The day after delivering the birth gifts to Reinhard, Jin and Elsa took to the skies in Konron 3, bound for the Kingdom of Franz.
Their destination was the Royal Palace.
Because this was the nation they were least acquainted with among the Allied Kingdoms, Laojun had ordered security measures to be tighter than ever before.
A familiar sight awaited them first: the customary parade.
Four Raptors patrolled the sky, hidden from sight by their Invisible magic. Ten Quinta mingled with the crowd below. The Secret Mobile Unit—the SP—was out in full force for the first time in a while. Furthermore, a Watcher monitored the entire scene from orbit.
Alongside these extreme precautions, Reiko remained at their side.
"This is the final one, then," Jin said softly.
"Yes. It’s been a long journey," Elsa replied.
The two spoke in low voices, waving to the citizens from their open-top carriage. Before they knew it, the calendar had already turned to September. There was only about a month and a half left until the long-period planet made its closest approach.
At present, the reports from Jack on Uni—who was in charge of astronomical observations—indicated that everything was normal.
"...I’m grateful for all this, but I’m also tired. Is this our fault?"
"Mostly mine, I think. I had intended to live a bit more inconspicuously."
Jin swallowed the line, How did things end up like this?
"I wonder if it all started when I headed for the Shouro Empire with you and the others."
"...My fault?"
"No, that’s not it. I’m the one who chose to go. And I’m the one who caused all sorts of trouble along the way. I suppose it was an unavoidable fate after all... though I don't really like using that word."
"Why not?"
"Because saying 'it's fate' feels like an excuse people use when they want to give up."
Jin told Elsa that doing so was no different from a standstill of thought.
"But humans are weak. Even if you usually try to stay strong, when your heart falters, you start wanting to give up."
"I think I understand, in a way."
Elsa trembled slightly as she recalled the sense of despair she felt when she was once imprisoned by Unifilar. Jin reached out and gently put his arm around her shoulder.
"But right now, I’m simply grateful to the 'fate' that brought me together with you, Elsa."
Jin was quite skilled to be able to whisper such lines while maintaining his mechanical waving for the parade. Of course, while his hand repeated the motion automatically, ninety percent of his attention was focused entirely on Elsa.
After the parade concluded, Jin, Elsa, and Reiko were warmly received by the Queen Mother, Catherine de Lafayette.
"It truly has been a long time. I am delighted to see you again."
"The pleasure is ours."
"Regarding my knees that you treated before—they haven't pained me once since that day."
"I am very glad to hear that," Elsa replied politely.
This dated back to when Sion and Lucas had first emerged from the demon territory. Jin and Elsa had happened to be nearby during a carriage accident and became acquainted with Catherine. At the time, Elsa had applied appropriate Healing magic to cure her aching joints. Since it hadn't been a mere palliative treatment, the pain had not recurred.
"I have heard word of your many successes."
Catherine’s calm, dignified presence was a welcome change for both Jin and Elsa, allowing them to truly relax.
"I imagine the two of you don't care much for such ostentatious festivities. However, please understand that there are aspects of this that are unavoidable given your positions."
"Yes, we understand."
They continued their conversation while sipping on highly aromatic Te-e.
"I have heard much from His Majesty regarding the World Conference as well. Kunlun Island sounds like a wonderful place."
"It is. We hope to be able to invite you there someday."
"Yes, I should very much like to visit if the opportunity arises."
Being able to enjoy such a peaceful moment was entirely due to Catherine's consideration.
The wedding reception was held on September 5th. Since it had only been six months since the King had succeeded the throne, the event was on a smaller scale than any of the receptions Jin and his group had attended so far.
The number of nobles who came to greet them was barely more than a dozen. The duration was also short, lasting only from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Without ever feeling the need to switch places with their Doppels, Jin and Elsa were able to spend the time in comfort.
The only moments that could be called tense were when the current king, Rotaro de Lafayette, personally came to pour their wine, and when they delivered their greetings before the assembled nobility.
"I am the Lord of Kunlun, Jin Nidou, and this is my wife, Elsa. We cannot express enough our gratitude for you holding such a banquet in our honor."
Though it was a buffet-style party, stools had been placed throughout the venue, allowing them to take breaks whenever they wished.
At the very end of their tour, Jin and Elsa were inwardly overjoyed to experience such a calm, subdued reception. Since they had few acquaintances in the Kingdom of Franz, they had worried the event might be mentally taxing, but the guests spoke to them in moderation and they were able to rest appropriately. Both were able to enjoy the banquet naturally.
The evening passed in a peaceful atmosphere without incident, and the reception eventually came to a close.
"Ah... that was more fun than I expected, I think."
"Agreed."
After the reception, Jin and Elsa relaxed on the sofa in their guest room, savoring the lingering afterglow. They felt that peculiar emptiness that often follows a lively event—a mix of languor and a touch of loneliness—and they simply sat and experienced it together.
"Apparently, there’s a tea party tomorrow called a Post-festival. That will mark the end of our visits to every country."
"...Yes. Thinking about it that way... it's a little sad."
"Yeah, you're right."
Just then, Reiko brewed some tea for them.
"Since it is nearly time for bed, I have prepared hojicha."
"Ah, thank you, Reiko."
"Thank you, Reiko-chan."
Hojicha is low in caffeine and tannins, making it an ideal drink before sleep.
"Ah, this is good."
"Delicious."
In Jin's case, the roasted aroma helped settle his mind. Elsa seemed to enjoy it just as much.
"...We were welcomed in every country much more than I expected..."
"Yes. After all, Jin-nii is the Magi Craft Meister."
"No, if you're going to say that, you've also achieved quite a lot as a healer in every country, Elsa."
"It is precisely because of both of your reputations," Reiko added, chiming into their conversation for once.
"Ah, maybe so."
"That might be true."
Hearing that, the two looked at each other and shared a smile.
A pleasant autumn night breeze blew in through the window, and the autumn constellations shone quietly in the dark sky.