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

rate’.
The presenter explains that if all goes well, they might be able to produce rare crystals continuously.

The crystal materials harvested from defeated crystal lifeforms are considered as core materials for modern laser weapons, and could also be used for armor.
I think they were also touted as excellent building materials for colonies and space stations.
It was durable yet flexible, and should also be able to possess the property of automatically restoring damaged sections over time if processed properly.

I remember the exploration vessels equipped with rare crystal inner frames and crystal composite armor were the favorite ships of explorer players in SOL who liked to explore deep space since they required minimal maintenance.
They weren’t that suitable for combat though since their overall defenses were relatively on the low end.
Oh, but they were more resistant to laser weapons compared to ships with regular armor though.
Even so, I haven’t flown them at all.

The presentation finally ended before long and the awarding of medals to those who participated in the Crystal Campaign finally began.
Major Serena, who was recognized for her outstanding achievements in strategic planning and information analysis regarding crystal lifeforms, was awarded the Silver Light Order, which was a pretty awesome-looking medal.

“Finally, Princess Luciada will be presenting a medal directly to Captain Hiro, who played a very major role in the battle against the Mother Crystal in the Jerom system and landed the decisive blow that led to its eventual defeat.”

“What?”

“Ue?”

“Eh?”

I didn’t hear about this! The other awardees and participants aside from us began making a fuss.
However, the commotion soon subsided when Princess Luciada left her seat.

“Captain Hiro and his crew members, Ms.
Mimi and Lady Elma Willrose, please come to the front.”

Princess Luciada called out to us in a gentle and quiet voice.
Since she already did so, we had no choice but to respond.
The three of us left our seats and walked toward Her Highness with me leading the other two.

“So you are Captain Hiro…… This is the first time I’ve been able to meet a real-life mercenary.”

“Well, uh, what can I say……? I hope you aren’t disappointed, Your Highness.”

Man.
I found it difficult to find the words to respond to her comment.
The longer we talked, the greater the chance of me messing up somehow, so I hope she’d just give the medal to me and get this over with though.

“I must admit, I’m a little jealous of you, Viscount Willrose’s daughter.
It looks like you also went out to the sea of stars just like my grandmother…… I would like to hear your stories next time if possible.”

“Yes, of course, Your Highness, if given the opportunity.”

Elma answered and bowed gracefully.
Uumu.
She’s really composed.
As expected of a bona fide viscount’s daughter.

“So you are Mimi-san.
We really do look quite alike.”

“Y-Yes.
Um, I’m sorry.”

“There is no need for you to apologize at all.”

Princes Luciada giggled cutely.
Umu, her laugh really resembles Mimi’s as well.

“I’d really like to exchange stories with you, but let’s leave that for later.
Well then, Captain Hiro.
In honor of your brave actions against the Mother Crystal, I now present you the First-class Star Cross medal.”

“I gratefully accept, Your Highness.”

I lowered my head and accepted the medal from Princess Luciada.
Wow.
No wonder they call this thing the Gold Star.
It really was shiny and golden.
The crimson jewel placed on the center of the medal looked quite expensive as well.

“If possible, I would like you to continue using your talents for the empire.”

“I will endeavor to accept any mission as long as the reward is satisfactory.”

It won’t be good to answer ‘yes’ in a straightforward manner here since I had a feeling they’ll use it as a pretense to get me enlisted in the imperial military.
I answered in a typical mercenary fashion while wondering if I was being far too blunt.

“Oh my.
As expected of a mercenary.
Well then, our empire simply must device something in order to keep the services of an excellent mercenary such as yourself.”

“Hahaha…… Please go easy on me, Your Highness.”

My smile couldn’t help but cramp up when I heard the gentle princess utter such ominous-sounding words.
What does she mean by ‘devising something’ anyway? Oh boy.
It’s seriously terrifying so could you please leave it at that, Princess? If I suddenly find myself right in the middle of a scheme, you can bet I’d immediately turn tail and run to the neighboring nation as if my life depended on it.

“Well then, I shall see you all next time.”

We bowed to Princess Luciada and returned to our designated seats.
Oh, man.
That princess sure packs a lot of surprises.
Elma, who was usually cool and composed, now looked quite worn out.
Mimi still seemed quite out of it.
Uh, isn’t her soul seeping out of her mouth? You okay, girl?

Princess Luciada, who just finished presenting me a Gold Star, left the ceremony venue with graceful steps, just the same as when she first appeared.
All of those present stood up and saw her off.
The emcee then declared that the award ceremony was finally over.

The entire thing lasted about an hour and a half or so, I think? We sure made lots of grueling preparations just for the sake of these one and a half hours.
Everything seemed all too quick somehow.

“Haa– It’s finally over.
Okay then, let’s–”

“You bastard! What was the meaning of your appalling behavior toward Her Highness, Princess Luciada earlier, huh!?”

Question: What were my honest feelings when the moment I thought the troublesome stuff was finally over, an even more troublesome fellow suddenly reared his ugly head?

Answer: The heck? You talkin to me, bastard……?

To think something like this would happen at this timing.
Haah.