Informer

Although unexpected events occurred during our stay at the capital colony of Acneria, we reached departure time without encountering any major troubles.

Originally planned to return empty-handed, we decided to take on the escort mission for a cargo ship bound for the Salius Stellar Province, as it happened to be passing by.

However, since this is a relatively safe route and the cargo ship itself serves as insurance for the client, the reward is extremely low.

Additionally, three new staff members from the Free Merchant Guild, recently assigned to the Salius Stellar Province, are joining us aboard the Yatagarasu.

This was a case brought by Rina, and the reward is so minimal it barely amounts to Shinosuke's pocket money.

Although they hold the qualification for passenger services, they lack the necessary facilities and the environment to actually provide such services, so this is unavoidable.

Still, to a rookie employee who has just completed training at headquarters, this seems like a very welcome offer.

Naturally, travel expenses for official assignments are covered by relocation allowances, but these are fixed amounts determined by the destination—roughly equivalent to the fare for third-class passenger accommodations on a regular passenger ship.

If you manage to secure a third-class passenger seat, that's ideal—but if you end up having to pay more than the allowance due to being assigned a second-class or higher seat, the difference must be covered personally.

This was a significant expense for new employees, so Rina consulted Shinosuke about it. Shinosuke replied that while he could provide accommodations and meals, he couldn't offer additional passenger services, and thus agreed to take on the arrangement at about half the standard rate for a typical third-class cabin.

Incidentally, if there was a difference in cost, they would bear it themselves, but if it was the other way around, there was no need to refund it, so the three of them happily boarded the train.

Even Shinnosuke, who had always relied on Rina's help, saw this as far better than simply returning home.

Although Shinnosuke had taken on the job with only a small reward, the journey back was remarkably peaceful. Though he was occasionally trailed by suspicious ships resembling space pirates, they vanished without launching any attacks once they noticed the presence of a escort vessel.

Afterward, the journey continued smoothly without any further incidents, and Shinnosuke and the others safely returned to the Salius Stellar District's central colony.

"Shinnosuke-san, thank you so much for everything this time. I'll be escorting the new recruit back to the union, so I'll be off now!"

As soon as she stepped off the ship, Rina quickly bowed and apologized in a rush, then hurried away from the dock with the new employee, as if fleeing.

"Ah, wait—what's going on?"

Markus stood beside Shinnosuke, tilting his head in confusion, though he kept a slightly cautious distance.

"Probably her own way of handling a crisis."

"Crisis management? What... wait, huh?"

Shinnosuke tilted his head further, puzzled by Markus's words, when suddenly both arms were seized from behind.

"I have plenty I want to ask you, Shinnosuke-san!"

"Explain yourself, Shinnosuke-sama!"

With one arm trapped by Seria and the other by Milena, he couldn't escape.

"No, there's nothing improper about Linah accompanying me—she's just part of the job... And I've even taken on work for the return trip too. So I don't think there's any issue at all..."

Shinosuke desperately tries to defend himself, but the stares from Seira and Miliena looking up at him from both sides are painful—more like terrifying.

I know Shinosuke was working. Well, I have my doubts, but I'll give you the benefit of the doubt.

"But didn't you have fun outside of work? For example, dinners with members of the federal parliament...?"

Shinosuke's face pales instantly.

"Eh... Why bring that up?"

"It's not just the politicians, is it? Other officials, even Linah's mother!"

Important information has been leaked.

Still restrained, Shinosuke glared at Marks.

"Marks, you betrayed me!"

"Betraying you? That's unthinkable. I merely made the necessary advance reports for the harmony among the three parties and the trust within the crew. Besides, given Master's nature, it was only a matter of time before it came out. So it's better if it happens sooner rather than later."

"Marks, you— even so…"

Shinosuke's protest was cut short as he was being led away.

"Ah, we have plenty of time. I'll listen to you slowly and carefully."

"Wait, wait a minute—both of you! I'm requesting application of the Acneria Galactic Federation Criminal Investigation Act! Protect the suspect's rights!"

"What are you talking about, Master Shinosuke? You're not being interrogated as a suspect. We simply wish for you to answer our questions."

"Then... in that case..."

Since this is not an interrogation of a suspect, the right to refuse statements and the right to remain silent, as defined in Article 32 of the Acneria Galactic Federation Criminal Investigation Act, do not apply. Furthermore, Article 34's prohibition on coercing confessions through torture also does not apply. Of course, we would never resort to such barbaric practices, so please rest assured.

Shin nosuke is pulled away by the two people grabbing his arms.

"How can I feel safe about that! M, Mark, please help me! Explain to those two people what happened back then!"

Markus replied to Shin Nosuke's desperate plea with just one word.

"Impossible."

"Mark, you—remember—"

Shin Nosuke was finally dragged into the office inside the dock.

"Remember this... I'll erase your memory. It's too terrifying to leave it intact."

Markus turned his back on the office where Shin Nosuke had been brought in and walked away.