Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 133: Thinking About a New Disguise
A few days after the Water Summoner trials began—
I decided to visit the castle town
and see for myself how the townspeople lived.
I wanted to learn where the Water Summoner would be useful and what other items the townspeople might need.
To do that, I needed to observe people in their everyday lives.
However, if I wandered around openly as a human, everyone might become self-conscious.
So I attempted a simple disguise.
I pulled a large hood over my head, hid my face, and set out, but—
“Oh, it’s the Alchemist! Hello—!”
“Alchemist Thor Canaan is here!!”
“The alchemist who helped defeat that new kind of magical beast!?”
“Thanks to Thor-sama, we can take our goods to the Trading Post now!”
“What are you going to make next, Alchemist!?”
—A huge commotion immediately broke out.
“Why did they recognize me when my face is hidden…?”
“Thor-sama is a celebrity in the Demon Lord’s Domain.”
Mabel gave a troubled smile.
“Soldiers and their families live in the castle town as well. They have surely heard all about you, Thor-sama. It’s only natural that they would gather when you appear in person.”
“I’m glad they welcome me, but…”
Still, this was a problem.
I wanted to observe people living their ordinary lives.
If they stopped working to stare, wave, and gather around me, I couldn’t conduct a proper investigation.
Of course, I appreciated their warmth.
I also enjoyed having the children gather around me.
“This presents a problem.”
“Thor-sama just has that kind of presence, I suppose.”
Mabel said as she walked beside me,
“The Demon Lord’s Domain is a nation of demons and demi-humans. You’re the only human here, Thor-sama. Whenever someone sees a human, they naturally assume it must be you. That may be why everyone recognizes you so quickly.”
“That’s it.”
“…Huh?”
“In other words, I just need to disguise myself as someone from the Demon Lord’s Domain, right?”
As expected of Mabel.
Her words always pointed me toward a solution.
Just as she had said, I was the only human here. Of course I stood out.
The solution was simple: I needed to disguise myself as something other than a human.
“I’ll make a disguise item. If it makes me look like another race, I should blend in and move around the castle town unnoticed. Yes, let us do that.”
“Thor-sama is wonderful just the way you are. There’s no need to disguise—”
“If I adapt the disguise item, I may be able to make you look human as well, Mabel. Then we could explore Noza Town together without having to separate.”
“—I take back everything I just said! Please do it!! Thor-sama!”
“Alright!”
In that case, let’s head back to the castle and make a disguise item.
I don’t think it’ll be too difficult.
All I need to do is make myself look like something other than a human.
And so, I returned to my room and began working.
The Mail-Order Catalog contained all kinds of disguise items.
Besides the Transforming Pajamas, I found two or three other possibilities.
But they weren’t really suitable for blending in with people of the Demon Lord’s Domain.
They were either too flashy, too adorable, or made the wearer resemble some mysterious creature…
None would help me blend in. I did, however, resolve to give Mabel one of the especially adorable disguise items another time.
For now, I decided to make an original disguise item.
“Mabel, what kind of race do you think I should disguise myself as?”
“I’d love to say ‘an elf like me,’ but for a disguise, it might be better to have a feature that’s clearly visible to everyone.”
Mabel tapped one of her pointed ears.
“Elf ears can be hidden by hats or hoods, after all.”
“For a noticeable feature… horns, maybe?”
“Yes. If you have horns, you could pass as a demon.”
“Got it. Let’s give it a try.”
Making horns is simple. I just need to shape some metal pieces.
Horns also signified magical power, so I couldn’t make them too large. Huge horns would practically announce, “I possess tremendous magic.”
So, I’ll make the horns small.
I did need something eye-catching, though. Perhaps I could make them glow.
If I embed “Light Magic Stones” in them to make them glow, they’ll definitely stand out.
Everyone walking by will look at the glowing horns.
Then people would probably pay less attention to my face. Probably.
“What other kinds of disguises do you think would work?”
“How about wearing a cloak that hides your figure?”
“Ah, good idea.”
I don’t have the big build that people in the Demon Lord’s Domain often have.
If someone recognizes me just by my body shape, that would be a problem.
But still, I need a flashy feature… something that makes everyone focus on the cloak.
Perhaps I could make it writhe and squirm like the UV-Cut Parasol, whose surface moved like a slime.
Let’s adapt that concept.
If everyone is focused on the moving cloak, they’ll be less likely to pay attention to me.
“Alright then, I’ll try making the cloak too. Mabel really is reliable.”
“O-oh no… you’re making me blush.”
“Do you have any other ideas?”
“To hide the face, maybe a mask—”
“Wouldn’t that look a little too suspicious?”
“How about an eyepatch? Even just covering one eye can change the impression of your face.”
“That might actually look cool.”
An eyepatch is easy to make.
While I’m at it, I’ll make it emit light too.
That way, anyone looking at me would be dazzled and unable to study my face.
“Alright… let’s try making it.”
I began crafting the “Glowing Horns,” “Wriggling Cloak,” and “Luminous Eyepatch.”
And after a little while—
“…I guess this’ll do?”
The horns, cloak, and eyepatch were completed.
I embedded light magic stones in the horns and eyepatch so they could emit light.
The cloak used the same three-layer structure as the UV-Cut Parasol. Its water and wind attributes made it writhe and move.
With this, I should be able to conceal my identity.
…At least, I think so.
“Thinking about it logically, going out in public dressed like this… is this really okay?”
The glowing horns would draw attention away from me.
The wriggling cloak would attract everyone’s gaze while concealing my build.
The glowing eyepatch would dazzle onlookers and prevent them from seeing my face clearly.
Taken individually, every piece accomplished the goal of concealing my identity.
But walking around in this outfit… feels extremely suspicious.
The problem is, I focused too much on diverting attention from myself.
Because of that, I didn’t think at all about the overall visual balance…
But still, what should I do?
It’s a waste to throw it away after all the effort I put into it.
And… there’s a chance that wearing this in the Demon Lord’s Domain might not even attract that much attention… Well, I can’t say that with certainty. So—
“For now, I’ll consult Mabel.”
I don’t completely understand the common sense of the Demon Lord’s Domain.
The outfit would unquestionably be unacceptable in the Imperial Capital, but it might just barely pass in the Demon Lord’s castle town.
I’ll leave that judgment to Mabel.
Mabel, however, had just been summoned to the kitchen.
She said she was going to try making a new snack today, right?
I’ll head to the kitchen too.
I can talk to her about the horns, cloak, and eyepatch while we eat.
As I was thinking that and going down the stairs—
“Oh, Thor-sama. Is that a new item?”
At the castle entrance, I ran into Chancellor Kelve.
He appeared to have just descended the central staircase, perhaps after meeting with Rukie.
“If you’re looking for Her Majesty the Demon Lord, she’s in the throne room. Shall I announce your visit?”
“Thank you. But the audience can wait. I need to experiment with some items first.”
“Item experimentation… you say?”
“Nothing special. They’re merely simple disguise items: horns, a cloak, and an eyepatch.”
“Disguise items?”
“Yes. False horns, a cloak that conceals the body, and an eyepatch that obscures the face. They glow and writhe when supplied with magic, but that’s all.”
“I see…”
Huh? What’s wrong?
Kelve’s eyes widened in surprise, and then he placed a hand against his forehead.
He looked at me with a sorrowful expression…
“I apologize, Thor-sama.”
“What’s the matter, Chancellor?”
“You said that the items you’re holding are merely a disguise set consisting of horns, a cloak, and an eyepatch. Is that correct?”
“Yes. They’re just flashy, that’s all.”
“Yes, of course. I trust you, Thor-sama. You always speak frankly about the items you create. However…”
Kelve spoke again, still in a sorrowful tone—
“My reason as chancellor whispers to me, ‘Think logically. There’s no possibility that Thor-sama’s items are merely disguises.’”
“Logically speaking?”
“Yes. Because of the common sense I’ve developed through experience… I just can’t stop worrying about those horns, cloak, and eyepatch.”
“That makes sense. As Chancellor, you must have a very strong sense of propriety.”
I see.
As Chancellor, Kelve is well-versed in the common sense of the Demon Lord’s Domain.
He might be thinking that walking around in this three-piece set wouldn’t be seen as just a disguise.
People might be shocked, or mistake me for a suspicious demon and draw their weapons. That could cause a huge commotion.
That was probably what he meant when he said they couldn’t be mere disguises.
I understand why Kelve is worried.
This time, I was completely focused on “hiding my identity no matter what.”
I didn’t consider the other implications at all.
“I believe I understand your concerns, Chancellor.”
I said,
“If I walked around wearing these items, the townspeople might be alarmed or mistake me for a suspicious demon, causing unintended trouble. Is that your concern?”
“…? Ah, yes. That’s more or less what I meant, even if the wording feels a little off.”
“Then I shall entrust them to you, Chancellor.”
I held out the horns, cloak, and eyepatch to Kelve.
Kelve is well-versed in the customs of the Demon Lord’s Domain.
He should also be able to tell whether it’s safe to go out in public wearing this.
In that case, the best course of action would be to have the sensible Kelve check it.
“Chancellor, please check whether this is a sensible item or not.”
“Is that all right?”
“I trust you, Chancellor.”
Because Kelve inspected my items, I could create them with peace of mind.
Besides, Kelve might also be knowledgeable about the fashion trends in the Demon Lord’s Domain. He should be able to judge whether it’s okay to walk around in this appearance.
“For now, let me show you how to use them.”
“Ah, yes. Thank you.”
“The horns go on your head and glow when supplied with magic. The cloak—”
I explained to Kelve how to use the “horns,” “cloak,” and “eyepatch.”
Kelve nodded with a serious expression.
Then, taking the “horns,” “cloak,” and “eyepatch” that I had made, he left.
──Later, in the throne room──
“I see. The ‘Water Summoner’ seems to be problem-free. If nothing arises, we’ll ask Thor to mass-produce it.”
“Indeed. That sounds good.”
“Then, may I call the next person to report, Your Majesty?”
“Y-Yes.”
The Demon Lord Rukie nodded on the throne.
Then, tilting her head slightly,
“By the way, Kelve.”
“What is it, Your Majesty?”
“What’s with those shiny, glowing horns?”
“…I borrowed them from Thor to test the item’s effects.”
“And the cloak that wriggles around, and that eyepatch that emits a mysterious light?”
“…Yes, those too.”
“They just seem like flashy items. Is there any point to you wearing them?”
“N-No, I don’t think they’re necessary either…”
Chancellor Kelve pressed the glowing eyepatch with one hand and said:
“But my experience as chancellor whispers, ‘Think logically. Thor’s items can’t possibly be mere disguises. If you continue using them, they’re bound to reveal some astonishing hidden effect.’”
“What did Thor say about them?”
“He said they’re just flashy disguise items. However—”
“His items tend to have unexpected effects even to himself.”
“If they transformed the wearer like the Transforming Pajamas, I would understand. If he had said they fired beams, emitted light magic, or rendered the wearer invisible, I could relax. Being told they’re only flashy disguises makes me even more uneasy.”
“Is that how it is?”
Demon Lord Rukie examined the glowing horns, wriggling cloak, and eyepatch that shimmered through seven colors.
Then she folded her arms and said:
“But… isn’t that outfit just way too flashy?”
“…I’m aware of that.”
Chancellor Kelve’s shoulders sagged as he muttered,
“As Your Majesty says, it’s extraordinarily flashy—and bizarre. Honestly… wearing it’s draining my spirit.”
“Wouldn’t it be better to take them off?”
“These are Thor’s items. We can’t know whether they’re safe without testing them for an extended period.”
“By the way, what did Thor intend to use the horns, cloak, and eyepatch for?”
“He said they were for disguises.”
“…And with glowing horns, a wriggling cloak, and an eyepatch, where exactly was he planning to go?”
“Most likely for magical-beast subjugation. The glowing horns may represent surging magical power, the writhing cloak an overflowing life force, and the eyepatch an all-seeing gaze. I believe the set is intended to intimidate magical beasts.”
“That sounds plausible.”
“In that case, we should also consider the possibility that suspicious beams may shoot from the horns or eyepatch.”
“So that’s why you’re continuing to wear them, Kelve?”
“If it displeases Your Majesty, I’ll remove them…”
“No, keep them on. Sometimes, it’s fun for us to discover the hidden effects of Thor’s items.”
“Yes! Understood.”
Thus, Chancellor Kelve continued his duties while equipped with the Glowing Horns, Wriggling Cloak, and Mysteriously Shining Eyepatch—
The castle staff and petitioners who came for an audience all saw his dazzling equipment—
As a result, a new legend about Chancellor Kelve was born—
“Nothing happened…”
“Right.”
“I never imagined Thor-sama would create an item whose only effect was attracting attention… It lay beyond the bounds of my common sense…”
The next morning.
Kelve came to return the “horns,” “cloak,” and “eyepatch,” looking utterly dejected.
“…I spent the entire day in that outfit. Now rumors are spreading of ‘Chancellor Kelve of the Glowing Horns,’ ‘the Chancellor Who Commands Shadows with His Dark Cloak,’ and ‘Chancellor Kelve, Whose Piercing Gaze Sees Through All Lies’…”
“That sounds cool.”
“By the way, Thor-sama, why did you make those things?”
“To disguise myself as a demon and take a stroll through the castle town.”
“Please stop, you stand out far too much.”
“So even in the Demon Lord’s Domain, that outfit was outrageous, huh…”
“Frankly, the fact that you considered walking around in that outfit is what surprises me most.”
“Right? I did think partway through making it, ‘Maybe this is bad.’”
“…I really wish you had stopped there.”
“But the people in the castle loved it. They said, ‘His Excellency is starting a new fashion,’ ‘The glowing horns make the Chancellor easy to find,’ and ‘No one can lie beneath Chancellor Kelve’s gaze.’—Huh? Your Excellency? That’s a wall…”
“…I—I’m fine.”
Kelve returned while holding his forehead.
Anyway, the horns, cloak, and eyepatch I made this time were failures.
I would collect them and dispose of them eventually.
“Anyway, thank you for experimenting with them, Your Excellency the Chancellor.”
“No, if I could be of help… I’m glad.”
“Now, could you please hand over the ‘horns,’ ‘cloak,’ and ‘eyepatch’?”
“No, please allow me to purchase them.”
Chancellor Kelve said:
“I’ll pay for them. I would very much like to have them.”
“Did you actually like the fashion?”
“Not at all.”
“…Thought so.”
“Yesterday… while I was wearing them, I bent one of the horns.”
With that, Kelve took out the metal horn.
Sure enough, it was bent oddly in the middle—like it had taken a heavy blow.
“I can’t return something I broke. That’s why I want to buy it.”
“In that case, I’ll just give it to you.”
“I can’t accept that. I must do what’s right.”
He truly was conscientious. That was simply the kind of person Kelve was.
But I respect that about him.
As long as Kelve is by Rukie’s side, I feel confident the Demon Lord’s Domain won’t go astray.
“Well then, I’ll be going now, Thor-sama.”
After negotiating the price a few times—we ended up agreeing that I’d just take a small compensation for the trouble.
Next time I go to the castle town, I’ll buy a souvenir for Kelve with it.
“This whole matter was my blunder. Please don’t worry about it, Thor-sama.”
Saying that at the end, Kelve bowed his head.
“I hope you continue to use your talents freely for the good of the Demon Lord’s Domain.”
“Understood. I’ll make sure to report it properly next time I make a new magic item.”
“I believe in you, Thor-sama.”
With those parting words, Chancellor Kelve returned to his chambers.
Later, I again consulted Mabel about how we might move around the castle town unnoticed.
We considered using the Transforming Pajamas to become lizards or distracting people with an Improved Body Pillow made in my likeness, but set those ideas aside for the time being.
Because a request had come from Demon Lord Rukie.
“Forgive me, Thor. Could you go to the Empire’s territory, to Noza Town?”
Rukie spoke from the throne in her official Demon Lord guise.
“A letter has come from Princess Sophia. ‘This is a matter of great importance. I would like to meet directly with the alchemist Thor Canaan and someone from the Demon Lord’s Domain,’ it says. Would you go hear her out, Thor?”