January 14.
Jin, Reinhard, and Elsa arrived at the Shouro Empire's Imperial Palace. Their purpose was to report on their recent expedition and finalize certain formalities. Foremost among those formalities was a single declaration:
"We formally recognize Lord Jin Nidou as the 'Lord of Kunlun'."
With those words from the Empress of the Shouro Empire, Jin was now officially recognized as the 'Lord of Kunlun' by every nation with which he maintained diplomatic ties. Since the Celuroa Kingdom and the Kingdom of Franz had already given their verbal consent, Jin could finally use the title openly and without reservation.
"Thank you very much," Jin replied.
He then presented the Empress with a world map identical to the ones he had gifted to the other monarchs. Her Majesty’s eyes widened as she took the map, passing it to the Chancellor standing by her side before offering her thanks.
"Lord of Kunlun, we thank you for this invaluable map."
Next, Reinhard took the floor to deliver his report as a diplomat.
"I believe we have fulfilled all our objectives for this mission. I have summarized the details in this report."
He proceeded to outline the key outcomes:
- Secured approval for regular maritime trade with the Kingdom of Elias.
- Obtained permission to utilize ports within the Kingdom of Egerea as part of that trade route.
- Secured authorization from the Kingdom of Egerea for trade with the Klein Kingdom via the Naudaria River.
These were his successes as a diplomat. Furthermore, he listed several technical achievements:
- Provided technical guidance for transport-grade shallow-draft boats to the Kingdom of Elias, bolstering the Shouro Empire's prestige.
- Similarly provided technical guidance for shallow-draft boats to the Kingdom of Egerea, further enhancing the Empire's standing.
- Offered counsel regarding humanitarian aid from the Kingdom of Elias to the Klein Kingdom.
- Submitted numerous proposals for the optimization of maritime trade.
A disclaimer was attached to the latter points, noting that these successes were the result of a joint effort with Jin and Elsa.
"Reinhard, Elsa, you have both done excellent work," the Empress said.
With those words of appreciation, the group was dismissed. The Empress intended to review the full report in private, with a follow-up meeting scheduled for the next day to address any points of clarification.
"Well, that’s that for today. We can finally relax a bit," Reinhard remarked.
Since they were officially supposed to be traveling by airship, they were given the rest of the day off after only a few hours of work.
"Mm. Speaking of which, I wonder how Fritz-niisama and the others are doing?" Elsa asked.
Jin knew the Hourai Island Air Force units were monitoring the situation from high altitude. "Let’s hurry back and check in on them."
They were still in the palace courtyard, so Jin spoke vaguely to avoid being overheard by any unwanted ears.
"Mm, I agree," Elsa nodded.
They returned to Jin’s mansion via airship first.
"Welcome back, Jin-sama, Elsa-sama. Welcome, Reinhard-sama," Barrow greeted them warmly.
He had clearly settled into his life at the mansion. Jin planned to ask him eventually whether he preferred staying here or returning to Kaina Village. That, however, could wait. After eating a lunch prepared by Belle, the group transitioned to Hourai Island.
"Welcome back, My Lord."
"Laojun, straight to the point—what’s the status of the Former Leonard Kingdom Investigation Team?"
"Yes, My Lord. They are..."
Laojun provided a concise summary based on the high-altitude reconnaissance.
"I see. So they found gold and adamantite containers at these Botzfa Ruins?" Jin asked.
"Yes. And it appears they intend to bring them back."
Jin turned to Reinhard for his thoughts. "What do you think, Reinhard?"
"Hmm. Taking things out of a place like that so recklessly... it leaves a bad taste in my mouth."
"Mm, I feel the same," Elsa added. "I'm glad Fritz-niisama seems well, and Gloria-san is safe, but that ruin... it makes me uneasy."
"I’m worried too," Jin said. "I just hope they haven't unleashed some ancient calamity because they were blinded by the value of those containers."
"My Lord, we must continue to watch them closely," Laojun advised.
"Right. Keep up the surveillance," Jin instructed.
The morning of the 15th.
At the ruins, the investigation team finished a quick breakfast. As they prepared to backfill the pit where they had dumped the hazardous contents of the adamantite containers, Jade Nephroi spoke up.
"It’s worth a shot. Let’s see what happens if we dump the contents of a gold container in here too."
The team was curious about how the corrosive liquid would react with the viscous fluid they had already discarded. With no one objecting, they decided to experiment.
"I'll give it a try."
They carried a single container to the depression and carefully opened a small hole. Taking care to avoid any splashes, Jade poured a tiny amount of the liquid into the pit.
"Oh!?"
The liquid, which was known to dissolve even iron, was absorbed effortlessly by the viscous fluid. The mixture showed no volatile reaction whatsoever.
"If it's this stable, wouldn't it be better to dispose of the rest here?"
When the results were reported to the captains, everyone agreed.
"We’ll save one for the alchemists to study and empty the rest," they decided.
Given the nature of the hazardous material, the process took some time, but eventually, the contents of forty-eight containers were safely discarded into the pit.
"Right, all that's left is to fill it in."
They left the heavy labor to the Golias units. While the rest of the team began striking the tents, Fritz’s voice suddenly rang out across the camp.
"Rock Wolves! Look out!!"
A spray of blood followed his shout. Fritz drew his longsword in a blur of motion, hacking down a beast mid-leap.
"Kyah!"
A female knight, caught off guard, was nearly pinned.
"Get down!" Gloria shouted, stepping in to save her. She sent another Rock Wolf flying with a powerful strike from her own blade.
"Tch, they've got us surrounded."
The pack had encircled them entirely. There were roughly fifty beasts in total. Aside from the two that had been killed in the initial rush, the others held back for the moment, prowling the perimeter and looking for an opening.
"Everyone, draw your swords! Form a ring!" Fritz commanded.
Bernardo, captain of the Klein Kingdom team, and Bruno, captain of the Egerea Kingdom team, immediately echoed the order. They formed a tight defensive circle, placing the two young female knights and Jade Nephroi in the protected center.
The Rock Wolves began to close the distance, their circle tightening inch by inch.