Chapter 3 - Who would refuse a request from a beautiful elf-san? There's no such guy, right?
～Gialpha Galaxy, Betasia Star System, Area Around the Fifteenth Planet～
Sangou finished a one-sided game combat against the transport ship attackers, and following Captain Jin's wishes, had completed the initial rescue operations.
Even so, Sangou remained without moving far from the relevant space zone, staying near the scene of the incident.
The bio-spaceship repeatedly captured small rock masses not large enough to be called 'asteroids' and various debris in the nearby space zone, converting them into energy and absorbing them.
By doing so, it was trying to increase the remaining energy stored in the hull, even if just a little.
Of course, that wasn't all; concurrently, other matters were being handled inside Sangou's ship.
That was the consciousness recovery procedure for three women who had been retrieved from the transport ship Beta One, which had been rendered immobile by the bandits' attack—alive but still in a dormant state.
At the time of rescue, they were like sleeping princesses in a story, continuing to sleep while maintaining their metabolic functions at the bare minimum necessary level.
Sangou was carefully administering measures to restore their metabolic functions so that they could awaken from that state and be able to move independently.
Now, from the perspective of the Hero Jin, how is the situation progressing for the women with external features called 'elves'?
The female elves are still asleep, but thanks to Sangou's diagnosis and appropriate treatment, their biological reaction levels continue to slowly rise.
Therefore, they were in what you might call 'a state where the time of awakening was approaching.'
Through the monitor, Jin continued to gaze at them with intense curiosity.
They should not have been able to sense that.
Even so, could some miracle have been at work?
Under the circumstances of Jin's continued staring, the three of them reached the moment of awakening simultaneously.
Jin, who had been staring fixedly at the monitor on the bridge for a long time without getting bored at all until that moment.
"This one moved!"
The hero cheered internally at the awaited change of situation, while doing a bit of a meme game he'd heard somewhere alone.
"I did it! They woke up!"
"Yes. It seems consciousness has safely awakened. Then, shall we first try communicating using only voice?"
From Jin's perspective, he thought, 'Starting with video right away would also be acceptable in its own way.'
But it was also true that it would be better to start communication in a way that minimized shock to the other party.
Feeling the consideration that Sangou had presumably calculated exhaustively, Jin somehow understood and agreed.
Thus, the curtain rose on the first meeting between Jin and the three elf women.
However, it goes without saying that Sangou was the one to take the lead.
"I am Sangou, a bio-spaceship equipped with organic artificial intelligence. You are currently staying in a room aboard spaceship Sangou. Since the languages we use differ, this conversation is being conducted through automatic translation via language analysis. Sangou judges that the translation is sufficient for communication, but if there are any 'incomprehensible words or phrases' or you feel 'the meaning seems off', please do not hesitate to speak up."
Sangou said all this in one breath.
After that, with a slight pause, it observed the three women's states in minute detail.
The expressions on the elf women's faces were each different.
Nevertheless, as a common element in the information readable from their expressions, 'bewilderment' could be seen.
However, there was no sign of them opposing Sangou's statement.
"The three elf women also likely possess high-level intelligence that allows them to prioritize understanding the details of the current situation."
Sangou's assessment took it that way.
Sangou was able to perceive that just by observing the silent women.
If that was the situation, it would be fine to gradually deepen mutual understanding.
Thus, the bio-spaceship's artificial intelligence chose to 'continue explaining.'
"First, I imagine you have many questions, such as 'Where is this?' or 'Why are we confined in a room like this?' However, this ship, Sangou the organic AI, and Captain Jin have no intention of harming the three of you. With that as a premise, to help you understand the current situation, I will now play this ship's records on the monitor there, with both video and audio. After you finish watching the recorded footage, I will accept questions. So please watch it first."
It was also certain that the three were afraid.
Perhaps because of that, they still hadn't said a single word, just huddling together.
Sangou judged that the three were in the 'height of confusion.'
Nevertheless, as declared, Sangou began playing video and audio on the monitor in their line of sight.
Because there was no other way to improve the situation.
The content being played began with the progression of radar information that roughly conveyed the situation of Beta One being attacked, and the reception of a rescue request transmitted from Beta One.
Next, a notification from Sangou to Beta One was made.
After receiving a further reply from Beta One, the attack situation switched to optical video, followed by the elimination of the bandits by Sangou's attack.
The video of such content played without interruption.
Finally, Sangou forcibly stopped Beta One and came alongside, then a sub-unit forcibly entered Beta One's interior, leading to the retrieval and accommodation of the three.
The three maintained serious expressions, watching the video on the monitor intently, remaining silent the whole time.
The scene in the video came to where a sub-unit forcibly pried open a door whose opening/closing mechanism was dead.
Seeing the two bodies shown there, the three silently shed tears.
After the bodies were shown, the rest was only the work of retrieving the three into Sangou.
"The video ends here. Have you understood your own situation?"
"We understand. Thank you for saving us."
One of the three changed her expression to a brave one and clearly answered Sangou's question.
The elf finally spoke.
Jin, who was listening to that voice through the monitor, was moved by the beautiful voice far beyond his imagination and had tears in his eyes.
Of course, the beautiful appearance was also factored into the emotion, but such details are probably trivial.
"The video you just watched has the audio portions of conversations between Sangou and the Captain inside this ship—which were considered unnecessary—cut out, but aside from that, no processing has been applied whatsoever. I declare that clearly here. Then, we will provide you with a meal for now. After you have calmed down following the meal, we plan to have a meeting with the Captain via monitor. Up to this point, are there any inconveniences? Ah, it would help if you could at least tell me your names."
"I'm sorry. We haven't even introduced ourselves yet. I am Rouj ha Betasia, eldest daughter of the Betasia Count household. The one holding my right hand is the second daughter, and the one holding my left hand is the third daughter. It would be better to let them introduce themselves. Please feel free to call me 'Rouj.' We truly thank you for this rescue. Come now, both of you, properly introduce yourselves and greet them."
"I am Rinju ha Betasia, the second daughter. Thank you for saving us. Please call me 'Rinju.'"
Following eldest Rouj and second daughter Rinju, the other one introduces herself.
"I am Ranju ha Betasia, the third daughter. Thanks for saving us. 'Ranju' is fine."
Just as the three had introduced themselves, a sub-unit that had brought the meal popped out through a hole about one meter in diameter that suddenly appeared on the wall of the room, which had no entrance.
Sangou is a bio-spaceship, and the internal structure within its own body could be freely deformed.
The one sub-unit that entered the room for the purpose of serving the meal flew gently and stopped in mid-air in front of Rouj.
Then, the top part of the sub-unit's spherical section opened with a pop.
Inside were three containers: a basket piled high with something like bread, and something like stew with steam rising, clearly warm at a glance.
Three large glasses were filled to the brim with water.
Additionally, there was a transparent resin pot, which appeared to be vacuum-insulated, containing water, sitting there.
The amount was so plentiful that Jin, peeking, couldn't help muttering to himself, 'Isn't this amount too much? Even three men would probably leave some uneaten.'
Sangou firmly confirmed with the three, 'Can you eat?'
In response, eldest Rouj tore off a small piece of the bread-like thing and scooped a spoonful of the stew-like thing, tasting them.
Then a reply of 'No problem' was given.
As for the clearly excessive amount, it was the result of Sangou's judgment that 'it's better to have leftovers than not enough.'
Well, even if there were leftovers, Sangou would reprocess them and use them effectively.
So, in truth, it doesn't become a 'wasteful' situation, but such a thing is probably trivial.
The three elf women began their meal.
Watching them as if monitoring would be rather uncouth.
Jin finally realized that point, belatedly.
The hero named Jin has no idea how to maintain an appropriate distance with women, what you might call a 'well-balanced manner of interaction.'
Nevertheless, at this time, Jin belatedly asked Sangou to cut the video on the monitor in front of him until the three finished their meal.
Of course, adding that it would not apply in emergencies.
"Sangou-san. It was delicious. Thank you."
Eldest Rouj, as representative, called out to the monitor like that.
"Yes. You're welcome. Now, please put all the dishes and such back into the sub-unit. Are you ready for a meeting with the Captain? If you need time to rest after eating, we will of course wait. Please feel free to say so."
"Thank you for your various considerations. All three of us, including myself, feel deep sorrow over the fact that we lost the crew of Beta One and the attendants we brought. If asked whether we have 'completely processed our emotions,' I would have to answer 'no.' However, we must head to the neutral colony located between our star system and the neighboring one. Time is limited, so we cannot afford to take it easy. There are such circumstances as well."
"I see. I think it would be best to discuss everything, including the circumstances you carry, in the meeting with the Captain. Then, I will begin the meeting with the Captain. I will switch the screen and connect to the Captain."
And so, Jin finally found himself in a situation where he would speak for the first time with a beautiful elf-san.
For Jin, it was an emotional meeting with a living, moving elf-san.
At this point, the fact that it was through a monitor and not in person was probably trivial.
Also, although the original plan was to avoid having a meeting with video right away, as a result of Sangou continuing the conversation only with voice up to this point, it was judged that 'there seemed to be no problem.'
So, although it was through a monitor, Jin's face was also visible to Rouj and the others.
However, that judgment of Sangou might have been a failure in the short term, though.
From the perspective of the three sisters, they started with information gained directly through sight—'Jin's face and clothing'—and then added 'the atmosphere Jin exudes,' which even through the screen managed to somehow convey.
As a result, it led to the three of them forming a first impression that was as close to the worst as possible.
This is only with hindsight, but at least this can't be called a success.
The favorability rating that should have risen from being saved plummeted at this point.
However, this was probably just a matter of sooner or later after all.
In any case, it was inevitable that Jin and Rouj and the others would eventually meet face to face.
If that's the case, it would be unavoidable for the elf women to feel aversion towards Jin, a human male, at that stage. In that sense, it might be a very difficult matter to judge as right or wrong.
This will be a digression, but despite having been a hero in a fantasy world, Jin had absolutely no contact with major races that were inhabitants of that world, such as 'elf-san,' 'dwarf-san,' or 'beastman-san.'
Or rather, the Louvre Empire, which abducted Jin under the name of 'summoning,' was an empire of human supremacy, so in the Imperial City Ru, anyone other than pure humans like Jin was excluded and persecuted.
In the Louvre Empire, if people of the so-called 'demi-human categories'—elf, dwarf, beastman tribes—were foolish enough to enter Imperial City Ru, there was even the danger of being killed immediately and unconditionally.
The people of demi-human races would never approach an imperial capital in such a state, so during his hero days, Jin couldn't even see such races, and simply spent his days endlessly hunting monsters and training in the labyrinth adjacent to the imperial capital.
Since the core of the labyrinth adjacent to the imperial capital was the only key item that allowed humans to fly to the Floating Island where the Demon Lord's castle was, the Hero Jin's actions led from clearing the labyrinth to the battle against the Demon Lord.
Since the subsequent flow connects to the opening scene of the first episode, it was inevitable that Jin in his hero days never laid eyes on an elf-san directly.
"I was in a fantasy other world, and this is what I get!"
When he recalls the past, it's unavoidable that Jin says that out of frustration.
Of course, he knew of the existence of elf-san as knowledge, though.
Let's end the digression here and return to the main story.
"Nice to meet you. I am Captain Asada Jin. My family name is Asada and my given name is Jin. Having a family name is nothing other than a custom of my homeland; all citizens of my homeland have family names. So it's not that I am a noble because I have a family name. You may call me 'Captain' or 'Jin.' Then, I would like to begin the meeting."
In Jin's common sense, the 'other world common trope' of assuming that 'anyone with a family name must be a noble!' issue.
Jin, in his self-introduction, addressed that issue in one breath and immediately set out to crush it.
However, in the universe that Jin and Sangou had stumbled into, so to speak, in this world, even commoners—though there are some exceptions—basically have family names properly.
At least, in the Gialpha Galaxy Empire to which the Betasia Count household of the Gialpha Galaxy belongs, that was the common case.
Therefore, 'having a family name = noble' is not common sense here.
Hearing Jin's words, the three of them, Rouj and the others, each had blank expressions.
But such a thing is probably a trivial matter that doesn't matter at all.
"Nice to meet you. I am Rouj ha Betasia, eldest daughter of the Betasia Count household. This is the second daughter, Rinju. And this is the third daughter, Ranju. As you may have already been informed by Sangou-san, I express my thanks once more. Thank you very much for this rescue. And in this meeting, would it be acceptable for me to speak as the representative?"
"Ah, of course, that's fine. However, I'd like you to accept that 'if there is something I absolutely need to confirm directly with Rinju-san or Ranju-san, that would be an exception.'"
"Yes. That will be fine."
Thus the meeting began with this flow of conversation, and Jin's heart was overflowing with joy.
If it were clearly expressed in text, it would be 'Talking with a beautiful elf-san! Talking with a beautiful elf-san!' so if that were to be found out by the other party, he would be labeled a suspicious person straight away.
He's truly a dangerous hero.
Of course, he doesn't show that blatantly on his face, so at least it doesn't surface as a problem.
"Now, what should I start with? Hmm. First, why were you sailing alone with only a transport ship and no escort? And what was the purpose of the transport ship?"
At this time, Jin's greatest objective had been replaced by the act of talking with the beautiful elf-san itself, pushing aside the original goal of obtaining information about the unknown universe.
That fact is a secret that cannot be revealed to anyone.
Because the objective had been replaced, he started with a topic that seemed safe, one that would be fine no matter what reply came.
Of course, he was also thinking of gathering a little information, and once the conversation started, Jin's thinking should gradually switch towards the original objective.
"Yes. It is normal to navigate within the count's territory star systems with only a transport ship. It is, after all, a military vessel, so it has minimal armament, and normally there are no such foolish bandits who would pick a fight with the military. As for the purpose of the transport ship: since this is not a military operation, it's not classified military information, so I can disclose it. The purpose was to transport the three of us to a neutral colony located at the midpoint between our star system and the neighboring one. Of course, we also had trade goods on board."
Regarding the part Rouj said, 'normally there are no such foolish bandits who would pick a fight with the military,' there were corresponding reasons.
"There is a world of difference in the armaments possessed by the military and bandits, and there exists an insurmountable wall in terms of firepower."
Simply put, it comes down to the above.
Jin naturally doesn't know, but in the Gialpha Galaxy Empire, military armaments theoretically do not circulate to anyone other than the military.
Even in the case of being sold off as used goods, they are strictly managed and flow to the territorial armies of low-wealth nobles.
Or they are completely disposed of as scrap.
Therefore, 'normal bandit armaments' are civilian products or their modified versions, and are considerably inferior to military armaments.
However, for bandits who usually only attack civilian ships, that is sufficient.
But.
There are always loopholes and shadowy businesses in everything.
This is only a story limited to a very small number of bandits, but there are cases where they illegitimately obtain military armaments.
Such 'very small limited bandits' naturally also target suitable prey, and they also secure routes for information on profitable prey.
Moreover, the quality of assault jobs taken on in the shadows also naturally becomes of a certain level.
The bandits that attacked Beta One, on which Rouj and the others were passengers, were simply 'of that category.'
Well, putting that aside, the meeting conversation continued.
"Is that so? That's how it is. By the way, let me also talk a little about the circumstances Jin and I carry. Actually, we believe we encountered an accident during a hyperspace jump of undetermined cause. The space zone where we originally should have been is so far that we have no idea where it is. We seem to have wandered into this current position. So, I don't understand anything: 'the circumstances of this star system,' 'the circumstances of this country,' 'the circumstances of this galaxy.'"
The 'own circumstances' that Jin spoke of were nothing but a plausible-sounding big lie fabricated by Sangou.
In other words, the 'lies are expedients' thing.
"That makes sense. This ship—I've never heard of a ship like this being deployed and operated, or rather, 'developed' at all. Its combat capability, as seen from the footage during the battle with the bandits, is impossibly high. But if it's a ship built in a distant place where no information at all reaches my father, then such things might be possible. Besides, just now, when you said 'the language system is different, so we'll translate' regarding the Gialpha Galaxy common language I'm speaking, I already suspected that you are visitors from a place that has built a different civilization."
"Ah, indeed. This ship is a special order. Including Sangou, the organic AI. And, yeah. Without a doubt, both Jin and Sangou and this ship would be products of a different civilization to you and yours. At least in this galaxy, that is."
Even for Jin, it was difficult to broach the main topic: 'As payment for saving you, give us information about this galaxy. Everything you know.'
In the first place, the conversation partner Rouj, though she thanks Jin, does not say anything about 'specific compensation' or 'talk about payment' at all.
"Now, then. Our mutual understanding has progressed somewhat, and I think we have 'gained' at least enough trust that 'I have no intention of harming the three of you.' What do you think?"
"That's right. If you intended to assault us sexually, the current situation would be impossible. Even so, I cannot say 'I trust you completely,' but I do want to trust you, and I also think 'I am in a position where I have no choice but to trust and ask for your help.'"
"A 'request'? What kind of request would that be? And is there compensation for that request?"
"It is to deliver the three of us to the neutral colony, which was our original destination. That is the request. As for compensation for that request: it will also include compensation for the rescue. Since we are not the household heads, the assets we can freely use are modest, and we only have the authority to ask the Count, our father and household head, to pay a reward. The decision-making power on that matter lies solely with the household head. Therefore, I cannot make a promise like 'This is the compensation!' here and now. What should we do?"
From Jin's position, Rouj's statement was the moment a golden opportunity arrived.
With this flow of conversation, it would be possible to demand knowledge from Rouj.
Therefore, Jin spoke as if seizing the chance.
"Is that so? Then first, a confirmation: What happens to the ownership of the 'bandit ship' and 'small craft' we have secured? Also, what about 'Beta One,' which we have also secured? I would like to hear about those two points."
"Regarding materials originating from the bandits, ownership belongs to those who subjugated the bandits. As for 'Beta One,' it is a military-owned ship, so if it were destroyed, it would be the military's obligation to identify the space zone, recover it as much as possible, and dispose of it as scrap. This is a measure to prevent military armaments from being used by non-military personnel, and is stipulated by Imperial law. However, in this case, you have secured the hull of Beta One itself, haven't you? It is very difficult to say this, but first, you are required to notify the military of the location where it is secured, and then you will be required to tow and hand over the ship. You should receive monetary compensation, but if asked if it is 'a reasonable amount to be satisfied with,' the answer would probably be 'no.'"
Regarding the hull of Beta One, from Rouj's explanation, it didn't seem likely to have a pleasant outcome.
Jin began to think that way.
However, the moment the word 'tow' was used, Jin could infer that the inhabitants of this galaxy probably do not have skills like his Storage Space.
If so, the idea of 'moving while carrying the ship' would be outside the scope of imagination for people of the Gialpha Galaxy Empire, and the side demanding the handover would likely think it is 'placed or hidden somewhere.'
In addition.
A means to prove that Jin has the hull currently inside the Storage Space.
Such a thing should not exist for the people of the Gialpha Galaxy Empire.
In short, he could plead ignorance and escape while keeping it.
Such a plan crossed Jin's mind.
Also, in the worst case, for the purpose of destroying evidence, there was even the option of 'having Sangou convert everything into energy and absorb it.'
"Now, what to do?"
It was a difficult point for Jin.
"I see. However, if there is no guard at the location where it is secured, it could be stolen from there, right? If that happens, what happens to 'so-called responsibility for secondary damage'?"
"Let's see. In such a case, based on precedents, you would receive 'a scolding from the military' or something like 'sarcasm,' undergo a strict investigation to see if you 'really aren't hiding it,' and then be released if found innocent."
Rouj's words solidified Jin's plans.
Specifically, 'what did he decide?'?
"Okay! I get it! Let's decide whether to make off with it depending on the military's attitude."
An answer that could not be conveyed to Rouj was reached, and Jin's thinking leaned in a very ominous direction as described above.
"I understand the rights regarding captured items. Now then, let me state the 'main topic' or rather the 'demand for compensation' as the Captain. As I mentioned earlier, we have 'absolutely' no knowledge of this galaxy. Given those circumstances, I would like to ask for information, as much as possible. Of course, from the Count, the head of the Betasia household, I would like to receive compensation that the Count deems appropriate as 'various payments separately.' How does that sound?"
"That seems to be the compromise. However, regarding our household's confidential matters or information that the Gialpha Galaxy Empire does not make public externally, please accept that 'I may choose not to share it.' Under that condition, I will provide knowledge as much as possible."
"Yes. That's fine. Good. If you hadn't provided information, we wouldn't even know the location of the neutral colony we need to head to. Really, it's a relief."
Jin gave a little jab, appealing for 'please disclose as much information as possible.'
"Well, if they provide really dangerous information, it might be troublesome on the contrary!"
However, he firmly hid such true feelings.
In this regard, Jin prefers not to get too close to dangerous things.
Incidentally, Jin had actually identified the space zone where the likely neutral colony, which would be the next destination, was located using Map Magic.
Since he could completely confirm it by just drawing out the proper noun as information from Rouj, the hero's magic was nothing short of cheats.
Thus, the Hero Jin succeeded in getting Rouj to swallow the request for information provision, which was hard for him to bring up himself, by riding the flow of conversation.
In exchange, he ended up having to fulfill the request to properly deliver the three elf women to the neutral colony, though.
What kind of situation awaits at the neutral colony, the new destination?
What is the reason Rouj and the others must go to the neutral colony?
No one knows the future, though.
The hero-sama who, despite not being particularly wise, pretends to be a gentleman and thinks 'I want to avoid getting close to dangerous things,' but in reality has unconsciously done various things in the past; the one who achieved the subjugation of the Demon Lord in the summoned other world.
Regardless of the reasons, Jin had considerable experience in sticking his nose into dangerous things in his life so far.