While the members of the Jin Family were sharing opinions and pondering how magi-craft affected plants, Jin realized he was running out of time.
"Ah... I need to be heading to the Shouro Empire soon."
He would have loved to continue discussions like this, but that wasn't an option.
In any case, Jin had to visit the Shouro Empire to hold a meeting regarding the Adriana Memorial Hall (tentative name).
"If we were just doing this on our own, it wouldn't be this troublesome, though."
Jin realized anew just how difficult it was to leave things in the hands of others.
Moreover, because this was a memorial hall dedicated to the First Generation whom he respected and held dear, he wanted to avoid using a Doppel as much as possible.
Therefore, nothing would get underway unless Jin went in person this time.
A little past noon on January 25, Jin boarded Hurricane and departed Hourai Island.
"Well then, I'm off."
"Have a safe trip."
"Well, I don't think I'll be staying very long this time anyway."
Since Elsa was staying behind, his only companions were Reiko and their pilot, Hope.
Hurricane took off, slicing through the clouds.
"We contacted Loizart, right?"
Jin checked with Laojun via the Fellowship Bracelet.
"Yes, My Lord. I requested it through Daiki and his wife."
"I see. Then it should be fine."
Jin was relieved to know there wouldn't be any issue even if he went directly to the Royal Palace.
"Still, it looks like this year is going to be full of construction..."
Gazing at the clouds drifting past outside the window, Jin muttered to himself.
Meanwhile, in Loizart.
"Jin-dono was supposed to arrive today, correct, Chancellor?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"His purpose is likely regarding that construction project."
"Indeed....Regarding that, work on the site is already underway, and the planning documents are complete as well."
"Mm, is that so?"
Ernst II nodded, reassured that things were well in hand.
"Magic Technology Minister Reglei is handling it, yes?"
"Yes, that is correct."
"I am curious to hear what Jin-dono saw in Mitsuho, but... I am currently preoccupied with other matters. May I leave entertaining Jin-dono to you, Chancellor?"
"Yes, leave it to me."
At the appointed time, Jin was in a room within the Royal Palace in the royal capital of Loizart.
"Welcome, Jin-dono. My apologies, but work has piled up today, so I have left your reception entirely to the Chancellor. Please let him know if there is anything you require."
Ernst II informed him apologetically.
"Thank you for your consideration."
After exchanging greetings with the Emperor, Jin entered a meeting with the Chancellor, the Magic Technology Minister, and the other officials.
"The other day, I went to Mitsuho to purchase some asphalt."
First, he reported on that matter.
"I purchased something called asphalt emulsion on a trial basis. Right now, we are testing how to use it."
"I see. In that nation, they used it for paving roads, did they not?"
Both the Chancellor and the Magic Technology Minister had apparently seen asphalt pavement before and had even ridden carriages over it.
"I think it's quite good, but the maintenance is troublesome."
"Oho?"
Thereupon, Jin explained what he had heard in Seki Town alongside what he knew himself—namely, that partial repairs on asphalt pavement were difficult.
"I see... If it allows water to permeate, it cracks easily when it freezes, and as a result, the pavement deteriorates, you say."
"And because full-scale asphalt pavement involves heating it to 160 degrees Celsius to pour it onto the road surface, partial repairs are difficult."
Both the Chancellor and the Magic Technology Minister followed Jin's explanation.
"Yes. However, we are currently running tests to see if we can manage that aspect using magi-craft."
Specifically, heating it with Heat, or using Softening to weaken its bonding strength, among other methods.
Depending on how things went, they might need to develop dedicated magi-craft spells, but Jin did not go that far into detail.
"Mm, mm, we shall leave that matter entirely to you, Jin-dono."
Regarding the handling of the asphalt, Jin had taken full charge of it.
"Now then, allow me to explain the construction work on our end."
The Magic Technology Minister explained the progress status and the upcoming schedule.
According to him, the foundation work had already begun.
The craftsmen were also readily accepting guidance from the Smiths Jin had left behind.
"Well, when we explained that they were construction golems crafted by the Magi Craft Meister, they obeyed without the slightest objection, you see."
The Magic Technology Minister chuckled.
To be precise, the Smiths were not meant for construction, but since it was a minor detail, Jin let it slide.
Handed the construction schedule, Jin skimmed through it. It followed the timeline they had previously discussed almost to the letter.
"As per our discussion the other day, completion is set for next spring, in April. Are there any issues?"
"None in particular. If pressed, I would say we would like the list of exhibition items as early as possible."
"Understood. I will have it finalized by the end of the year."
There was still nearly a year left, but they needed this much time because they wanted to carefully deliberate on what to display.
"That will be perfectly fine."
Jin, too, wanted to ensure the exhibits were thoroughly satisfying, and the members of the Jin Family were extraordinarily enthusiastic about the project.
After going over two or three other minor points, the meeting regarding the construction concluded.
"Well, well, when dealing with you, Jin-dono, matters proceed quickly. It is a tremendous help!"
After the meeting, Jin and the officials chatted amiably over tea.
"No, I should be thanking you for accommodating all of our requests."
For Jin, having no changes made to the plans was a great relief.
"Ah, that reminds me."
It seemed the Chancellor had remembered something.
"Regarding the investigation into the cause of the cave-in accident the other day, there has been a bit of progress. Would you like me to give you a report?"
Since a conclusion had not yet been reached, the Chancellor asked Jin whether an interim progress report would suffice, or if it would be better to summarize everything once the full results were in.
"Let's see..."
Laojun hadn't mentioned anything, so Jin surmised it would still take time before a definitive conclusion was reached.
Therefore, he stated his preference:
"Please tell me all at once after the final results are out."
"Understood. Then we shall do so."
The Chancellor promised that he would contact Daiki and his wife when that time came.