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

# 012 – Shopping with Mimi

Doing “the act” with Mimi went relatively smoothly; no doubt all thanks to the “medicine” Elma gave her. Still, it’s good that her first time was virtually painless. Mimi was already mentally exhausted from all that commotion yesterday, and right now I’ve caused her to be physically exhausted as well. Now, she was sleeping soundly right next to me.

I, on the other hand, was busy thinking about the future. It’s necessary to have a concrete goal in mind after all. It’s kinda depressing if you pass each day simply for the sake of living.

First of all, it’s become even more necessary to purchase a detached house with a garden on a residential planet. I’ll make this my biggest long-term goal for now. I was initially all gung-ho about it for the purpose of drinking carbonated beverages, but now that Mimi and I have progressed to this type of relationship, things have changed. We need somewhere we can call home.

Of course, we never know what the future holds, so there was still a possibility that I and Mimi might not end up together. I don’t have any idea about what exactly Mimi thinks about all this too, so I can’t conclude anything.

Wether I do end up with Mimi or with someone else instead, having a place to call home was still absolutely essential. That is, if I wanted to live a proper life.

Eh? Don’t I want to go back to my previous world? Well of course I do – if the chance presents itself anyway. I don’t even have any idea how to go back. First of all, I don’t know the exact reason why I was transferred over to this world. I also don’t have any concrete leads about finding a possible method for going back as of now.

In the first place, it seems I can actually have an easier time making a living in this world. I think I got really lucky by having such a powerful ship, successfully registering as a mercenary and obtaining a considerable amount of funds.

But I don’t intend to just blindly focus on this world’s positives either. The mercenary profession was, by its very nature, a truly dangerous job. You’ll always be closely brushing with death. This was no longer a game, so you can’t just respawn whenever you get your ass handed to you. Once you kick the bucket, it’ll be permanent.

If the ship gets badly damaged, I’d likely have to fork out a considerable sum to get it fixed up. It was possible that I’d be forced to sortie in a less-than-ideal condition. If I don’t scrape up enough for maintenance, it was also possible for me to die from going bankrupt as well.

The dangers I needed to face aren’t limited to the times I’m onboard the ship either. I would probably have to get out of the ship from time to time just like yesterday in order to take care of some business. Once I do, there was a danger of getting ambushed and killed present. If I continue to hold on to the same sense of security I had during my time in Japan, I’d probably get done in real quick. And if I do die like that, Mimi would probably have no other choice but to follow suit.

“Hrmm…”

So this is what it means to shoulder someone else’s life huh. It’s quite the heavy responsibility. I have to think of some proper countermeasures. Guess I’ll head over to the Mercenary Guild tomorrow or the next day in order to get some advice from the receptionist uncle.

I’ll be heading out for some shopping with Mimi tomorrow after checking her vitals. I actually forgot to check it tonight because of what happened. Will the medicine she took have any effects…?

Guess I’ll know for sure once I check her up tomorrow. For now, I’ll also get some shut-eye. Once we wake up tomorrow, we’ll first take a shower, eat up and then proceed with checking up Mimi’s vitals afterwards.

After finalizing tomorrow’s schedule, I closed my eyes while relishing Mimi’s warmth. Looks like it’ll be a good night’s sleep.

✩★✩

“Huh?”

I woke up due to being assaulted by a ticklish sensation. Wondering just what caused it, I opened my eyes and found a head full of vibrant, reddish brown hair snuggling up on top of my chest.

“What’re you up to there, Miss?”

“Fuwaah!?”

The head with vibrant, reddish brown hair trembled after hearing my voice. Her brown eyes met mine. We stared at each other blankly for a few moments.

When I placed my hand on the ticklish spot – in other words, the center of my chest – I found a smaller, softer, more delicate hand groping around on top of it. Looks like this hand was busy doing naughty things.

“Hm? What’s this, I wonder? What were you up to?”

“Fue~e… U-Um… T- This is, uh…”

“You know Mimi, when you do naughty stuff to someone else, you better be prepared to be on the receiving end as well.”

“Eh? Eeeh?!”

“An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth y’know…”

“Eh? A- Ahn…”

We played around first thing in the morning. It felt really good.

“Okay then, for today’s schedule…”

“Yes.”

I talked about the day’s itinerary after having breakfast with Mimi. Because of the little “incident” earlier, we ended up running a bit behind schedule. Well, it wasn’t as if we were in any particular hurry anyway. We had more than enough funds. And after running the safety check protocols, the ship turned out to be in tip-top condition. There wasn’t any particular need for some extra maintenance.

Of course we couldn’t afford to deplete our assets, so we needed to find a way to earn some cash soon. But it wasn’t that urgent of a priority.

After the meal Mimi would undergo a full check up of her vitals. We’ll shop for some daily essentials next. Then we’ll buy a portable data terminal for her as well. Finally, we’ll head to the Mercenary Guild to ask that receptionist uncle for advice about Mimi’s future training regimen and other stuff. It’s best to ask the Mercenary Guild about anything concerning mercenary work after all.

“We’ll go around today following this schedule.”

“Yes. Understood.”

After finishing our meals, I finally took Mimi’s vitals using the med-pod after a quick thirty minute break. The results of the vital check was good. She was a bit fatigued, but there was no indication of catching any illnesses.

I was relieved with the results. Mimi also seemed glad. Taking care of ones body is important after all. Health is wealth, and all that.

“Alright then. Let’s get going. Wear some clothes with as less skin exposure as possible please.”

“Yes.”

“Let’s meet up at the dining area after you get changed.”

I already got changed earlier, so I just waited for Mimi – who currently wore thin, revealing clothes for the vital check – to change her outfit. We’re going to live together from now on, so it’s best to set up some basic house rules as well. I’ll talk about it with Mimi when we get back.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

“Well that was quick.”

“I just needed to change clothes after all.”

And here I thought women took a while to get dressed. Oh well. It doesn’t hurt that she’s quick. Yep.

We went to one of the stores I researched about yesterday in order to buy daily necessities. It was quite convenient that we could buy a lot of the things we needed in a drugstore in the area. They sold various things – from food, sweets, cosmetics, clothing and underwear to daily necessities for women. And of course, they sold medicine as well.

“When you need to buy things a woman particularly needs, be sure to consult with a female clerk. Tell them you’re boarding a starship and buy as many items you think are important.”

“Um, okay…”

“Listen up. When we depart from this colony on the ship, we may not be able to go to port for at least a few months. If our luck’s particularly bad, we would not be able to replenish our stock for up to half a year. If you mess up and buy too little due to feeling some restraint, it’ll eventually return to bite us back in the ass. Always keep that in mind, alright?”

“Yes!”

Mimi nodded with a serious expression. Actually, I was also a bona fide newbie, so it really wasn’t my place to talk man!

In any case, I talked to a male store clerk and started stocking up on things needed for a long space voyage.

Basing on the clerk’s suggestions, I ended up purchasing three sets of emergency kits for injuries and illnesses and stuff used by the med-pod to treat said injuries and illnesses. I also purchased some spare underwear and shirts, soap and shampoo for bathing and replacement water filters.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

While I was having the items I bought confirmed by the male clerk, Mimi came back with the female clerk in tow. Her face was a bit flushed. Was she okay? The female clerk was also grinning mischievously… I have a bad feeling about this.

“Well, isn’t she such a nice girl. Go enjoy each other’s company as much as you like later on, kay.”

“……”

“……”

I looked straight at Mimi, but she kept trying to avoid my gaze with a beet red face. Yeah, I’m not that much of a dense bastard, so I could already sort of imagine what kind of things she ended up buying. I’ll ask the female clerk, just in case.

“It’s safe to use right? It won’t be funny if that stuff has some serious side effects such as causing addiction or dependency y’know.”

“Rest assured. The safety of our products is guaranteed.”

“So it’s something necessary for her then?”

“Yes, you could say so. It would greatly help her feel better whenever her period comes as well.”

“I see. Well, it’s something we guys don’t get to experience after all. If you say it’s okay, then I’ll take your word for it.”

I was told it was different for each person, but I heard that some would feel so terrible that they would be unable to move around much as a result. Just imagining the fact that you’d suffer from its effects for a few days to more than a week was quite distressing. Looks like we really need something to prevent that from happening after all.

Or rather, if it hits her while in the middle of operating the ship and caused me to make a piloting error as a result, we’d probably be turned into space debris. Well, since this world is a lot more technologically advanced, this stuff should be more safe and effective than the ones I’m familiar with from back in my world.

“Alright then. Please transfer all of them to my ship.”

“Thank you for your purchase dear customer.”

I paid with my portable terminal and completed the necessary procedures. With this, the supplies should already be in the cargo bay when we come back to the ship. I then went to the shop which sells electronics together with the blushing Mimi.

“We’ll get you a terminal and a tablet model.”

“W- We’re buying two of them?”

“Hm, I want a tablet myself, so we’ll buy three.”

The portable terminal would be used for basic communications and monetary transactions. The tablet would be for training, work and entertainment. I’m planning to let Mimi train in the basics of being a ship operator, and the tablet would be one of the tools she would use for that.

For work, she’ll learn about basic asset management and contact procedures with the Mercenary Guild and other important institutions.

As for entertainment, it would be more convenient to watch videos and play games on a bigger screen. And yeah, I’m buying a tablet of my own to use mainly for entertainment purposes. I could actually just borrow Mimi’s, but that would be too much of a hassle.

“It’s so expensive…!”

It seems Mimi was hesitant about buying the high end models, but skimping on quality just because you want to save some cash might backfire in the long run. The cheaper ones may malfunction or break down easier after all, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Next stop should be a women’s clothing store. I bought my spare underwear and clothes in the drugstore, but it wasn’t the case for Mimi. I actually wanted to have Mimi go to the clothing store by herself while I head on over to the Mercenary Guild. But, considering our circumstances, it wasn’t that advisable. It’s better if I tag along with her after all. However, it’s a women’s clothing store y’know…

“……”

“Um, what’s the matter?”

“No, uh… Isn’t the clothing selection kinda… y’know… unusual?”

The stuff lined up on the window displays were mostly things like nurse, maid, magical-girl and bunny girl costumes – among other clothing catering to certain *ehem fetishes. All of them have this sort of cyberpunk feel incorporated in their designs.

“Is that so? I think they all look very beautiful. But they seem pretty expensive.”

“Eh? That’s all?”

“Um, yes. What’s wrong?”

“No, uh… Anyway, do you want to have a look around?”

“Yes please.”

Looks like girls really do enjoy shopping for clothes. Mimi seemed quite excited about the prospect anyway.

Mimi seemed to hold no doubts about the clothing sold in the store. But to me, they look like kinky cosplay costumes no matter how you slice it. Were these types of oddball clothes the latest trend in fashion in this world? I entered the store feeling a little uneasy, but the shop interior actually looked surprisingly normal…

“Nope. I spoke too soon.”

“???”

Mimi curiously tilted her head when she heard me. Cosplay costumes here. Cosplay costumes there. Cosplay costumes freaking everywhere! Sure, they were designed in a futuristic fashion, but they were still cosplay costumes man! No, maybe this was just a specialty area in this store. I’m sure they have normal-looking clothes for sale in the back. Probably. I hope.

Or rather, I couldn’t spot anyone walking around wearing these kinds of clothes. Maybe they simply aren’t able to sell this stuff?

“Welcome!”

A female shop clerk wearing a futuristic bunny ear headband appeared from within the store sporting her best business smile. Her uniform offered little skin exposure, but it really resembled a bunny suit nonetheless.

“We came to buy some clothes for her but… do you sell any normal clothes not catering to any sort of strange hobby in this store?”

“Of course we do dear costumer.”

“Alright then. Go ahead and buy all the clothes and underwear you need Mimi. As for me…”

“We have some seats over there sir. You can rest there if you like.”

“Got it.”

“Uh, um…”

“Don’t worry about the prices. Buy as much as you need. Okay?”

“Yes.”

Mimi nodded obediently. That’s more like it. It’s way better than her holding back.

“You’re quite the generous one, aren’t you dear customer.”

“This girl is an apprentice merc. Nah, she’s an apprentice ship operator. You can pretty much tell my occupation from my outfit right?”

“You’re a registered mercenary right? So that means this girl will be boarding your ship huh?”

“Yeah, that’s right.”

“Hmmm…?”

The shop clerk kept glancing back and forth between me and Mimi.

“We have a considerable selection here – ranging from the prim and proper to the bold and daring. You’ve really done well for yourself, haven’t you oniisan?”

“……Please choose some clothes fit for a mercenary ship operator. As for other clothes, just pick out what this girl likes best.”

“Understood. Sa~a, sa~a. Please come with me dear customer.”

“Eh… Uh… Okay.”

The shop clerk dragged the flustered Mimi further inside the store.

“Now then…”

I’m sure it’ll take some time for them to finish shopping. It seems there’s only women’s clothing as merchandise in this store. Since that’s the case, it’ll be awkward if I try to wander around here on my own. I took out my mobile data terminal and opened the messaging app. Of course the only registered contact was a certain disappointing space elf.

“You’ve really done it this time. Way to go with egging her on lady.”

“I did it for the sake of the two of you okay. You seem like an inexperienced young master, so if I didn’t go that far you two would never have progressed,” came the quick reply.

Was she languishing in boredom again? She did say the System armed forces were making preparations for subjugating the pirates or something yesterday. Looks like she’s staying on standby today as well due to it.

“Well? Did you go and do it?”

“To think I’d actually experience a lady asking me if I went and did it with another girl… Well, that ended up being the case, yeah.”

“If you actually said you didn’t do anything after all that, I was planning on heading over to your ship right away and giving you a piece of my mind mister.”

“Ooh, scary.”

An animated image of a cartoonish cat-creature punching a mouse-creature was sent to my terminal. So this messaging app had this kind of function huh?

“So what’s your business with me? Don’t tell me you messaged me just to air out your grievances?”

“Nah. Y’see I kinda want Mimi to learn about how to be a ship operator, so I was wondering if you knew wether or not the Mercenary Guild has some learning materials, technical manuals or educational apps for the job.”

“Isn’t it better if you asked the Mercenary Guild directly…? Well, I did hear they had some of those though.”

“So they do have them then. Can I get some personal copies at the branch office?”

“That I don’t know. But I did hear that the Mercenary Training Institute run by the Guild makes use of that sort of stuff. You better ask at the Guild directly for more details.”

“Aye ma’am!”

I selected an animated image of a penguin giving a crisp salute from the menu and sent it to Elma. I ended up killing time with the messaging app, talking about things like the results for Mimi’s vitals check-up and the fact that I was free because Mimi was busy choosing clothes.

Mimi and the store clerk finally returned after some time. Since they don’t seem to be carrying anything on them, the clothes were probably already sent to the ship.

“All finished?”

“Y- Yes!”

When I turned towards the clerk, she gave me an ambiguous smile in return. Oh boy. Everything’s fine right…?

“How much is it?”

“This is the total price of the goods sir.”

The clerk handed me a tablet terminal. There was a 3D image of Mimi wearing what looked like a futuristic bunny girl outfit on the screen. The image was composed by an app which combines the data of a person’s body shape and the clothes to create a realistic approximation of how they would look when worn.

Umu. Mimi’s chest assets certainly possessed extreme offensive power. Rather, they’re on the verge of spilling out oi! Ah, how indecent!

“I’m sorry. I seem to have made a mistake sir.”

“Can you delete that?”

The store clerk nodded in reply, but came closer and whispered something to me.

“If you register as an official VIP member, we can give you recommendations regarding the most suitable clothes to purchase by collating the data from all our chain stores. You can also make purchases online and get updates once new products get released.”

“…Can I get that clothing trial thing installed on my terminal too?”

“Of course dear customer. If you install our exclusive app, you’ll be able to use that feature freely.”

“You got yourself a deal lady.”

I paid for the clothes and got myself registered as a VIP member as well. The price was reasonable too. It was way cheaper compared to the price of ammo for my ship’s cannons and my ultimate “trump card” in any case. This is considering my total assets as well.

After paying up, we headed to the main destination for today; the Mercenary Guild.

“We’re going to the Mercenary Guild next.”

“Yes.”

“Actually, there’s an uncle with a really scary face over there. He’s kinda a perfect fit for the image of a Mercenary Guild.”

“I- I see.”

“But he’s actually quite a nice guy once you get to know him. And the place really looks like your usual government office, so you don’t have to feel so nervous okay.”

“Yes!”

Man. Just looking at Mimi’s smiling face heals my poor, little heart. You may have other opinions, but I say cute is justice!

But Mimi’s such a cute girl after all… I think it would be better if she learned some self defense techniques or had a weapon for protecting herself on her. Guess I’ll ask the receptionist uncle about this sort of stuff as well.