Once we departed Freeport Nova and the Sperm Whale transitioned to sub-light travel, a long-awaited calm finally settled over the ship.
Of course, the vast cargo warehouse was packed tight. It was filled with luxury goods bought cheaply at the Freeport and various consumables that would only grow in demand the closer we got to the Imperial Capital.
We gathered around the hologram table on the main bridge to discuss the long journey ahead of us. In the center of the table sat a mountain of freshly prototyped Rock Root fries.
They were simple—just sliced tubers tossed into heated synthetic cooking oil. They lacked the heavy, savory punch of lard or complex seasoning, but the high heat had rendered the outside crispy while leaving the inside fluffy. Sprinkled with a generous amount of salt, they were more than enough to satisfy.
"Hafuu... hot, it’s so hot... but I can’t stop!"
With her fingertips glistening with oil, Emulgand tossed the golden fries into her mouth one after another. Until now, the Rock Root hadn't looked like anything edible, so she likely hadn't expected it to turn out this sweet and fluffy once cooked.
"...Master. I will begin the route confirmation before the potatoes disappear."
Lucia manipulated the hologram with her fingertips, projecting a vast 3D map of the galaxy into the center of the bridge. A thin line stretched from the flickering point of our current position toward the dense cluster of light at the Galactic Center—toward the Imperial Capital, Arcadia Nova.
"Distance to the Imperial Capital confirmed," Lucia reported. "The shortest route takes us through two interstellar gateways. Factoring in normal space travel, we should arrive in approximately three months."
"Three months, huh... That's a long haul," Mina said, munching on a fry as she looked up at the hologram of the gateway, a massive ring-shaped structure.
"Yeah. But we aren't in any rush. Since we’re out here, we might as well take as many detours as we like."
I marked a few spots on the route—coordinates from the data slate Professor Stein had given me. There were supposedly ingredients there worth checking out.
"And here. We’re making a stop at the ocean planet, Azurite Prime."
Lucia’s eyes pulsed with a matching blue as they synced with the azure planet I pointed to on the display.
"Azurite Prime. According to the database, it is an ocean planet with stable water quality. Records indicate it serves as a trading hub for freshly harvested, unprocessed seafood."
"Right. Assuming the information in the gourmet guide is accurate."
"But Akito-san. It says here that a 'special qualification' is required to trade there," Emulgand noted.
"The details are currently unclear," Lucia added. "It could be a local rule from the system authorities or an exclusive right held by a specific guild. We won't know the specifics until we arrive."
"Likely. If it’s something we can handle with negotiation, I’ll deal with it. If we can’t get the license, we’ll just find another way."
"Understood. Setting coordinates for the commercial colony that will serve as our first relay point. It will function as our supply base before connecting to the First Gateway."
As Lucia spoke in her usual detached tone, a new point of light sparked on the hologram, marking our next destination.
I popped the last fry into my mouth. I could feel Lucia’s gaze prickling at me; I'd probably have to fry another batch.
A three-month journey—though knowing us, it would likely take longer. Between the professor's coordinates and the ingredients waiting on distant blue worlds, I had plenty to look forward to.
"Alright. Course locked. Sperm Whale, full speed ahead!"
At my command, the ship's hull hummed with a slight vibration. Tearing through the obsidian void of space, the giant transport ship accelerated.
Chapter 93 was missing, so I have posted it again. Please take a look at that one too.
If you enjoyed it or are looking forward to the continuation, please tap the "★"! It might just help Akito's dinner tomorrow get a slight upgrade. Thank you!