Jin began by explaining the gifts presented on behalf of Avalon.
"……Two general-purpose golems. These are the standard models currently in use in Avalon."
As the two units were brought onto the parade grounds, their images were projected onto the large magic projection window (magi-screen). A collective "ooh" of amazement rippled through the audience.
"……Unfortunately, as technology in today’s world has 'declined' a 'little,' these units represent some of the highest performance levels currently available."
The stirring of the crowd grew even louder. Waiting for the noise to subside, Jin moved on to the next item.
"Three golem horses. Being golems, they are immune to fatigue and illness, and they are naturally resilient against extreme heat and cold. Furthermore, they possess five times the strength of a normal horse. A single unit is capable of pulling a four-horse carriage on its own."
When the golem horses appeared on the screen, the spectators murmured in wonder. Watching them, Jin felt a profound sense of disappointment.
(Ah, it seems even the general public has lost this basic level of knowledge.)
It was a truly regrettable thought.
"Next, ten shortswords and ten longswords. These require little explanation. Though they are standard-issue in Avalon, I can state with absolute confidence that the quality of the steel is world-class."
The final gifts from Avalon were the appliances.
"A refrigerator and a magic stove. These also likely require no introduction. We have simply made them even more user-friendly than previous models."
Finally, Jin transitioned to the items he had prepared personally.
"First is the 'amphibious vehicle.' I constructed this with the cooperation of my friends from Avalon, Eira and Kachea. As the name suggests, it normally functions as an automobile on land, but in times of need, it can become a vessel and travel across water."
Jin had worried that transporting such a large machine would be impossible, but upon closer inspection, it had been properly mounted on a heavy-duty carriage.
(Ah, the kind used for hauling logs and stone.)
Jin recognized the type of carriage immediately. When the crowd saw the amphibious vehicle, a roar of excitement even greater than before erupted, followed by thunderous applause.
"……H-How incredible."
"As expected of a work by the Magi Craft Meister."
Voices of astonishment were whispered even among the cabinet ministers.
"……Next is the lady's maid golem, Kaela. She was also constructed with the assistance of my friends from Avalon, Eira and Kachea."
When her appearance was projected onto the magi-screen, an even larger commotion broke out.
"Ooh!?"
"W-What is that color? Could it be…… sapphire!?"
"Are they saying they processed a sapphire of that immense size? No, if it is the Magi Craft Meister, then perhaps……"
"As you can see, she is constructed almost entirely of sapphire," Jin stated definitively, causing the murmuring to swell into cheers. "However, she possesses all the necessary skills to serve as a lady's maid. Because her operational sounds would be too harsh if left as is, she has been provided with clothes and shoes."
His explanation was met with a standing ovation.
"Lastly, we have the warrior golem. Unlike the previous two items, I created this one alongside my disciples."
The cabinet ministers, knowing the New King’s fondness for combat golems, leaned forward in anticipation.
"The technology for this style once died out about a century ago, but my disciples and I rediscovered and refined it. In other words, it operates using a method entirely different from the 'ball-joint style' that is currently the mainstream."
At this revelation, those with sharp wits realized the technology had likely been lost due to the Magic Federation. Others were simply fascinated by the prospect of a "completely different method."
(I wonder what kind of mechanism it uses…… I would love to ask him about it in detail later.)
This thought came from Citranella de Zaus Florenziano, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Magi Technology.
(The 'Magi Craft Meister' mentioned in my ancestor's diary, and now his Third Generation…… I’m sure there is much I could learn from him.)
Though only thirty-one, her burning ambition and talent had allowed her to rise to the position of Undersecretary despite her youth.
Of course, the Magic Technology Minister was also a woman of great standing. Fiorina de Dorante was forty years old and possessed an intensely competitive personality. It was that drive that had allowed her to surpass all the male engineers to stand at the pinnacle of the technical profession.
(……Fascinating! I would certainly love to see it compete against the latest model golem I developed!) she thought.
The New King, a known enthusiast of combat golems, was entertaining similar ideas.
Once the cheers and applause shaking the parade grounds finally settled, the New King shouted from his seat.
"Magnificent! Jin, I have indeed received your offerings!"
At this breach of protocol, the cabinet ministers buzzed with excitement. The Chancellor, serving as the master of ceremonies, gave a polite cough.
"Yes. Well then, we shall have the summary address by the Magic Technology Minister……"
Before the Chancellor could finish, Fiorina de Dorante practically sprinted up to the podium. Jin missed his window to step down and was forced to remain on the stage.
Unfazed, Fiorina began her address.
"I am Magic Technology Minister Fiorina de Dorante! The technology of the Magi Craft Meister, Jin-dono, is absolutely magnificent!"
She suddenly reached out and grasped Jin's hand.
"Jin-dono, we shall certainly strive for the advancement of magi-craft to prove ourselves worthy of your generosity!"
The audience erupted once more. Releasing Jin's hand, Fiorina continued.
"Avalon's technology also easily exceeds the global average. Henceforth, our country intends to emulate their successes and strive for even further development……"
She spoke rapidly, her speech colored by her honest excitement.
"……That is all from me, Magic Technology Minister Fiorina de Dorante."
As she finished and bowed, a storm of applause broke out. Jin and Fiorina stepped down from the podium together.
(How should I put it…… she's a passionate person.)
That was Jin's first impression of Fiorina de Dorante.
"With this, I would like to conclude the accession commemorative ceremony for His Majesty, the New King of the Kingdom of Elias."
The Chancellor’s voice echoed across the grounds. Just as Jin was about to breathe a sigh of relief, the Minister spoke again.
"On this occasion, we would like to hold a mock battle between our country's latest combat golem and the warrior golem that was presented today!"
The audience, which had been preparing to leave, turned back toward the magi-screen as one. The image of the warrior golem Jin had donated filled the frame.
(Well, since I already gave it to them, it's not really my place to complain,) Jin thought.
Still, he felt it was a bit unnecessary to demonstrate the inferiority of the Elias Kingdom's golems in front of such a massive crowd. Based on the golems he had seen since yesterday, none could even come close to the warrior golem he had donated. Even a "latest model" would likely be no match.
"Jin-dono, I'm sorry for the trouble, but please establish the Master-Slave Magic relationship for the golem now."
Jin was summoned by the Undersecretary, Citranella. Since they were going to hold a mock battle, the command hierarchy had to be finalized.
"I understand."
Jin headed toward the area where the golems were stationed, with Reiko following close behind.
"Will His Majesty, the Magic Technology Minister, and the Undersecretary be the designated masters?"
Normally, the Royal Ritter Order commander or the Queen might have been included. However, the New King nodded his approval.
(Well, since the goal is for them to use this golem as a technical reference, it's probably better to have those in the technical field at the top of the list,) Jin reasoned.
"Master-Slave Magic (Master-Slave): First priority, His Majesty the King of the Kingdom of Elias. Second priority, Her Excellency the Magic Technology Minister, Fiorina de Dorante. Third priority, Her Excellency the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Magi Technology, Citranella de Zaus Florenziano."
Jin set the priorities exactly as requested.
"Umu, very good. 'Wake up' (Start)."
The New King immediately activated the warrior golem.
"Yes, Master."
"Excellent. Your name shall be 'Volk.'"
"Yes. Repeating: I am 'Volk.'"
The New King looked at the golem with pride. "Very well, Volk. Let us see your strength. Listen: you are to……"
He whispered a final command that Jin couldn't quite catch.
"I have understood."
With that, the New King ordered the mock battle against the combat golem prepared by the Magic Technology Minister to begin. The crowd roared with delight.