After touring the Museum, as they did not have much time left, they headed to the shores of Lake Sayama.
The purpose was to observe the boats used in Mitsuho.
"Because they are designed with lake use in mind, many of them are flat-bottomed boats."
With Ataru Mutou providing the explanations, things were easy for Jin.
"Over there are fishing boats. For net fishing, catamarans are used with an emphasis on stability."
"I see, I see."
The delegates from the Mimaka Principality and Norha Principality—both nations with major lakes—seemed to observe with particular enthusiasm.
Having finished their general tour, they stopped for lunch at a dining hall along the lakeside.
Great care and ingenuity had gone into the dishes, featuring freshly caught fish served grilled, as sashimi, as carpaccio, and in a variety of other styles.
Of course, anti-parasite measures had been taken, so there was no need to worry about things like Anisakis or distoma.
"This is the first time I've eaten fish prepared like this, but it is truly delicious."
"Soy sauce, was it called? This seasoning is wonderful."
"This 'wasabi' is quite something as well. Its pungent flavor and aroma are delightful."
The sashimi was especially well received.
Then, as they chatted over post-meal tea...
"...Looking at all this, protecting and breeding lake fish truly holds great significance."
"Indeed. If we merely catch them without care, our resources will inevitably dwindle."
Following that thread of conversation...
"...Does the Norha Principality encourage overfishing?" asked Gaspar de Mimaka, the Duke of the Mimaka Principality.
"No, I have heard of no such thing," Keith Tennick de Norha, the Duke of the Norha Principality, replied.
However, the Duke of the Mimaka Principality did not let the matter drop.
"The truth is, on Lake Yato, there have been complaints that our nation's fishing boats are suffering harassment at the hands of yours."
"What? That is not something I can simply overlook."
The Duke of the Norha Principality bristled slightly.
Gajue Tsuga, who was accompanying them, chimed in at that moment.
"No, Your Majesty... I witnessed it myself. Without a doubt, boats flying the flag of the Norha Principality were acting outrageously upon Lake Yato..."
"What?!"
The Duke of the Norha Principality glanced toward Kaimu Law Hasta, the Minister of General Affairs beside him, but...
"No, I had no knowledge of such occurrences."
...was all the man could say.
Both the Chancellor and the Minister of Military Affairs shook their heads as well.
"However, why bring that up at a time and place like this...?" Chancellor Premus Hai Yasuna asked suspiciously.
"...Perhaps he was concerned about the fallout of raising it in an official setting—fearing it might sow discord and harm future relations?"
Gajue Tsuga spoke up as if to shield the Duke of the Mimaka Principality.
"I see. So that was his consideration... Even so, I am deeply ashamed. We have no recollection of approving such acts, nor any policy encouraging them."
The Chancellor of the Norha Principality stated this firmly.
However, First Prince Zifola Movie de Norha was the one person who spoke up.
"...While traveling through various regions, I did hear rumors of it, though that was all they were."
"At the time, I could never have imagined a future where our three principalities would join hands like this, so I simply brushed it aside, but..."
"I see... Very well, Zifola. The moment we return home, investigate this at once. And if it is true, crack down on it severely."
"Understood."
At the time, they believed the issue would be settled then and there, but...
At 1:00 PM Mitsuho time, the Aristotle took off for the Mimaka Principality with the delegations aboard.
With a four-hour time difference and a four-hour flight time, they arrived at 1:00 PM Mimaka Principality time. Jin's Hurricane, piloted by Hope, arrived at the same time.
"Even knowing about the time difference in theory, experiencing it firsthand is truly strange."
"Indeed it is."
To put it plainly, they had spent the entire journey watching the Sun hang at the exact same height in the sky.
"From here, I shall escort our guests to the Darato Principality."
"And I will see the delegation off to the Norha Principality."
Jin and Deus Ex Machina spoke respectively.
The members of the Mimaka Principality were to return to the Royal Palace in a golem carriage that had arrived to receive them.
"Well then, we are truly grateful for all your hospitality over these past two days."
"We look forward to working with you from now on."
Exchanging parting words and firm handshakes, the delegates from the three principalities set off on their journeys home.
Deus Ex Machina headed north aboard the Aristotle.
Their destination was the Norha Principality.
"Maquina-dono, thank you for all your assistance. You have my deepest gratitude."
Inside the vessel, Keith Tennick de Norha, the Duke of the Norha Principality, expressed his thanks.
"It has been an honor, Your Majesty," Deus Ex Machina responded with a respectful bow.
"Truly, it was an eye-opening experience from start to finish."
First Prince Zifola Movie de Norha also seemed deeply moved by the past two days.
"A closed country only hinders its own development. In such a nation, true prosperity and happiness for the people cannot be attained. That is what I have come to realize."
"Your Majesty, Your Highness. Both I and Avalon will continue to support you going forward, so please, build a wonderful nation..."
Deus Ex Machina concluded warmly.
"Those were a fulfilling two days, Jin-dono," Gilberto de Darato, the Duke of the Darato Principality, said with deep emotion from inside the Hurricane's Cabin.
"Thanks to you, I have regained my strength as well."
Gilberto de Darato had such a healthy complexion that it was hard to believe he had been bedridden until just half a month ago.
"I am glad to see you well."
At a time when they had to unite against the looming threat of the Jagus Principality, if a nation's Duke were bedridden, the alliance's Bind might easily loosen.
"Once I return home, I intend to brace myself and carry out various reforms."
"I will help as much as I can."
"I look forward to your assistance."
Having abandoned its futile isolationism and chosen the path of cooperation, the future of the Darato Principality was sure to be bright.