Graccan Empire capital system – Grakkius. It was the literal heart of the Graccan Empire, and had multiple colonies dotted near the imperial capital, which was an ecumenopolis or city-planet.
The security measures employed by the capital were particularly stringent, and they would activate not only when there's an actual attempt to descend without permission, but also when one merely shows signs of forcefully intruding into the city-planet's descent trajectory. Intruders would be mercilessly attacked by the Imperial Space Force's Imperial Guard Fleet and shot down, even if the intruding ship were affiliated with the Imperial Space Force.
That's why it was necessary to go through some complicated procedures first before one could pass through the capital's security. Well, it looks like Captain Serena would take care of said procedures herself just like last time, so we'll have to stay at the Grakkius Secundus colony until our planetary descent application gets approved.
We'll just have to wait for the result.
"Greetings, Hiro-sama. It's your dear Christina."
"Aye..."
Less than an hour after entering port, Chris, who was clad in a dark aura, rushed into the Lotus. Somebody, help!
Her full name was Christina Dareinwald. She was the sole heir to the House Dareinwald earldom and was currently serving as the Comatt star system's governess as part of her training to succeed her family's leadership. At least, she was supposed to be. But... she apparently came to the imperial capital for some reason.
I've helped her out of sticky situations two times already, and she has shown her affection for me in a rather straightforward manner since then.
But she sure has grown into quite the lady since we parted last... Was she actually taller than Mimi now? Her beautiful black hair, which was previously styled in a short bob, had now grown past her back. Also, her childish figure was no more, and her curves had become more mature and feminine.
Anyway, could you please put away that dagger you're holding tightly with both hands as if you're ready to stab someone with it, young lady? Okay? Let's discuss things peacefully, shall we?
"I'll stab Hiro-sama first, and then I'll stab myself."
"Wait, don't be hasty, and listen to me!"
"Oh, but... I was merely jesting. It was just a prank, you know? Ufufu."
Chris giggled and touched the tip of her dagger with her finger. The dagger's blade quickly retracted into its hilt along with the sound of a cheap spring mechanism clicking into place. Apparently, it was just an elaborate-looking joke item. Phew. That sure chilled my innards.
"But I do think that a bad guy who plays with the heart of a pure maiden like myself deserves to get stabbed once or twice, at least. Isn't that right, Hiro-sama?"
"That does sound reasonable, but there were some extenuating circumstances, okay?"
"Would you like me to take the same drug formulation then?"
"How much have you heard already...? Anyway, don't even think about it, alright?"
This was Chris we're talking about, so she might really go through with it. Let's dissuade her first. I mean, this girl surprisingly didn't have much qualms regarding the means to get what she wanted. Or rather, she was quite the passionate go-getter. She did barge into my room at night when I first took her in. Of course, with the intention of doing 'that' with me.
I looked toward the others inside the break space who were watching the commotion with the intention of asking for help.
"...Pyu–, hyuhyu〜"
Mimi blatantly averted her eyes while whistling. Found the snitch.
"Oh my. Well, don't mind me."
Meanwhile, the damned space elf was treating the exchange between Chris and I as a snack to go along with her drink. Unforgivable.
"Uh, I s'ppose it's time ta pay the piper or somethin'."
"But isn't that going a bit too far...?"
Don't give up, Tina. Everything will be over if you give up. Also, Wiska was serving as the voice of reason as always. I love you. But could you please stop spectating and help me out already?
"..."
And why are you just waiting around while smiling like that, Kugi? Your lord's in danger, y'know? Why are you simply swinging your tails happily?
Mei and Dr. Shouko weren't present in the first place. Putting aside Dr. Shouko who was preoccupied with Unit 104, the fact that Mei didn't have any reaction probably meant that I wasn't in any actual danger. Or was I? Really?
"There really were unavoidable circumstances regarding Captain Serena's case... Or rather, since you already know about the drugs, then you more or less have an understanding of those circumstances, right, Chris?"
"But my understanding of those circumstances and my protesting and being angry over them are completely different matters. Don't you think so, Hiro-sama?"
"Well, that's true."
It was an un-refutable rebuttal.
"Ok, ok. I get that you're angry, Chris. But we have to consider your age, right? I'm not crazy enough to lay my hands on a minor after all. In the first place, I don't think His Excellency the Earl would approve of a relationship between a mercenary like me and you, Chris."
"In other words, I just need to take care of the issue regarding my age and get my grandfather's approval, correct?"
"...Now, just hold on a bit. Let's calm down and think this through first."
I had a very bad feeling so I preempted Chris before she could think along those lines any further. The moment she mentioned the matter regarding her age and getting Earl Dareinwald's approval, there was an unmistakable glint of victory in her beautiful onyx pupils.
"Are you aware of my actual age, Hiro-sama? You aren't, correct?"
Chris inquired in a rather amused fashion. I could have confidently answered thirteen or fourteen years old, but I had no memory of specifically looking up her actual age. Based on her physique when I first met her, I estimated her age to be between twelve and thirteen, but now that she mentioned it, I never asked her directly about it.
"Actually, Mimi and I are only half a year apart in age. You get what I'm trying to say, right?"
"But isn't it possible to fake that using your noble privileges...?"
"I have not and will never do so. Official information regarding us nobles cannot be altered so easily."
After saying so, Chris proudly displayed her ID using her portable info terminal. Uh, it does indicate that she's of legal age. I see.
"I got it. I get that you've cleared the age issue. And from the looks of it, you've also gotten the earl's approval already, right? Even so. I'm not a flippant guy who'd casually lay my hands on a girl."
"Um, how many crew members are on this ship besides you again, Hiro-sama?"
"Err, nine."
"...All of them are in that sort of relationship with you, right?"
"...Right."
"If so, can you still confidently repeat what you said earlier about not being flippant?"
"..."
Damn. The flag's getting planted deeper and deeper. Alright then. Let's just run away.
I turned on my heels and started running. However, I was tackled from behind. What a vicious tackle. I fell helplessly. However, I somehow managed to avoid getting my face planted on the floor using both arms.
"You aren't getting away from me this time."
"Y-You sure have gotten much faster, Chris."
Chris looked over my shoulder and smiled.
"I've received body enhancements in preparation for inheriting my grandfather's position after all."
"Ok, I got it. I surrender. I surrender, so let's talk this through first, okay?"
After saying so, I let myself fall completely prostrate on the floor. I already knew this was gonna happen the moment Chris got in touch with me. I suppose I better resolve myself.
"It's the same for Captain Serena, but to think you'd go so far to insist on having me as a partner... Uh, it does feel good though. I'm pretty happy about it, y'know? I mean, it does raise my confidence as a man. But there are more than a few obstacles, right? Like the difference in our social status, how we'd appear to the rest of society, your duties and obligations as a noble, and the interests of your House. Moreover, I've made it abundantly clear that I hate being tied down to one place and prefer living the free life of a mercenary. That's why I believe I'm unsuitable as your partner... No, I'm happy though. I really am. I'm happy that you like me so much, Chris. I mean it."
We were currently having a discussion in the break space, but I was the only one sitting on one sofa, and the rest were surrounding me. What's up with this? It kinda felt like I was a defendant on trial or something.
"I understand your concerns, Hiro-sama. However, please rest assured. It's no exaggeration to say that all of your concerns can practically be resolved."
"How?"
"First, there's no problem regarding our respective social statuses since you've already received the First Class Order of the Star Cross and have become an honorary viscount. Also, according to what I've heard, you'll also receive further distinction along with the Imperial Space Force troops who participated in thwarting House Ixamal's planned rebellion and the Vereverem Federation's invasion. That's why there's no problem at all regarding that matter."
"I-I see. But you do know that there's no way I'll be able to fulfill a noble's duties and responsibilities, right?"
"There's no need to worry about that matter either. I'll fulfill those duties in your stead. My grandfather has trained me for that exact purpose. In other words, my grandfather never planned on finding a grandson-in-law to lead the house in the first place. Instead, the moment he decided to let me inherit the earldom and his title, he had already planned on making you marry into the family as my husband."
"W-Wha... S-Seriously?"
Chris nodded confidently in response to my question. It left me flabbergasted. No, well, come to think of it, making Chris govern an entire star system by herself despite her young age in order to train her in managing their entire earldom as the heir did seem kinda unusual.
It would have been less troublesome to welcome a grandson-in-law and train him in managing the territory, then have Chris assist him instead.
However, did that strict and uptight Earl Dareinwald really plan on making me Chris's husband right from the get-go...? It sounded unbelievable, but it did kinda make some sense.
"And besides, I do not plan on tying you down, Hiro-sama. I will be content as long as you treat my place as your home and return to me from time to time. Your dream is to build a house on a safe planet and live a relaxing life, correct? In that case, we can freely provide you with land anywhere in the earldom, and we're quite proud of the level and quality of our territory's security as well. If you plan on living in the capital, it would be hard to secure a place as long as you aren't a first-class citizen. However, the Dareinwald earldom can accommodate you to the best of our ability."
"It does sound like you've dealt with all of my concerns... If that's the case–"
"Waaaaaaiiiit——–! I will not allow you to steal a march on me!"
"Tsk."
Several things happened in succession.
First, Captain Serena barged into the break space while screaming. Then, she went and tackled me from the side, causing both of us to get blown off the sofa. Then, I heard someone click their tongue. Was that Chris?
Furthermore, other people began to barge into the break space as well. The face of the young lady accompanied by female imperial guards with swords on their waists was very familiar. Specifically, she was the spitting image of Mimi.
"That's enough! This conflict shall now be mediated by me, granddaughter of His Majesty the Emperor, Luciada!"
It's become a damn mess already! Somebody, help me!