Shin nosuke and the Black Rose

[BLACK ROSE]

"...So, after everything, Aelia regained her sanity right at the very end."

Beroza, having witnessed Steinfrygel's final moments, muttered with a bored expression.

"With this, all battles have concluded. Now comes the post-war settlement, including reparations from the Rimuria Galactic Empire."

Zackburn's words earned a nod from Beroza.

"Yeah, the war between Elran and William, the sibling squabbles involving me and Ezaria—this is the end of it all."

"......"

Berloza speaks, but the shadow of madness still lingers in her expression.

"Anyway, I suppose it's time to clean up. Zackburn, get your crew and disembark from the ship."

Zackburn's expression remains unchanged, despite the order.

"Leave the ship? What do you plan to do with us, abandoning us like this, Lord Bellosa?"

Zackburn deliberately poses a question whose answer is obvious.

"I'm settling things with that man. My battle won't end otherwise. But beyond this point, it's just a personal duel between me and him. I don't need you all getting involved in such a fight."

"Even if you say that, our Black Rose Fleet is a private force loyal to Lord Berroza, having already broken away from the Rimuria Galactic Empire. If we're left behind, we have nowhere else to go."

"Don't be foolish. William will accept us. You'll be rejoining the Rimuria Galactic Empire Navy."

Zackburn shook his head.

"True, I could manage that with a subordinate fleet, but me serving as both deputy commander and chief of staff, along with the crew of the flagship Black Rose—fourteen in total—can't just vanish like that."

The entire bridge crew nodded in agreement with Zackburn's words.

"What are you all talking about? Even if we're a private fleet, do you realize what you're suggesting? From officers, you're talking about becoming criminals."

"That's something we can worry about later. Raising a banner as space pirates would be quite the adventure....Come now, if we don't hurry, the ghost will get away."

The monitor displayed Nightmare detaching from the space zone.

"Hmph. You all are a bunch of complete fools."

Bellerose sneered, pursuing Nightmare and blocking its path.

"Establish a connection with the ghost! Challenge it—can't you at least say hello properly?"

"Understood. Connecting communication... Ghost has received the signal. Video feed is also connected. Please proceed."

The communications officer linked the information to the monitor.

On the screen appeared the figure of Shinnosuke—someone deeply hated and burdened with painful memories for Bellerose.

It's been a while, Shinosuke Kasimura. I'm Captain Bellrose of the Black Rose. Though, you might find it easier to recognize me by my other name—Velvet.

Shin nosuke remains expressionless, even as Belrosa smiles while licking her lips.

"Captain Nightmare, Shinosuke Kashimura. What brings you here?"

"You're being awfully distant. We're not strangers, are we? Isn't it fine to spend a little time with me?"

Shinosuke sighs.

"Ah... Can't you just let me go like this?"

"You've ruined my pride countless times, and in the end, you even stole my prey. So, don't you think it's only fair for me to have you accompany me just once?"

"That may be true, but our ship has completed its mission, and the war is over. There's no point in us fighting anymore."

At that moment, the smile vanished from Bellrosa's expression.

There's great meaning in fighting. You took my prey—my brother Elran. And though you were supposed to be a free merchant, you're now taking on military duties, dragging your own escort fleet with you. Given your background as a former soldier, you likely returned to the military during wartime, taking on secret assignments—what they call a ghost unit.

...

Shinnosuke silently acknowledged Bellorosa's words.

Whether you were forced into it or chose it yourself, I don't know, but your actions have strayed far from the original purpose of the Acnelia military—military operations in international space. Your choices and actions are undeniably dark and tainted. No matter how you spin it with phrases like "the mission is over" or "the war has ended," the stench of blood and entrails from those who died as a result of the task you took on still lingers. Isn't it too late to try and cover it up now?

"I don't intend to hide anything, and I'm fully aware that my actions are as dark as you say. I accept all of it—my choices, my consequences. I won't run from the responsibility."

"Guess we're a perfect match. I'm not letting you go, either."

Shin nosuke stared intently at Bel rosa through the monitor.

"We've talked about many things, but I'm not running away or hiding either. We both need to completely cut ties this time."

His expression remained unchanged, but his sharp eyes fixed on Bel Rosa with a piercing glare.

Bel Rosa shivered at the chilling thrill of being stared down.

"That's right! I'll end your life myself!"

Bel Rosa slammed the throttle lever forward.