Charge! The Tripartite Battle

The Galactic Empire versus the Holy Empire.

The clash between the two Rimurian Empires continued with back-and-forth advances and retreats.

Though the Holy Empire initially pierced the Galactic Empire's weakly coordinated lines, it was forced to retreat before it could drive its wedge deep, having been halted in its advance.

Meanwhile, the Galactic Empire attempted to launch an offensive, seizing the opportunity as the Holy Empire's 5th Fleet withdrew, but was thwarted by Major Saber's meticulous strategy, failing to gain control of the battlefield.

Hiding in a distant region of space, quietly observing the battle's progress, Nightmare.

"What's the situation?"

Markus displayed the information on Shinosuke's monitor in response to Shinosuke's question.

"The Holy Empire on the offensive, the Galactic Empire on the defensive. Right now, it's evenly matched."

Sinosuke looked at the monitor with keen interest.

"Yet the Holy Empire's flagship is positioned behind the fleet, while the Galactic Empire's flagship is at the front lines... Interesting."

"What are your thoughts on both sides' intentions and the future developments, Master?"

Shin nosuke shrugged and gave a wry smile in response to Marks' question.

"My final rank is Fleet Lieutenant Commander, you know? How could I possibly understand anything about commanding a fleet when I've never even led one?...But if you're directing such a large fleet, having the flagship at the front line makes it hard to keep track of the entire battlefield, so that seems unwise. Considering that, the Holy Empire seems more practical. Of course, this is just a theoretical judgment based on what we learned in officer school and in simulations. Theories are meaningful precisely because they're established, after all. Judging by that standard, the Holy Empire seems to have the advantage right now?"

"I see. Moreover, since both sides are led by their respective emperors, it means each emperor is supported by a capable staff... A combination of a reactivated captain with a final rank of major before discharge and an outdated doll won't stand a chance in a direct confrontation."

"You're right about that. Still, it's a reckless plan—but the stakes are just our two lives and Nightmare. From the Space Force's perspective, it's a low-cost gamble."

"Indeed....Still, I can't imagine this kind of strategy coming from General Allenbar, known as a traditionalist within the military."

Shin nosuke shrugged in response to Marks' words.

"That's exactly it. General Allenbar is a pragmatist and a realist. He aims for maximum effect with minimal loss. Whether we and Nightmare become cosmic dust or not, to the Space Force, it's hardly a loss at all."

"......So that's how it is. I'm truly pitiful to be stuck with a master like you."

"Well, don't put it that way. Stick with me until the end, alright?"

"Understood!"

Marks marking the target position on the monitor, while Shinnosuke confirms the information.

"We're about to launch an attack on the Holy Empire's flagship, Steinflügel. Even though it's away from the front lines, it's still the Holy Empire's main flagship. It'll be heavily guarded, and even if we manage to hit it, we'll be caught in concentrated fire from the surrounding escort fleet."

"That's unavoidable. To increase our chances of survival, we'll need to fully utilize stealth and close in as near to the target as possible."

"True. Get in as close as we can, strike the target, and withdraw in one hit. There's no other option."

Shin nosuke slowly approached the flagship Stahlflügel, the command vessel of the Holy Rimuria Imperial Fleet located at the rear of the target fleet, using the Nightmare's thrusters and shielding himself behind an asteroid secured by an anchor.

"Surrounding space is patrolled by the Holy Empire's reconnaissance network, but we haven't been detected yet. However, reaching the effective range of our main guns will take some time."

"If we're dealing with Fuuki's main cannon, we could hit it from a sniper range, but if we get any closer, even if we don't trigger the radar, they might spot us with their optical cameras..."

Shin nosuke skillfully adjusted the thrust output, blending in with a drifting asteroid in the void of space, waiting for the right opportunity.

"Unknown vessel approaching rapidly! Bearing 7 plus 30, distance 20!"

At Marks' report, Shin nosuke reacted instantly.

Detach the anchor linking Nightmare and the asteroid, activate the engines, and increase output.

"If we're found, there's nothing we can do! Nightmare, full systems online! Lock onto the approaching enemy!"

"Understood! Enemy formation: three fast battleships, eight cruisers, four light cruisers, five destroyers! Fast battleship White Rose confirmed. This is the White Rose Fleet of the Sacred Rimilian Empire."

Shin nosuke confirms the information on the monitor about the White Rose Fleet.

"Even though it's my private fleet, facing twenty ships—including fast battleships—there's no way we can win."

"Should we abandon the operation and retreat?"

"That's impossible... No, we'll retreat after all. Keep going straight, maximum combat speed, retreat!"

Shin nosuke pushes the throttle lever all the way forward, accelerating the Nightmare.

"Master, does that mean 'evade' rather than 'cry out'?"

"Could be said that way. It's much the same thing!"

"Not at all. Fire control system activated, all weapon locks disengaged. We're ready anytime!"

Shin nosuke nodded in response to Marks' report.

"Ready or not, I said 'evade'! We're breaking away from the White Rose Fleet's attack while taking out our target—Steinflügel!"

That means it's a withdrawal... Further conversation is deemed pointless. Understood. Preparing for a charge toward the flagship, Steinflügel... Warning! New enemy contacts rapidly approaching from bearing 1-10! Numbering twelve!

Newbie!

"Confirmation... High-speed battleship Black Rose confirmed! This is the Black Rose Fleet. Affiliation: Sacred Lymria Empire... No, affiliation data has been erased. Current allegiance unknown. The Black Rose Fleet has locked onto our vessel and the White Rose Fleet and is launching an attack! What's going on... situation unclear!"

"It doesn't matter what's happening! Unforeseen circumstances are themselves within our expectations!"

"Master, you're acting confused and your words don't make sense. Let's calm down for a moment."

Shin nosuke laughs.

"I'm calm. And while I'm at it, let me say one thing..."

"Huh?"

"…I hate roses!"

Nightmare plunges into fierce combat, caught between the White Rose Fleet and the Black Rose Fleet.