Relocating Hourai Island to Hale.
This was a thought Jin had harbored in his heart for a long time.
He had begun to feel the limits of operating while desperately trying to conceal the island's existence.
He had considered moving his base to the Moon, Uni, or even outer space, but Jin found the idea of a facility located in a vacuum somewhat unsettling.
『It would be possible with enough time. There are no issues with free ether. The natural environment should be fine as well. The only real concern is resources.』
"True."
The Progenitors—the Haleans—had been forced to migrate to Ars because their resources had been depleted.
『Conversely, if we solve the resource problem, Hale will become habitable.』
"That's right."
『If we only relocate Hourai Island and a few dozen inhabitants, our current stock of materials should last for several hundred years.』
"We can recycle, too," Laojun added.
"We have the resources recovered from the long-period planet, and if necessary, we can go mining for resources on the outer planets."
『Precisely.』
Their technological background was significantly different from when the Progenitors had abandoned Hale.
To be sure, the Progenitors likely possessed many technologies that Jin did not. However, the reverse was also true; Jin had developed technologies that the Progenitors never had.
"I still don't know why the Progenitors didn't use spaceships to mine resources from other planets, though..."
『Perhaps it was a matter of mentality?』
"Hmm..."
If it was simply a matter of their personal philosophy, then there was no way to probe deeper. If they believed that plundering other stars was wrong, then why had they moved to Ars?
"Maybe spaceship technology only really advanced after they had already decided to migrate."
Jin imagined that if they had possessed it from the start, they might have dispatched ships to gather resources.
"Well, it's a question without an answer. Regardless, Hale has no inhabitants now. Whether you call it a reverse migration or a return, I think it's worth considering."
『Understood....If we are to relocate all of Hourai Island, we would likely need a super-large ship or a massive teleportation device.』
"I'll leave the details to you, Laojun."
『Understood, My Lord.』
In any case, Jin was set to return to 400 years in the past tomorrow, just as planned.
In other words, everything discussed would happen after Jin was gone.
Of course, the "Jin Automata Project" he had just conceived remained a secret.
"Now then..."
Jin reflected once more on whether there was anything left to do in this era.
He knew he would never be able to come here again.
Was there nothing more he could do for Reiko or Laojun—not for himself, but for them?
Was there nothing more he could do for the golems...?
With those thoughts in mind, Jin spoke up.
"Reiko, I'm going to take a look around Hourai Island. Will you come with me?"
"Yes, Father!"
Jin decided he would visit the "children" he had created one last time.
"I have kept you waiting, Father."
Reiko brought around a six-wheeled Golem Engine automobile. It was a vehicle Jin had built for his inspections, and Saki, Reinhard, and Hanna had all ridden in it at various points.
"All right, let's go. First, the eastern fields and orchards."
"Yes."
The engine was virtually silent. The Golem Engine automobile started off slowly.
"The fields have definitely expanded. The rice paddies, too."
"Yes."
Compared to the last time Jin had seen them, the cultivated area seemed to have doubled.
"The early-crop rice is almost ready for harvest."
"So it seems."
The early rice was already heavy with golden ears. Jin waved to the Golem Maids working in the paddies.
The fields were much the same.
Buckwheat, Devil's Potato <Devil Bulb>, itopo, black-eyed peas, red-eyed peas, and round beans. Leafy vegetables, onions, and corn. And, of course, wheat and barley.
The harvested crops were stored in mana tanks.
Since there were no people to eat the food now, Jin asked how they managed it. Apparently, they were quietly selling the excess into circulation to prevent it from piling up.
"We use the proceeds to purchase and stock up on materials."
If currency were hoarded, the economy would stagnate, so exchanging it for goods was a wise move.
Jin waved to the Golem Maids here as well.
"Everyone seems to be in good spirits."
"Yes, Father. After all, you are the one who created them."
Moreover, they were receiving regular maintenance from the Smiths.
"It looks like everything is running smoothly."
Thinking about the island after his departure made Jin's heart ache.
The automobile reached the orchards.
Here, Persica, apulul, citran, and lamon were bearing fruit so heavily that the branches sagged.
"Make sure to send some to No. 700672 regularly, all right?"
"Yes, I understand."
"I'm counting on you."
Eventually, the fruit trees transitioned into maruon and ornuts. Golem Maids were working here as well.
"Thank you, everyone."
They had continued to work faithfully for 400 years. Just knowing that made Jin happy.
"Father, those are our words. Thank you for bringing us into this world."
The automobile arrived at Tatsumi Bay.
There, they found Golem Maids rebuilding the fish farms and the Mermaids.
"Everyone is such a hard worker."
"Because you made us to be that way, Father."
"..."
For a while, Jin gazed out at the sea in silence.
* * *
On the way back, they took the westward route.
In the fields and orchards on this side, Golem Maids were working just as diligently.
"...Thank you, Reiko."
"Father?"
"For calling me to this world. And for becoming my daughter."
Jin offered his heartfelt gratitude to Reiko.