Chapter 51

The next morning at 6 AM.

The alarm I had set went off.

After brushing my teeth, washing my face, changing clothes, and fixing my bedhead, I went outside the ship.

There, the remnants of the BBQ party from yesterday were still scattered around.

In other words, the trash from the BBQ, such as charcoal, empty cans, paper plates, plastic forks, and knives.

Cleaning this up was out of the question, so I ignored it and went to the cooking tent to have breakfast.

I didn't run into anyone I knew, and when I finished breakfast and came back, the popular kids were arguing with the Earl's private soldiers.

Ignoring their argument, I decided to check my ship.

While checking the fuel and ammunition levels, confirming the radar and thrusters,

"Hey, you there, you ugly fatty! You clean this up! You were the one who made all this mess, weren't you?!"

One of the popular girls said something incomprehensible.

"Yeah, we didn't make this mess, so we don't need to clean it up," the guys with her also spouted similar nonsense.

Clearly, they had made the mess, so why was it my responsibility?

It seemed they genuinely believed that cleaning up after themselves was not their job.

I had experienced similar troublemakers during my school days, so I understood them well.

However, they seemed to have forgotten that the Earl's private soldiers were present.

"Stop making excuses and clean up your own mess! You were the only ones who left a huge mess overnight! And everyone around here has confirmed that you were the ones making a ruckus yesterday! Don't try to shift the blame onto others!"

When the Earl's private soldiers reprimanded them, even the others around glared at them.

It seemed they had caused quite a bit of trouble while I was talking to others.

Unable to bear the glares from everyone, they reluctantly started cleaning up.

However, I was worried about what they might do out of spite, so even after I finished my inspection, I pretended to continue inspecting until they finished cleaning. The Earl's private soldiers were also monitoring them, and once they finished cleaning, they quietly returned to their ships.

However, the girl who had said something incomprehensible to me first went back to the ship next to mine.

After completing the inspection, I equipped a survival backpack with a parachute, just in case I was shot down, and sat in the pilot's seat when a group communication came through for only the members of the ground support team.

"Ground support team, can you hear me! This is Tony Icorai, son of Jack Icorai, the Earl!"

"Ah!"

I couldn't help but exclaim.

The Tony Icorai who appeared on the screen, claiming to be the Earl's son, was the same noble son I had seen at the gun shop the other day.

I didn't expect him to be the Earl's son.

While the Earl apparently has a good reputation, it's not uncommon for the sons of nobles to be different from their parents.

Bracing myself for whatever nonsense he might say,

"I wish I could give you orders as your commander this time!

But, you know what!

I don't intend to interfere at all, so just act on your own according to the requests from the ground forces!

However, I need to report the current situation to my father, so don't forget to report any discoveries, engagements, and defeats!

I can't stand the idea of the money tree that will allow me to live a life of luxury being stolen! It will eventually be mine!

So, try not to destroy the plant! Got it?

We have plenty of supplies and rewards prepared!

Make sure to crush the terrorists who stole my future fortune and tried to kill my future subjects!"

He exuded a somewhat half-hearted arrogance and a love for his hometown?

"Alright, my father will speak to you soon. Everyone, focus on the screen or the air."

As the Earl's son said this, a holographic image was projected into the air.

The image showed a handsome man in his 50s.

This must be Jack Icorai, the Earl of the planet Teura.

He was indeed handsome, but he looked more like the leader of a pirate or mercenary group than a noble, with a wild appearance.

His eyes did resemble his son's, though.

As everyone focused on the image, the Earl began his speech.

"Mercenaries, garrison troops, private soldiers, and militia! Thank you for gathering!

I am Jack Icorai, the Earl who has been entrusted with this planet Teura, inheriting the title from my father.

Terrorists have invaded my planet Teura, demanding the tridium ore vein that my grandfather, father, and I finally discovered, and have occupied part of the energy plant!

I have an idea who they are, but they are thieves!

Initially, we prioritized the evacuation of the citizens and fell behind.

But now that the evacuation is complete, there's no need to hold back!

We will beat the hell out of them and make them regret their arrogance!

Fortunately, the Imperial Navy's 5th and 7th Fleets are deployed in orbit to prevent their escape. Not even a piece of space debris will escape their blockade!

Now, let's depart to crush the terrorists! Don't fall behind!"

He gave a wild speech fitting his appearance and got into an armored vehicle that had arrived nearby.

What? Is he going to the front line himself?

Well, it does look like he will...

Following the Earl, the ground forces and air units began to depart one after another.

To avoid collisions in the crowded area, I took off slowly after the surrounding ships had left.

The air support team, which is responsible for regaining air superiority, will move with the ground forces, so it will take some time to reach the energy plant.

I recalled part of the Earl's speech just now.

I was surprised to learn that the 5th and 7th Fleets were surrounding the planet Teura.

They clearly have no intention of letting the terrorists escape or allowing reinforcements to join them.

The 7th Fleet is a place I've been before, but the 5th Fleet is new to me.

I probably won't meet anyone from them in person.

However, the 5th Fleet is apparently quite formidable.

According to the search engine 'Professor Shirabe Rokus,'

The commander of the 5th Fleet is Rear Admiral Lunaris Bloodwell.

She is a rare female commander and holds the title of Earl.

She is beautiful and competent but is a cold and ruthless pragmatist who shows no mercy to enemies, subordinates, or superiors.

There's a rumor that she once yelled at the Imperial Guard Commander, General Kirect Enderby.

Her subordinates, whether nobles or commoners, are calm and disciplined, and they never take inefficient actions.

There's even a rumor that those who bullied others using their status or rank were called inefficient producers and used as targets in shooting practice, ending up riddled with bullets.

For commoners, the lack of discrimination and bullying might be a relief, but the training is reportedly extremely harsh, so there are few volunteers.

In any case, with these two formidable fleets backing us, there's no chance of reinforcements arriving from space or the terrorists escaping, so I can focus on the operation with peace of mind.

Next is the start of the battle. I'm not good at writing battle scenes, though.

I look forward to your comments, feedback, and any corrections.