Observing across cosmic distances with the Peeping Telescope was a feat only Laojun could achieve.
The primary difficulty lay in the sheer scale of the distances involved, which made fixing one's viewpoint on a target nearly impossible. Just as a camera equipped with an ultra-telephoto lens cannot be used for handheld shots, the telescope required absolute stability. Without a sturdy mount, the slightest vibration would ruin the image.
Even for the Peeping Telescope installed deep within the foundations of Hourai Island, a minuscule distortion or deflection would translate into a massive error of tens or hundreds of millions of kilometers at the target's location. The viewpoint would waver incessantly, making it impossible to focus on the objective; furthermore, a human observer subjected to such a shifting perspective would almost certainly experience motion sickness.
Laojun, however, possessed reaction speeds hundreds of times faster than a human's. A split second of visual data was enough for him to process the information.
Nevertheless, Jin did not rely solely on Laojun’s innate processing power. To mitigate these issues, a relay base had been positioned specifically to observe the sector containing the planet Hale. Utilizing this base shortened the effective distance and significantly reduced visual jitter.
Regardless, since Jin was not the one performing the observation, Laojun bypassed the relay base and used the Peeping Telescope directly. This was marginally faster, as it reduced the time lag.
"……There appears to be no change."
The sector of space under investigation was vast, yet Laojun examined it painstakingly and without fatigue.
＊ ＊ ＊
"I have found no particular abnormalities."
That was Laojun’s final report.
"I see. Good work. Please continue to stay vigilant, just in case."
"Yes, My Lord."
＊ ＊ ＊
Since the matter did not seem to be an immediate crisis, Jin instructed Laojun to remain watchful and turned his attention back to the affairs of the Nord Federation.
"I’ve already coordinated with the Klein Kingdom. We’ll fly to the capital, Alban, aboard Konron 3 tomorrow."
Jin would be staying with the All-Creation clan for the remainder of the day.
"Understood. Our preparations are mostly complete," Rolona said with a nod.
"Um, c-can I come too?" Sion asked, her voice tinged with a hint of nerves.
"Of course. Your point of contact—or rather, your hostess—will be the Third Princess, Lieschen. She’s close to your age, Sion, so I think it’ll be a good opportunity for you."
While Sion’s chronological age was seventy-two, the Northern People grew and aged at approximately one-fifth the rate of humans. In human terms, she was fourteen years old—the same age as Princess Lieschen.
Thus, the delegation to the Klein Kingdom consisted of the family of three: Ladeous, Rolona, and Sion.
Sion had visited the human realm with Jin before and was relatively composed, but surprisingly, Ladeous was the one who seemed restless.
"Dear, please try to show a bit more dignity as the next Clan Chief," Rolona chided him.
"I'll be there to support the negotiations, and Rolona-san will be handling the technical explanation for the Hardening, so everything will be fine," Jin added.
"That's right. Just focus on giving a proper greeting."
"U-Umu."
Ladeous reportedly stayed up late that night, agonizing over his introductory remarks.
On the morning of March 17th, Konron 3 soared into the sky above the Nord Federation with Jin and the others aboard.
"Wow, this is incredible!" Rolona exclaimed, her face full of excitement.
"U-Umu. Flying through the clouds is a fine experience indeed." Ladeous stared out the window, looking somewhat tense.
"It’s so fast! We've already crossed the Great Isthmus. Oh, look—there’s Kaina Village!"
Sion, having flown several times now, was quite used to it and enjoyed the view through the observation window in the floor.
"Ah, Kaina Village is already behind us……"
Before long, after a journey of roughly two hours, Konron 3 arrived at Alban, the capital of the Klein Kingdom.
The group changed into their formal attire. Jin donned his Magi Craft Meister robe, while Reiko wore her squire's mantle. Ladeous, Rolona, and Sion dressed in the traditional ceremonial clothing of the All-Creation clan.
Edgar remained aboard the vessel; as the pilot, he would stay with Konron 3 for the duration of the visit.
"Oh, look at all the hot air balloons!" Sion cried out, peering through the window once they were ready.
An escort of five hot air balloons rose to meet Konron 3, a ceremonial welcome for the representatives of the Northern People. Guided by the balloons, Konron 3 made a slow, graceful landing in the front courtyard of the Royal Palace.
"Welcome, Lord of Kunlun. And to our guests from the North. I am Lieschen Physis Klein, Third Princess of the Klein Kingdom."
Princess Lieschen stood waiting to receive them. Today she wore a formal gown, accented by a silver tiara atop her head.
"Your Highness, I have the honor of presenting the representatives of the Northern People," Jin said.
At his introduction, the three members of the All-Creation clan offered a polite bow.
"It is an honor to meet you. I am Ladeous of the All-Creation clan, representing the Nord Federation."
"I am his wife, Rolona of the All-Creation clan."
"And I am their daughter, Sion of the All-Creation clan."
Rising to the occasion, Ladeous introduced himself with a dignified air.
"The Nord Federation, you say? Welcome, though you have traveled far. Please, follow me."
Princess Lieschen led the way, with Jin and Reiko following behind her, and the family from the All-Creation clan taking the rear. The royal ritters offered an honor guard salute as the group proceeded toward the Royal Palace.
They were shown into a grand guest reception room.
"Please, make yourselves comfortable."
Acting as the official hostess, Princess Lieschen had tucked away her usual "noja" mannerisms and speech patterns.
The time was 11:30 AM. Light refreshments, serving as a luncheon, were brought out. They consisted of various sandwiches filled with smoked meats similar to bacon, vegetable salads, egg salad, and jams made from brule and lamber. The accompanying drink was apulul juice.
"Oh, this is quite delicious."
"I am delighted you find it to your liking."
"The bread is so soft and airy; it must be freshly baked."
"And this juice is wonderful—it tastes as though it was just pressed."
After a series of polite social pleasantries, the meal concluded. Jin noted that the Klein Kingdom was clearly sparing no effort in their hospitality.
"My father, King Alois Lux Klein, will receive you at 1:00 PM. Please rest here until then," Princess Lieschen announced the schedule. "Until that time, I shall have the pleasure of keeping you company, though I fear I may be a poor substitute for my father."
"On the contrary," Ladeous replied. "It is the highest honor to be hosted by Princess Lieschen, whose beauty and wisdom are renowned even in our lands."
Lieschen turned a faint shade of red and shot a brief, suspicious glance at Jin. She was certain he had coached them on their etiquette. That she could deduce this so quickly spoke volumes of her sharp intuition.
Sion, observing the princess who was roughly her own age, seemed lost in thought. Throughout the conversation, she remained mostly silent, offering only brief responses when addressed directly.
And then, the clock struck one.