Daiki Nidou and Kokona Nidou—they were the current heads of the Nidou family. It seemed they had no children.
"You truly do resemble the Lady Predecessor," Kokona said, gazing at Jin with a joyful expression.
She was an elegant elderly lady, her hair just beginning to turn silver.
"Ah, Reiko-sama, you are truly as lovely as they say."
Daiki appeared deeply moved to finally meet Reiko. He even pronounced her name with the correct native inflection.
"Though I carry the bloodline of the Nidou family, I am but a distant relative," Daiki added apologetically. "I possess not even a fragment of talent for magi-craft."
The Emperor interjected at that point.
"Be that as it may, it would have been a tragedy to let the Nidou name vanish. Thus, I heard that some two hundred years ago, a distant relative was sought out to restore the house."
Ernst II remarked that this showed just how much the Nidou family was cherished.
"I am most grateful," Jin replied briefly, bowing his head.
"By the way, Jin-dono, why did your ancestors leave the Nidou family in the first place? Was it, as I suspect, due to the Magic Federation?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. That is what I have been told."
Jin felt he had no choice but to answer that way.
"I see. I have heard that the Magic Federation of that era was active in the shadows across many nations... No, I suppose the same is true 'again' this time."
The Emperor grimaced.
"Yes... I heard they abandoned the estate because they grew weary of having their family taken hostage and their lives constantly interfered with," Jin provided as a safe explanation. In this long-awaited conversation with the Emperor, his tone felt slightly forced, but he hoped it would be overlooked.
"I see. However, according to the information that has reached me, the one called Markitus—the former head of the Magic Federation—is already gone."
The Emperor was quick to gather intelligence.
"That appears to be the truth. In fact, it is said that the federation’s influence is rapidly declining," Lordtoss added.
"Hmm, which is likely why they are trying to expand into our country now, having had no ties to us until this point."
"Most likely."
Jin expressed his agreement with the Emperor’s speculation.
"Well, that is a matter for our country to handle," Ernst II said, somewhat forcefully changing the subject. "The reason I asked you here today is to discuss your status, Jin-dono."
"My status?"
"Indeed. Since you are the Third Generation Magi Craft Meister and have Lady Reiko—no, Reiko-kyou—as your servant, you have the right to reside in the mansion in Loizart. What will you do?"
As the Emperor asked with a slightly mischievous look, Jin couldn't help but think how much the man resembled Ernst Shouro.
Furthermore, Daiki and Kokona spoke up in unison.
"If Jin-sama is to stay there, we will gladly vacate the mansion!"
"No, no, I have no intention of making you do that," Jin replied quickly. Then, reconsidering that a flat refusal might be rude, he added, "However, I would be happy if you would allow me to stay there whenever I visit this country."
"Oh! Of course! It was originally the mansion of the predecessor Jin-sama, so please stay as long as you like!"
"We shall welcome you at any time. And your companions are welcome as well."
Daiki and Kokona responded joyfully to Jin's words.
"We have refrained from renovating the interior as much as possible, so I believe it remains a fitting place to remember the days of the Predecessor."
"I-I see."
Jin was slightly put off by their intensity, but he was pleased that he would be able to use the landing pad on the roof.
"Very well, it seems the matter is settled. Then, I shall grant Jin Nidou, the Third Generation Magi Craft Meister, the rank of Imperial Honorary Advisor."
Imperial Honorary Advisor. That was a status originally established for Jin by the previous Empress.
It was effectively an honorary post with no binding obligations. However, its treatment ranked above a count and below a marquis. It carried the right to enter and leave the Royal Palace without notice and the right to request an audience with the Emperor without a prior appointment.
Jin had no reason to refuse.
"I gratefully accept."
Jin performed a salute in the style of the Shouro Empire.
With this, Jin had once again secured a place for himself as an Honorary Citizen of the Shouro Empire.
And so, Jin and his companions arrived at the mansion in Loizart. Naturally, this was with the full approval of Reglei, the Magic Technology Minister.
(...It really hasn't changed much at all.)
(Yes, Father. Until about two hundred years ago, the maid golems who worked here diligently maintained the structure with Toughening, Strengthen, and Stabilize.)
All of these were magi-craft spells that used free ether to reinforce the molecular bonds of matter.
"Wow, this is amazing!"
Rubina cried out in admiration as she looked at the furnishings in the drawing room.
"Ah, that is a sculpture made by a Mitsuho artisan," Reiko explained.
Jin knew this well, of course, but since he was maintaining the persona of a descendant rather than the original Jin from four hundred years ago, he remained silent.
"Hmm... You couldn't make this without incredibly refined modeling skills."
"Shu, that wasn't carved with magic. It was done by hand."
"What!?"
"You mustn't forget that magi-craft is just a tool, the same as a carving knife or a chisel," Jin said, lecturing Shu.
"T-That is certainly true..."
"In Mitsuho, very few people can use magic. And yet, the quality of their craftsmanship is second to none. There is much to learn from them regarding form and design."
"I understand!"
Just then, Daiki and Kokona approached them.
"Your rooms are ready....But are you sure the study is enough? If you wish, we will vacate the master bedroom and the living room as well."
Jin shook his head.
"It’s fine. I’m just grateful to have a place to call my own when I stop by."
Jin had asked for his former study to be vacated for his use. Daiki and Kokona had been busy clearing out their personal belongings for that very purpose.
"Shu-kun, Rubina-san, and Lordtoss-dono, we have guest rooms prepared for you."
The three guests, along with Edgar, Blitz, Donner, and Urgan, were led away by Kokona, while Jin headed for the study with Daiki. Reiko and Hope followed silently.
"It is this way."
Jin narrowed his eyes as he stepped into the study for the first time in centuries. It looked almost exactly as he remembered it.
The only difference was a photograph of the former Jin Family hanging on the far wall.
The photo seemed to have been taken when Jin was in his prime; his companions all showed the passage of years on their faces. Even so, since Milowina and Martha were included, he could tell it was a portrait of everyone together.
"The person in the center of the front row is the Predecessor... the Second Generation Magi Craft Meister, Jin Nidou-sama. He looks remarkably like you."
Despite being older, Daiki addressed Jin with profound respect. Jin took the man’s hand and bowed his head slightly.
"Thank you for guarding this mansion all this time."
Those words were his true, heartfelt feelings.