"I mentioned that Reiko-chan was living with your descendants at the time, didn't I?"
"Yeah, that’s right. And then those descendants suddenly vanished."
Sion nodded.
"Naturally, there’s a reason for it, but since it doesn't directly relate to you returning to your own era, I’d rather you didn't ask."
"Understood."
Jin’s mind was beginning to feel the strain. Sensing his confusion, Sion offered a wry smile.
"See? This is why I had to think so hard about how to explain things."
"Yeah, I get it now."
"I really should have just stuck to pointing the way, like I said at first."
Sion sighed, muttering that things were getting complicated because it was impossible to know where the taboos regarding time lay.
"In any case, if you find Reiko-chan, everything else should fall into place."
She sighed again, wondering if that would have been enough of an explanation.
"I see. Reiko would know what to do better than anyone. So, where should I go?"
"First, please go to see No. 700672."
"Oh, him. Is he still doing well?"
"Yes. Very much so."
As a homunculus created by the Progenitors, No. 700672 was not bound by a natural lifespan.
"It's best if you hear the rest from him."
"Got it."
"I'll have Lordtoss act as your guide. Is a tomorrow morning departure alright? Or would you rather relax for a few days?"
"Tomorrow morning is fine."
Sion smiled at his answer. "I thought you might say that, Jin."
They spent the rest of the evening in casual conversation.
"Marikka, you’ve really done a lot, haven't you?"
"O-oh, it was nothing..."
"No, I mean it. More than that, I’m just glad to see you’re happy."
Jin felt a surge of warmth as he imagined her surrounded by her many disciples and grand-disciples. Amidst the peaceful atmosphere, he was reminded of his time with the old Jin Family. However, one question still weighed on his mind.
"May I ask what’s happening with Onogoro Island right now?"
"Yes. At present, Onogoro Island is in dormancy, with its activity reduced to the absolute minimum."
"Why is that...?"
Marikka answered before he could finish.
"It has simply been adapted to the current era."
"The current era?"
"Yes. The world today has moved away from science and is attempting to develop with magi technology at its core. That is the path the people have chosen, after all."
"I see."
Hearing those words, Jin smiled inwardly. The once-unreliable Marikka had certainly grown to have a firm set of convictions.
＊ ＊ ＊
"Well then, take care."
"Jin-sama, I pray for your safety."
"Sion, Marikka, I’m heading out then."
The following day, September 9th, at 8:30 AM, Jin finished his breakfast and departed with Lordtoss, seen off by Sion and Marikka.
Since he planned to return eventually, Hope and Hanako stayed behind to look after the place.
Knowing that Jin disliked grand spectacles, Sion and the others had arranged for only the two of them to see him off. However, several people were peeking out from the slightly opened windows of the Mansion...
The two were riding Golem horses made by the Marikka workshop.
"As expected, the ride is significantly smoother than the ones on the market."
"It certainly is."
Despite running at about 40 kilometers per hour, they could hardly feel any vertical movement. Jin was impressed, thinking they were a match for his beloved horse, Koma.
Their destination was the Gospel clan territory. It was about 150 kilometers away from the All-Creation clan territory, so by his calculations, they would arrive in about four hours. Jin thought to himself as he rode that it was a relief the season wasn't cold yet.
Since they stopped for lunch along the way, they reached the Gospel clan territory around 2:00 PM.
"Oh, is that it?"
Jin’s eyes widened at the sight, which had completely changed from 400 years ago. Where they had once hollowed out the rock faces to create living quarters, several buildings now stood.
"I sent word ahead, so they've come out to meet us," Lordtoss said.
Jin squinted and could indeed see several people waving.
"I haven't informed them of your details, Jin-san. I’ve only told them you are an important guest. Please leave the introductions to me."
"Understood."
They reached the group within a few minutes.
"Welcome, guests."
"Lordtoss, it has been a long time."
"Lord Baltodoss, I am humbled that the Clan Chief would come to greet us personally."
Jin realized the current Clan Chief was named Baltodoss. With his white hair and yellow eyes, he looked just like Jin's old acquaintances Alectas, Mironia, and Fabius. He appeared to be in his late 70s—somewhat thin, but possessing a dignified air.
Baltodoss looked back and forth between Lordtoss and Jin.
"Think nothing of it. When I am told by both Lady Sion and Lady Marikka to 'take good care of an important guest,' I must comply."
He extended a hand to Jin, who had dismounted.
"You must be Jin-dono. I am Baltodoss, the Clan Chief of the Gospel clan."
"I'm Jin. It's a pleasure to meet you."
The two shook hands.
That day, they were invited into the Clan Chief’s mansion, which had been built outside rather than in the caves. From what Jin could see, the construction was a blend of Japanese and Western styles. This was most apparent in the fact that shoes were strictly forbidden indoors.
After taking off his shoes and stepping up, he found wooden floors, carpeted Western-style rooms, and even a Japanese-style room with tatami-esque mats. Jin felt a little happy, seeing how his influence seemed to have manifested even here.
＊ ＊ ＊
"Hmm, I see. You wish to have an audience with the Servant."
Jin had already begun his discussion with Clan Chief Baltodoss.
"Since it is a recommendation from both Lady Sion and Lady Marikka, there should be no problem. I shall send word myself. However..."
"However?"
"Whether he meets you or not is entirely the Servant’s decision. I cannot guarantee that permission will be granted."
"Yes, that’s fine."
"Depending on the circumstances, it could be many days from now, so please understand if that happens."
Baltodoss had only just finished saying those words when...
"Ji—Jin-dono! The—the Servant says he 'wishes for you to come at once'!!"
He came rushing back in a total panic.