While night had fallen over the Norha Principality, it was broad daylight on Hourai Island.
Jin and the members of the Jin Family were listening to Laojun relay the latest updates regarding Gajue Tsuga's party.
"I see. So we've gotten a slightly better grasp of the situation, then."
Crossing his arms, Louis gave a nod.
"Still, we don't know what the Revolutionary Party is truly after. That's what worries me," Reinhard remarked in a somewhat grave tone.
"That's definitely a concern, but what are your thoughts, Jin? About forming an alliance among the Four Principalities."
"Yeah... pulling all four of them in at once will probably be difficult."
"Mm, I agree. Especially if the Jagus Principality is using brainwashing magic, all the more so."
Elsa weighed in from another angle.
"Assuming a large number of people have been brainwashed, undoing it all would likely throw everything into utter chaos."
"Most likely, yeah."
It was safe to assume that most individuals occupying key government posts were under mind control. Neutralizing it would almost certainly paralyze the nation's functions, if only temporarily.
If that happened, there was a strong chance the dynamic would become three against one versus the Jagus Principality, or split into the two northern principalities against the two in the south.
"In that case, we'd naturally be aiding the south, right?"
Marcia spoke up, which was rare for her.
"That's how it would go, yes."
"Then we're going to help out with boats for the lakes too, aren't we?"
Evidently, observing the state of watercraft on Lake Yato had struck a chord with her.
"If we frame it as technical aid coming from Avalon... or rather, from Arcadia, that should be more than feasible," Jin replied.
"Awesome! In that case, count me in. I'm going too!" Marcia said, brimming with excitement.
"Besides, that three-dimensional magic circle of yours could serve as a valuable bargaining chip," Reinhard pointed out.
"Oh, right! It lets us craft magi-devices that don't need magi-stones or magi-crystals at all."
Jin nodded in agreement.
"Then maybe I should make a trip to Avalon soon to pitch the idea."
"Well, the next World Conference isn't until mid-June, is it? Even if envoys are dispatched after that, it won't be until late June or early July. There's no need to rush."
Reinhard reined Jin in.
"True enough. I'll keep that in mind."
Jin gave an obedient nod, though deep down, he could hardly contain his urge to put the three-dimensional magic circle into practical use right away.
Seeing right through his restlessness, Elsa chimed in with a gentle reprimand.
"Jin-nii, behave yourself."
"My Lord, a request has arrived from Manon seeking authorization to disengage her limiters. The stated reason is to ensure their security within the Norha Principality."
"I see. All right, go ahead and grant it....If anything happens, Laojun, make sure to step in quickly."
"As you wish."
Then, at 9:00 AM on June 3 in the Norha Principality.
Gajue Tsuga and his party were granted an audience with the Duke of the Norha Principality in the Great Hall.
"I am Keith Tennick de Norha, the sovereign Duke of the Norha Principality."
The Duke was a solidly built, middle-aged man with brown hair and gray eyes.
Beside him stood a blonde, blue-eyed woman who appeared to be the duchess consort.
Lined up on either side of the room were ten burly soldiers, casting a distinctly intimidating aura over the hall.
"It is an honor to make your acquaintance. I am Gajue Tsuga, Vice-Captain of the World Security Guard Mimaka Principality Garrison, affiliated with Avalon. I have been appointed as the chief envoy of this goodwill delegation."
"Mm."
Gajue Tsuga then proceeded to introduce Fione Fias, the deputy envoy, and their attendant, Manon.
"This is our deputy envoy, Fione Fias, and this is our attendant, Manon."
The two bowed in silence.
"Welcome. Allow me to make introductions on our side as well. This is my Chancellor, Premus."
"I am Premus Hai Yasuna."
Chancellor Premus Hai Yasuna was a slender, middle-aged man with thinning gray hair and brown eyes.
"That family name carries Mitsuho roots, does it not?" Gajue Tsuga remarked.
"Why, yes, it does. You are familiar with Mitsuho?" Premus inquired.
In truth, Chancellor Gix Yabo Miyata of the Darato Principality, whom they had visited earlier, had shared a piece of advice: bringing up a person's ancestral homeland was almost guaranteed to pique their interest.
Having picked up on the clearly recognizable surname "Yasuna," Gajue Tsuga had simply put that advice into practice.
"Oho! It seems you truly do know the world beyond our borders."
The Duke looked keenly interested as well.
"Chancellor, arrange a place where we can speak more openly, rather than an open hall like this."
"At once, Your Grace."
Gajue Tsuga and his companions were caught slightly off guard, but seeing as this was hardly a disadvantageous development, they went along with their hosts' lead.
Moving from the Great Hall to an office, the talks resumed.
Norha's delegation consisted of Duke Keith Tennick de Norha, Chancellor Premus Hai Yasuna, and one other official.
Representing Avalon were Gajue Tsuga, Fione Fias, and Manon.
In addition, four royal ritters stood guard at the four corners of the room.
"Now then, let us speak candidly," the Duke opened. "And for this discussion, dispense with formalities and roundabout pleasantries. It will only drag things out."
It seems this country favors directness as well, Gajue Tsuga noted, adjusting his approach accordingly.
"First, tell me of the lands beyond our borders."
According to the Duke, the nation's isolationist policy and total lack of viable transportation meant that no information regarding Mitsuho or any other foreign land ever reached their ears.
"Let's see... where should I begin...?"
As Gajue Tsuga hesitated, Chancellor Premus Hai Yasuna stepped in to assist.
"How about we pose the questions, and you answer them in turn? Would that suit you?"
Realizing that format would be far easier to navigate, Gajue Tsuga agreed.
"Yes, please, that would be very helpful."
"Then, Your Grace, if you would."
"Mm."
The talks that would determine the future of their relations with the Norha Principality were about to begin.