On June 21 at 3:00 p.m. local time, the Hurricane arrived at the World Security Guard garrison in the southern town of Rekode within the Mimaka Principality.
"Traveling such a great distance really makes you feel the time difference, doesn't it?"
The time difference between Avalon and Rekode was about seven and a half hours.
Traveling via a teleportation magic circle subjected people to the full brunt of this sudden shift, which would be rough on anyone unaccustomed to it—hence the decision to make the journey aboard the Hurricane.
Covering a straight-line distance of approximately 2,200 kilometers at a cruising speed of 500 kilometers per hour, the Hurricane completed the flight in four and a half hours.
From the perspective of those on board, departing Avalon at 6:00 p.m. meant touching down in Rekode at 3:00 p.m. on the very same afternoon.
Even if one understood the mechanics in theory, feeling disoriented was entirely natural.
The party spent that night at the garrison, and on the following morning of the 22nd, set off for Quonale, the royal capital of the Mimaka Principality. It was a short flight lasting just under an hour.
The time was 9:00 a.m.
"Oh, a balloon has gone up to welcome us."
During their previous visit, not a single balloon had taken to the sky due to energy shortages. The fact that even one had been launched this time was a clear testament to the Mimaka Principality's hospitality.
"Welcome to the Mimaka Principality."
The greeting was carried across the sky using wind-attribute magic.
Since air traffic control had not yet been standardized, this informal method was unavoidable.
With Hope at the helm, the Hurricane followed the hot air balloon's guidance and descended toward the airfield on the outskirts of the royal capital.
"Ohh..."
Gajue Tsuga widened his eyes in surprise.
What had been an overgrown, weed-choked clearing during their last visit was now thoroughly weeded and neatly leveled.
"...They must have carried out construction work since then," Gajue Tsuga observed.
"I see. It seems safe to assume the Mimaka Principality has high hopes for these talks as well," said chief envoy Theobald Theoderic von Grain, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully.
Standing near the spot where the Hurricane touched down were diplomat Yaharu Sumi and another gentleman.
"Welcome to the Mimaka Principality, everyone. I am the minister of general affairs, Ryuji F. Katsuki."
"I am Theobald Theoderic von Grain, chief envoy of the World Conference goodwill mission."
The two men exchanged a firm handshake.
Following that, the deputy envoys introduced themselves, as did diplomat Yaharu Sumi.
Amid the introductions, Tein Miyabe, the representative from Mitsuho, spoke up. "Katsuki-dono, are your roots in Mitsuho or Fusou Island?"
Ryuji F. Katsuki nodded warmly.
"Yes, I have been told my family traces its lineage back to Mitsuho."
"Oh, what a pleasant coincidence."
"I would love to hear more about your homeland at our leisure sometime."
The two shared a friendly exchange and shook hands once more.
Bringing along a deputy envoy from Mitsuho had clearly been the right choice.
Finally, Jin was introduced: "And this is our technical advisor, the Third Generation Magi Craft Meister, Jin Nidou-dono."
"Wh-Wh-What did you say?! The Magi Craft Meister?! This gentleman is?!"
"I-I-It is an absolute honor to meet you! Welcome to the Mimaka Principality!!"
Both hosts were practically trembling with excitement.
Lastly, Manon and Reiko were introduced as his attendants.
Upon seeing Reiko, both officials opened their eyes wide in astonishment, though they had the restraint not to ask questions on the spot.
Afterward, the party split into two provided golem carriages and departed for the Guest House.
Along the road, Minister of General Affairs Ryuji F. Katsuki and diplomat Yaharu Sumi lavished praise upon Jin.
"A-As expected, Jin-dono's airship is on an entirely different level!"
"We take our hats off to your genius!"
Before long, the Guest House came into view.
"Hmm, so it's this style of wooden architecture..."
Because this coastal region caught the southern winds and received significantly more rainfall than the arid interior, the buildings featured prominent roofs with broad eaves.
As a result, it bore an unmistakable resemblance to traditional Japanese architecture.
The interior, though featuring polished wooden flooring, also required visitors to remove their footwear before stepping up, which made Jin think of Japanese homes all the more.
"Please make yourselves comfortable here for a moment."
As the delegation relaxed in the reception room, Kuuhe was served once again.
The cups were offered to Reiko and Manon as well, but they politely declined.
"No, thank you. We are automata, so we require no refreshment."
Naturally, the lady's maids looked on in sheer disbelief.
This straightforward response was chosen specifically out of respect for the local culture, which favored frankness and direct expression.
Afterward, the minister of general affairs cleared his throat, collected himself, and outlined their itinerary.
"E-Er, well then, please rest here for a short while, after which we shall proceed to the Royal Palace."
True to schedule, roughly thirty minutes later, the party was seated face-to-face with Duke Gaspar de Mimaka in the palace conference room.
Though the ruler was a mere eleven years of age, no one showed surprise, having already been briefed by Tsuga's earlier reports.
Also in attendance were Chancellor Moitz Myas Rohdai, Minister of General Affairs Ryuji F. Katsuki, and diplomat Yaharu Sumi.
"First, allow me to say: welcome to the Mimaka Principality."
With a composed maturity far beyond his eleven years, the young Duke welcomed the goodwill mission.
"Furthermore, we gratefully accept the gifts you have brought once again. The fresh fruit, in particular, is a wonderful blessing."
The Chancellor bowed his head in gratitude.
"We are truly honored that the Magi Craft Meister has accompanied your delegation today. I hope to hear much from him later on. But first, let us attend to our necessary official business," the Duke said, opening the floor to discussions.
"Following our previous visit here, we traveled to the Darato Principality, the Norha Principality, and the Jagus Principality in that order. And just as we anticipated, we came away confident that we can forge strong friendly relations with every nation—save for the Jagus Principality."
Gajue Tsuga, who had served as the chief envoy during the first expedition and was now participating as a deputy envoy, spoke first.
"One common thread we observed throughout our travels was that all Four Principalities suffer from scarce inland rainfall and severe difficulties in securing reliable water resources."
"Indeed, it is precisely as you describe."
Chancellor Moitz Myas Rohdai nodded in solemn agreement.
"Additionally, we learned that the arable soil remains remarkably fertile and does not suffer from continuous cropping obstacles."
"That is also true."
"However, we were told there is a lingering unease because the underlying reason for this fertility remains entirely unknown. Is the situation the same here?"
"Most certainly. So long as the cause of this fertility remains a mystery, we cannot anticipate what might suddenly trigger a catastrophic harvest failure."
The Chancellor nodded along with every word Tsuga offered.
"With your permission, our mission would like to conduct an investigation into that very matter."
"Oh, that would be a tremendous help!"
Minister of General Affairs Ryuji F. Katsuki's face broke into a broad, relieved smile.
Having established foundational rapport during the previous visit proved invaluable, allowing these negotiations to proceed with effortless momentum.