On February 18th, the Klein Kingdom's investigation team was making its way back home.
Inside their airship, the primary members—Gloria, Pascoe, and Tiffany—were holding a debriefing session.
"I have to admit... we simply weren't up to the task."
"Yes," Pascoe agreed. "This expedition has made me painfully aware of exactly what we're lacking."
Gloria nodded. "We have far too little knowledge of ruins. We're still far too inexperienced when it comes to dealing with unknown dangers."
"That's true..." Tiffany added with a sigh.
Gloria and Pascoe led the conversation, while Tiffany chimed in with an occasional nod of agreement.
"Looking back, Jin-dono and Maquina-dono are truly remarkable. I suppose for an individual, intellect is more important than martial prowess after all."
"I understand what you mean," Tiffany said. "Martial power can be supplemented with golems, after all."
"Yeah, Tiffany's right. Individual combat skill is important, of course, but for an investigation team, knowledge is indispensable."
"In that sense, it would be wonderful if we could become part of the First Class of the World Security Guard."
"Indeed. It really would."
Outside the airship, the sky was a clear, brilliant blue.
＊ ＊ ＊
The investigation team arrived back in the capital, Alban, later that day to deliver their report to the King.
Alois III listened to Gloria's report, nodding slightly as she spoke. Once she finished, he asked a few questions.
"So, there were no particular dangers this time?"
"None, Your Majesty. By the same token, however, we made almost no new discoveries. Our only harvest was this stone slab."
"Oh, that... To be honest, it's a mystery. I'll have you hold a formal briefing in the near future, so have the details prepared. You may withdraw for today. Go and get some rest."
"Understood."
Gloria, Pascoe, and Tiffany bowed and left the room.
Alois III turned to his chancellor, Powell Danner Hudson.
"It seems the ruins of that country will not be easily conquered."
"So it would appear, Sire."
"It may be best to wait for the inauguration of the World Security Guard and leave it to them."
"Your Majesty, does that mean you are giving up on the idea of incorporating that land into our territory?"
Alois III gave an ambiguous smile.
"If I were to speak not as a king, but as an individual... I believe it might be best for the lands of the Former Leonard Kingdom to be managed by the World Conference."
"That is..."
"I know. It is merely a personal opinion. No one but the Chancellor is listening. Or rather, please forget I said anything."
"As you wish."
＊ ＊ ＊
Meanwhile, the investigation team from the Kingdom of Egerea was also on its way home that same day.
They, too, had produced no results worth mentioning and could only provide a mediocre report.
＊ ＊ ＊
"...And that is the situation."
On Hourai Island, Laojun was reporting to Jin that the investigation teams from both nations had returned home without any significant achievements.
"It can't be helped, I suppose. There's only so much you can do when you head out suddenly without any prior knowledge of the ruins."
That was precisely why archaeology existed as a field.
"Come to think of it, I wonder how Lucol is doing."
Lucol was an archaeologist and a former member of the Unifilar. Since being released from his brainwashing, he had been traveling the continent as a freelancer; just the other day, he had been involved in an incident related to the Gonpetition in the Celuroa Kingdom alongside Vivienne. After that, he had set off on another journey.
"I'd like to invite him to the Academy as well..."
Jin had decided to call the educational institution he was establishing in Avalon the "Academy." While the term usually referred to a scholarly group or association, it was sometimes used as a name for a school. Jin chose to name the institution he was planning for Avalon as the world's very first "Academy."
"I shall have the Quinta search for him," Laojun said. "We should have marked his magic pattern as well."
"Indeed."
Unfortunately, since they hadn't anticipated needing to do so, they hadn't recorded it. If they had, they could have found him instantly using a magi-radar. Regardless, there was no point in dwelling on it now, so Jin gave Laojun the order to search for Lucol.
"Alright then, Laojun, I'm counting on you."
"Yes, please leave it to me."
After this, Jin planned to visit his close friend Reinhard in his territory, Kalts Village, along with Elsa. Their escorts would be Reiko and Edgar.
"First, we'll head to Elsa's family home to say hello."
"Mm."
＊ ＊ ＊
They used Konron 3 for the journey. Since they traveled from Hourai Island to the skies above Lake Tosmo via transporter, the trip took only about fifteen minutes.
First, Jin headed to Elsa's family home. After parking Konron 3 in the spacious front yard, Jin and the others headed into the Randol Mansion.
"It's been a while."
Lately, Elsa's father, Georg, had recovered to the point where he could manage daily life; he gave Jin and Elsa a small smile when he saw them.
"Ooh... glad... you... came."
His words were still halting, but his pronunciation was clear.
"Elsa, Jin-san, I'm so glad you could come. You'll be staying for a while, won't you?" Elsa's mother asked.
"Thank you very much."
Jin felt that he couldn't just say hello and leave immediately, so they decided to stay the night.
"...It's been a while since I was in this room."
In her family home, the room Elsa used to live in had been kept exactly as it was; she always stayed there whenever she returned. Naturally, Jin was with her.
(I thought it would be a more 'girly' room at first, but it's surprisingly simple.)
It seemed Elsa didn't have a taste for gaudy decorations, which made the room quite comfortable for Jin as well. The only real exception was the several dolls on display. They were well-maintained by the maids, as there was no dust on the room or the dolls.
"I'm going to see Reinhard tomorrow, but you should take it easy here, Elsa."
"Mm, thank you."
In truth, Reinhard had sent word that he had something he wanted to consult with Jin about.
"He said he was having a bit of trouble."
He hadn't specified the details, so Jin didn't know what it was.
"If anything happens, ask Laojun."
"Mm, I understand."
And so, the night deepened at House Randol.