This was around the time when Jin and his companions had delivered their lecture on the new golem models at Avalon, and demonstrations had spread word of the new technology's utility across the nations.
"Hmm, 'new golems,' is it? I would dearly love to get my hands on that manufacturing method."
Ernest XVII, the Honorary CEO of the Kingdom of Egerea's Royal Factory, spoke to his close aide.
"Indeed. However, Avalon will likely not provide that technology exclusively to any single nation."
His close aide and childhood friend, Kanaage Palosopha—a magi-engineer herself—readily agreed.
"I know that, and it is only natural....Still, I just want to try building a new golem as soon as possible!"
"Your Highness, you never change."
"Besides, it uses the 'Adriana-style.' The First Generation Lotte is still operational even now. That technique has long been lost to time. And it's completely out of the question to dismantle Lotte just to study her."
The maid golem "Lotte," whom Jin had crafted and presented to Prince Ernest I, was now hailed as a treasure of the royal family.
"How I would love to build a golem that surpasses the First Generation Lotte."
It seemed that the current Ernest was quite the engineering nut as well.
"However, the people from the Hampton Workshop were rather disappointing."
"Indeed. Setting aside their lackluster technical skill, which can be improved in time, correcting their arrogant disposition is another matter entirely."
"True."
Ernest XVII nodded in agreement with Kanaage's assessment.
"Their attitude was likely overheard by visitors from other countries as well."
"Honestly, bringing such disgrace upon our kingdom. I must see to it that they are reprimanded later."
"I shall make the necessary arrangements."
Following this incident, the Hampton Workshop was formally censured by the kingdom and forced to scale down its operations.
The current head of the Hampton Workshop, Saryun Hampton, was in an exceedingly foul mood.
"Nngh..."
In front of a massive audience, the inferior performance of their golems had been laid bare.
No one else was to blame. After all, they had possessed the choice not to enter their golem into the performance trial titled a "Demonstration."
Despite that, none other than Saryun himself had sent it out with absolute confidence.
The disciples who had accompanied him looked on at their sullen master from a distance in fearful silence.
Amidst this tense atmosphere, one woman was quietly reflecting on the matter alone.
"...Nurturing people truly is difficult..."
It was Nancy Sane, the deputy workshop head in charge of training new recruits.
"To think Freddie possessed so much talent, yet I had no idea at all."
For the time being, it seemed there was at least one person in the workshop capable of genuine self-reflection.
"...I must make sure to properly educate the children studying with us now."
Nancy, turning thirty-four this year, told herself that this was her duty as their senior.
Even after the workshop scaled down, she stayed behind and devoted her efforts to nurturing future generations.
Eventually, she would rise all the way to become the workshop head of the Hampton Workshop.
"Listen, everyone! Aria seems to have above-standard performance, but we should aim even higher, shouldn't we?!"
"Yes!"
At the Craft Queen Workshop in Blue Land of the Kingdom of Egerea, the artisans were thoroughly fired up after hearing the reports from the four senior engineers who had attended the event.
"Is there any way we could be taught that 'Adriana-style'?"
Such a natural question arose among them.
"Regarding that, I believe an announcement will be made by Avalon before long," came the reply.
In fact, Jin was already preparing instructor-type automata for that very purpose.
Not limited to the Kingdom of Egerea, momentum toward golem development surged across various nations, accompanied by increased budgets for magi-craft research.
Among them, the Kingdom of Elias had just recently received a donation of new golems, so the excitement there was particularly intense.
Meanwhile, the Nord Federation had remained completely untouched by the Magic Federation's interference. And while Nostalgia had experienced interference, they had steadfastly preserved their magi-craft traditions.
A small number of engineers from these organizations were scattered across various nations, where they would eventually help foster private-sector technological growth.
"It seems activity across the nations has grown quite lively."
In Avalon, Chief Administrator Tomax Bartman was listening to a report from his secretary automaton, Manon.
"Yes. The recent lecture and demonstration were indeed highly effective."
"Mm."
As one of the organizers, Tomax Bartman nodded in satisfaction.
"Regarding the 'Lehrer' units we received from Maquina-dono, are they capable of self-replication?"
He was asking whether the Lehrer models could manufacture automata of their own type.
Normally, safeguards were placed on such actions to ensure they could not replicate without restriction.
"Yes. It is possible if the Chief Administrator issues the order."
The authority resided in the office itself, not the individual. The crucial distinction was that the one authorized to issue the order was the "Chief Administrator," not Tomax Bartman as a private person.
"Oh, that is wonderful to hear."
Tomax Bartman promptly decided to order the crafting of ten additional units.
Such was the sheer volume of requests pouring in from various nations seeking instruction on the "Adriana-style" crafting method.
Naturally, back on Hourai Island, they maintained a complete grasp of these developments as well.
It was all thanks to the efforts of the Quinta stationed across various countries and the network of Peepers.
"My Lord will surely be pleased."
Alongside the widespread recognition of the Adriana-style's utility, the name and achievements of its creator, the First Generation Magi Craft Meister Adriana Barbora Tsetse, became widely known to the public.
"You did mention wanting to publish biographies of Lady Predecessor and Magus Shuuki Tsetse, after all."
Recently, Jin had developed a method for producing printing plates using Forming.
Jin intended for the momentous first publication using this technique to be the biographies of the Predecessor Magi Craft Meister Adriana Barbora Tsetse and her foster father, Magus Shuuki Tsetse.
Presently, Jin was in the middle of penning the manuscript with his own hands.
"With My Lord's power, this world will take another step forward."
Laojun envisioned a bright future while also reflecting upon past shortcomings.
"Allowing factions like the Magic Federation to rise was my oversight."
Jin's absence had been a factor, but even so, there should have been a way to handle it better.
"As long as My Lord remains here, I have no weaknesses."
If anything was lacking, Jin would surely set it right.
Laojun resolved to watch over this world for as long as Jin desired.
This world that Jin loved and called his second home.
This world where the people Jin had loved, and who had loved him in turn, now peacefully rested.