After finishing the installation of the deep-well pump, Jin and Reinhard were treated to a lavish dinner by the delighted proprietor.
The inn owner’s gratitude was immense. He went so far as to plead with Jin to install the same device in the wells serving the kitchen, the baths, and the washrooms.
Reinhard, sensing that things would spiral out of control if they didn't draw a line, consulted with Jin after dinner. They decided to transfer the technology for the pump to the local Magi Engineer Guild.
They set two specific conditions:
First, the technology must be taught to the Magi Engineer Guild of this town. Second, the technology must not be monopolized.
Before the night was over, the Guild Master of the Hatata Guild arrived in person.
"My name is Coats Roadite. A pleasure to meet you, Jin-dono. And Reinhard-sama, I have heard many rumors of your skill."
"The pleasure is mine. Since we don't have much time, let's begin immediately."
With those words, Jin demonstrated the construction of a pump, this time using bronze provided by the Guild.
"Oho, this is a fascinating structure."
As expected of a Guild Master, Coats Roadite’s aptitude as a magi engineer was formidable.
"I see. The core components are this cylinder, the piston, and the valves, correct?"
"That's right. At the very least, the sliding parts should be treated with Hardening—ideally, they should be coated with adamantite. If that's not possible, regular inspection and maintenance will be necessary."
"I understand. However, adamantite is out of the question for us, so we'll have to make do with Hardening."
Jin had Coats Roadite build one pump as well. When the man completed it without any issues, Jin was internally impressed.
When he asked Reinhard about it later, he learned that Coats was considered one of the top ten magi engineers in the Shouro Empire, which made Jin nod in understanding.
＊ ＊ ＊
"Man, Jin, great work today!"
It was 11:00 PM by the time they finished installing pumps in all of the inn's wells with Coats Roadite's help.
Reinhard was clearly exhausted. After calling out to Jin, he retired to his bedroom. Jin was also tired and about to enter his own room when Mattheus stopped him.
"Jin-dono, today was magnificent. It's frustrating that I could do nothing but watch, unable to offer any help at all."
He confessed his feelings with a sigh.
"In that case, please get some rest."
"Thank you. Good night."
Jin replied and finally stepped into his room.
"Father, thank you for your hard work," Reiko said.
"Yeah, good job. I haven't been able to receive a report from Laojun—has anything changed?"
When Jin asked, Reiko answered.
"Yes. It seems Rock and the other four have safely returned to the rest station."
"Oh, that's good to hear."
"Yes. Land R and Land S discovered Rock and his group on their way back to the village and are covertly escorting them the rest of the way."
"Right, that's fine. They did well."
Jin felt a weight lift from his shoulders now that the conscripted villagers had returned safely.
"Also, I have been informed that the castle is complete."
"Oh, is that so?"
Jin was delighted.
"Ah—I'm too tired tonight, so I'll try going back tomorrow night instead."
"As you wish."
Upon learning there were no further reports, the exhausted Jin lay down and slept soundly until morning.
＊ ＊ ＊
"What?! The highway is open for travel already?!"
"Yes. It appears a group called 'Nostalgia' performed the work in the middle of the night."
"Nostalgia again... Those meddling fools."
Silence hung in the room for a long moment.
"...Buy up all the salt."
"Pardon?"
"Kaina Village cannot produce salt. It is brought in by traveling merchants. Buy up every bit of it in the villages along the route."
"I hear that for merchants, reputation is everything. Will they really sell all of it?"
"They can leave a tiny amount if they must. I'll pay triple the price. Use threats if you have to."
"...Understood."
"However, do not let my name be mentioned."
Deneb 29, the Quinta unit assigned to Earl Walter, heard every word of the order.
＊ ＊ ＊
"To think that Jin-san had taken Kaina Village as a leased territory..."
Lishia murmured while combing her hair on her bed at home.
The story she had heard from Gloria had been unofficial, but today, upon reporting for duty, Lishia had heard the news directly from the chancellor.
"It's definitely Jin-san."
After hearing the details, Lishia reaffirmed that the Honorary Magi Craftman of the Kingdom of Egerea was indeed the young man she knew.
"I see. That is convenient then. Fahlheit, as of today, you are on leave from the Relief Ritter Corps. You are to become our messenger to Kaina Village."
"A messenger, you say?"
"Yes. You will be treated as our country's ambassador to the leased territory. Since the two of you are acquaintances, Jin-dono should have a good impression of you. Arrange your own lodging and such. I will provide an ample budget. A person will be sent later to explain the details."
"I understand."
Lishia cheered internally. Now she could officially go to see Jin, whom she had missed before.
"When you head to Kaina Village, I'm thinking of assigning one of the ritters as your guard and attendant. Do you have anyone in mind?"
The chancellor asked, but Lishia simply replied that she had no one in particular.
"Understood. I shall select someone then. Plan for your departure the day after tomorrow."
"Understood. I look forward to it."
＊ ＊ ＊
Meanwhile, in Kaina Village on May 9th.
"What the heck is this building?"
The voice belonged to Rock. Having just returned, he wasn't aware of the recent developments.
"Apparently, it's Jin's castle."
The residents of Kaina Village whispered to one another as they gazed at the keep towering near the Erme River.
"Hoh, so this is what a castle from Jin's homeland looks like?"
Atop the stone walls were white-plastered walls and a tiled roof; it was five tiers with six floors above ground and two below. In appearance, it was remarkably similar to Matsumoto Castle. However, the grounds were square, and there were no secondary keeps.
A golden shachihoko sat proudly at the very top, and a lightning rod had been installed for safety.
"H-H-How... How can such a massive structure be completed in such a short amount of time?!"
"Who's that guy?"
Rock asked, watching Barrow scream in confusion as he failed to comprehend the situation.
"Ah, you didn't know, Rock? That's Barrow, a guest Jin brought along."
"I see. So he doesn't know Jin very well."
In contrast to the unfazed villagers, Barrow was unable to hide his bewilderment. Belle, however, was already starting to fit in.
"Jin-san is amazing! To think he'd build something this incredible before I even noticed."
"Mm. Jin-nii uses many golems that do this kind of work. If he gives them instructions, things like this are easy."
Elsa, who knew the circumstances to some extent, explained.
Noticing that most of the villagers had gathered, the Village Chief, Giebeck, decided it was a good opportunity to explain.
"Listen up, everyone. Jin performed a great service in the royal capital, and in return, he has taken Kaina Village as a leased territory for fifty years... well, basically, he's rented it."
Choosing simple terms, Giebeck continued his explanation.
"You can think of him as a temporary lord. Jin built this for his official duties."
As the bailiff, the Village Chief was well-informed, having received explanations from Jin's proxy, Butler A.
"Normally, he'll live in the house he built at Martha's place, and the management of the village and other duties will be conducted here. There's a food storehouse in the basement, and in times of emergency, it can serve as a shelter."
"Ooh! Just what I'd expect from Jin!"
Someone's voice rang out in approval.
"That being said, I'll be continuing my work as Village Chief in the capacity of bailiff, so practically nothing will change."
In the end, Jin had settled on paying Giebeck an annual salary of 50,000 Toll—roughly ten percent of the village taxes—for serving as the bailiff.
"Are there any questions?"
"Yeah, what should we call Jin from now on? 'Lord-sama,' or 'Jin-sama,' or something like that?"
The question came from Rock.
"Jin said he wants us to keep calling him as we always have."
"Haha, sounds like Jin."
Rock's laughter echoed through the clear sky over Kaina Village.