Magi Craft Meister

“That was delicious. Was that the flavor you recommended, Jin?”

The Empress was in a good mood, sipping her tea after the meal.

“Yes, that’s correct. And regarding that, Your Majesty, there is something I’d like to report.”

“Oh? What might that be?”

“…..If possible, I would like to ask for privacy.”

The Empress looked into Jin’s eyes, then instructed her personal guard, Flora, Magic Technology Minister Degauss, and her secretary to leave the room for a while.

“But, Your Majesty…..”

Flora, being responsible for her protection, hesitated, but she was reminded that Jin was the Imperial Honorary Advisor. Reluctantly, she left the room.

Now, the only ones left in the room were the Empress, Jin, Reiko, Elsa, Edgar, Reinhardt, and Bertha.

“Yes.”

Jin instructed Reiko to deploy the “Solid Barrier,” a powerful shield that blocked sound and vibrations in the air.

However, since it also cut off airflow, the shield could only be maintained for a limited time. Jin decided to keep the conversation brief.

“This is a report concerning the foreign nation.”

The Empress’s expression tensed.

“…..Please, go on.”

“Yes. After conducting my own investigation, it appears that the foreign nation has no intention of invading.”

At this, the Empress visibly relaxed.

“Is that true?”

“Yes, at least according to what I’ve gathered. Allow me to explain the details.”

Jin then recounted the situation in the town of Ismar.

He explained that some merchants had purchased products from the foreign nation, that the nation remained wary of the Shouro Empire, and that they were seeking magic engineers.

And then, Jin took a risk.

“I infiltrated an automaton into their ranks.”

“What!?”

The Empress was genuinely shocked.

“J-Jin!? You actually did that….. Well, if it’s you, I suppose it’s possible.”

After seeing Reiko and the “Leader,” it was clear that Jin had the capability to create automatons indistinguishable from humans.

“The information comes from that automaton. Three hundred years ago, they attempted an invasion due to the Ether Stampede, which drastically reduced the amount of free ether in the world. As a result, their few remaining magic tools stopped working, forcing them to take drastic measures.”

Jin continued to explain. However, he refrained from mentioning the hypnotic magic tools used to eliminate the Shouro Empire’s operatives, at least for now.

“…..”

“And because they are unable to use magic, they have developed advanced science. In that aspect, they are ahead of the smaller nations.”

“…..Is that so?”

“Yes. Although, where they obtained this knowledge…..is still under investigation.”

Jin decided to go all-in with his next statement.

“Your Majesty, I highly recommend establishing diplomatic relations with this foreign nation…..they call themselves the Mitsuho Kingdom.”

Jin paused as the Empress closed her eyes and bowed her head, lost in thought.

Approximately five minutes passed.

The Empress opened her eyes, raised her head, and looked directly at Jin.

“Thank you, Jin. I will give it careful consideration.”

“Please do. Oh, and the secret to that soup’s flavor…..it lies in a product they make, called ‘katsuobushi.'”

“Is that so….. It seems they indeed possess things we do not.”

Jin then released the “Solid Barrier.”

“You’ve achieved so much, Jin. To be honest, I’d love to have your strength on my side, but I won’t force it. However, I do hope you will continue to support us.”

With those words, the Empress bowed her head to Jin.

Jin was not only surprised but also began to think that under this Empress’s rule, the world might truly become a better and more peaceful place.

***

“Jin, you really surprised me.”

“…..Me too.”

After the Empress left, Reinhardt and Elsa, who had been present, spoke to Jin, sounding both impressed and amazed.

“Yeah, it was a bit of a gamble. But as I said, the Mitsuho Kingdom doesn’t seem to be aggressive. Even just trading for their ‘bitumen’ would be worth it.”

“I agree with that.”

“…..But do you think it will be that simple?”

Currently, a plan was in motion to head to Potlock with a new ship.

“Well, our country is stable right now, and we’re in a good place financially, so it’s not impossible.”

Reinhardt offered his analysis.

“There’s also the potential for significant profit. If we can establish diplomatic relations, we could reduce the number of troops stationed in the west by half…..no, maybe even down to a quarter. And, of course, the trade profits would be substantial.”

Jin and Elsa nodded in agreement with Reinhardt’s opinion.

“By the way, where did Her Majesty head off to?”

Jin voiced a simple question, to which Reinhardt replied,

“She’s traveling through the lands of Marquis Theoderic, circling Lake Tosmo before returning to Loizart.”

“I see.”

“The Marquis seems to be in better health now. He’s very grateful to Elsa.”

“Yes, I received a letter from him.”

It was thanks to Elsa’s treatment and the dedicated care of the automaton “Risa.”

“The Marquis said he still wants to serve the country for as long as possible.”

Reinhardt said this with an emotional expression.

At that moment, Berthie, Saki, Toa, Stearleana, Vivian, and Mine arrived, and once again, the Jin family was all together.

The conversation soon turned back to Jin.

“Jin, you’ve been getting quite involved with this country lately, haven’t you? Are you sure about that?”

Reinhardt asked with a slightly complicated expression.

“Of course, I’m glad to see it.”

Jin had made numerous contributions to the Shouro Empire: the “Leader,” the hot air balloon, the repair of the giant golem, the drying plant, and the new ship.

“Yeah, you’re right….. Honestly, it’s easier to work with this country.”

“Easier?”

“Yes. Unlike the smaller nations, this country is somewhat detached from their constant squabbles. If I were dealing with the Klein Kingdom or the Egelia Kingdom, I’d have to worry about the tensions with their neighbors.”

“Haha, I see. So you’ve been thinking about all of this too, Jin.”

Saki chimed in with a teasing tone.

“Of course. My wish is to create things I enjoy, and if they can help people, all the better.”

“…..So, peace is essential for that?”

Elsa, sensing Jin’s intentions, asked gently.

“Exactly. The demon tribe problem has been resolved, and the Mitsuho Kingdom doesn’t seem to pose a threat. It’s the Celuroa Kingdom and the Frantz Kingdom that are the real concerns now.”

Everyone nodded at Jin’s words.

“I’m hoping that the Shouro Empire can take the lead and pave the way for peace….. That’s my vague wish.”

“So that’s why you’re getting involved with our country.”

Toa said in a reflective tone.

“Indeed, when I was wandering around searching for materials, I often wished the borders could be more peaceful.”

“Haha, so you’ve been thinking about these things too, Father.”

“Of course. For researchers, conflict between nations is nothing but a nuisance.”

Everyone nodded in agreement with Toa’s statement.

“The former Lenard Kingdom is another matter that needs attention.”

Jin added, bringing up another unresolved issue.

“…..As for the former Lenard Kingdom, it might be better to rebuild it, or rather, reestablish it.”

Reinhardt commented thoughtfully.

“That’s true. The land there is rich in underground resources, and the climate is favorable, so crops would thrive.”

Toa, who was fond of traveling, seemed familiar with the former Lenard Kingdom.

“Right now, groups of people who fled the country have formed settlements and make a living by mining.”

Having spent years searching for materials, Toa was well-versed in such matters, and everyone listened intently.

“The jewels and magic crystals labeled as Lenard Kingdom products are all mined by those people. Oh, and there are also groups gathering honey.”

“Father, you know a lot about this.”

“Of course, I spent about a year wandering around that area.”

“Really?”

“Yes, this was before you came to live with me at the marquis’s estate.”

“I see.”

“I haven’t been away from home for a whole year since we started living together, have I?”

“Well, no. Although I do remember you being gone for six months once.”

Toa puffed out his chest proudly, while Saki grimaced, and the rest of the group couldn’t help but smile at the father-daughter exchange.

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