Magi Craft Meister Chapter 686

Magi Craft Meister 686

Chapter 20-36: Greetings

The next day, Jin and Elsa headed to her family home in Exi.

Riding in Jin’s golem carriage, they engaged in conversation.

“It’s my second time visiting your home, Elsa.”

The first time was during the a.r.s.enic poisoning incident involving Marquis Theoderic.

“Yeah, I wish you had come when there was no trouble.”

“Indeed. The world is never calm.”

“Trouble seems to gather around you, Jin-nii. But it’s because you’re someone who can solve problems. People don’t bring issues to those who can’t solve them.”

What Elsa said was somewhat true. Problems often come to those who are expected to solve them.

“But all I want is to make what I like and enjoy my time. It’s such a simple thing, yet it’s hard to achieve.”

“Perhaps simple things are the hardest to attain.”

“Well, who knows…”

Today, Jin and Elsa were chattier than usual.

Maybe it was because they were nervous about what awaited them.

As they talked, the carriage arrived at Elsa’s family home.

Currently living here were Elsa’s bedridden father, Georg, her stepmother, Marlene, and a few servants.

Because of these circ.u.mstances, the only one to welcome Elsa was Rubel, an old steward who had been with the family for a long time.

With his neatly parted white hair and short mustache, he had an honest demeanor and primarily took care of Marlene.

“Welcome back, milady. Or should I address you as the current head?”

Elsa smiled and shook her head.

“Please, as you always have. And please take care of our guest.”

“Understood. Welcome, Jin Nidou.”

Rubel remembered Jin’s face and name from his previous visit.

“And welcome, Lady Reiko. This way, please.”

He also knew Reiko was an Honorary Knight. Unfortunately, Edgar was only seen as a mere automaton and was not addressed.

Jin and Reiko were shown to the drawing-room.

“Jin-nii, I’ll go see my mother.”

Elsa, accompanied by Edgar, went to see Marlene.

Meanwhile, Jin tried the tea that had been served. It was sencha, just at the right temperature, showing they knew he couldn’t handle very hot drinks.

“This is delicious.”

“Would you like more?”

“Yes, please.”

Perhaps due to his nerves, Jin drank three cups of tea.

As he finished his third cup, Elsa returned with her mother, Marlene. Elsa’s face was slightly flushed.

Jin stood up and greeted them.

“Nice to meet you. I am Jin Nidou. I am always grateful for your daughter’s a.s.sistance.”

Marlene looked intently at Jin but soon smiled warmly.

“Thank you for your courtesy. I am Marlene, Elsa’s mother. We are deeply grateful for all you have done for my daughter.”

Marlene gave a beautiful bow to Jin.

“I am not familiar with the customs of this country. Please forgive any rudeness. The reason for my visit today is…”

Jin was interrupted by Marlene raising her hand.

“Please wait. If I may speak first,”

“Of course.”

“Please, have a seat.”

Marlene, Elsa, and Jin sat down, with Marlene facing Jin.

“Yesterday, the Empress visited us.”

“What?”

“Mother, this is the first I’m hearing of it.”

Elsa seemed just as surprised, but Marlene continued.

“Though it was a short fifteen-minute visit, she spoke in detail about Elsa’s contributions to the country and about you, Jin.”

Jin wondered what the Empress had said about him but decided not to inquire further.

Marlene stood up and bowed deeply to Jin.

“Jin, please continue to take care of my daughter.”

“Uh…”

“Mother?”

Both Jin and Elsa were taken aback by Marlene’s att.i.tude and words.

Sitting down again, Marlene spoke in a calm tone.

“I am very grateful that you care for my daughter. But I don’t want it to be a burden for you.”

“…”

Jin couldn’t understand the true meaning behind Marlene’s words and remained silent.

“Happiness takes different forms. As long as my daughter is happy, that’s all I wish for, no matter what form it takes.”

“…”

Jin pondered deeply. But he realized there was only one thing he should say.

“I will make Elsa happy.”

Marlene smiled warmly, and Elsa blushed deeply.

“Thank you. Just hearing those words is enough. But there’s no rush. Yesterday, the Empress also said that what Jin desires is peace.”

“That is true.”

“When the world is at peace, please look after my daughter. But don’t keep her waiting too long, okay?”

The last part was half in jest, but Jin understood the maternal concern.

Basically, she wasn’t asking for an immediate wedding. She acknowledged Jin’s current responsibilities but asked him not to forget about Elsa.

For Jin, who was often clueless, this was quite an understanding.

“… Thank you. …Mother-in-law.”

Jin finally managed to say the words, his mouth dry.

“Yes, please continue to take care of us, my son-in-law.”

Jin turned red to his ears at being called a son-in-law. Elsa, sitting next to Marlene, was also blus.h.i.+ng.

Reiko, feeling a bit lonely, then said,

“Congratulations on your engagement, Father, Elsa.”

“Reiko?”

“Reiko?”

Jin and Elsa were surprised by Reiko’s gesture.

“Elsa, you are the one Father has chosen. Please support him.”

Reiko, looking a little sad, lowered her head.

“Lady Reiko is a wonderful knight.”

Marlene stood up, walked over to Reiko, and took her hand.

“Honorary Knight, Lady Reiko Nidou, please also look after my daughter, even if only a fraction of how you look after Jin.”

“Of course. Anyone important to Father is important to me, and I will protect them with my life.”

“Thank you.”

Marlene returned to her seat and made Elsa sit next to Jin.

“Jin, you don’t need to worry about customs. I understand your sincerity.”

Marlene smiled softly.

“My husband is not in a condition to speak properly, and Elsa is the current head of the Randall family. As long as you two are in agreement, that’s all that matters for the engagement.”

With that, Marlene stood up and left the drawing room, giving a slight nod before exiting.

Left behind were Jin, Elsa, Reiko, and Edgar.

There was a moment of silence before Jin spoke.

“… Elsa, I look forward to our future together.”

“Yes, Jin… Jin-san.”

Watching them, Reiko signaled to Edgar and quietly left the room, closing the door without a sound.

Outside, it was winter, but inside the room, the atmosphere was warm and inviting.