Vast paddy fields stretched across the landscape in the twilight.
The sight brought a specific phrase to Jin’s mind: Toyoashihara no Mizuho no Kuni—the Land of Abundant Reed Plains and Rice Ears.
"Let’s descend toward that town."
Looking ahead, he saw they were aiming for the shores of a lake with a familiar silhouette.
"Lake Sayama, if I remember right."
The Blow Floater had flown them all the way to the vicinity of the Mitsuho capital in one continuous stretch. A tailwind had likely helped, but the craft’s speed was even greater than Jin had anticipated.
"At this rate, the Golem horses will be a little late in catching up with us," Lordtoss remarked with a chuckle.
A single airship drifted in the darkening sky. It was a Konron 2-type vessel.
"Ah, with that up there, we won't stand out so much."
The peaceful scene soothed Jin’s heart, which had grown weary from their recent trials. The Blow Floater began its slow, steady descent.
"If we’re going to land anyway, Miyako is a better choice than Kure."
It seemed Miyako still served as the capital of Mitsuho. Lordtoss possessed at least that much general knowledge.
"Along with the great western city of Osaka, Miyako is one of the most representative cities in Mitsuho."
An airport sat on the northeast side of the city. It was situated adjacent to Lake Sayama, a location that allowed for emergency water landings if necessary.
Naturally, the moats surrounding the town remained intact. Jin fondly recalled the time he had visited this place with Elsa, Hanna, Saki, and the others.
The Blow Floater touched down shortly thereafter. An official and a golem approached, and the craft was first moved to its designated position.
"This way, please."
They were led to a hangar reserved for small-class craft. Once the Blow Floater was tucked inside, they secured it with a chain lock. The official noted down the lock combination, and both Lordtoss and Jin signed the necessary documentation. Once these formalities were complete, they were issued provisional entry permits.
These permits only allowed for a three-day stay, but that was more than enough for Jin’s purposes this time.
Because they were only on provisional status, the automata Hanako and the golem Hope were not permitted to enter the town. Instead, they would remain behind to guard the Blow Floater.
"I’m counting on you, Hope."
"Yes, leave it to me."
"Hanako, we’re heading out."
"Have a safe trip, Master."
Compared to the era when travel was strictly ground-based, the advent of aerial transportation had fundamentally changed the nature of security. Jin reminisced about how, in the past, reaching the capital of Miyako had required passing through numerous checkpoints, such as Kari Village and Seki Town.
＊ ＊ ＊
Since they were in Mitsuho, the two stayed at an inn that provided futons rather than beds.
"Ah, I can finally sleep on a proper futon."
Jin sprawled out on the tatami mats, stretching his limbs with a groan of relief. The familiar texture and scent of the tatami-floored room were a welcome comfort.
For dinner, he enjoyed Japanese-style food for the first time in an age. Jin was so taken with it that he went back for three helpings of miso soup.
"You certainly seem fond of that 'mososhiru' soup, Jin-san," Lordtoss remarked, sounding genuinely impressed.
"Ah, yeah, I am. And it’s 'miso soup,' by the way."
After dinner, Jin went to the bathhouse and let himself go limp in the hot water.
Four hundred years ago, he had met Hiro Mutu and Mii Mutu in this town. He had met many people here. Now, they had long since been buried in the depths of history.
"I wonder if the Factory is still running."
In Mitsuho, where most people were unable to use magic, Jin had once helped restart the Factory, which used magi-craft to mass-produce various tools. That, too, was a nostalgic memory.
"That was also in the northeast of Miyako... If so, it should be somewhere between the airport and the town, but I didn't see it today. Maybe it moved?"
Jin muttered to himself. He was currently enjoying the bath alone thanks to Lordtoss's consideration; had there been other bathers, they likely would have been put off by his rambling.
＊ ＊ ＊
After drying off and returning to their room, Jin and Lordtoss sat down to talk.
"What shall we do tomorrow?" Lordtoss asked.
"Hmm, let's see..."
His desire to return home as quickly as possible remained unchanged. However, now that his immediate safety was guaranteed, his innate curiosity had begun to stir. He was deeply interested in what this world looked like four hundred years after his time.
"What are your plans from here?" Jin asked in return. He didn't want to overextend the hospitality of the man who was guiding him.
"Well, ultimately, I would like to bring you to see my great-grandmother... Sion-sama. Is that acceptable?"
As Lordtoss asked to confirm once more, Jin gave a firm nod.
"Yes, of course."
Jin also wanted to meet Sion and Marikka to hear their stories. This was a rare opportunity to hear the truth directly from the source rather than from some distant descendant of the Jin Family. He might even be able to meet No. 700672.
"In that case, there are two ways to reach the Gondoa Continent: private travel or public transportation."
"I understand private travel, but what is public transportation?"
"Once a month, an airship departs from the Shouro Empire for the Nord Federation. Seats are by reservation only."
"Huh... No other countries offer flights?"
"No. I don't know the reason why."
"I see."
So the Nord Federation is accepted as part of the international community nowadays, Jin thought, moved by the realization.
"I don't think the travel time would differ much either way. Though, right now, private travel would likely be faster," Lordtoss added.
"Why is that?"
"That flight departs on the first of every month."
Today was September 4th; there was still nearly a month to go until the next scheduled departure. Jin nodded in understanding.
"I see. If we can travel via the Blow Floater, that would definitely be the quicker option."
"Wouldn't it?"
"All right. Then, here is my request... Since we’re here anyway, I’d like to stay in this town for the day tomorrow and do some sightseeing."
"Understood. Then let us do that."
Lordtoss accepted Jin's wish without hesitation.
"The Golem horses haven't arrived yet, after all."
Lordtoss mentioned that once the horses caught up, he planned to sell them in the city. They weren't custom-made models, and if they were going to continue their journey by Blow Floater, it was more practical to travel light.
"Trading in used goods like that is quite common these days."
Like a used automobile market, Jin thought. It made sense; such a system would help technology spread among the general population.
"By the way, what’s the state of the world’s nations now? Are they the same as they were in the old days?" Jin asked, seizing the chance.
"Let's see..."
Lordtoss thought for a moment before picking up a notepad made of wood-paper that had been provided in the room. He intended to draw a simplified map to illustrate his explanation.
Showing the quickly sketched map to Jin, Lordtoss began to speak.