When Jin replied that it would depend on the conditions, the princess nodded, completely agreeing and said,
“Hmm, of course. Is it the compensation? Or the time needed? Ask anything because I am going to ask this of my father, the King.”
“No, it’s nothing that big. If you just promise to not constraint us, that will be fine.”
‘Of course!’ the princess promised, putting her honor on the line. Jessica and Gloria also agreed.
“The country might go under if we went against you, after all.”
The princess said jokingly but the fact that that was indeed no joke, was not known to anyone there. Even Eliza wasn’t aware of Hourai island’s real strength.
“Then, I am sorry but, could you come to the castle again after this?”
“I guess I have no choice.”
When you think about the terms and conditions, he couldn’t once take the option of returning to Kaina village. Since if they were to ask something like ‘Where are you going?’, he would be at a loss for words.
If he were to ask Laojun, he would probably be able to convey it to the Kaina village in some way.
“Eliza, Hanna, it looks like we will be a day or two late, is that okay?”
Jin asked them both with an apologetic face. But, both Eliza and Hanna accepted it with a smile.
“It’s something Jin-nii decided, after all.”
“To the princess’ place again? I am okay with that!”
Hearing that, Jin was relieved.
“Then, please get on the carriage again… Gloria, sorry but could you look over these bandits? I will send people over immediately.”
“Yes, princess!”
*************************************************
Getting back on the carriage, Jin and the others once again headed for the imperial castle.
They were guided to the guest room and served tea, after which they had to wait for about 30 minutes.
During that time, Jin instructed Laojun and Reiko to explain the situation to the Kaina village.
When that was done, Eliza asked,
“Jin-nii, I also want to ask you. That black golem which saved Hanna before, what was that?”
“Yes, yes, onii-chan, I want to know too!”
Jin had thought that they would come asking that sooner or later, so he explained simply,
“They don’t show themselves normally but they are guardian golems always by your sides.”
“Ohhhh! I see! Thank you, onii-chan!”
Looks like Hanna was convinced with that explanation.
“They can disappear?”
Looked like Eliza was curious about that part.
“Ahh. Reiko uses that too, right? It’s a high level magic called ‘hide’.”
“I see… Got it.”
When Jin was about to say something back, Reiko pulled on his sleeve,
“Reiko?”
“Father, Kaina village is in a terrible state. It seems like recruitment order has just arrived now.”
“What?!”
Jin thought back, that it was probably 21st of April when Kurain kingdom had announced state emergency and ordered the nobles with land to form armies — it was something he heard from Laojun. That has now…
The only relief is that the war has ended.
“Onii-chan…?”
Hanna was wearing a worried expression, hearing the word ‘terrible’. Eliza, too, was worried.
To both of them, Jin explained the situation.
The war had already ended so even if they were recruiting, it wouldn’t mean danger. Moreover, he said that they would also be released soon.
Hearing that, Hanna was relieved.
“But, if only I can properly utilize the fact that I am here…”
Jin had started pondering something but at that moment, the door was opened and Lieschen princess came in.
“Jin, there’s great news! My father just said that he will meet you now!”
“Eh?”
He had hesitated for a moment there but if the king was going to come meet him directly, he could demand various things really quickly.
“Ah, also, I am sorry little sisters but please wait here… I guarantee your safety. We won’t do anything.”
Jin hadn’t even said anything yet but as if she had read his state of mind, the princess said that while patting his back. ‘They won’t do anything like taking them hostage to threaten Jin’-that was what the last bit sounded like.
“I won’t do anything that would turn you against me. I promise you, with my pride on the line.”
And so, Jin headed for the royal palace bringing only Reiko with him. Jessica accompanied them. And Gloria was with Hanna and Eliza.
After walking through a passage for about 5 minutes, they were already inside the royal palace territory.
After walking for a further 5 minutes, Jin and the others had arrived in front of a marvelous door.