Ultimately, Lance was found exactly where Jumi and Land units 781 and 782 had gone.
"...I suppose I can’t do any more tonight," he muttered, just loud enough for them to hear, before turning around. "Now then, what business do you have with me?"
Apparently, he had picked up on them a while ago.
Since he had seen through them that far, there was no point in remaining hidden. The three units deactivated their Invisible magic and revealed themselves.
"Hoh. One automata and two golems? And quite... no, exceptionally well-made ones at that."
"I am Jumi," the automata replied. "I will ask you directly: what is your objective?"
Lance wore a thin, knowing smile. "Well now, before I answer that, allow me to make a confirmation of my own. Are you not pursuing the bandit group?"
It was an unexpected question, but they had no reason to hide the truth.
"We are. And we believe you are suspicious."
"I thought as much." Lance broke into a smirk—a strikingly human expression. "Indeed, I am not entirely unrelated to them. So, I shall answer your question. My objective is also the bandit group. To be precise, the golem that should be among their ranks."
"What did you say?"
Jumi was taken aback by the unexpected motive. Seeing her reaction, Lance looked impressed.
"Oh? You can feel ‘surprised’? I don't know who your creator is, but that is a magnificent emulation."
"And why are you pursuing this golem?" Jumi pressed.
"It’s simple. I don't want it being used for anything other than its intended purpose. And more than anything, I want to reclaim what was stolen."
"Stolen, you say?"
"That's right. The automata... no, the golem being used by that bandit group was made by my creator. I’ve come to take it back."
"To take it back?"
Lance fell silent after that. He spoke only one final line.
"It seems I have talked a bit too much. Our lineages may differ, but I am glad to have met such well-crafted kindred spirits."
With that, he turned on his heel and vanished into the darkness of the night. Jumi and the others chose not to pursue him.
"Hmm, how interesting."
In the command room on Hourai Island, Jin listened to the report from Laojun.
"An automata from a different lineage than the Predecessor's... it’s not an impossible story."
There was already the precedent of Elena. It was also possible that exceptionally talented technicians were hidden away in the general population. After considering the implications, Jin asked a different question.
"How is Elsa doing?"
"She is well, My Lord. Elsa-sama appears to be spending her time relaxedly at her family home."
"I see. That’s good."
Jin expected to be occupied with the long-period planet project for the next month or so. While it might be safer for her to stay at her family estate, he suspected she wouldn't stay away forever.
"Knowing Elsa, she’s probably starting to miss being home by now."
"Ani-sama, has anything happened?"
"No. So far, we haven't received any reports of theft. I hope it stays that way."
"Aniki, I just heard from my subordinates," Fritz added, addressing Moritz. "It seems things are quiet in Reinhard's territory as well."
"I see."
Elsa, Moritz, and Fritz. The sight of the three siblings gathered to consult on the security of the territory was rare. Even the long-serving servants stole glances at them as they passed.
"It would be best if nothing happened, but we have to consider the worst-case scenario..." Moritz said, his expression clouded with concern.
"The best solution is just to capture the bandit group," Fritz declared, his tone blunt and simple.
"That is true. But it's easier said than done."
"Well, yeah." Fritz knew that as well as anyone, but he couldn't help but say it.
"If nothing happens tonight... I think I'll head back tomorrow," Elsa said hesitantly.
"Oh? Is that so?"
"Getting lonely sleeping by yourself? Or are you worried your husband is stepping out on you?"
"Ani-sama, you dummy!"
Elsa’s face turned bright red at Fritz's teasing.
Then, that night.
"(Elsa-sama.)"
Edgar spoke in a low voice to the sleeping Elsa.
"...Mnh? What is it?"
Rubbing her eyes, Elsa woke up.
"(I apologize for disturbing your rest, but this is an emergency.)"
"An emergency?" Elsa sat upright in bed, the sleepiness vanishing instantly.
"Yes. There are people approaching the estate."
"Could it be... the bandit group?"
"Likely. However, please do not worry. Quinta’s Deneb 22 and the Land squad are also present. However, there is one mysterious golem among them, so please deploy a barrier just in case."
"Understood. 'Barrier.'"
"That is sufficient."
"Edgar, what are you going to do?"
"If you give the word, I will assist in intercepting them. Or, if you wish for me to stay here, I will remain as your guard."
Elsa thought for a moment before instructing him to stay with her.
"Understood."
The time was just past 10:30 PM.
"There shouldn't be much money kept in this house right now..."
The wheat and barley collected as taxes were still in the warehouse; they hadn't been sold for coin yet. Realizing this, Elsa remembered the rumors surrounding the bandit group.
"...They're going to steal the grain!"
Realizing the threat, Elsa stood up and hurriedly threw on a gown. She rushed out of the room.
"Edgar, come with me! The warehouse is in danger!"
"Yes, Elsa-sama."
Elsa and Edgar sprinted down the hallway, dashed down the stairs, and headed for the back door. When they stepped out into the courtyard where the warehouse stood, a chaotic battle was already underway.