Battle above the planetary orbit

"Coming to inspect the front line, I find nothing but boredom. And only one ship was actually destroyed?"

Ezaria murmurs disinterestedly from the command chair aboard the White Rose, flagship of the White Rose Fleet.

"Yes. Unfortunately, our main guns were just at the edge of effective range, so while the cargo ship was manageable, penetrating the energy shields of the escort vessel proved difficult..."

Sighing as she listened to the major standing beside the command chair, she spoke.

"There's nothing we can do about it. But just letting them go by without a fight wouldn't be much fun either... Is our main fleet still far off?"

"Yes, another three hours or so."

"Hmph. My fleet's heavily armed, but our speed is our weakness..."

As she said that, she glanced at the radar monitor and smiled faintly.

"Then, let them handle it."

Ahead of Elzaria's gaze, the radar monitor displayed the fleet pursuing the convoy.

Still, they had halted their pursuit just outside the range of the orbital defense system.

"88th Destroyer Fleet? But if we let them continue, they'll be caught in the concentrated fire of the orbital defense system."

Elzaria tilted her head, responding to her副官's words.

"What's the problem? If they fail to catch that civilian convoy, their reputation will be completely ruined. They'll see this as a golden opportunity to redeem themselves....That's it—let's destroy two or three of the satellite turrets along their path with supporting fire, right as they make their assault."

"But even if we destroy two or three, there are still numerous satellite turrets in orbit. The support would be minimal, and the gap would be filled in no time."

Even so, two or three dozen should be able to break through and latch onto the rear of the convoy. If they can't manage even that after letting the civilian convoy escape, then they have no value as combat units. I'll tell them myself. Connect a video-enabled communication to every ship in that fleet.

Understood.

Ezaria opened the eye on her forehead and stared at the soldiers beyond the monitor.

To the 88th Destroyer Fleet: Advance immediately upon the planet Moldabait and fulfill your duty. I grant you the opportunity to reclaim your lost worth on your own. As holy Rimulian Imperial soldiers, cleanse the shame of having been outmaneuvered by civilian convoys with your own hands. Know my words as the command of the Holy Rimulian Empire's Emperor, Elran Al Rimulian.

The destroyer fleet, acting on Ezra's orders, launched its assault.

Despite suffering heavy damage from the orbital defense system's intense barrage—due to the seemingly disorganized nature of the attack—25 ships managed to weave through the fire, aided only slightly by the White Rose Fleet's limited support. They caught up to the rear of the fleet descending into Moladabite's atmosphere, having broken through the orbital defense system.

"Enemy fleet has resumed pursuit in full force. Though nearly half their number were damaged by the defense system's counterattacks, they've broken through. They'll catch up with us immediately!"

Shin nosuke grimaced at Milina's report.

A straightforward frontal assault, undeterred by casualties.

The reckless, almost fanatical strategy seemed utterly unlike what a正规 military fleet would ever employ—almost as if they had lost all rational judgment.

Yet already, part of the convoy had entered the atmosphere entry sequence, and attacking that would be fatal.

"Absolutely insane! But we have no choice—counter the attack! Coulon, escort the damaged Roadrunner and withdraw!"

『This is Coulon, understood!』

Withdrawing a single escort vessel is painful under these circumstances, but the damaged cargo ship Roadrunner cannot survive re-entry into the atmosphere, and abandoning its escort is not an option.

The escort vessel Coulon and the cargo ship Roadrunner detached from the convoy and headed toward the orbital station on the planet's opposite side.

"Enemy fleet will enter our main cannon's range shortly."

Upon hearing Millena's report, Shinosuke turned the Yatagarasu around.

"Assign weapon control to Marks. Attack the enemy efficiently and effectively."

"Understood."

"Shinosuke-sama, long-range artillery fire from the White Rose Fleet! Targeting our ship!"

Upon hearing Millena's foresight, Shinosuke immediately aligned the Yatagarasu directly toward the incoming artillery fire.

Deflecting the White Rose's long-range barrage with the front energy shield—its power cannot be ignored.

"Destroyer approaching, outside main gun arc—dealing with it via rapid-fire cannons."

"Understood, adjusting the ship's orientation..."

"Long-range artillery fire, incoming again!"

"Understood, maintain current posture!"

Shinosuke, Marks, and Millena began to show slight inconsistencies in their movements.

Marks, being a doll, always makes sound judgments and executes them accurately, while Millena's foresight is equally reliable.

Shinosuke, too, maneuvers the ship with precise skill, grounded in his experience and judgment—but even if all three make the right choices, their decisions don't always align.

If this continues, a fatal gap may emerge.

"Please, Shinosuke-san! Let me return to command duties!"

It was Seira who spoke up.

Her expression, unlike moments ago, appeared calm and resolute, with no trace of hesitation or doubt.

"Are you sure you're alright? You don't have to push yourself. Forcing things could only put everyone in greater danger."

"Yes, I'm fine... I think. I do feel fear, but as a sailor, I can't afford to look away from reality. I must overcome this right now."

Shinosuke nodded.

Understood. Milina, take over from Sera. Keep an eye on the White Rose Fleet while supporting Sera.

Affirmative. You Hub Operation.

Sera takes over the navigation control and communications operator station previously occupied by Milina.

I Hub Operation.

Sera takes a deep breath after putting on her headset.