Battle Over the Planetary Orbit

Orion had fallen, but the battle was far from over, and the fleet remained in peril.

As they began atmospheric re-entry, the ships, now defenseless, became easy targets.

Four vessels—Yatagarasu, Fubuki, Phantom, and Javelin—guarded the descending fleet.

Opposing them were 19 destroyers from the Sacred Lemurian Empire, having broken through the orbital defense system.

Though greatly outnumbered, the four escort vessels, commanded by seasoned sailors, could still hold their ground.

However, Shinnosuke and the others had one primary mission: protect the convoy, not sink enemy ships.

"Phantom, stop them at all costs!"

"Understood! You're not getting past here!"

"Fly, maintain safe altitude. Javelin, secure the landing zone while keeping the enemy fleet occupied."

"Understood."

"Fly, keep an eye on the White Rose Fleet. Fire upon them even if you don't hit—prevent long-range artillery fire at all costs! Absolutely no firing allowed!"

"Understood. Leave it to me."

The final phase has begun.

We just need to hold out long enough for the descending convoy to escape the enemy fleet's range.

However, the battlefield was just barely within the atmosphere of the planet Moldabite, and the Yatagarasu and the Phantom, stationed at that precarious position, risked being pulled down by gravity and incinerated if they made even a single misstep.

Despite the extreme danger, Shinnosuke and Ira skillfully maneuvered their ships, luring the enemy into the perilous zone.

"Shinosuke-san! Going any lower is dangerous!"

"It's fine. Just a little more—nothing to worry about."

There's no need to wait for Seira's report.

Shinosuke and Ira are fully aware of the danger—they're deliberately targeting it.

"Ship formation will soon complete its descent to the safe zone... Multiple high-energy reactions detected from the planet! Be on guard!"

"Understood! Good, we're set—Phantom and Javelin, begin your descent!"

『Understood!』

As Phantom and Javelin began their atmospheric descent, artillery fire and missiles launched from the planet's surface struck the approaching enemy fleet.

The attacks originated from naval vessels of the Damra Star Cluster Commonwealth Navy stationed at the Mordabait outposts across the planet's ocean regions.

One by one, enemy ships were destroyed by the naval counterattacks, and those that narrowly escaped the onslaught soon began retreating in disarray.

Meanwhile, Yatagarasu and Fubuki continued their feint attacks against the White Rose Fleet, denying them any opportunity to strike.

Above all, it was crucial to prevent White Rose from firing long-range salvos.

"Enemy fleet retreating. Wait—White Rose Fleet is turning around and leaving the combat zone... Radar detects new contact: 18 units! Identification confirmed—fleet composed of fast battleships and cruisers from the Damura Constellation Commonwealth's Third Fleet. Reinforcements! They've arrived!"

The newly appeared force was the Damura Constellation Commonwealth Space Fleet's Third Fleet.

It seems they received the distress signal from the convoy and swiftly dispatched their fastest vessels from the fleet to respond.

The destroyer fleet of the Holy Rimorian Empire, overwhelmed by the appearance of this powerful new force, began losing morale and started retreating.

Although the enemy had fled, Shinnosuke's group saw no need to fight further or pursue them, so they simply let them go. However, the Mordabait orbital defense system was not as lenient as Shinnosuke's group.

The orbital defense system was an automated interception system, and enemy vessels already recognized as threats by the system continued to suffer damage even during their retreat, taking fire from behind.

"We should be safe now."

Shinosuke took a breath, then initiated the atmospheric descent sequence with Fuuki, beginning their descent toward Moldavite.

The convoy successfully entered the target seaport after safely descending through the atmosphere.

During this escort mission, two cargo ships and one escort vessel were lost, with an additional cargo ship sustaining damage.

Given the inherent risks of the mission, the damage can be considered minimal, and the escort operation itself can be judged a success.

Shin nosuke, having served as a guard for free merchants, rarely had casualties among his charges, and while he does have thoughts about this incident, he remains grounded in reality thanks to his long experience as a sailor, including during his time in the space navy. Milena may also harbor deep regret within, but like Shin nosuke, she maintains her composure.

It's not something Seira can do.

As soon as the final inspection after docking was completed, she lost control of her emotions and suddenly burst into tears.

"…Uuu… I’m sorry… I shouldn’t be losing it like this… I’m sorry…"

She tries to stop crying, but her emotions are overwhelming.

Milena gently strokes Seira's back.

"There's no need to apologize, and you don't have to hold it in."

As Shinnosuke gently spoke to her, Seira looked up at him through her tears.

But... but I... even though people like the Brachiosa and Hammerhead crews were also sacrificed... of course, it hurts and I'm filled with regret when I think about each crew member... but above all, I can't stop thinking about Captain Orion and everyone else... I'm such a selfish person... And as a proper sailor, I shouldn't be crying over something like this... ugh...

It seems as though various emotions are swirling chaotically within Seira, losing all sense of control.

"If you think about it, Orion and I have worked together many times, so Seria must have learned a lot from her. Her current feelings aren't anything unusual."

There was no point in saying anything more in a moment like this.

It was better to leave her alone for now.

Understanding Shinnosuke's thoughts, Milena nodded gently at him.

"Leave the rest to me."

Prompted by Milena, Shinnosuke stepped off the bridge and descended onto the ship's deck.

The sun had already set, and the fierce battle from just moments ago seemed like a dream beneath the breathtaking starry sky.

Shinnosuke gazed up at the heavens with quiet awe.

Then it suddenly struck him.

"Ahh... already the 300th time..."

Shinnosuke murmured with a wistful tone, and behind him stood Marks.

"The 300th time... of what?"

"Uh? What was it again...? Ah, right, the number of times I've set sail as a crew member. Counting short voyages, long ones, countless times venturing into space, the number of times I've lived as a sailor."

"...Are you just forcing it to fit the number 300?"

Shinnosuke shrugged and smiled at Marks' words.

"Really. It's properly recorded in my sailor certification. Three hundred times since becoming a sailor, and exactly ninety-two times since earning my captain's license."

"I see. You've certainly built up quite a record."

"Well, I managed to get this far as a sailor... but I wonder how much longer I can keep going from here."

Shinnosuke looked up at the sky once more.