We need a new dock.

Having been freed from the military police force, Shinnosuke visited the Free Merchant Guild without even bothering to treat his injuries.

"Shinnosuke-san! Your injuries—!"

Lina gasps in shock upon seeing him.

"I'm fine. No bones are broken, and my teeth are intact."

Relieved by Shinnosuke's words, Lina still seethes with anger over the military police's recent brutality.

She had been furious, demanding a stern protest against the space force, but reluctantly she put down her sword upon hearing that Colonel Langlitt—the mastermind—and the military police unit involved, along with the intelligence division, had all been arrested. Only after Lina had calmed down did she finally manage to report on the current mission.

This had been a major operation involving the government, and thanks to Shinnosuke's quick thinking, even more refugees had been rescued than expected.

In addition to capturing a criminal vessel involved in human trafficking, they apprehended the suspects and rescued the victims.

The reward, including the bounty from the Coast Guard, would amount to a staggering sum, and the military is likely to pay a penalty fee as well.

Thanks to this operation, Kasimura Corporation would achieve profits never seen before.

The guild expanded further, and the fleet now consisted of three ships: Fubuki, Tsukikage, and Yatagarasu, with a crew of ten, including Shinosuke.

"…So, I'd like to move to a new dock."

With the group now large, Yatagarasu's data collection would soon be complete.

It was only natural that a new dock would be required then.

Upon Shinosuke's request, Lina began searching for available dock options.

"…Yes, there isn't currently a dock owned by the guild that can accommodate three ships at once. We could split it into a two-ship dock and a one-ship dock… Ah, what about this one? It's a bit pricey, but I'm sure Shinosuke's company could easily afford it. It's a good investment, considering future needs."

Lina shows the data with a playful smirk, but Shinosuke misses the mischievous look in her eyes.

The dock presented was a large, airtight dock capable of accommodating four ships.

It was well-equipped, featuring twenty individual living units within the dock itself.

This was a dock of the scale used by medium to large trading companies—a luxury beyond the reach of the small-scale Kashimura Trading Company.

Due to the inherent structural limitations of civilian airtight docks, four ships represented the maximum capacity; therefore, the guild possessed no dock with greater capacity.

"...This feels a bit overkill, don't you think?"

Shinosuke crosses his arms, surveying the dock's size and facilities.

True, the rental fee itself isn't an issue.

But there are twenty single-room living units, and half of them aren't even occupied.

Milena doesn't need a separate residence—she goes directly from her quarters to the dock during port calls. Even if we assign private rooms to Marks and Madelia, plus the others, only nine rooms would be occupied. No, actually, since Shin nosuke lives aboard the ship most of the time, that leaves eight. And since Marks is the same, only seven rooms would actually be used.

Indeed, with the crew having increased, it's clear that residential facilities within the colony are necessary, especially when considering ship inspections and repairs.

As Shinosuke, whose creed is "life is a series of choices," hesitated and couldn't decide, Milena peered over his shoulder at the dock's data.

Mr. Shinosuke, isn't this splendid? If we're deciding to stay here, I'd like to rent two rooms. I've long desired a place to live aboard the dock, in addition to the mansion and the ship's quarters. It was such a hassle having to return all the way to the mansion when work ran late or when departure was early morning or in the middle of the night. This place would be perfect for that.

Shinonsuke tilts his head, listening to Milina's words.

"I understand what you're trying to say, Milina, but why two rooms?"

"I'll have An or Mei take turns staying here permanently, in addition to myself. Not only will I handle matters around me, but I can also manage cleaning throughout the facility and take care of everyone's meals. Of course, I'll be paid a small allowance for this work, but considering it's necessary expenses, I think it's a worthwhile investment."

Seira agrees with Milina's proposal.

"Um, I think this dock would be great for me too. When Fubuki was being repaired earlier, I had nowhere to stay and ended up inconveniencing you, Milina, by staying at your place or at a hotel. But with this dock, that won't be an issue anymore... Of course, I'll pay the rent myself."

Indeed, the crew of the company seems to have an unusually high number of women, with six of them, including Madelia, making up more than half (even if we count Marks as male, there's still one other guy whose role remains unclear).

Given these circumstances, there seems to be no choice but to make a decision.

"Understood. I'll go with this dock. Please proceed with the contract procedures."

Upon hearing Shinosuke's decision, Lina smiles with even greater certainty, as if she had just confirmed something important.

"Understood. Thank you very much."

Lina swiftly moves forward with the procedures while Shinosuke's resolve remains unchanged.

The contract formalities were completed right away.

"Yes, the procedures are complete. You're welcome to move in at any time."

"Thank you. I'll start work as early as tomorrow, then."

There was no turning back now.

Lina now brought up the main negotiation.

"Actually, I have something to ask of you, Shinosuke-san... It's definitely not going to be a loss for you, I promise."

"What is it? If it's something Rinah-san asks, I'll do my best."

Even as he said that, even Shinosuke—who wasn't exactly sharp—couldn't miss the unusual air Rinah was giving off, different from usual.

It was the cold, predatory gaze of a bird of prey, not something a venomous snake could hope to match.

"Actually, I was thinking this dock is incredibly close to the union, perfect for commuting..."

"Eh?"

"It seems there's some extra space available, so I was hoping I could stay here too."

"Um, well, that's... I'm also renting a place here, so letting someone else use it would be considered subletting, wouldn't it? That might be against the contract?"

"Not at all, there's absolutely no problem. In fact, why don't you ask Iris? I think she'd probably like to stay here too."

Not again.

While Shinnosuke shows exceptional talent in ship operations and combat, in his personal life he easily lets his guard down and finds himself cornered.

Moreover, this time even Milena and Ceyla had completely let their guard down, and by the time they realized Lina's intentions, it was already too late.

The distance between Shinnosuke and the others was closed with ease, instantly eliminating the advantage both parties had held.

Neither Shinnosuke, Milena, nor Ceyla could object to Lina's request.

With this, one room was filled—indeed, in the end, two rooms were now occupied.

I managed to post regularly during the long holiday, but I expect to return to my usual pace starting tomorrow.

Also, as promised, I’ve begun serializing my new work, *Freedom of Career Choice: The Adventurer's Journey as a Courier*.

I’d be happy if you’d take a look.