On Hourai Island, Jin was receiving a report from Laojun.
"I see. So the reconstruction of the Pandor Continent is going reasonably well?"
『Yes, My Lord.』
Laojun explained that it was a relief to effectively utilize the food stockpiles, which seemed to do nothing but increase.
"Still, it’s already been half a month since then... Time flies."
Today was November 15th.
It had been half a month since the day Golbart Markitus launched his invasion.
"Jin-sama, I've returned."
Just then, Lordtoss arrived back from Avalon.
"Welcome back. How did things go?"
"Yes. The Jags Principality has officially declared that it will cease all interference with the Mercana Principality. With this, we can increase our support."
No matter how much aid they provided, it would be meaningless if it were simply seized by a third party.
Of course, since the Warp Gate connecting the Jags Principality and the Mercana Principality had been destroyed, the former was effectively unable to exert influence anyway.
"That's good to hear."
"There was quite a stir when 'Deus Ex Machina III' appeared in Avalon."
"I imagine so."
Deus Ex Machina had revealed himself after a long period of silence. He had appeared not as one of the original founders, but as their Successor.
"Since Marikka-sama vouched for him, he was accepted quite smoothly."
After all, the words of Marikka, a living witness from the time of Avalon's founding, carried immense weight.
"And where is Marikka now?"
"Yes, she's with—oh?"
『My Lord, Marikka-sama is waiting just outside the command room.』
"Why isn't she coming in? Hey, Marikka!"
"Y-Ye-sh!"
"What kind of answer was that...? Don't be so formal, come on in."
"Y-Yes."
Marikka stepped timidly into the command room.
"You used to come here every now and then—well, maybe not that often—four hundred years ago, didn't you?"
"Back then, I was usually with Sion-san or someone else."
"You have Lordtoss with you today, though."
"That is true, but..."
In short, Lordtoss wasn't enough to provide her with emotional support. Jin came to this conclusion on his own.
"Good job with the explanation at Avalon....Right, that Tom... what was his name?"
"Tomax Bartman?"
"Ah, right. Your explanation to Tomax Bartman was quite masterful."
"Th-Thank you very much-sh."
"Why do you keep biting your tongue...?"
『My Lord, as they say, 'the soul of a three-year-old remains until a hundred.' Habits or mindsets ingrained during one's youth are quite difficult to change.』
Laojun offered a bit of support.
"...Does that mean I'm some kind of trauma for Marikka!?"
"N-No, on the contrary, you are more like an object of worship..."
For Marikka, Jin, who had saved her kin—the ones called the 'demon race' at the time—was a figure of deep admiration.
Jin, who had never considered himself in such a way, couldn't quite wrap his head around it.
"I'm thinking of visiting the Pandor Continent once the situation there settles down, and I'd like you two to come with me when that time comes."
"Me as well?"
Jin nodded at Marikka's puzzled expression.
"Lordtoss explained me as 'the relative of a benefactor,' right? That's why."
"Ah, so you'll be treated as a relative of Marikka-sama?"
"That wouldn't be wrong, would it?"
While it was Sion who had actually requested the search, Marikka had been just as concerned about Jin, so it wasn't a lie.
"...Now then, what should I do about that promise...?"
"A promise? To whom?"
"Ah, I promised Groma that we'd have a rematch of our golem battle."
"Is there really any meaning in the current Jin-sama doing that?"
Lordtoss asked, sounding a bit exasperated.
"Well, that's true."
Even if he brought Hope along, there was too much of a performance gap between the Hope of back then and the Hope of now.
Jin once again realized how much he stood out from the norm.
"...Wouldn't it be fine?"
Marikka spoke up to the pondering Jin.
"From what I've heard from Ro, that man named Groma also possesses quite a bit of talent. Perhaps it would be good to let him experience defeat once and then give him the opportunity to study at Avalon."
"I suppose that's one way to handle it."
"Indeed....Come to think of it, Kachea-san and Eira-san expressed their desire to study at Avalon. Groma Tray did as well."
Lordtoss added as a follow-up report.
"I see. I'm sure those three will grow a lot."
Jin looked pleased to hear that.
"Yes. Once the reconstruction of the Pandor Continent has progressed a bit further, let's send for them. There were a few other people who seemed promising as well."
"Yeah. I hope they study hard and revitalize their homeland."
"Next on the list is the 'Hale Redevelopment' and the 'Onogoro Island visit'..."
Since the work at Hale looked like it would take a bit more time to prepare, Jin wanted to try visiting Onogoro Island.
"I'd like Marikka to come with me."
Since Marikka was the master of Onogoro Island, it was a natural request.
"Ye-sh... yes, of course."
"Do the residents of Onogoro Island know about Marikka?"
"Yes, naturally."
Since there was no longer any need to hide it, Marikka gave Jin a brief explanation.
"I show my face there anywhere from several to over a dozen times a year, so everyone remembers me."
"Is that so... Then what should I say when I go there?"
Jin doubted whether they would believe him if he suddenly said, 'I am your ancestor, Jin Nidou.'
At the very least, he wouldn't believe it himself if he were in their position.
"I understand that. If I accompany you and explain the circumstances, I'm sure they will believe you."
"I'm still worried..."
"That is where Reiko-san comes in."
"Me?"
Reiko, who had been standing by silently until now, spoke up.
"Yes. Everyone knows about Reiko-san... well, in stories, at least."
She explained that Reiko had become a legend as the black-eyed, black-haired servant, the invincible automaton.
"Besides that, I think it will be fine if you take things that no one else can make, like Pegasus 2 or a spaceship, and show them. After all, Jin-sama is the Magi Craft Meister."
"I see..."
Jin added that even if he didn't reveal his true identity, he just wanted to see for himself that the descendants of the Jin Family were living happily.
However, Marikka insisted.
"Please don't say that. I believe everyone would be overjoyed to meet their ancestor."
"I suppose that's one way to look at it..."
Jin scratched his head.
And so, he decided to gradually begin preparations for his visit to Onogoro Island.