June 2nd. Jin and Saki took their leave of Count Randol’s estate shortly before noon.
"Well then, Reinhard, see you later."
"Lady Berche... no, Madam Randol. I wish you and your husband a lifetime of happiness."
"Y-Yes."
Berche’s face turned bright red at the address. Jin desperately stifled the urge to tease them with a knowing, "You enjoyed yourselves last night, I see."
With that, Jin, Saki, Reiko, and Ar set off in Jin’s carriage.
"Jin, I know it's a bit late for this, but your carriage is incredibly comfortable. Exactly what I’d expect from you."
"You really are late to the party on that one."
"I feel bad about it, so don't be like that. When I rode in it before, those glasses were so revolutionary that I couldn't focus on anything else. In other words, it's partly your fault."
"That’s some weak sophistry."
"Kufufu, you could call it that."
While they passed the time with such trivial conversation, they arrived at Saki's house.
"So, what should I do?"
"Just bring your hand luggage. If anything’s missing, we can just make it there or come back for it."
"A Warp Gate, was it? To think I'll get to experience an artifact for myself... I'm practically tingling with excitement."
Saki disappeared into the back of the house with Ar, her movements full of energy. She returned just a few minutes later—Ar was likely responsible for half of that efficiency.
Ar was dressed in black butler's attire. Saki wore a blouse-style shirt and slender trousers. Aside from being clean, it was her usual outfit. Jin didn't mind; he figured if she needed anything else, he could simply handle it once they arrived.
"Alright, shall we?"
While Saki had been getting ready, Jin had moved the carriage into the barn. Since the entrance was too small, he had quietly dismantled the frame, moved the carriage inside, and then reconstructed it—a little secret of his.
"Hmm, I see you put the carriage in the barn. I don't really use this space, and I don't have anything else to put in here, so it’s perfect."
"Steward, I'll leave the carriage in your care."
"Yes, Master."
Observing this exchange between master and servant, Saki’s sharp eyes glinted with interest.
"That golem seems exceptionally high-performance, despite its appearance."
"More or less," Jin replied lightly. He opened the door to the Warp Gate installed inside the carriage.
"Now, Saki, take my hand. Reiko, take Ar's."
"Yes, Father."
"I see... you did say it couldn't be used unless the traveler shared the same magic pattern as you, Jin. Still, I wonder... what is magic, truly?"
True to her nature as an alchemist, Saki murmured those words as Jin led her through the Warp Gate.
On this occasion, Jin had specially adjusted the gate to jump directly to Kaina Village without passing through the intermediate base. They emerged inside the shelter.
"Whoa! Was that the teleportation?! I didn't feel a thing. And yet, we're already somewhere else!"
Saki remained caught up in her excitement for a while, but she eventually calmed down enough to take in her surroundings.
"Oh? And what is this place?"
Saki sounded intrigued. The interior was well-lit thanks to the magi-lamps that activated upon sensing presence.
"It's a shelter on the outskirts of Kaina Village. It’s an evacuation site for emergencies."
"Hmm, an underground living space. There's even a food storehouse; it's quite well-conceived."
Saki looked around restlessly, her mind clearly analyzing the shelter's design and purpose.
"Come on, let's head out."
"Yeah. I can't wait."
The two stepped outside.
"Oh!?"
The first thing to catch her eye was undoubtedly Nidou Castle, which towered before them.
"J-Jin, what is this building?"
"That’s my castle—Nidou Castle."
"A castle...?"
"Yeah. I'll give you a proper tour later. For now, let's head into the village."
"U-Uh-huh."
Since Saki was fascinated by the castle and kept glancing back at it, Jin practically had to drag her along as they made their way toward the heart of Kaina Village.
The time difference between Kaina Village and Banne was a little over three hours. Since they had left after 11:30 AM, it was just before 3:00 PM here. It was the time of day when the villagers were finishing their chores and returning home.
Rock, returning from his work, was the first to spot Jin walking with Saki, Ar, and Reiko.
"Oh, Jin! Welcome back. Who's your friend?"
"Hello, Rock. This is my friend, Saki."
"I'm Saki. A pleasure to meet you."
"Hey there, I'm Rock. Nice to meet ya."
They met several other villagers and had similar brief exchanges. Eventually, they arrived at Martha's house.
"Ah, Onii-chan! Welco-me back!"
Hanna, who happened to be outside, noticed Jin. She seemed to have grown accustomed to her missing teeth, as her pronunciation was much clearer now.
"I'm home, Hanna."
"A gues-t?"
This time, Saki took the initiative to introduce herself.
"Hello, dear. I'm Saki. And you must be Hanna-chan, right?"
"Uh-huh... I mean, yes! I'm Hanna."
"I see, it's a pleasure....Jin, what a darling girl. Is she your sister?"
Saki, having spoken warmly to Hanna, turned to Jin with the question. Jin smiled.
"Yeah. Not by blood, though. There's actually one more like her."
"Kufufu, is that so? I'm looking forward to it. Introduce me soon."
While they were chatting in the yard, Elsa poked her head out, drawn by the voices.
"Jin-nii, you’re back?...Eh? Saki-nee?"
"...E-Elsa?"
Both Saki and Elsa stood frozen. Neither had expected a reunion in a place like this.
"Like Saki mentioned earlier, I consulted with Reinhard and I've been looking after Elsa here," Jin explained.
At Jin's words, Saki finally found her voice.
"I see. Of course... Elsa, it's been so long. You've grown."
"Saki-nee...!"
Elsa ran to Saki and threw her arms around her. Saki held Elsa tight, stroking her hair.
"I'm so sorry, Elsa. Because of that lecherous marquis, you were forced to live like a fugitive."
"No, don't worry about it. I've cast aside the Randol name. Right now, I'm just Elsa, a villager. Mother is here with me too, so I'm not lonely."
"Mother?"
"Yes. Mother Mine."
Hearing that, a look of profound realization crossed Saki’s face.
"I see... so Mine was your mother after all. I always had a feeling it might be something like that..."
Just then, Mine returned, carrying a basket of vegetables.
"Lady Saki?"
"Mine! It's been ages! You look well."
"Indeed. It has been since we last spoke before you departed on your journey. Two years, perhaps?"
"Yeah, that sounds about right."
"Now then, don't just stand out here gossiping. Come inside."
Martha had come out to see what the commotion was about, and Jin had quickly filled her in on the situation. Following her invitation, the group moved into the house.
Since the water had just come to a boil, Martha brewed some tea from the local tea trees—Peruhya tea. For a snack, she set out dried Wylie berries. Wylie were wild strawberries that were naturally tart, but they developed a pleasant sweetness when dried.
Jin gave a brief summary of what had happened since he left the day before yesterday.
"Saki-nee is someone who looked after me back in my home country," Elsa added, introducing her friend. "She's an alchemist and knows a great deal about everything."
"Kufufu, Elsa, I appreciate the compliment, but ever since I met Jin, I've been reminded daily of how much I still have to learn."
Saki took off her glasses and placed them on the table.
"Even these were Jin's work. They're called glasses. When I wear them, the world that used to be a blur becomes perfectly clear. Honestly, I can't thank him enough."
"Jin-nii is just that kind of person."
"Yes. And you're his sister figure, Elsa. Seeing you look so happy puts my mind at ease."
After taking a sip of the Peruhya tea, Saki’s attention shifted to Edgar, who was standing behind Elsa.
"By the way, Elsa... what about that automaton?"
"Hm? You mean him? He's the first automaton I ever built. His name is Edgar."
"I am Edgar. It is an honor to make your acquaintance."
Saki’s eyes widened in genuine shock.
"What?! You built him, Elsa? Have you become a magi engineer?"
"Yes. Jin-nii taught me."
Saki nodded repeatedly, looking impressed.
"I see, I see. That makes perfect sense. If Jin is your mentor, your rapid progress is entirely understandable."
"And the automaton behind you, Saki-nee?" Elsa asked, looking at Ar.
"Oh, this is Ar. Jin, Reinhard, and I made her together... though Jin did the vast majority of the work."
"I am Ar. It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Elsa, and everyone else."
Sara stood behind Mine, and Reiko remained by Jin's side. Then there was Saki's attendant, Ar, and Elsa's companion, Edgar.
These automata and golems—who shared a connection that made them like brothers, sisters, or cousins—seemed to possess a mutual understanding. They exchanged silent greetings with their eyes, conversing in a wordless language.
It was a truly heartwarming scene.