That same evening, a grand party was held in the hotel’s Great Hall.
While the previous day’s gathering had been an intimate affair for those directly involved, this event was a massive celebration. It brought together local dignitaries, the security soldiers, the laborers who had worked on the project, and even the hotel staff.
A dais had been erected at the front of the room. First, Chancellor Jung Fowles delivered a brief address, followed by Magic Technology Minister Degauss and then Administrative Vice-Minister Christoph.
After their speeches, the Chancellor returned to the podium to announce that they would be recruiting a small number of additional crew members for the ship. A roar of cheers erupted from the crowd.
"The captain, officers, and sailors have already been selected, but we intend to recruit technicians and other personnel from the general public as well. I hope those of you who believe in your own skills will step forward for our nation's first endeavor of this kind. We will accept applications until noon tomorrow."
This decision stemmed from the belief that insight from the civilian sector was of significant importance.
Once the formalities concluded, the party truly began.
"Now then, in celebration of this glorious day, let the festivities commence!"
The event was held in a buffet style, and attendees mingled freely throughout the hall.
Elsa, in particular, found herself at the center of attention.
"Miss Elsa, I am Derikel Labad, the bailiff of the neighboring Sua Town. It is an honor to make your acquaintance."
"Miss Elsa, I am Godronas Berntzam von Nalrad, captain of the Second Platoon of the First Ritter Order. I was dispatched to provide security for this event. May this be the start of a pleasant friendship."
"Miss Elsa, please, accept a drink from my cup."
"Miss Elsa..."
"Miss Elsa..."
"..."
"Pardon us, but my Creator appears to be somewhat fatigued. We shall take our leave for a moment."
Sensing that Elsa was becoming overwhelmed, Edgar offered a brief word of apology to the surrounding guests and escorted her out of the Great Hall.
They emerged into the hotel’s garden. It featured a wide lawn that sloped gently down toward the shores of Lake Wasu.
The moon had just begun to rise, hanging low in the sky. Its reflection on the ripples of the lake shimmered like gold dust scattered across the water.
"...Whew."
Between everyone who had approached her and everyone who had insisted on pouring her wine, Elsa had become quite intoxicated. Her steps were slightly unsteady.
"...'Entgiften'."
To clear her head, she cast the Detox magic on herself, bringing her state of mind back to a comfortable, mild glow.
With eyes that had regained their focus, she peered through the windows at the party venue. She spotted Reinhard immediately, but Jin was nowhere to be seen.
"...Jin-nii?"
She murmured the name to herself, not truly expecting a response.
"Elsa?"
A voice answered from the shadows.
A figure approached slowly. It was Jin, accompanied by Reiko.
"Oh, you slipped out too, Elsa? I’m not very good with that kind of atmosphere myself."
Jin looked equally exhausted. While he hadn't been quite as besieged as Elsa, several people had flocked to him upon hearing the title Magi Craft Meister, trying to strike up conversations or thrusting wine bottles in his direction.
"The moon is beautiful tonight."
Though the moon shining over Lake Wasu was smaller than the one Jin remembered from Earth, it possessed a radiance that set it apart from the surrounding stars.
"Mm. Beautiful."
The breeze blowing off the lake was chilly but felt pleasant against her flushed face. Fearing Elsa might catch a cold, Jin was about to take off his coat to drape it over her shoulders when Reiko stepped forward.
"Father, Elsa-san, the night air is harmful to the health. Please, use these."
Reiko had thoughtfully brought two shawls. They were apparently items provided by the hotel for guests.
"Ah, thank you, Reiko."
"...Thank you."
After expressing their gratitude and wrapping the shawls around themselves, they felt significantly warmer.
"Father, the moon truly is beautiful, isn't it?"
"Yeah, it really is."
Jin, Reiko, and Elsa stood gazing up at the moon for a while. Edgar stood just behind them, a silent and faithful attendant.
The next morning, as soon as Jin finished breakfast, he went to meet with the Chancellor.
"Ah, Lord Jin Nidou, welcome. I heard from Christoph that you provided a great deal of assistance during the launch. You have my gratitude."
"It was nothing. I'm just glad such a fine ship was completed."
"So, did you have something you wished to discuss?"
Knowing the Chancellor was likely busy, Jin kept the conversation brief.
"Once the Bernstein finishes its trials on Lake Wasu and heads out to sea, I intend to return to Loizart. I haven't decided on my plans after that, but I may head back to Kaina Village for a time, or perhaps visit the Kingdom of Egerea."
The Chancellor nodded understandingly.
"I see. You have performed more than enough work as a consultant. I will also be returning to Loizart tomorrow to report in detail to Her Majesty. I expect there will be rewards for you, as well as for Lord Reinhard and Miss Elsa."
Jin honestly felt he didn't need any rewards, but he was not so foolish as to say that aloud.
"One last thing. When making long voyages by ship, please ensure you prepare vegetables or fruits—even dried ones will suffice."
"Oh, if I recall... you called it 'vitamins,' yes? To prevent a deficiency?"
This was knowledge provided by the Fuhrer, the automaton Jin had gifted to the Empire. It seemed the Shouro Empire was putting those lessons to good use.
"That's right. That is all from me."
"Understood. We are about to begin the various sea trials for the new ship. It is an exciting time."
The Chancellor paused for a moment before adding one final note.
"This is also something the Empress directly asked me to convey to you, Lord Jin."
The Chancellor’s tone became serious yet reassuring.
"For the time being, the new ship will be managed by the 'Navy,' but please do not misunderstand the intent. Under our current administrative structure, only the military possesses the infrastructure to operate a vessel of this scale. In the near future, we intend to establish a new organization for such things. A peaceful one, of course."
"I see..."
"Please, do not have any misconceptions. This is strictly a provisional measure."
Jin suspected the Empress had entrusted the Chancellor with this explanation because she knew how much he disliked conflict.
When Jin and the Chancellor stepped out of the room together, they happened to run into Reinhard and Elsa.
"Ah, perfect timing. The Bernstein’s trial navigation is about to begin. Let us go and watch together."
"Yes, let's."
The previous day, the ship had been operated by the construction team as a temporary crew. Starting today, the official crew would take command. However, this entire first day was dedicated to practice maneuvers to help them familiarize themselves with the ship's handling.
"Company, fall in!"
The captain of the newly commissioned Bernstein was Lugaria Gascal von Alcois. A commander of the Shouro Empire's Third Navy, he was a veteran with experience in naval combat.
The ten sailors lined up before him were also from the Third Navy. They were all young and brimming with motivation.
"As of today, the newly built Bernstein becomes the flagship of the Shouro Empire Navy. You are the glorious first class of its crew. I expect you to master its operations swiftly and strive to contribute to our nation."
A morning assembly was held in front of the pier. The Chancellor participated in the ceremony, while Jin and his companions watched as observers from a short distance away.
"So, it really is going to be a Navy vessel for now..." Jin mused, recalling his conversation with the Chancellor. "I truly hope they establish a non-military public organization soon."
His thoughts drifted to Eckart Techles, the wealthy merchant who had been building a similar large-scale vessel in the town of Koup in the southern Celuroa Kingdom.
Come to think of it, I heard they finished their launch ceremony over there as well.
When Jin’s group had visited Koup, he had felt sorry that Eckart's ship had been sabotaged by a rival. He had dispatched the Quinta units Altaf and Gena to provide covert technical support.
If my timeline is right, that ship must have been completed just the other day.
Indeed, it had been finished around November 30th, the same day Jin and the others had begun construction on the Bernstein.
The Bernstein will likely pass by Koup on its way to Port Rock. The two vessels might even cross paths. Maybe I'll take the airship out to see if I can spot them...
Jin felt a flicker of anticipation at the thought.
Meanwhile, the Bernstein departed the pier with its new crew. While they had been briefed on its operation, they still needed hands-on experience.
To ensure everything went smoothly, the magi craftmen Kleia and Zeneros were on board, as was the shipwright Rodrigo. With their expertise, any technical issues could be handled immediately.
Magic Technology Minister Degauss and Administrative Vice-Minister Christoph were also on board as guest observers.
Since the details of the training and trial navigation couldn't be clearly seen from the shore, Jin decided to deploy his airship. When he extended an invitation to the Chancellor, the man accepted with great enthusiasm.
In the end, seven people boarded: Jin, Reiko, Elsa, Edgar, Reinhard, the Chancellor, and the golem pilot, Steward. The airship was slightly over its rated weight capacity, but Jin used Gravity Magic to offset the load and maintain stability.
The Chancellor remained oblivious to this technical trick, simply assuming that Jin’s airship was remarkably spacious and capable.
Looking down from the sky, the ship's movements were perfectly visible.
"Oh, what a magnificent view! Lord Jin, you have my deepest thanks."
"Don't mention it. Just please make sure you don't lean out too far and fall."
"Understood."
From an altitude of about fifty meters, Jin’s airship followed the Bernstein.
"Jin-nii, the wake is quite large after all," Elsa noted.
As she observed, the waves kicked up by the Bernstein were substantial. Any small boat nearby would likely be tossed about by the displacement.
"Yeah. That’s called wave resistance," Jin replied. "It’s something we’ll have to figure out how to minimize in future designs."
Reinhard nodded in agreement. From their aerial vantage point, the way the hull generated waves was exceptionally clear.
While the Chancellor observed the vessel's operational efficiency, Jin and his fellow engineers watched from a purely technical perspective.
Beneath them, the new ship Bernstein continued its sea trials, cutting through the water without a hint of trouble.