Reiko’s entry into the fray instantly shifted the momentum in Duke Blue’s favor.
Obeying Jin’s strict instructions, she refrained from blowing the enemy golems apart with single strikes. Instead, she used her superior agility to throw the hostiles into disarray, systematically slashing at their knee and shoulder joints with Touka.
As their movements grew sluggish, Duke Blue’s security golems were able to move in and finish them off.
“Oh, Squire Reiko-dono is truly as impressive as the legends say!”
Duke Blue, who had likely heard numerous tales of the squire's legendary exploits, watched the performance with eyes sparkling. She didn’t seem to mind at all that her own golems’ performance paled in comparison.
Jin privately wondered how the Duke would react if she knew that Reiko was currently operating at only ten percent of her full capacity.
Even as he entertained those thoughts, the enemy golems were being dismantled one after another.
In a battle against golems, a half-hearted attempt at capture often led to more trouble later, so the standard procedure was complete neutralization—halting their operation entirely. The most effective method was to disable the power source, specifically the mana driver.
However, because that was common knowledge, various countermeasures usually existed. Some golems had their mana drivers and ancillary systems encased in heavy armor; others were equipped with multiple backups, or had the units installed in highly unconventional locations.
In the case of these enemy golems, they relied on heavy reinforcement. All the critical magi-devices were housed inside thick steel cases.
While these protective cases would have required significant time and effort for an average golem to breach, they offered no more resistance than a cardboard box to the Touka wielded by Reiko.
“Far too fragile,” she remarked.
Some were sliced open, while others were simply pierced, their operations ceasing instantly.
The units that didn't fall to Reiko met a far grimmer end. While she used her precision to target only the power sources, the security golems were far less delicate. They used brute force to crush the chest plates and protective cases alike, pulverizing the internal magi-devices until the golems went still.
Well, I suppose we can just investigate the ones Reiko defeated, Jin thought. He suspected that, given the level of damage, the control cores of the others were likely unsalvageable.
With zero casualties on their side, the enemy golems were soon silenced.
“Is it over? Excellent work. Jin-dono, Lordtoss-dono, I am truly in your debt for the assistance.”
Approximately thirty-five minutes after the operation began, the suppression of the abandoned mine was complete.
“Then I shall have my Urgan lead the way again. The main force can follow after,” Lordtoss said.
“Mm, very well.”
Urgan headed back into the dark tunnels. As Duke Blue watched the golem go, one of her subordinates stepped forward.
“Your Excellency, if you intend to send in human soldiers, please ensure the air is breathable first. There is also the possibility of traps.”
“Mm, a wise suggestion.”
However, Lordtoss spoke up to reassure her. “Your Excellency, Urgan is equipped with an atmospheric analysis function. Please, leave the scouting to him.”
The Duke nodded with satisfaction. “Oh, is that so? Truly impressive!”
Reiko had returned to Jin’s side. She had already disarmed and changed back into her usual apron dress. Since there was still time before the next report arrived, Duke Blue struck up a conversation with her.
“Reiko-dono, you served the Magi Craft Meister some four hundred years ago, did you not?”
“Yes, that is correct. Is something the matter?” Reiko replied calmly.
“Oh, I knew it! In that case, you must be familiar with the disturbance at the birthday party of His Highness Prince Ernest, who was the Third Prince at the time?”
“The disturbance at the birthday party... You must mean the chaos caused by the Unifilar at the Golem Party.”
“Yes, that’s the one! I heard you played a major role in resolving it. Would you mind telling me a bit about those days?”
The lord of Blue Land at that time had been a distant ancestor of the current Duke Blue, and the stories of that era had been passed down through the family for generations.
“I was told that story when I was small, and my heart raced at the tales of your exploits, Reiko-dono,” the Duke explained, adding that since the legendary figure herself was standing right here, she simply had to hear the story firsthand.
“I see...” Reiko glanced at Jin. Understanding her intent, Jin gave a small nod.
“At that time...”
Reiko began to recount the events succinctly, with the Duke hanging on her every word.
“Then, noticing something unusual, I left the room and—”
Just then, a messenger came running up.
“Report! The suppression of the enemy base is complete!”
“...I see, good work.” Duke Blue turned back to Reiko with an air of genuine regret. “Reiko-dono, I hope you will tell me the rest another time.”
She then began issuing orders to her subordinates. “Seize all evidence and materials. Seal the entrance.”
The Duke concluded by stating she would send a specialized investigation team later.
“I thank you for your cooperation, Tomax-dono, Lordtoss-dono, Jin-dono.”
She shook hands with Tomax Bartman, then Lordtoss, and finally Jin.
“Shall we return to Blue Land for the time being?” she suggested.
The Duke intended to leave the detailed search to the specialists. Jin had no objections; after all, Laojun had already confirmed exactly what was left inside using the Peeper.
“Tomax-dono, Lordtoss-dono, Jin-dono. Would you all care to join me at my mansion?”
By custom, the names of servants were not formally called out, but Illumina, Urgan, Reiko, and Hope were naturally included in the invitation. However, the Duke’s gaze remained fixed mainly on Reiko.
Jin had no reason to refuse, and Lordtoss felt the same. Tomax Bartman hesitated slightly, given his role in tracing the incident from Avalon, but he agreed to accompany them after the Duke guaranteed that the investigation results would be shared in full.
After dispatching the investigation team and security guards to the tunnels, the Duke returned to Blue Land with Jin and the others.
The Taube and Duke Blue’s Blow Floater landed at the airfield located in a corner of the mansion's vast garden. Two hot air balloons were also moored nearby.
“Welcome to my mansion.”
Duke Blue first guided them to the drawing room. Jin should have visited this place once four hundred years ago, but whether it had been redecorated or his memory had simply grown fuzzy, he didn’t recognize it at all.
Reiko, however, spoke up. “It has changed quite a bit, hasn’t it?”
“Oh, Reiko-dono, which parts?” Duke Blue asked eagerly.
“Yes. The decorations on each pillar have increased. Also, it appears the flooring has been replaced; it is a brighter color than it was four hundred years ago. Furthermore...”
After Reiko pointed out twelve specific architectural changes with perfect clarity, the Duke was utterly delighted.
“I shall restore it to its former state as much as possible!” she declared.
Jin privately wondered if the woman had a bit of an obsession with the past. Once the Duke had settled down, she spoke of her true motive for the invitation.
“Actually, His Highness Prince Ernest is scheduled to arrive tonight.”
“The Prince?”
“His Highness is looking forward to reuniting with Jin-dono. That is why I invited you to the mansion today.”
“I see.”
It seemed that when the current incident was reported to the central government, the Kingdom of Egerea decided to send Prince Ernest to formally certify Jin as the Magi Craft Meister.
“...I feel rather overwhelmed by the honor,” Jin admitted.
“I heard that Jin-dono is not fond of grand ceremonies,” the Duke replied. “That is why His Highness insisted on coming here personally.”
“That makes me feel all the more overwhelmed...”
Despite his words, Jin found himself looking forward to his reunion with Ernest XVII.
Meanwhile, Tomax Bartman retired to his bedroom immediately after dinner. Exhausted by the day's events, he was said to have fallen asleep almost the moment he hit the mattress.