SWNOVELXO Chapter 556 「…Huh? Wh-What’s with the Sudden Outburst?!」
「That's what we were talking about.」
「I was wondering what you were whispering about so secretively with the guild branch chief…」
When I rejoined the group and gave a brief summary of my conversation with the guild branch chief, Elma gave me a wry smile.
「So Serena-san is considered retired by the public.」
「But you're not completely retired, right?」
「That's correct. I'm currently in the reserves. If I'm called up, I'd return to active duty as an Imperial officer. Though, in my case, I'm a noble officer. Even if I weren't in the reserves and officially left the military, I would still be summoned if the situation demands it.」
Serena shrugged as she spoke, holding a cup of soft drink in her hand. Even the heavy drinkers among us had opted for soft drinks today—it seems everyone has the sense to take it easy for once.
「So if war breaks out, you're obligated to fight.」
「It's the first duty expected of a noble. Especially someone like me, with experience as a fleet commander—I'd be among the first summoned.」
「That's my hope, yes. Whether or not it becomes reality will depend on discussions between the heads of our houses. If I do join, I'd also need a ship prepared, but unfortunately, my personal finances are a little…」
Serena's expression turned a little awkward.Well, the Imperial Space Navy doesn't exactly pay top Enel. At least from what I've heard, it's not enough to just casually buy a starship. I don't know what a mid-level officer earns, but there's no way they are getting paid a hundred thousand Enels a month.
Come to think of it, when I taught how to fight against pirates to the crew of the Independent Mobile Anti-Pirate Fleet, she bought a decoy transport ship without batting an eye. Was that not from her personal funds? Maybe she had to beg her family for help back then.
Thinking about it that way… she's kind of like a swan. Elegant and composed above the water, but paddling like mad underneath.
「What's with that look?」
「No deep meaning. I was just thinking how cute you are, Serena.」
「…Huh? Wh-What's with the sudden outburst?!」
My comment must've caught her off guard—Serena blushed and instinctively pulled away.Honestly, getting that kind of reaction stings a little. Sure, maybe I was being a little abrupt, but still.
「Hmph… Hiro-sama.」
「You're cute too, Mimi. Of course.」
「Boss, what 'bout me?」
「Tina-chan is super cute too, yay.」
「You're just spoutin' off whatever, huh?」
Tina said that and chucked something that looked suspiciously like a neon-green fried potato at me. I caught it and popped it into my mouth.
Hey, don't play with your food. That's bad manners.
「Anyway, assuming Serena does get a ship, the real question is what kind. We've got enough firepower with the Black Lotus and its EML, and the Antlion is specialized for catching pirates with its gravity jammer. If we're adding one more to balance the lineup, what kind of ship would fit best?」
「If I'm piloting it solo and complementing that lineup… perhaps a destroyer would be good. What we lack is the firepower to take on pirate bases and larger ships.」
「That makes sense, but a destroyer's upkeep costs are no joke… It'd definitely take more maintenance than the Black Lotus. Tina and Wiska would work themselves to death.」
Sure enough, the two of them froze with wide eyes the moment "destroyer" was mentioned. A brand-new, low-maintenance destroyer might be manageable, but if we end up with an old rust bucket… the maintenance alone would be a nightmare.
「If we plan to expand the mercenary group, we're going to need more crew. Especially if we add a large ship.」
「Yeah. Expanding the team any further is gonna be tough.」
「Hiro-kun's little Hiro-kun won't even have time to rest—it'll get worn out, y'know?」
「Captain, I'm fine with more crew, but you better stick to a fair rotation, okay?」
「That's not what I meant.」
…Though, maybe that is kind of what I meant. It'd be tricky to add any male crew members at this point—every member of our crew is basically my wife. So, realistically, any new additions would be female.
Not that there's an official rule saying everyone has to become my wife or anything… but still.
「Even if we wanted to expand, finding the right people isn't easy. So I don't think we need to rush the whole new-ship thing for now.」
「Most of us in the crew can't really fight without a ship. It's just Elma-san, Mei-san, and Kugi-san who can go into battle on foot. If Serena-sam—er, Serena-san joins us, that'd be a huge boost.」
「I'm happy to hear that from you, Mimi-sam—Mimi-san. But I'm a sailor, after all. I want to pilot a ship and fight alongside you all.」
Serena clenched her fist as she spoke with passion
Honestly, I get where she's coming from. If we want to make the most of her abilities… Ah, actually, there is a ship class that would suit her perfectly. The question is whether we can actually get one.
「I already have a potential candidate in mind for Serena's ship. But before anything else, we should get her registered with the mercenary guild.」
「Agreed. Since I've come all the way to the guild, I'd like to make it official.」
'Fuuun!' Serena let out a determined snort.
It seemed she was serious about piloting her own ship, so naturally, she wanted to be formally registered as a mercenary.When it was my turn, they threw me straight into the simulator. I wonder what they'll do for Serena?