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「Hmm?」

After finishing my morning exercise and shower, I did what I always do—asked Tetsujin V, our automated chef, to prepare breakfast. But today, the meal seemed fancier than usual. I don’t usually start the day with a synthetic meat steak as the main dish, complete with dessert.

「Oh, good mornin’!」

「Good morning. Huh? You are having quite a luxurious breakfast this morning.」

As I tilted my head in puzzlement, holding the meal plate fresh from Tetsujin, the mechanic sisters walked into the dining area at just the right moment. In the end, the Black Lotus offered a more spacious and comfortable living environment than the Krishna, so the entire crew, myself included, had moved our living quarters over to the Black Lotus.

Naturally, this meant that I ended up sharing the same living space with the mechanic sisters more often.

「Good morning. I didn’t order any special menu or anything, but it feels unusually fancy for breakfast today. This doesn’t happen often.」

「Huh? I wonder why?」

As Tina placed her breakfast order with Tetsujin, her meal turned out to be just as extravagant as mine.

「It even gave me a beer.」

「Drinking in the morning? Well, we will be all day on the hyperlane, so I doubt you two will have any work to do so it’s probably fine.」

「Eh, this’ like water to us.」

「You sure got strong livers.」

I shook my head half astounded and half fed up as we sat down and began eating. While chatting, Wiska walked in a little later, carrying her meal tray, and took her seat.

「Hey, sis, Big Brother. Today’s Founding Day.」

「Founding Day?」

「Oh yeah, Founding Day. That makes sense now. Tetsujin V even accounts for Founding Day in its menu—impressive.」

「Yeah, that’s amazing.」

While the sisters were clearly thrilled, I felt a bit out of the loop. Though, to be fair, the mention of ‘Founding Day’ was enough to give me a clue about what was going on.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

「So, today is the founding anniversary of the Grakkan Empire, and that’s why the meals are more lavish?」

「Exactly! But Boss, you’re not feelin’ it, are ya? It’s Founding Day! Founding Day!」

「I’m not from this country, so it doesn’t really resonate with me.」

As I took a bite of the synthetic meat steak drizzled with sauce, I savored the texture. Hmm, the firm, slightly chewy meat is just right. Personally, I prefer meat with a bit of resistance to it—makes it feel like I’m eating real meat rather than something overly soft.

「It’s not like we do anythin’ all that special for Founding Day.」

「Usually, we just eat and drink something a bit fancier than usual. Although, I’ve heard the Imperial Capital and the nearby star systems hold grand festivals.」

「I see.」

As we chatted, Mimi and Elma appeared in the dining area, clearly fresh from their showers. Their casual attire is quite relaxed—almost too relaxed. If I wasn’t spent from last night, I might have reacted a bit too much.

「Good morning. Oh, breakfast looks fancy today.」

「Wiska says it’s likely a Founding Day special menu.」

「Ah, that’s right—it’s Founding Day today. Should we stop by a colony? There might be some festivities going on.」

「Hmm. That’s not a bad idea. We do have some leeway in the schedule.」

Currently, we were on a transport mission from the Brad Star System to the Izrooks Star System. The cargo was a prototype of new ammunition designed to combat the crystal lifeforms wreaking havoc in the Izrooks System. However, as I mentioned, our schedule had a bit of flexibility, so a minor detour wouldn’t be an issue.

Given the potential for unexpected trouble on arrival, stopping by a colony to restock and properly resupply is not a bad move.

「A Founding Day festival, huh? I imagine they vary wildly between colonies.」

While taking a spoonful of her usual sweet porridge, Mimi tilted her head in thought. Her menu didn’t include the synthetic meat steak, but she seemed to have two kinds of desserts instead.

「That’s right. Some places just stick to having slightly better food and drinks, while others host events or celebrations. Generally, the closer you are to the Imperial Capital or the stronger the influence of the nobility, the more extravagant the festivities.」

On Elma’s plate was a massive slab of synthetic meat steak alongside a mountain of what looked like fried potatoes. Her breakfast is as hearty as ever.

「I see. Well, let’s stop by the closest colony and take a look.」

When I think of festivals, I imagine things like shrine fairs or group dances held at organized venues. But I have no idea what festivals in this world look like. Festivals are often rooted in religious or ceremonial events, at least in my experience, but I haven’t really heard much about religion in this world. Curious, I used the holo-display in the Black Lotus‘s lounge to contact Mei in the cockpit and asked her to divert our route to stop by the trading station in the next star system.

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「When I sent a docking request to the colony, their reply sounded extremely reluctant.」

Mei, who I had been waiting for at the Black Lotus’s ramp, reported this with a defeated expression as soon as she appeared. I guess the officer at the port authority was angry at being on duty on the holiday.

「Don’t worry about it. You should come with us to the colony today. Let’s check out the sights together.」

「Understood.」

Mei replied with a faint smile, her earlier dejected mood seemingly lifting a bit. Good. We will have to leave the Black Lotus unmanned, but lifting Mei’s mood is more important, and I’m not worried—security measures are airtight. Without a proper security key, breaking in is nearly impossible, and even attempting to breach the hatch or hull would require a plasma grenade-level heat source. Besides, Mei can monitor the ship’s status remotely, and if necessary, activating the shields on low power would prevent anyone from even approaching it. The safety measures are flawless.

「Ya know, this ain’t the first time, but don’t ya think your security’s a bit overkill, Boss?」

「In matters like these, overkill is just about right.」

I replied to Tina’s comment while shrugging my shoulders, and double-checked the locks and shield deployment.

I don’t trust the law and order of this universe. After all, the very first day I stepped into my first colony, I saw Mimi being dragged into an alley while all passersby didn’t bat an eyelid. It’s unlikely anyone would target the ship, but ’unlikely’ doesn’t mean ‘impossible’. Better safe than sorry.

「Better too much security than not enough.」

「True.」

When Wiska said her piece, the two sisters started discussing something, quickly diving into a technical debate. Once they get going, their discussions can last forever, so I better leave them alone.

「Mimi.」

「Coming!」

Understanding immediately my intention, Mimi grabbed Tina and Wiska’s hands, one in each of hers, and began walking, acting as a bridge between the two. The sisters continued their intense debate, oblivious to the fact that Mimi, who was younger than them, had essentially tethered them like children to avoid losing them. They are both older than Mimi, and nearly my age, in fact. I’m looking forward to seeing their faces when they realize what they did.

「Shall we?」

Mei asked, slipping her hand into mine.

「I don’t think I’m going to get lost.」

「I might.」

「Fair enough.」

Mei is the last person you could think of who could get lost, but if she says so, who am I to argue? My other hand was feeling lonely so I held it out to Elma.

「…What now?」

「Let’s hold hands.」

「…If you insist.」

Elma sighed trying to feign reluctance, however, her twitching red ears betrayed her true feelings. Elma is adorable. I wouldn’t dare point it out, though, lest she put me in an armlock and make me regret it.

「Still, this doesn’t feel much like a festival.」

「True, but given the colony’s size, there are quite a few people out and about, don’t you think?」

Elma pressed her free left hand against her reddening ear as she looked around.

Currently, we were in the third district of the colony—one of the few areas accessible to outsiders. The first district housed high-ranking officials, the so-called ‘elite’. The second district was home to individuals with a certain level of status or specialized technical expertise. In short, these were the ‘highly secure’ areas. The third district, where we were now, was where manual laborers lived.

「It feels a bit classier than the third district of the Termaine Prime Colony.」

「Really? Now that you mention it, it does feel that way.」

The third district of the Termaine Prime Colony, while not exactly a slum, certainly didn’t give off an air of safety or refinement. Compared to that, this colony’s third district was noticeably cleaner, and there was no sign of idle troublemakers lurking about.

「This must be a prosperous colony. Either the noble in charge or the administrator must be quite capable.」

「That makes sense.」

The rowdy types I’d seen in Termaine’s third district maybe were the kind who, having run out of legitimate work, turned to crime. Even so, targeting someone like Mimi—a cute young girl—is unforgivable. I can’t muster any sympathy for them.

What if Mimi hadn’t been a cute girl? Well, if it had been a guy around my age or older, I probably wouldn’t have intervened. A man should take care of his own problems. But if it were a young boy, I might have stepped in.

What if Elma were a man instead of a woman? Now, that’s a tricky question. Elma had gone out of her way to help me when I was clueless about this universe. Even if she had been a man, I probably would have felt indebted and helped her out. After all, I didn’t help her because I had ulterior motives. Elma just misunderstood the situation and offered herself up—I simply accepted it and enjoyed the outcome thoroughly.

So, in the event, that Elma’s misunderstanding hadn’t happened and she hadn’t offered herself, I would have invited her aboard the Krishna as a crew member purely based on her personality, skills, knowledge, and the connection we’d built. Honestly, if Elma had been a man, I probably would’ve made the same choice and ended up traveling together anyway.

「What’s with the staring? Something on my face?」

「Nothing, just lost in thought. Nothing important, really.」

If I say I was thinking what would have happened if she was a man, she’d definitely take offense. I’m not foolish enough to open that particular can of worms.

「Really? Well, okay then.」

Ouch. Stop squeezing my hand so hard! For someone with such a delicate and graceful appearance, you sure pack surprising strength.

「Hiro-sama! Hiro-sama! Over there, people seem to be gathering for something.」

「Oh? Let’s check it out.」

Still holding hands with Tina and Wiska, Mimi began walking toward the crowd. Naturally, I followed, with Mei and Elma in tow, our hands still linked. I could feel the jealous stares of other men around us, but I didn’t avoid eye contact. Hehe, are you jealous? You are jealous, right? Sorry but I’m not sharing

「What’s this?」

「Some kind of shooting competition, perhaps?」

As we got closer, we saw what looked like a military-hosted shooting game using low-powered laser pistols and rifles. Off in another corner, the mercenary guild appeared to be running a starship simulator for piloting practice. It wasn’t clear if this was a festival or a subtle recruitment effort, but the events were clearly popular. The participants were enjoying themselves immensely.

Elsewhere, a large public space had been opened for people to bring their own food and drinks, creating an informal picnic vibe. Music played in the background, and groups were dancing freely in the open areas. The Founding Day celebration seems surprisingly unstructured and laid-back.

「This festival’s a bit different from what I imagine when I think of one, but it seems pretty popular with the locals.」

「Getting to handle optical weapons or use simulators is probably an extraordinary experience for the colony residents. Events like these are perfect for boosting morale and letting off steam.」

「That makes sense. What’s routine for us might feel like a once-in-a-lifetime experience for them.」

「Exactly. I bet every day feels exciting and new for someone who grew in a colony like Mimi.」

「I also lived a peaceful life without guns and starship combat.」

「Really? You seem pretty accustomed to me, Hiro. This life feels natural for you.」

「Not at all. Every day brings new experiences.」

After all, even now, I’m walking around with Mei and Elma, one on each arm. A life surrounded by such beautiful women is stimulating, to say the least. And the life of a mercenary? It’s thrilling in its own way, too.

「Hey, Boss! Looks like there’s food over here!」

「Coming!」

I responded, tugging Mei and Elma along as we headed toward Tina’s voice.

Well, whatever the case, I’ll keep enjoying this carefree mercenary lifestyle for now. Someday, I might want to settle down—but that’s a thought for the distant future. For now, I’ll savor this freedom.