I Woke Up Piloting the Strongest Starship, so I Became a Space Mercenary - Chapter 478

Chapter 478: 「Could You Please Stop Being so Intense? It’s a Little Scary」

The next day, we all set out to handle our respective tasks. Mimi consulted with Chris about heading to the Dexer star system. Tina and Wiska prepared for departure, with Neve helping them while receiving guidance. Kugi contacted the embassy of the Holy Vuelzarus Empire in the Imperial Capital to arrange and discuss our trip there. Dr. Shouko procured materials for Neve’s treatment.

As for me, Elma, and Mei, we contacted Serena to arrange a meeting with Marquis Holz House.

「It’s such a hassle just for a short trip. All these ties really are a pain, aren’t they?」

「I get it. I ran away from home because I couldn’t stand this kind of thing.」

The outfits that Elma and I were wearing today weren’t as formal as yesterday’s, but they were still more formal than our usual attire. Well, you could say it’s a sort of military uniform. We made sure the design was different enough not to be mistaken for the ones of the Imperial Space Force.

「You two surely don’t mince your words, huh...」

Serena, sitting across from us in a luxury vehicle similar to a flying limousine, glared reproachfully at us as she said this. After receiving our call first thing in the morning, Serena went through great trouble to squeeze us into her father, Marquis Laurenz Holz’s schedule. With the significant effort we put her through with just a single message, it’s no wonder she has a thing or two (or three) to say about our less-than-enthusiastic attitude.

「No, really, I appreciate the effort you put in for this sudden request. And I’m genuinely happy to see you again today, Serena.」Visjt novelbin(.)com for new updates

「...I’m not so sure about that.」

Serena muttered, turning her flushed face away from me. I wasn’t just trying to flatter her; I genuinely meant what I said. But given her duties, I can’t be as close to her as I am with the rest of my crew. The same applies to Chris, too.

「Were you just thinking about another woman...?」

「I’m sitting next to another woman too, as you can see... Could you please stop being so intense? It’s a little scary.」

It’s unnerving how accurately she reads my thoughts without any psionic abilities. Is this what they call a woman’s intuition? Or perhaps, knowing Serena, she picked up on something with her enhanced senses that I’m oblivious to.

「Honestly... Why did I fall in love with a frivolous person like you?」

「Oh? If you don’t like it, you can always stop chasing him, you know?」

「...If you don’t start being a bit nicer to me, I’m going to cry, you know? Is that what you want? I’ll cry loudly, right here. I’ll throw a tantrum, rolling on the ground, right in front of my state.」

「What a terrifying threat...」

Elma’s face froze in shock at Serena’s extreme threat. If she actually does that, I can only imagine what Laurenz will say to me, so I sincerely hope she’s not serious.

「Of course not. If that were the plan, I’d have already whisked Serena away without a word and disappeared with the wind at our backs.」

Now that I think about it, that is not such a bad idea, we could just take Serena and Chris away, escape to the Holy Vuelzarus Empire, and live a leisurely, carefree retirement... Hmm, it’s tempting, but I’d probably get bored of it in less than three months from the lack of excitement.

「True enough. In that case, I have nothing more to say. Just get in touch as soon as you return. I’ll handle what I can on this end in the meantime.」

「I appreciate the trouble.」

He must be referring to the preparations for the wedding and dealings with the Dareinwald and Willrose Houses. I’m really going to owe him for this.

「Well, that’s just a minor inconvenience. If I let you organize everything, it would reflect poorly on the Holz House’s competence... Oh, sorry, but I’m out of time. I’ll leave the rest to Serena. Is that alright?」

「Yes, Father.」

「Good. Well then, Hiro, and Lady Elma, when you have more time, I’d love to hear about your travels in detail.」

With that, Laurenz excused himself and left the room. He really has a very tight schedule, he must have forced himself to squeeze us in. I feel a bit guilty about it.

「Alright, then. We shouldn’t impose any further. Let’s get going.」

「That’s not going to happen and you know it...」

「Yeah, you’re right.」

Following Elma’s exasperated gaze, I saw Serena with her cheeks puffed out in a pout.

「Sorry, I was just kidding. I know we can’t leave without properly greeting your family.」

「Do you really mean that? If it’s too much trouble for you to meet my family, you can go back. I’ll just have to endure the endless snide remarks from my father, mother, and siblings later.」

「Alright, alright. I’m really sorry. I shouldn’t have joked about that. Please forgive me.」

Today, Serena seems about thirty percent more needy than usual. Is her relationship with her family bad? I’d better tread carefully from here on out.