Jin spent the next two days relaxing in Port Rock.
He felt a bit guilty toward Reinhard, who was swamped with his duties as chief ambassador, but he still made time to enjoy swimming in the sea and visited the landlady of the Sea Roar Pavilion for the first time in ages.
As the deputy ambassador, Elsa wasn’t nearly as busy as Reinhard. She was able to spend about half her time with Jin, which kept her in a wonderful mood.
Marcia also returned to her workshop, though she still had to take things easy. She brought Rodrigo along and introduced him to everyone as her father.
Jeremy and Baccus were stunned when she announced they would be running the shop together from now on. However, because Jin had already told them that Rodrigo was the designer of the catamaran, they accepted the news fairly easily.
The father and daughter would manage the workshop as partners from here on out.
"Lord Jin Nidou, do you have a moment today?"
On the morning of December 29th, Marchioness Firenziano spoke to Jin after breakfast.
"Yes, I’m free," Jin replied.
"Lord Reinhard Randol and Lady Elsa Randol as well, if you please."
"Of course."
Since none of the three had any pressing matters, they followed the Marchioness to her office within the Guest House. This was the room where Marchioness Firenziano conducted her official business as lord when foreign dignitaries were in town; it was also suitable for informal ceremonies.
"Now then, I’ll get straight to the point," the Marchioness said, holding up a document for them to see. "A request has arrived from the Klein Kingdom. They are asking for our support regarding Devil's Potatoes—specifically, they want the crop and its recipes."
It seemed the advice Jin and Elsa had given during their trip to treat the King of Klein was finally paying off. Sharing this information was a courtesy, likely because Jin held the rank of honorary baronet in the Klein Kingdom. Reinhard and Elsa were likely included simply because they were Jin’s close friends.
"But considering the distance between the Kingdom of Elias and the Klein Kingdom, not to mention the state of the roads..." Reinhard muttered, his expression clouding.
"Yes, exactly."
Two nations—the Kingdom of Egerea and the Celuroa Kingdom—lay between the Kingdom of Elias and the Klein Kingdom. To make matters worse, no proper roads connected the Kingdom of Egerea to the Klein Kingdom.
"That is why we are considering using ships."
"Ships?"
The Klein Kingdom was landlocked. Jin figured that even if they landed in the Former Leonard Kingdom, which offered the shortest route, transporting goods overland from there would be an ordeal. Reinhard and Elsa seemed to be thinking the same thing.
However, the Marchioness’s next words came as a revelation.
"We shall use the rivers."
"...Ah!"
Rivers. Specifically, the Naudaria River, the massive waterway that served as the border between the Celuroa Kingdom and the Kingdom of Egerea. They could take it north.
South of Esaia, the capital of the Celuroa Kingdom, the Naudaria River branched into the Azul River and the Torres River. By navigating the Torres River up to the edge of Lake Cedrolia, the Klein Kingdom's capital of Alban would be just a stone's throw away.
Since there were reportedly no waterfalls or shallows along that route, navigation should be relatively smooth. The real challenge would be the propulsion systems needed to travel such a long distance—roughly six hundred kilometers—against the current.
As for food and water, they could resupply at towns along the banks, so they’d only need to carry the bare essentials. However, because it was a river rather than the open sea, shallow-draft boats would be far more advantageous. Boats under ten meters in length, perhaps traveling in convoys of dozens...
Jin’s engineering musings were cut short by the Marchioness’s voice.
"...Zaus Province intends to place great importance on this trade route for the future. I would very much like to ask the three of you for your advice regarding the types of vessels that would best serve this commerce."
The Marchioness bowed her head.
"I sent word to the Shouro Empire during our regular report the day before yesterday. Lord Reinhard, Lady Elsa, I would be honored to have your cooperation. And Lord Jin, please..."
"I'd be happy to help," Jin agreed before she could finish.
"Thank you. I shall ensure you are properly compensated for your time."
Marchioness Firenziano was always careful to maintain a clear line between business and official duties.
Once the formal discussion concluded, everyone relaxed over cups of Kuhe. The Marchioness was the first to break the silence.
"By the way, what are your plans for the New Year?"
It was December 29th. In the Allied Kingdoms, official duties were suspended on the 30th and on New Year's Day. Since the 2nd was reserved for formal greetings, actual work wouldn't resume until the 3rd.
"I’m going back to Kaina Village," Jin answered immediately.
"I see. And you two?"
"I..." Elsa started, glancing at Jin with a faint blush.
Noticing her look, Jin answered for her. "Elsa is coming with me."
The Marchioness was visibly surprised, though she maintained her poise. Only then did she finally realize the significance of the ring on Elsa’s left ring finger.
"Oh, I see. How wonderful for you both."
"I’m planning to take Reinhard along, too," Jin added. "We’ll be back by the morning of the 3rd, of course."
"I suppose that’s possible with your airship, Lord Jin," the Marchioness said, nodding.
In truth, Jin planned to secretly send Reinhard back to Berche via a Warp Gate—or perhaps bring Berche to him. Sensing this, Reinhard remained silent.
"Very well. Then I assume you’ll be departing this afternoon?"
The Marchioness was being thoughtful. Even though they could simply use the Warp Gate on the airship and didn't need to rush, Jin didn't want her consideration to go to waste.
"Yes, if that’s alright."
"Of course."
The crew of the Bernstein would be spending the New Year here in Port Rock.
After their talk with Marchioness Firenziano, Jin, Reiko, Elsa, Edgar, and Reinhard headed to Marcia’s workshop.
"Ah, Reinhard! Good to see you!...Wait, is it okay for me to talk like this to you?" Marcia asked, suddenly worried about her informal tone.
Reinhard laughed. "Haha, don't worry about it. I'd much prefer it if you treated me as a friend."
"R-Right. Thanks."
"Ah, Lord Reinhard, you’ve come as well," Rodrigo said, emerging from the back of the shop.
"Hello, Rodrigo. I'm glad to see things are going well."
"Yes, we owe you all so much."
"Nonsense, we didn't do anything special."
The conversation was warm and friendly. Seeing the smiles on Marcia and Rodrigo’s faces, Jin felt a deep sense of relief.
"So, Rodrigo, you're leaving the crew?" Reinhard asked.
"Yes. I feel terrible about it, but... my home is here."
Rodrigo sounded a bit sheepish, but Marcia stood behind him looking utterly delighted.
"The captain has already given his permission. Lord Jin, Lady Elsa, Lord Reinhard... truly, thank you for everything."
Rodrigo bowed deeply. Jin reached out to stop him.
"It’s alright. Marcia is a friend of mine; we competed in the Golem Boat Race together. It’s only natural to help a friend’s father."
"Jin, thank you. Elsa, Reinhard... I want to thank you all, too."
Marcia, who had been quiet until then, bowed to the three of them.
Though it was the dead of winter at the year’s end, the breeze blowing through Port Rock carried a certain gentleness.