"Even if I concede that this is the policy of the demon race—or rather, of your specific clan..." Jin continued, his voice steady. "...is using your own flesh-and-blood sister as a decoy also part of that policy?"
If the logic was that they cherished their companions because their population was so small, Jin could understand. But he could not personally reconcile with a mindset that would discard not just a companion, but a family member.
"...That is correct." Istalis, who had been looking down, raised her head and gazed at Sion. Then, she bowed deeply toward her sister. "Sion, I am so sorry. You and your group were used as decoys to draw the radicals' attention away from us."
Istalis offered a formal apology to her younger sister.
"The day after you departed, Netros and I were also given our orders. We were given gold and magi-crystals to buy food and to use as bribes for the humans."
"..."
"Even if it was Grandfather’s decision, I am sorry for forcing you to play such a dangerous role."
Istalis bowed her head once more.
Even though she had already suspected as much, hearing it confirmed by the sister she adored still seemed to be a shock for Sion. However, looking at the hardship and pain Istalis had suffered as a result, Sion realized she truly didn't have the heart to blame her now.
"...It's not your fault, Big Sister. It’s fine. In the end, we met Jin, and we even secured a promise of aid."
"...I suppose so. Meanwhile, we were captured and had our gifts stolen from us... We were such fools."
"Don't say that. It wasn't your fault."
Sion gently embraced her sister, and Istalis softly returned the hug.
"Thank you, Sion."
"..."
Watching the sisters, Jin felt a warmth at their display of mutual affection, yet he couldn't help but harbor doubts about the leadership of their grandfather—the Clan Chief.
However, bringing that up to the two of them now wouldn't resolve anything.
While Jin was acting partly from a humanitarian standpoint, his greatest concern was avoiding a full-scale war with the demon race at all costs. Naturally, this was for the sake of Kaina Village’s safety. He knew he couldn't save every human on the planet, but he was determined to protect the peace of his second home—the first place that had ever truly accepted him.
Furthermore, by erasing the memories of the torture, the resentment associated with it had also vanished. Jin wondered if that was truly for the best. From humanity's perspective, it was a positive, but for Istalis, there was no guarantee she wouldn't walk into the same trap again.
I went to the trouble of saving them, Jin thought. He found himself strangely preoccupied with the source of this cultural distortion.
Out of consideration for Istalis’s health, they ended the meeting for the day. However, the conversation had clarified the situation significantly. After returning to Hourai Island, Jin consulted with Laojun.
"If there are a thousand of them, that would be... about 150 tons of food?"
"That is correct," Laojun replied. "However, that is the total for a full year. If we assume they can be self-sufficient for half that time, we need 75 tons. If they can manage two-thirds on their own, we only need 50 tons."
"Let's set 75 tons as the target."
"A reasonable goal. Since we do not need to supply it all at once, we have time to consider our procurement options."
According to the Quinta units' investigations, the southern regions of the Shouro Empire and the Celuroa Kingdom currently held surplus crops.
"We could purchase supplies within the Klein Kingdom as well, but it would be best not to do so too conspicuously."
One only had to look at the Kingdom of Franz to see how people reacted to the demon race. From a national security perspective, viewing them as a potential threat wasn't necessarily wrong for the sake of the citizens' safety.
"The ideal plan would be to provide food aid until next spring, while simultaneously providing assistance to increase their self-sufficiency rate for the future."
Jin didn't intend to provide aid indefinitely; it wouldn't be good for the demons' development.
"They mentioned they were carrying gold and magi-crystals as gifts."
"Yes, though we could not confirm their location. It is highly probable they were poisoned specifically so those items could be stolen."
There was a high chance that the greedy Bailiff of Inaku had incapacitated the pair with poison and pocketed the gifts. It was a stark illustration of the local corruption within that kingdom.
"Um... what was her name? Catherine? The former duchess didn't mention anything about gifts."
The informant Fernan had caught wind of it as well, meaning that officially, the gifts did not exist.
"So, what's our plan for traveling north?"
"Yeah, an airship would be too dangerous."
An airplane was also an option, but it was too much of an over-technology, and Jin was hesitant to reveal it to the demon race for several reasons.
"How about a four-legged ground vehicle?"
Applying the principles of the golem horse, Jin envisioned something roughly the size of a small bus—essentially a four-legged version of the camper he had built recently.
"I see. That would allow travel even through deep snow. A sound proposal."
With Laojun’s agreement, Jin set out to develop the four-legged vehicle on the morning of the 11th. He woke up early and immediately set to work.
"I'll use austenite stainless steel for its low-temperature resistance. Reiko, I'll need the materials."
"Yes, Father."
For storing ultra-cold substances like liquid helium, austenite stainless steel is often used because it is resistant to the low-temperature brittleness that causes other metals to crack. Jin decided on a base of 18-10 stainless steel—eighteen percent chromium and ten percent nickel—and added zero-point-five percent mithril to imbue the alloy with mana reinforcement properties.
"The walking control can be adapted from the golem horse."
The scale was vastly different, but the fundamental mechanics remained the same.
"It's purely a vehicle, so it doesn't need a head."
He designed it to carry ten people with additional space for cargo. He didn't aim for the high-end luxury of the camper; as long as the seats reclined for sleep, it would suffice. However, he ensured it had robust air conditioning, a toilet, and a simple shower. Excrement would be deodorized, sterilized, and decomposed via magic for hygiene.
"For armaments: a paralyzer, a magi-cannon, a laser cannon, an ether jammer, and a Magi-Jammer. I'll also load some mana bombs, just in case."
"My Lord," Laojun interjected, "we cannot predict what may occur. Please ensure you load a Treatmenter, as well as plenty of recovery medicine and medical supplies."
In addition, Jin installed manaphones, a barrier, and a magi-detector. For emergencies, he even equipped a Warp Gate. Finally, he installed a gravity control magi-device, which could counter and negate gravity magic.
Working alongside Reiko and thirty Smith golems, Jin completed the four-legged vehicle in just four hours. For the final trial, he had it walk up the slope from the laboratory toward Mount Hourai.
"Yeah, it's performing quite well."
It had a maximum speed of seventy kilometers per hour and a maximum climbing angle of fifty degrees. With legs six meters long and a total height and length of eight meters each, it could traverse deep snow with ease. Most importantly, the gravity control magi-device allowed it to walk through marshes and bogs without sinking.
"Excellent work. I'll name it... 'Capricorn'."
He chose the name because wild goats are known for their ability to navigate rocky, mountainous terrain.
"Laojun, it looks like these could be useful on Hourai Island as well. Build a few more units of the same model when you have the chance. No rush."
"Understood."
The first unit, which Jin had built himself, was labeled "Capricorn 1" on its side.
"Have the Land squad perform a thorough test of Capricorn 1 for the rest of the day."
"Understood. I will compile a report of any malfunctions."
"Right, thanks."
Based on Istalis and Netros’s conditions, Jin judged that they could likely depart tomorrow, so he dedicated the entire day to testing.
"The group going will be my Body Double, Reiko, Sion, Istalis, Lucas, and Netros. Also... Land 1. I don't think the Secret Mobile Unit is necessary since I'll be staying on Hourai Island myself."
"In that case, please take ten Mini-Smiths. They may prove useful for repairs or other tasks."
Following Laojun’s suggestion, Jin decided to bring the Mini-Smiths.
"What should I do about Anne?"
"Father, I believe you should take her with you," Reiko said, voicing a rare, firm opinion.
"You think so too? All right then."
Anne was the only automata on the island with direct knowledge of the Great Magic War. Jin decided to bring her along, but as she was, he felt a bit uneasy about her performance. After lunch, he summoned her to perform an upgrade.
"Master, you called for me?"
"Anne, I’d like you to accompany us to the demon territory. I’m a bit worried about your current specs for this mission, so I'm going to reinforce you."
"Understood. I leave myself in your hands, Master."
With that, Jin began her overhaul. He replaced her entire internal structure, including her skeleton and magical muscles. In addition to granting her tactile senses, he modified her to use gravity magic and equipped her with an ether jammer. When he was finished, Anne’s overall performance was roughly half that of Reiko's—a significant leap from her previous state.