It was now the morning of May 6th. It seemed no further abnormalities had occurred within the hangar overnight.
The sky over Borgia, the capital of the Kingdom of Elias, was perfectly clear, with a cloudless blue expanse stretching out as far as the eye could see.
The venue was the parade grounds located on the outskirts of the capital. The airfield was situated directly adjacent to this area.
The site was a vast plain of packed earth, covering roughly two square kilometers. It was here that the presentation of the "gifts" for the new king, Adalbert Nemo Elias I, was to take place.
While the formal commemorative ceremony for the new king's enthronement had already concluded two months ago, today's event was a special occasion where Avalon and the Magi Craft Meister would present their celebratory offerings. Consequently, all the prominent nobles and major merchants were in attendance.
In the general seating area, the common folk were packed together, jostling one another for a glimpse of the proceedings.
While they didn't voice it aloud, the people were utterly fed up with the tyranny of the Magic Federation. They were deeply intrigued by the Magi Craft Meister, who was rumored to have wiped the organization out, and the World Security Guard that had assisted him.
Incidentally, whether the items were referred to as "donations" or "offerings," the terminology was simply adjusted on the fly to satisfy the pride and dignity of the nobility and royalty.
At 9:00 AM, accompanied by grand music, two magnificent automobiles arrived from the direction of the Royal Palace, led by a mounted escort.
"Oh, is that the Magi Craft Meister?"
"Supposedly. Word is he's accompanied by an attendant automata in the form of a young girl."
"Ah, then it's the car in the back. The green-haired one in the front car doesn't look like a girl."
Jin and Tomax Bartman were riding in separate automobiles. Their only companions were Reiko and Manon.
"But man, that green-haired attendant is a beauty too."
"I wonder if that one's an automata as well?"
Amidst the clamor of the crowd, the two automobiles and the leading knights proceeded slowly.
Protected by security knights and golems, the vehicles carrying Jin and the others arrived at the parade grounds without incident.
"This way, please."
Urged by young ladies-in-waiting, Jin and Tomax each stepped out of their automobiles. They were led across the parade grounds toward the guest seating, with Reiko and Manon following close behind.
Within a minute's walk, they reached the guest area, which was a temporary but sturdy structure featuring a roof to shield the VIPs from the sun.
Jin and Tomax took their seats, while Reiko and Manon stood directly behind them.
"Please, take this."
They were handed pamphlets containing the order of ceremonies.
According to the schedule:
- Opening Address — Chancellor Vasco de Gino
- Guest Congratulatory Speech — Avalon Chief Administrator Tomax Bartman
- Address from the New King — His Majesty Elias I
- Disclosure of the Gift Inventory — Undersecretary of the Ministry of Magi Technology Citranella de Zaus Firenziano
- Presentation of Gifts — Magi Craft Meister Jin Nidou
- Summary Address — Magic Technology Minister Fiorina de Dorante
- Closing Address — Chancellor Vasco de Gino
(Presentation... Does that mean a demonstration or an explanation?)
Jin frowned slightly; he hadn't heard anything about this part of the plan.
Just then, a woman dressed like a secretary stood before Jin and bowed.
"I am terribly sorry, Jin-sama. The order of ceremonies was only finalized this morning."
In that case, I wish you'd told me before we left in the cars... Jin sighed inwardly.
(I should have just left this to the Doppel...)
The thought crossed his mind, but it was far too late now.
(Well, I'll manage.)
Back in modern Japan, unreasonable demands from his superiors had been a daily occurrence. Jin was a man who had often been tasked with handling "explanations"—which were usually just excuses—for various clients.
(...It's been a while since I thought about those days.)
However, compared to his previous life, this was paradise.
(At least I'll be talking about my own specialty, so that'll be easier on my nerves.)
The remaining attendees continued to arrive, with the last being the new king, Adalbert Nemo Elias I, and his Queen.
To the right of Jin and Tomax were the seats for King Adalbert and the Queen, and beyond them appeared to be the seating for the cabinet ministers.
Now everyone was present.
"Now then, we shall begin the commemorative ceremony for the enthronement of His Majesty, the new King of the Elias Kingdom."
A slightly husky voice echoed across the parade grounds. It seemed the Chancellor was also serving as the master of ceremonies.
He delivered the opening address without ascending to the podium.
"We are blessed with clear skies today, as if the heavens themselves are blessing the future of our nation. On this auspicious day, celebratory gifts have been presented by Avalon and the Magi Craft Meister."
Applause rippled through the parade grounds. After a brief pause, the Chancellor continued.
The opening address concluded in a matter of minutes.
"Next, we will have a congratulatory speech from our guest. Chief Administrator of Avalon, Tomax Bartman-dono."
Tomax Bartman, who was sitting next to Jin, stood up and walked toward the podium. His image was projected onto a large magi-screen for the crowd to see.
"I am Tomax Bartman, as introduced. I serve as the Chief Administrator of Avalon. First, allow me to offer my heartiest congratulations on the enthronement of His Majesty, the new King of the Elias Kingdom..."
Tomax seemed no stranger to such formal occasions, and his speech was quite polished and professional.
Following him was the address from the new king, Adalbert. Adalbert did not go to the podium but began speaking from his seat.
"I thank you all for gathering here for my sake today. My Elias Kingdom shall..."
This was the first time Jin had been able to get a clear look at the new king.
While the king was somewhat tall, he was also quite broad, giving the impression of being slightly plump.
(He's definitely not the athletic type.)
One could tell a fair amount just by looking at his face. At thirty years old, his cheeks were already beginning to sag.
"...My goal is to lead this nation to even greater heights in the future. That is all."
The cabinet ministers stood and applauded, so Jin and Tomax followed suit.
At last, it was time for the disclosure of the gift inventory. The person reading it out was the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Magi Technology, Citranella de Zaus Firenziano.
(A descendant of Marchioness Firenziano, I see...)
With her dark blonde hair in an updo and her slightly slanted blue eyes, she was a near-perfect reflection of her ancestor, Marchioness Dominique de Zaus Firenziano.
(She looks to be around thirty. A bit younger than the Marchioness was back then, maybe.)
The Undersecretary, Citranella de Zaus Firenziano, read out the inventory in a clear, resonant voice.
"Warrior golems. Crafted by Jin-sama and his disciples. Lady's maid golems. Crafted by Jin-sama and his friends from Avalon. An amphibious vehicle. Crafted by Jin-sama and his friends from Avalon..."
First, the gifts from Jin were read aloud.
"From Avalon: two general-purpose golems, ten shortswords, ten longswords, three golem horses, three magic stoves, and three refrigerators... These items have been presented."
Applause broke out once more.
At this point, though it wasn't on the official schedule, the new king spoke up.
"I am most delighted to have received such wonderful gifts."
Jin hadn't expected such a direct expression of gratitude, and it made him feel a little better about the whole situation.
Finally, it was Jin's turn.
"Next, we ask the Third Generation Magi Craft Meister, Jin Nidou-dono, to present and explain the gifts."
Jin stood up slowly and began walking toward the podium. Reiko did not remain at the seats, accompanying him as far as the base of the stage.
Just before he ascended the stairs, he was handed a copy of the inventory list. While the staff were efficient, he couldn't help but wish they had given it to him a bit sooner.
As Jin reached the podium, he was met with a warm round of applause.
"I am Jin Nidou, as introduced."
Looking out from the stage, he could see that all the gifts had been brought onto the parade grounds on dedicated transport carts.
(All right, then...)
Jin decided to start by providing an explanation for the gifts from Avalon.