Evasion

After safely exiting the combat zone, Shinnosuke and the others finally reached the control zone surrounding the Rimuria Galactic Empire's capital colony.

Although the fighting hasn't yet spread to the capital's vicinity, imperial fleets are deployed around the area.

"Seen this before, but those imperial ships here have an unusual number of protrusions."

Shinnosuke murmured while observing the deployed imperial fleet.

"This fleet is the Imperial Guard Fleet, isn't it? While it has elements of a ceremonial fleet, it's also regarded as the strongest fleet in the Rimlia Galaxy Empire."

According to Milena's explanation, the Imperial Guard Fleet deployed in the space around the Imperial Capital Colony features ships unified in a two-tone red and black color scheme.

The Imperial Guard Fleet, responsible for guarding the Emperor's person and the Imperial Capital, is the largest fleet in the Empire, with as many as 300 vessels, all of which are said to be cutting-edge, high-performance warships.

The numerous protrusions that Shin nosuke mentioned are not only symbolic of the Emperor's authority but also serve a practical purpose, enhancing the fleet's sensor units and other combat systems, giving the ships a battle-ready appearance.

The Imperial Fleet is an elite squadron, where entry standards prioritize ability and character above all else—certainly not something easily accessible through noble lineage or family background. The ships assigned to it, including cruisers and destroyers, are said to be capable of holding their own against standard battleships on equal terms.

That's a scary fleet.

Since the Virett convoy they're escorting is carrying Imperial supplies, they won't be stopped for inspection—but they're definitely not a foe they'd want to accidentally engage in fire.

The imperial capital colony finally comes into view.

"Amazing... It's vastly larger than Salius's colony... And still just as full of protrusions."

As Shinosuke had said, the imperial capital colony floating in orbit around the Rimuria Galaxy Empire's home planet, Rimuria, was vastly larger than the central colony of the Salius Stellar Region.

"Of course. Not only does that colony house the capital functions of the Rimuria Galaxy Empire, but it also contains the imperial palace where the emperor resides."

Shinosuke tilted his head in response to Milina's explanation.

"Huh? Does the emperor live on a space colony orbiting the planet, rather than on the capital planet?"

"Yes. There is a palace on the capital planet too, but the emperor resides in the colony's palace. If the emperor lived in a palace on the planet, it would make the colonists feel looked down upon, so the palace is located in the colony. It's just a petty matter of prestige."

"Being an emperor really is a hassle, isn't it?"

While they were talking, the fleet drew nearer to the colony.

The space around the colony was heavily guarded by the escort fleet and other fleets, with numerous combat craft darting about.

"Entry permission has been granted for the Villet fleet and our group."

Seyla reported after contacting the harbor authority, but Shinnosuke frowned, as if troubled by something.

"Um, Shinnosuke-san? Is something wrong?"

"Mr. Shinosuke?"

Shin nosuke opened his mouth, lost in thought.

"Change of plans. After ensuring the safety of the Villet convoy, we'll return immediately without docking. Sera, please submit the revised navigation plan to the traffic control office."

"Wha—oh, yes. Understood."

Having come this far, we didn't even take a break before suddenly changing plans.

Ciel immediately begins the procedure, but Milina tilts her head.

What's wrong? If you're worried about my position, I think it's fine.

No, that's different. I think you'd be better off leaving Rymuria as soon as possible.

During that time, Celia submitted a new navigation plan for approval.

"Shin nosuke-san, I submitted the request, but it was rejected. There's intense fighting along the route connecting the Acneria Galactic Federation and the 6325 Stellar Alliance. Additionally, the fleet of the Sacred Rymuria Empire is blocking the passage."

Hearing the report, Shin nosuke let out a sharp whistle.

"Damn! They're moving fast. It seems the Sacred Rymuria Empire is indeed in the upper hand."

The rejection of the revised plan appears to be a purely safety-related decision regarding civilian vessels from other nations, rather than a political judgment against the refugee Milliena or Shin Nosuke, who aided her.

However, as Shin Nosuke pointed out, even if the Sacred Rymuria Empire holds the upper hand, there's no guarantee the situation will improve.

"Then, let's revise the plan. We'll break through the international space zone on the side of the Duchy of Poluokus, and then use spatial jumps to bypass the Sacred Rymuria Empire territory and return. Sera, please submit this change."

"Understood. Navigational plan has been revised....Confirmed."

Shin Nosuke nodded.

"Please relay the plan change to Tsukikage and Fubuki."

"Understood."

"Leave the command of the Yatagarasu to Milina."

"Leave it to me."

Meanwhile, Villet's fleet was docking at the Imperial Capital Colony's spaceport.

By this point, the escort mission was complete.

"Yatagarasu to Elephant A3. We've completed the escort request. We'll be returning as planned. Please send the completion data file."

"Elephant A3 here, understood. Sending the data file. Thank you for the escort up to this point. Thanks to Captain Kashimura and your team, we've successfully completed our mission. We wish you a safe journey home."

Glowing signals are sent from Elephant A3 and other ships still en route to the spaceport, along with the data file.

An international signal wishing safe passage along the universal navigation routes.

Shinnosuke salutes the Villet fleet in response.

Though there's no way the fleet could possibly see it, this too is a sailor's courtesy.

"Then we shall head immediately toward the Polux Kingdom."

Under Shinosuke's command, the Yatagarasu, Tsukikage, and Fubuki departed from the imperial colony of the Rimuria Galactic Empire and headed toward the Polux Kingdom—the opposite direction from the Acnelia Galactic Federation, as they prepared to return home.