The meal at Hibari-tei, styled like a family restaurant, allowed everyone to order to their own tastes, leaving Jin and his companions thoroughly satisfied.
"...I think, maybe... the seasoning here is tailored a bit to Jin-nii's tastes."
Elsa dabbed at her mouth with a napkin as she spoke.
"Yeah, I had that impression too."
Reiko answered her lingering observation.
"Indeed, Father. Regarding the flavors here, one of the Quinta was involved about three hundred years ago."
"Ah, that explains it."
Quinta units had been dispatched across various regions to gather intelligence, and one of them had apparently spent several years in this town working as a cook.
That was likely why the "taste of Hourai Island" still lingered in the area.
"Ties can certainly endure in the most unexpected places."
Thinking about how they had inadvertently helped shape the local culture filled Jin with a profound sense of nostalgia.
Furthermore, from the snippets of conversation among the surrounding patrons, they were able to piece together the current state of the region.
The local economy seemed reasonably healthy, and the autumn-sown wheat harvest had apparently turned out well.
However, the general shortage of underground resources appeared to be a universal headache throughout the Shouro Empire.
"Well, now that we've taken a good look around," Reinhard began once they had left the restaurant and boarded the Golem automobile in the parking lot. "Jin, thank you. Seeing the 'present' state of my homeland with my own eyes has really set my mind at ease."
"Truly. Jin-sama, thank you very much."
"Kufu, yeah. The people of today are managing far better than I'd expected."
"Mm, I agree."
However, Jin spoke up.
"Still, there's just one thing... Well, I don't know if 'just one' is the right way to put it, but isn't there something still bothering you?"
Reinhard nodded in agreement.
"You mean the resources, right?"
"Yeah. That's precisely why you built the underground resource prospecting golem, wasn't it?"
"Well, yes."
"All that's left is figuring out how to distribute it while giving priority to the Shouro Empire."
It was a surprisingly tricky problem. If they handed it over to Avalon, the technology would likely be distributed equally—or at least impartially—to every nation.
While there was nothing inherently wrong with that, Reinhard, being a native of the Shouro Empire, naturally wanted to alleviate the hardships of his motherland first.
"Hmm. Do we have any choice but to pass the buck entirely to Daiki and Cocona in Loizart?"
That seemed to be the most expedient approach.
In that case, however, the question of who actually created the underground resource prospecting golem would inevitably arise.
"Ah, if it comes to that, feel free to tell them it's Jin's work. I don't mind in the least."
Reinhard was completely unbothered.
"I didn't make it to turn a profit or make a name for myself anyway."
"I see... In that case, let's leave it to Daiki and his wife after all."
Since they had access to audiences with Her Majesty the Emperor, they could simply present it as a delivery entrusted to them by Jin.
"Are you sure about this? Leaving the final step completely in someone else's hands, I mean."
"I don't mind. After all, I'm someone who isn't supposed to exist anymore."
Reinhard remained thoroughly pragmatic about the matter.
"All right. Let's do that, then."
It was only a short distance from here to Loizart. Jin sent a transmission to the Hurricane, which was on standby high above.
"All right, let's head to the airfield. Tsiq, if you would."
"Understood."
Tsiq drove the Golem automobile toward the airfield.
With impeccable timing, he pulled up right alongside the recently landed Hurricane.
"Well then, Tsiq, thanks for all your help."
"Not at all. Jin-sama, was I able to be of service?"
"Yeah, more than enough. Thank you."
"Thank you."
"Thank you."
Following Jin, Reinhard and the others also expressed their gratitude to Tsiq—Quinta Regulus 3.
No sooner had the Hurricane taken flight than it arrived in the skies above the Shouro Empire's capital, Loizart, in a matter of minutes.
"To keep things simple, I'm thinking only Reiko and I will go down, hand over the underground resource prospecting golem to Daiki, and come right back."
"Mm, sounds like a good idea."
"Works for me."
With that settled, Elsa, Reinhard, Berche, and Saki decided to remain aboard the Hurricane so as not to reveal themselves to Daiki and Cocona.
The Hurricane touched down on the mansion's rooftop.
Despite the unannounced visit, Daiki and Cocona came out to greet Jin without the slightest sign of fluster.
"Welcome, Jin-sama, Reiko-sama."
"Sorry for dropping in out of the blue."
"Not at all."
In the reception room, Jin got straight to the point.
"I came today to deliver this magi-device."
"And this is...?"
"An underground resource prospecting golem."
"What did you say?!"
Jin began by explaining its functions, prefacing that a friend of his had developed it.
"Right now, the Shouro Empire is facing a widespread shortage of underground resources. An acquaintance of mine grew concerned about the situation and developed this."
He then explained that he wanted Daiki to report the discovery and present the golem directly to Her Majesty the Emperor.
"Are you truly certain about this?"
"Of course."
Hearing Jin's confirmation, Daiki bowed repeatedly in gratitude.
"Thank you very much. Please convey our deepest thanks to your friend as well."
"Yeah, will do....I'm a bit pressed for time today, so we'll be taking our leave now. Please give my regards to Her Majesty the Emperor."
With those words, Jin rose to his feet.
"Oh dear, and we haven't even offered you proper hospitality."
Cocona wore an apologetic look.
"Don't worry about it....I'd like to visit for a longer stay next time."
"Yes, we shall eagerly await your return."
With their errand complete, the Hurricane soared back into the sky once more.
The Hurricane cruised at an altitude of approximately 5,000 meters.
Jin and the others relaxed in the cabin, looking back on their journey.
"Our descendants... if I can call them that. It seems everyone is doing quite well for themselves."
Reinhard remarked over a cup of tea.
"Indeed. So long as they aren't doing anything terribly improper, I have no intention of interfering."
"Kufu, that's true..."
"Still, I ended up causing you extra trouble, Jin."
Reinhard was still feeling a little guilty about having dumped the task of presenting the underground resource prospecting golem onto Daiki.
"Don't worry about it. What matters is that your and Saki's concerns have been put to rest."
Before long, the shores of Hourai Island came into view below.