The day after returning to Hourai Island from Reiko's field training, Jin decided it was time to address another lingering concern.
He chose to consult with Elsa on the matter. Saki was also present, though mainly as an observer.
"I want to do something about the Secret Mobile Unit—the SPs."
"...What do you mean?" Elsa asked, tilting her head.
Jin began to explain his reasoning. "Well, lately we've been traveling by airship more and more, right? Because of that, the Secret Mobile Unit can't keep up with us anymore."
"Ah, that makes sense."
While they could follow along without issue when traveling by carriage, they often struggled to keep pace with flight or the use of Warp Gates.
"So, I'm planning a major overhaul."
"Jin, what exactly do you have in mind?" Saki asked, her interest piqued. "Are you discharging the SPs from their duties?"
"Jin-nii, that would be such a waste," Elsa interjected.
"No, it's nothing like that," Jin said, quickly waving off their concerns. He then began to outline his plan. "I was told once before that if one holds a certain level of social status, they should have guards with an intimidating presence to serve as a deterrent."
"Ah, so you want guards who discourage an attack just by being seen? Hmm, since you are the Lord of Kunlun, I suppose that’s only natural," Saki said, nodding in understanding.
"Exactly. So, instead of having them remain hidden as they have until now, I’m considering having them guard us openly."
"...Are you going to remodel them?"
"That's the plan."
"Specifically, how?"
Jin laid out his vision for the two of them. "First, let's look at how many members the Secret Mobile Unit currently has..."
For Jin, there were Pensee, Viola, Dahlia, Canna, Lily, Rose, Elm, Ash, Pothos, and Heath.
For Elsa, Maron and Plum. For Hanna, Iris and Azalea. For Marcia, Cattleya and Lotus.
Beena and Earl Kuzuma were guarded by Cherry and Camellia. Prince Ernest had Erica and Lobelia. Finally, Reinhard was assigned Sage and Cosmos.
"...When you list them all like that, the number is staggering."
"Hehe, it just shows how much Jin treasures his family and friends."
"W-Well, yeah." Jin scratched his head at Saki’s remark, looking a bit sheepish. "S-So, anyway. I’m going to start with the units assigned to the Jin Family."
"...Because they move back and forth the most?" Elsa guessed.
"Yeah. Between the Warp Gates and the airships, they have the most trouble keeping up."
"And the specific changes, Jin?"
"Well, for starters, I think keeping their all-black appearance is fine. They look a bit like the Schwarzritter that way."
Though the color was similar, the designs were distinct. While the Schwarzritter were styled after armored warriors, the Secret Mobile Unit units were more humanoid.
"I’ll make it so they can add external equipment depending on the mission. They can wear suits of armor when they're on guard duty."
"Hmm, but most of them are female-types, aren't they?" Saki voiced her doubt.
"Sure, but female knights aren't exactly unheard of. It wouldn't look strange at all for them to be guarding you or Elsa, Saki."
"Wait, you're assigning some to me too?"
Jin nodded. "Yeah. Or rather, I'll make it so they can be assigned for protection or dispatched whenever necessary."
The idea was to assign them based on the destination and purpose of any given outing. Jin mentioned that he would leave the management of those details to Laojun.
"...And what about the internal upgrades?" Elsa asked, clearly interested in the technical side.
"Right. Naturally, the force generator will be standard equipment. That way, they can provide protection even in the air."
"...Mm, that’s essential."
"However, they will normally show themselves and accompany us as attendant golems. I’ll have the girl and boy types handle the hidden surveillance."
Of course, this would also be implemented on an as-needed basis.
"It sounds a bit complicated. But I suppose Laojun will be able to manage it all smoothly?"
While it would be a administrative nightmare for a human, Laojun had been developed specifically for tasks of this scale and would likely handle it with ease.
"Finally, I’m going to have the Reiko-types, Pensee and Viola, retire from the Secret Mobile Unit. I want them to work on Kunlun Island instead."
"Ah, Kunlun Island. I see. I understand your reasoning, Jin."
"The No. 100 units of each of the Five-Colored Golem Maids are currently stationed on Kunlun Island to handle the upkeep of the Mansion, but if we continue to expand our development there, we’re going to be short-handed."
Jin added that he also wanted to establish a permanent security presence there.
"...I agree." Elsa seemed satisfied with the plan.
"Let’s see if I’ve got this straight," Saki summarized. "The adult male and female types will act as visible, knight-like guards. The boy and girl types will handle covert protection. And the Reiko-types will be in charge of security on Kunlun Island. Does that cover it?"
"Yeah, exactly. What do you think?"
"I believe it is an excellent plan," Laojun, who had been listening silently until then, voiced his approval. "However, for safety’s sake, I recommend using the leftover Ancient Dragon leather to create more protective clothing. They should wear it whenever they go out."
If magic was circulated through it, the material was arguably the strongest in the world. Elsa and Saki had already made a vest for Jin, but if they crafted things like bulletproof vests and fire-resistant cloaks for the other members, it would provide an even greater layer of security.
"Mm, in that case, I’ll work on the designs."
"Thanks, I'm counting on you." Jin agreed, feeling that Elsa had a better eye for such things than he did.
With the plan decided, they immediately set to work on the remodeling.
Since the units’ base performance was already exceptional, the primary tasks were general maintenance and the installation of the force generators. Beyond that, they prepared armor for the adult male and female types, and clothing for the youth and Reiko-types.
"Alright, that should do it. I'm counting on all of you from here on out."
When Jin addressed the reorganized Secret Mobile Unit, they responded in perfect unison.
"Yes, Chief!"
Thus, the New Secret Mobile Unit officially began its operations.
"Whoa! What... who are they!?"
"Ah, Rai-nii. Welcome."
Later that evening, Reinhard visited Hourai Island and was visibly startled by the sight of the Secret Mobile Unit.
"Reinhard, it's been a while. They’re the Secret Mobile Unit. You see, the thing is..." Jin gave Reinhard a brief rundown of the reorganization.
"Hmm, that seems like a good move....Wait, does that mean they’re with me now too?"
"Once again, Lord Reinhard, we look forward to serving you."
The golem before him was an adult female type, standing 165 centimeters tall and weighing 55 kilograms. She had a slim build, which was perhaps a bit different from Reinhard's personal preference. However, her appearance—clad in light armor made of 64 light silver with a short sword at her hip—was genuinely striking.
The armor was crafted from 64 light silver—essentially titanium—which allowed the color to be changed by adjusting the oxide film. The units assigned to Reinhard were finished in black to match his Schwarzritter.
"I see, this is incredible. Jin, thank you again!"
"...You're welcome, but didn't you have a reason for coming over?"
At Jin’s question, Reinhard smiled with a bit of a bashful look.
"Oh, right! Actually... Berche is pregnant!"
"What!?"
"For Rai-nii!?"
"C-Congratulations!"
The workshop echoed with voices of surprise and celebration.
Though it was still February, the breeze on Hourai Island felt warm. The news of a new life, so evocative of spring, made the hearts of Jin and his friends dance with joy.