Chapter 352.1

Magi Craft Meister 352

12-02 At Reinharts parents house

The boat that Reiko was sailing? Ah, a paddle steamer, right?

Its a propeller that Jin had hurriedly built at the port town Port Rock. Its a boat that, instead of using oars, has a paddle wheel attached for propulsion.

By having Golems paddle, control of the boat is self-supported, making the use of a rudder unnecessary.

Thats right, that paddle steamer Once weve returned, I want to make one for myself. Is that ok?

As expected from Reinhart, the fact that he expressed such intention to start learning Magicraft as soon as he got back home left Jin half impressed, and half shocked.

Of course, thats not a problem. Still, are you sure? What about Berthie?

Hearing those words from Jin, Reinhart laughed.

I wouldnt worry about her! She knows Im like this, and still likes me!

It was nothing more than speaking fondly of a loved one.

Gosh, youre such a sentimental.

Jin also let out a sarcastic laugh when saying that over his shoulder.

On the next day, the 22nd, Jin and his party departed from Koju at 9AM heading to Vanne, on the opposit sh.o.r.e of the lake.

Just like Reinhart said, they were using a wide boat with a shallow bottom.

There were 3 of such shallow-bottomed boats that tied together being towed by a large cargo s.h.i.+p loaded with carriages.

The speed was about 6 or 7 kilometers per hour, which meant it would be a 3-hour cruise to the other side.

The ones on board were Jin, Reinhart and Reiko, along with Reinharts butler Claude. The maids Beth and Dolly had returned to their hometown of Vanne a long time ago with Reinharts permission.

Vanne is a provincial town in the center of the Count Randalls territory, and its also where my parents home is.

Reinhart had explained this to Jin while on the deck.

Maybe you know about the tax system of Klein Kingdom, Jin? I havent personally been to the Klein Kingdom, but as a diplomat I have a general idea about it.

After that introduction, Reinhart began to explain.

Our Shouro Empire is divided into several territories, each of which is governed independently.

As Jin heard that, he thought I see, so theres a decentralization of power.

Basically, taxes are paid to the lords, and each lord pays a certain tax to the state. Of course, there are also areas under the direct control of the state. Thats the general gist of it.

There are merits and disadvantages to both decentralization of power and its opposing centralized authoritarian rule. The tendency is for small countries to decentralize, while wider countries seem to have a high tendency towards decentralization. At least in this world, Jin thought back upon the country he had visited.

Our territory is naturally governed by my father, Wolfgang Randall Von Morgan. Within it, Elsas father and my uncle George Randall Von Amber rules over the town of Exi. Thats where Elsas parents home is.

Elsas I see.

There are many n.o.blemen in the Shouro Empire who have no territory. Some of them managed to unify towns within the territories controlled by the head families, and rule over them as their own small territories.

By the way, the territory to the west of it belongs to the Marquis Theodoric. Matheus family governs the cities of Sagina and Mahahama, two of the cities under the Marquis jurisdiction.

It all seemed quite complicated. Jin tried to get the gist of it as background knowledge for the future.

Between these conversations, while enjoying the scenery from the lake, the s.h.i.+p approaches the opposite sh.o.r.e.

This area of the Shouro Empire consists of great plains, with only a few gentle rises towards the north.

The wind of May across the lake was neither hot nor cold, and the s.h.i.+ps sailed through as if they were gliding over the surfaces ripples.

After going over halfway through the lake, another s.h.i.+p approached them from the opposite sh.o.r.e. It was a shallow-bottomed s.h.i.+p which was somewhat bigger than the one Jin and the rest were in.

Thats

Reinhart-sama!

It was Reinharts fiancee, Berthie.

Would you like to come over to this s.h.i.+p?

Reinhart, Jin, and Reiko switched s.h.i.+ps over to board Berthies vessel. Claude, the butler, remained in their s.h.i.+p to look after the luggage.

Since its exactly noon, the preparations are ready.

As she said that, she ordered her female automata Neon, who was on board with her, to prepare lunch.

The bread was thinly-sliced, and there were various fruit jams. The fruit juice in the flask was cooled with ice magic.

The dried meats warmth was well kept over a fire, since it wasnt ready yet.

Then, the specialty Lake Tosumo came out: salt-grilled Pink Toromon.

Everything was delicious, and both Jin and Reinhart were delighted.

Reiko was at leisure while everybody was eating. So Neon shuffled her feet to her side, and lowered her head.

Reiko-san, how are you? Do you remember me?

Neon-san, was it?

Yes, thats correct. Im glad you remember me.

Before, Neon seemed to become friends with Reiko at the town of Riare in order to speak with her. She would frequently talk to her in order to attract her attention, but Reiko had always given out bland replies.