July 1, 3464.

Jin and Erza are relaxing in their house in Leuthart, the capital of the Shoro Kingdom.

Mio is sitting on Jin's lap and Yu is sitting on Erza's lap, reading a picture book.

"It's already summer, isn't it?

"Hmm."

The days were getting hotter and hotter in the inland city of Leusert.

"Is it time to go to a summer retreat?"

"...... Kaina village?"

"Yes."

Hitoshi said that the village would be busy since Marcia had recently built a pleasure boat for them.

"I think I'll invite His Majesty to visit ......."

"His Majesty ...... means His Majesty the Emperor Taishang?"

"Yes."

Emperor Taishang.

Needless to say, this is the previous emperor, Gerhard Hilde von Rubies-Scholo.

After abdicating the throne on May 1 of that year and handing it over to his nephew Ernst ...... Weissberg Ernst von Shawlo, he was freed from the busy life he had led up to that point and was able to enjoy a leisurely and comfortable life. He had been busy with his own life, not ...... so much, Jin said.

"I heard that you have finally settled down," he said.

"Well, he went through a lot of hardship, and we were also indebted to him, so I think it's good.

In addition, he knew Yu and Mio well, and when he came to Reuthert's house on occasion, he took good care of them, and the twins were fond of him.

He was not allowed to marry because of his position and remained a bachelor, so it is said that he was very attached to the children around him.

If he were not an emperor, Jin would have wanted to have him as a member of the .

Even if he abdicates, he is still the second-highest ranking emperor in the country, so it is not possible for him to be a member of the family.

"I have a feeling that he will come here today as a guest of honor.

Before Jin could say ...... or not,

Butler D said, "Master, His Majesty the Emperor is here.

Butler D reported.

Jin left Mio to Erza and rushed to meet him with Reiko.

"Jin-kun, they're here!"

Perhaps it was because he had been relieved from stress since he had stepped down from the throne, but his blood color, which was not bad to begin with, had improved even more, and his back, which had been sore due to the many hours of sitting work, had healed.

Accompanying him was Flora Heckerath von Merante, who had officially become his personal attendant.

She had been the head of the courtesan of the palace, and at her own request, she had become the courtesan of the Grand Emperor. She was originally a knight of the Kingsguard, so she is also a first-rate escort.

However, she is a bit too serious and sometimes inflexible.

She was also teased by the Emperor because of her teasing nature.

On this day, Jin seemed to be a little annoyed by the capricious Emperor Taishang.

"His Majesty the Grand Emperor, welcome!

"Jin, it's nice to have you with us.

In contrast to the friendly Emperor Taishang,

"Sir Jin Nido, I'm sorry for the trouble I've caused you."

Flora is in her usual formal mood.

"First of all, this way please.

Jin led Emperor Taishang into the reception room.

The Emperor Taisho, who was accustomed to this place since he had visited there many times, followed Jin's guidance and went to the reception room without any confusion.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

"Come in, Your Majesty."

Ames 102 brought a cup of chilled green tea.

"Ah, it's refreshing on a hot day like today. I love the refreshing bitterness and faint sweetness.

Emperor Taishang took a sip of the cold tea and smiled.

"I'm finally done with my chores."

Sipping the tea in the drawing room, Emperor Taishang sighed.

"I'd like to take it easy for a few days.

"Well, there are some, but..." replied Jin.

When Jin answered, Emperor Taishang leaned forward.

"Where?　Tell me!"

Jin replied with a wry smile.

"Uh, well, there is a village called Kaina, located in the north of the Kingdom of Klein. ......

Before Jin could finish,

"Oh, Jin-kun's territory!

Jin immediately understood.

"That's a good idea. I couldn't go there when I was emperor, but I can go there now. Right, Flora?

"Yes, well... ......"

Flora looked resigned, as if there was nothing she could do to stop him.

By the way, how are the twins?

"They are fine. I was reading a picture book just now.

"Well, you're very studious. ...... hey, can I see them?

"Yes, I'll see you at ......."

Jin replied and told Ruby 102, who was standing by, to tell Elsa and the twins to come this way.

A minute or so later,

"Your Majesty, welcome!"

"Welcome, Your Majesty!"

"Welcome, Your Majesty!"

Erza, Yu, and Mio came and greeted him.

"Elsa, you look well. ......Hello, Chloe, Mio, how are you? Have you been good?

"Yes, hey!"

"Yes, Heika!"

Emperor Taigami's face naturally broke into a smile as he heard their cheerful answers.

"Well, good boy, come here."

"Yes!

"Yes!"

The twins hurried over to the emperor.

"Oh, they're so cute!"

The Emperor Taishang picked them up in his arms. The twins were so happy and giggling.

"Heh, Your Majesty. ......"

Flora could do nothing but watch on with a sense of relief.

The same goes for Jin and Elsa, who are looking at them anxiously to make sure they don't do anything rude.

After a while, the Emperor Taigami lowers the twins to the floor after they have had enough of their fun. Immediately Elsa picked them up and sat them down on either side of her.

Then Ames 102 brought them some sweetened Citran juice.

"Yay!

"Wow!"

The two were so excited to see their favorite food in front of them that they sipped the juice.

"Yummy!

"Delicious!"

They were quiet while drinking the juice. Jin then resumes the conversation from earlier.

"Your Majesty, if you come to the village of Kaina, I will accompany you.

"Well, I'm glad to hear that. I knew you would say so, Jin!

With a wry smile on his face, Jin decided to discuss a specific schedule.