"More than two hundred kilometers, huh... That’s quite a distance."
Still, if it was just a matter of distance, the trip was perfectly feasible as long as they had the automobile.
"Are you going, Jin-nii?" Elsa asked, peering into his face after they had returned to their room.
"Yeah, I’ve been weighing the options."
It had been nearly three weeks since they began their journey. Back on Hourai Island, the data regarding the spaceship was likely finished being compiled by now.
On the other hand, Jin felt as though they were finally closing in on the mystery of the Magus.
Should they head to the capital, Dahhate, or try for Mount Funisis? Relying on a vague hunch, Jin felt that there was something waiting for them at the mountain.
"Heh, your face is practically screaming that you’re dying to go," Saki chimed in, having sensed his mood.
"If Onii-chan wants to go, I’ll follow you anywhere," Hanna added.
"Alright, let's do it..."
Jin had a rough idea of the route thanks to the data from the Watcher. The terrain should be relatively gentle, consisting of grasslands, shrubs, and small patches of forest.
Once the decision was made, things moved quickly. Jin went to inform Fadon of their intention to depart for Mount Funisis.
"I see... To Mount Funisis, then?"
"Yes. We have enough food and water, and with our automobile, we should be there in two days."
In reality, the distance was roughly the same as the trip from Inno to Urun. It would ultimately depend on the condition of the ground, as there were no established roads.
"It is a pity to part with you, but if your mind is set, I cannot force you to stay."
Fadon looked genuinely disappointed, but for Jin, the urge to chase down these potential clues was irresistible.
"I understand. And will you be departing today?"
"Yes, if possible."
"So soon?"
"Yes, our things are already packed."
"Would it not be better to wait until tomorrow to ensure you are fully prepared?"
"No, we have everything we need."
"But... there aren't even any roads."
"I’m aware. We’ve managed so far, and I’m sure we’ll continue to manage."
"..."
Realizing that nothing he said would sway Jin’s resolve, Fadon let out a heavy sigh.
"I see. It is truly a pity to part with you..."
Fadon had expressed his regret twice now; his sentiment was clearly sincere.
Meanwhile, as Elsa and the others were gathering their hand luggage, Goose approached them.
"Hey, would you mind taking me along with you?"
"Eh? You want to come too?" Saki asked, looking up.
"Yeah. I’ve always had an interest in the unknown. Besides, you guys are heading back to your country after this, right?"
"Hmm, I’d have to check with Jin, but that’s the likely plan."
"Then all the more reason! I want to see the land... the country where my father was born and raised."
Just then, Jin walked back into the room. He gave his answer immediately.
"Sure."
The easy approval caught Goose off guard.
"Are you... really okay with that?"
"Yeah. Your knowledge is an asset, Goose."
"Is it really okay with you two?" Goose asked, turning toward Saki and Elsa.
"If Jin says it’s fine, I don't mind. Besides, you’re quite the know-it-all, aren't you?" Saki said with a smirk.
"Mm. If Jin-nii says so," Elsa added with a quick nod.
"Are you coming too, Mister? It’ll be even livelier now," Hanna said, smiling as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
"Thank you, everyone."
Goose bowed his head deeply to the group.
At nine o'clock that morning, the group finished their final preparations and stood before Fadon to say their goodbyes.
"Thank you for everything. We appreciate the hospitality and the valuable information," Jin said, offering his thanks.
"Not at all. I am the one who should be thanking you for repairing my wristwatch," Fadon replied.
"Please take care, everyone," added Fadon’s wife, Frede, looking equally reluctant to see them go.
However, the one who seemed the most heartbroken was their granddaughter, Nary. She was clinging to Goose with teary eyes.
"Nary, I’ll definitely come back. Don't make a face like that."
Goose patted the girl’s head with a slightly troubled expression.
"Goose, take care of yourself. Don't go causing trouble for Master Nidou."
"I know. I'm off."
And with that, they departed.
"...Hey, Goose, where exactly do you fit in here?" Saki asked as they sat inside the automobile. She had gotten the impression that Goose was somewhat of an outsider in Nade, despite calling it his hometown.
"Eh? What do you mean?"
"Well... sorry, that was probably rude."
"What are you apologizing for?" Goose looked at her, puzzled by her sudden bashfulness.
"I just felt like I might have asked something I shouldn't have."
"Haha, it’s nothing like that. It’s just... I’m a bit of a misfit, I guess."
"A misfit?"
"Yeah. There are parts of me that never quite settled into the town of Nade... or rather, the country of Fusou as a whole."
Goose let out a self-deprecating laugh.
"As I mentioned before, my mother was from Fusou, but my father came from the same country as you. Perhaps because of that, I’ve always felt a bit out of place here."
"I-I see. I'm sorry for bringing up something so personal."
Saki panicked slightly; she hadn't expected Goose to open up about his background so readily.
"No, it’s fine. It’s a good a time as any....Hey, Jin."
"What is it?"
Inside the compact car, Jin had been listening to the entire conversation.
"Would your country accept someone like me?"
"Eh? You mean seeking asylum... or rather, naturalization? You want to become a citizen?"
"That’s the idea."
"I don't think it would be a problem," Elsa answered before Jin could. "The Shouro Empire welcomes talented individuals with open arms. For someone like you, Mr. Goose, it would be no trouble at all."
"Haha, is that so?...But that means I’d have to produce results once I’m there, right?"
"That..."
Elsa faltered, unsure of how to answer the specifics of immigration policy.
"I’m sure you’ll be fine," Jin said. "All citizens have duties to fulfill, but I think you’d find yours easy enough to handle."
Jin suggested that simply researching what he loved and reporting the findings would likely be sufficient.
"Things I love, huh... Well, I am a naturalist."
"In that case, you could classify the flora, fauna, and minerals of this continent and organize them systematically," Saki suggested. "My father is working on similar research, but he’s been struggling to make much headway."
"Oh, right. Toa, was it? I remember hearing that name from my father. Over there, you call people like that alchemists, right?"
Goose’s father, Mark, had shared the same curiosity for collecting materials as Saki’s father, Toa. That drive was what had led him to wander through the Harihari Desert and eventually reach the edge of Fusou.
"Heh, exactly. Though I’m embarrassed to admit our 'science' is lagging behind your country's."
In the sense that all scientific fields were broadly categorized as "alchemy," the Empire could be considered behind. It was an inevitable byproduct of how advanced their magic had become.
"I see. Then perhaps even a misfit like me can be of some use."
"Far from a misfit—you’d be working on the front lines. I guarantee it," Saki said.
"Haha, thank you, Saki-dono."
Goose let out a bright, genuine laugh.