Although it was unofficial, Jin was now recognized by the Shouro Empire as the Third Generation Magi Craft Meister.
Furthermore, members of the Kingdom of Egerea's royal family were present, and their maid golem had personally identified Jin as the Magi Craft Meister.
Adding to the consensus, Lordtoss—a member of the long-lived Northern People's Puppet Clan—had also vouched for Jin's identity. It was a well-known fact that within the Nord Federation, the nation of the Northern People, there were those who had personally known the previous Magi Craft Meister, who had also served as the Lord of Kunlun. Consequently, Lordtoss's words carried significant weight.
To top it all off, there was the presence and testimony of the legendary girl-type automata, Reiko.
"The more I look at her, the more human she seems. And her performance was truly staggering—every bit the legendary Honorary Squire, Lady Reiko," the current Emperor of the Shouro Empire, Ernst II, murmured in a deeply moved voice. "Given the circumstances, I am honored to finally meet you."
Ernst II offered a small smile. In that expression, Jin felt as though he caught a fleeting glimpse of the former Empress's likeness.
"If you are willing, would you come to the Royal Palace after this?"
"...Yes."
Jin hesitated for a fraction of a second, but he ultimately accepted. He realized that this was a vital opportunity to establish a proper foundation for himself in this era.
"Well now, so you are... no, so you are Lady Reiko! I am also delighted to meet you."
Following the Emperor's lead, Prince Ernest XVII, the Third Prince of the Kingdom of Egerea, bowed to Reiko. It was a testament to just how much of a legendary figure Reiko had become.
"Third Generation Magi Craft Meister Jin Nidou-dono, it is an honor to meet you as well."
Ernest XVII then bowed to Jin as well.
"If you have the time, would you be willing to take a look at my Lotte's condition?"
"Certainly, I would be happy to."
Jin readily accepted that request as well.
Some time later, Minister Reglei returned with Lordtoss's golem, Urgan. They were accompanied by Bib #1, Hügel, which was covered in scratches and dents.
"Your Majesty, Jin-dono's prediction was correct."
"Oh, is that so? Then we can issue the Stop command with peace of mind."
By dispatching those with the authority to command under heavy guard, they were finally able to deactivate the rampaging golems, putting a definitive end to the incident.
As an aside, when Reglei returned and learned that Jin had been officially acknowledged as the Third Generation Magi Craft Meister, he was utterly astonished. He spent quite a while grumbling at Lordtoss, saying, "Lordtoss, if you knew, you really should have told me sooner."
With the crisis resolved, the commotion finally began to settle.
The VIPs, general spectators, contestants, their golems, and the tournament officials all returned to the shores of Lake Tosmo via the Warp Gates.
The only ones remaining were Jin's party, Minister Reglei and a few of his subordinates, and the Emperor of the Shouro Empire with his Royal Guards.
"Your Majesty, please leave the rest to us and return to safety."
"Exactly! There may still be agents of the Magic Federation lurking nearby!"
The royal ritters pleaded with him, but Ernst II refused to budge.
"I appreciate your concern. However, if I am to apologize to foreign nations for this disgrace, I believe I must personally oversee the resolution of the situation."
"Your Majesty..."
Watching the Emperor's resolve, Jin was once again reminded of the former Empress.
(Reiko, do you detect anyone else suspicious?)
Jin checked privately with Reiko. There was a high probability that the mastermind who had sent the hijacked golems was still in the vicinity.
(No, there are no hostiles within a twenty-kilometer radius.)
(I see.)
It was clear that no one was within the range that Reiko could precisely monitor at the moment.
(Have Laojun and the Watchers perform a scan as well.)
(Understood.)
Partly fueled by anger over the event being ruined, Jin decided to hunt for the culprit. After all, the Magic Federation was an enemy to the descendants of the Jin Family as well.
Two minutes passed.
During that time, Minister Reglei and Lordtoss analyzed the captured Magic Federation golem, while the Emperor conversed with his royal ritters. Rubina and Shu seemed overwhelmed by the gravity of the atmosphere; Rubina, in particular, was unnaturally quiet, like a borrowed cat.
(Father, a report from Laojun. It states there are no hostile golems or antagonists within a two-hundred-kilometer radius.)
(Good.)
Jin was satisfied with the results, which likely utilized the Peeper satellites for the search.
"...Your Majesty, we have performed a detailed investigation, but we found no physical evidence proving this golem was sent by the Magic Federation," Reglei reported, his face clouded with disappointment.
"I see. It is regrettable, but it cannot be helped. It simply means they are not the type to leave a trail so easily."
Ernst II nodded, offering words of appreciation to Reglei.
Jin then addressed the Emperor. "Your Majesty, I had Reiko scout the vicinity, and it appears there are no enemies nearby. Perhaps it would be best for us to withdraw for the time being."
Ernst II accepted the suggestion. "Hmm, it seems there is no point in remaining here any longer. I shall follow Jin-dono's advice."
"Thank you."
Thus, leaving a small contingent of soldiers behind, the withdrawal from the southern foothills of Mount Bakusa was completed. Incidentally, a report later arrived stating that the fallen Bib #3 had been found completely destroyed at the bottom of a valley.
"...Still, this turned into quite an unexpected development."
Jin sat in a guest room of the Shouro Empire's Royal Palace, muttering to himself. "Well, I understand Laojun's intention to remove my restrictions on movement in this era, so I have no real complaints."
Jin simply felt that his visit to Onogoro Island had taken quite a massive detour.
"Though I suppose that's business as usual for me."
Jin recalled his past exploits—how he had ended up destroying a Gigas while sightseeing at ruins, or how he had dismantled a secret organization in the middle of a trip.
"Jin-sama, I’ve learned so much, and I’m actually having a lot of fun," Rubina said cheerfully, munching on sweets in the same guest room.
"I feel the same way. Being able to experience so much of the outside world like this..." Shu added.
Just then, there was a knock at the door, and Lordtoss entered.
"Jin-san, His Majesty says he wishes to speak with you."
"...Right."
Since he had claimed the title of Magi Craft Meister, this was unavoidable, but Jin secretly felt that dealing with high-stakes politics was a hassle.
Jin stood up from the sofa and prepared to leave with Reiko.
"Shu and Rubina are to come along as well," Lordtoss added.
Naturally, Donner, Blitz, Urgan, Hope, and Edgar were to stay behind. Only Reiko, the Honorary Squire, was the exception.
A single royal ritter was waiting in the corridor to guide them. Thinking that the palace hadn't changed much since the old days, Jin walked down the hallway and was shown into the office.
"Welcome, Third Generation Magi Craft Meister Jin Nidou-dono."
Minister Reglei welcomed Jin as he entered. Beside him stood the Emperor, along with an elderly man and woman whom Jin didn't recognize.
"I would like to introduce these two....Go ahead, introduce yourselves," Reglei prompted.
The man, who had dark brown hair streaked with white and sharp brown eyes, spoke first.
"Yes....I am Daiki Nidou. I hold the rank of Count in the Shouro Empire."
The woman beside him, possessing brown hair and brown eyes, followed suit.
"I am his wife, Kokona Nidou."
The two of them bowed deeply in unison.
"It is an honor to meet the Third Generation Magi Craft Meister and Lady Reiko."