Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 132: Reading the Water Summoner Trial Reports
“In essence, the Water Summoner draws in nearby water.”
A few days after my tea with Rukie,
I gave a presentation on the Water Summoner in the throne room.
Demon Lord Rukie and Chancellor Kelve were listening to my explanation.
Also present were a minotaur from the castle guard, an elf from the magic corps, a cook, a tailor, and a dwarf involved in developing the Demon Lord’s Domain.
Everyone listened intently.
They all seemed interested in the Water Summoner.
“During our tests, it drew water straight up from a bucket and could even launch it. In other words, this item allows water to be moved in a chosen direction.”
I continued my explanation.
The minotaur, elf, and dwarf nodded silently.
They seemed to understand.
“Furthermore, the amount of magical energy supplied determines how forcefully the water is drawn. It can be difficult to control without practice. If you make a mistake, you might get soaked—”
“Cough! Cough!”
“—so please be careful. N-not that any such accident has occurred. That was merely an example!”
I bowed to Demon Lord Rukie and Chancellor Kelve as I said this.
Rukie, who had just coughed, covered her mouth.
Chancellor Kelve stood at attention with a serious expression.
I turned back toward the attendees.
In the throne room were Captain Minotaur, the leader of the magic corps who also serves as the Demon Lord’s Domain’s investigation team Elf, and the cook Dwarf.
All three stared tensely at the Water Summoner.
One would start to reach for it and stop midway; another would begin to step forward, then restrain themself. Why were they acting like this?
Were they uneasy because a summoning-magic circle was engraved on its surface?
Were they on guard, thinking a hero might suddenly be summoned…?
“Please rest assured. I redesigned the magic circle on the Water Summoner myself. It summons only water and can’t call forth a hero. Every possible safety measure has been taken.”
“…”
All three were still silent.
Their expressions didn’t change. Instead, they nervously glanced toward Kelve.
What was that about?
In any case, my explanation was complete.
“That concludes the presentation. Thank you for your attention.”
I said that and bowed to the attendees.
Three Water Summoners rested on the stand before me.
They had been prepared on Chancellor Kelve’s instructions.
They were trial units to be distributed among the volunteers.
“Thank you for your work, Alchemist Thor.”
Chancellor Kelve spoke.
“I believe everyone now understands the Water Summoner. However, no one is to touch them yet… You there—the development engineer! Don’t move!”
“B-but, Chancellor, that item is extremely useful…”
“I understand your enthusiasm, but this item is too powerful to handle casually. Wait until permission is granted.”
Chancellor Kelve waved his hand as if to calm things down.
I see. Everyone had been tense because they were desperately restraining themselves from approaching the Water Summoner…
“With such an extraordinary item before us, it’s only natural that we wish to try it.”
“It could transform the wells and water-supply systems throughout the Demon Lord’s Domain.”
“Please let me use it, Chancellor!”
Everyone was staring fixedly at Kelve.
But Kelve turned toward Demon Lord Rukie and said,
“Your Majesty, Thor’s Water Summoner may transform water management throughout the Demon Lord’s Domain. However, distributing it everywhere at once would be dangerous.”
He declared that.
“First, it’s difficult to control, so its users must be limited to prevent accidents. Second, everyone will want one. To prevent theft and similar trouble, each unit should be entrusted only to a registered user.”
“I see. That makes sense.”
“The third reason is that this is too new an item. First, a few people should try using it and check for problems.”
As expected of Chancellor Kelve. His reasoning was perfectly sound.
The Water Summoner had already proven difficult to control, and it was easy to understand why everyone wanted one.
It’s natural to check with a small group before widespread use.
Kelve really was remarkable.
“Thank you, Chancellor. I appreciate you thinking so carefully about my magic item.”
I bowed toward Kelve.
“Because you’re here to supervise matters, Chancellor, I can create magic items without fear. Without you… I might make fewer than half as many.”
“R-really!?”
“Yes. Because you check them, I can safely create magic items.”
“Should I… perhaps take a holiday?”
Chancellor Kelve muttered quietly.
I understand how he feels.
It’s a responsible job. I think Kelve should take a break sometimes.
While he was away, I could make magic items and prepare a grand welcome for his return.
“No. Knowing Thor, if you took a holiday, he would probably make an enormous number of magic items in preparation for your return.”
“You understand me well.”
“So that was the correct answer… I see.”
“You two… get along surprisingly well, do you not?”
Rukie gave a wry smile in the throne room.
Of course we did. I respected Kelve and had always believed we worked well together.
“Well then. I also agree with Kelve’s opinion.”
Rukie looked around the attendees and said,
“A small number of volunteers will be selected to receive Water Summoners. They’ll use them for a trial period and submit their impressions.”
“Understood. That way, we can discover hidden flaws.”
“That’s right… For that purpose, those who try it’ll write detailed reports. Based on those, we’ll decide how to handle the ‘Water Summoner’ going forward.”
“The reports should be anonymous. Their evaluations mustn’t carry greater or lesser weight because of the writer’s rank.”
“Indeed. Is everyone okay with that?”
Rukie, wearing her official Demon Lord guise, surveyed the room.
“Anyone with a complaint or concern may speak without hesitation. I grant you permission to be completely frank.”
“…Um, Your Majesty the Demon Lord.”
The minotaur raised his hand.
“We minotaurs aren’t skilled at writing reviews and the like.”
“I’m the same. I have no experience writing reviews or evaluations of magic items.”
“It would be good if we had a sample to refer to…”
The dwarf and elf added their agreement.
I see. A sample review…
In that case—
“Hm? Thor. You raised your hand. Do you have something to say?”
“Yes. If possible, I would like to submit a review sample from the ‘Mail-Order Catalog.’”
The “Mail-Order Catalog” contains various magic items.
It also included comments and ratings written by people who had used them.
They might be helpful references for the people in the Demon Lord’s Castle.
“I’ll translate the impressions from the Mail-Order Catalog and write them down on parchment. If everyone uses that as a model, it might make it easier for them to write their own impressions.”
“──Information from the Heroes’ world!?”
“──You’ll teach us? That’s amazing!”
“By all means, please do, Thor-sama!”
The minotaur and the others responded enthusiastically.
Rukie nodded.
“Very well. Then, the impressions from the Mail-Order Catalog will be used as a sample—a template for everyone.”
The Demon Lord Rukie said.
“We’ll refer to those impressions and reports to identify strengths and weaknesses. After that, we’ll decide whether to distribute this item generally or limit its use to specific places.”
This would be the first time I received written feedback from everyone. I was looking forward to it.
I want them to tell me about any faults without hesitation.
Their feedback would help me improve the Water Summoner further.
“However… if the reports reveal too many faults, it may be best to discontinue use of the Water Summoner.”
Kelve suddenly looked at me as he said this.
“Unlike the Laser Pointer, Meteorite Arrows, or Cleaning Robots, the Water Summoner is intended for ordinary households. If it proves dangerous, we’ll have no choice but to discontinue it. Do you understand, Thor-sama?”
“Of course, Your Excellency Chancellor.”
I answered.
I can’t let everyone be put in danger by an item I made.
If that happens, I’ll improve it again and make the ‘Water Summoner 2.’
“Then, that will be all regarding the ‘Water Summoner.’”
Demon Lord Rukie declared.
“Those selected must submit detailed reports. Don’t decorate your words just because I or Kelve will read them. Speak your mind freely about the ‘Water Summoner.’ That’s all!”
Thus, the presentation of the ‘Water Summoner’ ended without incident.
I returned to my room, translated the impressions listed in the ‘Mail-Order Catalog,’ copied them down, and submitted them to Kelve.
By that time, the number of people wishing to try the ‘Water Summoner’ had already exceeded 30.
If we waited longer, it felt like everyone in the Demon Lord’s Castle would want to try it.
In the end, applications for the trial were closed that afternoon—
Afterwards, the ‘Water Summoner’ was distributed by lottery to several selected individuals.
Then, a few days later,
Demon Lord Rukie and Chancellor Kelve received detailed reports from the trial users.
Their contents were as follows—
──────────────────
—From the Report of a Water Summoner Trial User—
“Cooking became unbelievably easy!”
(Anonymous D)
The water source of the Demon Lord’s Domain is underground.
The underground veins provide an abundant supply, but drawing and carrying that water each day is time-consuming.
Especially, cooking uses a lot of water.
Because each race favors different foods, the cooks must prepare many kinds of dishes.
Therefore, a large amount of water must be prepared.
Although the kitchen is on the ground floor, carrying water up from underground still consumed a great deal of the cooks’ time.
At such times, I encountered the ‘Water Summoner.’
To my surprise, when I asked the alchemist, he supplied wooden tubes as well.
He called it a special set for the first three users!
Thanks to that, it was very easy to use.
You fit one Water Summoner between two tubes, then attach another Water Summoner at the top.
If you connect two tubes, the water reaches from the underground water source up to the stairs.
When you supply the Water Summoner with magical energy in that configuration… water rises from underground all the way to the surface!
It’s hard to believe we once had to make countless trips underground.
Water can be created with magic, but repeatedly asking the already busy elves to do so placed an unfair burden on them.
That problem was instantly solved!
Thanks to that, cooking became much easier.
Even washing the dishes has become much easier!
With the freed-up time, we’re researching new menus.
I want everyone else in the Demon Lord’s Domain to experience the ‘Water Summoner’ that changed the life of the kitchen staff!
──────────────────
“Water in the parched wasteland!”
(Anonymous E)
There’s undeveloped land in the northern part of the Demon Lord’s Domain.
It was a vast wasteland, with hard soil, making development difficult.
The problem was the lack of a water source.
There was a nearby lake, but it was surrounded by rocks, making it difficult to draw water to the wasteland.
That was when we began using the Water Summoner.
Usage is simple.
You make a small ditch from the lake to the wasteland and place the ‘Water Summoner’ there.
At first, I was skeptical.
The squad leader even laughed, saying, “Can water really be drawn with something like this?”
However, when magic power was poured into the ‘Water Summoner’ placed one meter from the lake, water began to flow along the ditch towards the wasteland!
After that, we moved the ‘Water Summoner’ little by little to guide water to the wasteland.
After repeating this a few times, a water flow was created from the lake to the wasteland.
The squad leader and I were surprised that water could be drawn so easily!
We’re now building a reservoir in the wasteland and channeling water into it.
Eventually, this land will be transformed into fertile fields.
The ‘Water Summoner’… I can no longer part with it!
──────────────────
“Enjoying the Fizzing Bath Without Worry”
(Anonymous Princess S)
The “Fizzing Bath” installed at the trading post is a wonderful thing.
One of the pleasures of my inspection visits is bathing there with the winged pixie S-sama.
However, what concerns me are the people who fill the bath with water.
The minotaur at the trading post draws water from the well, but that task is very difficult.
Even though it’s his duty, I feel guilty every time I bathe.
At such a time, I noticed something strange.
Strictly speaking, the winged pixie S-sama was the one who noticed it… The minotaur had begun using a new method of drawing water.
It was a very mysterious thing.
When the minotaur touched a metal piece, water overflowed from a wooden tube.
One end of the tube was at the bottom of the well, and the other end was connected to the bathhouse.
And… before long, the overflowing water filled the bathtub!
Naturally, I understand that this technology is confidential.
If ordered to keep it secret, I’ll guard it with my life.
However, please allow me to express my gratitude.
Thank you for reducing the burden on the minotaur.
Thanks to this, I can now enter the “Fizzing Bath” without worry.
I wished to thank the developer directly and checked the secret room many times, but he was never there.
I therefore decided to send my impressions through the winged pixie S-sama.
This water-drawing item is a wonderful invention that shows consideration for those who labor.
I sincerely hope the developer’s compassion is recognized and the item is formally adopted.
And please tell them this:
Anonymous Princess S is waiting for you in the secret room.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my impressions.
I pray for the continued prosperity of the Demon Lord’s Domain──
──────────────────
──Afterwards, in the throne room──
“So these are the reports.”
“…Unexpected. Everyone in the Demon Lord’s Domain seems to have mastered the ‘Water Summoner’ with ease.”
A few days later, in the throne room.
Demon Lord Rukie and Chancellor Kelve sighed as they read the reports.
“Rather than mastering it, it’s already become an essential item.”
“If we ban its use… everyone will probably get angry.”
“It’s a simple item with the effect of ‘drawing water,’ but that simplicity means it has many uses.”
“…Yes.”
“Kelve, I think we should let everyone use the ‘Water Summoner.’”
Demon Lord Rukie addressed Kelve, who had pressed his forehead against a pillar.
“It would be dangerous to spread it all at once. However, those who have tested it could continue to use it.”
“…That’s true.”
Kelve kept his forehead against the pillar while staring intently at the parchments containing the reports.
For some reason, he couldn’t take his eyes off it.
The trial users had recorded their sincere impressions and experiences with the Water Summoner.
As chancellor, he felt it would be a grave mistake to disregard them.
“The reports they submitted are that convincing.”
“They’re based on the ‘sample impressions’ translated by Thor.”
“Perhaps the reviews contain magic from the Heroes’ world. Could they be enchanted so that anyone who reads them naturally wants to adopt the item?”
“Not impossible, but…”
Rukie tilted her head slightly behind her mask.
“Still, there’s no doubt everyone is impressed by the ‘Water Summoner,’ right?”
“Indeed, you’re right.”
“Even if they used samples from the Heroes’ world, their enthusiasm is genuine.”
“The kitchen staff D, the developer E, Princess S who uses the ‘Fizzing Bath’ at the trading post… hm? Hmmm!? Hmmmm!? Princess S!? A princess!?”
“You only just noticed, Kelve…?”
“I was too focused on the content of the reports.”
“Well, if it’s the anonymous Princess S, she wouldn’t leak information about magic items. She… hopes to become Thor’s concubine, after all. She would never do anything to disadvantage him.”
“Y-Yes.”
“In any case, the trial users may continue using their Water Summoners. We’ll review the situation after one month and then gradually increase the number in circulation.”
“…Your Majesty.”
“What is it, Kelve?”
“The Demon Lord’s Domain is about to change again…”
“It can’t be helped. We have decided to accept the alchemist Thor Canaan.”
Rukie covered her mouth and laughed happily.
“Since we accepted him, we must accept the changes he brings. That’s how the Demon Lord’s Domain evolves. Isn’t that also enjoyable?”
“I understand… but…”
“But?”
“I fear my workload as chancellor… will increase…”
“If you consult Thor, he might create an item to reduce your workload.”
“I’ll refrain, as that might lead to terrifying consequences!”
Chancellor Kelve pressed his forehead as if frightened by the thoughts that crossed his mind.
Then, he became serious and said:
“In any case, we shall continue the Water Summoner trials. I have resigned myself to that.”
“Very well.”
Demon Lord Rukie nodded.
“After one month, we shall hear everyone’s opinions and decide whether to increase production. The Water Summoner will be introduced gradually. This is the decision of Demon Lord Rukie Evergard.”
Thus, it was declared.
And so, Thor’s manufactured ‘Water Summoner’ was decided to be used in part of the Demon Lord’s Domain──
“Cultivated land has increased!”
“Because cooking has become easier, we can prepare a wider variety of dishes!”
“Since it’s become easier to wash the body, hygiene has improved!”
“We can now drain water that emerges during mining development──”
“We can wash clothes more frequently──”
—It became the first step toward making the land of demons and demi-humans more comfortable to live in than even the Empire, although no one yet imagined it would go that far.