Mob No. 135: [“Heeey☆ Nice to meet you, mercenaries! I’m Vice Admiral Roynes-Vescolés, commander of this 4th Fleet”]
When I woke up, unbelievable news hit me:
The Nekirelma Star Kingdom had declared war on the Empire.
Naturally, that meant an emergency summons for me, too—with a deadline:
Report to the guild by 11:00 AM.
Luckily, it was only 9:15 now.
After getting ready, I sent Gonzales a message asking him to gather intel.
Public transport might be jammed, so I hopped on a rentable trike scooter (any resident could use one).
If I explained things to the building manager, the guild would retrieve it tomorrow.
Somehow, I made it to the Mercenary Guild, where the tension was already thick. I was immediately directed to the hall.
Inside, several military officers stood by the stage, just like during the pirate suppression and rebel crackdown missions.
Damn, they’re fast, I thought. Right at 11:00 AM, an officer took the stage and announced:
[“Gentlemen! We now bring you a message from Her Imperial Majesty! Listen with gratitude!”]
A hologram of the Empress flickered to life.
[“Soldiers and mercenaries—thank you for gathering.
By now, you’ve heard: At 8:15 this morning, the Nekirelma Star Kingdom declared war on us.
That kingdom has long sought to undermine our Empire through any means!
Yet! We have repelled them every time!
So now, we shall repel them again—with brilliance!
Rumors claim Nekirelma still tolerates the same injustices our Empire once did!
Should we let them invade, our families will be trampled!
To protect you and your loved ones—lend me your strength!”]
As always, her voice was regal, her speech stirring.
Afterward, just like before, we were assigned to various military units.
This time, our Yttz Branch mercenaries were placed under the 4th Fleet.
Several carriers were prepped to ferry us to the operational zone—
meaning we’d likely deploy across multiple sectors.
Then, on every comm screen aboard one carrier, the Kearle-Smith, a figure appeared:
[“Heeey☆ Nice to meet you, mercenaries! I’m Vice Admiral Roynes-Vescolés, commander of this 4th Fleet”]
On-screen was a muscular, buzz-cut man in his late 20s to early 30s—handsome, towering at 190cm.
But the heavy makeup, bright red lips, and exaggerated mannerisms froze me (and surely others) mid-thought.
People like him—flamboyant, effeminate—were rare these days. Why?
Because if someone was transgender (or “trans,” shorthand for those whose gender identity didn’t match their birth-assigned sex), they could easily transition fully.
[“You’ll be fighting in the Solle and Neott zones—under my command. Enemy fleets should be there. If they’re not? We’ll pivot to reinforce other units. Deal with it~”]
Appearance and tone aside, at least he wasn’t mean.
[“One more thing~ No freelancing. Soldier or merc—if you ignore my orders? I’ll punish you thoroughly~ Though… it might feel like a reward… ♪”]
He blew a wink and a kiss through the screen.
I didn’t know the details, but I definitely didn’t want that “punishment.”
[“Oh, and we’ve got special guests—behave~☆”]
With that eerie final note, he vanished.
READ THE ORIGINAL TRANSLATION AT gadgetizedpanda.net
After Vescolés’s… pep talk, the 4th Fleet headed for the Solle Zone.
The Kearle-Smith carried only Yttz Branch mercs—
apparently to boost morale by keeping comrades together.
Other carriers held other branches.
In my ship, docked in the hangar, I reviewed Gonzales’s intel
(scant as it was—just rough enemy positions and troop counts).
While looking at this information, I wondered how the allies and enemies would move. While I was thinking about this, I suddenly heard a commotion outside the ship.
I looked outside to see what was going on, and found three women arguing with each other and a crowd of people around them.
Three women were arguing, a crowd gathering around them:
Rosswaise: Lambert Rieglaz’s partner—a sentient ancient weapon in the form of a blonde EWAR fighter.
Seira Sineda: Arthur Lingard’s partner (and fiancée).
Captain Priscilla Hyliat: The Empire’s Propaganda Queen, Vice-Commander of the Imperial Guard.
Why is she, the Vice-Captain of the Royal Guard, here of all places?
For a moment, I found it strange—but then I remembered. Lieutenant General Vescoles did mention having guests earlier.
In the middle of the crowd, several people are wearing Royal Guard uniforms. What could they possibly be here for?
Naturally, I’d rather not get involved… but the argument piques my curiosity. I crack the door open and peek inside.
“As I said, we merely wished to extend an invitation for Sir Arthur Lingard and Sir Lambert Riagraz to join our Royal Guard.”
“And as we said—Sir Arthur already refused once before! How stubborn can you be, barging in with another recruitment attempt? Charming, really!”
“I don’t like you, and Lambert can’t stand you. So how about you spare us the trouble and leave us alone?”
Seems Captain Hyliatt tried to scout the two during this mission—only to be shut down by their female partners.
The Royal Guard members behind her wear resigned expressions. Guess this happens a lot.
Who knows? Maybe she’s even approached Lady Kati Alptet or other royalty before.
As for Arthur and Lambert, they’re trying (and failing) to mediate.
“I’d also like to invite you two to join the Royal Guard. That way, you wouldn’t be separated from your partners.”
“Well… I would get to stay with Sir Arthur, but—”
“Hard pass.”
Seira wavers, but Rosweisse? Unshakable, as expected.
At this point, I can guess how the rest will play out—and I really don’t want to be spotted. So I quietly shut the door and pick up my light novel instead.
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