Jin crafted a disk-shaped magnetic compass, twenty centimeters in diameter, designed to float in oil.
He mounted a magnetic needle to the underside of a thin disk made of Ground Spider resin—or GSP—a plastic-like substance crafted from Ground Spider silk.
Since he had no firsthand knowledge of the magnetic compasses used on Earth’s vessels, he improvised the design in his own style.
The container was made from quartz and crystal taken from his materials storage. The lower half consisted of white quartz and the upper half of transparent crystal, the interior filled with mineral oil.
He chose mineral oil because other types might solidify, deteriorate, or turn cloudy over time. Naturally, he had secretly brought the oil from Hourai Island. Once the container was hermetically sealed, no one would be able to discern its specific properties.
"Alright. Loading two of these should be sufficient."
"Father, you seem quite invested in this," Reiko remarked. Her tone was slightly puzzled, though she didn't seem particularly dissatisfied.
"Yeah. After all, this is the memorable Ship No. 1. Besides, I want a vessel I personally worked on to be a complete success."
The reason he was so dedicated was that this ship was a collaborative effort between Jin, Elsa, and Reinhard. Reiko found no fault in that sentiment.
"I suppose so. After all, your name will be attached to it, Father. It must be a success; it is a ship built with the cooperation of a Magi Craft Meister, after all."
"I guess you're right."
Then, using his spare time, Jin began drafting a set of notes.
"Father, what are you writing?"
"Well, I helped out this time, but when I thought about it, I won't always be around to assist, will I? So, I’m putting together the various points I noticed during construction."
It was a rare display of foresight for Jin. He documented the flaws in their current methods and the specific stages where they were prone to failure.
These were the exact points Jin had been quietly correcting throughout the process. Therefore, the notes he was compiling would be of immense significance to future builders.
"Alright, that should do it."
He compiled the parchment sheets, bound them, and added a cover. He titled the work "Notes on New Ship Construction."
"I’ll hand this over to the person in charge."
Jin left the room, carrying the "Notes on New Ship Construction" and the magnetic compasses.
When the staff saw the finished magnetic compass, their expressions once again shifted to awe at the incredible prowess of a Magi Craft Meister.
Christoph accepted the device with exuberant joy, immediately debating where best to install it.
Meanwhile, Rodrigo wore a look that suggested he had something on his mind.
"Mr. Rodrigo, is something the matter?"
When Jin noticed and spoke to him, the man replied with a slight fluster.
"Oh... n-no, it's nothing..."
"Are you interested in the magnetic compass?"
Jin guessed that was likely the source of his hesitation.
"Well, yes... I suppose so..."
After this, Jin intended to manufacture several "dry-type" magnetic compasses as well.
Compared to the "wet-type" that moved in oil, these were easier to construct, though they had drawbacks—the needle took longer to stabilize, and they became useless if they rusted.
Since this knowledge was also possessed by the Fuhrer he had previously gifted to the Shouro Empire, Jin felt it didn't qualify as over-technology.
Even if Christoph was unfamiliar with the device, Magic Technology Minister Degauss should certainly know of magnetic compasses.
Jin then presented the "Notes on New Ship Construction" to Christoph.
"Oh, Jin-dono, this is a lifesaver! I shall use this as a reference for our next project!"
Christoph accepted the notes with genuine gratitude.
The ship's gangways were also of excellent quality, and by the end of the day, the new vessel was nearly complete.
A final check was scheduled for the following morning. If no problems were found, the launch ceremony would take place the afternoon of the day after that.
It seemed the chancellor would be arriving via hot air balloon for the ceremony.
＊ ＊ ＊
"We're finally in the home stretch."
"It was fun."
"Jin-nii, you did amazing work."
"The same goes for you, Elsa."
After bathing, Jin, Elsa, and Reinhard were relaxing in the dining hall over wine.
Reinhard had become completely enamored with the local vintages.
The regions to the east and west of Lake Wasu were home to many vineyards, and wine production flourished there. The east was known as the Ehrlich Region, while the west was the Olsen Region.
The bottle they had brought today was an Ehrlich 3456.
"It’s a young wine, but it’s more delicious than I expected."
As he spoke, Reinhard barely touched his food, drinking at a brisk pace.
"Rai-nii, you need to pace yourself better."
A concerned Elsa spoke up. Jin and Elsa had almost finished eating, but Reinhard had only consumed about half of his meal, focusing almost entirely on the wine.
"I’m going to tell Miss Berche when we get back."
That single sentence made Reinhard’s hand stop dead.
"Ugh... fine, I get it."
Reinhard reluctantly nodded and finally began eating his meal. Jin sensed that, even though the final check was still pending, Reinhard felt a weight had been lifted now that the ship was finished.
"Jin-dono, Reinhard-dono, Miss Elsa, may I have a moment?"
Rodrigo approached their table.
"Yes, please. Would you like to join us, Mr. Rodrigo?"
Reinhard offered him some wine, but Rodrigo declined.
"No, thank you. As I mentioned before, my health is poor."
Elsa was the one who caught the remark.
"Um, excuse me, but are you unwell?"
"...Yes. Until recently, I spent far too much time drinking."
"If you'd like, please allow me to perform a Diagnose on you later."
"Eh?"
As Rodrigo looked puzzled, Jin explained.
"Despite her appearance, Elsa is an exceptionally skilled healer—she was even personally appointed as a Reichsarzt by His Majesty recently."
For a split second, a flash of something like joy seemed to cross Rodrigo’s face, but in the next moment, his expression returned to its usual state.
"No, I’m fine. More importantly, I have a proposal."
"What is it? Please, have a seat."
Reinhard gestured toward a chair.
"Ah, thank you... well, what I wanted to discuss... it’s difficult to bring up, but I was wondering if we shouldn't consider what happens if the ship sinks."
"If it sinks...?"
Even Reinhard frowned slightly at the suggestion.
The launch ceremony hadn't even happened yet, so it was only natural for him to be put off by talk of the ship sinking. However, Jin was different.
"...You mean lifeboats?"
Jin realized he had forgotten a crucial detail.
He had forgotten that on modern Earth, ships are required to carry enough lifeboats for every soul on board.
He had forgotten that the tragedy of the Titanic occurred precisely because those measures were insufficient.
Debates about whether every boat could be lowered or every passenger evacuated in the frantic moments before a sinking aside, the fundamental problem remained: one cannot use what does not exist. If no preparations were made, survival was impossible.
"Yes, exactly! That’s it!"
Rodrigo grew animated once Jin showed understanding.
"Let’s bring it up at the meeting tomorrow morning."
"Please do."
Hearing Jin's words, Rodrigo bowed and took his leave.
"..."
Jin eventually called Reinhard and Elsa to his room.
He could tell that both of them were a bit unsettled after the talk of the ship sinking.
"This isn't really a technical matter, so you two probably aren't aware of it, but..."
Jin then recounted the story of the Titanic’s sinking to the best of his memory.
"...and so, they prioritized the women and children..."
"..."
"..."
Both of them listened to the account in solemn silence.
"So, it’s true that it isn't something people like to talk about. But there is no such thing as a ship that is truly unsinkable. That’s why..."
"No, say no more. I understand, Jin."
"Jin-nii, I understand perfectly."
Both Reinhard and Elsa nodded with grave expressions.
"Personally, I’d like to utilize some of the rubber boats made in the Klein Kingdom as well."
Technically they were made in Kaina Village, and by Jin and Elsa themselves.
"...Yes, those would work."
The realization dawned on Elsa as well.
"Not just for recreation, but for emergencies like this."
"Exactly. And we should ensure everyone wears life jackets. At the very least, the ship's crew."
Lifebuoys, rubber boats, and life jackets—the three of them resolved to propose these safety measures during the following day's meeting.