The treatment of the injured had been completed without a hitch when a refined middle-aged lady stepped forward and offered a greeting.
"Knights, relief ritter, my gratitude is beyond words for your saving our household servant."
"Are you... Viscountess Sharned? I am Femera Lance Dickson, belonging to the Third Ritter Order."
"I am honored. My name is Janet Muscau, a member of the Relief Ritter Corps."
The two female knights introduced themselves in turn.
"And to whom does that golem over there belong?"
It was a reasonable question, as Hope’s appearance didn’t look like anything belonging to the ritter orders.
"My master is over there."
Hope gestured toward Jin and the others with his palm.
"My, what a wonderful response!"
Seeing Hope’s reply, the viscountess seemed quite impressed.
"In that case, could you call your master over?"
"Yes, certainly."
Viscountess Sharned watched with constant admiration as Hope bowed and walked away. The two female knights were equally intrigued.
"Um, did you have business with us?"
Led by Hope, Jin, Lordtoss, and Reiko arrived.
"Are you the owner of this golem? I wish to express my gratitude for saving my servant today."
Saying this, the viscountess gave a slight bow.
"It is a small token of my thanks, but as it is nearly noon, I would like to offer you a simple lunch. Would you be willing to join us?" she asked, addressing Jin's group as well as the two female knights.
One of them, the knight named Femera, spoke up.
"No, this is our duty, and since we are still on the clock, we must humbly decline."
"I see, that is a pity. Then, you over there... um..."
"My name is Jin Nidou."
"My name is Lordtoss."
Caught by the viscountess's gaze, Jin and Lordtoss hurriedly introduced themselves.
"This girl is Reiko; she is an automata. The golem’s name is Hope."
"My, how lovely!"
Looking at Reiko, the viscountess narrowed her eyes and smiled.
"You appear to be travelers. How about it? I would like to invite at least the three of you."
"Um..."
Jin and Lordtoss consulted briefly and decided that it would be rude to refuse, so they chose to accept the invitation.
When they gave their answer, the viscountess rejoiced like a child.
"Oh, I'm so glad. Then, please, come this way."
The two female knights bowed and returned to their duties. Meanwhile, several servants had come out and begun clearing away the debris from the collapsed wall.
The injured gardener had long since been carried into the mansion.
The crowd of onlookers had also dispersed, leaving only two members of the guard and the two female knights confirming the details of the accident.
"Welcome, Jin-dono, Lordtoss-dono."
At the mansion's entrance, the viscountess bowed with a beautiful curtsy. It was likely an expression of respect toward Jin and Lordtoss.
A maid stood to her right, and a butler stood to her left.
"I am the mistress of this house, the wife of Viscount Sharned. My name is Foale Lasca Sharned."
"Jin Nidou... I am a magi craftsman."
"Lordtoss, I am a 'magi bachelor'."
The title 'magi bachelor' was one even Jin was hearing for the first time. As for its meaning, the viscountess unexpectedly provided an explanation.
"My, my, you both have such splendid titles. That would mean Lordtoss-dono has graduated from the undergraduate course at Avalon."
"Yes, that's correct."
At this point, deciding that standing around to talk wasn't ideal, the party was led to the dining room inside the mansion.
The interior was furnished with simple but elegant pieces, creating a calm atmosphere.
"Allow me to thank you once more. Thank you for saving our servant."
The viscountess offered her thanks again. Jin thought she was a very conscientious person.
"Please, have a seat."
"Excuse us."
Prompted by the viscountess, Jin and Lordtoss sat in the chairs. Reiko and Hope stood behind them.
First, chilled ramonade was brought in. Once the viscountess took a sip, Jin and Lordtoss also drank.
It had a pleasant taste with just the right balance of acidity and sweetness.
The viscountess continued.
"Being a magi craftsman and a magi bachelor, I wonder if you made Hope-san and Reiko-san yourselves?"
"Yes, they were made by Jin here."
"Oh, is that so? Jin-dono, you have quite the skill."
"I am flattered."
Then, sandwiches were brought in for lunch.
That said, they looked quite different from the ones Jin knew.
First of all, the volume of the filling was incredible. The bread was about one centimeter thick, but the thickness of the filling was over three centimeters.
It was reminiscent of the giant hamburgers found in Japan.
However, portions with a thickness easy for the Madam to eat were also properly prepared. Those were kept to a total thickness of about two centimeters.
"Now, please eat as much as you like."
"Let us eat."
"Let us eat."
This phrase, which is used daily in Avalon, had apparently become quite well-known throughout the world.
The bread was baked fluffy, and the fillings included meats like ham and bacon, tuna-style fish sandwiches, and even vegetable sandwiches with tometru.
To Jin's surprise, there was even a croquette sandwich.
Because the sandwiches were served in a veritable mountain, Jin and Lordtoss ultimately couldn't finish them all.
Still, it was a relief knowing that any leftovers would likely be finished by the servants.
"Thank you for the meal."
"I am glad you enjoyed it."
After the meal, Kaina tea was served. While drinking it, the viscountess asked Jin, "Do you still have some time?"
Jin sensed she had something more she wanted to discuss.
"Yes, that's fine," he replied readily.
The viscountess's face lit up.
"Oh, I'm so glad. I was hoping to hear a little more of your stories. Um... would it be alright if my daughter joined us?"
"Ah, yes, of course."
"Thank you. Please, call her in."
The viscountess gave the order to the butler waiting behind her. The butler gave a light bow and left the dining room. About three minutes later, he returned with a girl who appeared to be about twelve years old—about a sixth-grader, in Jin's estimation.
"This is my daughter, Paula. Paula, these are Jin-dono and Lordtoss-dono. They might be able to answer your questions."
The girl pinched the hem of her skirt and bowed with a curtsy.
"My name is Paula Frau Sharned. Please call me Paula. Jin-sama, Lordtoss-sama, it is a pleasure to meet you."