"Jin-sama, thank you for having us."
On the evening of the 18th, Jin escorted Sion and her parents to Kaina Village—specifically, to Jin Castle.
Princess Lieschen had also wanted to join them, but she was bound by official duties this time and had to give up on the idea, much to her chagrin.
"This building is truly incredible."
Rolona, seeing Jin Castle for the first time, was struck with amazement. Jin was pleased that his opportunities to use the castle had been on the rise lately.
"We’ve been waiting for you."
Elsa welcomed them at the entrance.
"Sion-onee-chan, welcome!"
Hanna was by her side as well.
"Hello, Hanna-chan!"
This was the first time Sion and Hanna had seen each other since Elsa’s birthday, though only three days had actually passed.
"What a peaceful place this is," Rolona remarked, observing the quiet atmosphere of Kaina Village.
"Thank you," Jin replied. As the village lord, he felt a sense of pride hearing the exact kind of evaluation he had hoped for.
"Fufu, you truly cherish this village, don't you, Jin-sama?"
"Yes, I do. This village is my home."
Engaged in such conversation, Jin guided the three guests further into the castle. Elsa had headed inside ahead of them to finalize the guest room. By the time Jin walked in, the preparations were just finishing up.
"Please, come in and make yourselves comfortable."
"Thank you, Elsa-sama," Rolona said on behalf of the family. Then her eyes widened. "Um... what kind of furniture is this?"
Laid out in the room was a kotatsu. Elsa had prepared a full kotatsu set for their arrival.
The guest suites in Jin Castle featured both Japanese-style and Western-style rooms. The Japanese-style room was specially designed to accommodate a sunken kotatsu. Lifting a single tatami mat revealed a half-mat-sized pit; laying down a compensatory half-mat finished the floor perfectly. Then, after placing the table frame, draping the kotatsu futon over it, and adding the top board, the setup was complete. To top it off, a snack bowl filled with citran sat in the center.
Though it was March, the mornings and evenings in Kaina Village still carried a chill, making the warmth of a kotatsu a welcome luxury.
"This is called a kotatsu..." Jin began, taking over the explanation.
"Oh, so it's a heating appliance? How wonderful."
"Ho, this is quite nice."
"It's easy on the legs, too. I like this, Jin."
All three seemed to take an immediate liking to it, which relieved Jin. While there were floor-model kotatsu that didn't require a pit, he had judged that the sunken version would be easier for them to transition to.
Personally, Jin preferred the standard floor-model kotatsu. The reason was simple: he could crawl entirely inside one to take a nap. However, since Ladeous and Rolona were not accustomed to living on tatami, the sunken version was the more practical choice.
"These citran are delicious," Sion said, already busy peeling and eating one.
"Oh, you're right. They're wonderful, Jin-sama." Rolona followed suit.
"Haha, please, take your time and relax today."
"Thank you," Ladeous said, representing the family.
"If you need anything, please let Butler B know."
"We are most grateful for your hospitality."
"Dinner will be served in about an hour, so try not to eat too much," Jin added, shooting a warning look at Sion as she reached for a second citran. Then, he took his leave.
"Elsa, thanks for handling the preparations," Jin said, finding Elsa in her private room to thank her.
"Mm, you're welcome."
"All that's left now is dinner."
"Mm. I've left that to the golem maids....By the way, why don't you go take a bath? I've already had mine."
"I see. Good idea. I think I will have a soak."
There were two bathrooms within Jin Castle, and Kaina Village had its own hot springs. Alternatively, he could take the Warp Gate to Hourai Island.
"I think I'll use the bath on Hourai Island today," Jin decided, and he made his way to the Warp Gate.
"The food at Jin's place really is the best."
Sion, who was well on her way to becoming a regular fixture in Kaina Village, was happily enjoying the meal. The spread was a classic menu: rice, miso soup, oshinko, grilled fish, sweet tamagoyaki, Meat-Topopo, and hamburger steak.
"This 'hamburger steak' is delicious," Rolona remarked, clearly taken with the dish.
"Sweet tamagoyaki is quite a treat as well." Ladeous found that the tamagoyaki, prepared with a generous amount of sugar, suited his palate remarkably well.
Jin, meanwhile, was in a state of pure bliss as he tasted his favorite aburaage miso soup for the first time in a long while. Finally, while sipping on hojicha to end the meal, they discussed the plans for the following day.
"I’m planning to let you all just relax, but is there anything specific you’d like to see?"
With no kingdom officials around to maintain formalities, Jin’s speech had returned to its usual, more casual tone.
"That sounds perfect. I would like to take a leisurely tour around Kaina Village, if that's all right."
"Indeed. I suspect there are many things here that would serve as excellent references for us."
"Oh, in that case, I'll be your guide!" Sion suggested. Having visited Kaina Village many times, she was confident in her knowledge.
"Well, that sounds lovely."
"Then shall we set breakfast for around eight tomorrow?"
With the general schedule decided, the group disbanded for the night. Jin went his way, while Sion and her parents settled in for a relaxing evening.
"See you tomorrow, Jin."
"Yeah. I'm counting on you, Sion."
"Leave it to me!"
As a member of the Jin Family, Sion was well-versed in how to use the facilities of Jin Castle. Jin felt perfectly at ease leaving his guests in her hands.