On March 24th, Jin and Elsa, accompanied by Reiko and Edgar, headed for the Imperial Palace aboard Konron 2.
By now, the vessel had effectively become Jin’s surrogate identification card; he was permitted to land in the forecourt without being stopped.
Naturally, a squad of royal guards arrived to greet them and provide security. Among their ranks was a familiar face. Flora Hecherat—Jin’s neighbor from across the street, the eldest daughter of the Hecherat family, and a female royal ritter.
"Lord Jin Nidou, Lord of Kunlun, welcome. Lady Elsa and Lady Reiko, it is an honor to have you."
Flora did not address Edgar by name, as he held no formal title.
"Her Majesty is waiting for you."
Having seen Konron 2 return the previous day, the Empress had been anticipating Jin’s arrival and was eager to see him. Jin’s group was immediately escorted to her private office.
"Lord Jin Nidou, Lady Elsa, Lady Reiko—it has been quite some time."
The Empress, Gerhardt Hilde von Rubies Shouro, welcomed them inside.
"What brings you here today?"
Once the formal greetings were concluded, the Empress’s tone became even more casual. She paid no mind to Flora, who stood stiffly at her side with a look of severe disapproval.
"Yes. First, I wanted to report on the incident in the Celuroa Kingdom..."
Jin proceeded to explain the situation regarding the underground ruins in Dali, where eight soldiers had gone missing.
"I see. So all eight survived. Thank you, Jin-kun. Elsa, you did excellent work as well."
Since Jin and Elsa were both associated with the Shouro Empire, their successes were a genuine source of pride for her.
"And is there something else?"
"Yes. It isn’t for an immediate departure, but I was hoping to visit Mitsuho. I’ve come to ask for your permission."
Since official diplomatic relations had not yet been finalized, Jin felt it would be improper to visit Mitsuho unannounced—even with his status as the Lord of Kunlun, who was technically permitted to cross borders at will.
"I understand. I shall have the paperwork processed....By the way, Toa Eschenbach came to request similar permission just the day before yesterday. Will you be traveling together?"
"No, I don't believe so. Those two are likely treating the trip as a honeymoon, aren't they?"
Since the concept of a "honeymoon" was not a standard custom in this world, the Empress looked puzzled for a moment. However, she quickly grasped the meaning and smiled.
"Ah, I see. That sounds like a wonderful tradition. A celebration and a vacation, just for the two newlyweds..."
After marvelling at the idea for a moment, the Empress turned back to Jin.
"And your trip? Will it just be you and Elsa, Jin-kun?"
She had switched entirely to her informal manner of speaking, causing Flora’s expression to grow even more sour.
"No. Elsa and I will be going, along with Reiko and Edgar. I’m also planning to bring Hanna and Saki."
"Hanna... Ah, that cute girl. And Saki... I suppose that’s because Toa is going with Stearena."
The Empress nodded with a knowing look. "Elsa, are you alright with that?"
Caught off guard by the sudden question, Elsa looked blank for a second. "Eh? Yes."
Sensing that Elsa hadn't quite caught the implication, the Empress elaborated. "Are you sure you don't want to be alone with Jin-kun?"
At that, Elsa’s face turned beet red. "Eh? Ah, yes. It's... it's fine for now."
The Empress smiled warmly at the response. "I see. 'For now,' then."
At that moment, perhaps unable to endure the casual banter any longer, Flora let out a pointed cough. The Empress immediately straightened her posture.
"Very well. I shall issue the permit. However, there are two conditions."
"What would they be?"
"First, you are not to engage in any commercial trade. Personal purchases are an exception, of course."
In short, it would be problematic for the Shouro Empire if another entity or individual established trade contracts before formal diplomatic ties were established—especially since Jin was no longer just an individual, but the Lord of Kunlun.
"Understood. That won't be a problem," Jin replied immediately. As long as he could obtain samples, he was confident he could mass-produce whatever he needed back on Hourai Island.
"One more thing—and this is only if it is feasible—but I would prefer at least one person to travel under the official title of a representative of the Shouro Empire."
The Empress did not wish to bind the Lord of Kunlun to a single nation, but she wanted Elsa or Saki to travel as citizens of the Empire. Since she was the one issuing the permit, it was a perfectly reasonable request.
"Of course. Both Elsa and Saki are people of the Shouro Empire, after all."
Jin readily agreed, and the Empress thanked him with a smile.
"That is a great help. I will begin the procedures to issue the certificate. It may take two or three days to finalize."
Even as the ruler, this was not a matter she could settle entirely on her own.
"We look forward to it."
Unlike Jin, Her Majesty was a woman with a busy schedule, so the audience concluded there.
As Jin and his group left the office, they happened to cross paths with Elsa’s brother, Fritz Randol.
"Ah, Brother."
"Oh, Elsa! And Lord Jin, it's been a while. You look well."
"You haven't changed either, Fritz-dono."
Fritz laughed, his face tanned from travel. "Yeah, I just got back last night. I'm relieved I managed to bring the Golias units home safely without any incidents."
"Have you seen Mother yet?"
When Elsa said "Mother," she meant Marlene Randol, the woman who had raised her.
"I’m planning to visit after my shift ends today. I’ve been granted some leave."
"In that case, why don't you join us on Konron 2?"
"Eh, Jin-nii?" Elsa was the first to react to Jin’s unexpected offer.
"...We need to report our engagement to her."
"Oh... right." Elsa’s cheeks flushed pink.
"Haha! I see, you haven't told her yet? In that case, I'd be honored to join you!"
Fritz laughed and slapped Jin on the back several times. Jin winced slightly under the heavy blows.
"I’ll come by your mansion around three this afternoon, then. See you then!"
Fritz hurried off, and Elsa walked down the corridor, leaning close to Jin’s side.
"Do we need to bring some kind of gift?"
Back at the mansion, Jin was consulting with Elsa.
As it happened, the custom of a formal betrothal gift did not exist in this world. Nevertheless, Jin was racking his brains, wondering if there was something he should do to signify his intentions now that they were officially engaged.
"...I don't really know, either."
Having lived such a sheltered life, Elsa had no knowledge of such matters. Barrow and Belle were in the same boat; as former commoners, they had no idea what the nobility did for such occasions.
Since it was still before noon, they had time to spare.
"...This calls for Reinhard."
"Mm. Agreed."
Their opinions were in perfect sync. Accompanied by Reiko and Edgar, they used the Warp Gate in the basement to travel to Reinhard’s residence, Rankenhaus.
"Reinhard returned ahead of the Empress by hot air balloon, didn't he?"
"Yes, that's right."
While discussing this, they climbed the stairs from the basement and ran into Berche.
"Oh my, I thought I heard voices. It is the two of you! What brings you here today?"
"Hi, Berche. I actually wanted to ask Reinhard something. Sorry for dropping in without any notice."
Jin scratched the back of his head sheepishly, and Berche looked apologetic.
"Oh, is that so? My husband went out this morning and hasn't returned yet."
Apparently, the Village Chief had requested an urgent meeting for a serious discussion.
"If I can be of assistance, I would be happy to listen."
"Jin-nii, Berche-san would surely know as well."
"You're right."
With that, Jin decided to seek Berche’s advice.