This time, Jin's primary role was providing development assistance.
Everyone present was astonished to hear that Jin D possessed the same road-construction expertise as Deus Ex Machina.
"To begin with, that method was originally devised by the Second Generation Magi Craft Meister, after all."
Jin D explained that he had merely refined the technique.
"I-I see. Put that way, it makes complete sense."
Minister of Industry Jintsuo Mihoyasu and the others gathered in the room appeared convinced.
"I would like to settle on the order of operations, and as far as I am concerned, constructing the highway should take priority."
"No objections here."
When Jin D spoke, everyone nodded, and not a single objection was raised. After all, the newly constructed section spanned only about one hundred kilometers; advancing at four kilometers per hour meant the work would be finished in just over a day.
"Once the highway is completed, I intend to proceed with building the desalination plant."
"We leave the matter in your capable hands."
With that, the plan was settled.
To survey the proposed route for the highway, Jin D first flew low aboard the Hurricane to inspect the terrain.
In truth, the geological assessment was already complete, but this flight was necessary to keep up appearances.
Accompanying him was Minister of Industry Jintsuo Mihoyasu.
Following virtually the same process Deus Ex Machina had used, the route was finalized. After dropping Minister of Industry Jintsuo Mihoyasu off in the town of Gidami at the eastern terminus of the planned road, the Hurricane flew off toward the east.
Ostensibly, this was to fetch the construction golems.
One might wonder how an aircraft the size of the Hurricane could transport fifty golems, but the prepared explanation was that it was possible because it was a blow floater rather than a helium airship.
The units being brought over were fifty Smith golems. Weighing four hundred kilograms each, fifty of them totaled twenty tons—an immense load.
As an aside, the massive helium airships built by the US Navy measured roughly two hundred meters in length, yet carried a maximum payload of barely over two tons.
Even the Aristotle should not have been capable of carrying twenty tons, but they bypassed this limitation by running barrier projectors in tandem.
Because no one in this world knew the exact weight of the Smith golems to begin with, it was deemed unlikely that anyone would notice the discrepancy.
Of course, even if someone did notice, it was hardly something that would trouble Jin.
Meanwhile, around the time Jin D left to collect the golems...
On the evening of July 13, in the town of Darihida within the Mimaka Principality.
"Ooh! They really made it! It's Deus Ex Machina-dono's golems!"
"The minister of general affairs is with them too!"
"The highway is connected!"
The crowd gathered on the western outskirts of the town welcomed Deus Ex Machina's party with enthusiastic cheers.
"Deus Ex Machina-dono, you have our deepest gratitude."
Foreign Minister Treyu Nau Yuuki stepped forward to greet them.
He shared a firm handshake with Deus Ex Machina, followed by another handshake with Minister of General Affairs Ryuji F Katsuki, who had accompanied the expedition.
With this, the South Coast Highway linking the Darato Principality and the Mimaka Principality was officially opened.
"Good work, everyone."
Deus Ex Machina praised the Smith golems that had carried out the labor.
The Smith units were then handed over to the maintenance golems assigned exclusively to the Aristotle, which had been trailing behind at low speed, to be cleaned of dust and mud and undergo inspection.
Naturally, the maintenance golems were also Smith units themselves.
"You must be exhausted. Lodgings have been prepared, so please rest comfortably tonight."
Foreign Minister Treyu Nau Yuuki escorted Deus Ex Machina and the minister of general affairs to the finest inn in Darihida.
Although Deus Ex Machina did not experience physical fatigue, the body had gathered quite a bit of dust. After taking a bath, he expressed his appreciation to Foreign Minister Treyu Nau Yuuki.
"Thank you for your thoughtful hospitality."
"Not at all. This does not repay even a fraction of what you have done for us, Deus Ex Machina-dono."
Explaining that discussions regarding the journey's report and post-construction maintenance would take place the following day in the royal capital of Quonale, Treyu Nau Yuuki urged them to relax for the evening before taking his leave.
In such situations, depending on the guest, hosts might choose to express their gratitude with a lavish banquet, or prioritize privacy to allow the visitor to unwind undisturbed.
Treyu Nau Yuuki seemed to have chosen the latter, giving Deus Ex Machina the freedom to relax alone in a private room.
(It certainly helps not having anyone else around.)
For Deus Ex Machina, this arrangement was exceedingly convenient.
First came the report to Laojun.
"Reporting. Highway construction and paving have concluded as scheduled. There were no issues with the construction procedures."
"Laojun acknowledges. Please continue with scheduled operations hereafter."
In truth, this was an exchange of information between Mentor and Laojun.
"Starting tomorrow, My Lord will carry out the eastward highway extension for the Mimaka Principality. Are there any issues with using the current method?"
"None. Everything is in order."
"That is reassuring to hear."
Immediately following that exchange, a knock sounded at the door of the room where Deus Ex Machina was staying.
Having just finished the report, Deus Ex Machina (= Mentor) cut the transmission to answer.
"Yes?"
"Forgive the intrusion at such an hour."
The visitor was Chancellor Moitz Myas Rohdai of the Mimaka Principality. Deus Ex Machina was caught off guard.
"...Did you rush all the way here from the royal capital?"
The Chancellor nodded.
"Indeed....I wanted to personally express my gratitude to you, Deus Ex Machina-dono, for providing our nation with such immense support, so I came as fast as I could."
The distance between Quonale and Darihida was around fifty kilometers, taking less than two hours by horse or golem carriage.
Even so, the Chancellor emphasized that he wished to demonstrate his sincerity.
"Our formal state reception will take place tomorrow in Quonale, of course."
"I am honored."
Sensing the Chancellor's earnestness, Deus Ex Machina returned a polite nod.
"Furthermore, there is an urgent matter I must bring to your attention."
"Understood. Please, come inside first."
Swept along by the Chancellor's urgency, they had been conversing across the threshold.
"...Pardon my lack of manners."
"Not at all. I should be the one apologizing for disturbing your rest."
Deus Ex Machina and the Chancellor took seats opposite each other across the parlor table.
Noticing that the Chancellor was sweating, Deus Ex Machina offered him a cold glass of juice.
"You have my thanks."
Taking a sip of the juice, the Chancellor began to speak.
"The truth is..."
What he had to say was thoroughly shocking...