Magi Craft Meister

Chapter 716

21-27: Conversation Under the Moon

“Phew, that feels refreshing.”

That night, the women knights of the Klein Kingdom enjoyed the hospitality of the villagers of Uogon, who had prepared a small bath for them. Only two could fit in the wooden tub at once, but it was enough to wash away days of sweat. Having reached their first waypoint safely, the knights were in high spirits, and conversation flowed easily.

“Don’t you think Sir Fritz is wonderful?”

“Yes, so strong too!”

“I heard he’s still single.”

“Really? Maybe I’ll try my luck…”

The younger knights giggled together. Their seniors, Vice-Captain Gloria and her aide, were quieter, focused on scrubbing clean.

“Vice-Captain Gloria,” one of the younger women asked, “will Sir Fritz return to his homeland when this expedition ends?”

“Not exactly,” Gloria replied. “Once the path through to the Egerea Kingdom is secured, he will proceed straight there. What happens afterward, I cannot say.”

“I see…”

“That’s a shame.”

Their sighs went unanswered. Gloria, noticing her aide’s unusual silence, turned to her.

“Shia, something on your mind?”

Shia—short for Shinxia—shook her head. “No, Vice-Captain, nothing at all.”

“That can’t be. You’re quiet by nature, but this is unlike you.”

“…You observe closely, don’t you?”

“I used to train recruits,” Gloria said softly. “It’s my job to notice.”

Shincia forced a smile. “Really, I’m fine. Forgive me for worrying you.” With that, she rose from the bath and left for the changing room.

The sky was clear, stars strewn across it like jewels. For early January, the night air was mild.

“Easy work for night watch,” Gloria murmured, taking her turn on duty.

“Lady Gloria.”

It was Fritz. He, too, was assigned to this shift.

“All’s well?” he asked.

“No issues here,” she replied.

They walked the perimeter together in silence until Gloria remembered her request from earlier.

“Sir Fritz, forgive my boldness, but may I see your sword?”

“This one?” He unbuckled the short sword at his waist. “It’s nothing special, but here.”

Gloria drew the blade, holding it up in the silver moonlight. The steel gleamed sharp and flawless.

“…A fine piece indeed. Shouro Empire steel must be of high quality.” She returned it with a nod.

Fritz chuckled. “It’s only standard issue. Still, thank you.”

“You are fortunate. Fine blades require fine ore.”

“That I don’t know. But I have a cousin who would.”

“Your cousin?”

“Reinhardt Landl. Recently made baron. He’s a skilled Magiengineer.”

Gloria raised her brows. “Ah, I’ve heard the name—creator of the ‘Black Knight’ golem.”

“Exactly. A cousin to be proud of.”

“And your siblings?” she asked as they walked.

“One elder brother, frail of health, and a younger sister… the brightest of us all. She’s both a Magiengineer and a Royal Healer.”

Gloria started. “A Royal Healer? Then… Lady Elsa?”

Fritz grinned. “That’s right. You know her?”

“Of course! She treated our own king not long ago!”

Fritz rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. “Aye, that would be her. She’s surpassed us all.”

“But wait… I thought she was Master Jin’s sister?”

“Well… that’s a longer story.” Honest to a fault, Fritz explained the complicated ties as they patrolled.

“I see,” Gloria said at last. “So Lady Elsa now bears the family headship. Truly remarkable.”

“Aye. She supports our parents more than any of us. I can only respect her.”

Before long, a knight arrived with a lantern.

“Lady Gloria, it’s time to change shifts.”

Gloria glanced up at the high-risen moon. “So soon already…” She inclined her head to Fritz.

“Rest well, Sir Fritz.”

“You too.”

Back at her tent, wrapped in a blanket, Gloria reflected:

(So that explains it… When I first met Lady Elsa and Master Jin, I thought they resembled siblings little. Sir Fritz bears much as well…)

With those thoughts, she drifted to sleep.

***

January 7th.

Jin, Reinhardt, and Elsa arrived in the capital of the Elias Kingdom, Borgia, accompanied by Marquis Firenziano. They traveled aboard Jin’s airship—covering 110 kilometers in just two hours.

“Incredible,” the marquis exclaimed. “Revolutionary, really. Only limitation is cargo.”

Arrangements had been made in advance, and soon an audience was granted. Not in the grand throne hall, but in a more intimate chamber where King Blitzen Scala Elias XII, age fifty-nine, awaited them.

“Welcome, Master Magi Craftsman Jin Nidou, and your knight, Lady Reiko Nidou,” said the king, with Chancellor Godfar at his side.

Jin and Reiko bowed. Reinhardt bowed deeply, Elsa performed a graceful curtsy.

“No need for formality. Sit,” the king said warmly.

Thus began their meeting.