The Crew's Decision

Sorry, I've been feeling unwell and haven't had the energy to fiddle with my phone, so I've fallen behind on updates.

"Imperial Navy's Third Wave, withdrawing!"

Seyla reports, operating the radar panel with calm precision.

Having gained experience as a destroyer crew member, Seyla remains composed despite repeated attacks.

Still, as the convoy entered the territory of the Damura Stellar Confederation and drew closer to their destination, the planet Moldabait, they began to face increased tracking and attacks from the Holy Rimurian Imperial Fleet.

They had already endured three assaults by destroyers and frigates.

They managed to fend off these small groups of two to three, up to around ten ships, but since they were clearly transporting supply物资 to civilian vessels, they were undoubtedly seen as enemies.

Still, the Holy Rimurian Imperial Fleet didn't openly deploy larger forces against civilian ships, limiting themselves to small-unit attacks.

"Still, we've repelled three attacks already. It wouldn't be surprising if they start taking us seriously soon."

As Shinosuke had anticipated, even small units taking three defeats in a row threatened the Imperial Army's prestige.

With only about one day left until their destination, Moldavite, the next attack would likely come right at Moldavite's doorstep—and would undoubtedly be fiercer than before.

Though the Imperial Army has made no appearance since the final assault, giving the illusion of smooth sailing, no one in the convoy was letting their guard down or feeling complacent.

They knew full well that enemies awaited them ahead.

"Radar contact! Sixty ships of the Holy Rimurian Empire are deployed in our path!"

The moment had finally arrived.

The Imperial fleet was positioned just before the planet Moldabait.

Though sixty ships weren't a significant force in terms of combat power, they were far too many to attack the convoy with impunity.

Shin nosuke ordered all ships to halt.

"...They're not just coincidentally deployed in this sector, are they?"

"There's no chance of that. The sector, including the planet Moldebait we're heading toward, isn't strategically significant. Even a force of around sixty ships wouldn't have a reason to be stationed permanently here instead of conducting mobile patrols. Moreover, in this vast sector, that fleet is clearly positioned directly in our path. It's obvious their target is us."

"Yeah, that's right..."

Markus directly contradicts Shinnosuke's hopeful prediction, but Shinnosuke himself doesn't truly believe his hope will become reality.

"Any nearby fleets from Akneria or Damura?"

Seyla shakes her head while operating the radar.

"None. Even if we send out a distress signal, it'll take hours before help arrives..."

If we manage to pick up a distress signal, the Akneria fleet might come to our rescue—but that's not guaranteed.

Shin nosuke and his crew are free traders who knowingly came to this dangerous region of space, of their own free will.

While the civilian vessels in question are certainly ones that should be protected, they have knowingly entered this hazardous region of space for their own commercial purposes, under their own responsibility. As such, their priority may be lower than other military operations depending on circumstances, and if no fleet is nearby, their arrival could take anywhere from several hours to several days.

At present, there is no sign of the Rimlia fleet approaching, but they certainly won't just let us pass without a word.

Shinnosuke ordered Seira to establish communication across the entire convoy.

"From Yatagarasu to all ships: The route ahead is blocked by the Sacred Rimulia Empire Fleet. Their intent to prevent our advance is clear. If we proceed as planned, we'll face attacks from sixty enemy vessels. While we could potentially detour around the area, if their objective is specifically us, such a maneuver would likely prove difficult. However, if we turn back now, we have a high chance of safely disengaging. Of course, this would mean abandoning the tasks each of us was assigned, but if safety is our priority, this remains a viable option."

If we push ourselves too hard here and end up being sunk or captured, it wouldn't just be a failure to fulfill the mission—it would be a total disaster.

Keeping that in mind, Shinnosuke made a proposal.

Of course, if Shinnosuke and the Kasimura Company decide to turn back after receiving the request from the Layered Company, they would have to entrust the escort duties to another escort vessel and continue on alone.

Shortly afterward, a reply arrived from the cargo ship Orion of the Langrode Company.

"Orion to Yatagarasu. The entire convoy wishes to continue forward as planned. We are aware of the danger, but turning back now would cost us our credibility as free traders. Moreover, while individual merchant vessels may have options, our ships of the Langrode Company have no alternative but to deliver our cargo to its destination. Such is the hardship of working for a black corporation..."

Though Orion's captain speaks self-deprecatingly while deciding to press forward on behalf of the convoy, the loss from failing to fulfill the request pales in comparison to the cost of losing precious ships, crew, and cargo—even for the Langrode Company.

In other words, the choice to not turn back is less a command from Langrode Company headquarters and more a frontline decision made by Captain Orion and the crew of the cargo ships themselves.

Shin nosuke nodded, having vaguely anticipated the fleet's decision.

Though the situation was extremely difficult, there was no shortage of solutions.

Shin nosuke placed his hand on the throttle lever.

"Then we'll break through the enemy fleet's center and head for our destination. The flagship and Holy Bell will lead the way. The convoy will follow ten minutes behind."

The Yatagarasu began advancing, dragging the Holy Bell along with it.

"Protecting sixteen cargo ships with seven escort vessels while breaking through a fleet of sixty enemy ships... That's unprecedented, isn't it, Marks?"

"Yes, it's reckless. I'd have stopped it if it weren't for the Master's decision."

"So, Marks, you're accepting my judgment then?"

"It's not so much opposition as it is judging that resistance would be futile. That said, even the Master would halt the operation if the success rate dropped below ten percent."

"Then, the success rate is at least reasonable?"

"Fourteen point three percent."

"Still quite low..."

"For us, it's par for the course."

Listening to Shinnosuke and Marks's exchange, Milena and Seira glanced at each other.

"We'll never reach that level, will we?"

"That's right... Could it be..."

((Is Marks truly the greatest rival in the true sense of the word?) Sir?)