After completing Anne’s reinforcement, Jin returned to Nidou Castle.
According to Butler B, the condition of All-Creation and the others had improved significantly. Since they hadn't shown any suspicious behavior, it seemed they were being truthful for the most part.
Jin knocked on the door, and upon hearing a response, he opened it.
"Ah, Jin-sama."
All-Creation greeted him. Her complexion was much better now.
"Thanks to you, I feel quite a bit better."
A healthy glow was returning to her pale, translucent skin. Her previously disheveled hair had been neatly combed and now flowed down her back.
"My specialty is Healing magic. However, I couldn't use it here because the free ether concentration is so low. But..."
All-Creation pointed to a bottle of Hourai Island’s special Persica juice.
"Thanks to this drink, I can use it again," she said with a guileless smile. Her expression was so innocent that it made Jin’s heart skip a beat.
Looking closer, he realized All-Creation was wearing the yukata-style sleepwear provided for guests. The collar had loosened slightly, revealing a glimpse of her ample chest. Jin quickly averted his eyes, trying not to stare.
"That's good to hear. Is Netros doing all right too?"
"Yes, Netros's only real virtue is his sturdiness. Right?"
The taciturn Netros simply nodded without a word.
"Oh, Jin. Did you come to check on them?"
Sion and Lucas returned just then, carrying fruit.
"These are delicious, aren't they?"
They were Persica. Jin had brought a large supply from Hourai Island, as they were highly nutritious and perfect for someone recovering from an illness.
"Haha, I'm glad you like them. Are you two feeling all right now?"
"Yes, thanks to you."
Jin got straight to the point and asked when they intended to depart.
"Well... Sister and the others are much better, but... I think they'll be fine by tomorrow."
"We shouldn't overdo it. How about we plan to leave tomorrow morning?"
"Yes, let's do that."
"Understood."
With that settled, Jin left the guest room.
However, Laojun was still observing them, making full use of the monitoring system installed throughout Nidou Castle.
"Hey, Sion."
"What is it, Sister?"
"I'm truly sorry. For doing something like using you as a decoy."
"Don't worry about it, Sister. Under the circumstances, it couldn't be helped."
"But still... I deceived you, my own sister, just to leave in secret, only to end up getting caught. Meanwhile, you were meant to be the decoys, yet you met Jin-sama and were saved."
"That’s enough. How many times are you going to say that?"
"I just feel so guilty..."
"You've always been like that, Sister. Let's just look at the results. We’re going home together as sisters, and we’ve even managed to secure aid."
"That's all thanks to you."
"Oh, stop it. Not that again. We finally leave tomorrow."
"Yes, that's right. I wonder how we'll get to the north."
"Jin is a Magi Craft Meister. He even has ships that fly through the sky."
"So I've heard. Still... I hope the radical faction doesn't cause any trouble."
"That is a possibility. I wonder why we can't just understand each other."
"If we can't even understand the radical faction, perhaps trying to understand humans is a lost cause."
"It's a sad thought."
Listening to their conversation, Laojun concluded that they genuinely disliked conflict.
If they are having this conversation specifically because they know I am listening, that would be truly terrifying.
However, that possibility was infinitesimally low.
August 12th arrived.
"Good morning, All-Creation, Sion. Lucas, Netros."
"Good morning, Jin-sama."
"Morning, Jin."
It was 6:00 AM, and they had already finished an early breakfast.
Jin (in his Double body) arrived with Reiko to fetch the four demons.
"Jin, how do you plan to get us to the north?"
Sion asked, unable to contain her curiosity. All-Creation and the others seemed just as intrigued, their expressions full of interest as they waited for his answer.
"Our ride is ready by the riverbank."
The group had virtually no luggage. They were traveling with only the clothes on their backs—and in the case of All-Creation and Netros, they were wearing clothes Jin had provided.
They left Nidou Castle empty-handed. Barrow and Belle had been briefed beforehand, so they didn't come out to see them off.
Just behind Nidou Castle was the Erme River. On its wide riverbank, Capricorn 1 loomed with a majestic presence.
"W-What is that...?"
"What on earth is this, Jin-sama? It has... four legs? Does it walk?"
"Wait, surely something that big doesn't actually move?"
Sion and All-Creation cried out in shock. Meanwhile, Lucas and Netros looked up at Capricorn 1 in stunned silence, clearly overwhelmed.
"This is Capricorn 1, a ground vehicle I built. It can handle rough terrain and snowy roads with ease."
With that, Jin gave a signal.
Capricorn 1 folded its legs, lowering the main body to the ground.
"Alright, everyone inside."
Jin climbed in first and beckoned them forward. Reiko followed immediately.
"Let's go, Sion."
All-Creation stepped inside first.
"Right behind you, Sister."
Sion followed, with Lucas hurrying after her. Netros stood staring at Capricorn 1 with deep fascination until he realized he was the only one left, at which point he rushed inside.
"Okay, everyone's in."
The doors closed, and the legs extended.
"Whoa!"
Lucas let out a cry as Capricorn 1 stood up.
"Let me introduce the crew. Land 1 is the golem in charge of piloting. And Anne is an automata who will look after your daily needs."
"I am Land 1."
"I am called Anne. It is a pleasure to meet you."
Land 1 greeted them from the pilot's seat, while Anne stood and gave a deep, formal bow.
"Amazing... As expected of a Magi Craft Meister."
Sion looked genuinely impressed. All-Creation, meanwhile, was staring intently out the window.
"Feel free to sit wherever you like."
The main body of Capricorn 1 was roughly eight meters long and six meters wide. Two-thirds of the space was dedicated to the cockpit and living area, while the remaining third housed a simple kitchen, a restroom, a shower, and storage.
"Alright, let's head out!"
Capricorn 1 began to move slowly, heading upstream along the banks of the Erme River.
"It doesn't vibrate as much as I expected," All-Creation murmured, watching the scenery from her window seat.
"That's because the control system ensures the center of gravity doesn't shift up or down."
This was the result of the extensive fine-tuning Jin had done the previous day. Using the control systems developed for golem horses as a base, he had implemented walking patterns that minimized vertical movement. Furthermore, the living quarters were floating and supported by active Golem arms to further dampen any swaying.
It was a comprehensive solution born from the desperation of a man prone to motion sickness.
"Everyone, just wait for me..." Sion whispered to herself, her eyes fixed on the northern sky.