Chapter 8

### Explanation

I changed the protagonist's home planet to Ittsu.

---

Ever since I became a mercenary, every time I meet this guy, he says the same thing, and I'm getting sick of it.

This guy, Rior Bannext, is the second son of a noble family who came to the imperial planet due to some complicated circumstances and enrolled in an ordinary high school on my home planet, Ittsu.

Why did a noble like Bannext get chosen for the mercenary recruitment program?

I can only guess that he was treated as expendable by his family.

Otherwise, a noble like him wouldn't be attending an ordinary school like mine, nor would he have become a victim of a crime.

During his school years, he was a victim in a tragic incident, and after graduation, he joined the imperial army based on his achievements.

Now, he is a major, an ace pilot, and a central figure in propaganda, a typical rags-to-riches protagonist.

My response to Bannext's words is always the same.

"I've already told you, I don't want to join the military because the chances of dying are higher."

"But that's the same for mercenaries! The military offers better benefits and welfare, and you'd be contributing to the empire!"

Even though I make it clear that I'm not interested, he insists on pushing his opinion.

Why does Bannext want me to join the military so much?

He probably genuinely believes that being a mercenary is a shady business and that if I'm going to do the same kind of work, I should do it in the military. He might also have a grudge against mercenaries due to a past incident with a mercenary group.

But the reality is harsh.

My home planet was the capital of a country called the Galactic Democratic Republic until 70 years ago, when it was invaded and colonized by the empire.

As a result, discrimination based on one's home planet is common, especially in the military, where I would likely be used as a shield for nobles or a stress reliever.

A beautiful woman might even be asked to offer her body.

Even if I achieve many accomplishments, they might be taken from me, and I could be blamed for failures.

In some cases, I might even be falsely accused of insubordination and punished.

This isn't just a problem for colonials; even original citizens of the empire face similar issues.

While the pay might be higher than a regular salary, it's not worth the risk to my dignity and life.

Bannext probably doesn't understand these issues.

Moreover, he genuinely believes that his recruitment efforts are a form of kindness.

To be honest, I don't want to have anything to do with him.

If I join the military, he will definitely try to involve me.

The mercenary guild, on the other hand, is a much more comfortable environment.

It's mostly self-responsibility, but there are no strings attached.

Who would want to join the military?!

"Mercenaries also contribute to the empire by maintaining order and transporting supplies."

"True, but you could do the same in the military. The emperor would be pleased."

Another reason for his recruitment efforts might be that he's trying to improve his standing with the emperor.

The current 38th emperor, Her Majesty Armelia Flannodol Ovols, is a beautiful woman with silver-blue hair, black eyes, and fair skin, and is a topic of discussion on the internet as the "beautiful emperor."

He might be trying to get closer to her by recruiting people and boosting his own status.

This might be a bit cynical, but it's not impossible.

He might even be childhood friends with the emperor.

Incidentally, the longer I talk to Bannext, the more my life is in danger.

The reason is that his female entourage is glaring at me with intense expressions, and they have military-grade laser guns, which is no joke.

Of course, they would be punished for murder, but as nobles, they might not face charges, making it a real possibility.

They probably think I'm ruining their outing.

I want to end this pointless conversation.

Can't you tell I don't want to talk?

But they won't understand.

So, I'll use them to my advantage.

"Anyway, I'm not joining the military. By the way, isn't it rude to keep your date waiting? I don't want to interfere with your date."

When I pointed this out, he seemed to remember his companions and turned to them.

"It's not a date! I'm sorry, ladies. I've kept you waiting."

After denying it was a date, he gave them an apologetic smile.

Just his smile made the women's glares soften.

"That's not true. A major who cares about his friends is wonderful!"

One of them looped her arm through his.

Then,

"I'm free later, so it's fine."

Another did the same.

This started a competition to claim Bannext as their date.

"Hey, ladies? Stop grabbing my arm!"

As they started to argue, I took the opportunity to leave.

"There you go. You're on a date. I'll be going now."

"Wait! We still have to talk... What?!"

I quickly left, leaving Bannext, who was immobilized by the women, behind.

I'll go to the anime shop tomorrow... I'm too tired.

I went back to my room, took a shower, ate a bento I bought from a nearby convenience store, checked some websites, and went to bed.

---

### From Rior Bannext's Perspective

John Uzus, one of the survivors from that incident in my first year of high school.

Why doesn't he accept my advice?

Joining the imperial army and achieving accomplishments would be a better way for him, a colonial planet native, to contribute to the empire. Why doesn't he choose that path?

If he joins the military and is assigned to my direct unit, he could achieve a decent position and contribute to my achievements!

He could even help the hardworking Armelia!

I see!

He's being considerate of me!

He thinks that as a colonial planet native, he would be a burden to me, a pure-blooded imperial noble!

But I don't care about that.

Next time we meet, I'll inform him that he will be assigned to my direct unit, and he'll happily join the military.

With his quick judgment, he would make a great adjutant!

While being held by the women, I was satisfied with my thoughts.

---

### End of Rior Bannext's Perspective

Thank you for your comments, feedback, and any corrections.