Warzone

After departing the 6325 Stellar Federation, Shinosuke and the others continued their journey without incident, reaching the Rimorian Galactic Empire's territory.

Now that they had arrived this far, all that remained was to dock at the orbital spaceport of the imperial capital—their final destination.

Thanks to Seira's meticulous route planning and preparation, they successfully passed through the region known for communication disruptions, which had been a concern.

"Entered the control airspace of the Lymria Imperial Capital Navigation Center. Milena, please maintain your current course."

"Understood."

Milena, gripping the steering wheel according to Seira's navigation, nodded.

"Still, the closer we get to the capital, the stricter the security seems to be."

Seira's words were merely an innocent observation, but indeed, numerous warships and coastal patrol vessels were moving about the surrounding airspace.

The expressions on Shinnosuke and Miliena's faces turned grim as they witnessed it.

"Some of the units seem to be gathering... Miliena, this isn't a regular military force, is it?"

Miliena nodded in response to Shinnosuke's question.

"Yes. While we passed through the previous sector, we did see regular fleet units—specifically the 5th and 7th Fleets—but now there are far more nobleman's private warships."

The nearby fleets varied greatly in ship color and the insignias displayed on their hulls. According to Milena, these are private warships belonging to imperial nobles.

It's not uncommon for private fleets to be on patrol around the capital, apparently receiving defensive duties there on a regular basis. Yet there are far too many of them.

Milena frowned upon seeing the fleet of about thirty ships deployed.

"Rinrund Fleet? How peculiar!"

"Is Ringlund the fleet from Milena's family home?"

"Technically, since we've severed ties, it's not really my family home. But yes, that is indeed the private fleet commanded by my older brother. That said, the Ringlund family, while noble, are civil servants rather than military nobles. Their private fleet is small—fewer than fifty ships. Typically, civil noble families don't command fleets for the capital's defense. Yet, thirty ships are stationed away from their territory... It's definitely odd."

Shin nosuke doesn't voice it, but he can't shake a bad feeling.

In fact, in this situation, speaking it aloud wouldn't make it any more ominous.

"Anyway, it's an internal matter of the empire. Worrying about it won't change anything. We should focus solely on our own duties. Let's continue along our scheduled route."

"Understood."

If we proceed as planned, we'll reach the orbital spaceport in about five hours.

Once we deliver Villet's fleet, our escort mission will be complete.

We had planned to dock for about two days after arrival, using the time for resupply, but given the current situation, it might be better to leave Imperial territory early without resupply.

We could easily return even without resupply.

At that moment, Milina and Seira, their forehead eyes suddenly opening, shouted out.

"Something's coming!"

"Anomaly detected in surrounding space! Spatial distortion observed on the starboard side. Something is about to warp in!"

Warping within controlled navigation zones is an extremely dangerous act that could endanger other vessels and is a violation of international spaceflight regulations.

"Warping directly into a controlled zone? That's insane! Sera, how many ships are emerging?"

"Observing... over 100, no, more than 200 ships!"

All ships, prepare for combat! Notify the Virett fleet and evacuate this sector immediately! Milina, increase speed!

Understood!

The fleet hastily attempts to withdraw from the region.

Anomaly detected ahead! Approximately fifty ships are warping in!

A new fleet has just warped in, blocking the fleet's path.

Marks checks the origin and identity of the newly appeared fleet.

"Identification confirmed. Rimlia Galactic Empire Fleet, 4th Fleet. Battleships: 3, Light Carriers: 1, Heavy Cruisers: 6, Cruisers: 15, Destroyers: 20, Other vessels: 8. 3rd and 6th Fleets are following behind, emerging from warp."

The fleet that suddenly appeared was from the Rimlia Galactic Empire.

"Force-warping inside our territory?"

"Broadcast a full-range communication from the fleet emerging from warp. Relay it through the speakers."

Seira connects the communication from the Imperial fleet to the bridge speakers.

"...We are a fleet belonging to the Sacred Rimlia Empire. Under the name of Emperor His Majesty Elran Rimlia, the Sacred Rimlia Empire hereby declares war on the Rimlia Galactic Empire as of this moment!"

The Imperial fleet declares war on the Empire.

The beginning of civil war.