Zion explains to Jin the problems facing the Marquise of Kuzma.

"To put it simply, it's a succession problem.

"Oh, that sounds like a lot of work."

Jin has the impression that the succession problem in aristocratic society is a complicated one.

"The story is simple. There are only three girls in the Marquise de Kuzma's family now."

"Ah... ...... but..."

In the past, the Marquis Florenziano of Elias was a woman, and there are female barons.

When Jin said that..,

"The point is whether the king approves or not. It might be the king or the council.

Zion answered.

"I see."

If a woman is to be the head of the family, she must be recognized as capable of ruling or something equivalent.

Jin thinks that this is a bad part of aristocratic society.

However, custom is custom, and it is not something that can be fixed immediately.

"What should we do?

asked Zion,

"I don't know that much about the customs of the Kingdom of Egelea.

He replied, "I don't know that much about the customs of the Kingdom of Egelea.

"That's right."

Jin folded his arms and thought for a while.

"I guess I can't say anything until I visit the Blue Lands. ......

He came to the conclusion, "I guess I'll have to go to Blueland and see what it's all about.

* * * * * *

On the morning of April 17, Jin moved to Blue Land with Reiko after making preparations at Horaijima.

"It's been a long time since I've been here.

The forests on the outskirts of Blueland were just as they used to be.

"Perhaps the Marquess of Kuzma has designated it as a conservation area," Reiko said.

Jin nodded at Reiko's comment.

"Oh, so that's how it is. That's very kind of them.

"Yes, father. But, since it's thanks to you that I'm able to get your father's help in this way, isn't that mutually beneficial?

Ha-ha... you're right...

Reiko was in her usual tone.

We walked slowly and passed through the forest in about 30 minutes.

The area beyond the forest was a grassland dotted with bushes and shrubs, almost unchanged from the past.

"I wonder if this area is a kind of conservation area.

There were some footprints, so the area did not seem to be off-limits to visitors.

Since it was spring, new buds were beginning to grow among the dead grass.

Blue Land is located a little south of Horai Island, so from what Jin saw, spring seemed to come a little earlier.

"The last time I was here was in the middle of the commotion," he said.

He had come to search for the remnants of the who were hiding in the depths of an abandoned mine on the outskirts of Bluerand.

"I remember the Duke of Bruu welcomed us that time..."

"Yes, he did. I think that the reason the Marquise of Kuzma didn't show his face was because of the succession problem."

That's a big possibility.

As Reiko and I walked along, we finally arrived at the gate of Breuland. It was around 9:00 a.m., so the gate was open.

"Here you go."

I showed the gate guard the pass that Theon had given me, and he let me through with a single glance.

"You were right when you said that checks in times of peace are only a formality."

That's a sign of peace, Jin thought.

"Now what are we going to do?"

He knew the old Breuland, but he knew nothing about the new Breuland.

"We could go directly to the Marquise's house. ......

It might have been difficult for just Jin and Reiko, but Zion had written a letter of introduction for them, so they should be able to enter the Marquise's house without any problem.

Jin, however, decided to gather information in the town first.

"What should I do at ...... in such a case?"

Jin did not have much experience in this kind of situation.

He said, "...... where people gather and where people who know the town gather is good, father.

Reiko, who must have been in contact with the old man, gave him some advice.

"Maybe a diner, or a mutual aid association (guild). ......"

Jin wondered if there was a in this country at this time.

"Then there is also the innkeeper."

I have plenty of pocket money, so I decide to look for a reasonably good inn.

I'll go here.

"I think I'll stay here.

After searching for about 30 minutes, I found an inn called "Gingetsu-tei.

It was located off the main street and had a quiet atmosphere. The building was clean and well-maintained.

The staff said, "Welcome. Are you staying with us?

Since the restaurant is open for lunch, Hitoshi and Reiko went to the front desk, but it was only 11:00 a.m., so they were asked to confirm.

"Please stay overnight."

"Okay. Please fill out this form."

The receptionist was a young proprietress in her late twenties.

<, Jin thought that it was a mistake not to have thought of an alias for such an occasion.

"You are staying one night. How would you like to eat?

"Dinner and breakfast, please."

"Okay. If you have lunch at ......, we can give you a small discount.

The person who was told..,

Jin replies, "Oh, I'll have lunch here, too.

Jin replies.

"Yes, sir. The room is on the second floor, room 203. Here is the key.

"Yes, thank you."

Hitoshi and Reiko go to drop off their baggage, which they are carrying to make themselves look like tourists.

Of course, the contents are dummies.

"Oh, this is a nice room.

The living room and bedroom are separated, and the room is a twin room of about 10 tatami mats. The room is divided into a sleeping area with two beds and a living room-like space with a chair and a table.

A toilet and a shower room were also in the room, which was very advanced for this part of the world.

It reminds me of a business hotel," said Jin.

Jin commented.

The time was 11:30 a.m. I left my luggage in the room and went to the first floor cafeteria to have lunch, although it was a little early.

Here is the menu.

The young proprietress at the front desk showed me the menu.

<<<<, main dishes such as <<<<>, and <, etc. <<> and so on.

Jin ordered congee, vegetable soup, and seafood salad. Reiko ordered bread and stew. She is staying with us as her younger sister.

Please wait a moment.

The young proprietress wrote down the order and went to the kitchen.

Jin moistens his mouth with the cold water offered and looks around the dining room.

It was still early, so there was only one other person eating bread and stew.

"I think I'll ask the landlady about where to go ...... after I eat.

Jin thought to himself.