Dinner wasn't held at 'home' that evening, but in the laboratory's dining hall.
The main dishes were all hand-cooked by Elsa.
"Ah, I can finally relax."
Jin, Elsa, Mine, Reiko, and Edgar were all gathered. This had become the familiar lineup of 'their home' lately.
"Now then, I'd like to have a brief reflection meeting."
The reason Jin had suggested dinner in the laboratory dining hall was precisely because he wanted to hold this debriefing.
"My Lord, preparations are complete."
Laojun activated the magi-screen on the wall.
"No, let's start with the equipment and our methods rather than the findings on the island."
"Understood."
Jin began by explaining his own impressions.
"First of all, I realized once again that the most important thing for a long-term sea voyage is a way to kill time."
"Mm, I understand....Though I'm not sure about that phrasing," Elsa agreed with a wry smile.
"Look, Hanna was saying she wanted to swim, wasn't she?"
"True. Being surrounded by water and unable to swim might be a bit of a tease."
"In other words, the installation of a pool," Laojun concluded.
"Exactly....Could we repurpose the water used for the ballast?"
"It should be possible if we keep it separate from the drinking water. As for the pool itself, since it's based on a cruiser design, we can't afford much width. Perhaps five meters wide and about ten meters long?"
"Yeah, I think that would be enough."
Having one or not would make a world of difference.
"Then we shall install it on the deck, keeping it covered normally and opening it only when in use."
"Let's go with that."
With the prospect of fulfilling the desire to swim on the ship settled, Jin moved to the next item.
"I also thought it might be good to create a golem orchestra to help ward off boredom."
"An orchestra, you say?"
"That's right....I'd like to use the Little-Smiths or Mini-Smiths to form an orchestra. I don't know much about the specifics myself, but I'd like them to perform music for us."
"Jin-nii, the Shouro Empire has military bands; is it something like that?" Elsa asked, tilting her head.
"I suppose so. Though it wouldn't have anything to do with the military, and they wouldn't just be playing marches."
The music and songs Jin knew were limited as well. He briefly found himself wishing for a companion with a talent for composition.
"I'll have to develop string, wind, and percussion instruments as well."
He wanted to get as close to his mental image of an orchestra as possible.
"Understood. I will proceed with the investigation and development of such instruments."
"I'm counting on you."
Once they finished re-examining the items noticed during the trip, including the very minor ones, they finally turned their attention to the Pleiades Archipelago.
"First, regarding the resources discovered, I would like your instructions."
"Right. First, the plants. We found balsa, lacquer-like trees, coconut palms, and various spices, didn't we?"
"And banana trees too."
"Ah, that's right. Thanks."
Jin thanked Elsa for the reminder.
"Let's collect seedlings and try to cultivate them on Hourai Island as well."
"Understood."
This would likely become the responsibility of the Five-Colored Golem Maid, Topaz.
"Gems were also abundant. We confirmed peridot, quartz, kunzite, topaz, and while it isn't a gem, talc."
"That is correct. Subsequent investigations have also revealed diamonds, garnets, and spinels."
"I see. We should avoid over-exploitation, but it might be good to collect a small amount for use as materials."
"In that case, let us collect them from the undersea mineral deposits."
"Ah, that's a good idea."
Jin agreed with Laojun's suggestion. They might never put the stones on the market, but materials were indispensable for Hourai Island to continue supporting the world from behind the scenes.
"We have also confirmed a few biological threats. There were poisonous insects, fish, and jellyfish."
"Ah, I thought so."
It seemed that on Atlas Island, where Jin and the others had enjoyed their swim, the Mermaid unit had been working at nearly full capacity to eliminate dangerous creatures in the vicinity.
"Well, there was a barrier in place, so we were safe regardless."
"Father, even so, we still worry."
Reiko, who had been silent until then, interjected.
"I... see. My apologies, Reiko."
"No, Father is not at fault. It is merely our own selfishness."
Prioritizing her Creator, Jin, above all else was an identity she could never compromise on.
"Thank you."
Since Laojun handled the follow-up, Jin decided to think once more about the mystery that remained at the very end.
"Now, for the biggest mystery. Why was that compressed galena in a place like that?"
"My Lord, we have too little information to make an accurate judgment."
Laojun's assessment was reasonable.
"True... but we haven't found any other clues, have we?"
The Land squad, which had increased its numbers, had explored Alcyone Island thoroughly, but they hadn't discovered any more of the mysterious substance. Finding the first piece had been a stroke of luck in the first place.
"As a last resort, I recommend asking No. 700672."
"I suppose it'll come to that."
"...Jin-nii, we went to greet the demon race, but we haven't visited No. 700672 yet," Elsa pointed out.
"Well, yeah."
When they had visited the demon territory previously, time had been too short.
"Shall we go for a visit and offer our greetings, then?"
Jin was certainly curious about the matter.
"Mm, then, perhaps tomorrow."
Elsa agreed. Since a Warp Gate was installed at No. 700672's location, the journey wouldn't take any time at all.
"My Lord, I have one final report."
Just as Jin thought they were finished for the evening, Laojun spoke up.
"Yes, what is it?"
"It concerns the long-period planet....According to the report from Jack on the moon, Uni, they have launched an unmanned observation rocket to conduct more detailed observations. The planet is estimated to reach its closest approach in about fifteen days."
From such a distance, it was impossible to gather detailed information. Jack's proactive measure was only logical.
"Understood. Report back as soon as you have the results."
"Yes, My Lord."
With that, the work for the day was finally over. After making the necessary preparations, Jin and Elsa decided to retire for the night.
"Goodnight, Mother."
"Goodnight, Mother-in-law."
After saying goodnight to Mine, Jin and Elsa headed back 'home.' Mine headed to her own room in the laboratory to avoid disturbing the newlyweds.