Entering Blue Land through the southern gate, Jin and his companions headed north along the Central Thoroughfare. Far in the distance, the silhouette of Viscount Guarana’s entourage was still visible.
"First, we should pay our respects to the lord. That’s standard procedure... but I wonder who's actually in charge right now?"
Since the acting lord—the bailiff, Marquis Kuzuma—was supposed to be bedridden, Jin was curious about who was currently running the manor house.
"Ah, Duke Blue has returned from the royal capital," a local resident said, having apparently overheard Jin’s mutterings.
(So Duke Blue is back...) Jin mused. That likely meant they were trying to settle the matter of the succession as quickly as possible.
"For now, let's head to the Marquis's residence."
Leaving the Central Thoroughfare, the group turned toward the northeastern district of Blue Land. Their destination was the Kuzuma manor.
Having visited it once before, Jin reached the location without getting lost. In fact, the Mansion was the same building the family had used since they were mere counts.
"Now, how to get in?"
The iron gates were shut tight. Peering through the bars, Jin could sense a restless, hurried atmosphere hanging over the grounds.
"Viscount Guarana might arrive as early as today," he murmured.
Noble movements were usually slow and ponderous, but this was an emergency.
"I’ll use this..."
Jin pulled a letter of introduction from his breast pocket. It was from Sion, the wife of the Clan Chief of the All-Creation clan—a Great Clan within the Nord Federation.
Jin's name wasn't actually on it. Instead, it was written with vague phrasing: I introduce a healer who may be able to cure the illness.
However, the patterns on the envelope and the design of the wax seal were unique to the Nord Federation, and Sion’s signature was genuine. Anyone who knew what to look for would recognize its weight.
Jin showed the letter to the gatekeeper and requested an audience to examine the Marquis. Skeptical but professional, the gatekeeper took the letter and sprinted toward the manor.
"I wonder how this will play out."
Jin and the others were offered chairs in the guardhouse. Ten minutes later, the gatekeeper returned, panting for breath.
"S-sorry to keep you waiting. Please, come this way."
"Thank you."
Two maid golems followed behind the gatekeeper.
"We shall guide Shin-sama and his party," they said in unison, leading them toward the manor.
(Four hundred years really changes the inside of a place... though I suppose that’s only natural.)
Jin, who knew the manor’s layout inside and out from his previous visits, noticed that reinforcements and structural strengthening had been added throughout the building.
They were guided into a formal reception room.
"Please wait here," one of the maid golems said before stepping out. The other remained to attend to them.
"Would you like Te-e, Kuhe, or green tea?"
"I’ll take the Te-e." Since he was in the region where it originated, Jin decided to enjoy the local specialty.
"Understood."
The maid golem prepared the Te-e with practiced, fluid movements.
"Here you are."
She placed down only one cup—directly in front of Jin.
"Wait, what about...?"
When Shin—Jin—raised a questioning eyebrow, implying that Reko and Lise needed drinks as well, the maid golem spoke.
"You are Jin-sama, Reiko-sama, and Lise-sama, are you not?"
"You... you know us?" Jin asked instinctively. He realized the moment the words left his mouth that he had effectively confirmed their identities, but the cat was out of the bag.
The golem bowed. "My name is Merine. I serve as the Chief Golem Maid. I was created by the first Craft Queen, Beena-sama. Therefore, I am well aware of your identities."
Jin let out a sigh of relief. "I see."
"Yes. I have undergone five maintenance cycles and three modifications over the centuries, so I no longer retain my original appearance."
Jin nodded, understanding that such changes were inevitable over a four-hundred-year lifespan.
"Merine, was it? We are visiting under aliases this time. Please address us as Shin, Reko, and Lise."
While Jin was still marveling at the golem’s longevity, Reiko took charge of the details and laid down the rules for Merine.
"Ah, right. Sorry, Rei... Reko. That’s the situation, Merine. We’re counting on you."
"I understand perfectly, Shin-sama."
"By the way, is there anyone else here who knows who we are?"
"No, there is not," Merine stated firmly. Jin was relieved to hear that no other golems on the premises would recognize them.
(Even so, she didn't seem the least bit surprised to see me...)
Jin made a mental note to discuss that specific logic with Laojun later.
"Thank you for waiting, Shin-sama, Reko-sama, Lise-sama."
Just then, a noble lady entered the room, accompanied by the other maid golem.
"I am Anna Gem Kuzuma," she said, offering a stiff curtsy. "I understand you are here to examine my husband."
Madam Kuzuma got straight to the point.
"I have seen the letter of introduction from Sion-sama of the All-Creation clan. We may not have much time left. Please, I beg of you, help him."
"I understand. Could you take us to the Marquis?"
"Yes, right this way."
As the Madam turned to lead them out of the reception room, a man blocked the doorway. He introduced himself as the steward, Question.
"Madam, where are you going?" he asked, physically stepping into her path.
"Step aside, Ques. I am taking these healers to see my husband."
"...And are these people truly trustworthy?"
"What did you say?"
"Viscount Guarana and his party entered the manor house today. Tomorrow, Count Setena and Viscount Rasahn are expected. For a 'healer' to appear at this exact moment is..."
"That is enough!" the Madam snapped, cutting Question off. "You will not insult guests who carry a letter from Sion-sama of the Nord Federation—guests whom Merine, our Chief Golem Maid, has personally vouched for."
Jin watched the exchange, thinking to himself that being suspicious was actually the rational response for someone in the steward's position, though he kept the thought to himself.
The argument between the lady and her steward escalated.
"...Fine. If you are so concerned, you may come with us."
"And may I have my secretary golem accompany us as well?"
"What! That's...!"
The Madam began to protest loudly, taking the request as a blatant sign of distrust toward their guests. Realizing they were spinning their wheels, Jin decided to break the deadlock.
"Pardon me, but we're wasting time," Jin said. "We have nothing to hide. It doesn't matter how many people or golems come along with us."
Hearing this, Question gave Jin a shallow nod. "I appreciate your cooperation. In that case..."
Question gestured, and two brawny guard golems stepped forward.
"Ques! Those aren't secretary golems!"
The Madam started to object again, but Jin raised a hand to stop her.
"Time is short," he said firmly. "Let’s go."