Volume 5 - Chapter 12 – Ring (2/2)
Then, Reinhardt with a sandwich in his mouth,
「Hahaha! Elsa, you really are cute…. Jin, the left ring finger is for an engagement or a wedding ring, especially among aristocrats.」
It appeared that the local custom was the same as modern earth.
Being told so, Jin said in a rush.
「I-is that so? I didn’t notice, I’m sorry Elsa.」(TLFalin: Even without reading the earlier chapters, it’s obvious that she likes him, so he’s being stupid.)
He bowed slightly, but Elsa said to Jin
「Jin doesn’t need to apologize. I was the one who received it and put it on my ring finger.」
「That may be so…..」
Jin asks Elsa to lend it to him for a second. Elsa pulled out a chain and took it off her neck, then handed it to Jin.
「Let me see your hand for a second.」
Elsa held out her right hand and Jin said
「Excuse me for a moment.」
And Jin took her outstretched hand.
「Aaah!」
Jin placed the ring on Elsa’s middle finger and didn’t notice that she was blushing, and.
「[Forming]」
Using his engineering magic, the ring increased the inner diameter and was sized to fit on Elsa’s right middle finger.
「And that’s done.」
Jin said and placed the ring on Elsa’s middle finger and let go of her hand.
While staring at the ring, Elsa…
「Thank…. you.」
She thanked him with a complex expression, both somewhat happy and regretful. Reinhardt was looking curiously at his cousins novel behavior.
「After all, Elsa, you are as cute as expected.」
As he said that, Elsa turned her face away.
「…I don’t care.」
She muttered quietly.
「Look at what you’re doing, you used to have a habit of hitting me suddenly.」
「…………Rai-nii, mean.」
Elsa’s eyes gradually grew wet.
Reinhardt stopped playing with Elsa before it turned worse and turned around to Jin.
「By the way, Jin, I have almost finished my job in this country, and the departure date is approaching. If you want to look around Borgia, unfortunately there’s only today and tomorrow.」
But in reality, there was only a day and a half, because he has an interview tomorrow in the morning with Marquis de Firentsiano.
Jin apologized to Reinhardt saying he wasn’t finished here and told him not to ask too much.
「Well, if you say so. As an apology, how about I guide you around Borgia tomorrow afternoon. Elsa, would you also like to come along?」
Reinhardt said
Jin responded that he was looking forward to it. Since it’s his first time in town, it would be better to have aguide.
Although Elsa was a little cross with him, she was slightly happy with Reinhardt’s words and nodded yes obediently.
Jin heard the story of the Elias Kingdom from Reinhardt.
Among the 4 provinces, the northern Nord province is under the direct control of the royal families in the capital. Marquis de Firentsiano rules the southern state of Zaus and the western state of Tovesu is ruled by marquis Godofa.
And the eastern state of Isudo is ruled by Marquis Carlos de Hudson. (TLFalin: I want to call this a Checkov’s Gun situation, look it up if you’re curious about it, again, I don’t read ahead.)
「Marquis Hudson is…..」
「Yes, it’s Valentino’s father. For better or worse, he seems to be an ordinary person and he’s ruling an ordinary territory.」
For such a son to come from such a parent, is it because of the mediocrity?
The Hudson family, because of the incident Valentino caused, have been demoted to Barons, and if it gets worse, could be dissolved.
Other stories were also heard. Reinhardt seems to be a diplomat and is familiar with the circumstances of each country.
Jin then remembered something he was slightly interested in and asked Reinhardt.
「Hey, what religions do they have?」
「Religion huh? There’s no particular denomination, I mean, after the Great Magic War, it seemed to decrease including the priests. Now it seems each country quietly worships their own idols.」
Jin heard that Reinhardt used the word “Idol” rather than “God”.
「Is Reinhardt by any chance an atheist?」
He asked, then..
「Haha, I, or rather the Shioro empire is. I think what you are asking about is an existence beyond human comprehension. I don’t think there is such a convenient existance like that hearing our prayers and wishes.」
「I see, so you’re realists.」
In the meantime, everyone went back to their respective rooms as it had gotten late.