Meanwhile, Jin's Doppel (= Jin D).
He was seated in the spectator stands reserved for VIPs, taking on the role of commentator.
After all, the invited guests were all high-ranking figures.
First and foremost was the King of Klein Kingdom, Melikalans I.
Queen Josephine Lumes Klein.
First Princess Lisabeth Ria Klein.
Magic Technology Minister Cowen Lacca Kido.
Along with five royal ritter guards and Alice, the wet nurse automata Jin had gifted them.
Though, strictly speaking, they were not guests who had been invited, but rather on the host side of the event.
As for the guests in the truest sense...
First was Sion of the All-Creation Clan. She was here as a representative of the Nord Federation.
She, too, was on the participant (organizer) side, so whether she could truly be called a pure guest was debatable, but...
Next, from Avalon, were Zora Himmel, Deputy Laboratory Chief of the Aviation Research Lab (commonly known as the Aviation Lab), and Ciel Azur, a member of the Aviation Lab.
Furthermore, from the Kingdom of Egerea's Royal Factory came the Honorary CEO, Ernest XVII, and his close aide, Kana Palosopha.
Finally, from Nostalgia, technical specialist Edda Eema was present.
No representatives had come from the Kingdom of Elias, the Kingdom of Franz, the Celuroa Kingdom, the Shouro Empire, or Mitsuho.
It was unavoidable, as the "air race" was still a niche sport.
The "Blow Floater" was becoming common as a means of flight for small groups of people.
As it was a vehicle with a completely different direction from airships, Jin hoped this tournament would spur further development across various nations; at the same time, however, he strongly wished for rigorous accident countermeasures to be put in place.
"Since it flies through the sky, a 'crash' is always a possibility in the worst-case scenario, so thorough safety considerations are essential,"
Jin D emphasized the importance of safety first before starting his commentary.
"Because the Nord Federation has a vast territory with scattered towns, the Blow Floater has evolved as a means of transportation there. Furthermore, since the ground is covered in snow during winter, automobiles are difficult to use even in clear weather. While Golem horses do exist, traveling through the sky with a Blow Floater seems to be the most efficient option."
"I see, it reflects the nature of their land."
Magic Technology Minister Cowen Lacca Kido nodded in understanding.
"It is just as Jin-dono says....In the past, my friend Marikka devised the Blow Floater as a simple and fast means of travel."
Sion backed this up.
"Indeed. I have heard about that as well,"
said Zora Himmel of Avalon. She was a petite female engineer, standing at 143 centimeters and weighing 38 kilograms. She formed a sharp contrast with Ciel Azur sitting beside her, who measured 169 centimeters and 50 kilograms.
"Avalon is small, so walking is sufficient for getting around, and if one is in a hurry, there are automobiles. That is why small aircraft have not really caught on with us."
The Aviation Lab she belonged to primarily conducted research on medium-class aircraft.
"Even so, seeing all these diverse 'Blow Floaters' before us, I am simply captivated by the wealth of ingenuity on display."
Ciel Azur chimed in as well.
"Yes. While the 'Blow Floaters' we see here are small, they employ many ideas that could be applied to medium-class aircraft. If possible, I would love to conduct various experiments once we return to Avalon. Don't you agree, Big Sister?"
Everyone present figured that "Big Sister" must refer to Zora Himmel.
"...Ahem. Research on 'Blow Floaters' is being conducted in the Kingdom of Egerea as well. Currently, however, balloons remain the mainstream for individuals, while airships dominate the medium-class and large-class categories."
Ernest XVII of the Kingdom of Egerea spoke up.
"Balloons and airships are quite stable as long as the winds are light, after all,"
Jin D added.
In this world, the axial tilt was smaller than Earth's, and seasonal variations were somewhat milder. Consequently, typhoons were rare, and strong winds capable of damaging buildings seldom blew.
Because of this, balloons and airships could operate with great peace of mind.
"...The question is whether to stay on the path of stability or aim for further advancement,"
Jin D remarked.
"Just as you say. In our country at present, there are many who lean toward stability,"
Ernest XVII said, sounding slightly disappointed.
"That cannot be helped, I suppose,"
Magic Technology Minister Cowen Lacca Kido of the Klein Kingdom offered his thoughts.
"Our country is in a similar state. The background behind it is that our internal affairs were thrown into turmoil by the Magic Federation until just recently."
As a result, talented cabinet ministers had been lost, making the very governance of the nation difficult.
"However, if we do not push ourselves here, we will be left behind by the times,"
Zora Himmel of Avalon said.
"Quite right. The Klein Kingdom is tackling this with such a forward-looking attitude. Your Highness, we cannot afford to fall behind either,"
said Ernest XVII's close aide, Kana Palosopha.
Kana was one year older than Ernest XVII; she was both his close aide and his childhood friend.
"Indeed....Sion-sama, Jin-dono, would it be possible to hold a competition like this in our country as well?"
Ernest XVII asked plainly, without pretense or bravado.
"If the question is whether it is possible or impossible, it would certainly be possible,"
Jin D replied.
"In the Kingdom of Egerea's case, it would likely be necessary to select an inland plain where the winds are mild,"
Sion added.
Furthermore,
"Unlike the Klein Kingdom, the Kingdom of Egerea has a coastline, so sea breezes would need to be taken into consideration,"
Jin D pointed out.
"To speak frankly, holding it there would be rather difficult for us, given the distance from our lands,"
Sion said apologetically.
Of course, everyone understood that the conversation here was informal.
Even if words of "cooperation" were offered on the spot, there was no guarantee they would be upheld.
Yet for that very reason, it was also true that these were honest opinions.
There seemed to be very few people in this group who were inclined toward political maneuvering.
"There is just one thing that weighs on my mind, however."
Melikalans I, King of the Klein Kingdom, spoke up.
"What might that be?"
Sion, sitting beside him, responded immediately.
"There are rumors that the nobles who were cast out for joining the Magic Federation—or rather, those former nobles—are colluding and plotting something."
"That is certainly plausible,"
Jin D answered nonchalantly.
In truth, thanks to imagery from the observation satellite Watcher and the Peeper utilized by Laojun, they had already detected well in advance that those "former" nobles were devising an unsettling scheme to strike a blow against the Klein Kingdom.
Their objective was revenge against the Klein Kingdom, which had purged them.
To that end, they intended to attack this event where dignitaries from other nations were gathered, tarnishing the reputation of their host, the Klein Kingdom, while harming the VIPs in attendance.
"However, Maquina-dono is also present. We will ensure this competition is a success."
"How convenient that even the King is in attendance."
"Let us show that detestable kingdom, which cast us aside, what we are made of!"
"Indeed, it is time....The men on-site will handle things properly."
And so, their comrades hiding "on-site"—that is, near Toka Village—initiated the metallic warriors they had secretly purchased and commissioned... the Golems.
"Go! Golem unit! Trample Toka Village!"
"Hyahaa! Attack the crowd!"
Thus, the faction seeking to crush the 1st Marikka Cup Air Race unleashed its power.