Determined to recreate the powered suit, Jin threw himself into considering its specifications with intense fervor.
He debated whether to give it a double-layered structure like a ritter’s armor, layering muscles made of magical fiber in between... or perhaps it would be more efficient to simply reshape the armor itself using Forming magic.
In either case, the basic design had to be armor, as defensive capabilities were indispensable.
"Anyway, let's start with a prototype."
Jin mapped out a plan: first, he would craft armor that fit his own body perfectly, then arrange the artificial muscles on the exterior, and finally place the outer plating over that.
Building armor was no simple task, as he had never attempted it before. He chose his usual light silver for the material, since the suit would be useless if it weren't lightweight.
After a quick lunch of Persica, citran, and apulul—the first time he’d had them in a while—Jin spent the rest of the day fussing over the construction, trying one thing after another until the sun began to set.
"Father, if you do not return soon, you will be late."
He was so absorbed in his work that if Reiko hadn't cautioned him, he likely would have lost himself in the project until midnight.
＊ ＊ ＊
"Good, I made it in time."
When he returned to the hotel, the dining hall appeared to be just finishing its preparations.
"Ah, Jin-sama."
A voice called out to him. Turning around, he saw Reinhard’s butler, Claude.
"Ah, Claude-san."
"You have returned quite late. We will be dining out this evening, so please prepare yourself accordingly."
"Out?"
"Yes. It is an invitation from Elsa-sama’s older brother, Major Fritz."
That made sense, Jin thought. Since they hadn't seen each other in two years, it was only natural for a brother to want a chance to talk properly.
"Understood."
"I shall be waiting for you in the lobby in thirty minutes."
With that, Jin retreated to his room to prepare in a rush.
Since he would be meeting Elsa’s brother, he decided to wear his Honorary Magi Craftman half-coat. He had hoped to take a proper bath first, but there was no time, so he settled for wiping himself down with hot water. Anne and Reiko assisted him.
Finished in twenty minutes, he headed to the lobby to find Reinhard and Claude already waiting.
"Ah, Jin. Elsa went on ahead. It's a bit early, but shall we make a move as well?" Reinhard suggested as soon as he saw him.
He signaled Claude to lead the way out of the hotel.
"The location is very close, sir."
True to his word, they reached the restaurant in about five minutes. It was a three-story building constructed from stone that resembled marble. Depending on one’s perspective, the lack of ornamentation could be seen as either utilitarian or as having a certain functional beauty.
A man who appeared to be a non-commissioned officer wearing a cloak spotted Reinhard and approached.
"You are Lord Reinhard? The major is expecting you. This way, please."
He guided them with the brisk, efficient movements unmistakably belonging to a soldier. Jin, who usually didn't have a high opinion of the military, found himself quietly impressed.
The non-commissioned officer knocked on a heavy wooden door on the second floor.
"Major, the guests have arrived."
The door was opened immediately, and Jin and the others were ushered inside.
"Welcome, Reinhard," Fritz greeted them from the back of the room. Elsa sat beside him, wearing her favorite light green dress.
"Come, please, have a seat."
Reinhard and Jin were led to their places by a server. Jin sat at the foot of the table. Claude stood against the wall, as did Elsa’s wet nurse, Mine.
"Now then, tonight is on me. Please, enjoy yourselves to the fullest."
Fritz raised a wine glass.
"To the health of my sister, Elsa. And to her engagement—cheers!"
He led the toast with gusto, but no one joined him. Instead, their faces were frozen in various expressions of shock.
"!?"
"B-Brother, what are you talking about? This is the first I've heard of this!"
The one most staggered was Elsa herself. She hurriedly pressed Fritz for answers, but he remained perfectly nonchalant.
"What, you didn't know? Father’s letter said you were aware of the arrangement."
Elsa shook her head vigorously. "I didn't know anything about it! Besides, I have no intention of doing such a thing!"
Fritz looked at Elsa with a serious expression and spoke in a patronizing, lecturing tone.
"Elsa, you just turned seventeen, didn't you? At seventeen, you are a grown woman. Didn't you promise that you would get married once this trip was over?"
"I never said that!"
Mine watched the exchange between the siblings with a truly terrifying countenance. Jin was the only one who noticed; since she usually treated him as the enemy, he had glanced her way expecting her to be upset, and sure enough, his suspicion was confirmed.
However, even Mine didn't dare say anything to Fritz.
"Father’s letter specifically mentioned a promise that Elsa would marry after returning from this journey," Fritz insisted.
Reinhard interjected, "Perhaps he took her saying she wanted to see the world before marriage and gave it a very broad interpretation?"
Fritz didn't seem to hear him at all.
"Come now, you're at the right age, and the suitor is from a Marquis's house, no less!" he pushed. "You should know him, since his territory borders ours: Marquis Gehren Teoderik von Eisen. He lost his wife last year and has been searching for a successor. Father took it upon himself to offer your hand."
Elsa’s face turned deathly pale. Fritz, oblivious to her distress, continued.
"Even if it is as a second wife, you would be entering the house as his primary wife. This is a grand opportunity. It's practically a fairy-tale marriage. Well? Aren't you happy?"
"..."
Elsa was no longer able to form words. Seeing her state, Jin found he could no longer remain silent.
"Um, Fritz-sama. What about Elsa's own will in this?"
Fritz glanced at Jin, then gave a dismissive snort.
"Will? What use does a noble daughter who isn't the heir have for a will? It is a woman's duty to marry someone who will benefit the family."
At those words, the last bit of color drained from Elsa's face. Reinhard, unable to watch any longer, tried to soothe the situation.
"Fritz, that's a bit much, don't you forget? Anyone would be shocked to hear about an engagement so suddenly."
"Hmph. Reinhard, I certainly hope you aren't thinking of keeping Elsa as a mistress? You already have a fiancé back home, after all."
Fritz's face was slightly flushed. Despite his appearance, he was perhaps weak to alcohol.
"Of course not. Elsa is a dear younger cousin to me. Nothing more and nothing less. But that is exactly why I want her to be happy."
However, the worked-up Fritz was no longer in a listening mood.
"That's why I'm telling you, there is hardly any greater happiness than marrying into a Marquis's house!"
Elsa slumped, her eyes brimming with tears. Fritz seemed to interpret this as mere maidenly shyness.
"Now then, everyone! For the sake of my sister Elsa’s happiness, another toast!"
He boomed out his cheers alone. The parties involved—Elsa, Reinhard, and Jin—were so dejected the atmosphere felt more like a funeral wake.
Naturally, no one had any appetite, and most of the dishes were taken away untouched.
Fritz, the very person who had caused the gloom, seemed to think nothing more of it than that they were simply too exhausted from their travels to eat.
＊ ＊ ＊
That night, after returning to the hotel, Jin visited Reinhard’s room.
"Jin, is it? I was just about to head over to your room myself."
Reinhard offered him a chair. Once Jin sat, Reinhard bowed his head.
"Jin, I'm sorry. Fritz didn't used to be like that."
Jin stopped him before he could go on. "It's not something you need to apologize for, Reinhard. More importantly, I'm worried about Elsa."
"Yeah, I agree. I can't believe he suddenly dropped a marriage proposal on her like that."
"The fact that he truly believes it’s for Elsa's sake is what makes it so difficult," Jin muttered.
Reinhard gave a bitter smile. "True, becoming a Marchioness is a prestigious thing. It would certainly bring luster to Elsa’s family name. But the partner in question is the problem..."
"Is he that bad?" Jin asked bluntly.
"Well... the Marquis is fifty-three this year, if I recall. And quite overweight. Though, I suppose he's a bit better looking than Earl Guarana."
Even so, Jin couldn't see how this could be considered a good match.
"Are marriages between nobles always like that?"
"Yes. At least, the archaic nobility is still like that. Especially the military lineages. My father doesn't share those views, but my uncle... well, he’s become rather obsessed with social climbing."
Sensing Reinhard’s difficulty in discussing his family, Jin changed the subject. "Reinhard, you don't need to speak ill of your relatives. Let's just go check on Elsa."
"Yeah, you're right."
The two of them went together to Elsa’s room. They were met at the door by the butler, Adberg.
"The young lady has already retired for the night."
"I see. That's for the best."
If she was already asleep, there was nothing more they could do until morning. Jin and Reinhard bid each other goodnight and returned to their respective rooms.