February 17. The national celebration of the Kingdom of Celuloa is just around the corner.

Most of the heads of state and ambassadors have left the country.

Those who have not yet departed at this point are those who plan to go by hot-air balloon.

From the Shoro Kingdom are Reinhardt and his brother-in-law Matheus Geist von Rialger.

From the Kingdom of Klein, Arthur, the second prince, and his tutor and aide, Lioness Ashford.

And, of course, <>, Jin.

"Will Reinhardt be there too? ......"

Jin muttered as he sat deep in his chair in the command center of Horai Island. It was a last-minute decision, but since they agreed to it, it was fine.

"We should pay a visit to the Shoro Empire as well.

Originally, we were going to hear the invitation ...... from the Kingdom of Selroa, or rather the request to attend the meeting, in the Shoro Kingdom.

So, I decided to go there as soon as I thought of it.

Of course, after adjusting the time, using <> and a transporter.

Elsa and Reiko accompanied me.

At around nine o'clock in the capital city of Leusert, <> appeared in the sky above the city.

The hot-air balloon of the Miyagi security cleared the way, and <> arrived at the landing pad reserved for Jin. The Prime Minister, Jung Forss von K?bsler, rushed up to him.

"Sir Jin Nido, Elsa Ehime, Herr Rehko, welcome. I'm sorry to inform you that His Majesty has already left for the Kingdom of Celuloa.

Oh, I see.

The old man has told me, but he is a man of few words.

"I have a message from His Majesty, could you please come to my office?"

"Yes, I will."

<, Jin and the others headed for the palace with the Prime Minister.

"Now, first of all, there is a message from the Kingdom of Selroa to the , do you know it?"

"Ah, yes. I heard about it in the Kingdom of Klein. You've asked me to attend the commemorative ceremony?

Yes, that's right. Then, I have a letter for you from His Majesty.

With these words, the Prime Minister presented a letter. Jin was mildly surprised when he received it.

"This letter is specially ...... textured, isn't it?"

Hearing this, the Prime Minister smiled.

"It's called wood paper, and was obtained through trade with the land of Mitsuho," he said.

"I see. It is thinner than leather paper.

He had been informed of this, but pretended to be unaware of it.

"From now on, I would like to spread this paper through our country to the Lesser Antilles. His Majesty also brought a large quantity of this paper.

It is supposed to be a gift to the Kingdom of Cerroa. These cultural items may seem modest, but they will prove to be useful to the discerning eye.

"That's nice."

His Majesty also said that we owe it to Jin-dono for encouraging us to trade with that country.

I am glad to hear you say so.

Jin has begun producing on Horai Island, but has decided to use it only within the island and among his friends, and not to sell it outside the island.

He thought that it was the right of the Shoro Empire to profit from the <, after all the trouble they went through to establish trade with the Mitsuho Kingdom.

"Your majesty is in the carriage with his attendants. I will stay here.

Jin was to receive information about the participants in the ceremony to commemorate the founding of the Kingdom of Selroa.

"The Marquis Gehlen Theodoric von Eisen and the Minister of Magic Degas Furt von Manislas have already departed by ship.

"Is the Marquis already so well?"

The Marquis of Gehlen was Saki's maternal grandfather. Due to an unfortunate misunderstanding, he was poisoned with arsenic by the minions of the demon tribe and his body was destroyed, but Erza's healing techniques completely cured him.

"Yes. She has recovered enough to act normally, though not to the extent that she used to. And Lisa, was she with you?　We also have automata."

Lisa is a nursing automaton created by Erza under the guidance of Jin.

"......I am honored to be of service to you."

"And Erza Ehime's brother, Commander Fritz, is taking five golems with him."

Erza nodded.

"Finally, Reinhardt and Matth?us are going by hot air balloon, is that correct?

The prime minister's explanation made sense to them, and they thanked him.

"Reinhard and Matheus should be here tomorrow. What about Jin-dono and the others?

"Yes, they will return to the Kun Lun island and arrive there the day before.

"Oh, I see. I would like to visit Jin-dono's base of operations.

The Prime Minister says jokingly. He was unaware that the day was unexpectedly near.

The vizier jokingly said, "I'd like to visit your base once.

Reinhard, you stink of water.

Jin had jumped from Reuthert's house to the village of Kurtz to meet with Reinhardt.

"No, I didn't have time to tell him since I was told about it yesterday.

It is said that the personnel to go out in the hot-air balloon was disputed until the very last minute. In any case, the decision could not be made before the departure of the emperor.

"Well, for one thing, it's because someone who was supposed to be there at the last minute called in sick and couldn't make it."

"Hmm. It's not a temporary illness?

There are a few illnesses that cannot be cured by the healing magic of this world, but they are few and far between. The fact that the disease appears at this time smells like a fake illness.

"Well, I don't know about that, but I'm happy to accept this assignment.

"Well, maybe Reinhardt is."

He visited the Kingdom of Selroa last year as a diplomat and knows the people there. He is even more famous because the Black Knight (Schwarzritter)>> defeated the Golem (Adamas Warrior)>>, which was said to be the best golem in his kingdom at that time.

"Matheus was his escort. Of course, <>......<> will also be taking him along."

"...... just barely?　No, it's a bit heavy, isn't it?"

The Black Knight (Schwarzlitter) is quite heavy. Even with the improvements, it still weighs 250 kilograms. If Reinhardt and Matheus were on board, they would be overweight.

"Uh, ...... I'll carry Noir on my side?"

Jin suggests.

"But it would be bad if they find out I'm not going with Reinhardt, so I'll have a dummy on board.

Jin thinks that we could add a bit of extra armor to our new <>.

"Oh, that would help."

Reinhardt looks pleased.

"But are you sure you want to leave Bertsche alone?"

"Yes, she has very bad morning sickness and I can't go with her. Besides, I've been told that she's far from stable.

"You must be worried."

"Yes, but His Majesty has named me."

Reinhardt smiles bitterly.

Just then, a voice came from behind Jin.

"...... Jin-sama, it's okay. It means that my husband is recognized by the government.

It was Belce. She looked a little pale and unwell.

"Bel, are you all right?"

"Yes, my dear. I can't keep sleeping when I can see Ms. Jin and Ms. Erza.

But you mustn't be too hard on yourself, okay?

"Yes, I know."

Jin looked at the two of them and thought that they would be fine.

"Oh, Bertsche, I understand. If you feel something is wrong with your health, please contact the old man.

"Yes, thank you, Master Jin.

"There is an experienced healer, Dr. Sally, in the village of Kaina, so you can count on her in case of emergency."

Yes, I have heard of you. I'd like to meet her.

...... and then...

Yes?

Congratulations on your pregnancy.

Well, that's very kind of you.

Erza watched the exchange between Jin and Mr. and Mrs. Reinhardt from a distance.

She saw a glimpse of envy on their faces.