The morning of the 7th was a whirlwind of activity.
Word of the upheaval in the Kingdom of Franz had finally reached the Celuroa Kingdom. The international delegates still in the city convened a meeting the moment breakfast was over.
"I hear a revolution has broken out in the Kingdom of Franz," one started.
"The situation is apparently close to a bloodless revolution."
"Lijoun de Berkeley was forced to abdicate by the Revolutionary Army. Duke Lafayette—Lotaro de Lafayette—is said to be taking the throne in his place."
So far, the news was received well enough. Duke Lafayette had a stellar reputation that preceded him even in foreign lands; everyone was optimistic that future diplomatic relations wouldn't face significant hurdles.
The real issue was Orange. That problem was so immense it made the change in kingship feel almost trivial.
"Orange has reportedly holed up in a frontier fortress."
"It seems to be a ruin from the era of the Great Magic War. They say it won't be easy to bring down."
Information continued to fly between the representatives. Then, fresh intelligence arrived, delivered by Kirk-at, King Cesar’s most trusted confidant.
"Early this morning, this letter was delivered by Maquina-dono."
He bowed and withdrew immediately. Eager to know the contents, Prince Arthur took the lead and hurriedly read the letter aloud for the assembly.
"...'Fort Crow, where Orange has taken refuge, is a ruin from the Great Magic War and is a magifortress. It is no ordinary stronghold. Exercise extreme caution.'"
"A 'magifortress'? What on earth is that supposed to be?" Marquis Theoderic began to ask, but Prince Arthur held up a hand.
"There is more. '...It is conjectured that the magifortress itself functions much like a gargantuan golem...'"
As the prince read through the technical descriptions, the faces of his audience paled.
"Such a relic actually exists...!"
"How are we supposed to conquer a thing like that?"
"Can modern technology even stand against it?"
Fear and intimidation settled over the room. Attempting to shatter the heavy atmosphere, Prince Arthur raised his voice.
"Everyone, please, calm down. No matter how impenetrable a fortress or castle may seem, it must have a weakness. For example, a starvation strategy. No structure can defend against that forever."
"Oh..."
"T-True enough."
The delegates seemed to regain a measure of composure at his words.
If it were Hourai Island, we have Warp Gates and are entirely self-sufficient, Jin thought. He kept the observation to himself, however; he had enough common sense to know it wasn't the time.
In truth, the number of people inside Fort Crow would be a critical factor for any starvation strategy, but that information was currently missing.
"Well, everyone, the situation being what it is, I must return home by tomorrow," the Empress of the Shouro Empire declared. She had been staying longer than intended, but with the regional politics shifting so rapidly, her return was now a necessity.
"I agree. I believe I shall also return to my kingdom," Prince Arthur of the Klein Kingdom added.
"It seems we have no other choice," said Marchioness Firenziano of the Kingdom of Elias.
"Umu. It is a pity, but we must depart," Duke Blue of the Kingdom of Egerea concurred.
And so, the mass exodus was decided.
From the Shouro Empire: the Empress, Marquis Theoderic, Magic Technology Minister Degauss, Lieutenant Colonel Fritz, Captain Mattheus, and Reinhard.
From the Klein Kingdom: Prince Arthur, his attendant Rio, and Jessica, the Captain of the Royal Female Ritter Corps.
From the Kingdom of Egerea: Duke Blue.
From the Kingdom of Elias: Marchioness Firenziano and Marcia.
Along with Jin and Elsa.
The group resolved to depart for their respective homes. When they informed the new king, Cesar, early that afternoon, his face fell with genuine regret.
"I see. Given the circumstances, it is only natural. I thank you all for the assistance you have provided until now."
"Well, I guess it’s time to say goodbye to this place for a while," Jin muttered, tidying up the guest room where his personal effects were scattered.
"Mm. It can't be helped," Elsa replied, neatly folding clothes.
"You can return here whenever you wish, Father," Reiko offered by way of comfort.
"Elsa-sama, the packing is finished." Edgar appeared, carrying two large bags.
"That does it, then. We’ll sleep here tonight, have breakfast in the morning, and then head out."
"Okay."
"I really wanted to take the delegates to Kunlun Island and start the World Conference after this, but..."
"The world rarely works out exactly as we wish, Jin-nii."
"Tell me about it."
A knock at the door interrupted them. Reiko answered it to find Marcia.
"Hey, Jin, Elsa. Hope I’m not intruding."
"Not at all. Come in."
Reiko used the provided tea set to brew a fresh pot.
"It’s been a while since we’ve had a chance to just chat like this."
"Jin has become quite the big shot lately. You've been busy," Marcia teased.
"To be honest, I’d much rather just relax and work on my projects," Jin grumbled.
Marcia gave a wry laugh. "Ahahaha! That’s never going to happen. I get the feeling, but as long as you don't go into total isolation, the world isn't going to leave someone like Jin alone."
"I suppose you're right."
"I think I understand, though," Marcia continued. "I sometimes wish I could just build ships the way I want to, without any strings attached."
But to live, one had to earn a living, which meant doing things one didn't want to do and meeting people one didn't want to meet, she concluded.
"That's just the way it is, I guess."
"Yeah. But Jin-nii is always a bit detached from reality anyway."
"Where did you pick up a phrase like that...?"
"Ahahaha! It’s good to see you two still get along so well."
After some more small talk, Marcia turned to the reason for her visit.
"I’m heading back to my country tomorrow morning, so I wanted to make sure I spoke with you both before I left."
"I’m glad you did. It was nice."
"We'll see each other again soon enough."
Even as they said it, everyone understood that with their own lives and responsibilities, "anytime" wasn't quite that simple.
"Well, it’s a little early, but goodnight, Jin."
"Yeah. Goodnight, Marcia."
After Marcia left around 8:00 PM, Jin turned to Elsa.
"Do you think we should go and say goodbye to the others, too?"
"...Mm, probably. It’s not too late to be rude yet. Should we... go now?"
With Elsa’s agreement, the two of them set out to make the rounds, offering simple farewells to the various international delegates.