Chapter 485: The Klein Kingdom And The Hot-Air Balloon (1/2)
“What’s that? Jin is bringing a what? A ‘hot-air balloon’, you say?”
During the scheduled call on the afternoon of July 27, the Shouro Empire informed the two kingdoms of Klein and Egelia about the gift received from Jin named “hot-air balloon”.
At the same time, the two kingdoms also received the news about the demons, which matched with what Makina had informed them about in his letters, which made their leaders grow nervous.
However, the kingdoms of Klein and Egelia were far away from demon territory, so their degree of nervousness was greatly different.
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At 10 AM of July 29, in Alban, capital city of the Klein Kingdom…
“Oh, here he comes!”
“Whoa, Jin and the others are really all the way up there.”
“It’s been a long time…”
“Amazing…”
A large number of Royal Guard Knights, Prime Minister Powell, Princess Lieschen, Prince Ernest of the Egelia Kingdom, and Lithia’s father, Nicklaus Farheight, were all waiting for Jin to arrive in the square in front of the Royal Castle.
Prince Ernest was visiting the Klein Kingdom to spend some time with Princess Lieschen.
Nicklaus was there as well because he was one of the people who had seen the Unifier’s “flying balloons” during the battle in Tetrada.
As they stood there watching, the hot-air balloon on which Jin was riding landed in the center of the square. Only Jin and Reiko had come this time around. This was because there was a lot of luggage.
Also, Elsa stayed in the Shouro Empire because she wanted to visit her family.
“Jin!”
The first one to rush towards him was Prince Ernest. Princess Lieschen followed right after him.
Those of the Royal Guard Knights who had never had direct contact with Jin before seemed confused, but those who knew him, such as Glenn Dabrode, the leader of the Royal Guard Knights, and the young knight Heintz Lash, were able to keep their cool.
As Jin bowed at the two who rushed to greet him…
“It certainly has been a long time, Your Highness Prince Ernest, Your Highness Princess Lieschen.”
“Long time no see, Jin. …Why so formal?”
“Right! Like Lord Ernest said, that was a bit too stiff, don’t you think?”
“Thank you. Then…”
Jin cleared his throat, then…
“Long time no see, Your Highnesses.”
…he amended his greeting with a smile.
“Lord Jin, nay, Magi Craft Meister Sir Jin Nidou, welcome to the Klein Kingdom.”
Prime Minister Powell walked up to Jin and presented him with a silver platter.
“This is a certificate that grants you free entry and exit rights to our country. Like the one issued to you by the Shouro Empire, this allows you to take 10 people to accompany you across our borders.”
“Thank you very much.”
Jin humbly bowed as he accepted the document on the platter.
“Well then, let’s jump right to business… I’ll be teaching you how to use this hot-air balloon.”
Jin began by explaining how it was made, and then moved onto how to operate it.
Incidentally, the air sacs in these hot-air balloons weren’t made of sandworm leather, but of dragonic eel hide.
Jin had chosen this material instead for this one since that monster was easier to find in the Klein Kingdom, and so its hide was easier to procure.
After giving a general explanation and taking both Prime Minister Powell and Nicklaus along, the hot-air balloon took to the skies.
“Ohoho, this is quite pleasant!”
“No wonder the Unifiers were immersed in such a sense of superiority.”
“These are meant to help us against the demons. Please don’t use them to solve disputes between fellow men.”
Jin once again stated that he did not want the hot-air balloons to be used during human conflicts.
Of course, Jin understood what Nicklaus was trying to say. Most of their current technology could be used as they were in order to gain a military advantage against one’s enemy.
“Yes, I understand that. I still vividly remember Lord Deus Ex Machina’s words and the mysterious power he wielded.”
Nicklaus, who had been at the Tetrada front line, had experienced first-hand the futility of the war.
Jin had no choice but to believe in the people’s reasoning and innate goodness.
“…By all rights, you should have already been appointed Honorary Knight by His Majesty the King. I’d like to offer my most sincere apologies for the delay.”
After arriving at the reception office, the prime minister bowed apologetically.
The Honorary Knight title issued in the Shouro Empire only required an official notice, but in the Klein Kingdom, an formal appointment was necessary.
“His Majesty’s condition has worsened, and so he is resting in his chambers.”
“My father has also been a rather frail person. I’m very worried about him.”
Princess Lieschen, who was also there with them, had a deeply troubled expression on her face.
“Since Lord Ernest was so kind to come visit us, I figured I would be able to indulge in a bit of filial piety.”
It would have also been reassuring for the bedridden king to learn of his youngest daughter’s betrothal.
Jin implicitly asked if he could meet the king, but the prime minister said that only the royal family, aides, and court physicians were allowed into his room.
(Oh well, guess it can’t be helped.)
Since Jin didn’t know the symptoms, there was no way to guarantee that the king could be cured from whatever that was ailing him, and there was no way he could conduct a medical examination on the king even if he were to force his way into His Majesty’s chambers.
Jin then shared with the prime minister and Princess Rischen as much as he knew about the demons.
“…Hmm, I understand. Some time ago, Gloria Ohlstat came back with nine soldiers, but according to Lord Makina’s report, she had been attacked by one of those demons. Also, the other day, Lord Makina eradicated a swarm of giant centipedes…”