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

Game Changer

“I don’t like the idea…” (Hiro)

“If that’s what my Lord thinks, I’ll tell Hartmut in your place.” (Mei)

“No… even if I don’t like the situation, I’m not going to break my promise with Tina.” (Hiro)

The next day, I was on my way to Hartmut with Mei and the battle bots in tow. It wasn’t that we were going to make a move. When I scheduled an appointment with Hartmut, I was told that some information was about to be released, so I simply brought a force with me in case of a raid.

After having my battle bots and laser launchers carried by Mei entrusted to the checkpoint between the upper and lower districts, we walked towards the deputy’s office, where Hartmut was stationed.

“What kind of joke would it be for someone like me to advise that super-hot guy Hartmut about relationships between a man and a woman? Who the hell do you think I am…?”

“My Lord, you have already established smooth and amicable mutual relationships with multiple women, so aren’t you a step ahead of him in that area?” (Mei)

“That’s just because everyone is looking out for me, especially Mei. I know very well that I have reached my current position because of everyone’s support…” (Hiro)

Maybe I could put some extra credits when it comes to my morals, but that would not even compare to Hartmut.

“Well, I don’t see why I should bother worrying about it. Let’s just get these things out of the way and get it over within a snap.” (Hiro)

I didn’t want to let it drag on, it would only torture my psyche and nothing good would come out of it.

☆★☆

“Good day, Sir Hiro. The report should be coming up soon, so have a seat. I’ll have the tea brought to you now.” (Hartmut)

“Thank you very much.”

Hartmut was full of enthusiasm. I could not describe it, but I could see a difference in his eyes. It was like his morale was maxed out.

“So, what happened today? We can share information via holocommunication, you know?” (Hartmut)

“Ah…without getting into a complicated back-and-forth, I’ll get straight to the point… As you may have guessed, this is about Aylia.” (Hiro)

Hartmut perked at my words. Stop with the blank expression. It scares me.

“Don’t jump to conclusions, okay? I’m not going to tell you to keep your hands to yourself or that she’s my girl. In fact, I’m supporting you, Hartmut.” (Hiro)

“…I see. Let’s hear the details.” (Hartmut)

I was glad he was willing to listen, but the pressure was too much. The motivation and seriousness of the situation was really getting to me.

“First, the reason why I came all the way here is because one of my crew members used to live in this colony, and she is good friends with Aylia. In case you’re wondering, she’s a woman.”

“Go on.”

“Okay. So that crew member was worried about Hartmut, who was the legitimate son of a viscount and the deputy of this colony. Your words carry a lot of weight for Aylia, a commoner. You are the one who will take care of the facility from now on. So, if you were to make some kind of proposal to her, she would probably nod her head even if it was something she didn’t want to do.”

“…”

Hartmut contemplated for a moment, as if mulling over my words.

“Even so, if I make Miss Aylia happy in the end, won’t there be no problem?” (Hartmut)

“That’s true. I think so too.” (Hiro)

“Wai…?” (Hartmut)

“…Although that would be viewing it from an extreme point. If that decision did make everyone happy in the end, that’s all that will matter. I would think so as well.” (Hiro)

There were usually peaks and valleys before any story reached a happy ending. And I wasn’t just talking about stories, but also about real-life relationships. There was no way it was going to be smooth sailing from start to finish.

“To begin with, we can’t start the story without Hartmut expressing his feelings for Aylia. Not doing so is the same as not making a move on Aylia… I mean, I’m talking rather one-sidedly, but is my assumption that Hartmut has a liking for Aylia, correct?”

“I’m a little embarrassed when you say it to my face, but… well, yes.”

Jeez! A good-looking guy also looked good when embarrassed. If I reacted the same way, it would almost be comedic.

“By the way, what did you like about her? The way she looks?”

“I was attracted by Miss Aylia’s lovely appearance, but most of all by her virtue, goodness, and strength of will. After Aylia approached me about the facility, I did my own research on it. I was struck by her virtue, her willingness to sacrifice herself to fulfill her duties, and her refusal to abandon the children under such extreme circumstances.”

“I see. That’s true. If Aylia was not around for even one day before we got there, the children would have probably been dead by now. The children were in better shape mostly because of her.”

All the adults, including Aylia, could have died at any moment from the pandemic and malnutrition. Hartmut’s assessment that Aylia was a person of virtue was a valid one, given that the children were still in better condition, and that was because she was prioritizing them over herself in terms of medical supplies and food.

“Uh…well, anyway. I very much agree with you that as long as you make Aylia happy in the end, it’s all good, but in the meantime, please keep in mind what I said, and the fact that my crew is concerned about her.”

“Yes, sir. I’ll keep that in mind. I promise to remember your words.”

“Thank you. And sorry for being too direct.”

It must be uncomfortable to be told such a thing by a stranger. The fact that he listened to me so earnestly was a testament to Hartmut’s character. Normally, a noble would be offended by such things.