On Hourai Island, Laojun was reporting to Jin and Elsa about the health condition of Duke Niestol Kirilo Jagus of the Jagus Principality.
"...Hypertension, fatty liver, and kidney disease?"
"That's awful."
"Yes, My Lord, Elsa-sama. Furthermore, his spine has begun to distort, and his knee joints are also forming deformities."
"How has he not collapsed yet?"
"Yes. It appears he has healing magic cast on him almost daily."
"...Healing magic? Which one?"
"It is 'Healing.'"
It was a mid-level internal healing magic, effective for curing mild infections, general malaise, and similar minor ailments.
"...A razor-thin tightrope walk. Besides, it won't heal joints or the spine."
Elsa wore a slightly exasperated expression.
"...If left alone, I think he will collapse in about six months."
"That soon, huh... So, what about successor candidates?"
"Yes, My Lord. It appears there are three nephews, but that, too, is likely to become a seed of strife."
According to Laojun, while all three were his younger brother's sons, the competent one—though merely at a slightly better level—was the youngest, while the eldest nephew was thoroughly incompetent.
"Ah, that's a recipe for an internal family feud..."
Even Jin could easily imagine the outcome.
"...What do you think will happen if internal strife breaks out?"
"The military might split into two, or perhaps even four factions."
"Four?"
"Yes. The duchess consort's family holds a relatively large amount of power."
"...Meaning they might try to usurp the ducal throne?"
"Yes, My Lord. Or they might prop up a puppet duke and seize actual power for themselves."
Such precedents had occurred on Earth in the past as well. Jin had seen similar scenarios in novels and manga.
"That's troubling in its own right..."
While the World Security Guard could potentially intervene on the grounds of civil unrest, Jin felt it would be far better if the issue were resolved within the Four Principalities.
"...If the Duke's health were to recover, would there be any hope for that nation?"
"Yes, My Lord. Duke Niestol Kirilo Jagus of the Jagus Principality is currently rational, so if he comes to know his place, there may be a chance."
"Is that so..."
"As for his desire for conquest, I believe that will also subside once he understands his limits."
Listening to Laojun's explanation, Jin was reminded of the Meiji Restoration.
(Even after the Black Ships arrived and made the gap in military power clear, internal strife still broke out between the Shogunate and Imperial factions...)
Some people even said that whenever two humans gathered, conflict was inevitable.
(Is it really so hard for people to understand one another?)
Jin found himself getting lost in such extraneous thoughts.
"Jin-nii, you shouldn't carry too much on your shoulders."
Perhaps sensing Jin's inner turmoil, Elsa offered a quiet word of advice.
"Resolving every single conflict is beyond what any one person can do."
Indeed, having attained immense power, Jin had a tendency to shoulder everything, but Elsa urged him not to become trapped by that mindset.
"...You're right. Thanks. It seems I was overthinking things again."
"Mm."
Focus on what one can do step by step... Jin reaffirmed that this was how a human ought to live.
(I'm not ready to give up being human just yet, after all.)
With that in mind, they moved on to the next topic.
"How are things with 'Brain'?"
"Yes, My Lord. The education provided by Shinobi 1 is roughly eighty percent complete."
"Oh, good."
"Should the Duke inquire about health matters, it ought to be capable of providing fairly sound advice."
"Assuming he asks such questions in the first place, that is..."
"Indeed."
Jin figured that by ironing out these small distortions and frayed edges, the broader situation would eventually settle into its proper place.
And that, at least, was something he could and should do.
"However, 'Eiji 1' has now been dispatched. Through its guidance, if an add-on device is attached to 'Brain'—or if its existing apparatus is upgraded—it will likely gain the ability to offer unsolicited opinions regarding the Duke's physical state."
"Oh, I see."
Laojun noted that even if attaching a new device were forbidden, permission to upgrade the existing hardware would almost certainly be granted.
"Then let's wait for that to happen first."
"Yes, My Lord, Elsa-sama."
Thus, for a little while longer, Jin and the others resolved to wait for the wedge driven into the Jagus Principality to take effect.
On August 23, Duke Niestol Kirilo Jagus of the Jagus Principality summoned Lubark Bassi, one of the Progressers, to inquire about their progress.
"Well?"
the Duke asked succinctly.
"Y-Yes, Your Highness....At present, that golem, 'Eiji 1,' has become capable of conversation, though only that."
"What?"
Having never imagined that dialogue would be possible, Niestol was genuinely startled by the response.
To him, a golem was merely a "magi-doll that faithfully executes orders." The idea that it could converse of its own volition, much like a magi-brain, was entirely outside his expectations.
"Hmm... Is there any danger?"
Lubark answered immediately.
"No, none at all."
"Very well. We shall go inspect it."
The Duke made his decision on the spot.
"Y-Your Highness will go... in person?"
"Indeed. Or was it a lie when you said there was no danger?"
"N-Not at all, Sire!"
"Good. Lead the way."
And so, Duke Niestol Kirilo Jagus made his way to the Progressers' research lab alongside Lubark Bassi.
The facility was accessed via a secret passage leading from a hangar tucked away in a corner of the Ducal Palace's courtyard.
"W-Why, Your Highness the Duke, welcome!"
The four members present, headed by the elder-like Rodriguez, could not conceal their astonishment when Lubark returned accompanied by the Duke himself.
"We heard you have established communication with the deformed golem. Allow Us to speak with it as well."
"...Y-Yes, Your Highness. Right this way, then."
Rodriguez took the lead and guided him deeper into the research lab. Beyond lay an inner chamber, where the deformed golem Eiji 1 had been placed.
"Oh!"
Seeing Eiji 1 again, Duke Niestol Kirilo Jagus let out an involuntary gasp.
The deformed golem sat on the floor, its upper body propped against the wall.
Unlike the other day when it had been sprawled limply on the ground, the grime on its chassis had been cleaned away, lending it an imposing presence.
"Eiji 1, this is His Highness Duke Niestol Kirilo Jagus, ruler of this nation."
Rodriguez introduced the Duke.
Eiji 1 offered a greeting in return.
"I am 'Eiji 1.' It is an honor to meet you, Your Highness the Duke."