"Blast it, what is that incompetent fool doing!?"
From his position far in the rear, King Richard of Celuroa was witnessing First Foreign Minister Beaujolais’s flustered state in real-time.
This was possible because magic-screens, identical to those used during the Golem Boat Race in the Kingdom of Elias, had been installed throughout the city. They served the same function as security or surveillance cameras. That the Celuroa Kingdom had recognized the utility of such devices suggested they were still a nation to be reckoned with.
Richard’s fury boiled as he watched the pathetic display of his First Foreign Minister through the projection.
"As soon as the ceremony is over, he’s being replaced..." Richard muttered to himself, taking a long pull of his favorite wine.
＊ ＊ ＊
"Lord Jin Nidou, Lady Elsa, it has been far too long."
"Yes, it has, Your Majesty."
Seeing the two of them dressed in matching outfits, the Empress’s expression softened into a smile.
"Your clothes are quite unique, yet lovely. Tell me, what style is this?"
"They are the formal wear of Kunlun Island," Jin replied. He had crafted these specifically for this occasion.
"Oh, is that so? They look remarkably functional."
Indeed, the relaxed, suit-like attire appeared both practical and comfortable to move in.
"A-Ah, Your Majesty, Lord Jin Nidou... I fear standing about and talking here for so long is..."
Beaujolais, no longer certain how to handle the group as they chatted, stammered as he tried to interject.
"Ah, my apologies. But if we could wait just a moment longer. Then..."
"Then?" the Empress asked, her face lighting up with anticipation.
"...Ah, there it is."
Jin pointed toward the Azul River, the great waterway that flowed to the west of Dali.
"Oh!"
"W-What in the world is that...?"
A gleaming silver vessel, ten meters in length, had appeared on the water.
"It is a ship I built, the Shark."
"The Shark..."
It was a monohull, but its sleek design was reminiscent of a modern cruiser from Earth. It stood in stark contrast to any other vessel in the harbor.
"I-Is it made of metal?" The Empress’s voice rose slightly in shock as she took in the silver hull.
"No, it’s just painted. It’s primarily a wooden ship."
"...As expected of the Magi Craft Meister," she breathed.
The Shark glided slowly toward the pier. Jin, accompanied by Reiko, stepped forward to meet it. The crowd—mostly nobles participating in the ceremony rather than commoners—parted instinctively to make way for him.
As the Shark pulled alongside the dock, Laozi emerged from within, followed closely by Anne.
Holding a mooring rope, Laozi leaped onto land in a single, effortless bound. He secured the ship with practiced, efficient movements before turning to Jin and offering a deep, respectful bow.
"My Lord, together with Anne, I have arrived."
"Good work. You’re right on time."
"J-Jin-kun, who is this?" The Empress, having followed a moment later, stared at Laozi in disbelief.
"This is Laozi. And this is Anne. They are my automata."
A stir of voices rippled through the onlookers. Both Laozi and Anne looked indistinguishable from humans.
"I am called Laozi. Your Majesty, it is an honor to make your acquaintance."
"I am Anne. Your Majesty, I look forward to your kind favor."
"A pleasure to meet you both... Goodness, leave it to Jin-kun to do something like this."
The succession of surprises had caused the Empress to slip back into her usual, casual way of speaking. Meanwhile, Reinhard stood behind her, watching the spectacle without a hint of panic; he knew Jin’s capabilities better than anyone.
Soon, Fritz Randol arrived, leading his squad of Golias units. Gloria and Cynthia were currently acting as part of the Klein Kingdom’s delegation and were elsewhere. Rita, registered as a servant for odd jobs, had been left at their quarters.
"Your Majesty, Lieutenant Colonel Randol reporting in!"
"Ah, good work, Fritz. I’ll hear your full report later. The ceremony isn't until tomorrow, and since Elsa is right here, you should take a moment to speak with her."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Saluting, Fritz turned toward Elsa, who was standing beside Jin.
"Elsa, it’s been a while. You grow more beautiful every time I see you."
Elsa returned his greeting with a bright smile. "It is good to see you are well, Brother."
"Haha, thanks....Lord Jin, it’s been some time. My thanks for looking after my sister."
"Brother, stop treating me like a child."
"From where I’m standing, you’re still a child....Lord Jin, please continue to look after her."
Fritz seemed to have grasped the significance of the two wearing matching outfits.
"Yes, you can count on me," Jin replied.
Hearing those words, Elsa’s cheeks flushed a deep crimson.
Fritz turned his attention back to his sister. "Forgive me, but could you come to my room later? There’s something I need to ask of you."
"...Oh, yes, Brother."
Seeing that the initial greetings were concluded, the Empress spoke up to take charge of the situation.
"Well then, let us retire to our rooms. Poor Lord Beaujolais over there looks quite distressed."
＊ ＊ ＊
"Gnuuuuu...! J-Just what is that man!?"
King Richard of Celuroa roared, slamming his wine glass onto the floor. The maid attending him turned pale at the outburst.
Airships. Automata. Ships. Every single display was at a level Richard had never encountered before. As the monarch of a nation that prided itself on technology, he possessed a keen eye for craftsmanship. He could see exactly how advanced the Lord of Kunlun’s technology was, and he realized with bitter clarity just how far it surpassed his own nation's capabilities.
"Grr...! No, I haven't lost yet. I’ll show them something to remember at tomorrow’s ceremony!"
Muttering resentfully, he had a new glass filled and drained it in a single gulp. Just then, a knock echoed at the door.
"What? Who is it?"
"Father, it is I."
"Oh, Cesar. Enter."
"Yes, Father."
Crown Prince Cesar had arrived in Dali the previous day, but since Richard had been secluded aboard his airship, they hadn't had the chance to meet until now. Cesar’s expression soured when he saw his father drinking so early in the day.
"Father, are you drinking already?"
Richard brushed him off without a second thought.
"Hmph, the ceremony begins tomorrow. Besides, this wine clears my mind. It isn't like the common swill you find elsewhere."
"Father, I understand it is high quality. But alcohol is alcohol. Drinking to excess cannot be good for your health!"
The warning fell on deaf ears; Richard ignored him entirely.
"More importantly, you were inspecting the Eastern Region, were you not?"
"Yes, that is correct. As a result of that inspection—"
Richard waved a hand to silence him. "Enough. I’ll hear it after the ceremony. Compile it into a report. You may withdraw."
"...Yes, Father."
In this context, the command to withdraw was an order to leave immediately. Cesar hung his head and exited the room.
"...Hmph, finally I can think in peace."
Richard’s mind was entirely consumed by tomorrow’s festivities—specifically, how to demonstrate his nation’s might to the foreign dignitaries and how to thoroughly humiliate the Lord of Kunlun, Jin Nidou.
Meanwhile, Cesar walked back to his own quarters, feeling a knot of worry tighten in his chest.
"Father... he’s grown so thin."
It had been since last autumn that Cesar had last seen his father, and the King’s gaunt appearance left him with a lingering sense of unease.