That afternoon, the entire Jin Family thoroughly enjoyed the sea aboard the special cruiser Katsura.
That night, they held another banquet, spending a delightful evening together.
In the middle of the festivities, a transmission came through from Laojun.
"Everyone, I apologize for interrupting your enjoyment, but I have an announcement to make."
"What is it, Laojun?"
"Yes. Lady Marikka's international funeral is scheduled to be held tomorrow in the Nord Federation. What would you like to do?"
"Huh...?"
"M-Mine?!"
"Ah... I see..."
Marikka was an internationally renowned figure—or rather, a vital person of influence.
In the field of magi-craft, she had nurtured countless disciples and pupils, many of whom had risen to become key dignitaries in various nations.
While Sion had already conducted the standard funeral within the All-Creation clan territory, an international funeral was unavoidable.
(Come to think of it, celebrity funerals were often held at the Aoyama Funeral Hall back in the day.)
Even in modern Japan, where Jin used to live, such grand ceremonies were frequently held long after the actual date of passing.
Given the international scale of this event, it had required a substantial amount of time for both the organizers to prepare and the attendees to arrange their travels.
Laojun had held off on mentioning it until now out of concern for Jin's previously unstable condition, so Jin couldn't reasonably fault it for keeping silent until the day before.
"It's probably best if I attend."
"Yes, I shall dispatch Deus Ex Machina as well."
While using Jin's Doppel was an option, he felt Sion would likely see through the ruse, and it would be disrespectful to boot.
"Marikka, do you want to come too?"
"M-Me as well, shir?!"
Marikka flustered and stammered when Jin brought up the idea.
"I think Sion and Rolona might catch on, but I doubt anyone else would notice."
"My Lord, Lady Sion has not yet been informed about the homunculi."
"Ah, is that so?"
In that case, having Marikka cross paths with Sion and Rolona would definitely cause problems.
That level of discretion was paramount.
"Looks like it'll just be Reiko and me after all."
"That would be the safest course of action."
Since Sion was serving as chief mourner, Jin would inevitably have to pay his respects to her at least once.
With Sion's sharp memory, she would immediately recognize the faces of any Jin Family members present.
"Well then, Reiko and I will head to the Nord Federation tomorrow."
"Mm. Take care, Jin-nii."
"Jin-sama, for going out of your way on my behalf... thank you very much."
Elsa offered words of appreciation, while Marikka herself bowed her head in gratitude.
The following day, July 18th, Jin, Reiko, Maquina, and Squire Rei departed for the Nord Federation aboard the Hurricane.
"Welcome. Thank you for making the long journey to be here."
Greeting Jin and the others upon arrival was Lordtoss of the Puppet Clan, Sion's great-grandson.
"Jin-san, it has been a long time."
"Jin-sama, it has been a long time."
Lordtoss's younger sister, Vita, was also there assisting.
"Great-grandmother has been preoccupied with preparations since yesterday, so she was unable to come out to greet you personally."
To the apologetic Lordtoss, Jin replied gently,
"I figured as much. I understand completely, so don't worry about it."
Led by Lordtoss and Vita, they were escorted to a large-class Golem automobile.
It appeared they would be riding it all the way to the funeral hall.
"This hall was constructed about 120 years ago."
Lordtoss explained that once the Nord Federation established closer diplomatic relations with the nations across the Lauren Continent, a ceremonial venue of this scale became necessary.
It was an immense structure, easily spanning roughly half the size of the Tokyo Dome.
The Golem automobile pulled up alongside what appeared to be the main entrance.
Stepping inside, they were met with an altar adorned with flowers, upon which rested a portrait of Marikka during her lifetime.
The portrait depicted her at roughly the exact same age as the Marikka Jin had seen just earlier that morning, leaving him with an undeniable sense of dissonance.
(Looking at this, it really shows why homunculi can't casually interact with the people of this world...)
Jin felt a bittersweet twinge of regret in his heart.
Seating assignments appeared to have been broadly designated, and Jin's party was ushered quite close to the front.
"Jin-san, please come this way."
"Maquina-sama, right over here, please."
Lordtoss guided Jin, while Vita directed Maquina to their respective seats.
"...This is..."
Jin had been escorted right up near the front, adjacent to the Clan Chief of the All-Creation Clan—unmistakably the VIP section.
Maquina was seated in the VIP area as well, though closer to the outer edge. Jin wondered if the arrangement was determined by the depth of each guest's relationship with the clan.
(...In my case, I suppose it's special treatment because Sion knows me personally.)
Seated beside Jin was Sion's mother, Rolona. Already in her seat, she offered him a slight bow.
"Welcome, Jin-sama. It is good of you to come."
"It has been quite a while."
Mindful of the solemn atmosphere, Jin set aside his casual demeanor and spoke with polite formality.
"It must be terribly hectic."
"Indeed. Sion and Belialus are currently entertaining the guests of honor, while Lordtoss, Vita, and Ludmila are assisting by showing guests to their seats."
Ludmila was Lordtoss's fiancée.
Now that she mentioned it, Jin could indeed spot her figure off in the distance.
"Ah, Jin-sama, thank you kindly for coming."
"Ah, Lucilius-san."
Taking the seat directly in front of Jin was Lucilius of the Puppet Clan, the former Clan Chief who had since retired.
"To think an old soul like myself is still clinging to life, while Marikka was taken from us far too soon."
"Yes, indeed..."
Lucilius was turning 513 years old this year, exceptionally long-lived even among the Northern People.
Naturally, the people gathered in this hall had no idea that Marikka was still very much alive in a homunculus body.
The only ones who knew the truth were Jin, Reiko, Maquina, and Rei.
Aside from the VIP section, the majority of the attendees were only just beginning to file in, entering one after another.
At a rough glance, there were around two thousand seats arranged in the hall.
Roughly half the crowd appeared to be citizens of the Nord Federation, with the remainder being dignitaries from across the Lauren Continent.
Taking in the sheer size of the gathering, Jin felt the true weight and reach of Marikka's character and virtue.