"By the way, I'd like to try that bath myself."
"You'll have to speak to the village chief about that..."
Jin had already donated the entire bathhouse facility to the village. As the conversation continued, he remembered one more thing he needed to discuss.
"I also have a private matter to mention."
When Jin said this, the Empress gave him a mischievous smile.
"Oh? Am I about to be wooed?"
Jin was mortified. "P-Please, spare me that."
Sitting beside him, Elsa reflexively clutched his arm with sudden force.
"Ow... Elsa?"
Jin looked at her, wincing at the pain.
"I-I'm sorry," Elsa stammered, blushing as she released him.
The Empress watched this exchange and nodded with a knowing smile. "My apologies, it was merely a joke. Very well. Everyone, leave us until I say otherwise."
Following the imperial command—and after a brief moment of hesitation—everyone, including the guard ritters, filed out of the tent. Only the Empress, Jin, Elsa, Reiko, and Edgar remained.
"Will this suffice?"
"Thank you." Jin took a breath and spoke slowly. "It concerns the demon race."
"Ah, as I suspected. Have you discovered something?"
Jin gave her a concise summary of recent events, beginning with how Sion and Istalis had come to him for help. He carefully glossed over the details regarding the rescue of Istalis from the Kingdom of Franz. He also chose not to mention No. 700672, which made parts of the explanation difficult, but he managed to convey the core of the situation.
"I see..."
The Empress grew quiet, her face clouded with thought. It was understandable. To learn that the demon race—mankind's sworn enemies—actually shared the same ancestors as humans was a difficult truth to swallow. Jin didn't blame her for finding it hard to accept.
Silence stretched between them for a long time before the Empress finally spoke.
"That is not an easy story to accept on the spot. Jin-kun, who else knows of this?"
Jin listed the names: Elsa, Saki, Toa, Reinhard and his wife, Stearena, Vivienne, and Mine.
"All of them are your acquaintances. In that case, they are trustworthy." The Empress let out a long sigh and looked at him seriously. "Listen, Jin-kun. Will you leave the task of informing the other nations to me?"
"Yes, of course."
Information would carry far more weight and credibility coming from the Empress of a major power than from an independent magi craftsman. Jin nodded immediately.
"There is another reason," she continued. "It involves the foreign race that lives beyond the Harihari Desert."
"Ah, the ones who allegedly invaded in the distant past..."
Jin remembered hearing about how they had attacked the weakened Allied Kingdoms in the aftermath of the Great Magic War.
"The appearance of those foreigners matches your description of the servant race exactly. Dark brown hair and eyes, with bronzed skin."
Jin agreed privately. Since No. 700672 had mentioned they were brought from the south, the connection seemed certain.
"So, these 'Origins'? When they first arrived in this world... I believe you mentioned it was the Stone Age? Their civilization was at that level, yes?"
This was knowledge provided by the Fuhrer. Indeed, No. 700672 had said they used stone tools back then.
"And yet, they apparently possessed significant weaponry three hundred years ago. Since they couldn't use magic, they were repelled by magi-engineering—specifically the giant golems that are now considered artifacts."
They had made incredible progress over the span of several thousand years. It was possible the Origins had taught them something in exchange for taking the indigenous people away.
"Because of that history, we in the Shouro Empire have a reason to believe your story. But I wonder about other nations. Knowing the demons are currently weakened, some might see it as an opportunity to invade."
"I see your point..."
Humans fought amongst themselves even when they were clearly the same species. There was no guarantee they would suddenly find peace with the demon race just because they shared a common ancestor.
"Now, what I say next is my personal advice. Jin-kun, I believe it would be wise for you to keep an eye on that Pazdext Great Isthmus to ensure that humanity and the demon race do not come to blows. If you cannot do it yourself, perhaps you could ask Maquina-dono."
"I... I see."
The Empress was incredibly sharp. Jin wasn't sure exactly how much she suspected regarding the connection between him and Maquina, but her advice was sound. He decided he would consult with Laojun later about managing the Great Isthmus.
The guard ritters, Magic Technology Minister Degauss, and the Secretary were called back into the tent. Jin brought up one final topic.
"I'm considering setting up a desiccant plant in Kalts Village as a starting point."
Jin gave a brief explanation of what the desiccant was.
"While the Shouro Empire has many dry regions, I believe it will be incredibly useful in the southern coastal areas, as well as in the neighboring Celuroa Kingdom and the Kingdom of Elias."
"Hmm, so long as we have a supply of limestone, it should be feasible," Degauss said, nodding. "Your Majesty, this would mean a new industry for our nation. Establishing it in Reinhard's territory is also ideal for securing Lord Jin's continued cooperation."
"Quite right. I permit it."
The matter was settled without Reinhard even being present. However, since the general plan had already been explained to him via manacam, he wasn't likely to complain.
"Lord Jin Nidou, I leave the project to you."
"I accept the task."
With that, the official business with the Empress reached its conclusion.
"Now then, I must consider how to reward Lord Jin Nidou," the Empress mused. "Land? A higher title? Which would you prefer, Lord?"
She gave him a playful, knowing smile as she asked.
"I would like to decline both."
"In that case, I shall grant you a reward of one million Toll. You will receive it when you arrive in Loizart. Record that."
The last command was for her Secretary. By making it a reward from the national treasury, she ensured it wouldn't strain the local village's finances.
That night, the Empress stayed in her imperial tent.
"But before I retire, I really must try that bath."
The village chief, looking profoundly humbled, hurried to prepare the facilities for her. Jin also helped by heating the water. Without using his Craft Magic, Heat, the cost of the fuel alone would have been staggering.
I'll have to make them a water-heating magic tool later, Jin thought.
The next day, the Empress departed Magiroots Village with a look of genuine reluctance. She had two more villages to visit on her progress. The entire village turned out to see her off as the imperial carriage began its journey.
"Jin-kun, let us meet again in Loizart," she called out as she left.
Tax collector Felix Becker and the village chief breathed massive sighs of relief, thinking their tax embezzlement had gone unnoticed. In reality, the Secretary had already gathered proof of the fact, and they were destined for a stern reprimand once she returned to the capital—though that is a story for another time.
Jin's airship descended on the outskirts of the village.
"Well then, it's time for us to head out too."
Jin began loading their luggage onto the vessel. Having unexpectedly finished his report to the Empress, his only remaining task in the region was to head to Reinhard's estate.
"Jin-sama, are you sure it's okay for us to stay?" Barrow asked.
"I... I feel like at least I should be coming with you," Belle added.
"Don't worry about it. This is a rare homecoming for you both. Take your time and enjoy it."
"Thank you so much!"
Finally, out of a sense of paternal concern, Jin gave Barrow a stern look. "Barrow, make sure you take good care of Belle."
"Yes, of course! She's already like family to me."
Belle blushed furiously, and Barrow gave a bright, honest smile. Jin couldn't help but smile back.
"All right. I'll come back to pick you up in about two weeks."
"We'll be waiting! Have a safe trip, Jin-sama, Elsa-sama!"
Jin, Elsa, Reiko, and Edgar boarded the airship. As it slowly lifted into the sky, Barrow and Belle waved frantically from below.
"Safe travels—!"
The airship grew smaller and smaller until it vanished into the distance, with Barrow and Belle watching until it was completely out of sight.