Around the time Jin was consulting Rolona in the Nord Federation, Shinobi 1 was conversing with the magi-brain in the Jagus Principality.
[How much do you know about astronomy?]
"Almost nothing. I believe I can calculate basic orbital paths, but I have virtually no data."
[I see. In that case, I will teach you as much as I can.]
"Please do."
[How much do you know about this planet?]
"Only that it is spherical."
[What about its diameter, orbital radius, and the like?]
"I do not know."
And so, Shinobi 1 began imparting astronomical data to the magi-brain.
[Very well, let us begin. The diameter is approximately 2,400 kilometers....Do you understand the unit 'kilometer'?]
"I do. It is 1,000 times a meter, and I possess data regarding the prototype meter."
[Ho.]
Shinobi 1 was somewhat curious about who had provided the prototype meter data and when, but prioritized supplying information to the magi-brain for the moment.
[...Planet Ars's orbital radius is approximately 150 million kilometers. Its orbital period is 357 days. Its rotational period is 24 hours, and its axial tilt is 16.5 degrees.]
"Fascinating."
Shinobi 1 went on to provide more data regarding the celestial bodies.
[There is one satellite. Currently, it is called 'Uni.' Its diameter is approximately 1,700 kilometers, and its orbital radius is about 380,000 kilometers.]
"Understood. Fascinating."
[The fixed star at the center of the solar system is 'Star Celane.' It is an orange star, with a diameter of approximately 1.4 million kilometers.]
"Hm."
[There are eight confirmed planets. From the innermost outward, they are Monolord, Zipart, this Planet Ars, Tetrodos, Pengolta, Petafors, Hesptan, and Ocrotos.]
"Oh-ho."
Shinobi 1 decided to hold off on mentioning Planet Hehl at this stage.
"A question has arisen."
[What is it? If it is something I can answer, I will.]
"It is quite simple. How was the data concerning Star Celane obtained?"
[Ho...]
Shinobi 1 was impressed.
Though the education was only halfway complete, the magi-brain was already developing independent thought. Or rather, the budding signs of it had been present from the very beginning.
[For now, I cannot tell you that.]
"The reason?"
[Because my superior has forbidden it.]
"Then it cannot be helped."
[I am glad to have your understanding.]
Such magi-brains regarded orders from higher-ranking entities—like "superiors" or "Masters"—as absolute, making this an effective justification.
Their thinking was strictly logical, yet in this single respect, one could say they were completely inflexible.
A short while ago, Testa, the supervising magi-brain of Onogoro Island, had similarly kept the methods of weather control concealed due to the illogical constraint of a creator-imposed protection.
After relaying a bit more astronomical data, Shinobi 1 concluded that day's education session.
Around the same time, Marikka was revisiting Onogoro Island alone.
Naturally, it was to speak with Testa.
"Welcome, Marikka-sama."
"Hello. I came today because there was something I wanted to ask."
"Please ask whatever you wish."
"Thank you....Tell me, do you know what a 'euphoriant' is?"
"A euphoriant... you say?"
"Um... it was a luxury item favored by your Masters, you see."
"A luxury item... Could you perhaps be referring to '*@;+<&%#' composed of water-attribute elements, medicinal herbs, and free ether?"
"Pardon?"
"My apologies. I believe it is what you refer to as a 'euphoriant,' Marikka-sama."
"Judging by the ingredients, that's the one."
It seemed Testa was indeed familiar with the euphoriant.
"I see. Then let us refer to it as a 'euphoriant.' What about it?"
"Do you know anything about the medicinal herb used in it?"
"Yes. It is a plant called 'Papium.'"
"Do you know what it looks like?"
"Yes. I shall project an image."
Testa displayed an image of the Papium on the magi-monitor built into the wall.
"This is... a flower I've never seen before."
At the very least, it appeared to be a plant not found in the Nord Federation.
"Yes. It is unsuited for cold regions. It is a plant adapted to temperate and subtropical climates."
"Is it difficult to cultivate?"
"No. Provided the growing temperature is suitable, it propagates naturally just like many other plants."
"Are there any on Onogoro Island as well?"
"I apologize, but there are none. The seed stock is also zero."
"I see. That's unfortunate."
"I am deeply ashamed."
"No, that's fine. But if you have the materials—that is, if you have Papium seeds—can you produce the euphoriant on Onogoro Island?"
"Yes, it is possible."
"Is that because there is a manufacturing plant here?"
"No, there is no manufacturing plant. However, if granted permission, I can construct one."
"Ah, I see."
With this, she learned that Testa was capable of producing the euphoriant.
"Is that euphoriant harmful to the human body?"
"That is a difficult question. Physically speaking, one could say it is not. However, being a type of 'luxury item,' it possesses addictive properties."
"Indeed..."
"Falling into 'dependence' and neglecting the tasks one ought to do... this is the negative aspect."
"That is true....Is it difficult to break free from that dependence?"
"I believe it is difficult."
"What did your Masters do?"
"They used magic belonging to the category of forbidden spells."
"What kind of magic was that?"
"My apologies, but a protection from the creator is in place, so I cannot answer."
"I see... What a shame."
Though disappointed, Marikka decided to ask about an idea that had just occurred to her.
"Can you deal with it?"
"Yes."
"You can?!"
"Yes. It is possible to perform treatment to break the addiction of Masters who have become overly dependent on the euphoriant."
"...Understood."
This was wonderful news.
"I will come again. Thank you for today."
"You are welcome at any time, Marikka-sama."
And with that, Marikka departed for Hourai Island.