"John, it seems you are not a spy."
Daro’s speech returned to its original polite register.
"Oh, does that mean...?"
"Yes. We shall have you accompany us."
"With pleasure."
With that, John—acting as Laojun’s proxy—succeeded in earning their initial trust.
"Wow, John, you’re incredible! To think Daro actually accepted you. Hasn't happened since that Tenkunhan fellow came by about two years ago, right?"
"Well, that man wasn't particularly useful."
John, Oliver, Maya, and Daro chatted over lunch. The meal consisted of simple dried bread.
"Seriously, it’s amazing. I’m sure you’ll get a warm welcome, John," Maya said, a hint of envy in her voice.
"Does that mean... magi engineers are highly valued in the west?"
Daro nodded.
"You could say that. You’ll understand the details once we arrive."
John sensed that Daro preferred not to dwell on the subject here, so he shifted the conversation.
"About those bicycles. What exactly are they used for?"
"Those? Ya ride 'em to get around fast," Maya answered.
"Ride them? Wouldn't you just tip over? Or are they used for hauling cargo?"
Maya swallowed the piece of dried bread she was chewing and stood up.
"I’ll show ya how it’s done."
No sooner had she spoken than she ran toward the shed, returning shortly after pushing one of the bicycles.
"Watch close, yeah? Ya do it like this... sit here..."
Maya straddled the saddle, placed her feet on the pedals, and began to ride away slowly.
Through Jin’s knowledge, John—Laojun—was well aware of what a bicycle was. However, this was his first time seeing one in actual use.
"Oh! It’s—it’s moving!"
Oliver seemed to be seeing it for the first time as well, letting out a cry of surprise.
"How does it stay upright?" John asked, feigning ignorance despite knowing the theory.
Maya made a circuit and returned, looking quite smug.
"Heh heh, it's all about practice. I don't really get all that talk about 'gyros' and whatnot."
Gyro. Once again, a term appeared that should not have existed in this world. John felt his interest in the west deepening further.
"Oliver, please keep the bicycles a secret."
"Oh, r-right. I understand."
Daro and Maya were now quietly regretting their impulsiveness. In their excitement over finding a talent like John who could actually repair the machines, they had been careless in showing them off to Oliver.
For the time being, they swore him to secrecy. It was decided that Maya would retreat further west with the bicycle. Oliver looked visibly disappointed upon hearing the news.
"Well then, John, take care."
"Yes. It was only for a short time, but I appreciate your help."
On the morning of the 28th, John and Oliver exchanged their final farewells. Oliver was not going any further west—rather, he was not permitted to.
"Only those who have been accepted by them can go past this point," Oliver explained.
"Thanks to you, I managed to secure some good goods at a fair price."
Most of the residents in Kari Village were originally from the Allied Kingdoms or the Shouro Empire, and the settlement served as an intermediate base. Even if an investigation were launched, no evidence existed beyond the fact that they lived outside the borders. It wasn't technically a crime, and usually resulted in nothing more than a stern warning.
The same applied to Oliver’s business dealings. While the influence of the foreign tribes was clear, the reality was that no crime was committed unless someone was caught red-handed.
"Take care, Maya!"
"Yeah, you stay healthy too, Oliver!"
Oliver set off, waving as he went.
Once he was out of sight, the trio—John, Maya, and Daro—began their own journey toward the west.
"...Still, that Golem horse of yours is really something," Maya remarked with admiration from her bicycle.
"Indeed. It is quite beyond our imagination," Daro agreed, also pedaling alongside.
The road they traveled was dirt, but it was packed firmly enough that they could maintain a speed of about fifteen kilometers per hour. Both Maya and Daro possessed impressive stamina.
"We should reach Seki Town today."
"Seki Town’s got all sorts of interestin' stuff. You're gonna love it."
The distance was just under sixty kilometers. After stopping for breaks at the small settlements of Aaji and Seto, they arrived by 2:00 PM.
Seki Town was more than five times larger than any settlement they had passed through. A sturdy stone wall loomed ahead, its massive gates standing wide open.
However, as soon as the three of them passed through, the doors groaned shut with a heavy thud. A thick bolt was slid into place, effectively sealing the entrance.
"Welcome to the land of Mitsuho."
"Mitsuho... So that is the name of your country."
"Yes. I’m told it means 'the land where Midzumidzushiho is abundant,' though I’m afraid I don’t actually know what 'Midzumidzushiho' is."
"It has a mysterious ring to it," John replied.
Internally, however, Laojun immediately associated the name with Mizuho. He suspected Midzumidzushiho was a corruption of mizumizushii ho—freshly ripened ears of grain. Since he had no way to verify this, he kept the thought to himself.
The group proceeded into the town. Most of the buildings were single-story stone structures with wooden roofs. The ground was covered in leveled gravel, but noticing that the Golem horse's hooves left no marks, John suspected the surface had undergone some form of Hardening treatment.
John and his Golem horse drew quite a crowd; nearly every passerby stopped to stare. The people’s clothing was similar to that of the Shouro Empire, though their skin was generally darker. John continued to observe his surroundings as they moved.
"I serve as the Vice Mayor of Seki Town," Daro said as they arrived at a particularly large building in the town center. "It is my duty to determine whether newcomers pose a threat to us. I hope you will forgive me if I seemed overly cautious."
"Not at all. I didn't mind," John said with a smile.
"I appreciate your understanding. Now then, let's have you meet the Mayor."
John dismounted and left the Golem horse in front of the building. Since it wasn't a living animal, there was no need to tether it.
The building—essentially the town hall—was an unusual two-story structure equipped with a wooden watchtower. John was led inside, with Maya following close behind.
"Please wait here."
John was shown into a reception room roughly the size of eight tatami mats. A table seating six occupied the space, and John was directed to the seat at the far end. Daro sat across from him to the right.
Maya brought in four cups of water, placing one before John and the other three across from him. One was for Daro, and Maya took the seat on the left.
The seat directly in front of John was claimed by a man who entered last. He had dark skin, dark brown hair, and brown eyes. He was built sturdily and appeared older than Daro.
"Welcome, guest," the man said, opening the conversation. "I am Crow, the Mayor of Seki Town."
"I am John Dini, a magi craftman. Or a magi engineer, as they would say in the Shouro Empire."
"Hmph. Daro told me a bit about you. He claims you are a magi engineer of significant skill."
"I wouldn't go that far."
"No need for modesty. You repaired Daro and Maya’s bicycles; that alone speaks to an extraordinary talent. Tell me, John, are you willing to be of service to the land of Mitsuho?"
Crow’s question was blunt. John answered slowly and deliberately.
"Of course."
"Then what do you ask for in return? Gold? Power?"
John had his answer ready.
"Knowledge... and peace."