"...And that was the sequence of events."
Laojun's report continued.
"This is... as expected, a completely automated magi-device."
Victo confirmed that these magi-devices were not operated by a magi-brain, but were merely controlled at a level that executed preprogrammed routines.
"To simply follow a program that continuously manufactures fireworks for a full year and launches them on a set date... Is that really all?"
It seemed likely that whoever created this system had not anticipated it running for an exceptionally long period.
"Which means that if any trouble arises, everything will grind to a halt."
For instance, the prepared materials running out.
For instance, some of the magi-devices malfunctioning due to natural disasters like lightning strikes or earthquakes.
For instance, an outside intruder interfering with the mechanism.
Since he himself was an intruder, it would be naive to assume no one else could ever find their way in.
"...Even so, considering the construction of this place, it feels somewhat inconsistent."
Victo reasoned that anyone capable of constructing a facility of this scale would surely possess the ability to create magi-brains or golems.
Thus, he ceased moving and decided to focus on observation for a while.
As an automata, remaining motionless posed no hardship for Victo.
One hour turned into two, then half a day passed, and then a full day. The situation still showed no change.
One day became two, stretching into a week, and then a month.
Finally, the long-awaited change occurred.
A golem appeared, its upper body resembling a human's while its lower body was a four-wheeled cart.
(What kind of golem is that...?)
As Victo watched intently, the golem inspected the hall, replenished the depleted materials, and vanished off somewhere once more.
(I see. Inadequate though it may be, a maintenance and management system is in place.)
From the looks of it, the maintenance golem was not equipped with a magi-brain capable of independent judgment.
(With that, it might handle expected routines, but it won't be able to cope with unforeseen accidents.)
Presumably, it would reach its limit in about ten to twenty years.
"There does not appear to be anything more worth seeing here."
Judging that Laojun could simply continue monitoring via Peeper from then on, Victo decided to install a marker so they could teleport in via transporter if anything happened.
"Somewhere it won't be cleared away by the maintenance golem would be best."
With that in mind, he bored a small hole into an empty patch of floor at the center of the hall, embedded the marker, and restored the surface to its original state.
"That should do it."
Victo then carefully made his way outside, retracing his steps in reverse.
"...And that concludes the circumstances at the time of discovery."
Laojun's explanation came to an end.
"I see. I understand the background now."
With the various mysteries cleared up, Jin was satisfied.
"Subsequent investigations revealed that the facility was seemingly built by a fireworks artisan and their friend. Their names remain unknown."
"Is that so? It can't be helped, then."
Even Laojun was not omnipotent, after all.
"So, those fireworks have been going off ever since?"
"Yes, My Lord."
Laojun explained that whenever the materials ran low, it had been replenishing them.
"What, so you knew everything right from the start, Laojun?"
"I apologize for keeping silent."
"No, it's fine. Gathering information to solve the mystery was fun in its own right."
Even if they had been dancing in the palm of Laojun's hand all along, in the end, it was just spice for their journey.
Neither Jin nor Elsa was childish enough to hold a grudge over that.
Besides, carrying on the wishes of the craftsmen who built the facility and maintaining it like this was something Jin didn't mind at all. In fact, he rather encouraged it.
In that sense, he felt like offering Laojun words of praise: 'You did well.'
"Additionally, they revealed to us the production site of saltpeter. We have gathered some as an added bonus alongside their share and stored a little on Hourai Island as well."
"I-Is that so?"
Jin imagined that Laojun's idea of 'a little' probably amounted to several tons.
Having thoroughly enjoyed the bonus fireworks display, Jin and his companions departed Coco on December 7th.
"Thank you very much for everything."
"Please, do come again!"
Thanked and seen off by the Okami and master of the Chidoritei inn, Jin's group headed west along the highway, making their way toward Lunark.
"How far should we go today?"
They had no particular destination in mind regardless.
"Turn south at Lunark and head for Loloon Town?" Elsa suggested.
"Loloon Town, huh?"
It was the town they had once visited to rescue Sion's older sister, All-Creation.
"Sounds good. Let's do that."
Jin agreed to the plan.
From Coco to Lunark was about eighteen kilometers. The golem automobile covered the distance in thirty minutes.
Without entering Lunark proper, they turned left—heading south—and proceeded down the highway.
It took one hour to reach Ramasa. From there, traffic picked up with more pedestrians and carriages, preventing them from building up speed, so it took two hours to reach Torinte.
"It's a little early, but let's have lunch here."
"Mm."
Parking the golem automobile in a lot on the outskirts of town and tasking Hope with keeping watch, Jin, Elsa, and Reiko set off into town.
Since Torinte was situated along the highway, it was reasonably lively. Consequently, there were many travelers, and the diners offered a wide variety of cuisines.
"Ah... Look, a 'MagiMai set meal.'"
Elsa keenly spotted a sign.
"MagiMai...?...A Magi Craft Meister set meal?!"
Drawing closer, Jin caught sight of the small explanatory note written underneath and blurted out in surprise.
"I'm actually kind of curious," Elsa remarked.
Indeed, Jin could not deny a morbid curiosity to see what kind of food would be served. Prompted by Elsa, he decided to step inside.
It was eleven-thirty, and the diner was still fairly empty. Jin, Elsa, and Reiko were escorted to a four-person table in the back.
"One MagiMai set meal, one daily special set meal, and one kids' set meal, please."
Elsa placed their order.
After about ten minutes of waiting, all three meals were brought to the table—remarkably prompt service.
The 'Magi Craft Meister set meal': Rice, miso soup with aburaage and okara, grilled salmon, boiled spinach, sweet tamagoyaki, and oshinko.
The 'Daily Special Set Meal': A koppepan roll, vegetable and kokarisk stew, hamburger steak, vegetable salad, and a quarter of an apulul.
The 'Kids' Set Meal': Hotcakes, an omelet, vegetable salad, bacon stew, and fruit juice.
Naturally, Elsa—who disliked kokarisk—took the MagiMai set meal, Jin took the daily special set meal, and Reiko took the kids' set meal.