“Then, to the development of technology—cheers!”
“Cheers!!”
Meanwhile, a grand party was underway at the Celuroa Kingdom’s Second Guest House.
It was Jin, via his Doppel, who led the toast.
“Well now, Lord of Kunlun, excellent work today.”
“No, it was a fascinating competition.”
The person addressing Jin’s Doppel was Latant, the Chief of the First Ministry of Technology. He was the official in charge of the entire event.
“I heard the Lord of Kunlun has also participated in the Shouro Empire’s Gonkrenz. How did it compare to our country’s Gonpetition?”
“Let me see...”
At the time, the imperial event had been a modest affair, organized primarily because Elsa’s father—who had been in an unstable state—had issued a challenge. Jin chose to offer his honest assessment.
“The one I participated in was a simplified competition, so it is difficult to compare them directly. However, I think a tournament of this scale is excellent.”
Above all, Jin believed it was a valuable way to discover talented engineers who would otherwise remain in obscurity.
“I see. I am glad to hear you say so. Is there anything in particular that you noticed? Anything that might be improved?”
Latant phrased it as unofficial small talk, and Jin took the hint.
“Well, perhaps it would be beneficial to include categories for more than just combat. For instance, a competition for lifestyle support golems.”
“Oh? You mean having golems like your maid units compete?”
“Exactly. Of course, it would be a separate category entirely from the combat units—akin to how sports have separate divisions.”
“I see. That sounds like a fascinating idea. Above all, it would add a certain elegance to the event.”
Though it was merely casual conversation, Latant seemed to take a genuine liking to the concept.
Elsewhere, Jix was being swarmed by local nobles. While his expression suggested he wasn't entirely displeased by the attention, a trace of dissatisfaction lingered beneath the surface. He likely wished to rub shoulders with higher-ranking aristocrats.
“Lady Elsa, I heard the news. First the engagement, and next the wedding feast.”
“...You are too kind.”
King Cesar was currently speaking with Elsa’s Doppel.
“Your visit to our country may be later than most, but we shall prepare a magnificent banquet to match the occasion.”
“...Um, please, keep it within reason.”
Since Elsa was remotely operating the unit herself, her responses were perfectly natural.
“A pity about the results, Master Yaruidare.”
“Master Donald Callow, you flatter me. I was shown the true power of Alpha today.”
In another corner, Yaruidare and Donald Callow, both guests from the Kingdom of Egerea, were chatting amiably.
“Think nothing of it. I have retired from that life, so I am no longer Alpha.”
“Even so, your skill is as sharp as ever. I clearly have much more to learn.”
“The same is true for me. I had considerable confidence in my creation, yet the championship slipped through my fingers.”
Erich Siflo of the Shouro Empire joined the group. The masters responsible for second, third, and fourth place were now gathered in one spot.
Then, Jin’s Doppel approached.
“The Stahl Ritter featured quite a novel design.”
“Master Jin! I am honored to hear you say so,” Erich replied.
“The way you managed power distribution within those constraints was an excellent theme.”
Jin had phrased it vaguely, but Erich Siflo was visibly taken aback.
“Well, well... as expected of the Magi Craft Meister.”
Erich looked at Jin with newfound respect, realizing he had seen through the golem’s complex power-routing system.
As for Donald Callow, he was technically an acquaintance, having met Jin when the Unifilar transitioned into the Nostalgia faction. However, he had no idea that Deus Ex Machina—the entity that had dismantled the Unifilar—was actually Jin, or rather, a proxy controlled by him.
“By the way, the concept of being clad in ‘Breeze’ was truly wonderful,” Jin said, turning to Yaruidare.
“No, it is embarrassing. To call my golem Zaberer and only manage that much...”
“Not at all. I was genuinely impressed.”
Jin, who possessed nearly limitless resources and talent, felt a stir of admiration for the dedication shown by those who pushed their limits with what they had.
After chatting for a while, Jin scanned the room for Elsa’s Doppel and saw she was still deep in conversation with King Cesar. As he walked toward them, both Elsa and the King noticed his approach.
“Ah, Lord of Kunlun. Your fiancée and I were just discussing the rumors surrounding you.”
“Your Majesty, congratulations on the success of the Gonpetition.”
“Mm, thank you.”
Jix approached them at that moment. He had likely hesitated to approach the King while he was alone, but seeing Jin and Elsa there seemed to make it easier for him to join the conversation. The local nobles who had been clinging to him shrank back, leaving Jix to step forward by himself.
“Pardon the interruption. Master Jin... or should I say, Lord of Kunlun?”
He addressed Jin first.
“Lord of Kunlun, I was deeply impressed today. But that wasn't your full power, was it? Though I suppose the same could be said for Phantom.”
He spoke politely, yet a certain arrogance bled through his words.
“Well, the mock battle was merely a demonstration. Phantom’s true value is found in combat.”
“I believe limiting a golem’s role in such a way is a mistake,” Jin countered mildly.
Jix narrowed his eyes at Jin’s response.
“No matter how you try to sugarcoat it, a golem’s ultimate purpose is battle. They are capable of combat on a scale humans can never hope to reach. Eventually, golems should be the ones fighting so that humans don't have to.”
“I agree with the idea of them serving as substitutes for humans, but that shouldn't be restricted to war.”
“I disagree. History proves that technology sees its greatest leaps during wartime.”
Facing the man’s supreme confidence, Jin decided to push back.
“But during the Great Magic War three centuries ago...”
“That was a stain on history!” Jix interrupted sharply before Jin could finish. “If not for that catastrophe, magical technology would have advanced exponentially further than it has!”
“Exactly. Which is why you cannot make the sweeping claim that war always drives progress.”
Confronted with that historical reality, Jix struggled to find a rebuttal.
“...Even so...!”
Jin didn't give him an opening.
“The loss of life is catastrophic, and the drain on resources is immense. It cripples national strength. While I don't deny the necessity of fighting for self-defense, I believe that war for the sake of combat should never be the goal.”
“...!”
Jix found himself at a loss for words. Jin knew he wasn't much of a debater, yet Jix seemed even worse at handling a logical argument.
“Jix, was it?” King Cesar spoke up.
“...Y-Your Majesty.” Jix’s voice was suddenly subdued.
“Where did you acquire such high-level techniques?”
“...I studied under a mentor for a short time, but for the most part, I am self-taught.”
“I see. And may I ask the name of this mentor?”
“Yes... Freciaus, and...”
“And?”
“...Jidan.”