"You told me that you were living with the descendants of the djinn at the time, right, Reiko?"
"Yes, that's right. And then the descendants suddenly disappeared.
Zion nodded.
"Of course, there is a reason for that too, but it is not directly related to Jin's return to his own time, so please don't ask me about it."
"Okay."
Jin's head began to get confused.
Zion, perhaps sensing these thoughts, put a wry smile on his face.
"Right? I've been thinking about how to explain it because of ......."
"Oh, I understand perfectly," he said.
"I knew I should have just shown you the way like I said in the beginning."
I don't know what the taboo on time is, which complicates things," Zion said and sighed.
"So, once we find Reiko, the rest should fall into place on its own."
Sion sighed again, wondering if this was all he needed to say.
"...... I see. Reiko should know what to do. So where do we go?"
"First, go to Mr. 700672."
Oh, him. I hope he's all right.
Yes. Yes, he is.
<
You'll have to ask her about the rest.
"Okay."
"I'll have Rhodes show you around, can we leave tomorrow morning? Or do you want to take it easy for a couple of days?"
"Tomorrow morning is fine."
Jin answered, and Zion said, "That's what Jin would say,
"I knew you would say that, Jin."
Jin smiled.
They spent the rest of the time talking about nothing else.
"Maricka must have done a lot of hard work."
"No, I haven't."
No, it's true. No, it's true. But more than that, I'm glad you're happy.
Jin was relieved to imagine that he was surrounded by many disciples and grand-disciples.
The peaceful moment reminded Jin of the time he once spent with the . However, he remembers something he really wanted to ask, and speaks up.
"May I ask how Onogoro Island is doing now?"
"Yes. Onogoro Island is currently dormant, with minimal activity.
"Why is that? ......"
Before Jin can finish, Marikka answers.
"We're just adapting to the current times."
"The present?"
"Now?" "Yes. The world today is moving away from science and is developing with magical technology at its core. That's because that's the path the people have chosen.
"I see."
Hearing those words, Jin smiled in his heart, thinking that the unreliable Marikka had come to have a firm idea.
I'll be right with you.
"Well then, be careful."
Jin-sama, I hope you are safe.
"Zion, Marikka, I'm off then."
At 8:30 a.m. the next day, September 9, Jin, after finishing breakfast, was seen off by Zion and Marikka, and departed with Rhodes.
Hope and Hanako stayed at home this time, since they were scheduled to come back once.
Knowing that Jin does not like to be ostentatious, Zion and the others are very considerate, so they are the only two who see him off.
However, there were a few people who opened the windows of the house and peeked in. .......
The two are riding on a golem horse made by .
"It's much more comfortable than the ones on the market, isn't it?"
"Yes, it is."
Even though the horse is running at about 40 kilometers per hour, he can hardly feel any ups and downs.
Jin is impressed that it is comparable to his beloved horse, .
Our goal is to reach the clan territory of the <.
It is about 150 kilometers away from the < clan territory, which means that it will take about four hours to get there.
Thank goodness it is not too cold yet, Jin on horseback thought.
He had lunch on the way, so he arrived at the clan territory of <> at around 2:00 p.m. He was very happy that the weather was not too cold yet.
"Oh, is that it?"
Jin looked at the changes from 400 years ago.
Whereas before, the living quarters had been carved out of the rock walls, now several buildings had been erected.
"We've made contact with them, and they are on their way to you.
At the sound of Rhodes' voice, Jin looked over and saw several people waving at him.
"I didn't give them Jin-san's details. I told them he was an important guest. Leave it to me to deal with them.
"Okay."
Jin and his team arrived at their place in a few minutes.
"Welcome, my guests."
Rhodotos, it's good to see you.
This is Mr. Bartos, the clan leader himself is here to welcome you.
Jin realized that the current clan leader was called Bartodos.
His gray hair and yellow eyes were the same as those of his former acquaintances, such as Alectus, Milonia, and Fabius.
He was in his late seventies or so, a little thin, but dignified.
Bartodos looked at Rhodotos and Jin alternately and said, "What?
"Well, Lord Sion and Lady Marikka, when the two of you ask me to take care of your valued guests..."
Then he dismounted from his golem horse and offered his hand to Jin.
"Jin-dono, you mean. I am Bartodos, clan leader of the clan.
Jin. Pleased to meet you.
The two shook hands.
That day, they were invited not to the cave, but to the clan leader's mansion that had been built outside.
From what Jin could see, the building was a blend of Japanese and Western styles. The most remarkable feature of the house was that all the rooms were strictly dirt-paved.
After taking off his shoes, he entered a wooden floor, a carpeted Western-style room, and a Japanese-style room with tatami mats.
It was a little pleasing to me to see that the enlightenment is expressed even in such a place.
I was pleased to see such an enlightened person.
"Hmm, I see, you want to have an audience with the <>, is that it?
Jin immediately started talking with the clan leader, Bartos.
"Since you have both recommended me, Lord Zion and Lady Marikka, there should be no problem. I will contact them myself. But..."
But, sir?
It's up to you to decide whether or not you'd like to meet with them, sir.
Yes, that's fine.
It may be days before I can see you. I'm sorry if that happens.
Bartodos was saying such things, but...
"Jin-dono! Servant-sama wants you here immediately!