Laojun remained busy with his work.
To support Jin, he established the following immediate objectives:
- Construct a port for aircraft carriers.
- Investigate whether any high-ranking government officials, starting with those in the Celuroa Kingdom, had fallen under the influence of Hypno or Seduce magic.
- Research methods to utilize the Mermaid Squad for deep-sea resource surveys.
- Manufacture weapons for the golems.
- Further improve the one-way Warp Gates.
- Develop an aircraft capable of transporting Titans.
- Manufacture heavy-duty golems based on the Titan model for industrial labor.
- Mass-produce Magi-Jammers and Paralyzers.
In addition, he decided to station guards in the Warp Gate room. This was both to prevent accidents like the recent one and to secure the facility against intruders.
He also maintained constant surveillance via mana-telecams. If Jin were to see this, he would likely remark that they were essentially security cameras.
While Jin had not given explicit orders for any of these tasks, they were all necessary measures considering his ultimate goals.
"My Lord will certainly be surprised when he returns," Anne said with a warm smile as she assisted him.
As a final minor detail, Laojun took over the task of receiving Reinhard’s scheduled reports, politely declining them by stating, "My Lord is currently away."
Since nothing out of the ordinary had occurred on Reinhard’s end that day, that was the end of the matter.
＊ ＊ ＊
Jin and Elsa arrived at the hot spring under the cover of night.
Elsa had missed her chance to bathe the day before, and after she had quietly consulted him, Jin had made these arrangements.
No villagers were present at this hour, as there were no lights. Jin had chosen this time out of consideration for Elsa, who was still not entirely comfortable around strangers.
Since they had Light Balls for illumination, neither of them had any trouble seeing.
"Well then, I’ll be over on this side," Jin said.
A youthful voice followed immediately after.
"Then Atashi will go in with Big Sister Elsa!"
Hanna had come along as well.
"N. Let's go in together, Hanna-chan."
It seemed Elsa had already completely opened up to the young girl.
Jin soaked in the Kaina Village hot spring for the first time in quite a while. It felt like having a private reservation.
"Ahhh... I missed out yesterday for one reason or another, so this is great."
If absolutely necessary, Jin could use craft magic like Deodorant or Cleanup to stay fresh, but a hot spring was truly special.
"Big Sister Elsa, you’re so pretty."
Meanwhile, in the women's bath, Hanna and Elsa were soaking harmoniously in the steaming water.
"I’m sure you’ll be beautiful too, Hanna-chan."
"You think so? Do you think Atashi can become Jin Onii-chan's bride?"
Faced with such a direct question, even Elsa found herself at a loss for words.
"U-Uh, yeah. Jin-nii cherishes you very much, Hanna-chan."
That was the best she could manage.
＊ ＊ ＊
On this occasion, Reiko remained outside the hot spring to stand guard—an unusual move for her. This was partly because Jin wanted a moment of solitude, but also because she wanted this chance to coordinate with Laojun.
"Laojun, how are things on your end?"
"Everything is proceeding smoothly. There is much to do, but it is all for My Lord’s sake."
"I see. We simply devote ourselves entirely to Father."
"On that note, I would like My Lord to return to the island for a brief period when he has the time."
"Is there a process that only Father can perform?"
"Correct. I need him to manufacture the control cores for the heavy-duty golems."
"Understood. I will ask Father later."
"Thank you. One more report: another Gigas core has been located."
"That leaves only two more, does it not?"
"Yes. However, the investigation of the ruins has seen little progress."
"That cannot be helped. Is there a need to increase our numbers?"
"For the time being, the Quinta units are sufficient for the task."
"Understood."
＊ ＊ ＊
"Hey, Elsa! Hanna! I’m getting out now!"
"Okay, Onii-chan!"
After an exchange between the men’s and women’s baths that sounded like something out of an old movie, Jin stepped out of the water.
The spring night air felt wonderful against his flushed skin. Soon after, Elsa and Hanna emerged as well.
Both had damp hair and cheeks flushed a soft cherry blossom pink, lending them a subtle air of charm—though in Hanna’s case, it was more adorable than anything else.
Jin walked ahead, lighting the night path with a Light Ball. Hanna was in high spirits, holding hands with Elsa on one side and Jin on the other.
Reiko followed silently a few paces behind the three of them.
It was a picture of absolute peace.
＊ ＊ ＊
Late that night, long after Hanna had fallen asleep.
Jin was receiving a brief report from Reiko.
"Hmm, I see. I suppose I should head back once."
However, he was worried about Hanna. When Jin voiced his concern, Reiko offered a suggestion.
"Father, if that is the case, why not simply invite Hanna-chan to Hourai Island or Kunlun Island?"
"Hmm, that is an idea. In that case, it should be Kunlun Island where Elsa stays. Reiko, will you look after Hanna during that time?"
Reiko nodded at Jin's question.
"Yes. If that is what you wish, Father."
Feeling relieved, Jin gave Reiko his final instructions.
"Alright. Tomorrow, after we have breakfast, let's head back. We’ll go via the laboratory, drop Elsa off at Kunlun Island, and have Hanna stay there as well."
＊ ＊ ＊
"How is the war situation?"
"Yes, everything is moving in favor of our faction."
"Heh, that is excellent news. By the way, what of the information regarding the magi craftman that has been a concern lately?"
"Yes. It was worth keeping Marcello of the 6th Branch alive; we have managed to extract some information."
"How intriguing. And? What did he say?"
"Well, some of the details lack credibility, likely due to his own confusion at the time. However, he refers to the individual as a 'Mysterious Golem Master' who commands a golem capable of fighting our Strongest Golem to a standstill."
"A 'Mysterious Golem Master,' you say...?"
"Is something wrong? Surely he is no match for our comrades."
"No... I find myself interested in this person. Could it be... a relative of Adriana?"
"What?"
"No, it is nothing. Please continue your efforts to restore the 'Ancient Kingdom'."
"Yes, as you command."
"Adriana Barbora Tsetse... Even now, do you intend to stand in my way?"