Thanks to the magical shortcuts Jin used to accelerate the flight, they covered the 260-kilometer distance with ease. Even though it was still morning, Asunt, the capital of the Kingdom of Egerea, soon came into view.
On their way, they had traversed the airspace of the Celuroa Kingdom, but since aircraft were a new concept in this world, the notion of violating national airspace didn't even exist. Consequently, as long as they passed through at an altitude of over 100 meters, they faced no diplomatic hurdles. Passing through at a low altitude of about ten meters, however, would likely have been a different story.
"Wow, that was fast! I wonder how long that would take by carriage? Flying through an open sky without obstacles is just so pleasant!"
Prince Ernest had remained in high spirits throughout the journey. In contrast, Lyla Soluce, who was riding with Reiko, reportedly remained silent from takeoff to landing.
"Oh! It has come, Your Majesty!"
"It is much sooner than we expected!"
"The winds must have been favorable."
At the Royal Castle of Asunt, King Harold Luan Autocrase-Egerea and Queen Catherine Liina Sphare were waiting. Along with Chancellor Marquis Boyd Norus Galueri and a full assembly of civil and military officials, they had gathered to welcome the arrival of the hot air balloon.
"Whoa... talk about a welcome. Father certainly didn't hold back for Jin," Prince Ernest muttered, watching the scene from above with a mix of exasperation and pride.
To be honest, Jin wanted to be spared from any overblown ceremonies, but he couldn't exactly turn back now. He decided to don the short coat of an Honorary Magi Craftman that had been prepared for him.
Exactly at noon, the hot air balloon carrying Jin, Reiko, Prince Ernest, Lotte, and Lyla touched down at the Outer Palace of the Royal Castle.
"Welcome, Magi Craft Meister, Lord Jin Nidou," the Chancellor said, stepping forward to shake Jin’s hand.
"Ernest, I am truly glad to see you have returned safely," the King added.
"Yes, Father. I have returned," the Prince replied.
The Chancellor then made his proposal. "Lord Jin Nidou, since the assembly is already gathered, we would like to hold the formal ceremony to appoint you as a Magi Craft Meister of the Kingdom of Egerea right now." He had judged that if they dithered, knowing Jin, he might just turn around and leave immediately.
"I—I see."
"Very well. Then..."
At the Chancellor's signal, a female ritter approached, carrying a long coat. Looking closely, Jin recognized her as Airi Soluce, Lyla's older sister. She had recently been promoted from a member of the Royal Guard magi-ritter corps to the captain of its third squad.
"As you are our nation's first Magi Craft Meister, this long coat is a one-of-a-kind garment," the Chancellor explained. "It also serves as proof of your rank as an honorary baronet."
Given that the Shouro Empire and the Klein Kingdom had already made Jin an honorary baronet, it seemed the Kingdom of Egerea had decided to grant him the equivalent rank. The long coat Airi helped him into was a perfect fit. It was white, accented with decorative lines of antique gold.
"Lord Jin Nidou, we praise the benefits you have brought to our nation and honor your wisdom and skill. We hereby formally grant you the title of Magi Craft Meister and the rank of honorary baronet," the King proclaimed.
It was an exceptionally high-speed ceremony. Prince Ernest had previously advised them via manaphon that they would likely incur Jin's displeasure if they didn't finish quickly. By moving with such rapid-fire momentum, they also left him no room to refuse. Jin was a bit bewildered by the haste, but Reiko watched with a happy smile, glad to see her father being recognized.
Once the ceremony concluded, the rows of officials vanished as quickly as a receding tide. Remaining behind were the King, Prince Ernest, Chancellor Galueri, Minister of Magic Kelichdore, Minister of Defense Judle, Airi, Lyla, and a few royal ritters.
"Jin-dono—no, Lord Jin Nidou, would you care for some lunch?"
"Thank you, but I finished eating some portable rations while we were in the air."
"Father, having a meal while looking down at the world below was exceptional," Ernest added.
"I see. In that case, shall we get straight to business?"
Following the Chancellor's lead, Jin proceeded with the transfer of the hot air balloons. He provided a structural overview, a breakdown of the parts, and a lecture on their operation. The envelopes of these specific balloons were made from the leather of dragonic eels from the Klein Kingdom—a choice intended to foster friendship and trade between the two nations.
Then, carrying Chancellor Galueri, Minister Kelichdore, Minister Judle, and Airi, the two balloons took to the sky once more. The King looked as if he desperately wanted to go up as well, but he never actually asked.
"My, my, this is quite comfortable!"
"Indeed. When the Unifilar attacked us from the sky, we were completely helpless. Now I see the advantage of such a position."
"I hear the performance has improved even beyond what the Unifilar were using. We cannot thank you enough for this."
The Chancellor, the minister of defense, and the minister of magic each offered their impressions. As for Airi, she was crouching in the corner of the gondola with a deathly pale face. It seemed that, unlike her younger sister, she suffered from a severe fear of heights.
"Lord Jin Nidou, I thank you once again!"
After moving to the King's office, the Chancellor bowed deeply to Jin. When he raised his head, his professional demeanor had returned. "Now, I would like to move on to the other matter."
This, of course, was the threat of the demon race. Jin explained exactly what he had discussed in the Klein Kingdom the day before.
"...Hmm. While their true intentions remain a mystery, it's clear they aren't friendly."
"Fortunately, our nation is quite far from their territory. The risk should be low," the minister of magic suggested.
However, Minister of Defense Judle disagreed, looking grim. "No, Kelichdore-dono. Based on Jin-dono's report, there is a high probability that the demon race has infiltrated the Celuroa Kingdom. If that is the case, our country—which shares a border with them—is also in danger."
"I see. You're saying there's a chance Celuroa might attack us at their incitement?" the Chancellor asked.
"Exactly. It's best to assume the Unifilar have simply been replaced by the demon race."
"Good grief, there's no time to catch one's breath. Our finances are already tight," Minister of Finance Braorot groaned.
"Since Prince Ernest's engagement has been arranged, we will also need to be prepared to send relief troops if the Klein Kingdom falls into a crisis," another official added.
Various opinions were voiced. Jin provided advice from a technical perspective whenever possible.
"That Gravity Magic is particularly troublesome."
"Yes, but it seems they cannot deploy it over a wide area. I believe we can counter it by launching attacks from all directions simultaneously."
"I see. In that case..."
The council regarding the demon race lasted until evening. It was decided that this would be an ongoing discussion, and they adjourned for the day.
"Now that I think about it, I wonder how Count Kuzuma and Beena are doing..."
Jin had agreed to stay for one night in Asunt. He had declined the offer of a formal guest suite, preferring the quarters he had stayed in during the Golem Party to avoid the stifling atmosphere of the palace proper.
"Um, I heard that they are getting married very soon," his assigned maid, Lyla, informed him. The palace staff had thoughtfully assigned her to him again, keeping things just as they were during his last visit.
"Oh, is that so?"
"Yes. The Count will be working here until June, and Beena-san has been busy with her bridal training until then." It seemed the gossips within the Royal Castle were having a field day with the news of the Count's marriage.
Word has probably reached Reinhard and the others by now, Jin thought. Since Count Kuzuma and Beena knew about the Warp Gate on the outskirts of Blue Land, they wouldn't be surprised if he used it to visit them.
"Um, Jin-sama?"
"Ah, sorry. I was just lost in thought. What is it?"
"Well... thank you so much for letting me ride in that hot air balloon!" Lyla bowed deeply.
"Eh? Oh, don't worry about it. You're Prince Ernest's guard and maid, aren't you? It's only natural. Though, I'm sorry for putting you in a different gondola than the Prince."
"N-No, not at all! It was a wonderful experience, and the view was breathtaking!"
"Haha, well, I'm glad to hear that."
It was during this casual conversation that Reiko spoke up. "Father, I apologize for the interruption."
Sensing something in Reiko's tone, Jin realized it was a conversation she didn't want Lyla to overhear. He stepped into the bedroom with her.
"A report has just arrived. Preparations for Satellite 001 are complete."
"What!" Jin whispered. They were speaking softly, and even if Lyla had heard the words, she wouldn't have understood their significance. "I see. A new era is finally beginning. Alright, we're heading back first thing tomorrow morning!"
"Yes. I will make the arrangements."
"I'm looking forward to it."
Jin's thoughts had already flown back to Hourai Island. This was the true essence of the Magi Craft Meister—the man who carved out the future. Jin felt a premonition that his brief period of calm was over, and that a whirlwind of busy days was about to return once more.