The gears of his thoughts were spinning in circles.
Why?
It was the only thing that floated in and out, and then floated back in and out again.
“Your Excellency!”
Mitsuki called out loudly, and Setsuko flinched.
“Sir, this is still a war zone.”
Mitsuki spoke as slowly as she dared.
Hearing those words, the gears finally began to mesh in Setsu’s head.
“Yeah.”
Settsu slapped his cheeks with both hands. This is no time to be shocked. This is a battlefield. Thinking about death would have to wait.
If the commander, the Count, had been killed in action, it made sense that the Imperial Fleet had retreated. Command would be transferred quickly in accordance with Starfleet’s seating arrangements, but it may have been difficult to continue fighting given the upheaval of the commander’s death.
Setsueto turned to Viscount Rich at the monitor.
“Viscount, I apologize for the distraction.”
“No, I’m sorry for your loss.”
“Thank you for letting me know. So, which way did the Imperial Guard head?”
“Yes, sir. They said they were headed for the Indar system in the rear. We’ll be resupplying and performing emergency repairs there.”
“I see. Is the Viscount going to be there now?”
“But considering the severity of what I’ve seen, I think it would be extremely dangerous for me to remain in the Imperial Army. Would you please allow me to work with the fortress?”
It was an unexpected offer.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. The dragoon that shot the Count was Viscount Korn’s. He is not a man who would make the decision to shoot his commander in the back during battle. I believe that there is always an ulterior motive.”
Viscount Korn. It was not a name that Settsu remembered.
“I don’t know if they are aware of what I saw or not. I don’t know if he knows I saw him or not, but if he does, he will kill me before long.”
Settsu nodded.
“You want to get somewhere safe before that happens, that’s what you’re thinking.”
“…… Okay. Let’s accept it for now.”
“Thank you. So, what will the fortress do after this?”
“That’s what I’m trying to decide.”
It’s not something that Settsu can do on his own. The pirates and other nations are only cooperating with him.
Considering the strength of the fortress, we might as well decide and move alone, but not unnecessarily antagonize them.
“All right. Please let me know when you’ve decided.”
Settsu nodded and ended the communication.
“Mitski, connect me with the commanders on a simultaneous call. The first one who connects can join.”
The last thing he added was that he didn’t want to pause.
“Understood”
Mitsuki responded shortly as usual.
“Mitsuki never really changes.”
“I have a role to play. Glorious, you’re connected.”
Vee’s image appeared on the monitor.
“Hi, Set. Am I first in line?”
“That’s right.”
When Settsu responded shortly, Vee looked at him with serious eyes.
“What happened?”
It was a serious question that I was not going to be allowed to answer in a mumbled tone.
“The commander of the …… Imperial Guard has been killed in action.”