After lunch, over a cup of tea, Jin explained his current objective to Daiki and Cocona.
"Ah, the Gimnas Magi-craft Research Laboratory? Yes, I am familiar with it."
Daiki seemed well-versed in the local affairs of Loizart.
"In that case, I'd like to hear what you know about how things stand."
"Understood."
Daiki began to explain the Gimnas Magi-craft Research Laboratory's situation as perceived by the citizens of Loizart.
"First, regarding their reputation to date: the Gimnas Magi-craft Research Laboratory manufactures not only luxury items, but also everyday magi-devices for the general public."
"Oh?...So it's not just golems."
"Yes. Of course, their main focus is on golems and automata, but for ordinary citizens, their magi-devices are by far the most well-known."
In a sense, it was only natural for the products that people relied on daily to earn the greatest renown.
"However, for the past three or four years, those products have ceased circulating."
"Is that due to the influence of the Magic Federation?"
"I believe it is fair to say so. The concrete reason is that raw materials are no longer being imported."
"Aha, I see."
The Magic Federation's direct influence within the Shouro Empire was weak. Thus, the measure they had chosen was the obstruction of trade.
"A wide variety of materials can be harvested within the Shouro Empire, but magi-crystals are rarely mined here."
"Was that so?"
Jin recalled that four hundred years ago, the Empire had been entirely self-sufficient.
"Yes, that was true in the past. But around a hundred and fifty years ago, importing them became cheaper, so..."
"Ah, that makes sense."
Jin recalled that most of the mines in the Shouro Empire had indeed required deep underground shafts.
In other words, excavating them incurred exorbitant costs.
"Magi-crystals mined from the former Leonard Kingdom were inexpensive, even factoring in the cost of transportation."
"Indeed, that whole region is a mining territory, after all."
Whether one should consider it a partition ruled jointly by various nations or a free development zone was another matter.
"At present, materials harvested from the former Leonard Kingdom are purchased by all nations under identical terms."
Daiki added the supplementary explanation that private mining operators were free to sell to whichever country they pleased.
"So that's how it's handled."
"Naturally, there are state-run mines operated by each nation as well, but the major players are private enterprises."
It was the result of prioritizing economic revitalization, Daiki noted.
"Economically speaking, I believe our country remains sound."
Tax rates were relatively low, and prices were reasonable. One never felt that life here was difficult, Cocona chimed in.
"I see. Then the core issue comes down to what to do about the raw materials..."
The problem plaguing the Gimnas Magi-craft Research Laboratory was directly applicable to the Shouro Empire as a whole.
"I imagine that from the perspective of ordinary citizens, the prices of magi-devices are the main thing skyrocketing?"
Cocona nodded at Jin's question.
"Just as you say. Magi-devices have surged to roughly three times their price from four years ago."
"I see..."
Furthermore, for the aristocracy and the wealthy, the shortage of magi-crystals was bound to drive golem prices through the roof.
Since this did not immediately affect them unless they sought to purchase new units, it had not yet erupted into an overt crisis, but it would inevitably become a serious problem.
More importantly, it risked stalling the development of magic-frame style golems that was beginning to take off across various nations.
As far as Laojun was aware, engineers from the Gimnas Magi-craft Research Laboratory had apparently attended the recent lecture in Avalon as well.
"It seems... I will need to seek an audience with His Majesty."
"His Majesty" referred to the reigning Emperor, Ernst Lupus von Licht Shouro—commonly known as Ernst II.
While Jin had a few potential solutions in mind, he did not know the Shouro Empire's official stance, so he resolved that his best course of action was to meet directly with their supreme leader.
Since he still held the official title of Imperial Honorary Advisor even in this era, he technically possessed the authority to request an audience with the Emperor without a prior appointment. However, unlike during the late Empress's reign, Jin felt a natural sense of restraint.
Moreover, since the matter was not an immediate emergency, he decided to ask Daiki, who held the rank of count, to arrange an appointment through proper channels.
Whether owing to Daiki's influence or Jin's own renown, permission was granted for an audience the very next morning.
Jin and his party departed for the Royal Palace at the appointed hour.
Accompanying him were Reiko, Hope, and Daiki.
His calculation was that having Reiko and Hope at his side would leave no doubt as to his identity as the Magi Craft Meister.
After all, Jin was nowhere near as widely recognized by face in this era as he had been four hundred years ago.
They traveled to the Royal Palace in an automobile owned by Daiki.
Admitted inside with virtually no resistance, Jin and the others were escorted to a waiting room presumably reserved for advanced-level nobility.
"Please wait here."
Taking the opportunity to observe the palace's interior, Jin surveyed the room they had been shown into. Since he had been guided to a guest parlor during his previous visit, this was his first time setting foot in this particular room in four hundred years.
"Things have changed a bit, haven't they?"
"In what way?"
Though Jin had muttered mostly to himself, Daiki caught the remark and inquired further. Having a keen interest in the country's history, he seized every opportunity to learn.
"The decor. There used to be far more traditional works of art, but now the room is filled with magi-devices. Antique ones, at that."
As far as Jin could see, many of the items were magi-devices that had gained popularity four hundred years ago.
Refrigerators, magic stoves, water heaters, and other familiar appliances were present, alongside several contraptions he did not recognize.
"...I see. It feels as though they're charting the history of magi-devices."
Specifically, it felt like an exhibition documenting the evolution of magi-devices ever since Jin's appearance four centuries earlier.
"Anyone with an interest in the field could look at this for hours without getting bored."
And there was one more detail.
Befitting a room within the Royal Palace, several lavishly bound volumes rested on display. Jin picked one up.
"An introductory textbook on magi-craft, is it...?"
He leafed through the pages with genuine curiosity.
"The author is... someone I don't know."
Just then, a knock sounded at the door, and a liaison soldier entered to summon Jin's party.
"Magi Craft Meister Jin Nidou-sama, Count Daiki Nidou, Reiko-sama, Hope-sama."
Jin felt quietly pleased that Reiko and Hope were addressed with the respectful "-sama" honorific as well.
"His Majesty is expecting you."
Guided by the soldier, Jin and the others were shown into the Imperial office.
Waiting there to greet them was the Emperor of the Shouro Empire, Ernst II.
"Welcome, Jin-dono. It has been some time since we parted....Though I did have the privilege of listening to your lecture at Avalon."
So he really was among the attendees, Jin noted internally, finally connecting the dots.
Avalon had not disclosed the identities of the participants who attended that lecture.
"According to Daiki's letter, you have a proposed solution regarding the dilemma facing our nation's magi-craft industry?"
"Yes....How much time will you be able to spare me?"
"You may have the entire morning at the very least. If necessary, I am fully prepared to continue our discussion into the afternoon."
That alone was proof of how gravely the Emperor regarded the situation.
"Understood."
Seeing such earnest resolve only heightened Jin's own motivation.
"Then please, take your seats here."
Present alongside the Emperor were Reglei Gibbs von Besuvius, Lordtoss's close friend and the Magic Technology Minister of the Shouro Empire, as well as Gradin Haronad von Istear, Director of the Technology Department in the Ministry of Magi Technology.
On Jin's side sat Daiki Nidou, Reiko, and Hope.
"First, regarding the crisis facing the magi-craft industry: would it be accurate to say the core problem lies in the soaring cost of imported magical raw materials?" Jin began.
"Indeed. You may proceed on that premise without issue."
Magic Technology Minister Reglei gave a firm nod of assent.
"In that case..."
With the foundation established, Jin began his detailed explanation.