Laojun took his time, meticulously analyzing the data from the control core he had copied from Akitsu.
The process concluded on the very day Jin visited Elsa Randol’s foster mother.
"I shall report these findings once My Lord returns."
With that decided, Laojun focused his processing power on controlling John Dini.
＊ ＊ ＊
The clock turned back slightly to the day Jin repaired Akitsu in the town of Miyako.
John—Laojun—used the Warp Gate to return to the inner chamber of the Chief’s quarters.
When he opened the door, Chief Hiro was still there. His expression shifted from startled surprise to pure joy the moment he saw John.
"John-dono, you’ve returned!"
"Yes. It took a while, but I am back."
"I see..."
As if a string of extreme tension had finally snapped, Chief Hiro slumped forward onto his desk.
"...The fact that you are here must mean that Akitsu-sama is..."
"Yes, she is repaired. Fortunately, the necessary materials were stored within the dome."
John offered a partial lie to keep his true techniques a secret.
"Oh...!"
Hiro stood up so abruptly he nearly sent his chair flying. He rushed over to John and grasped his hand.
"John-dono! You have my eternal gratitude!...I know you have only just returned, but would you accompany me to see Akitsu-sama once more?"
"Of course. I don't mind at all."
With those words, the two of them opened the door again and transported via the Warp Gate.
"Akitsu-sama...!"
Chief Hiro immediately fell to his knees at Akitsu’s feet.
Akitsu reached out and gently urged him to stand.
"Please, Hiro, stop that. I am merely an automata. I am not a being meant for such reverence."
"No, Akitsu-sama. You are our mentor, our predecessor, and our instructor. It is only right that we treat you with the utmost respect."
Even after standing, Hiro refused to abandon his humble posture.
"Are you... truly feeling better now?"
"Yes, as you can see."
Akitsu stood up slowly and performed a light, graceful pirouette on the spot.
Watching her, tears finally spilled from Hiro’s eyes.
"...To think, so many years have passed since I and eleven of my peers first received your teachings as children... I never dreamed I would see you restored to such health...!"
"You are being dramatic. However, judging by your reaction, it seems you have upheld those lessons well."
"Yes. The essentials of democracy, the pitfalls of ochlocracy, the concept of the greatest happiness for the greatest number, the perils of utilitarianism, and the sanctity of individual human rights... those principles remain etched in my mind to this day."
"That makes me very happy. Please continue to strive for those ideals."
"I will, Akitsu-sama."
Chief Hiro then turned back toward John.
"John-dono, no amount of thanks could ever be enough! You are a savior to our people."
Akitsu watched the two of them in silence, a gentle smile gracing her features.
＊ ＊ ＊
"Long live John Dini-dono!"
"All hail our savior, John-dono!"
When John and Hiro returned to the office and later appeared before the Assembly, every member was present despite the late hour.
They had all been anxiously awaiting news of John’s success.
When Chief Hiro officially announced that Akitsu was restored to perfect health, the room erupted in a jubilant roar.
"I say, John-dono, we can’t thank you enough for coming to our aid."
"John-dono, this is a token of our appreciation! Drink up, drink up!"
The gathering spilled into an impromptu banquet.
John joined them, a wry smile on his face. He humored them, keeping his ultimate objective in sight.
＊ ＊ ＊
"John Dini-dono, I hereby appoint you an Honorary Magi Smith of the Mitsuho Kingdom."
Chief Hiro made the declaration in a solemn, formal tone.
The original plan had been to grant him honorary citizenship and the title of Lead Magi Smith, but John had firmly declined those honors.
The day after the banquet, an investiture ceremony was held for John—Laojun—with the members of the Assembly serving as witnesses.
"With this, you are now officially a recognized citizen of Mitsuho."
John gave a respectful bow.
"Now then, regarding your future—do you have any requests?"
Hiro offered him a house or land, but John’s answer was already set: "I would like to visit other lands."
"That is exactly what I would hope for. There are likely others like Akitsu-sama scattered across the country. If you could repair them as well, it would be an incredible service to our nation."
"I shall do my best. I came here originally with the desire to see more of the world, after all."
"Are you truly certain that is all you wish for?"
"Yes, absolutely."
"Very well."
Thus, John—Laojun—obtained maps of the southern Mitsuho Kingdom and the necessary passage rights. He was also provided with ample travel funds.
"I must ask that you keep these maps strictly confidential from anyone outside our borders."
"Of course."
The maps detailed the highways heading south, the names of various towns, and the topography of the southern regions.
"If possible, I would like you to visit the southern cities of Osaka and Nanto. Also, there is a seaside town called Tosa. It isn't large, but these three locations are ancient towns with deep histories."
"Understood. You have my thanks," John replied.
"I have a piece of advice, if I may."
"Oh, by all means."
Chief Hiro and everyone else present nodded attentively.
"My master’s name is Jin Nidou. He is a Magi Craft Meister recognized by many nations. Compared to my master, I am like a child—no, an infant."
"Oh...?"
A collective gasp filled the room.
"However, his personality is gentle, and he abhors conflict. Above all else, he loves the act of creation. If you ever hear his name, please treat him with kindness."
"I understand perfectly. Jin Nidou-dono, was it? I shall never forget that name," Hiro answered on behalf of the group.
"Thank you. I believe this will lead to even greater development for your nation. And one more thing."
"Yes, what is it?"
"The current Empress of the neighboring Shouro Empire is a woman who loves peace. Highly skilled magi engineers have gathered under her. If at all possible, I hope you will seek friendly relations with them as well."
Everyone present nodded in agreement.
"Naturally. We also have no love for war."
"I am relieved to hear that."
John bowed deeply. He then stated his intentions clearly.
"I shall depart tomorrow."
"So soon? You certainly don't waste time. I look forward to the day we meet again."
"As do I."
"John-dono has a Golem horse, so his travels should be comfortable enough."
"Yes. I intend to take my time and visit the towns along the way."
"Indeed. It is winter now, but the south is warm. It should be a fine season for travel."
Having surmounted this initial obstacle, John—Laojun—set out on a journey to uncover the enigmas of the Mitsuho Kingdom.