"I wonder what we can do."
At the headquarters of Nostalgia, the organization's two leaders were deep in discussion.
"It would be ideal if we could put all the knowledge and technology we've accumulated to good use."
"Indeed. To that end, let us begin selecting members to participate."
Actually, there were three of them present. The third was the beautiful, blonde-haired automata, Elena.
"If I were ten years younger, I would have volunteered myself," said their leader, Jules Rolant.
"……I’m so sorry," Elena murmured, her head hanging low.
"N-No, no, no, Elena, you aren't to blame! That was... it was a tragic accident! Yes, a total accident!!"
Elena remembered everything from her days with Unifilar as data. Because of those memories, she was occasionally tormented by a crushing sense of guilt.
"Exactly! Besides, I’m having so much fun now that it more than makes up for the past!" Donald Callow, the second-in-command, hurriedly added his support.
"Hearing you say that makes me feel a little more at ease."
"Y-Yes! Let’s toss that sort of gloomy talk aside and focus on the future!"
"I agree completely!!"
(...Hehe, thank you both.)
After thanking the two in a soft voice, Elena resumed the discussion.
"The archaeological survey recently conducted by the Kingdom of Egerea and the Klein Kingdom was far too amateurish. I believe we can offer professional guidance in that area as well."
"Mm, you’re right about that."
"It was a bit pathetic, wasn't it?"
Both men had reviewed the records provided via Laojun and had been disappointed by the lack of substance in the findings.
"It’s understandable, as they likely have almost no experience with such expeditions," Elena summarized.
"Then there’s the matter of education. The World Security Guard will likely have to devote considerable time to training and education at first."
"That’s very true," Elena agreed with Donald’s observation.
"Our Nostalgia faction should be able to provide plenty of assistance when it comes to personnel."
"Right. Let’s proceed with that plan."
＊ ＊ ＊
"Formal diplomatic relations with the Shouro Empire have finally been established."
"I’ve been waiting for this day for a long time."
In Kari Village—the eastern gateway to Mitsuho, the land of the foreign tribes—Oliver, a man from the Shouro Empire, and Maya, a woman of Mitsuho, stood close together, sharing a quiet conversation.
"Katsuobushi and wood-paper are selling steadily, after all."
"I heard a massive amount of GSS was sold just the other day, too."
"So it seems. We received inquiries as well. It was a shame we didn't have any in stock."
"Well then, do you want to try dealing in it? I’ve got connections if you need them."
"Really? I’d appreciate that, definitely."
"Leave it to me."
It wasn't exactly the most romantic conversation, but it suited them perfectly.
＊ ＊ ＊
"It sounds like it was a good learning experience, Ernest."
"Yes, Father."
In the Kingdom of Egerea, Prince Ernest was delivering a report to his father, the King, following his return.
"I learned many things, particularly regarding ship technology.……By the way, Father, were you aware that a ship from our country participated in the Golem Boat Race in the Kingdom of Elias?"
"No, I was not."
"So you didn't know either, Father. In that case, who might have information?"
"Kelichdore, the Minister of Magic, might know something of it."
Thereupon, the King of Egerea, Harold Luan Autocrace, summoned Kelichdore and questioned him on the matter.
"Ah, yes, I have indeed heard of that. However, it was not an official entry from the crown; it was a private individual participating in a personal capacity, so I didn't think it necessary to trouble Your Majesty with the details."
"I see. It is fine that you didn't report it then. However, according to Ernest, that boat was quite an impressive piece of work. Investigate the creator and report your findings to me."
"Understood, Your Majesty."
＊ ＊ ＊
"Princess, did you enjoy your trip?"
In the Klein Kingdom, Tia was serving tea and sweets to Princess Lieschen, who was relaxing in her private chambers.
"Mm, it was wonderful! One is never bored when Jin is around. Hanna is quite a darling as well. And..."
"And Nest-sama has become more gallant, has he not?"
"Guh... Y-Yes, he has."
The princess nodded, her face flushing crimson.
"But when we actually spoke, Nest-sama was still just Nest-sama."
She added that his occasional habits and gestures remained exactly as they had been years ago. Tia smiled and handed a rolled piece of parchment to the blushing princess.
"Also, a letter has arrived for you from Jin-sama."
"Oh, really? I wonder what it says."
Lieschen took the letter, broke the seal, and unrolled the parchment. As she scanned the lines, a wide smile spread across her face.
"Ohhh...!"
"What is it? Did he write something pleasant?"
"Mm, indeed. According to Jin, there is a relatively simple method of hardening roads used by the Northern People. He said he would investigate the details for us."
Believing that if Jin recommended it, it must be effective, Princess Lieschen felt the prospects for her highway reconstruction project grow even brighter.
"That is wonderful news."
"Indeed. Friends are truly a treasure."
＊ ＊ ＊
"Did... something happen?"
In the residential sector of the lunar facility Uni, Milowina had been summoned by the Control Brain, Jack.
《Yes. It appears there was a vibration in space a great distance away.》
"A vibration?"
《Correct. I have reached that conclusion based on fluctuations in the gravitational field.》
"Are you certain of this?"
《It lasted for only about one ten-thousandth of a second, so I cannot say it is one hundred percent certain.》
"And what is it you want me to do?"
《I would like your advice on how this phenomenon should be interpreted.》
"That’s rare. Are you saying you cannot make a judgment on your own?"
《Yes. As this is an unprecedented occurrence, I lack the necessary data to determine the proper course of action.》
"I see..."
This was perhaps the inherent limit of this type of artificial intelligence.
"Jin-kun seems to be quite busy lately.……Very well. If a similar phenomenon occurs again, notify Hourai Island immediately."
《Understood.》