The dinner menu featured Shouro Empire style cooking.
"Ah, warm food really is delicious!"
Empress Emerita Hilde said happily.
Back when she was Empress, meals took so long between being prepared in the kitchen, undergoing poison testing, and finally being brought to her table that they invariably ended up cold.
While there were trays enchanted with preservation barriers that Jin had crafted in the past, they could only delay the cooling process rather than prevent it entirely, making it impossible for her to savor truly piping-hot dishes.
"They used to say the food at the Royal Palace was prepared to still taste good even when cold, but naturally, hot food is so much better."
"That is certainly true."
Speaking in terms of Jin's own preferences, sweet-simmered itopo and natsuri could be eaten cold, but they were unquestionably more delicious when served warm.
"Though it wasn't bad on Kunlun Island either."
The flavors here seemed to be a step above, Empress Emerita Hilde noted.
And with good reason: when Empress Emerita Hilde had dined on Kunlun Island, the dishes had to cater to various guests, resulting in a flavor profile designed for general appeal. The cooking here, however, had been seasoned specifically to suit Empress Emerita Hilde's personal tastes.
"I am delighted to hear that."
Perhaps because she found the meal so agreeable, Empress Emerita Hilde ate roughly one and a half times her usual portion.
Afterward, they relaxed together, enjoying post-dinner conversation while sipping buckwheat tea.
"Shall we proceed with our visit to the Nord Federation tomorrow as planned?"
Jin checked.
There were still plenty of places in Kaina Village he wanted to show them, but for a certain reason, he wished to prioritize this trip first.
The Nord Federation was far closer from Kaina Village than from the Shouro Empire, and above all, there was virtually no time difference.
"Yes, I would love to go."
"...Jin-dono, it is safe, isn't it?"
Empress Emerita Hilde was brimming with curiosity, while Flora looked distinctly uneasy.
To ordinary folk living on the Lauren Continent, the former demon territory—now known as the Nord Federation—remained an uncharted realm.
What was more, the inhabitants residing there were the former demon race, recently rechristened the Northern People. They were the very people who had fought to the death in the Great Magic War, unleashed a bioterror incident against the Klein Kingdom in recent memory, and stirred up chaos within the Shouro Empire as well.
Flora was well aware from several real examples that the Northern People were generally friendly.
She had heard that Ladeous, the next Clan Chief of the All-Creation clan, had unofficially visited the Klein Kingdom with his family under Jin's guidance.
Flora had also heard that they subsequently demonstrated their Hardening technology in Toka Village, yet the apprehension engraved deep within her heart could not be dispelled so easily.
"Yes, it's perfectly safe. You have my personal guarantee."
"Well, if you say so..."
"Flora, you are worrying far too much. The Nord Federation joined the World Conference just last year, after all."
That historic event had taken place on January 20, 3462.
Incidentally, the representatives of the Nord Federation had been Baldius and Ladeous of the All-Creation clan—Sion's grandfather and father, respectively.
Since then, the Nord Federation had made numerous contributions as an active member of the World Conference.
As a side note, the very first time they had addressed the World Conference was back on January 15, 3460. The presiding Chairman at the time had been the ruling Empress of that era—namely, Empress Emerita Hilde herself.
She had yearned to visit the Nord Federation ever since.
That was why Jin wanted to seize this opportunity to take Empress Emerita Hilde to the Nord Federation, even if the trip was unofficial.
"Yes. I am truly looking forward to it."
Empress Emerita Hilde nodded with delight, while Flora asked, still sounding anxious:
"...Is there anything in particular we should keep in mind?"
Sensing that she was bracing herself to avoid causing offense, Jin explained:
"Nothing special, really. Ah, their manners and customs are somewhat different, so please don't be troubled if they behave in ways unfamiliar to you."
"Likewise, there's no need to be overly stiff about our own etiquette," he added with emphasis.
He particularly wanted the earnest, rigid Flora to take that to heart.
There was one more thing:
"Also, the climate is even cooler there than here, so you may want a long-sleeved jacket if you step outside," he remembered to advise.
Upon hearing that, Flora spoke up.
"Long sleeves, you say...? I'm afraid that..."
She hadn't packed any, she admitted. Setting her own attire aside, she was worried about Empress Emerita Hilde.
"Ah, if that's all, we can easily provide some here. Right, Elsa?"
"Yes. Please, leave it to me."
"Then I shall rely on you."
And so the matter was settled.
Through conversations like this, some of the tension weighing on Flora regarding the upcoming trip seemed to thaw.
Hoping to further put Flora's mind at ease, Jin highlighted Marikka's connection:
"A girl named Marikka from the All-Creation clan is actually my disciple."
By this point, Marikka had earned the recognition of Testa, the magi-brain overseeing Onogoro Island, and had become its master.
Therefore, while unofficial, Marikka was a top-tier figure of authority.
If Jin were to say that to her face, she would likely turn bright red and fluster in embarrassment, but...
"Marikka-san, yes. I have heard her name," Empress Emerita Hilde said.
"I believe you will be able to meet her."
"Ah, that makes me look forward to it all the more."
"..."
Empress Emerita Hilde beamed with anticipation, while Flora remained quietly pensive.
Jin figured it was only natural for Empress Emerita Hilde—who had met the Nord Federation's representatives face-to-face at the World Conference—to have a vastly different impression compared to Flora, who knew of them only by reputation.
He was confident that once Flora met and spoke with them in person, any lingering reservations would melt away.
Furthermore:
(There are probably still many people who feel the same way Flora does....I'd really like to get the word out that the Nord Federation genuinely desires peace, and that in that sense, they're no different from the people of the Lauren Continent.)
He reflected silently.
Afterward, they continued to enjoy lighthearted chatter until the gathering concluded at 7:30 PM.
"I shall retire to my room to relax. Yuu-chan, Mio-chan, good night."
"Goo' night!"
"Goo' night!"
Warmly cheered by the adorable farewells from Yuu and Mio, Empress Emerita Hilde returned to her quarters with a heart full of comfort.
The following morning brought splendid weather as well.
After breakfast, Jin escorted Empress Emerita Hilde and Flora to Konron 3, parked just outside Jin Castle.
For this journey, Elsa and the twins would stay behind to mind the estate. Jin's escort was Reiko.
To further reassure Flora, they decided to bring along all of the Five-Colored Golem Maids stationed at Jin Castle.
This presence seemed to clear away what remained of Flora's lingering anxiety.
Before boarding, Jin called out to Elsa.
"Sorry to trouble you, Elsa. I'll be borrowing Edgar."
"Mm, go right ahead. Take care, and have a safe trip....Edgar, look after them."
"Yes, Elsa-sama."
With that, the boarding hatch of Konron 3 slid shut.
At long last, it was time to depart.