The time was 8:00 AM.
"Have a safe trip!"
"Haf a safe twip!"
Seen off by Elsa and the twins waving goodbye, Konron 3 slowly lifted off into the blue sky.
For this journey, Konron 3 maintained an altitude of around 3,000 meters, allowing it to clear the lower passes of the Northern Mountains.
"Oh my, what a lovely view!"
Looking down at the high peaks with their lingering summer snow and the glacier-carved valleys below, Konron 3 soared through the air. Edgar's piloting was steady and precise as he crossed valleys and navigated mountain passes, heading straight for the northern lands.
"High mountains really are cold, aren't they? Even knowing the theory from what I was taught, seeing it with my own eyes still feels so fascinating."
"Indeed, Lady Hilde....The temperature drops by 0.6 degrees for every 100-meter increase in altitude, was it? I have heard the explanation several times, yet I could never quite wrap my head around it."
Jin had previously gifted the Shouro Empire with teacher-use automata known as "Fuhrer." For reference, the Fuhrers were designed to teach scientific knowledge up to an elementary and partial middle school level.
In about an hour, Konron 3 reached the Pasdext Great Isthmus.
"Ah, so this is the northern edge of the Lauren Continent!"
Compared to the sheer vastness of the continent itself, the isthmus was a narrow, precarious strip of land—that was the Pasdext Great Isthmus.
"How should I put it... yes, it looks quite desolate."
An endless expanse of barren rock stretched out below. That was the northernmost tip of the Lauren Continent.
"Well, there's no reason to develop it at the moment."
The population of this world was sparse. At present, there was no need whatsoever to fight over territory.
Before long, Konron 3 crossed the isthmus and entered the airspace above the Gondoa Continent.
"Let's see, our destination was the All-Creation clan territory, wasn't it?"
Prompted by Empress Emerita Hilde's question, Jin explained once more.
"Yes. The one welcoming us today is the Clan Chief's granddaughter."
As Jin answered, Flora, who had remained silent the entire flight, spoke up as if to confirm.
"Lady Sion, correct?"
"That's right. I know her well personally, so I asked her to act as our guide this time."
"You certainly have a wide circle of acquaintances, Jin-kun."
Konron 3 lowered its altitude considerably, bringing the terrain below into clear view.
"The mountains over here are stark white. Is that snow?"
"Perpetual snow and glaciers, yes."
As he answered, Jin wondered if he might be able to take them on an excursion to one of those snow-capped peaks during this trip.
"We will be landing shortly. Outside temperature: 16 degrees Celsius," Edgar reported.
"At 16 degrees, short sleeves will probably feel a bit chilly. Please wear these."
Jin offered two long-sleeved garments.
"My, these are the coats you mentioned yesterday! Ah, what a wonderful texture!"
"The fabric feels exquisite."
Accepting them, the two women showered the texture with praise.
"They're made of magisilk. They have excellent heat retention, so they should keep you nice and warm."
Furthermore, the dense weave provided great wind resistance.
"How does it look?"
"It suits you very well."
Empress Emerita Hilde's coat was beige, while Flora's was a soft light blue. What Jin and Elsa had prepared were lightweight, blouson-style half-coats.
Touchdown was imminent. Konron 3 made a gentle landing at the airfield established within the All-Creation clan territory.
"All right, after you."
Jin moved to lead the way, motioning for Empress Emerita Hilde and Flora to follow... but hesitated.
"...Jin-dono, are you certain there is no danger?"
With a tense expression, Flora stepped forward protectively in front of Empress Emerita Hilde and asked.
"Yes, you have my word."
"...Flora, it's fine. Jin-kun would never put us in harm's way."
"......Understood."
"We are here as well."
When Ruby 101 of the Five-Colored Golem Maids chimed in reassuringly, Flora finally seemed to find her resolve.
Flora began to walk hesitantly. Putting them at ease, Jin took the lead and strode down the gangway.
"Jin!"
Greeting him was Sion.
"Long time no see! I'm so glad you came."
"Good to see you looking well too, Sion."
"Yes, thanks to you."
Jin and Sion exchanged friendly greetings. Since this was an unofficial visit, there was no need for rigid protocol.
"Jin-sama!"
Marikka hurried over as well and bowed deeply.
"Hey there, Marikka. Thanks for coming out to meet us."
"N-Not at all... Jin-sama is my teacher, after all."
Noticing the two women descending behind Jin, Marikka asked, "Are they the guests?"
Jin nodded, and Sion stepped forward first.
"Welcome to the Nord Federation. I am Sion, granddaughter of the Clan Chief of the All-Creation clan."
Marikka followed with her greeting:
"I am Marikka of the All-Creation clan. It is an honor to meet you."
She bowed deeply.
"You must be Sion. I am Hilde von Rubis. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance."
Empress Emerita Hilde introduced herself using a slightly shortened version of her name.
"...I-I am Flora Hecherat von Melante. Pleased to meet you."
Flora also introduced herself, sounding a bit stiff.
"Could you please just call them Hilde-san and Flora-san?" Jin suggested.
Sion gave a firm nod.
"Understood....Hilde-san, Flora-san, you are most welcome here."
With that, Sion performed an elegant Shouro Empire-style curtsy.
Seeing the gesture, Empress Emerita Hilde and Flora were reassured to know that Sion, at the very least, understood and respected their culture.