After explaining the purpose of his visit to the village, Jin headed to the village chief's house with Elsa. Reiko and Edgar followed close behind, carrying the luggage.
Barrow and Belle accompanied them, as they first needed to explain the situation to the village chief.
"Whoa, Barrow, you look great!"
"I thought you were working in the Celuroa Kingdom, but you're with a Magi Craft Meister? That’s incredible!"
"Looks like you've grown a bit taller, hasn't he?"
"Big brother, did you bring souvenirs?"
Barrow's family members trailed after them, voices filled with excitement.
"Yeah, I'll show you later," Barrow replied, a slight, proud grin playing on his lips.
However, no one called out to Belle.
Come to think of it, she did say she didn't have any family left, Jin recalled. He remembered the conversation from when he had first hired her. Even so, he supposed the pull of one's hometown was a natural thing.
"This way, please."
The village chief’s voice broke through Jin’s thoughts. Before he knew it, they had arrived at the chief’s residence.
Once shown into the drawing room, Jin sat across from Felix Becker, the tax collector responsible for the Etrant Region.
Tax collectors were generally positions held by men of considerable trust—though there were exceptions—and the earnest-looking Felix bowed his head deeply to Jin.
"I must apologize for my behavior earlier. It was most disrespectful of me."
"No, don't worry about it. We did arrive quite suddenly, after all."
"I am grateful for your understanding. On that note, Lord, may I have your permission to report your visit to Her Majesty?"
"Yes, that's fine."
Jin planned to visit Reinhard after this. To do so, he would eventually have to cross Lake Tosmo, which meant passing through the capital, Loizart, was unavoidable.
"Then I shall do so. Do you intend to stay in this village for long?"
Jin explained that he would be there for two days at most, as he intended to visit a friend afterward.
Felix Becker nodded, and after confirming that Jin had no other requests, he took his leave from the village chief's house.
With the official business concluded, the village chief spoke up.
"Jin-sama, I am Robaldo, the chief of Magiroots Village."
He introduced himself and once again expressed his heartfelt welcome.
"Please, use our guest house during your stay."
He led them to a detached building on the property. There were three such guest houses on the grounds, maintained so that visitors could stay comfortably without feeling like a burden. Felix was also staying in one of them.
Once they had moved the luggage inside, Jin turned to Barrow and Belle.
"That’s all for today. You’re free to spend your time however you like."
"Thank you very much!"
Barrow started to rush off in excitement but stopped when he noticed Belle.
"What are you going to do, Belle?"
"...I think I'll go take a look at my old house."
As she spoke to Barrow, Belle began walking slowly toward the outskirts of the village.
Jin turned to the boy, who was still standing there.
"I believe Belle said she has no family left, but is her house still standing?"
"Yes. It should be at the edge of the village. Her parents and younger sister died of an epidemic two years ago. That’s when we left for the Celuroa Kingdom to find work."
"I see."
Jin had avoided prying into her past until now, but at this point, he felt he couldn't simply remain indifferent.
"U-Um, Jin-sama... well, you see... would it be all right if I introduced you to my family?" Barrow asked hesitantly.
Jin smiled and nodded.
Reiko decided to accompany them, while Elsa told Jin she would stay behind to unpack and watch the guest house.
Jin set off with Barrow toward his childhood home.
"I'm home."
At the house on the outskirts, Barrow’s parents and siblings were gathered to greet him.
"Big brother!"
"Barrow, welcome back!"
He had his parents, a younger brother, and a younger sister. It was a lively family. Since they were many, the house had a spacious dining area, and it was there that Jin was formally introduced.
"Is this the gentleman who has been looking after you?"
"That’s right. This is Jin Nidou-sama. He is an Honorary Baronet and a Magi Craft Meister."
"A Baronet!?"
"B-Boy, is it really all right for you to speak so casually to him?"
Learning that Jin was a noble sent his parents into a state of shock. Interestingly, they seemed more stunned by the title of "Honorary Baronet" than "Magi Craft Meister." To commoners, a noble rank carried far more weight and recognition.
"It's quite all right. I'm only an 'honorary' baronet, after all," Jin said, using a polite but relaxed tone suitable for speaking to those older than himself.
"I am Conti, Barrow's father."
"And I am Meitsu, his mother. Thank you so much for everything you've done for our son."
"Not at all. He’s a hard worker."
To them, even an "honorary" title meant he was a member of the nobility, so the conversation proceeded with mutual, respectful courtesy.
"Big brother, souvenirs!"
Barrow's younger brother looked to be less than ten years old. He clung to Barrow, pestering him expectantly.
"I know, I know. Here."
Barrow set his bag on the floor and pulled out a small package.
"This is for you, Kono. And this is for you, Lukka."
Lukka, the younger sister, seemed quite shy. She stayed hidden behind her mother, Meitsu, refusing to come forward.
"Whoa! Thanks, big brother!"
Kono tore into his gift immediately.
"Wow, this is amazing!"
It was a pair of children’s gloves and shoes—items from Erik’s shop. They were made of forest bear leather and were incredibly durable. Since forest bears didn't live in this area, such items were a rare luxury.
"Come on, Lukka, come here."
After being called several times, Lukka finally peeked out from behind her mother and accepted her gift. It was a muffler made of wild rabbit fur, pure white and incredibly soft.
"...Thank... you... big brother," she whispered. Having managed those few words, she retreated back into her mother's shadow, still clutching the muffler.
"My, aren't you two lucky," Meitsu said with a smile.
"And this is for you, Father, Mother. To help with the house."
Barrow placed a leather pouch on the table. It landed with a heavy, metallic clink.
Startled, Conti opened the bag to find twenty silver coins and one gold coin.
As an apprentice, Barrow's salary had been ten silver coins a month. However, since Jin had officially promoted him to a full butler in August, his wage had increased to one gold coin—ten thousand Toll—per month.
Given that his room, board, and clothing were all provided, and that prices in Kaina Village were low, this was an extraordinary sum for a fifteen-year-old.
"Son, this is..."
They knew it was a legitimate wage since his employer was standing right there, but they couldn't help but be overwhelmed.
"Yeah. It’s also to make up for being away so long. Please, take it."
Scratching his head, Barrow explained his journey to his parents. He told them how he had started in the Celuroa Kingdom, how his previous employer had been purged, leaving him stranded, and how Jin had saved him and given him a new life.
"...You've certainly had a hard time of it."
"But we are so glad you found such a kind master. Jin-sama, please, continue to look after our boy."
The parents bowed in unison. Jin returned the gesture with a light nod.
"Of course. Barrow, I'm counting on you."
"Yes, sir!"
Conti and Meitsu watched the two of them with beaming, happy smiles.