"It seems the 'leader' they know is indeed merely a phantom."
According to Elena, they had been made to believe this through a method entirely distinct from brainwashing.
Laojun and Mentor thought that it might be somewhat similar to Send Info.
Vladimir Hangazone Melkana as a person certainly existed, currently living under house arrest in the Jagus Principality.
However, he appeared completely devoid of ambition, making it hard to imagine that an entire organization could rally around such a figurehead.
"Could it be that they used 'only' his appearance and name to hold the organization together?"
Elena had arrived at the exact same conclusion as Laojun and the others.
"That might be it."
"Indeed, that seems very likely."
Everyone present nodded in agreement with Elena's assessment.
"Still, how did they master such a 'method different from brainwashing'..."
Elena noted that this was the question weighing on her mind. Maquina felt the same.
"Perhaps such a magi-device—or perhaps a grimoire—was preserved in those ruins," Maquina offered in speculation.
"That is certainly a possibility."
Elena agreed. After all, though perhaps not to the extent of Jin and his companions, she too was one who understood the ancient era.
"In truth, we have already infiltrated operatives into the Jagus Principality."
Elena revealed this surprising fact.
"Oh? Is that so?"
Tomax Bartman appeared taken aback.
"Well, calling them operative agents might give the wrong impression; in essence, they are gathering information."
According to Elena, without concealing that they hailed from the Conference Countries—nations participating in the World Conference—they were stationed there under the pretext of conducting trade.
"There are no notable trade goods in that country, but we manage to make do."
From the perspective of the Conference Countries, there was virtually nothing they wished to procure from the Principality, whereas the Principality coveted almost everything they offered.
"However, merely selling goods would cause suspicion, so we purchase works of art. Frankly, though, none of them seem worth putting a price on... and not in a flattering sense."
In that regard, the aragi craftwork that Jin had proposed in Taji Village on the Pandor Continent was something that could genuinely become a renowned local specialty.
This contrast alone spoke volumes about how severely the Jagus Principality oppressed its populace.
After all, fine works of art could never flourish without a free spirit.
"Since we have only just dispatched them, they have yet to yield any notable results. Under the guise of restocking inventory, they are arranged to return here once a month to deliver their reports. Their next scheduled return is at the end of the month."
"I see, that sounds like quite a sensible approach. But is it easy for people to leave that country?"
Elena's explanation was clear, yet Maquina raised a point of concern.
After all, that was the very nation that had relentlessly pursued Jin and Lordtoss during their escape.
"Yes, because they are strictly confined to an area of about one hectare known as the 'Trading Area.'"
"Is that so?"
It is practically a state of national isolation, thought Maquina—or rather, Mentor.
It seemed to mirror the concept of "Dejima" stored within Jin's knowledge.
Trade was restricted entirely to that designated zone, and citizens of the Conference Countries were forbidden from stepping outside its boundaries.
Indeed, it was easy to imagine that anyone who dared wander out would likely never set foot on their native soil again.
For the moment, they set the topic aside, as they lacked the baseline information needed to analyze it further.
"Well then, shall we depart for my base tomorrow morning?"
"Yes, that would be wonderful."
Elena seemed content with the schedule. Tomax Bartman chimed in as well.
"I have made the necessary arrangements, so let us proceed accordingly."
"Are there three joining from your party, Elena-dono?"
"Yes. There will be two people and one unit: myself, Wattes Schretzer, and Edda Eema."
"And from your side, Tomax-dono?"
"I plan on three of us: myself, Illumina Ratkin, and Fione Fias."
"Understood."
Illumina Ratkin is the woman who accompanied us when we eliminated the Magic Federation's final stronghold deep within the abandoned mine of Blue Land. She was Marikka's student, so her magi-craft proficiency should be fairly competent.
Maquina—Mentor—retrieved the relevant memories.
She serves as the Chief Administrator's Adjutant and appears trained in martial arts. A strategic advisor type, then... As for Fione Fias, she was recently promoted from apprentice secretary to secretary, wasn't she?
The cross-referencing took barely a tenth of a second.
Wattes Schretzer is Elena's trusted confidant. A military affairs staff officer—somewhat arrogant, but his loyalty to Elena is unquestionable.
Maquina—Mentor—continued reviewing the profiles of the scheduled visitors.
Edda Eema is a technical specialist... There seems to be little personal data on her.
Because this information retrieval occurred at lightning speed, an outside observer would never have noticed a thing.
In any case, it was clear that the visiting party comprised administrative, technical, and militarily versed personnel.
The facilities to showcase and the explanations to provide would be tailored accordingly.
"Then we shall depart from here aboard the Aristotle at eight o'clock tomorrow morning. Would a two-day, one-night stay be acceptable?"
"That suits us perfectly," replied Tomax Bartman. Leaving Avalon unattended for any longer would likely cause administrative complications.
Maquina privately hoped this brief excursion might offer him a welcome reprieve from stress.
"And that is how the arrangements concluded, My Lord."
On Hourai Island, Laojun briefed Jin on the recent developments.
"I see. That should help Maquina become even more firmly established in this world."
Jin hoped this would help keep his own true identity concealed in turn.
"No issues on our end, right?"
"None whatsoever, My Lord. Preparations for Arcadia are complete."
"Good to hear... Also..."
Jin asked Laojun whether he should participate in the visit as well.
"No, My Lord. That will not be necessary."
Please rest assured, Laojun added.
"It is already common knowledge that My Lord and Maquina are entirely separate individuals."
"Right, that works out well then."
"Indeed. If you have any lingering concerns, I would recommend visiting Avalon tomorrow or the day after."
"Ah, good idea."
Deus Ex Machina would unquestionably be entertaining guests at his own base.
If Jin made an appearance in Avalon at the exact same time, it would serve as definitive proof that the two were separate individuals.
"Let's go with that, then..."
Truth be told, Jin had also been wanting to discuss his magic circle-driven ships and vehicles with Eira.
"What about you, Elsa?"
When he turned to ask her, she promptly replied, "Mm, I'm coming."
Elsa, for her part, was keen to check on the progress of their medical endeavors.
"All right. Laojun, please send word ahead to Avalon."
"Understood, My Lord."
And so, on the following day, the twelfth, Jin and Elsa were scheduled to visit Avalon just as Maquina set out.