Jin and the others were shown into a reception room.
Across a large table sat Paerova Sondvik, with Jed Alamold seated beside him. Four of Paerova’s guards stood behind them.
Jin and Kachea sat on the opposite side. Four of Jed’s guards stood behind them.
"Allow me to introduce myself once more. I am Paerova Sondvik, the Regional Administrator governing the northern region from here in Rofon."
"I am Jin, a magi craftsman."
"A-And I... I am Kachea."
Kachea was stiff with nerves. She was so tense that Paerova felt the need to speak up.
"There is no need to be so nervous," he said.
Soon, glasses of chilled juice were served.
"You have traveled a long way. Please, drink."
Saying so, Paerova took a sip first, followed by Jed. Seeing this, Jin and Kachea also took a drink.
"It’s so cold...!"
Though the region was relatively cool, it was still summer. The chilled drink was refreshing and delicious.
"Is this cooled in a refrigerator?"
Jin asked the question without thinking, and Paerova’s face shifted into a look of surprise.
"What was that?! Jin-dono, you know of refrigerators?"
Ah, damn it, Jin thought. But the words were already out; there was no taking them back.
"Yes, I know of them."
He had no choice but to answer honestly.
"Hmm... To know of the existence of a rare magi-device like a refrigerator..."
Paerova Sondvik wore a complicated expression for a moment, but he seemed to quickly shift gears.
"We shall discuss such matters at length after dinner," he said, turning a smile toward Kachea. "Kachea, this town... no, this country, is in need of talented individuals. I have heard you have a gift for calculation. I suppose there is no use hiding it now—Lorenz gathers such information for me under my instructions."
I see. So he collects information from various places, even if he isn’t exactly a spy, Jin thought.
He also speculated that the reason Lorenz could afford such a golem was likely due to Paerova’s support. A traveling merchant was the perfect occupation for gathering information, starting with the economic conditions of the places they visited.
"N-No, I’m... I’m really not that..."
Kachea tried to be humble, but Jin interjected from the side.
"No, Kachea, your talent for mathematics is quite remarkable. You should be proud of it."
His praise made her turn bright red, and she hung her head.
"Oho, mathematics? That is intriguing. My expectations are growing even higher."
"Y-Yes..."
Answering in a voice so quiet it nearly vanished, Kachea shot Jin a reproachful sideways glare.
"Well, that conversation can also wait until after dinner. I have learned a little about you both. I shall have you shown to your rooms."
After a bit more small talk, Jin and Kachea were led to their respective quarters.
Jin was assigned a suite of two rooms: an eight-tatami main room and an adjoining four-and-a-half-tatami bedroom. Since it was on the second floor, the view from the window was excellent. It faced south; in the distance, he could see the ocean's surface shimmering, dyed red by the setting sun.
For a while, Jin stared at the glow of the fading sea, thinking of his two homes: Earth and Ars.
For dinner, just as Jin had hoped, grilled fish was served.
"Is this... a hariboo (halibut)?" Jin asked, noting the large, flat shape.
"You are well-informed. Yes, it is a hariboo caught along the coast."
"The salt is just right. It’s delicious."
"I am glad to hear it."
Dinner was not a stiff affair, but a pleasant one accompanied by conversation. Because of the relaxed atmosphere, Jin’s tongue had inadvertently become a bit loose.
"It seems Jin-dono is fond of fish. I wonder if you have ever eaten this?"
"Eh?"
Paerova Sondvik spoke with a mischievous look on his face. At his signal, a new dish was brought out.
"...Sashimi?"
It was hariboo sashimi. Beside it was a small cup containing a brown liquid that looked like soy sauce.
"May I have some?"
"Of course."
"Then, thank you for the food."
Chopsticks had been provided as well, so Jin didn't hesitate to bring a piece of sashimi to his mouth.
"...!"
It was a nostalgic taste. Jin polished off the five slices of sashimi in no time at all.
"I am glad you liked it."
As Paerova spoke, his eyes seemed to glint for a split second.
After dinner, Jin was called to a private meeting with Paerova Sondvik.
There were four people in the room: Jin, Paerova, and a butler and a maid standing by. A cup of green tea was placed in front of Jin.
"Now then, Jin-dono, is it true that you do not clearly know who you are or where you came from?"
"...Yes."
After a slight hesitation, Jin confirmed the statement.
"Hmm, then let us leave it at that."
Paerova gave a thin smile and took a sip of his tea.
"Magi. Teleportation accident. Green tea. Sashimi. Magi-devices. These shall serve as keywords."
"I see."
"You are likely not from this continent. In other words, you are not a citizen of the Mercana Principality."
"I suppose... that is correct."
Jin gave a somewhat vague confirmation.
"How much do you know about this continent?"
"I know almost nothing."
"I see. Then I shall tell you what I can, within the limits of not putting us at a disadvantage."
"Thank you. Disadvantage...?"
"Well, just listen."
Paerova Sondvik began to speak slowly.
"The Mercana Principality is the only nation on this Pandor Continent."
Just as I thought, Jin mused. He had a faint suspicion of that. Even Helga had simply said "Taji Village on the Pandor Continent" when he first asked. She hadn't said "Taji Village in the Mercana Principality."
"As for our history, we gained independence 320 years ago. That is why we use the Continental Calendar now."
"I see."
Finally, he had encountered someone who could answer his questions. Jin listened intently, determined not to miss a single word.