"Well then, we're off!"
Reinhard waved from the driver's seat of the carriage.
"We are departing now," Berche added, waving as well.
Reinhard’s father and mother, Claude the butler, and the maids were all gathered to see them off. Reinhard’s older brothers had already returned to their respective posts.
Jin was the one handling the reins of the golem horse hitched to the carriage. Inside, just as Jin had expected, were Berche’s automaton Neon and the Black Knight, Noir.
The carriage pulled up behind Saki’s house. The spot had been chosen specifically for its seclusion. Surrounded by dense trees standing five to ten meters tall and unmaintained thickets, it was completely hidden from the surrounding area.
"Alright, we’re heading out right away."
Jin steered the carriage toward a temporarily assembled Warp Gate. Reinhard and the others fell silent. After all, being warped while still inside a carriage was a rare experience.
"A-Alright... Go ahead!"
In the blink of an eye, the carriage was transported inside Shinkai.
"We'll leave the carriage here. Sorry for the trouble, but Reinhard, Berche-san, please step down."
"Understood."
"Very well."
Noir took charge of the couple's hand luggage.
"By the way, where exactly are we?" Reinhard asked.
"Oh, it’s a sort of intermediate transit point. We come here first, then warp to wherever we want to go. The carriage will stay here for now."
Berche, experiencing this for the first time, looked around wide-eyed and speechless.
"Now, let’s go."
Jin stepped through the Warp Gate calibrated for Kaina Village first, followed by Reinhard and Berche. Neon and Noir followed, and finally, Reiko crossed the threshold.
They emerged inside the shelter, just as Saki had when she first arrived.
"Jin, where are we?"
"We're already in Kaina Village. This is an evacuation shelter located on the outskirts."
As he spoke, he guided the two outside. The sky over Kaina Village was a brilliant, clear blue.
"Oh, the weather is lovely here," Berche said, her voice filled with surprise.
Reinhard, looking in the opposite direction, had a different reaction. "Ji-Jin! That building... Is that yours?!"
He had the natural response to seeing the towering Nidou Castle.
"Welcome back, Jin-sama. And welcome to our noble guests; it is a pleasure to see you again."
"We apologize for the trouble we caused you previously."
Barrow and Belle emerged from the castle and greeted Reinhard.
"Ah, the two of you. I'm glad to see you're doing well."
"Yes, Jin-sama took us in, and our health has fully recovered."
Reinhard explained who Barrow and Belle were to Berche.
"I see. You both certainly went through a lot."
"We did, but we are happy now."
Berche smiled brightly at their response. It was always heartening to hear that those from one's own homeland were living well.
"Barrow, Belle, could you carry the luggage to the guest room? The Japanese-style room on the second floor would be best."
"Yes, sir."
Entrusting the bags to the pair, Jin led Reinhard and Berche toward the heart of Kaina Village.
"You'll be staying at the castle tonight, so I'll explain the details then," he promised as they walked along the small path leading to the village.
They passed through fields of wheat and vegetables until they reached Martha’s house.
"Is that... no way..." Berche gasped. Two familiar figures were standing ahead.
"Saki-san? And the person next to her is..."
The young woman in question spoke up. "Rai-nii, Berche-san, welcome to Kaina Village."
"Elsa-san!" Berche looked utterly astonished. "Dear, what on earth is the meaning of this?"
Reinhard quietly explained the situation to his wife: how Elsa had left home, her capture by the Unifilar, and how Jin had rescued her and kept her safe here ever since. He also mentioned that Mine was her biological mother.
"I see... so that was the truth..." Berche’s face was still pale with shock, but Elsa reached out and took her hand.
"Berche-san, thank you for worrying about me. I am truly happy now." Then she turned to Reinhard. "Rai-nii, Berche-san, congratulations on your marriage."
"Thank you, Elsa. Come to think of it, that mascot... that was from you, wasn't it?"
"Mm. I made it and asked Jin-nii to deliver it."
"I thought so."
Jin interjected before the conversation could drag on. "Well, standing around talking isn't ideal, so let's head inside. Though it’s not actually my house."
He guided them into Martha’s residence. "This is the house that first looked after me when I arrived here."
Reinhard nodded, understanding the sentiment. "I see. So this is the place. It's no wonder you chose this village for your leased territory, Jin."
"Oh, Lord Reinhard, Lady Berche. My deepest congratulations on your marriage."
Mine emerged from inside and greeted them with a respectful bow.
"Thank you, Mine."
"Mine-san, it’s been a long time. I was surprised to hear you were Elsa-san's mother."
Berche returned the greeting with a warm smile.
"Yes. Thanks to Jin-sama, I am able to live happily with Elsa now."
The group moved inside. Since there were too many people to fit comfortably in the main house, Jin led them to his workshop. The space was large enough for everyone to find a seat. Ar, Neon, Edgar, and Reiko stood dutifully behind their respective masters.
Mine and Sara began serving Peruhya tea, the local specialty. Once everyone had settled and taken a sip, Jin introduced Martha and Hanna.
"This is Martha-san, and her granddaughter, Hanna. They are my family here in Kaina Village."
"I'm Martha. It's a pleasure."
"I'm Hanna!"
"I am Reinhard."
"And I am his wife, Berche."
They exchanged polite greetings. Despite his noble status, Reinhard’s travels had taught him to be humble, and Berche’s modest nature quickly won over Martha and Hanna.
After a period of lighthearted small talk, the conversation naturally drifted toward magi craft. Jin spoke of the pumps and magic stoves he had built, the hot springs, the cold storage room, and the washing machine. Eventually, the talk turned to Edgar, who was standing behind Elsa.
"...Unbelievable."
That was the first thing Reinhard said when he learned that Elsa herself had created Edgar.
"Elsa-san, that’s wonderful! You've become a fully-fledged engineer!" Berche offered her sincere praise.
"Actually, Reinhard, there's something I want to consult with you about while you're here."
Jin decided it was the right time to voice the thought he had been weighing.
"In your opinion, does Elsa meet the criteria to stand on her own as a magi engineer in the Shouro Empire?"