The next day, Jin was begged by Zion to go to the clan territory of the .

The clan of the <> was where Rhodes had adopted him.

"I'm just trying to promote friendship between the clans and help the Djinn," he said. ...... and apologies."

"Cooperation?　And an apology?

"I'm looking for information to help solve the mystery of how Golbert Markitas can use the Divieniunschiavo."

This is a magic used by the northern tribes, formerly known as the demon tribe, but brainwashing magic is forbidden and only a limited number of them can use it.

Maybe you can find out something if you ask them."

"I see. Thank you, Theon.

You're welcome. ...... and I apologize for borrowing Law for so long.

You didn't let your adopted son return home for a little over three years.

I'm sorry. It's my fault.

"It's not Jin's fault. I did it on my own.

So Jin, together with Zion, Rhodotos, and others, set out on a tour of the Nordic Federation using .

First, they went to the landing pad in the clan territory of the <>.

There were several blow floaters parked on the relatively large landing pad.

< makes a spectacular landing with the pilot, Mr. Hope. After that, the aircraft was moved to a covered area where it was secured.

"Welcome back, Mr. Rhodes!

A woman who appeared to be around 20 years old greeted Rhodes and his crew. She was about to run up to Rhodes, but stopped and greeted Zion.

"Welcome, Mr. Zion. ...... who are you?

"This is Jin-sama, Grandma Zion's most important guest. This is Master Jin, Grandma Zion's most valued guest, as well as Master Jin's automata, Miss Reiko, and her pilot, Mr. Hope."

"Well, I see. My name is Ludmilla. I am the bride of Master Rhodes.

The woman who introduced herself as Ludmila bowed deeply.

"I am the only daughter of a puppet chief.

She had long gray hair and golden eyes, a characteristic appearance of the puppet clans. She is a little shorter than Jin and slender.

"What about Zicarato?"

"Your father has been out on patrol since this morning, but I think he will be back soon.

Can I wait for him?

Of course, please. ......

Ludmilla, the daughter-in-law of Rhodes, led Jin and the others into the parlor. There, Ludmilla sat down close to Rhodes.

"It has been a long time, Mr. Rhodes.

"It's been about that long, hasn't it?

I thought you had forgotten about me.

Ludmilla, I apologize for that. That's why I came here today.

Is that so?

Yes. I will tell you when Zicarato comes back.

And as he was saying that, "Speak of the devil...

"The master has returned."

The master has returned. Shortly after,

"Oh, Lord Theon, you're here. And Rhodoth, it's been a long time!　Your guest is a new face to me. ......"

< clan, was a man of mature years, just under six feet tall with a stout build.

"Let me introduce you. This is an old friend of mine, Jin Nido.

"Oh?　I'm very proud to meet you, Jin Nido. You share the same name as the legendary Magecraft Meister.

Theon chuckled.

"Yes. Because it's him."

"What?

What?

Both Zicarato and Ludmila were so surprised that they let out a loud yell.

"You've got to be kidding me. <

"Yes, he is. But there is a deeper reason for this. Please have a seat.

Zion smiled wickedly and began to talk slowly to Zicarato and Ludmilla.

* * * * * *

...... and that's how it is.

Sion finished his story while quenching his thirst with tea brought by the maid of honor.

"A duplicate?　Or even before that, transference from the past?　It's hard to believe that this is so far-fetched. ......"

Zicarato frowned and said.

"That's a normal reaction, I suppose. But it's true. ...... That's why Rhodes hasn't been able to come back for three years. I'm here to apologize."

"Hmm. ......"

"I believe you."

Zicarato was still skeptical, but Ludmila said she believed him.

"Master Jin, your Mistress Reiko is <> Mistress Reiko, isn't she?"

"I don't know what 'that' is, but she was and is my one and only 'Reiko' in heaven and on earth."

Jin stroked Reiko's head as he invited her in.

"Well."

Ludmilla looked at him with a half-smile and half-envy.

"......, assuming that's true."

Zicarato said as if to reestablish order.

"I accept your apology, Lord Zion. Ludmilla seems to have already forgiven him.

"Thank you, Zicarato."

Sion bowed again.

"And you have something to tell me?"

Zicarato asked, to which Zion nodded.

"I wanted to ask you something."

"What's that?"

"First, let me tell you a little about the premise. ......"

Here Zion took a sip of his nearly cold tea and talked about the <>.

"Hmm, the <>. What does that have to do with your visit?

"It has a lot to do with it. Its first leader was a man named Golbert Markitas, who used the name Divieniunschiavo.

"What?

"What?"

Not only Zicarato but also Ludmilla was surprised to hear that.

"<> is a forbidden spell. We don't have many users. And you say it was used by a human mage?　Isn't there some kind of mistake?

To this Jin replies.

No, it was definitely . And that's what the person who deactivated it said."

"Hmmm... ......."

Zicarato folds his arms, a difficult look on his face as he considers.

"There are indeed many users of <> in our clan, but I don't know anyone called Golbert Markitas, do you?"

"He might have lied about his name, you know?"

"Yes, that's true. ...... Alright, I'll ask my father about it. ...... can we stay here today?"

"Yes."

Yes. Tonight we celebrate the return of our future son-in-law.

Zicarato stood up.

"Ludmila, you will be the hostess, can you do it?"

"Yes, father."

Thus the guests were entertained in the clan territory.

Ludmilla was delighted to take charge of the preparations. Seeing this,

"Ludmilla is going to make a good wife," Zion said.

Rhodes blushed unusually when Zion said something like, "Ludmila is going to make a good bride.

Jin, on the other hand, said,

"Jin-dono, if you are the Magecraft Meister, I have a favor to ask of you.

Zicarato pleaded with him.