"The Mercana Principality is currently in a state of total chaos. You understand that, don't you?"
Lordtoss began his explanation.
"Yes," the others replied.
"The leadership—the royal family and the Council of Ten—has vanished. A relative of the royal family, Paerova Sondvik, is apparently running himself ragged trying to rebuild, but it’s going to take quite some time."
"I see..."
Lordtoss paused for a beat before continuing.
"Currently, the World Conference is putting pressure on the Jagus Principality to cease all interference with Mercana."
Fortunately, the Warp Gate connecting the two principalities had been destroyed during the chaos, Lordtoss noted.
"The Warp Gate connecting the Mimaka Principality to this region is still intact, so we have no trouble sending supplies."
Lordtoss went on to explain that Mimaka was neutral—or rather, they were sympathetic to the World Conference’s goals and were expected to join soon.
"What exactly will change for us?" Kachea asked.
"A fair question. As a citizen, you’d naturally want to know," Lordtoss said with a nod. "If the Jagus Principality's interference stops and Paerova Sondvik moves forward with joining the World Conference, we’ll be able to provide significantly more support."
He explained that aid would reach regional cities and villages, and they would no longer be forced to surrender talented individuals as "human resources." Kachea’s expression brightened at the news.
"The current aid is disaster relief, essentially. But moving forward, we can provide reconstruction support and even dispatch experts from our side."
Groma’s face lit up. "That would be a lifesaver! The current state of this country is just... it's terrible."
"I know. We’ve seen the reports," Lordtoss said, his gaze sweeping over the three of them. "And then there’s the matter of resources. I’m told the shallow-layer resources on this continent have been completely tapped out."
Without resources, any attempt at development was doomed to fail.
"That's true, Master," Groma said. "Does that mean Avalon will be providing resources as well?"
"Once the country joins the World Conference, yes."
"I can’t imagine them turning that down in their current state," Eira remarked.
"Furthermore," Lordtoss added, "we could even invite exceptional engineers—like you three—to Avalon."
"Um... is that like headhunting?" Kachea asked, sounding slightly apprehensive.
Lordtoss shook his head. "No, nothing like that. We are simply offering a place to study. You would be free to return to your home country whenever you wish."
"In that case, I’d love to go!" Groma Tray said, jumping at the opportunity.
"Me too," Kachea agreed, her hesitation fading.
"I’m fine either way," Eira said nonchalantly. "It doesn’t really matter if I can come back or not. I don't have a home to return to, and I don't have any family waiting for me."
"Well, for those in your position, we can grant residency in Avalon if you wish, or you could settle in another country entirely," Lordtoss explained. "And of course, returning here after your studies is always an option."
"You’ve thought of everything," Groma said with a weary smile.
"The world outside is so free..." Kachea whispered.
"It is. But this country can change too. Oh, and one more thing—Taji Village and Fan Village were also attacked. Both were almost completely burned to the ground, but I’ve been told there were no fatalities or missing persons."
"Really? Oh, thank goodness!" Kachea breathed a massive sigh of relief. Her childhood friend, Helga, was in Taji.
"Now then, do you have any other questions?" Lordtoss asked as he drained the last of his tea.
Kachea timidly raised her hand.
"Yes?"
"Um... well... do you think we’ll ever be able to see Jin-san again?"
"Hm? You want to see him?"
"Y-yes." Kachea nodded, her cheeks tinting pink. "Eira-san, Jin-san, and I... we worked together as a team."
"I heard. And Groma," Lordtoss said, looking amused, "I believe you made a promise to have a rematch with Jin-dono’s golem?"
"I did," Groma replied.
Lordtoss chuckled. "It’s a rather reckless promise to make... but as long as you have that promise, I’m certain you’ll meet Jin-dono again."
"Do you really think so?"
Lordtoss gave a firm nod. "I do. Though for now, rebuilding this country comes first."
As they left Lordtoss’s tent, Kachea and Eira spoke quietly.
"I'm so glad we found out what happened to Jin-san," Kachea said.
"Yeah. I’m just glad he made it back to his hometown safely," Eira replied.
"Me too."
Eira looked up at the sky. "If I’m allowed to hope... I think I’d really like to study at Avalon."
"Hehe, I knew you’d say that, Eira-san."
"What about you, Kachea?"
"Me? I want to study, but... I still want to see my parents back home eventually."
Eira gave her a gentle smile. "That’s so like you. And that’s fine, isn't it? Learn everything you can, then bring that knowledge back home to help your people."
"Yeah... you’re right."
Above them, the Moon—Uni—shone down with a gentle, watchful light.
The helping hand of relief had also reached the ruins of Taji Village and Fan Village.
"We are Nostalgia. We’ve come to assist you."
Elena stood at the head of the group.
Their first tasks were setting up soup kitchens and installing temporary housing. Simultaneously, they began the Cleanup of the surrounding area.
"You have our deepest gratitude," Sergei, the Village Chief, said with a low bow on behalf of the villagers.
"Please, think nothing of it," Elena replied. "Are there any among you who are currently sick or injured?"
"No, we’re fine, thanks to your help."
On the first day of the rescue operation, all the injured had been restored with Healing, so the villagers were in good health.
"Village Chief, do you have enough food and housing?"
"Yes, Elena-san. We’re doing well, thank you."
Sergei looked around at his broken village. Golems belonging to Nostalgia were busy clearing away the heavy rubble.
"I see. We expect a shipment of clothing to arrive tomorrow, so please bear with us until then."
"No, no! You’ve done so much for us already. We wouldn't dream of asking for more."
Nostalgia’s priority list was clear: medical treatment, food, temporary housing, and then bedding.
The temporary housing units were technically temporary, but with a few minor modifications, they could become permanent small-class houses that would last for over a century. The only downside was that every single one of them looked exactly the same.
The food for this relief effort actually came from Hourai Island.
Agricultural production on Hourai Island was so incredibly efficient that stocks were piling up faster than they could be used. Since they were stored in mana tanks, the produce remained fresh almost indefinitely, but the sheer volume had become excessive. They had decided this was the perfect opportunity to put the surplus to good use.
"We are truly, truly grateful..."
Sergei, the Village Chief of Taji Village, bowed to Elena once more, expressing his thanks for the tenth time that day.