"Well, I guess this isn't the best."

In the command center of Horai Island, Jin sighed with relief.

.

The old lord praised Jin.

"I didn't do much, and I'm not really aware of it."

<<

"Is that so?"

Father, I'm back.

Then Reiko came back.

<.

The , piloted by Hope, was heading for Horai Island.

It is flying at supersonic speed and will return soon.

"Welcome home, Reiko. Thanks for coming back."

Mini Reiko got up from Jin's lap and jumped onto his shoulder.

"Well, I'm going to go change."

She puts the mini-reiko on her shoulder and goes back into the room. She returned in about a minute.

She was dressed in her usual apron dress, disarmed, including the bowl.

"Aren't you tired, father?"

For more than six hours since the Marquitas incident, Jin had been packed in the control room.

"Speaking of which, I'm starving.

Soleil and Luna are preparing a meal for you. Please go ahead."

Jin got up from his seat and stretched.

"Yes, I will."

He then headed for the dining room. Naturally, Reiko followed him.

After seeing Jin and Reiko off, the old man began to think about what to do next.

<

As a proof of this, he is even thinking of a <>.

<> that has put this whole mess together. ...... can declare that Squire Rey is an automaton, so he can look as he did in the past.

And moreover, I'm not sure that Rhodes would do so well,

<<<>.

* * * *

Rhodes, a member of the second <>, the <>, was now in <>.

"Long time no see, Tomax."

And Marikka of Morura was with him.

"This is the teacher!"

Marikka had been a teacher here at Avalon about 20 years ago, and Tomax Bartmann, the Chief Administrator of Avalon, was a student of hers.

What can I do for you today?

There's only one thing that's urgent right now, isn't there?

Pandora's continent?

Yes, sir.

The time is 5:00 PM. There is an approximate time difference of -11 hours from the Pandor continent, which means that it is around 6:00 a.m. there.

In case you are wondering, the date line is drawn in the ocean between the Rasil and Laurent continents, called the ...... which is in essence the Kunlun Island.

"It seems that a squadron is on its way, but it's Guillermo Marchitas. They are no match for him.

Tomax Bartmann was dismayed by Marikka's assertion.

"What?　That's ......."

Marikka smiled at Tomax.

"Calm down, Tomax. 30 years and you haven't changed that much, have you?

"...... is, yes, sir."

"Don't worry, sir, the <> is on its way. In fact, the enemy golem unit seems to have been almost completely destroyed.

"Really?　...... deus ex machina!　And the special advisor?

"Have they not been seen in the last few decades,...... or even a hundred years?　Yes, that >>deus ex machina.

"Oh, is that him?"

Marikka smiles again.

"That's what I thought you would say, that's why I'm here."

Marikka is one of the founders of <> and one of the few living witnesses who has known it since its inception.

"In a little while, the deus ex machina will arrive, and I will introduce you.

"Uh, uh, really?　How old are you?

With these words Maricka understood what Tomax Bartmann was trying to say.

"Oh, so that's what you mean. Of course, you are the third generation, not the first."

Maricka explained that the succession is not hereditary, but rather based on ability.

"Squire Rey is an automaton, though, so he hasn't changed."

"...... I see."

Finally, Tomax and I, who had regained our composure, began discussing the future.

"Rather, how about we support the Principality of Mercana, which has suffered damage, and take this opportunity to encourage them to join the ?"

"Oh, sir, that is a good idea. I will immediately discuss and arrange for a meeting.

Tomax is not a dictator. is a parliamentary system.

Maricka nodded in agreement. She then addressed Rhodes, who was standing by her side.

"Rhodes, you knew some people in the Principality of Mercana, didn't you?

"Yes, Marikka.

"Go with the support group from Avalon and help us to persuade them.

I will.

* * * *

<

<

The man was in the dining room.

It was midnight in Houraishima, so the menu was easy to digest.

"This rice porridge tastes good.

When Jin praised the rice porridge, Luna was flattered.

"Thank you, sir.

The pickles here are delicious, too.

"Thank you very much."

Soleil bowed her head as well.

"Father, please have some tea."

Reiko then offered him a cup of hojicha (roasted green tea). Of course, the tea was cooled down just enough for Jin to drink.

"Oh, it's delicious."

Jin finishes his ojiya and drinks the hojicha while chomping on the pickled vegetables.

(I wonder what Eira and Katya are going to do now. ......)

As the old man was concerned, Jin himself was wondering what he should do with his acquaintances in the Principality of Mercana.