"I think it would also be a good idea for you two to try your hand at farming or ranching here in Kaina Village."
Jin continued his pitch to Barrow and Belle.
"Of course, if you want to open a shop in the Shouro Empire, I’ll give you my full cooperation. Or if you’d rather return to your hometowns, that’s perfectly fine too."
With his current resources and influence, Jin felt he could fulfill almost any request they might have.
"And naturally, you’re more than welcome to stay on as a butler and maid. You don’t have to decide right this second. Personally, I’d be happy if you chose to live in this village, but I’m not going to force you."
"Yes, we understand," they replied in unison.
It was around 4:30 PM. In the height of summer, the afternoon sun still hung high and bright in the sky.
Having officially given Barrow and Belle a leave of absence for the time being, Jin turned his attention to Hanna and Elsa.
"What should we do about dinner tonight...?"
"Onii-chan, come over to our house!" Hanna chirped.
"I suppose we should do that."
Jin’s personal house was right across from Hanna’s, and Elsa’s biological mother, Mine, was currently living with Hanna’s grandmother, Martha.
"Yes."
Elsa looked delighted at the prospect of seeing her mother.
"It’s been since Tanabata, hasn’t it, Jin? I heard you were holding some 'World Conference' or another. How did it go?"
It was 6:30 PM. Jin and the others were gathered around the table at Martha’s house.
"Yes, it went quite well, thanks to everyone."
"Is that so? Good to hear."
"I wanted to go too..." Hanna muttered, looking disappointed.
"You're right. Maybe next time I’ll bring you along as my assistant, Hanna."
"Really?"
Given Hanna’s current level of knowledge, she was more than capable of being an assistant. More importantly, it would provide her with invaluable experience. Besides, Jin suspected that Princess Lieschen, who had become quite fond of Hanna, would likely visit again.
"Was Elsa of any help to you?" Mine, Elsa's biological mother, asked.
"...Um, not especially," Elsa murmured.
Jin immediately stepped in to reassure her.
"That’s not true. Elsa served as the guide for the guests aboard the Konron 3. More than anything, just having her by my side was a huge help."
"...It was?"
Elsa’s face flushed a soft pink at Jin’s praise. Watching her, Martha spoke up.
"Jin, when exactly are you planning to hold the wedding with Elsa?"
"Huh?"
"Eh...?"
"It’d be a shame to make her wait forever, wouldn’t it?"
Martha pointed out that the Village Chief and his wife—Giebeck and Sally—had met after Jin and Elsa did, yet they had already married.
"B-But... Barbara and Erik... they..." Elsa stammered, her face turning bright red as she named the other young couple in the village.
"Oh, them? Well, those two didn’t have a stable foundation for their lives yet. But you two are more than ready, aren't you?"
"Ah... ugh..."
While Elsa faltered, Jin’s face also reddened, but he spoke up with firm resolve.
"We’re planning to hold the ceremony next month."
"What?" Elsa turned to look at Jin in shock.
"Elsa, I’m sorry for keeping you waiting. I wanted to make my intentions clear in front of Mine."
Jin usually addressed her simply as Mine, but in this moment, he spoke with the gravity owed to Elsa's mother.
"I suppose I’ll have to start calling you 'Mother-in-law' soon."
"Please, don't, Jin-sama... But, thank you. Please, take good care of Elsa."
"I will, of course."
"Ah... ah, ugh..."
Elsa was flustered by the conversation proceeding without her, but she didn't seem at all unhappy. The way her eyes crinkled with a smile was proof enough.
It was at that moment that Reiko tugged on the hem of Jin’s shirt.
"Father, a word."
"Hm? What is it, Reiko?"
Jin followed Reiko outside Martha’s house. Once they were clear and Reiko was certain Martha couldn't overhear, she spoke.
"I have just received a report. It seems that clues regarding the Magus have been discovered on the northern coast of the Former Leonard Kingdom."
"What!?"
This was incredible news.
The Magus was a figure deeply linked to the Magi Craft Meister, Adriana. To Reiko, the Magus was akin to a grandfather. Tracing his path also meant tracing the legacy of the Predecessor, Adriana Barbora Tsetse.
"I see. Tell me everything later."
Jin nodded and headed back inside.
"Onii-chan, what was that about?"
"Jin, did something happen?"
Hanna and Martha asked simultaneously.
"Oh, no, Reiko just told me that out front..."
"I was informing Father that Butler had arrived," Reiko said, smoothly covering for Jin.
"I see. He must be busy helping out the Village Chief."
The "Butler" they were referring to was Butler A, who served as Jin’s proxy. When Jin was away, he assisted the Village Chief. For reference, Butler B and C were stationed at Jin Castle, while Butler D worked at the Loizart mansion.
"The Village Chief’s house is a bit of a madhouse right now since it’s also the clinic. I heard they’re going to build an annex for it soon."
"Is that so? I’ll have to make sure to support that."
As the lord of the land, Jin decided to give the project his full backing, as it directly impacted the welfare of the villagers.
"Still..."
"Hmm?"
Jin noticed that the childishness had started to fade from Hanna’s speech. When she called him "Onii-chan" or Martha "Grandma," she sounded the same as always, but her other words had taken on a more mature tone and pronunciation.
He hadn't noticed it as much when he returned for Tanabata.
Before I knew it, Hanna has really grown up... Jin thought, struck by a sudden sense of nostalgia and pride.
"Onii-chan, where are you sleeping tonight?" Hanna asked.
"Well... I’ll stay at my house here in the village."
Seeing the look of pure hope on Hanna’s face, Jin didn't have the heart to say he was going back to Jin Castle.
"Yay! Then we can talk even more!"
Hanna cheered innocently, while Mine offered a wry smile as if to say it couldn't be helped. Martha let out a weary sigh, and Elsa’s shoulders slumped ever so slightly.