"I suspected as much, but I didn't actually expect to be proven right," Lordtoss said.
It was a statement that seemed to contradict itself.
Jin interpreted it to mean that Lordtoss had been hoping his prediction would turn out to be wrong.
"Lordtoss, it hasn't been confirmed that the Northern People are actually complicit yet," Jin said. He felt a twinge of disappointment in himself for being unable to offer anything more substantial.
Just then, Lise arrived to deliver her report.
"Master, the examination and treatment are complete."
"That was fast. Good work. And?"
"Yes. As I reported earlier, she had been brainwashed with Divieniunschiavo. I have successfully removed it. She is currently asleep."
"I see. When will she wake up?"
"She should regain consciousness in about thirty minutes," Lise replied, adding that a forced awakening would not be advisable before she withdrew.
"Well, Laojun, what do you think? Rather than waking her up here in the laboratory... I think it might be better if she opened her eyes in Elena’s presence."
『I believe that is an excellent idea. Shall we transport her to Elena’s location?』
"Yeah. What is she doing right now?"
『Yes. It appears she is currently alone in the temporary headquarters in the basement of Toryu Island.』
"That’s convenient. Send her a message first."
『Understood.』
During her recent overhaul, Jin had integrated a manacam directly into Elena’s systems, providing a direct line to Hourai Island. It was a gesture born of Jin’s concern—if she’d had it before, she might have avoided her previous tragic state.
Laojun established contact through the device.
[Understood. I will clear the area for about an hour. Please come at any time.]
An immediate reply came back, confirming she was waiting for them.
"Alright, Laojun, let's send the 'rescued' member to Elena. Actually, Reiko and I will go along too."
『Understood.』
"Jin-sama, please take me with you as well," Lordtoss requested.
"Sure, let's go."
Following Lordtoss's request, Jin, Reiko, Lordtoss, and the rescued woman were moved to Elena’s location via the transporter.
"Welcome, Jin-sama," Elena greeted them.
And then...
"...Alum?" Elena murmured, looking at the still-sleeping woman.
Jin realized he hadn't actually looked closely at her yet. He turned his gaze toward the person Elena called Alum.
"A woman?"
With chestnut hair cut into a shoulder-length bob and a shapely figure, she was unmistakably a woman.
"This girl is Alum Pit. She’s a mid-level technician I’ve kept an eye on."
"So she’s someone you know well. That’s a relief."
"I can vouch for her personally. May I disclose the truth about you, Jin-sama?"
Jin considered it for a moment before giving his approval.
"Fine. If you vouch for her, Elena."
"Thank you very much."
Jin had already decided that Nostalgia would be vital allies for his future activities.
After that, Jin spent some time coordinating further plans with Elena.
＊ ＊ ＊
"U-ugh..."
About ten minutes after they arrived at Elena's side, Alum began to stir.
"...Where am I? I..."
"Alum, do you recognize me?"
"Elena... sama... Eh? Elena-sama!?"
Alum bolted upright, her eyes wide with shock as she stared at the sight before her, frozen in disbelief.
"It’s really... Elena-sama... You were safe..."
Tears spilled from her golden-brown eyes.
"Elena-sama!!"
"My, my."
Elena gently caught Alum as the girl threw herself into her arms. She softly stroked Alum’s head as she sobbed.
"You’re still such a crybaby, no matter how old you get."
"B-but... but... back then... Elena-sama was..."
"I see. You were watching when I fought Guillermo Marukitasu, weren't you?"
"Yes..."
She explained that while she had been part of the general evacuation and couldn't see the fight to its conclusion, she had been one of the few who stayed until the very, very last moment.
"After that... I’m so sorry. It seems... I was caught by the Magic Federation and brainwashed... apparently."
"Is that what happened? But you’re safe now."
"Elena-samaaa..."
Released from the brainwashing, Alum seemed to have regressed slightly to a more childlike state, perhaps overcome by old memories as she clung to Elena and sobbed for a while.
＊ ＊ ＊
"Um, I’m sorry you had to see such an unsightly display."
After finishing her cry against Elena’s chest, Alum faced Jin, Lordtoss, and Reiko while rubbing her still-reddened eyes.
"First of all, thank you for saving me. My name is Alum Pit. I’m a magi craftsman in training."
Alum introduced herself with a clear, energetic voice that made it hard to believe she had just been wailing in Elena’s arms.
"Alum, these are Jin-sama and Lordtoss-sama. In particular, Jin-sama is that Jin-sama, you know?"
"E-eh!?...The Magi Craft Meister, Jin Nidou-sama? How? Why?"
Upon being told the truth, Alum naturally fell into a panic.
"Calm down. I disclosed this to you because I’ve judged that you are trustworthy."
"Th-thank you so much..."
Alum seemed deeply moved to be declared trustworthy by Elena.
"B-but, why me?"
"Hmm... To be honest, it was mostly a coincidence," Jin admitted.
"A coincidence?"
"The truth is, it just happened that you were in a position where it was easy to extract you from the Magic Federation. But when I asked Elena, she said you were reliable, so I decided to fill you in on the situation."
"I see... I have somewhat mixed feelings about that, but... thank you regardless."
"Now, about your time while brainwashed—do you remember anything from that period?"
This was the core of the matter. If she didn't remember, he would have to ask for her permission to use Read Info to retrieve her memories.
However, that concern turned out to be unnecessary.
"Yes, I remember everything."
"That’s wonderful. Alum, for the time being, you will serve as our staff officer."
"A-a staff officer? Me? It’s an honor!"
She seemed incredibly devoted to Elena; her exaggerated reactions to every word the automaton spoke were quite charming.
"First, I want to confirm something. What do you think the Magic Federation will do once they realize you've disappeared?"
This was a critical piece of information.
"...I don't think they'll care very much," Alum replied, sounding a little disappointed.