On March 27, Jin was on Onogoro Island.
Reiko, Sion, and Marikka accompanied him.
First, they invited the steward, Trihart Randol, and his wife, Susanne Randol, for a discussion.
"Oho, a trip to Hale, you say!" Trihart showed his interest with unmistakable enthusiasm.
"We would certainly love to visit," Susanne agreed.
"The Warp Gate makes the trip easy enough, but the residential facilities aren't fully equipped for long stays yet. A day trip is fine, but if you're staying overnight, I can only accommodate four or five people," Jin explained, laying out the situation. "For this group, I’ve decided on Trihart, Susanne, and Marikka."
"Wait, us?" Susanne asked.
Jin nodded and explained his reasoning. "I intend to make travel to Hale open to everyone eventually, so I want the two stewards to see it first. That includes Marikka, whom No. 700672 has recognized as a new Master."
"I-I am honored," Marikka stammered.
Jin had thought to include Sion as well, but it wasn't to be. She was scheduled to visit the Kingdom of Egerea and the Kingdom of Elias immediately after this as part of her diplomatic duties, so they decided she would go next time.
"That leaves two more spots. Besides Rubina, the Magi Craft Queen, of course, who else should we take? Trihart, do you have any suggestions?"
"In that case, please take Amanda with you."
He meant Amanda Garrett—Rubina’s grandmother.
"Understood. We'll go with that for now. Once the accommodations over there are better established, I'll make it possible for larger groups to visit."
"Yes, please do."
Thus, the party for the trip to Hale—aside from Jin and Reiko—consisted of Marikka of the All-Creation, Trihart Randol, Susanne Randol, Rubina Garrett, and Amanda Garrett.
Later that same day, the group arrived on Hale.
"...So this is..."
"...Hale...?"
"There's nothing here at all!"
"Now, now, Rubina."
The comments came from Trihart, Susanne, Rubina, and Amanda, in turn. Marikka simply scanned the horizon in silence.
"First, let's head to the Elder's house," Jin said.
"The Elder?" Rubina asked.
"Yes, the Elder. Didn't they tell you about him on Onogoro Island?"
When Jin looked toward Marikka, she provided a quick explanation. "Well, you see, Rubina, he’s referring to No. 700672-san. He’s said to live even further north than the Nord Federation."
"Ah, I get it now."
Jin reflected on the fact that he had only recently started using the title "the Elder," but he was satisfied to see that was how the man was being introduced on Onogoro. Since Onogoro Island itself was managed by the magi-brain Testa, who shared the lineage of the Progenitors, it wasn't surprising that such information was shared.
"To think I'll get to meet such a person. I'm quite looking forward to it." Even the usually quiet Amanda spoke with a hint of excitement.
Their transport for the day was the Sparrow. Since the craft only sat seven including the pilot, Reiko was perched on Jin’s lap.
"I am terribly sorry, Father," Reiko murmured, though she looked quite pleased with the arrangement.
Seated from front to back were the pilot, Hope; then Jin with Reiko and Marikka; followed by Rubina and Amanda; and finally, Trihart and Susanne.
"Alright, take us up."
"Understood."
The Sparrow floated upward with a gentle hum. For this flight, the internal gravity was set to a maximum of 0.2G—a value that allowed the passengers to feel a moderate, pleasant tug of inertia during acceleration and turns.
"I am so honored to be sitting next to Jin-shama!" Marikka was absolutely walking on air.
As for Rubina, she was practically bouncing in her seat. "Actually flying feels amazing!" She was about to get rowdy over the ride quality, which felt different from the larger Konron 3 or the Adriana, until Amanda gently cautioned her.
"You mustn't behave so unseemly, dear." Rubina settled down slightly after that.
"It feels like a dream that such a day would finally come, doesn't it, Trihart?"
"Indeed it does, Susanne." The couple watched the landscape with the quiet composure of long-married partners.
"Welcome to my home."
The Sparrow touched down near the house of the Elder, No. 700672. The man himself, along with Neige and Rouge, had come out to meet them.
"It has been a long time, No. 700672-san... Or rather, I suppose I should call you 'Elder' now." Marikka was the first to disembark and offer a greeting.
"If it isn't Marikka-sama. Welcome," No. 700672 replied, bowing deeply.
"I've brought four representatives from Onogoro Island today," Jin added, greeting him next. "This is Rubina Garrett, Amanda Garrett, Trihart Randol, and Susanne Randol."
He introduced each member of the group in turn.
"I am No. 700672. I have been tasked with the role of Elder here on Hale."
"I have heard much of you."
"It is an honor to meet you."
"We look forward to your acquaintance."
While the adults were exchanging formal greetings with No. 700672, Rubina had already struck up a conversation elsewhere.
"You two must be Rouge-chan and Neige-chan! I'm Rubina! Nice to meet you!"
"N-Nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you."
Rouge and Neige blinked at her sudden energy but replied politely.
"My, what a wonderful home..."
They were guided into "the House," the facility Jin had built for exactly this purpose. The interior of the drawing room was finished to a high standard; while it had some elements reminiscent of the Shouro Empire, the overall aesthetic was exotic. Jin suspected it followed the traditional style of the Progenitors.
"Please, help yourselves to some tea."
Neige, Rouge, and Reiko brought out refreshments for everyone. Since the two girls weren't yet used to serving guests, Reiko was assisting them. Even so, Neige and Rouge seemed to be enjoying the novelty of the experience.
As they sipped their tea, Trihart commented that while sturdy stone buildings existed on Onogoro, he had rarely seen anything quite so robust and utilitarian.
"Is that so? This was built with the cooperation of Jin-dono," the Elder noted.
"Was it really?"
"Indeed. I am constantly in Jin-dono’s debt regarding the development of Hale."
While the adults engaged in their polite conversation, Neige, Rouge, and Rubina were operating on a different wavelength.
"Hey, hey, Rubina-chan! We'll show you to our room!"
"Wait, really? Yay!"
The three of them had already become fast friends.