Taking about an hour, Jin explained his circumstances to the village chief and his wife.
This included the fact that he was the Magi Craft Meister.
"Aha, so you held the title of the Third Generation of the world's only Magi Craft Meister, then."
"No, that was recognized by every nation after the fact."
It wasn't a lie. Well, as far as being the "Third Generation" went, at least.
"No, indeed. For a time, you were entangled with people in power, after all."
Recalling Jin's position back then, Sergei told him how relieved he was that Jin had made it through safely.
"...So, what brings you here this time?"
From the explanation, Chief Sergei gathered that Jin was a globally important figure. Thus, he did not believe for a moment that he had simply "returned" to the village on a whim.
"Yes. Now that things around me have settled down, I came to pay my respects."
"Oho."
"I also thought it would be a good opportunity for Kachea to visit home, so I brought her along."
"I see, I see. As expected, you really are a dutiful young man, Jin-kun."
Jin kept the survey a secret. If he revealed it, they would put their guard up, which would defeat half the purpose of the investigation.
"I apologize for the delay in visiting again. Things have been quite chaotic."
"No, on our end, the village was on the verge of ruin after that incident. It would have been troublesome if you came during such a time... Haha, or maybe not?"
Sergei laughed, remembering how Jin had repaired all sorts of things around the village with his craft.
"Ah, that's true. If it's repairs, please leave it to me."
Remembering those days, Jin laughed as well.
Meanwhile, as for Kachea and the others...
"The reconstruction is almost completely finished, isn't it?"
During her last visit home, several houses had still been under construction.
"Yeah. Was it called the 'World Conference'? It's thanks to their support."
"Still, I'm glad."
"Yeah. Though it feels a little lonely that our old house is gone."
"True..."
Chatting as they walked, they soon arrived at Kachea's house.
"Auntie! Kachea is back!"
Before Kachea could announce her return, Helga called out loudly to Kachea's mother, Tanya.
"Oh my, Kachea, welcome home."
"Welcome back, Kachea."
Her aunt Sonya showed her face as well.
When rebuilding the house, Kachea's mother, Tanya, and her aunt Sonya had decided to take the opportunity to merge their households and live together under one roof.
"Where's my big brother?"
Kachea had four older brothers and four older sisters.
Three of her brothers and all four sisters had become independent or married into neighboring villages, establishing their own homes, but her eldest brother lived right here in Taji Village.
When the house was rebuilt, he had returned to live with the family.
"He's out hunting."
Many men in Taji Village were hunters. Isaac, Helga's childhood friend, was a hunter as well.
"You two, don't just stand chatting on the porch; come inside."
Sonya gently chided Kachea and Tanya.
"You're right. Come, step inside. You too, Helga-chan."
"Okay, Mother, Auntie."
"Pardon the intrusion~"
Everyone gathered and took a seat around the dining table.
"Ah, here, souvenirs."
Kachea set down the parcels she had bought in Avalon.
"Oh, thank you....Are these sweets?"
"Yeah."
Aunt Sonya's face broke into a smile.
"The sweets Kachea brings back are always delicious!"
Sonya promptly opened the package.
Inside was an assortment of cookies neatly packed in a square tin. It was a popular specialty even in Avalon's commissary.
"Ah, this is the one! Tanya, brew us some tea, please!"
"Right away, Sister."
Waving off Kachea, who offered to do it herself, Tanya set about preparing the tea.
"The black tea Kachea brought as a souvenir last time was wonderful, wasn't it?"
It was high-grade tea leaves sold as souvenirs in Avalon.
Many people bought them when returning home. Being lightweight, they made ideal gifts.
"I brought some more."
Saying that, Kachea produced two tins.
"One tin is for you, Helga-chan."
"Thank you!"
Receiving the tin of black tea, Helga broke into a broad smile.
From there, the conversation grew lively.
They also explained that the reason for this visit was that Jin, whose life had finally settled down, wanted to pay his respects to the village that had once looked after him.
"It seems he wanted to come a little earlier, but he held off because the village was still in the middle of reconstruction."
"I see. Jin-kun truly is conscientious."
"And on top of that, it seems he's someone of incredible stature."
"That's right, Auntie. He came riding in on that flying thing... was it called a 'Blow Floater'? That's what he arrived on."
Helga joined in the conversation and told them about Jin.
"That's right. Jin-san is a world-class technician who is deeply respected across many nations."
Kachea followed suit, explaining "Jin's position" as they had rehearsed beforehand.
"Is that so... Well, that figures."
Recalling Jin's skill from back then, Sonya nodded.
"He carries a great deal of influence even in Avalon, where I work."
"That's amazing."
"...Still, to remember those days and come all this way to greet us, he really is a good-natured person."
Tanya nodded in agreement.
"Jin-san is just that kind of man."
At Kachea's words, Helga nodded too.
"Just like Auntie says, he's very dutiful."
Here, Kachea added:
"Since he's here, he said he'd be happy to help if there's anything inconvenient or causing trouble. Ah, with tools or furniture, of course."
"Really?"
Back then, Jin had repaired pumps, bath boilers, and bladed tools—the memory was still fresh in their minds.
Or rather, it had left an indelible impression.
"The reconstruction has come a long way, but that's precisely why some flaws have started cropping up. I wonder if he'd fix those?"
Sonya asked, looking slightly worried.
"I just hope he doesn't think we're being brazen."
However, Kachea dismissed the concern.
"Jin-san isn't that kind of person at all. Please feel free to ask him without worry."
"That's right. He's at my house right now, so he'll probably call for everyone to gather tonight or something."
Helga backed up Kachea's words with a confident nod.