Jin and his party traveled from Mahahama to Ekishi.
"Now then, next up is..."
Just as Jin began to speak—
"Father, it seems Laojun has something to report," Reiko told him, prompting Jin to get in touch with Laojun via his bracelet.
"Laojun, what is it?"
"My Lord, I have a report."
"All right, let's hear it."
"Yes, My Lord....You visited a materials shop in Kalts Village, correct?"
"Yeah."
"The female clerk working there carries a faint trace of House Theoderic blood."
"Wh-What?!"
"What?!"
Listening beside him, Saki raised her voice as well.
Reinhard and the others looked just as astonished.
"Upon investigation, her maternal great-grandmother was an illegitimate child of House Theoderic."
In this case, "illegitimate child" referred to a child born to a woman other than the lawful wife.
"Hmm..."
Saki pretended not to care, but the way she tilted her head made it painfully obvious she was hanging on every word.
"So, how is she doing for herself?"
When Jin asked, Saki flinched. She was the only one who believed she was hiding her curiosity.
"Fairly well, all things considered. She lives with her parents and one younger brother. While not particularly wealthy, they do not appear to want for anything."
"I see. That's good to hear, then."
Here, Saki chimed in.
"L-Laojun, what is her name?"
"Yes. Her name is Hermine Berner."
"Hermine, huh... Has she pursued any scholarly studies?"
"No. She completed secondary education and seemingly found employment at the materials shop afterward."
"I... see."
"To add, she is engaged to the young master of that shop."
"Huh?"
"Oh?"
Hermine, a distant relative of Saki. It seemed she was walking firmly along her own chosen path.
"Kufu... Then may good fortune bless her way."
A faint, bittersweet, yet contented smile graced Saki's lips.
"Saki?"
"...Yeah. Relative? Kinswoman? Whatever she is, I know how she's doing now, and it doesn't look like she's struggling. Just knowing that is enough for me."
"...Understood."
And with that, Jin's party had (more or less) no lingering regrets left in Kalts Village or the town of Mahahama.
"Which brings us to our final stop: Ekishi."
Ekishi was the town where Elsa's family home was located.
"Tsiq, what's the status of Elsa's family home these days?"
"Yes, it currently carries on as a viscount house."
"Oh, really?"
Elsa's family home, House Randol, had once been dissolved after her father Georg, influenced by Marcosius of Frenzy—one of the demon race—committed various treasonous acts against the realm.
Afterward, Elsa achieved numerous distinctions as a Reichsarzt and initially revived the house as a baronetcy. Later, with her further achievements recognized, it had returned to its original status as a viscountcy.
"Just hearing that... puts me at ease."
Elsa wore a serene expression beside Jin.
Incidentally, because the airfield where they had landed the Hurricane was situated on the outskirts of Ekishi, the ground they were currently driving on was technically part of Ekishi already.
"There are a lot of paddy fields around here."
In the dead of summer, lush green rice fields stretched across both sides of the road like an endless emerald carpet.
And where that carpet began to taper off marked the entrance to the town of Ekishi proper.
"They grow quite a bit of rice here in Ekishi too, don't they?"
"Yes. It allows for the effective use of what was once unprofitable marshland. Furthermore, there is almost no soil sickness from continuous cropping, and the crop itself holds high commercial value."
Tsiq offered the explanation.
"It is said to boast the largest planted acreage of rice in the region surrounding Lake Tosmo. Which directly translates to Ekishi's prosperity."
"I see....Elsa's hometown is really thriving."
"Nn. It makes me happy."
Although Elsa's brother Moritz had possessed a frail constitution, he had successfully passed down the domain through his direct line. Furthermore, his descendants proved competent and brought about such prosperity. For Elsa, this was wonderful news.
The Golem automobile soon rolled into downtown Ekishi.
"Oho..."
Though an old town, it was neither cluttered nor overly rigid, striking an exquisite balance in its streetscape.
"It seems that back in Moritz-niisama's day, Jin-nii was consulted to help draft the town's expansion plans."
"Is that right..."
As a duplicate, Jin had no memory of it, but Elsa had been briefed on those past events.
"So that's why it has such a distinct charm."
Even so, roughly 350 years had passed since then, meaning the preservation-type magi-craft must have been applied masterfully.
"Yeah, it's a great town."
"Nn. I think so too."
Reinhard, his wife, and Saki kept quiet, letting Jin and Elsa enjoy their conversation without interruption.
With no set destination, Tsiq drove the Golem automobile through all the main thoroughfares of Ekishi.
"It's quite lively."
For once, Saki voiced her thoughts.
"Indeed. I visited many times in the past as well. While familiar landmarks remain, there are plenty of new buildings too. And they blend together in perfect harmony."
Reinhard also offered a warm assessment.
Jin figured that was likely where his past self had offered input.
When designing buildings, strive for harmony rather than chasing trends or aiming to stand out. He had probably given advice along those lines.
"Still, they've faithfully stuck to that principle all this time."
The newest building appeared to be about ten years old, yet it seamlessly respected that same principle of harmony.
While taking in the scenery was pleasant, Jin began to feel that sightseeing alone was a bit unsatisfying.
"Given the time, should we grab some food?"
The clock read 11:45 AM.
"A sound idea. There seem to be many wonderful places to eat around here."
"Kufu, now that's something to look forward to!"
Jin and the others decided on a restaurant recommended by Tsiq.
"Right this way."
"Oh!"
Bearing a signboard that read "Hibari-tei," the restaurant featured parking spaces for carriages and Golem automobiles, exuding a stylish, welcoming atmosphere.
"It appears to be a favorite among families and travelers alike."
Upon entering, their party size was confirmed before they were guided to a table, where they looked over the menu to decide on their meal.
"Please let me know whenever you are ready to order."
Setting down glasses of cold water, the waitress bowed politely and stepped away.
Taking in the restaurant's atmosphere and ordering system, Jin couldn't help but wonder if his past self had played a part here as well.