"A report?" Jin asked, leaning forward with interest.
"Yes. In fact, it has been decided that the highway will be reconstructed as far as Toka Village."
"That’s wonderful."
Improved road access meant easier travel and growth for the towns and villages along the path. The only real concern would be the risk of depopulation if people found it too easy to move elsewhere. However, in the Klein Kingdom, families were forbidden from relocating without their lord's permission, so a sudden exodus was unlikely. (Though this law didn't apply to anyone other than the head of the house and the heir; younger sons and daughters were free to move.)
Anyway, back to the matter at hand.
"A month ago, a decree was issued to refurbish the road from Alban, the capital, to the Town of Charles," Roland explained. "Apparently, Her Highness the Princess suggested extending it all the way to Toka Village."
"Princess Lieschen did?"
"Yes. It seems she wanted it to stop just short of here, since Kaina Village belongs to the 'Lord of Kunlun'."
"I see."
Laojun had likely known this, but Jin hadn't heard a word of it.
"Once it's finished, it will be much easier to reach this area. Toka Village will surely flourish."
"I hope so."
Jin kept his worries about people leaving to himself. With the business talk concluded, he looked at the group. "It’s only three in the afternoon, but do you have any requests for the rest of the day?"
"Well, I’d certainly like to see my grandson's shop," Raglann said.
"That sounds good, Father-in-law," Roland agreed.
"I think I’d like to just relax for a while," Beaute added. He had been driving the carriage for the entire trip and looked worn out.
"In that case, please make yourself comfortable in your room, Beaute-san. A golem maid will look after you. Ruby 101, I'm leaving him in your hands."
"Certainly. I shall see to it," Ruby 101 replied.
While Beaute rested at Jin Castle, Roland and Raglann headed to Erik’s Shop with Jin and Reiko as their guides.
"There isn't much snow here," Roland remarked.
"Oh, it fell, but we’ve cleared it away," Jin explained. He mentioned that they stored the snow in a cold storage room for use in the summer.
"Hoh, what a brilliant idea." Roland was impressed, and Raglann seemed struck by it as well.
"My, Jin-san, you truly have an incredible mind. As expected of a Magi Craft Meister."
"Oh! It’s the shopkeeper mister!" one of the village children shouted, waving at them. In Kaina Village, the children still called Roland "the shopkeeper."
"Ah, Onii-chan. And... the merchant mister," Hanna said as she approached. At eleven, she had grown out of the old nickname.
"Hey, Hanna. You know Roland-san, of course. This is Raglann-san, Erik's father and grandfather."
"Oh, I see!" Hanna brightened. "Um, if you're looking for Erik-onii-chan and Barbara-onee-chan, they’re at the hot springs right now."
"Is that so? Thanks for the tip."
"You're welcome!"
Jin turned to his guests. "They're at the springs. Would you like to head there now, or would you rather wait for them to finish?"
Roland didn't hesitate. "Jin-san, please, let my father-in-law experience the hot spring for himself."
"Understood."
They changed course. The village hot springs provided towels for visitors, so there was no need to stop back at the castle.
"Oh, Jin, do you have guests? Well, if it isn't Roland-san! It’s been far too long," the Landlady said, greeting them as she stepped out of the building.
"It has indeed."
"Barbara is inside, so I'm sure Erik is too," she added before heading on her way.
"Shall we?"
Roland had visited before, but this was a first for Raglann.
"Reiko, Barbara should be in the women's bath. Go let her know we're here." Jin wanted to make sure Erik didn't worry if his family took their time.
"Yes, Father. Understood."
"Hoh, well now." Raglann’s eyes widened as they entered the changing room. "It’s spacious. And the atmosphere is quite pleasant."
"Please use these towels. You can put your clothes in these baskets and leave them on the shelves."
Kaina Village was so safe that they didn't even need lockers—just simple shelves. Of course, Koushin’s surveillance ensured that no one would dream of theft or peeping.
When they entered the bathing area, they saw several villagers, along with a very surprised young man.
"Father?! And Grandfather!" Erik blurted out.
"It’s been a while, Erik. Hmm... you've grown into a fine-looking man. You have the face of someone who can stand on his own."
"Eh?"
Raglann had barely stepped into the water before he began praising his grandson.
"I wondered how you were managing after going independent, but it seems you’ve been working hard."
"U-um...?" Erik was visibly bewildered. His grandfather was usually quite strict; to have him show up unannounced and start showering him with praise was almost too much to process.
"Erik, let’s have a proper talk once we're out of the water," Roland said calmly.
"Yeah... Father."
Unlike the stilted exchange with his grandfather, Erik’s conversation with Roland was much more relaxed.
"...Hey, Jin. Who are they?" Rock asked in a whisper, paddling over to Jin.
"You know Roland-san. The other man is Erik's grandfather."
"Oh, so he came to see his grandson? And his new granddaughter-in-law too, I bet."
"That’s the idea."
Jin and Rock moved to a different part of the large tub to give the family some space.
"That old guy has a hell of a build, though. Doesn't look like any merchant I've ever seen."
"He's a Baronet. Rumor has it he spent some time in the military back in the day."
"Damn... that’s some resume."
"Still, once you look past the business and the titles, they're just a family, aren't they?"
"I guess you're right."
As they soaked, the sight of the father, son, and grandson talking together made it clear how strong their bond was. Watching them, Jin couldn't help but feel a small, quiet pang of envy.