Sion was in the middle of explaining the problems plaguing the House of Marquis Kuzuma to Jin.
"Simply put, it’s a 'succession crisis.'"
"Ah, that sounds like a headache."
Jin had the impression that succession disputes within aristocratic society were usually sordid, messy affairs.
"The situation itself is straightforward: the current House of Marquis Kuzuma consists of three daughters and no sons."
"Ah... but wait," Jin started. Marchioness Firenziano of the Kingdom of Elias was a woman, and he knew the rank of baroness existed as well.
When Jin pointed this out, Sion replied, "Ultimately, it likely comes down to whether the King recognizes her—or perhaps the Council, in this case."
"I see."
It seemed that if a woman were to become the head of house, she had to prove her governing ability, or some equivalent merit, to the state.
This is one of the downsides of aristocratic society, Jin thought.
Still, custom was custom; it wasn't something he could change overnight.
"What should I do then?" he asked Sion.
"I wouldn't know," she replied. "I’m not well-versed in the customs of the Kingdom of Egerea."
"That’s true."
Jin crossed his arms and fell into thought for a moment.
"I suppose I won’t be able to do anything unless I actually visit Blue Land and see for myself..."
That was the conclusion he finally reached.
＊ ＊ ＊
After making various preparations on Hourai Island, Jin teleported to the outskirts of Blue Land on the morning of April 17th, bringing Reiko along with him.
"It’s been a long time since I’ve been out this way."
The forest surrounding Blue Land remained exactly as it had been in his memories.
"The House of Marquis Kuzuma has likely designated this as a conservation area," Reiko remarked.
Jin nodded. "Ah, I see. That’s quite a kind thing for them to do."
"Yes, Father. However, because they did so, they are now able to receive your assistance. Perhaps it is a case of mutual benefit?"
"Haha, maybe so."
Reiko was in her usual fine form.
They walked at a leisurely pace, emerging from the woods after about thirty minutes. Beyond the trees lay a prairie dotted with shrubs, looking almost entirely unchanged from the old days.
"I suppose this whole region acts as a sort of protected district."
There were several footpaths visible, so it didn't seem to be a restricted area. Since it was spring, fresh green sprouts were beginning to push up through the withered yellow grass. Blue Land was situated slightly south of Hourai Island, and Jin noted that spring seemed to have arrived a fraction earlier here.
"The last time I came here, it was right in the thick of that chaos."
They had come to hunt down the remnants of the Magic Federation who were hiding deep within an abandoned mine on the city's outskirts.
"Duke Blue came out to meet us then, didn't she?"
"She did. Looking back, perhaps the reason no one from the House of Marquis Kuzuma appeared was because they were already preoccupied with the succession issue."
"That’s highly likely."
Conversing with Reiko as they walked, they finally reached the city gates of Blue Land. It was around nine in the morning, and the gates stood open to the public.
"Alright, go ahead."
Jin showed the travel pass he had received from Sion to the gatekeeper, who let them through after a mere glance.
"Sion said the checks were just a formality during peacetime, and she was right."
It’s a sign of a peaceful era, Jin thought.
"Now then, what’s our first move?"
He knew the Blue Land of old, but he knew next to nothing about the city as it stood today.
"I could go straight to the Marquis’s estate, but..."
While it might have been difficult for Jin and Reiko to gain entry alone, Sion had written him a letter of introduction. Showing that should get them into the estate without any trouble. However, Jin decided he would rather gather some local information first.
"In a situation like this... how should I handle it?"
Jin didn't have much personal experience with detective work.
"...I am told that places where people gather, or where those knowledgeable about the town congregate, are best, Father."
Reiko offered the advice, likely having consulted with Laojun behind the scenes.
"A restaurant, or maybe the guild..."
Jin wondered if a Magi Engineer Guild even existed in this country during this era.
"An inn is another option."
With plenty of spending money on hand, he decided to look for a reasonably decent-looking inn.
＊ ＊ ＊
"Let's try this place."
After searching for about half an hour, he found a place called the Silver Moon Inn. It was located one street away from the main thoroughfare, giving it a quiet, refined atmosphere. The building was tidy and appeared to be very well-maintained.
"Welcome. Will you be staying with us?"
The inn also functioned as a restaurant during the day. When Jin and Reiko approached the front desk, the woman there checked their intent, as it was only 11:00 AM.
"Yes, we'd like a room."
"Certainly. Please sign in here."
The woman at the reception appeared to be in her late twenties, carrying herself with the professional air of a young okami.
Jin wrote down "Jin Nidou" and "Reiko Nidou," realizing only after the fact that he had failed to prepare an alias for the trip.
"One night, then. Will you be requiring meals?"
"Dinner and breakfast, please."
"Understood... If you take lunch here as well, I can offer you a small discount."
"Oh, we'll eat lunch here too then," Jin replied.
"Very well. You'll be in Room 203 on the second floor. Here is your key."
"Thanks."
To maintain the appearance of ordinary travelers, Jin and Reiko went upstairs to drop off their luggage—dummy contents, of course.
"Oh, this is a pretty nice room."
The layout was about ten tatami mats in size, with the living and sleeping areas separated. The sleeping space held two beds, while the living area featured a table and chairs. The room even included its own toilet and shower, a remarkably advanced setup for this world.
"It reminds me of a business hotel," Jin muttered.
It was now 11:30 AM—a little early, but they decided to head down to the first-floor dining room for lunch.
"Here is the menu."
The young okami from the front desk presented them with their options.
The menu allowed them to choose a staple from barley risotto, rice porridge, freshly baked bread, or boiled pasta. For the main dish, they could pick from Meat-Topopo, vegetable soup, cream stew, or shrimp gratin. They could also select a salad—vegetable, fruit, or seafood.
Jin opted for the porridge, vegetable soup, and seafood salad. He ordered the bread and stew for Reiko. For this stay, he was posing as her older brother.
"Please wait a moment."
The young okami noted the order and disappeared into the kitchen.
Jin took a sip of the water he’d been served and looked around the room. Since it was still early, there was only one other patron in the restaurant, a man quietly eating bread and stew.
I’ll finish eating and then decide where to go... I think I’ll start by asking the okami for some information, Jin planned.