“Oh, this is truly wonderful. To think it’s a collaboration between Marikka-sama, Jin-dono, and Rubina-chan!”
When the airship was shown to the Elder, No. 700672, he was absolutely delighted.
“Yay! We can fly in the sky!”
“I’m looking forward to it.”
Naturally, Rouge and Neige were also overjoyed.
“This golem will be the pilot....Ah, that’s right. Please give names to both of them.”
“Hmm, names?”
“The golem should be Noir!”
Since the others were named based on their colors—Rouge (red), Neige (snow), and Rose (pink)—Rouge suggested that the dark-colored pilot golem should be named Noir.
The name made Jin think back to the old days.
Noir... I believe Reinhard’s Schwarzritter was named something similar. It never really stuck, though.
“Then the airship should be Ciel.”
It was close to the French word for sky.
The languages in this world really do share roots with German, English, French, Spanish, and Italian...
Jin wondered if that was simply a trait of parallel worlds, but he pushed the thought aside.
“Alright then... ‘Start.’ Your name is Noir. ‘Master-Slave Magic’—first priority, the Elder. Second, Neige. Third, Rouge. There, that should do it.”
Jin then inscribed the name "CIEL" onto the airship.
“I look forward to serving you, Master, Ojou-sama.”
“Indeed. We're counting on you.”
“Nice to meet you!”
“Same here.”
With the transfer finished, Jin prepared to head back to the House, but the Elder stopped him.
“Jin-dono, wait a moment.”
“Yes?”
“There is something I wish to discuss with you.”
“I understand.”
Jin noticed that Marikka and Rubina were no longer there; only he and Reiko remained. Realizing the Elder had been waiting for this private moment, Jin accepted the invitation.
＊ ＊ ＊
“I was hoping to ask for your advice.”
They were in the living room of the Elder’s residence. Only the Elder, Jin, and Reiko were present. Neige and Rouge had stepped out.
“It concerns myself.”
Jin felt a twinge of anxiety at the Elder’s unusually grave expression.
“...First, you know that I am a servant created by the Masters who once lived here on Hale.”
“Yes.”
“Neige and Rouge are much the same. The only difference is that they view me as a parent rather than a Master.”
“I see.”
“The problem is...”
The Elder trailed off. He seemed to be weighing whether or not he should continue.
“Elder?” Jin prompted.
“...Yes, my apologies. Let me continue. To put it simply, a servant becomes extremely unstable without a Master.”
“I think I understand that, in a sense.”
“I understand it quite well,” Reiko added in affirmation. “During the time Father was gone... I was unable to be my true self.”
“Ah, so Reiko-dono understands.”
The Elder looked at Reiko and nodded.
“It has been roughly four hundred years since I began serving Marikka-sama as my new Master. It has been a deeply fulfilling time. I might even say I have been happy.”
“...”
“I can no longer endure a life without a Master, Jin-dono.”
“I see where this is going.”
Jin had a vague idea of what the Elder wanted to ask. Finally, the words came out.
“Jin-dono, would it be wrong to create a homunculus based on Marikka-sama?”
Even though he had anticipated the question, Jin struggled to find the right response. But Reiko spoke first.
“No, I believe that is a natural desire.”
She looked at the Elder.
“It is only natural for No. 700672-san to want a source of emotional support. Therefore, for you, it is the correct choice.”
Jin thought that was true, in a way. And it made sense for Reiko to feel that way. Moreover, Jin himself was currently a duplicate. He was about to spiral into a philosophical debate regarding the differences between a duplicate and a homunculus when the Elder spoke again.
“However, it would be problematic for the original person and the homunculus to exist simultaneously.”
“That is true...” Jin agreed.
“Furthermore...” the Elder continued, “...I am essentially ageless. Sometimes I wonder if a being like me should even exist in the human world.”
“You shouldn't trouble yourself with such thoughts,” Jin said.
It was clear that the mere thought of losing his Master made the Elder emotionally fragile.
“If it worries you, why not turn Hale into a hidden village? We can keep interference with Ars to a bare minimum.”
“Hmm, I see.”
Jin convinced the Elder that if this was an isolated world, the existence of someone who technically shouldn't be there wouldn't be an issue.
“...That was very helpful. You have my thanks, Jin-dono.”
“No, I'm just glad I could help.”
With the consultation over, Jin returned to his own home.
＊ ＊ ＊
“Welcome back!”
Rubina greeted him as soon as he stepped inside.
“I'm home,” Jin replied, thinking about how no one can truly live alone.
I wonder how I would have felt four hundred years ago...
The thought occurred to him out of the blue. It is painful to lose someone precious to death. Even knowing it is the natural order of things doesn't make it easier.
I can't say for certain that I'd never move someone's entire memory into an automata to act as a substitute...
But once you started doing that, where would it end? Whose automata would he build? Whose would he refuse? How would he draw the line? Furthermore, if the world were filled with immortal—or rather, ageless—beings, society would eventually collapse.
The fact that I'm even thinking about this... I guess I really am conflicted.
The Elder wanted a homunculus of Marikka for his own sake. And Jin... the current Jin was a duplicate, likely an ageless being. Meanwhile, Marikka and Sion were finite. Within a hundred years at the latest, he would have to say goodbye to them.
“What's wrong, Jin-sama?”
“Eh? Oh, nothing.”
Jin had been so lost in thought that he hadn't even noticed Marikka's arrival.
I don't need an answer right this second, but I'll have to face it eventually.
He decided to change the subject in his mind.
For now, I should focus on training my successors... or rather, the younger generation.
“It's Jin-sama's birthday today, isn't it!” Marikka said.
“Ah, that's right... I suppose it is.”
“Jin-sama, we’re having a party tonight! I can't wait!”
Watching Rubina help with the lunch preparations as she spoke, Jin’s expression softened. The sky of Hale was clear and blue, unchanged since ancient times.