Having taken in the breathtaking panorama from the top floor of Jin Castle, Empress Emerita Hilde prepared for the next part of her visit.
Jin decided to show her around the rest of the castle interior.
He provided explanations as they descended from the highest level on the sixth floor.
First came the fifth floor.
"The fifth floor consists of my and Elsa's private quarters."
"Oh my, there's a lounge here as well."
"Yes. There is one on every floor above the second."
"The view from here really is wonderful. Having teatime while watching the twilight landscape or the night sky sounds simply divine."
Hearing her enthusiasm, Jin smiled. "In that case, I'll have tea prepared for tonight."
"My, how delightful. Thank you, Jin-kun."
Next, they proceeded down to the third floor.
"As for the fourth floor, where I come from, some people consider the number four unlucky," he explained.
In truth, the fourth floor was a security trap. Anyone climbing up from below with their sights on Jin's living quarters on the fifth floor was designed to be ensnared there—though it had never actually been triggered.
"On this floor, we have an office, a Repository, a Library, and spare guest rooms."
Since he was technically a lord, an office had been prepared for him, though he rarely ever used it.
The Library was stocked with a vast collection of books.
The Repository displayed reference materials and historical records other than books.
Taking a look through them in sequence, Empress Emerita Hilde remarked, "What a magnificent Library. It seems to hold volumes that cannot be found even in our imperial archives."
She had apparently deduced their rarity just from a brief glance along the spines. As expected of Her Majesty, Jin thought, his respect for her deepening.
"Would it be all right if I took a look around later?" Flora asked.
"Of course. It's completely open to everyone," Jin replied, taking both women by surprise.
"To think such a treasure trove of knowledge is freely accessible without price or condition... Lord Jin Nidou truly cares for his people!"
In fact, Hanna had read through every single book here, mastering their contents in full with the sole exception of practical spellcasting.
From there, they moved down to the second floor, where the guest rooms prepared for Empress Emerita Hilde and Flora were located.
"Let's see... The restroom and washroom are located over here on the north side."
Naturally, this floor also featured its own lounge.
Next, they headed down to the first floor.
"Here, we have a Great Hall spacious enough to accommodate the entire village. It's used for assemblies and banquets."
"My, how spacious. It certainly rivals the Great Hall of the Royal Palace."
"Thank you very much....The kitchen and baths are on this floor as well."
There were basement levels beneath them, but Jin refrained from leading them down, keeping strictly to a verbal explanation.
"The first basement level serves as a food storehouse. It holds enough provisions to feed the village for about a year."
"I see, so you are well prepared against famines and disasters." Flora's face filled with admiration as she spoke.
"Yes, exactly," Jin replied.
While that was true enough, the castle was also connected to Hourai Island via a dedicated Warp Gate, meaning their actual stockpiles could easily last over a century rather than just a single year.
"The second basement level houses our wastewater and food waste processing facilities, among other utilities."
"I see."
In reality, there were also underground dungeons and interrogation rooms, but since they had never once seen use, Jin quietly omitted them from the tour.
"Well, that concludes our tour of Jin Castle."
At Jin's words, Empress Emerita Hilde offered a gentle round of applause.
"Thank you, Jin-kun."
By now, the clock was nearing three in the afternoon.
"Well then, assuming we save the village tour for tomorrow, would you care for a bath?"
"Ah, that sounds wonderful. The one you showed us just now, yes?"
"Yes, that bath is available, but Kaina Village also has a natural hot spring."
"Oh, really? I would love to try it!"
"At this hour, though there shouldn't be many, some of the villagers might drop in as well."
"I don't mind in the slightest. Do you, Flora?"
"Not at all, my Lady."
"In that case, allow me to escort you. Please bring a change of clothes."
With only their changes of clothing in hand, Jin guided Empress Emerita Hilde and Flora out toward the Kaina Village hot spring.
Naturally, Reiko and Ruby 101 accompanied them.
Elsa, having just put the twins down for their afternoon nap, joined the party as well. As a side note, Perido 101 had stayed behind to watch over the children.
"Ah, it is already harvest season for the wheat."
Passing between the fields of autumn-sown wheat that had ripened to a brilliant golden hue, Empress Emerita Hilde murmured with a pleased expression.
Come to think of it, the national emblem of the Shouro Empire features three stalks of wheat, Jin recalled.
It brought back fond memories of their wedding reception in the Shouro Empire, when she had shared the story of the founder's heartfelt intentions when first planting wheat across the land.
"'The foundation of a nation lies not in its king, nor in its soldiers, nor in its legions, but in its food,' wasn't it?"
Hearing him quote her words, Empress Emerita Hilde's face lit up with joy.
"My, you remembered! I am so very glad."
"Of course. Those were the words Your Majesty blessed Elsa and me with to celebrate the start of our new life together."
"Yes. I will never forget that moment for as long as I live," Elsa added softly, looking back on that day alongside Empress Emerita Hilde.
"Thank you. Being a part of your union was truly one of the finest moments of my life as well."
A sudden prickle stung the back of Jin's nose, but he feigned composure and kept walking at the head of the group.
Thanks to his position leading the way, the only one who noticed the faint sheen of moisture in his eyes... was Reiko.
"Aah... What wonderful water."
Finding no one else at the Kaina Village hot spring, they had the entire bath to themselves.
The women were able to unwind and soak in the soothing waters to their hearts' content without a single worry.
"This is a baking soda spring, so it leaves your skin silky smooth."
"My, how lovely."
Furthermore, the water's mild alkalinity allowed the soap to lather exceptionally well.
"Your Maj... Lady Hilde, your skin looks so youthful."
Elsa offered the compliment with total sincerity; Empress Emerita Hilde's skin was truly vibrant and smooth.
Elsa then poured water over Empress Emerita Hilde's back and washed her hair.
Nearby, Ruby 101 attended to Flora.
Jin stood watch outside the bathhouse rather than bathing himself, fully prepared to apologize to any villagers who might arrive, but fortunately, not a single soul showed up until the three women had finished and stepped out refreshed.