Once again, the free merchant

The battle between the Akneria Space Fleet, former Damura Star Cluster Commonwealth's 3rd Fleet Coalition, and the Sacred Rimelia Imperial Army had reached a stage of back-and-forth progress.

Although the Akneria Space Fleet was initially forced to retreat in the face of the Damura Space Fleet's ships being pushed forward and their crew members used as shields, it is clear and acknowledged that such stagnation would only lead to the expansion of the front lines.

Taking this into account, the Akneria Fleet initially established a strategy of maintaining a safe distance from the former Damura Star Union's expendable fleet and only engaging when necessary. However, as encounters with the expendable fleet increased, their presence became widely known even among frontline troops, causing growing unrest among the soldiers and ultimately leading to the current situation.

Nevertheless, the results of the Akeria Galactic Federation's intervention were significant: within the liberated territories, key figures rescued during the initial operation were stationed alongside defensive forces, and a declaration was made to restore and liberate the people under the administration of the Damura Star Cluster Commonwealth.

Regardless, the cities within the liberated territories were left behind with personnel and occupation forces from the Holy Rymuria Empire, becoming targets of hatred and retaliation—except for a few who had pursued a conscientious occupation policy. However, because the Akneria forces had preemptively banned private acts of revenge and protected the people of the Holy Rymuria Empire who had surrendered, large-scale chaos accompanying the liberation was avoided.

Of course, those who were protected were not simply let off without consequence; their actions during the occupation would be thoroughly investigated, and if they were found to have violated international law, they would face legal judgment—though that would come later.

As areas adjacent to the Akneria Galactic Federation were gradually liberated, economic activity began to revive.

If trade at the civilian level also resumes alongside international aid, businesses ranging from large trading conglomerates to small merchant firms and individual traders will begin moving essential goods to where they are needed and to the people who need them.

Commercial firms and free traders from the Damura Star Cluster Commonwealth, previously restricted in their activities under occupation, simultaneously ignite their spacecraft engines and set out into space.

Aceria, in turn, sees an opportunity to fulfill orders from corporations within the Damura Star Cluster Commonwealth, prompting merchants and free traders to become active.

This is also driven by wartime demand, but such business opportunities won't last forever, and despite being liberated, the region remains perilous.

Yet knowing the risks, the ship captains loaded their vessels with supplies, the escort ship crews guarded their convoys, and countless sailors plunged into the dangerous waters.

The Shinosuke-led Kashimura Company was no exception.

Though we didn’t know where they’d been hiding, the Kashimura Company was preparing to depart toward the Damura Star Cluster Commonwealth, loaded with rare metals ordered from the Layered Company—resumed operations coinciding with economic revival—and pharmaceuticals requested by another corporation, all aboard the Holybell and Fubuki.

"Hello, Holybell—departure preparations are complete."

"Fubuki's ready anytime."

Shin nosuke nodded upon receiving reports from Holybell and Fubuki while seated in the command chair aboard Yatagarasu.

"Alright, then let's go!"

The three ships, having departed from the guild's dock, headed toward the rendezvous point with the convoy for this journey.

This job involves escorting a large convoy of sixteen cargo ships—four from the Langrode Merchant Company, plus twelve additional freighters from independent merchants—using three vessels led by Shinosuke (with Holybell also handling cargo transport), Ira's Phantom, Reg of the Tasclean people's missile frigate Jabelin, and two escort vessels from the top-ranking ships of the Sarius Stellar District's Free Merchant Fleet: Hammerhead and Coulon—making a total of seven escort ships.

The planet that Shinnosuke and the others are heading toward is one of the most forward-facing planets within the liberated Damra Stellar District's sovereign territory.

This region is deeply entangled with frontlines, carrying significant danger, but also offering substantial rewards.

Although the Ranguldo Consortium and other free merchants are undertaking different missions, their destinations happen to be the same, so they've formed a convoy for mutual safety.

"It's truly magnificent to see a convoy of twenty-three ships like this."

"Yes, it is."

This was the first time for Ceyla and Milena to form a convoy of this size.

Although truly massive convoys can exceed a hundred ships, these twenty-three vessels also qualify as a large convoy among independent merchant fleets.

"That said, convoys are more likely to attract enemy attention, so we can't let our guard down."

Ceyla tilted her head at Shinosuke's words.

"Wait? If there's a chance we'll be targeted, why form such a large convoy?"

Shinosuke answered Ceyla's question.

"Because traveling alone or in small groups is actually more dangerous."

"Wha—?"

"Traveling with just one or two ships means they can easily be captured by one or two warships, and they're also vulnerable to smaller pirate groups in the area. But when you have a large convoy, the escorts are much more robust. In fact, this convoy is being guarded by seven escort vessels. To attack such a convoy, you'd need substantial firepower, and the attackers would face much higher risks. Even if one or two ships are lost in an attack, the rest have a high chance of surviving."

It's the same principle as animals that travel in groups.

"......Ah, I see. I know the risks, but reality is harsh, isn't it?"

"That's exactly why it's our job as escort vessels to make sure that doesn't happen."

"Y-yes... that's right. I'll do my best too!"

Though she understood it in her mind, Seira was about to face that harsh reality firsthand through this mission.