The study session held at the Viscount’s estate—interrupted only by lunch—finally drew to a close as the sun began its westward tilt.
"It was a truly meaningful time. Jin-sama, Lordtoss-sama, thank you both very much."
The Viscountess lowered her head with an elegant gesture.
Beside her, her daughter Paula seemed to have reached her limit; she was currently nodding off in her chair.
"Oh dear, look at this child," the Viscountess said with a wry smile. However, signs of fatigue were visible on her own face as well. It was only natural, as even Jin and Lordtoss felt drained.
While Jin admired her enthusiasm, he couldn't help but wonder why she was so intensely dedicated to these topics.
The answer would present itself shortly.
It was 3:00 PM—teatime.
While they were enjoying light conversation over Kuhe, which had reportedly been brought in from the Kingdom of Elias, the butler made an announcement.
"The Master has returned."
"Please excuse me for a moment," the Viscountess said, rising from her seat to greet her husband.
"I wonder if he works at the palace," Jin muttered to himself. Paula, who remained behind, caught his words with sharp ears.
"Yes, Father is a department head at the Ministry of Magic," she explained.
Jin imagined that the Viscountess's focus on the intersection of magic and science was likely influenced by her husband's position.
"Welcome, guests."
Just then, the Viscount himself appeared alongside his wife. Jin and Lordtoss stood to offer a bow.
"Ah, please, dispense with the formalities. I am Debaile Noras Sharned. I hold the rank of Viscount, and I serve as the Head of the Second Department of the Ministry of Magic."
The Viscount appeared to be around forty years old and was somewhat small in stature, with a lean, fit build. Flecks of white were beginning to salt his hair.
"Thank you for your courtesy. I am Jin Nidou, a magi craftman."
"I am Lordtoss, a magi bachelor."
"Mmm. I heard from my wife. It seems you have been most generous in teaching my wife and daughter; you have my thanks."
"You are too kind."
"Dear, please take a seat instead of talking while standing," the Viscountess urged.
"Right, let's do that."
The Viscount took the seat of highest honor, followed by the Viscountess and then Paula. Jin and Lordtoss then resumed their own seats.
Fresh Kuhe was served, and the Viscount took a sip.
"Now then, my wife mentioned your discussion last night. It seems you both possess a profound understanding of both magic and science."
"No, not to that extent."
"Haha, there is no need for modesty. To be honest... the reason my wife was so inquisitive is related to the current state of this country."
"The state of the country...?"
"Indeed. This isn't exactly a state secret, so there's no harm in discussing it. Among magi, there is a fierce debate ongoing regarding whether to side with Avalon or the Magic Federation."
"Is that so?"
At this, Jin wondered if he could obtain more in-depth intelligence. After all, the man sitting before him was a magi of the Klein Kingdom who occupied a central role in its administration.
Lordtoss was the first to speak.
"That is what I find difficult to understand. In Avalon, there is no intention of feuding with the Magic Federation. It feels more as if the Magic Federation is unilaterally fueling a sense of rivalry..."
"Mmm, I believe I understand that. After all, I myself studied at Avalon, though only for a short period of one year."
There was a study abroad system in place; prominent magi from various nations were often sent to study at Avalon for brief durations.
"However, the organization known as the Magic Federation used to hold an influence that could not be ignored."
The Viscount notably used the past tense.
"As of right now, the Magic Federation's power is on the decline."
"Is that right?" Jin asked.
This was valuable information. Lordtoss was quite well-informed, but since the Magic Federation had zero presence in the Nord Federation, current updates often bypassed him.
"Mmm. Are you interested in such talk?"
"Yes, very much so," Jin answered honestly.
"I see. Then, as a gesture of thanks for looking after my wife and daughter, I shall tell you what I know."
The Viscount took another sip of Kuhe before continuing.
"Those Federation fellows like to stick their noses into everything, but it seems something happened to them recently. Their numbers have plummeted."
"Around when was that?"
"I believe it was just after the middle of September."
"I see..."
It coincided exactly with the time Jin had defeated the fleet surrounding Hourai Island.
"Well, I feel refreshed now that those noisy pests have thinned out," the Viscount laughed. "Before that, perhaps two years ago and again five years ago, there were rumors of internal conflicts within the Federation. Their power waned then as well."
"In that case, do they not have much influence left?"
However, the Viscount shook his head at Jin's question.
"No, that is not quite the case. They were originally quite formidable. Even with their recent decline, their influence remains strong. Furthermore, many of their members are fanatics, so they cannot be underestimated."
"I see. Incidentally, in what ways do they interfere?"
"Hmm. The most prominent is likely the technical sectors. When it comes to matters regarding magi-devices, they complain until they're a nuisance."
"They complain...? Wait, do you mean they are actually in your workplace? The members, I mean."
Hearing Jin's confusion, the Viscount clapped his hands together.
"Ah, you didn't know? Currently, ten magi dispatched from the Magic Federation are permanently stationed at the Royal Palace."
He explained that they were there to respond to various incidents and technical troubles.
"Their official title is 'consultant,' but I would much rather not consult with them at all."
These consultants supposedly provided advice on a wide range of topics, including politics, economics, welfare, medicine, magic, and magi-devices.
"They certainly seem to have a deep knowledge of magic. However, they are... how shall I put it... 'outdated'."
"Outdated...?"
"Yes. There is no progress to be found in the content of their discussions. They are far too obsessed with the past."
At the word "nostalgic," Jin recalled something.
"Um, do you know anything about Nostalgia?"
"Mmm, Nostalgia, was it? I know a little. I personally believe they weren't as narrow-minded as the Magic Federation. However, they are a minority now. That is because the Magic Federation usurped Nostalgia's personnel, equipment, and everything else."
"Ah, so that is indeed true?"
The Viscount nodded bitterly.
"Yes. I don't know what kind of magic they employed, but there are rumors that even Nostalgia's guard golems became the Magic Federation's property overnight."
"I see..."
Jin suspected they had likely used a Magi Emulator.
But still... during the Unifilar era, it was Master-Slave Rewrite Magic and Brainwashing Magic. After they became Nostalgia, it was the Magi Emulator. I suppose history repeats itself, or perhaps it's just karmic retribution...
While Jin was lost in thought, the Viscount spoke up.
"Now then, the sun is already low. What will you two do? As for us, we would be delighted if you would join us for dinner."
Without them noticing, the time had already passed 4:30 PM.
"N-No, we should return to our inn."
Jin declined, feeling it would be far too brazen to impose further.
"I see. Then, as much as I hate to part ways, shall we call it a day?"
At the Viscount's words, Jin and Lordtoss rose from their seats.
"For my part, I am quite intrigued by the golem and automata you have with you."
He seemed to be indirectly praising Hope and Reiko.
"Well then, Jin-sama, Lordtoss-sama, thank you very much for all you have taught us."
"Thank you very much!"
After receiving the final thanks from the Viscountess and Paula, Jin and Lordtoss departed from the estate.
The family was kind enough to send them back to the Red Brick Inn in a carriage.
Jin and Lordtoss returned to the inn, feeling satisfied with the significant harvest of information they had gained.