May 1, 3901.
"Today's May Day, huh..."
Jin muttered to himself as he relaxed at home on Hourai Island.
"I remember getting dragged into participating every single year..."
May Day was a celebration held around the world every May 1st.
The term simply meant "the day of May," and in Europe, it was historically marked as a celebration of the arrival of summer.
In modern Japan, however, it carried a strong connotation of being Labor Day, taking the form of rallies organized by labor unions.
Once upon a time, workers held demonstrations demanding their rights, leading to historic incidents like "Bloody May Day."
Yet for Jin, May Day had merely meant gathering according to the labor union's orders, trudging along in a sluggish procession as instructed, and wasting half a day before finally being dismissed.
That had likely just been the corporate culture of the union at his former company.
At the very least, other groups he had seen during May Day had approached it far more earnestly.
Being single and at the bottom of the workplace totem pole, Jin had ended up sacrificing his precious days off every single year as his department's designated representative.
Be that as it may.
"Well, that's a story from a long time ago and a world far away."
Jin murmured, gazing up at the sky.
The sky over Hourai Island was clear and azure, dotted with fluffy white clouds. Spring was truly in full bloom.
"The Tentative Adriana Memorial Hall in the Shouro Empire is coming along nicely, and the circuit in the Kingdom of Franz is doing well. Plus, the Berlich Workshop is steadily delivering their power assists for civil engineering and construction. Everything's going smoothly across the board."
Without Jin needing to meddle or lend a hand, all his ongoing affairs were flowing smoothly.
"Maybe it's about time I pay a visit to the Pandor Continent... or rather, Pandor as it's called now."
For some time, he had wanted to take Kachea along to check on the state of things across the land, starting with Taji Village.
Taking Kachea served a dual purpose: she could act as his guide, and it would double as a trip back to her hometown.
She had returned home for the New Year holidays, but since it was her family home, there was no reason she couldn't visit again.
With his mind made up, Jin set about preparing for departure.
He had Laojun go over his travel supplies.
"My Lord, will you be traveling aboard the Hurricane?"
"That's the plan. Also, we won't need the Southern Cross this time. Eagle Unit 1 should be more than enough."
"Understood. I will make the arrangements."
"Now then. Next up is deciding on travel companions, but..."
Most members of the Jin Family were currently away on Planet Hehl, busying themselves with their own research and field surveys.
Since the seasons on Planet Hehl matched those of Planet Ars, it was spring over there as well—a pleasant, comfortable time of year.
"Elsa and Saki aren't around either, come to think of it..."
About a week prior, the two of them had set off together for the Shouro Empire.
They had gone to tour the towns where their family estates—or former estates—once stood, and to pay their respects at their ancestral graves.
Since they wanted a girls' trip for a change, Anne had been assigned as their bodyguard.
Afterward, they had traveled to the Nord Federation.
Just as Sion had promised to locate trees yielding magi-resin by April 30, she had successfully found a source, and the two had gone to verify its quality.
Consequently, Jin was currently the only one left on Hourai Island.
"Maybe I really should invite Kachea."
Though she had been hesitant before, she was a friend, and he genuinely needed a guide.
Moreover, since she was affiliated with Avalon, there would be no harm in letting her see some of his magi-devices to a reasonable degree.
"I probably ought to give Elsa a heads-up, though."
After all, it would end up being a trip with just the two of them... if Reiko wasn't counted, of course.
Timing it for when it would be 7:00 p.m. in the Shouro Empire, Jin contacted Elsa.
"Jin-nii, did something happen?"
Since it was unusual for Jin to reach out while she was away traveling, Elsa sounded puzzled.
"No, nothing's wrong, but..."
Jin explained that he was considering asking Kachea to guide him on a tour around the Pandor Continent.
"I think... that's fine."
Having discussed it beforehand, Elsa did not seem particularly bothered.
Even so, having her show not even the slightest hint of jealousy left him feeling a touch lonely in its own way... Just as Jin caught himself indulging in such selfish thoughts—
"...Because I trust you."
He heard Elsa whisper softly over the connection.
"Yeah, of course. I won't betray your trust."
In the first place, the one who held Kachea's heart was Berlich Becker.
"Mm. Have a safe trip."
"I will. See you later."
Just as they exchanged their parting words and the connection was on the verge of cutting out—
"(Kufu, my, Elsa, showing the composure of a true first madam, are we?)" "(S-Saki-nee...)"
—their faint banter slipped through right before the link went dead.
Afterward, in order to submit a formal request to Avalon, Jin held a meeting with Avalon's Chief Administrator, Tomax Bartman.
"I see, so you wish to go observe the current state of the Pandor Continent."
"I'm aware that temporary administrative officials have been handling governance since the liberation, but I'd like to inspect the region from a cultural perspective rather than a political one."
At the same time, Jin explained what he hoped to accomplish on the continent.
"I understand. Cultural... In other words, technical matters are your primary focus, correct?"
"Yes, and if there's any assistance I can provide, I'd like to help."
"That sounds just like you, Jin-dono."
While the World Conference had conducted political inspections on several occasions, a cultural and technical inspection would be a first.
"In that case, you will be visiting in an unofficial capacity?"
"That's right. If I go openly, there's a high chance people will hide things, gloss over issues, or... put on a polished front just for show."
"Indeed, that is very true. As perceptive as ever, Jin-dono."
"...Thank you."
His main reason was simply that grandiose formalities went against his nature, but he could hardly admit that outright.
Besides, traveling incognito was undeniably the best way to uncover the unvarnished truth.
Having Kachea, a local, accompany him would make things far easier.
"Very well. I shall grant Kachea an official leave of absence to assist with your inspection of the Pandor Continent."
Tomax Bartman nodded firmly.
"Thank you for granting my request so promptly. I'll be sure to submit a proper report."
Having survived years at an exploitative company, Jin was in the ingrained habit of submitting written reports after every training session or business trip.
"I shall look forward to reading it."
With the paperwork settled, Jin was escorted to the Go-lab by the apprentice secretary, Fione Fias—better known as Fifi.
"Long time no see, Jin!"
Eira emerged from the workshop to greet him.
"Great timing! There's something I want you to see."
"H-Hey!"
Without giving him a chance to answer, Eira dragged Jin toward the open lot behind the laboratory.
"Jin-sama, I'll go ahead and explain everything to Kachea-san, then!"
Fifi called out with a wave, seeing Jin off.