The negotiations in the Norha Principality proceeded smoothly from start to finish.
"Then we are agreed on concluding a provisional agreement?"
"Of course."
Chief Envoy Theobald Theoderic von Grain and Keith Tennick de Norha, the Duke of the Norha Principality, exchanged a firm handshake.
That evening, a modest informal gathering was held.
The attendees included everyone who had taken part in the formal negotiations, joined by the duchess consort, the first prince, the second prince, the first princess, and the cabinet ministers.
By the Norha Principality's standards, it was a lavish spread.
In truth, however, half of the dishes made use of ingredients provided by the goodwill mission.
"Next, the Dukes of the three Principalities will gather in one place to conclude a formal treaty, I take it."
"Indeed, and this too is thanks to the diligent efforts of the World Conference."
"Those efforts have been richly rewarded by the conclusion of an agreement such as this."
Duke Keith and Marquis Theoderic seemed to be thoroughly enjoying their conversation.
Meanwhile, Mitsuho representative Tein Miyabe was being bombarded with questions from attendees whose families traced their roots back to Mitsuho.
"What kind of place is Mitsuho?"
"The founder of our house hailed from a town called Dogo. What sort of town is it?"
"We have heard that a person known as 'Magus' lived in the past. What manner of man was he?"
And on and on the inquiries went.
Following Jin's instructions, Manon brought out the dessert she had been preparing since morning.
"Here you are, Your Highness, Lady Duchess Consort."
"Wow, I've never seen anything like this before!"
"Oh my, it looks delicious!"
"Oh, what is this called?"
"It is Persica compote."
Simply put, the Persica (peaches) had been sliced, deseeded, and simmered in water, sugar, wine, and ramon (lemon) juice.
Because it was cooked, the alcohol from the wine had completely evaporated, making it perfectly safe even for the underage—fourteen-year-old—twin prince and princess.
"Delicious!"
"It's so good!"
"This is truly exquisite."
Tasting the flavor for the first time, the duchess consort's expression softened into a delighted smile.
"U-Um, Jin-sama, that is... the legendary Lady Reiko, is she not?"
As for Jin, he found himself surrounded by the technology-focused cabinet ministers.
"Legendary or not, this girl is Reiko. Created by the First Generation, restored by the Second Generation, and maintained by myself, she is an automata who has served across three generations."
He wasn't lying. He simply neglected to mention that the Second and Third Generations were the very same person.
"Oh, I knew it! It is an absolute honor to meet you!"
Minister of Technology Jaby Keef eagerly asked to shake hands with Jin and Reiko in turn.
As an engineer of golems and automata, he had evidently heard countless tales about Reiko. Even if some were mere rumors, he clearly regarded her as the absolute pinnacle of craftsmanship to strive toward.
From their conversation, it became clear that the Norha Principality suffered an extreme shortage of magi capable of casting various kinds of magic, starting with magi-craft.
Amidst these circumstances, Minister of Magic Fran was a brilliant woman who had attained the rank of minister at the young age of twenty-three. Yet when Jin remarked,
"That is quite impressive,"
she blushed, sheepishly revealing the reality behind it.
"Y-Yes... Or rather, it is simply because those capable of using magic are so exceedingly scarce..."
As night deepened, one final dish was carried into the room.
"This is...?"
What lay inside the large serving pot was, no matter how one looked at it, suitun.
However, because miso and soy sauce were precious commodities here, it was seasoned primarily with salt.
Spices and herbs were virtually nonexistent, giving it the austere taste of true emergency rations.
"This is our country's traditional dish—or rather, a common folk dish—called 'suitun.' We wanted you to experience it at least once, which is why we brought it out tonight."
"I see..."
Jin had never been a picky eater, having eaten ingredient-less suitun back during his days in the orphanage, and Gajue Tsuga was well accustomed to plain fare from his military life.
However, highborn figures like Marquis Theobald Theoderic von Grain, Tein Miyabe, and Illumina Ratkin took a single bite and visibly grimaced at how unpalatable it was.
"No, I am well aware it is hardly delicious. However, we eat this roughly once a month as a reminder and a discipline, ensuring we never forget the reality of what our common folk eat."
Chancellor Premus Hai Yasuna offered the explanation with a self-deprecating smile.
It was proof that even royalty and nobility did not live extravagant culinary lives in this land.
"Improvements to such everyday meals will surely become possible once you become a Conference Country," Chief Envoy Theobald Theoderic von Grain assured the Duke.
Despite that modest interlude, the informal gathering drew to a successful close.
"Thank you for the hospitality."
"No, please forgive the meager fare."
The Chancellor appeared genuinely apologetic.
Marquis Theoderic, however, smoothly changed the subject.
"Since the negotiations concluded earlier than anticipated, we would like to dedicate tomorrow to deepening our friendship."
"O-Oh, that is most welcome!"
Deeply grateful for the Marquis's tact and consideration, the Chancellor bowed repeatedly.
Here, Jin decided to chime in as well.
"Tomorrow, I would love for us to engage in some technical exchanges."
Minister of Technology Jaby Keef leaped at the suggestion.
"Oh, by all means! Please inspect our country's golems as well! We would be honored to receive your guidance!"
Minister of Magic Fran also made a modest request.
"I have many questions of my own, so if you would be willing to instruct me as well..."
Illumina Ratkin added her own thoughts.
"We have been investigating why your farmland is so fertile. While we have not reached a definitive conclusion, we will be able to share an interim report."
Hearing this, Minister of General Affairs Kai was overjoyed.
"Oh, that would be an immense help. Please, do share your findings with us!"
And so, the goodwill mission's responsibilities in the Norha Principality were already more than half complete—and a resounding success.