"Jin, you look a bit tired. Is traveling between all those different countries that difficult for you?"
Jin was currently enjoying a home-cooked lunch at Martha’s house.
"Yeah, well. How should I put it... I'm a bit out of my element."
Martha gave a wry smile as she took in the look on Jin’s face.
"I think I understand what you mean."
"Are you worn out, Onii-chan?" Hanna asked, looking concerned.
"Ah, don't worry, I'm fine. I’ve started getting the hang of it in my own way."
"If you say so..."
Hanna still looked unconvinced, so Jin offered her a reassuring smile.
"More importantly, there's something I need to properly discuss with you and Martha-san."
"With me too?" Martha asked.
"Yes. You see..."
Jin began to explain his plans for the honeymoon cruise once all the wedding receptions were finished.
"Oh, you did mention something about that before," Martha recalled.
"Right. And I wanted to talk about the specifics today."
"Wait, Jin, are you really sure about this? Wouldn't we just be an imposition?...Is Elsa-chan really okay with this too?"
Martha turned the question toward Elsa, who had been listening quietly until then.
"Yes. In fact, we would very much like for you to come," Elsa replied with a gentle smile. "...My husband was alone for a very long time. That is why he wants to treasure his 'family' above all else. Martha-san, Hanna-chan, please come with us."
"H-Hey."
Jin grew flustered at having his inner feelings laid bare so accurately.
"...Was I wrong?" Elsa asked softly.
"No, you weren't wrong... but still."
Martha laughed as she watched Jin’s embarrassment.
"Jin, you don't need to act tough in front of us....Elsa-chan, I understand. We'll be happy to go along."
"Yes!"
"Now, as for the specifics..."
Jin went over the details: they were preparing two massive ships, and one of them would be used specifically to carry Jin’s friends and family.
"Goodness... a giant ship, huh? All I can say is that it's just like you, Jin. Did you know about this, Hanna?"
"Nope, I didn't know. But Onii-chan has let me ride in all sorts of vehicles before, so I’m not really surprised."
"I'm sorry. Actually..."
Jin confessed to Martha that he had already been taking Hanna to various places using his technology.
"Fufu, I'm not going to complain about that. Hanna is a clever girl, and there’s nothing better than broadening her horizons."
"Yes, truly," Jin agreed.
He then moved on to the schedule. "The plan is to depart on September 9th."
While they were away, the maid golem Sara would be able to handle everything at the house. Of course, support would also be provided by the staff at Jin Castle and Hourai Island.
＊ ＊ ＊
"...I should have expected as much from you, Jin."
"Wow, it's amazing!"
Hanna and Martha had traveled to Hourai Island using the Warp Gate located in the basement of Jin’s workshop. Jin had taken this opportunity to formally induct the two of them as members of the Jin Family. They were now marvelling at the island's numerous magic tools, facilities, and golems.
"This is the proof of our bond," Jin said.
He handed Martha a Fellowship Bracelet with a yellow and white marble pattern. Hanna had already been given a yellow bracelet previously.
"Thank you, Jin."
Martha fastened it to her left wrist.
"Ehehe! Onii-chan, Onee-chan, Grandma, and I all have matching ones!" Hanna cheered, admiring her own bracelet.
"The ships we’ll be using are nearly finished."
"...Since it's you, Jin, I've decided not to be surprised by every little thing anymore."
Jin gave them a brief tour of the laboratory and introduced some of the golems, but Martha remained remarkably composed. Jin wondered if she was simply that thick-skinned, or if it was perhaps the blood of the Former Leonard Kingdom in her veins.
"I can't wait to go!" Hanna was practically bouncing with excitement.
"To think a day like this would come at my age..." Martha seemed to be in a complex state of mind, caught between joy and sheer disbelief.
"Oh, that's right... I suppose Mine is the only person on the trip you already know well..."
Jin felt a bit worried, feeling slightly apologetic that they might feel isolated among the other guests.
"Doesn't she know Saki-nee? And Lishia-san will be there," Elsa added helpfully.
Jin fretted a little, thinking that while they knew each other, Lishia was now a member of the new nobility and the Lord of Toka Village, so they might not be able to speak as easily as before. Saki and Reinhard had also only visited Kaina Village a handful of times.
"Jin, you don't have to worry so much about us. It'll be fine," Martha said in a bright voice, noticing the troubled look on his face.
"I should be the one looking out for you, though," Jin said, scratching his head.
Martha laughed it off. "What are you talking about? I’m your parent substitute, so you don't need to fret over every little detail regarding me."
＊ ＊ ＊
Since they couldn't stay away for too long today, Jin and the others returned to Kaina Village.
"Thank you for today, Jin."
"No, you're very welcome."
"Onii-chan, Onee-chan, good luck tomorrow!"
"Ah, right. Thanks."
Jin realized with a wry smile that he must have been wearing his reluctance on his sleeve if even Hanna felt the need to cheer him on.
"Still, I hope Princess Lieschen can help look after things," Jin mused.
"Yes, I was thinking the same thing," Elsa agreed.
With those thoughts in mind, the sun began to set over the peaceful skies of Kaina Village.