With the trouble resolved, they decided to leave the rest of the matter to Ludwig.
"We're outsiders here, after all. Ludwig seems reliable enough, so let's leave it in his hands."
That was the official stance.
As for what was truly on Jin's mind:
("Laojun, I'm curious to see how this turns out, so keep an eye on things until everything is settled.")
("Yes, My Lord. Understood.")
And so it was settled.
Jin and his companions then departed from the scene.
"What would you like to do next?"
In response to Tsiq's question, Jin asked just in case, "Hmm, let's see. Is there a good place around here to stay?"
"Yes, there is an inn with a hot spring," came the reply.
"Wait, really!?"
Upon inquiring further, Jin learned that the town had facilities built around the hot spring he had helped excavate back in May of the year 3460.
Since other water sources had been discovered since then, Kalts Village currently boasted three public bathhouses utilizing the hot springs, one health resort facility, and two hot spring inns.
(So the hot spring from back then is still in use...)
Realizing that a spring still flowing after four hundred years must be an exceptional source, Jin found himself imagining historic Japanese spa towns like Kusatsu Onsen and Arima Onsen.
Jin and his party decided to stay at Tsukikagetei, a time-honored establishment and one of the two hot spring inns.
Although a few details felt out of place, the architecture was overall Japanese-style, which was why Jin had chosen it.
"Ah, to think that hot spring would amount to all this..." Reinhard remarked, looking deeply moved.
Tsukikagetei reportedly had roughly two centuries of history, and the building's design had supposedly taken inspiration from the Hall of Five Virtues on Kunlun Island.
"No wonder it's such splendid Japanese-style architecture."
The only real divergence was the presence of Western-style beds inside the tatami rooms.
Even Japanese-style inns sometimes featured wooden flooring in certain areas to accommodate beds, so it wasn't particularly strange.
"These are proper rush tatami, too."
In the past, rushes had been imported from Mitsuho, but as tatami grew in popularity, people began cultivating them around Lake Tosmo and Lake Wasu. The mats here were entirely domestic—produced right in the Empire.
Seeing an increase in tatami enthusiasts brought a smile to Jin's face.
"Apparently, fewer people suffer from ringworm and athlete's foot now," Elsa noted.
"Ah, that makes sense."
Trichophyton was the fungus responsible for ailments like athlete's foot and ringworm.
In a society where people wore shoes all day, athlete's foot was notoriously difficult to cure once contracted, and it spread easily through communal bath mats. Places like hot springs required extra vigilance.
The situation had improved considerably thanks to the Sterilization magic Elsa had developed in the past, but because it was not a spell just anyone could cast, the affliction had never been completely eradicated.
However, the rush used to weave tatami had natural antibacterial properties, and people always removed their shoes before stepping onto it. In short, it promoted excellent foot hygiene.
Elsa suggested that such benefits had likely played a role in tatami's widespread adoption.
"Well, putting that aside," Jin said, "the rooms here are quite pleasant."
This time, out of consideration for Saki, they had booked a large suite—a spacious living room flanked by eight adjoining bedrooms.
Because of this arrangement, when night fell, Jin and Reinhard each took private rooms separate from their wives.
Reiko and Tsiq had no actual need for sleep, but to maintain their cover, they went through the motions of using their assigned quarters.
That left one room empty, but there was no helping it.
"Ah, that hits the spot."
"Yeah. This was a simple spring, wasn't it?"
Jin and Reinhard were relaxing in the hot spring.
"I believe so."
Since the water was presumed to come from a vein shared with Lake Tosmo and heated by geothermal energy, it naturally classified as a simple spring.
Even so, it absorbed trace minerals from the surrounding earth, and an Analyze cast on the water detected a minor concentration of alum.
While such mineral compositions were said to benefit skin conditions, the concentration here was too low to expect any dramatic effects.
"It's a nostalgic bath, that's for sure."
Reinhard, in particular, seemed thoroughly content to soak in water that felt so familiar.
"Kufu, what a lovely soak."
"Mm."
"It really has been far too long since I last enjoyed a bath like this."
The women were relishing the hot spring just as much.
Berche, too, was taking great delight in the nostalgic waters.
Dinner was served in traditional Empire style, presenting a parade of nostalgic flavors that delighted Reinhard, Berche, Saki, and Elsa.
And since Jin had never been a picky eater, the meal came to a close in a warm, pleasant atmosphere.
"Now then, tomorrow we'll go see how House Theoderic is faring..."
"...And then, we head back?"
"Kufu, I already know House Eschenbach is gone. Still, I can't help being curious about what became of the old estate."
At present, not a single person carrying Eschenbach blood lived among the common populace; every last one of them resided on Onogoro Island.
This was a fact they had already confirmed with Marikka.
"In that case, let's stop by Saki's childhood home first, and then go check on House Theoderic."
"Mm, that sounds good."
"Works for me, too."
"Of course, I shall accompany you as well."
"Kufu, I'm looking forward to it."
With their itinerary settled, they retired for the night.
Although the futons were not made of magisilk, they were comfortable enough that the slightly jet-lagged travelers drifted off into a sound, restful sleep without any trouble.
The following morning, on the 22nd, Jin and his party checked out of Tsukikagetei.
Their destination was Saki's childhood home.
"I believe the arrangement was to leave it just as it was."
For Saki, the later years of her past life had become mere 'knowledge' rather than living 'memory.'
Before long, they arrived at a lone house nestled amidst a sparse grove of trees.
"Ah, this is the place..."
Though weathered by time, the building remained perfectly intact.
"Naturally, as Father took great care to apply Toughening and Stabilize to the structure," Reiko revealed.
"Hmm... Hey, Saki. What do you say we move this house to Hourai Island or Planet Hehl?" Jin asked, noticing that Saki looked so overcome with nostalgia she was nearly in tears.
"Huh?"
"We can leave an exact replica in its place."
They had relocated Stearena's house in its entirety once before. Moving this one—transplanting it lock, stock, and barrel—was well within their capabilities.
"Hmm, in that case... would you mind moving it to Hourai Island for me?"
"You got it. We'll take care of it as soon as this trip is over."
With that settled, Jin and the others set off toward their next destination.