In essence, the magi-devices and theories co-developed by Jin and Eira revolved around the "highly efficient utilization of magic circles" and their practical applications.
Back when magi-crystals and magi-stones were hard to come by in the Mercana Principality, this work was the product of extensive trial and error aimed at creating magi-devices that could be of even the slightest help to the people.
Naturally, Kachea had also been a member of the "team" back then.
However, reserved as she was in all matters, she had refused to leave her name in the public spotlight simply because it was Jin and Eira who had constructed the theoretical framework and crafted the magi-devices.
"Naturally, they are kept in storage."
Simone, the secretary automaton dispatched by Tomax Bartman who effectively served as a bailiff, smiled.
"Fortunately, the Air Jet boat and Golem Engine automobile you built in Rihoto Village suffered almost no damage."
"Really?! That's wonderful to hear!"
Kachea let out a joyful cry. Having endured significant hardship procuring and managing the materials during their construction, she was understandably flooded with emotion.
"If I ever find the time, I'd like to continue researching that theoretical system, too... but..."
Jin muttered under his breath. Kachea caught wind of it.
"Jin-san, what's on your mind?"
"Well... that theoretical and technical system was something I built together with Eira. Rather than continuing alone, I really want to work on it with her."
Jin revealed his true feelings.
"For now, though, Eira seems utterly engrossed in her research at the Go-lab."
Thanks to improved distribution networks, there was no longer a pressing need to manufacture magic-circle-based magi-devices, which was another reason Jin hadn't continued the research himself.
(I'm sure Reinhard would gladly lend a hand if I asked, though.)
For some reason, Jin didn't quite feel comfortable taking that route.
Since it wasn't an urgent subject, he couldn't deny that he had pushed it to the back burner.
To be completely honest, he had also simply forgotten about it amid his busy schedule.
Even so, he couldn't feel truly satisfied completing an unprecedented system of magi-craft unless it was a collaborative effort with Eira.
(I could probably finish the rest on my own if I had Laojun and Reiko help me, though.)
The honor of being a pioneer mattered little to him. Jin was simply the type who wanted to share the joy of development and the thrill of completion with the comrades who had shared in those early struggles.
"Please keep them carefully preserved. I imagine they'll become precious historical monuments before long."
If this system were ever completed, those creations would be regarded as magi-devices from its dawning era.
With such records left behind, future researchers wouldn't have to struggle to retrace the steps Jin and the others had taken.
"Understood."
Simone nodded.
"Is there anything else?"
"Let's see... nothing for now, I think."
At the moment, he couldn't think of anything so pressing that he needed to interrupt Simone's duties as bailiff to look into it.
"Understood....Shall I arrange your lodging for tonight?"
"Yeah... that would be a big help."
"Right away. Please wait here for about five minutes."
With that, Simone promised to arrange accommodations for Jin's party, bowed respectfully, and returned to her work.
Barely five minutes later...
"Jin-sama, Kachea-sama."
A female clerk arrived, explaining that she had received instructions from Simone, and handed them a slip of paper with the name and location of their lodging.
"We will cover all accommodation expenses, so please feel free to stay as many nights as you like."
Being offered such generous hospitality made Kachea feel rather sheepish.
"A-Ah, thank you very much!"
Jin and Kachea decided to head toward the lodging while exploring the town along the way.
"Is this the place?"
"...It's quite magnificent, isn't it?"
No matter how one looked at it, the building appeared to have been constructed specifically to host important dignitaries.
"Since they went through the trouble of booking it for us, we might as well stay."
"I suppose so..."
Stepping inside, the interior appeared to be only about halfway finished, and formal operations didn't seem to have officially begun.
However...
"Welcome. You must be Jin Nidou-sama, Kachea-sama, Reiko-sama, and Hope-sama."
A young man who appeared to be a hotel staff member came forward and took their luggage.
"Right this way, please."
Without the need for front-desk formalities like signing a guest registry, the party was guided straight to a room on the second floor.
"It's so spacious..."
Just as Kachea murmured in awe, the suite consisted of a main room roughly the size of twelve tatami mats, flanked by four adjoining bedrooms.
Naturally, there was no bathtub, but it was equipped with a washroom and a shower room.
"There's even a refrigerator... though it looks empty."
Finding a built-in refrigerator, Jin opened it, only to find nothing inside.
"Our preparations haven't progressed that far yet... My sincerest apologies."
The staff member apologized contritely, but Jin reassured him that it was no problem at all.
"Will meals be served, however?"
Kachea asked about the question on her mind.
"Yes, that will not be an issue. Please leave both breakfast and dinner to us."
"Ah, what a relief."
Well, in the worst-case scenario, the Hurricane had emergency food reserves, and simple cooking was possible aboard the ship.
They could also warp food over from Hourai Island... but with Kachea present, that remained a last resort.
"Please feel free to come down to the first-floor dining hall. Dinner will be available starting at six in the evening, and breakfast will be served starting at seven in the morning."
"Understood."
For the time being, they had secured a base of operations in Mahalig.
"If you require anything, please call us via the extension."
"Wait, an extension?"
"Yes. It is located right over there."
"This is..."
It was a wired unit combining a magi-device for amplifying voice—a loudspeaker—and a magi-device for gathering sound—a voice capacitor. In other words, an internal telephone powered by mana.
Nearly identical setups were in use at Jade Villa and the Five Constant Virtues on Kunlun Island.
Jin surmised that this must have been modeled after them.
"Ah, while you're here, could you tell us which areas have made the most progress in reconstruction?"
Jin asked before the staff member could leave. Since the man was right in front of them, there was no need to bother calling on the extension later.
"Let's see. The district surrounding this hotel is eighty to ninety percent complete. On the other hand, the area where the Supreme Dormitory once stood is only about half finished."
"I see. Thank you."
The Supreme Dormitory. That was the name of the residence where Jin, Kachea, Eira, and the others had been assigned when they were stationed in Mahalig.
Jin fondly recalled how, back then, the Dormitory Head, Groma Tray, and Eira had locked horns the instant they laid eyes on each other.
"Shall we go take a look around the areas where reconstruction has progressed?"
"Yes, let's."
Jin figured that by touring the districts currently undergoing reconstruction and then returning, they might notice something new.
"All right, let's head out. Reiko, Hope, come with us."
And so, Jin set out on an inspection tour of the royal capital, Mahalig.