?"

Pointing behind the squad members, he indicated a car parked there, with Lieutenant Selica Cruze from Intelligence and another middle-aged man, presumably an Intelligence officer, peering out at them from inside.

The squad members' demeanor instantly changed upon realizing Intelligence was openly monitoring them, without attempting to conceal their presence.

For now, it seems the lieutenants have no intention of intervening in this situation. But considering who might be pulling the strings behind the military police unit, it's easy to guess what the lieutenants are aiming for. If things develop in a way that misses their intended target, they'll undoubtedly step in without hesitation.

In that case, it will be the squad members and whoever is behind them who'll find themselves in a dire situation.

Lieutenant Colonel likely sees this situation as the greatest opportunity, and Shinnosuke probably intends to settle things once and for all. At this point, their goals align.

Likewise, the military police likely don’t want the situation to deteriorate further.

Given the幕后's status and influence, even the strict military police would likely have no choice but to comply with their orders. Yet, for their own position, they probably wouldn't want to get overly involved.

In that case, there's only one possible outcome for both sides here.

"Understood. We'll detain only Mr. Kasimura, in accordance with the rules. Please come along without resistance."

Shin nosuke turned and handed his pistol and blaster to Milena.

"I'd rather not get hurt while being taken. Please hold onto these for me."

"Master Shin nosuke..."

Milena looked up at Shin nosuke as she took both guns in both hands.

Behind her, Ceyra wore a worried expression.

Shin nosuke glanced between the two of them and nodded.

"Then, I'm off."

With those words, Shin nosuke was handcuffed and led away, surrounded by the officers.

Milena and Ceyra watched silently, their eyes blazing with anger.

"For now, I'm complying with Shin nosuke's wishes and staying calm, but even I have my limits."

"Yes. I'm furious too!"

By the time they realized it, even Lieutenant Cruise and the others had disappeared.

It seems we don’t need to explain anything to them, nor should we expect anything. Then, we’ll just do as we please. For now, our priority is reporting to the Guild.

"Yes. Let’s go."

The two headed toward the Free Merchant Guild.