The next destination for Jin and his party was the town of Mahahama.
House Theoderic was located here.
Jin and the others were visiting the area in the Golem automobile driven by Tsiq.
"Kufu, I wonder how many years it's been....About 380 years, maybe?"
The last time Saki had visited was apparently after her grandfather, Marquis Gehren Teoderik von Eisen, had passed away.
"I doubt it's changed much, though..."
House Theoderic had been conservative for generations, so Saki remarked that it probably had not changed much at all.
And she was proven right.
"...It has hardly changed at all. The only real difference is the surrounding vegetation."
Reiko, who had known the estate since 400 years ago, confirmed her assessment.
"Well, it's only natural for the plant life to change over the course of 400 years."
Trees grew, and it was entirely normal for them to wither away—four centuries was that kind of span.
"Looks like that huge tree in the garden finally withered, as expected... But the one that used to be so small has grown into a giant..."
The massive elm tree, which was said to have been over 500 years old back then, was indeed gone, but the camphor tree that had still been small at the time had grown into a behemoth.
Even from a distance, its massive crown was unmistakable, leading Saki to estimate that it stood well over 30 meters tall.
As they drew closer, the buildings came into view.
"The buildings... haven't changed much either."
Hearing Saki's murmur, Jin offered an explanation.
"Stone buildings don't really show their age all that much as long as they're regularly maintained."
That would not apply to wooden structures, though, Jin added.
"Still, I remember hearing that wooden buildings can last for over a thousand years if they're built properly and well cared for..."
"Is that how it was in the world you came from, Jin? That's quite remarkable."
Hearing Jin's words, Reinhard seemed impressed.
"Yeah. They're called 'temple carpenters'—craftsmen who specialize in religious facilities like temples and shrines. Those builders inherit traditional techniques and can supposedly construct massive structures without using a single nail."
"Heh, that's amazing."
Saki voiced her admiration as well.
"How do they make them? It's not like they use magic, right?"
"Of course not. I don't know all the details, but apparently they shape the timber so the pieces interlock snugly and then fit them together."
"Hmm... I don't quite get it."
"I figured. Sorry."
As they were talking, the Golem automobile driven by Tsiq came to a halt.
Since they had not come for a formal visit, they avoided stopping directly in front of the main Gate.
"This is House Theoderic."
Taking it in once more, the estate was undeniably grand.
"Yeah, it really hasn't changed."
Saki spoke with deep emotion.
The perimeter was lined with hedges, giving it an unpretentious, open feel.
In reality, a sturdy steel fence was concealed just inside the hedge line. It had been designed that way out of consideration for the surrounding landscape.
"What do you want to do now?"
When Jin asked,
"Hmm, honestly, just seeing the estate is enough for me,"
Saki answered.
Although the marquis's family still resided there, Saki had no intention whatsoever of requesting an audience.
"I see. Then shall we head back?"
"Hmm, what do you think, Reinhard?"
"Don't ask me."
"Berche."
"Oh, please, Saki-san."
"Elsa."
"Saki-nee..."
"Jin."
"You're just messing with everyone at this point, aren't you?"
"You caught me."
"Hey, now."
After that playful back-and-forth, the group left House Theoderic behind. That said, they were not returning home just yet.
Instead, they headed into downtown Mahahama.
"This place is basically just a private residence, after all. The manor house used for governing is in the center of town."
Those were Saki's words.
"Indeed. Having administrative offices right in the heart of town is vital for staying attuned to the voices of the residents."
Reinhard also seemed to approve of the arrangement. Jin chimed in as well.
"Yeah, I can see that. Keeping your workplace separate from your home is pretty important too..."
"I feel like... that's a slightly different matter."
In Jin's case, he was thinking of the downsides of living in company housing, where the office could contact you at any hour and pull you into unexpected overtime.
The town of Mahahama was orderly and meticulously arranged.
"Ah, the parts that have changed and the parts that haven't are so distinct."
Saki let out a soft sigh.
The road cutting through the central district was laid out in a straight line, bordered by street trees planted at uniform intervals. Even the sidewalks were pristinely maintained.
"I just can't bring myself to like this side of the town..."
"Yeah, I think I know what you mean."
Jin sympathized with her sentiment.
"It's so tidy that it feels stripped of everyday warmth."
Jin recalled that even in modern Japan, where he had once lived, master-planned new developments had always felt somewhat sterile and distant.
By comparison, historic towns possessed a delightfully chaotic charm where old and new elements sometimes harmonized and sometimes clashed, which Jin found far more appealing.
"I can't put it into words very well, but it feels less like a town built for people to live in, and more like people are living here just to maintain the town."
"I see."
Jin figured that was Saki's way of describing her sense of dissonance.
Yesterday, Berche had teased her, claiming she only preferred cluttered towns because her own room was a chaotic mess.
"Still, as long as the residents here have their own vitality, it must be fine in its own right."
Judging by the bright, unburdened faces of the people walking the streets, the local governance was clearly a success.
"Kufu, as long as that's the case, that's plenty."
Though her tone sounded somewhat detached, Jin did not miss the slight sheen of moisture in Saki's eyes.
"You're really not honest with yourself sometimes, Saki."
"Huh?"
"I mean, look at you. You used to call the marquis that old geezer, yet you were worried sick the moment he collapsed."
"Urgh..."
Jin's observation left Saki completely speechless.
"Well, I understand how you feel. So, are you sure you're ready to go?"
"Yeah, I'm good. If I stay too long... I feel like I might start crying."
This time, Saki laid bare her true feelings without hesitation.
"All right, I understand....Let's head back, then. Tsiq, if you would."
"Understood."
And so, the party departed Mahahama, the seat of House Theoderic.