"Hmm, 'Challenging the Dream,' eh? That is very like you, Jin-dono."
A new group of people arrived in the large dining hall of the Jade Pavilion. These were the individuals who had been speeding across the vast ocean aboard the Shark 10 with Maquina.
The one who spoke those words was King Cesar of the Celuroa Kingdom.
"It means that in order to have the Lord of Kunlun perform his best work, we must keep the world at peace," added King Rotaro of the Kingdom of Franz.
"Ah—oh, welcome back."
Jin was a bit flustered, realizing that his earlier declaration had been overheard.
"Haha, it’s fine; it is just like Jin-dono. We soldiers cannot afford to dream like that, after all," Fritz remarked as the group that had been with Elsa also returned.
"We unexpectedly heard the Lord of Kunlun's true feelings."
"Yes, it was a stroke of luck."
"..."
Jin mentally held his head in his hands.
A large crowd… almost every single participant in the World Conference had heard his honest thoughts.
However, Jin was the only one who was bothered by it; the others were actually deeply impressed. Hearing him say so directly exactly what he wanted to do, they found his purity dazzling.
The world of politics is, to a greater or lesser extent—usually a great extent—colored by intrigue and falsehood, haunted by the fear of betrayal, preoccupied with protecting one’s own status, and concerned with the evaluation of others.
That was likely why Jin’s honest feelings felt so refreshing.
In addition, it became clear that a person like Jin was truly devoted to magi-craft and likely thought of nothing else, which brought a sense of relief to many. After all, if Jin so desired, he could instantly kill the heads of state gathered here and even destroy their respective nations.
Knowing that a man with such power had not a shred of interest in authority and possessed only a pure passion for magi-craft allowed them to feel relieved from the bottom of their hearts.
As a side note, it is possible that Laojun intentionally neglected to inform Jin of the group's return, aiming for exactly this effect.
"Truly, looking back, these three days passed in the blink of an eye."
"It was a fulfilling time."
"To be honest, I feel as though I’d like to stay here for another ten days or so."
"I agree."
However, that was something the heads of state could not permit.
On the morning of July 13th, the day the leaders were to return to their countries, the Konron 3 soared into the sky carrying approximately fifty passengers.
In their respective hearts, Jin and Elsa were still concerned that Gloria’s romantic troubles remained unresolved. Still, the Konron 3 flew through the heavens.
First, they stopped at Borgia, the capital of the Kingdom of Elias. Here, Marquis Godfar and Marchioness Firenziano disembarked.
"Lord of Kunlun, thank you for these enjoyable and meaningful days."
"The World Conference was wonderful."
Receiving those words made Jin feel happy.
Next, they headed to Asunt, the capital of the Kingdom of Egerea.
"Jin, I’m going to get my father’s permission, so when I do, you definitely have to teach me magi-craft!"
With those words, as soon as Prince Ernest stepped off the Konron 3, he dashed off toward the Royal Palace at full speed, with his personal guard maid Lyla in pursuit.
"...His Highness... Good grief..."
Sighing as he watched Ernest’s receding back, Chancellor Boyd Noyce Galueri gave Jin a deep bow.
"Lord of Kunlun, I have learned much from this conference. You have my gratitude."
Jin bowed in return.
"Jin-sama, Elsa-sama, please be happy forever."
The ones who whispered those words into their ears as they departed were Rianna and Kate of the Royal Secret Maids.
The third country was the Celuroa Kingdom.
"Well then, Jin-dono, I intend to go ahead with that monorail. I’ll leave the details to you."
"Understood, Your Majesty."
"I shall also set about determining the policies for its operation."
With that, King Cesar returned to the Royal Palace.
The next stop was the Klein Kingdom.
"Jin-dono, you are truly incredible. I won’t say I entrust the future of this world to you... but it would be a blessing if you and Maquina-dono would watch over it."
Leaving those words behind, Prince Arthur disembarked.
"Jin, may we come to play again?" Princess Lieschen asked, looking reluctant to leave.
"Yes, in the near future."
"I see! We shall bring Tia with us next time!"
As for Gloria...
"Jin-dono, Elsa-dono, I caused you a lot of worry, but please forget about it. I’ll manage on my own!"
No matter how one looked at it, she was putting on a brave face, but neither Jin nor Elsa knew what to say to her.
"Take care," they said, leaving it at that.
Then, they traveled to the Kingdom of Franz.
"Jin-dono—no, Lord of Kunlun—this conference was a bit too stimulating for a rookie king. However, I learned just as much because of it. I cannot thank you enough."
King Rotaro said this as he took Jin’s hand.
"Our nation sends its heartfelt gratitude to you. Please come again... If possible, I’d like you and Lady Elsa to visit my mother, Catherine."
Jin and the others had been acquainted with Rotaro’s mother, Catherine, ever since they had saved her from a runaway carriage.
"Yes. We will do so when the opportunity arises."
"Good, you are welcome anytime."
The final stop was the Shouro Empire.
"Ah, that was fun. Jin-kun, Elsa, thank you so much. In my forty-some years of life, these have been the most enjoyable and fulfilling days I’ve ever had."
Empress Gerhardt Hilde von Rubis Shouro disembarked, looking wistful.
"Your Majesty, the pleasure was ours. Thank you for making the journey."
At Jin’s words, the Empress replied with a smile.
"Elsa, do your best."
"...At what?"
Elsa was a bit puzzled by her brother’s words, as he had omitted the object of his encouragement.
"All sorts of things, obviously. Being Jin-dono’s partner is going to be quite a challenge."
"Mm, I know. But that makes me happy."
"I see. Then I’ll simply cheer you on."
"Thank you, Ani-sama."
And so, the Konron 3 soared into the skies of the Shouro Empire once more... and landed on the roof of the Mansion in Loizart.
One way or another, it was already evening. If they were to return to Hourai Island now, it would be the middle of the night. More than that, because they had been away from the Mansion for quite some time, Jin felt he needed to reassure Barrow and Belle, who had been looking after the place.
"Jin-sama, Elsa-sama, welcome home!"
"We celebrate your safe return."
As soon as they landed, the two of them came running over.
"We're back."
"Thanks for watching the house."
This, too, was truly a place for the two of them to call home.