Having successfully concluded their visit to the Darato Principality, the goodwill mission departed from Radatora, the royal capital of the Darato Principality, at noon on June 25, arriving back at the garrison in about an hour, just as on the outbound trip.
Naturally, Jin had received the Free Transit Pass for the Darato Principality issued by the Duke that morning.
"Still, with Jin-dono providing such support, the Principality treated us with extreme friendliness."
Marquis Theobald Theoderic von Grain, chief envoy of the Shouro Empire and current chairman of the World Conference, spoke with heartfelt appreciation.
"Indeed. Jin-dono's presence makes an immense difference."
Tein Miyabe, deputy envoy and representative of Mitsuho, agreed.
"I'm just glad I could be of help."
Presently, they were in the garrison's conference room, holding a meeting that combined a review session with a debriefing party.
"All that remains is the Norha Principality."
Chief envoy Marquis Theobald Theoderic von Grain crossed his arms and murmured thoughtfully.
"If we bring them intelligence regarding our countermeasures against the Jagus Principality, they will surely be more than happy to cooperate. What is more, with Jin-dono present, I do not believe there will be any obstacles to concluding an agreement."
Gajue Tsuga spoke with certainty.
"Mm. Tsuga-dono visited as chief envoy last time, after all. You must understand that nation far better than the rest of us. We can trust your judgment."
"Are they also facing a water shortage?"
When Jin asked, Gajue Tsuga replied.
"Yes. On the whole, all of the principalities are suffering from shortages."
Once formal agreements were concluded with the three principalities, they planned to conduct borehole drilling for water veins and supply magi-devices utilizing magic circles to convert seawater into fresh water.
"By the way, we received an urgent message from Nostalgia."
Once the meeting concluded and they were quenching their thirst with the citran juice provided by Jin, Gajue Tsuga spoke up.
"It seems that Nostalgia's Honorary Advisor, Elena-dono, who recently visited the Jagus Principality, was abducted, though..."
"No, we heard about that the other day."
However, Gajue Tsuga raised a hand to pause him.
"There is more to the message. '...While we cannot write the details, there is currently no danger to Elena-dono whatsoever. Furthermore, please keep this information strictly confidential.'"
"Mm... It is concerning, but if that is what they say, let us comply."
Marquis Theobald Theoderic von Grain lowered himself back into his seat after half-rising.
At this point, Elena had already swapped places with the fake Elena, Quinta Spica 9—Lila.
Since Jin had already received a report from Laojun, he was not surprised, but decided to offer an opinion for the moment.
"Nostalgia is a closely knit organization. Since they aren't panicking, she must be all right."
"Mm, that must be it."
"And if anything happens, I'm sure they will let us know."
They agreed to leave the matter to Nostalgia for now and step in only if assistance was requested.
As for what Nostalgia was doing:
After the real Elena returned to headquarters, the organization finalized its strategy against the Jagus Principality on June 22.
In accordance with that plan, they prepared the "tribute" at breakneck speed and headed back to the Jagus Principality.
This was done to maintain the appearance of being deeply concerned for the safety of "Elena," who had become a "hostage."
On the 25th, while the goodwill mission concluded their agreement with the Mimaka Principality and returned to the garrison, two members of Nostalgia, Edda Eema and Lauria Matsuta, revisited the Jagus Principality.
Bearing gifts... or rather, tribute.
Inside the throne room.
"Mm. Thirty kilograms of magi-stones, fifteen kilograms of magi-crystals, and one general-purpose combat golem, was it?"
Duke Niestol Kirilo Jagus personally inspected the tribute and nodded in satisfaction.
"...Of course, this is not the end of it, correct?"
"...Yes."
Edda Eema responded with a slightly aggrieved look on her face.
"...We will bring the same amount again in five days."
Hearing this answer, Duke Niestol Kirilo Jagus smirked.
"Mm, I look forward to it....You may withdraw."
"Understood."
Left alone in the throne room, the Duke murmured to himself:
"...With this, we shall draw even closer to the goal of the First Generation."
After withdrawing from the throne room, Edda Eema and Lauria Matsuta met with Chancellor Beyax Gear.
"Will the next delivery be in five days as well?"
"...Yes. We informed His Grace of the same."
"Mm. Can you not make it two golems?"
"That would be... a bit difficult, I'm afraid..."
Edda Eema answered with downcast eyes, playing her part impeccably.
In truth, they could easily produce three golems of that caliber per day, but there was no reason to reveal that.
"Is that so? However, you must maintain your current pace."
Once every five days: thirty kilograms of magi-stones, fifteen kilograms of magi-crystals, and one golem.
Such were the demands of the Jagus Principality.
"...Understood..."
Keeping her head bowed, Edda Eema replied.
Lauria Matsuta then spoke up.
"U-Um, could we perhaps see Lady Elena for just a moment?"
"Hm?...Not this time."
"How could that be..."
However, the Chancellor flatly refused with an impassive expression.
"When I say no, it means no....Very well, I shall let you see her next time."
"...Understood..."
Hanging their heads dejectedly, Edda Eema and Lauria Matsuta departed the Royal Palace. Watching their retreating backs, the Chancellor smirked.
If I dangle a meeting with Elena as bait, I might be able to squeeze even more tribute out of them.
Such were his thoughts.
Meanwhile, Quinta Spica 9—Lila, who was passing the time as Elena's stand-in, was dealing with her own situation:
"...There really is nothing to do."
She had far too much free time on her hands.
Confined inside a cramped tower, what she could do was quite limited.
Next time, perhaps I should ask them to bring me some books.
Since that would likely allow her to glean useful information about the Jagus Principality, the fake Elena reasoned to herself.