After playing in the Erme River until sundown, Jin soaked away his fatigue in the hot spring before visiting the Village Chief’s house once more.
Hanna didn’t come along this time, as she was busy helping prepare dinner. This meant Reiko was his only companion.
Reiko seemed to be in high spirits; it was a rare treat for her to have Jin all to herself.
Jin and Reiko arrived at the Village Chief’s doorstep before twilight had fully descended. A quick knock brought Giebeck to the door.
"Oh, Jin. Welcome."
Giebeck still addressed him simply as "Jin," just as he always had. It was exactly why Jin felt so comfortable in this village—he never had to worry about standing on ceremony here.
"Sorry I was out earlier," Giebeck said.
"No, don't worry about it."
Once invited inside, Jin decided to keep things brief since dinner was approaching.
"I came to tell you about what we’ve been discussing... um, the wedding reception. Elsa and I have decided to hold it on the evening of August 12th."
Giebeck’s face lit up. "Oh, finally! That’s wonderful news!"
"Jin-kun, congratulations," Sally added, popping her head out from the back room.
"Thank you very much," Jin replied, bowing his head with a slight blush.
"The banquet will be held at Jin Castle starting at five in the evening."
"Understood. I’ll make sure everyone knows so as many people as possible can attend."
"Thank you."
Then, an idea seemed to strike Sally. "Say, Jin-kun, aren't you going to have a parade?"
"A... parade?"
Sally nodded. "Exactly. A parade. You’d ride in a carriage or something and take a slow lap around the village."
"Wha—! No way, that’s way too embarrassing!"
Sally laughed, but her tone turned firm as she chided him. "You mustn't say it’s embarrassing. You’re a lord now, even if only in title. At times like this, you have to show your face to the people."
"...Is that really how it works?"
"It certainly is."
This conversation reached Laojun via Reiko. Unbeknownst to Jin, the Brain of Hourai Island immediately began decorating an automobile back on the island, modifying it into a special wedding-specification vehicle.
In the meantime, Jin scratched his head but eventually gave in.
"...Alright. In that case, I’ll leave Jin Castle at four in the afternoon, circle the village slowly, and then return. We can start the banquet at five. How does that sound?"
"Yes, yes, I think that’s perfect."
And so, the schedule for the wedding festivities in Kaina Village was settled.
＊ ＊ ＊
"...I see. The 12th, then?"
"Onii-chan, congratulations!"
Jin was now giving his report at Martha’s house. Both Hanna and Martha offered their blessings.
"Also, Hanna... after the wedding, I have to visit several countries to pay my respects, but once that’s done, we’re going on a honeymoon."
"Where are you going?"
"To the southern islands on a large ship."
"Wow, that sounds amazing! I’d love to see them!"
Jin nodded, having expected that reaction. "Right. So you’re coming with us, Hanna."
"Wait, really? Is that okay?"
Martha chimed in, sounding hesitant. "Jin, are you sure? Wouldn’t a trip for just you and Elsa-chan be better?"
Jin laughed and shook his head. "No, we’re taking two ships, and it’ll be more fun if it’s lively during the day."
Martha seemed satisfied with that. "Well, if you say so, Jin, then I suppose it’s fine."
"Will you come too, Martha-san?"
"Me?"
"It’s the off-season for farming, and if you need to come back, you can return at any time."
"Jin... well, I don't know what to say..."
Martha wavered, neither accepting nor refusing.
Jin pressed on. "I’ll send someone to fetch you when the date gets closer. After all, Martha-san, you’re..." He paused, looking bashful before finishing his thought. "...you’re like a parent substitute to me."
To his surprise, Martha looked quite cross. "Jin! Don't you dare!"
"Y-yes! Sorry!"
"What’s with this 'like' business? 'Like' a parent substitute? I may not be your flesh and blood, but I consider myself your parent substitute, through and through!"
"..."
"So don't you worry about a thing. You don't need to be formal with me. There isn’t a parent in this world who wouldn't be overjoyed to see their child find happiness, you understand?"
With that, Martha stood up and gently stroked Jin's head.
"...Yes. Thank you."
Jin looked down, a few tears quietly spilling over. The hand resting on his head felt incredibly warm.
＊ ＊ ＊
The following morning.
Jin planned to visit Toka Village, so he had summoned Konron 3.
At 9:00 AM, the airship appeared in the eastern sky. The villagers had long since grown used to the sight. Their reactions were limited to things like, "Oh, there goes another of Jin’s flying machines."
They would glance up at the sky for a moment before returning to their work. Watching them, Jin couldn't help but feel that Kaina Village was truly a special place.
"Jin-nii."
Elsa stepped out of Konron 3 after it touched down in front of Jin Castle. Yesterday, Elsa had visited her family home in the Shouro Empire to inform them of the wedding plans.
"Hey, Elsa."
"...Everything is set on my end. How about you, Jin-nii?"
"Ah, about that..."
Jin told her about Sally’s insistence on the parade.
"...I see."
Though Elsa’s face turned red, she didn't seem nearly as opposed to it as Jin was. Perhaps it was a difference in their temperaments or simply a woman’s perspective on such things, Jin figured.
"Also, the reference books Laojun prepared are loaded inside."
"Oh, that was fast."
He had only requested the books the previous night, but Laojun had already prepared them.
"Alright, shall we go?"
"Mm."
With that, Jin and Elsa boarded Konron 3 and set off for Toka Village.