Unexpected Reunion

Having accepted the task of guarding a fleet for the Rymiria Galactic Empire Corporation, Shinnosuke and the others decided to prepare thoroughly before the departure date.

Ash was negotiating with Hoolies Medical Systems for medical equipment for Fubuki, while Shinnosuke decided to conduct trade with the 6325 Star Union during the escort mission, purchasing rare metals in advance to make some extra profit. Accompanied by Millena, Shinnosuke visited the Union to select the goods for the transaction.

"This time, let's try the No. 35 deal again."

"Yes, that sounds reasonable. Is that acceptable?"

Metal No. 35 is a specialized metal used as a material for ships and colonies, among other things. While it has relatively low rarity, it offers stable trading potential. However, Shinosuke previously attempted to trade Metal No. 35 in the 6325 Stellar Federation and suffered a painful failure due to an unexpected drop in trading prices.

Still, this wasn't out of revenge for the previous failure. Metal No. 35 had always had stable trading prices, and with prices now recovering, the decision to trade it was a natural one.

Shin nosuke placed an order with Rina.

"Three hundred tons of Metal No. 35, correct?"

"Yes, since this is just a side job accompanying the escort request, we'll keep the transaction relatively small."

Rina proceeded with the procurement process on her terminal.

"Yes, that's fine. The escort departure is in five days, so delivering the metal tomorrow should be okay for loading onto Tsukikage?"

"Yes, please."

Now all that remained was to load the rare metals and await departure.

Just as Shinnosuke was about to finish the arrangements and return to the dock, a message arrived on his terminal.

'One hour from now. Bench beside the vending machine selling LikeRiku drinks, Central Sports Park running track.'

The sender was unknown, but there was only one person he could think of.

"…There's no need to hide the sender's identity."

"Is it her again?"

Milena visibly frowned.

Still, she wasn't someone he could ignore.

Sinnosuke sighed and headed toward the location designated by Information Division Lieutenant Celia Cruise.

Five minutes before the appointed time, Sinno-suke sat on the designated bench, sipping synthetic fruit tea.

As usual, it's an unofficial contact, but it doesn't concern Shinosuke.

Since there was no need to change clothes, the captain remained in uniform, and since she hadn't been told to come alone this time, Milena was sitting beside him.

An unexpected figure appeared before Shinosuke.

It's been a while, Kasimura student.

Shinosuke instinctively jumped at the sound of his name and quickly straightened his posture.

"Ah, Commander Allenbal! No, Your Excellency!"

Shinosuke instinctively salutes, despite having long since left the military.

Though retired from the armed forces, he remains a sailor, so the salute is not inappropriate.

Before Shinosuke stood Admiral Allenbal, commander of the Space Navy's 2nd Fleet.

He had been Shinosuke's academy superintendent during his time at the Space Navy Officer Academy.

Admiral Allenbal, like Shinosuke in his captain's uniform, wore his military attire—specifically the fleet commander's uniform—making the two of them stand out even more conspicuously.

Incidentally, Milena wore a calm, elegant dress in civilian clothes, her refined presence only amplifying Shinosuke's conspicuousness. Glancing around, one could see that people strolling through the park were clearly staring at them, as if wondering what was going on.

However, among them were several security personnel in civilian clothes, on alert, one of whom was Lieutenant Colonel Cruise.

"Hahaha, Your Excellency, please calm down. You've already left the Space Force, haven't you?"

Allenbal said that, but Shinosuke remained rigidly upright.

"Sir, even if I've left the military, certain habits and traits are hard to shed..."

"You're right, I suppose. A lifelong soldier never truly sheds their habits, even after leaving the military. But don't be so stiff about it. By the way, the young lady beside you—was it Milena? Could you introduce me? I already know who she is, of course, but it's a rare chance—I'd really like to be properly introduced."

"Ah! This is Milena Al Ringlund. By chance, she works for my merchant guild and is an excellent crew member on my ship."

Following Shinosuke, Milena performs a perfect bow.

"It's a pleasure to meet you. I am Milena Al Ringlund. As you likely know, I fled from the Rimlia Galactic Empire and now have the honor of serving under Shinosuke-sama. Please do keep me in mind."

"Likewise, it's a pleasure to meet you, Milina-san. I'm Alenbal—though 'Grand Admiral of the Space Fleet' sounds impressive, I'm really just an old man."

Alenbal smiled warmly, sat down on the bench, and gestured for Shinosuke and the others to do the same.

After saluting once more while standing straight, Shinosuke sat down beside Grand Admiral Alenbal.

Milina also took a seat beside Shinosuke.

"I was taken aback by the suddenness, but may I ask what brings you here today?"

Shinosuke, still tense throughout.

I wanted to formally apologize to you. Regarding the incident with former Colonel Langlitt, your discharge from the military stemmed from that situation, and since then, you've been put through countless hardships because of me. Moreover, despite knowing about his misconduct, the space force failed to secure solid evidence, ultimately letting him go free and causing widespread harm. It was a complete failure on the part of the military organization, and I am truly sorry.

The investigation regarding Langlitt and preparations for compensating the victims are currently underway within the space military, though it appears all efforts are being conducted in strict secrecy.

It's reportedly a scandal involving crimes committed by high-ranking military officials, and they are carefully determining the appropriate time for public disclosure.

Apparently, Allenbal claimed he would personally apologize to Shinosuke, who had repeatedly thwarted Langlitt's criminal acts, been driven out of the military, and even had his life targeted—thanks to those actions.

However, since this matter has not yet been publicly disclosed, it was impossible for a high-ranking officer of the Space Fleet to publicly apologize to a civilian. Thus, Lieutenant Cruze facilitated this reunion.

"I understand. There's no need for further apologies—I'm fine as is. Though I've left the Space Fleet, I'm managing well as a free trader now."

It wasn't his place to rebuke Allenbal, but saying so wouldn't have convinced him anyway.

Shin nosuke decided to accept Allenbal's apology.

"I've heard from Lieutenant Cruze—seems you're quite capable as a free trader too."

"I'm not sure if I'm truly skilled, but I do believe my decision to become a free trader was the right one."

Allenbal nodded.

"I see... I had hoped you'd return to the space navy, but judging by your demeanor, that seems unlikely."

"That's right. While I was in the navy, I took pride in being a soldier. But now, that pride has transformed into the pride and freedom of being a sailor."

"Pride and freedom as a sailor... So that's it. I can't help but envy you."

Upon hearing Shinosuke's reply, Aranbale realized that Shinosuke had completely severed ties with the military.