Around the time preparations for the counter-detection were underway in the Mimaka Principality, back on Hourai Island...
"...No matter how you look at it, that communicator isn't something made by the Progenitors."
Jin was analyzing the data sent by Deus Ex Machina alongside Laojun.
"It looks as though they were taught the basic magi-sequence and somehow managed to cobble it together."
"I believe it is just as My Lord says."
Laojun seemed to agree with Jin's assessment.
"Setting that aside, about pinpointing the transmission's destination... Will Deus Ex Machina be alright on his own?"
"Indeed, My Lord. Since people from the Mimaka Principality are around him, he cannot display his full capabilities, making it rather difficult."
"I figured....Can we take measurements from our end as well?"
"Yes. Let us temporarily dispatch the Quinta."
"I see, that's an option."
Assuming the target was also broadcasting an omnidirectional signal, the measurement could be taken from anywhere.
Therefore, Laojun sent Capella 10—known by the alias Randy—and Mira 10—known by the alias Riana—via transporter to a deserted wasteland area.
Equipped, of course, with magi-radars for measurement.
At 10:00 PM local time, Deus Ex Machina's side had completed their detection preparations.
One of the operators assigned to detection was Squire Rei. She would use her built-in magi-radar.
The other was the Aristotle, which would utilize its onboard magi-radar.
For appearances' sake, Rei had been placed aboard the Eagle Unit 1, with the cover story that she was using the magi-radar installed on the craft rather than an internal one.
"Still, a magi-radar... To think you have developed such a device is truly astonishing."
Duke Gaspar de Mimaka spoke with heartfelt admiration.
"If we participate in the World Conference and study desperately, will we be able to catch up?"
"Yes, surely....While it may not be an easy path, hard work never betrays you."
Deus Ex Machina gave a sincere reply.
"Two minutes until the decoy transmission."
There had been some debate regarding what information to transmit, but in the end, they decided to convey information that was not fabricated yet posed no issue if revealed.
Namely, the plan to extend the South Coast Highway to the east.
It was a fact, and there was no harm in letting it be known.
"One minute remaining."
All preparations were complete.
"Ten... nine... eight... seven..."
This countdown was also relayed to Capella 10 and Mira 10 via Hourai Island.
"...Three... two... one... zero!"
The communicator was switched on.
Mana waves were emitted in all directions.
Then, after about a minute had passed, a voice came through.
"S-P-E-A-K."
The sound quality was extremely poor, producing a voice that made it impossible to tell whether it belonged to a man or a woman.
"Yes....In the Mimaka Principality, construction led by the Magi Craft Meister to extend the South Coast Highway eastward is scheduled to begin. That is all."
"U-N-D-E-R-S-T-O-O-D."
The reply consisted of nothing more than a single word, but that was more than enough for Capella 10 and Mira 10.
"Due west from Quonale."
"Northeast from Darihida."
The two lines of bearing were successfully identified.
Meanwhile, Deus Ex Machina's side had obtained similar measurement results.
"It appears to be a point roughly twenty kilometers due west of Quonale," Deus Ex Machina said while checking the map.
"Hmm, that area is a rocky wasteland. There are no settlements or anything of the sort there," Royal Ritter Commander Daiki Yuuma Tatsuta explained.
"Conversely, wouldn't that make it ideal for a spy to hide?"
"One could certainly say so."
Commander Daiki nodded at Deus Ex Machina's remark.
"In that case, let us launch a raid on the location," Deus Ex Machina declared resolutely.
"We will rush there aboard the Aristotle and the Eagle Unit 1. Please have someone from the Mimaka Principality accompany us as a witness."
"Then I shall go."
"I will accompany you as well."
Royal Ritter Commander Daiki Yuuma Tatsuta and diplomat Yaharu Sumi stepped forward.
"Understood. Then let us depart immediately."
"A-Are preparations not necessary?"
Yaharu Sumi panicked, but Deus Ex Machina reassured him.
"Indeed. You two need only observe from inside the Aristotle. We will leave the actual capture to Squire Rei."
Back on Hourai Island, Jin and Laojun were discussing whether they should capture this relay operative.
"I suspect there are several more relay points leading back to the Jagus Principality."
"It is likely just as My Lord presumes."
If that was the case, taking out this post would alert the enemy that the Mimaka Principality had caught onto their spies.
"What would be the downside to that?"
"From the Jagus Principality's perspective, the Mimaka Principality should be of low priority, so they may simply withdraw for the time being. It is unlikely to present any particular disadvantage."
"True. We can just consider it as having thwarted one of the Jagus Principality's invasion preparations."
"Yes."
"Is there any chance spies have infiltrated other cities as well?"
"There is. The most prominent candidate would be Colada, the northernmost town in the Mimaka Principality along the shores of Lake Yato."
"Because it's close to the border with the Norha Principality?"
"Yes. Since the bailiff of Basisus, a town on the Norha Principality's side, was brainwashed, there is a high probability that the town on this side is in a similar state."
"Let's pass that along to Deus Ex Machina... to Mentor, and have them deal with it."
"I believe that is best. Once this operation is complete, we shall have Deus Ex Machina propose it."
The Aristotle hovered one hundred meters above the target area.
The Eagle Unit 1 carrying Rei had already been retrieved.
Squire Rei stood beside Deus Ex Machina.
Local time was 11:30 PM. The date would change soon.
"Rei, what is the status?"
Deus Ex Machina asked Squire Rei, who was gazing at the Aristotle's onboard magi-radar.
"Yes, Lord Maquina. There is a response almost directly below us."
"I see. I can leave this to you, correct?"
"Yes."
At long last, the operation was about to begin.