I Woke Up Piloting the Strongest Starship, so I Became a Space Mercenary - Chapter 536

Chapter 536 -「Did I Overdo It...?」

After twenty-four hours had passed since the last appearance of a space monster, the decision was made that the area was now secure. As a result, the entire fleet, including the Black Lotus, the Krishna, and the Antlion, received the order to return. The damaged ships—mostly A-class escort ships—had already withdrawn to the rear, so the lineup felt a bit thinner than usual, but we could still call it a triumphant return. Apparently, the remnants of the crystal lifeforms and the residual energies of the energy-based entities would be collected and processed by the Holy Vuelzarus Empire Fleet later on, and apparently, a portion of it would be allocated to us. The crystal lifeforms’s remains are valuable even in the Grakkan Empire, but I wonder if the residual energy will sell for anything... Well, for now, let’s take it back and see. Who knows, maybe we can sell it to the Imperial Space Force or some military corporation.

And so, we returned.

「Is it just me, or is security extra tight? Actually, are they guarding us, or guarding against us?」

「Well, after showing such overwhelming combat ability, this is only natural...」

Back at the research facility, there was a noticeable increase in people carrying weapons that looked like katanas strapped to their waists. There were also way more people who looked like priests or shrine maidens. I can’t shake the feeling that every single move I make is being closely observed.

「Did I overdo it...?」

「Of course you did... I mean, when the eleventh wave of crystal lifeforms appeared, you probably could’ve handled it solo with just the Krishna, right?」

「How about against the Holy Vuelzarus Empire Fleet?」

For some reason, Buubo was laughing heartily. This guy... maybe I should pluck those feathers on his head and turn them into a cushion.Anyway, I know there is no winning this kind of conversation, and it’s hardly amusing, so I better change the subject.

「Speaking of which, since the Holy Vuelzarus Empire is, well, an empire, you must have someone like an Emperor, right? I haven’t heard anyone talk about a figure like that. So what’s the actual situation?」

When I asked Buubo that question, an awkward silence settled over the room. Not only was I confused, but Elma also seemed just as lost, and we exchanged glances. Is this topic some kind of taboo?

「Uh... well... about that. It’s, uh... let’s just say it’s a, um, highly... sensitive matter.」

「The fact that you’re stumbling over your words that much must mean it’s really serious, huh?」

「What exactly is your impression of me, Hiro-dono?! But yes, that’s precisely it. There are... complex reasons behind it, let’s say. Some delicate, high-level matters, if you will... So if you could keep that question to yourself, it would be much appreciated. Not just by me, but by many of my compatriots. Truly.」

「Hearing you say that only makes me even more curious...」

Buubo gave me a look that practically begged for mercy. Seriously, what on earth could this be about?