"My Lord, Elsa-sama, it is almost time."
"Oh, is it that late already?"
"I lost track of time."
Informed by Laojun that departure time had arrived, Jin and Elsa tidied up the cluttered room and asked Reiko to load the finished architectural model—the diorama—onto the Hurricane.
"Understood. Leave it to me."
Their personal belongings were already loaded aboard, and even if they had forgotten anything, Laojun could simply send it along via the transporter, so there was little reason to worry.
"All right, that should do it."
With the workshop restored to order, Jin and Elsa washed their hands and tidied their appearance.
Because of the five-hour and twenty-minute time difference, while it was 2:20 PM on Hourai Island, it was only 9:00 AM in Loizart, the capital of the Shouro Empire.
They grabbed a quick bite of the sandwiches Soleil and Luna had prepared for them, knowing they would likely be treated to lunch in the Shouro Empire later on.
"Honestly, time differences are such a hassle."
"Mm."
Still, it was simply something they had to accept.
Jin, Elsa, and Reiko boarded the Hurricane, with Hope once again serving as the pilot.
"My Lord, initiating transfer."
Using the transporter, Laojun sent the Hurricane into the skies five thousand meters above the Shouro Empire. At this altitude, there was no risk of being spotted from below.
The Hurricane gradually descended.
Breaking through the cloud layer, a panoramic view of Magiroots spread out before their eyes.
Since the primary objective of this trip was a planning meeting, the Hurricane set course straight for Loizart.
"Welcome, Jin-dono!"
Having had ample time to prepare, Jin had sent advance notice of their arrival, and their hosts were waiting in full readiness.
Gathered inside the Emperor's study to receive Jin were the following dignitaries:
Emperor Ernst II of the Shouro Empire, Chancellor Roderich Balberas von Heiser, Magic Technology Minister Reglei Gibbs von Besuvius, and Finance Minister Line-mar Fulmels von Gausen.
"It has been a while. A happy New Year to you all."
"Indeed, a happy New Year to you as well."
It seemed that the phrase "Happy New Year" had entered common usage as a seasonal greeting in the Shouro Empire.
Probably because my past self used it four hundred years ago, Jin mused silently.
"To offer New Year's greetings alongside me, my wife has accompanied me today. This is Elsa."
Following Jin's introduction, Elsa offered a graceful curtsy.
"My name is Elsa. It is an honor to make your acquaintance, and I ask for your continued favor."
"Oho, Elsa, you say?"
Ernst II appeared familiar with the name of Elsa Nidou, the companion of the Second Generation Magi Craft Meister.
"Yes. Since the Third Generation has taken the name Jin Nidou, I have likewise assumed the name Elsa Nidou."
"I see. A gesture of respect toward the Second Generation, then," the Chancellor noted. "If memory serves, was your original name not Erna?"
"Yes. Thanks to that similarity, transitioning to this name felt quite natural."
"I imagine it would."
With the matter of names addressed, Jin prepared to move on to business, while Elsa made a separate request.
"May I speak with someone regarding pneumoconiosis?"
An officer was summoned for her, and the two moved to the small conference room next door to hold their discussion.
"Now then, let us get straight to the point. Please take a look at this....Reiko."
"Yes, Father."
In a separate conference room from the one Elsa was using, Jin prepared to unveil the diorama of the memorial hall that Reiko had carried in.
"Ohh!"
As the protective cloth was pulled away, the detailed model was revealed.
"Magnificent! That is the shoreline of Magiroots, is it not? I see—an exact, faithful scale representation of the actual site. As expected of the Magi Craft Meister!"
"It makes it so easy to visualize the final structure. Truly remarkable."
"Looking down upon it, one almost feels like a giant."
The diorama received unanimous praise. Jin then lifted the modular exterior panels to display the layout within.
"Ohh!"
"The interior is detailed as well?"
"Well, the internal layout is still only at the drafting stage."
The main building was shaped like a U, with the open courtyard facing south toward the entrance.
Passing through the doors led into a spacious lobby, where a bust of Adriana was slated to stand (Jin had adamantly refused to have a bust of himself placed there).
To the right of the U-shaped wing was Exhibition Room 1, designated as the permanent gallery, featuring a south-facing glass facade.
This section would display ancient magi-devices illustrating the historical evolution of magi-craft, including the relics recently acquired at the free market in the Kingdom of Franz.
To the left was Exhibition Room 2, reserved for special and temporary exhibits.
At the rear of the entrance hall lay a cafeteria and a gift shop, while the restrooms were tucked into the far northeast corner.
The basement levels were allocated for storehouses and kitchens.
Inside the gift shop, Jin envisioned installing a replica of an ancient popcorn maker to sell freshly popped corn.
He had even indulged a bit of playful whimsy, imagining an automata modeled after Beena working the counter...
"...That is roughly as much as I have settled on for now."
The exact locations for the Library and the Repository remained to be finalized.
"I plan for two floors above ground and two underground, capped with a rooftop observation deck looking out over Magiroots."
When Jin concluded his overview, the Chancellor nodded appreciatively.
"Mm, a splendid design indeed."
"I am already eager to see the exhibits," Magic Technology Minister Reglei added.
"You never fail to impress, master craftsman," Ernst II praised.
With that, the broad strokes of the plan were approved. Since it was largely a confirmation of the matters discussed the previous year, the review concluded without a hitch.
Next, they moved to the construction schedule.
"The physical construction is to be handled on our end, correct?" the Magic Technology Minister confirmed.
"Yes. However, I would like our side to manage the land grading and foundation work."
"Oho, and why is that?"
"To be frank, we have a super-large-class golem at our disposal, which will expedite the process considerably."
"A super-large-class golem?"
"Indeed. It is designed specifically for civil engineering and stands fifteen meters tall."
"Fifteen?!"
"F-Fifteen meters...?"
Everyone in the room was left utterly struck dumb.