Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 136: Learning about “Safe Community Living” in the Hero World
The ancient document “For a Safe Community Life” was not in very good condition.
The edges of the paper were tattered, and the text was fading in places.
The letters and illustrations were drawn in black ink. There was no color.
It appeared to be something entirely different from the mail-order catalog.
“The title is ‘For a Safe Community Life’. And since the printing quality is worse than that of the mail-order catalog, and the paper quality is also inferior…”
I said, while touching the ancient document.
“This seems like a notice from the lord to the townspeople.”
“Considering the words ‘neighborhood’ and ‘community life’, I believe that is a reasonable assumption. It could also possibly be a proclamation issued by a local self-governing body.”
Princess Sophia nodded.
Her eyes sparkled as she gazed intently at the ancient document before her.
“This must be a proclamation addressed to the people of the town. Or perhaps a document requesting cooperation for maintaining public order. Of course, in our world… no lord would go so far as to attach such detailed illustrations to a proclamation…”
“Exactly.”
“The illustrations here are quite fascinating.”
For a Safe Community Life contains no photographs.
Everything drawn on it is rendered in black lines.
Given that both photos and drawings were used in the mail-order catalog, it’s likely this document was created by a completely different organization.
Most likely by a lord, or a town leader.
“Still… the people of the Hero’s World really like explaining things through pictures and photos, huh?”
Pictures and photos make it easy to convey information at a glance.
The people of the Hero’s World probably used them together to improve the speed and accuracy of information transfer. It’s a good idea. If I had access to the same technology as the Hero’s World, I’d do the same.
Seeing things like this makes me wonder:
Maybe the Hero’s World is filled with colorful pictures and photographs.
I’d like to see it at least once.
It’s a dangerous world inhabited by a warrior race, but I’d still like to take a peek.
“This paper… the drawings remain, but much of the text has faded.”
Returning my gaze to the paper, I spoke.
“Was it already in this condition when it was found in the Grand Duchy?”
“Yes. That’s what Archduke Kharon’s letter stated.”
“That’s unfortunate.”
But the illustrations are still intact. And some of the surrounding text as well.
Moreover, this drawing… could it be depicting an item?
There’s a triangular object and a striped pole.
I carefully read the text surrounding the illustration.
According to it—
“I see. It appears this is a drawing of items used to control people’s movement.”
“Items to control people’s movement?”
“Such things exist!?”
“That’s what the surrounding text says.”
“That triangular object has such power…?”
“It just looks like a striped pole tilted diagonally…”
Both Princess Sophia and Agnis were surprised.
I read aloud the text around the illustrations so they could understand.
Depicted here are a triangular object and a striped pole.
The item names are Traffic Cone and Cone Bar.
──────────────────
At present—on—this street, construction will continue until the end of the month.
In hazardous areas, these Traffic Cones and Cone Bars are installed.
They are red and yellow—attention-grabbing—vivid colors.
You may already know, but please be careful not to approach them.
During const—, —, it is very dangerous.
We repeat: Please make sure not to approach by mistake.
──────────────────
“So such items exist in the Hero’s World…”
After listening to my explanation, Princess Sophia sighed.
She brought her face close to the paper, staring at it intensely.
She seemed extremely interested.
“Your Highness, what do you think about these Traffic Cones and Cone Bars?”
“I believe they are magic items that create a barrier to restrict people’s movement.”
“Items used to prevent people from approaching dangerous places, right?”
“Yes. Some heroes are capable of moving at extremely high speeds. Without a barrier, it would be difficult to stop them.”
“Could ‘During const—’ mean ‘During operation’?”
“No doubt about it.”
“I agree with Your Highness’s interpretation. However, I think these Traffic Cones and Cone Bars are not barriers, but rather items meant to warn people in the Hero’s World.”
“Could you explain your reasoning?”
“Because it says here: ‘attention’ and ‘vivid’.”
“I see! So they’re meant to make the heroes cautious and stand out.”
“Exactly. I believe it functions similarly to a ‘security buzzer’—alerting others with loud sounds and a strong presence. Or rather, it might be the stationary version of such a device.”
“That makes sense. A unique insight, befitting an alchemist.”
“If it’s a stationary version, it could incorporate more magic stones. The power would be greater, and the duration longer. It would be ideal for controlling and guiding the flow of people.”
“An excellent analysis.”
Princess Sophia and I looked at each other and nodded.
We were surprised.
In the time we had been talking, we had quickly pieced together the reasoning.
Only fragmentary information was included in this For a Safe Community Life.
And yet, when I talked with Princess Sophia, the missing pieces were filled in so easily.
It was as if she were supplying the missing puzzle pieces herself.
“I’m surprised. I didn’t realize Your Highness was so knowledgeable about the Hero World.”
“There wasn’t much to do in the detached palace besides reading books.”
Princess Sophia said this with a smile.
“And I didn’t have anyone to talk with about things I liked. Being able to meet you, Thor Canaan-sama… and Agnis-sama, and talk about the Hero World like this—it makes me very happy.”
“Thank you.”
I nodded, then turned to Agnis.
“Agnis, is there anything that caught your attention?”
“Uh, um…”
Agnis, looking slightly flustered, pointed to the lower half of For a Safe Community Life.
“I’m curious about this ‘Jump-Out Kid’ sign.”
“The other illustration, right?”
“I don’t really understand how it’s supposed to stop ‘──vehicles’.”
“At a glance, it’s just a sign…”
Princess Sophia, Agnis, and I all turned our eyes to the next illustration.
──────────────────
When you see a ‘Jump-Out Kid,’ stop and check both ways!
In several parts of the neighborhood, this sign called ‘Jump-Out Kid’ has been installed.
When you see a ‘Jump-Out Kid’—slow down your speed.
──Vehicles──visibility──danger──.
Look both ways carefully, and stop momentarily if possible──.
The ‘Jump-Out Kid’ is────extremely dangerous──.
──────────────────
Here, a picture of a person with a large head and short limbs is drawn.
There’s a support pole and a base beneath the body.
It seems to be a sign meant to represent a child.
The child raises a hand vigorously and is stepping forward.
It looks like they’re about to run out.
As for the effect of this item…
“Could it be something to control the flow of people and carriages?”
After reading the passage aloud a few times, I voiced my speculation.
“This short passage mentions ‘danger’ twice. Clearly, it’s something emphasized. That being the case, like the ‘traffic cones’ and ‘cone bars,’ it’s probably meant to keep people away from dangerous areas.”
“The part about stopping and checking left and right…?”
“It’s probably telling you to find another way around.”
“I understand. But why did they bother to include a separate listing for ‘Jump-Out Kid’? Wouldn’t ‘traffic cones’ and ‘cone bars’ be sufficient?”
Princess Sophia responded to my speculation.
As expected—sharp as always.
“Look here, Your Highness. It says ‘──vehicles’.”
“I see… could it mean carriages or carts?”
“Likely. Or perhaps it refers to some unique vehicles in the Hero World. Either way, this ‘Jump-Out Kid’ must have been placed on wider roads where such things could pass. Which means──”
“I get it! They were using different signs depending on the width of the road!?”
Princess Sophia’s eyes sparkled as she clapped her hands together.
“In other words, ‘traffic cones’ and ‘cone bars’ were used on small paths. ‘Jump-Out Kid’ was used on main roads—that’s how they distinguished them!”
“Yes. If you place two ‘traffic cones’ with a ‘cone bar’ set horizontally between them, you can block a narrow path. It would easily pressure pedestrians into avoiding the area—saying, ‘Don’t come through!’ or ‘Come closer and I’ll eat you!’”
“And on the main roads, they used the ‘Jump-Out Kid’…”
“I’m just guessing, but maybe the sign was about the height of a person.”
“To stand out to passersby, or perhaps to act like a statue overlooking the town?”
“I don’t think it was that big, but… I do think it was meant to act like a kind of security alarm or deterrent—something that exerted pressure just by standing there.”
“People in the Hero World seem to favor items like these…”
“The heroes from another world also liked to intimidate their enemies.”
Holding up their greatswords and shouting, ‘Turn to ash by my ultimate technique!’
Swinging their swords around and shouting, ‘I’ve slain 100 monsters already! Resistance is futile!’
Or calling out, ‘My name is “Instant Chant!” I am the “Instant Caster”!!’
They loved to announce themselves.
So, the ‘Jump-Out Kid’ sign should probably be understood as something like the ‘traffic cone’—something that made its presence known to others.
Something meant to intimidate and stop carriages and passersby.
“This paper, For a Safe Community Life, might have contained instructions on how to handle items like the ‘traffic cone,’ ‘cone bar,’ and ‘Jump-Out Kid.’”
I looked at Princess Sophia and Agnis as I spoke.
Then I took a sip of my now-cold tea and continued.
“Items that intimidate or exert pressure when approached could be quite a threat to some people, right?”
“Which is why it says, ‘Make sure not to approach them by mistake.’ Someone with a weak heart could be endangered if they were startled by a ‘Jump-Out Kid.’”
“A lord who wants to maintain the people’s ‘safe community life’ would need to take such precautions.”
“As expected from the Hero World. I… must learn from them.”
Princess Sophia and I both sighed.
Most likely, this paper included warnings to the townsfolk as well.
To ensure a ‘safe community life,’ people were instructed not to approach powerful magic items.
Whether that came from thoughtful concern or authoritarian command is unclear.
What is clear is that the Hero World had items that controlled the flow of people and carriages.
…‘Traffic cones,’ ‘cone bars,’ and ‘Jump-Out Kid,’ huh?
I want to try making them.
To make them identical, though, I’d need more materials. I wonder if that’s possible…
“Anyway, that’s my hypothesis up to this point.”
Saying that, I looked toward Agnis.
“So, could you share your thoughts with us, Agnis?”
I had noticed it for a while now.
Agnis kept glancing at me, like she wanted to say something.
She seemed to have her own opinion about items from the Hero World.
“B-but, I might be wrong…”
Agnis shook her head.
“I’m not an expert like Thor Canaan-sama, nor am I well-versed in the Hero World like Princess Sophia. It’s just a layperson’s idea…”
“No, no, actually—that kind of opinion is exactly what we need.”
“…Huh?”
“Agnis, your unbiased perspective is what’s important here. If you noticed something, I’d love to hear it.”
“I ask you as well, Agnis-sama.”
“Even Princess Sophia…?”
“My knowledge comes from books. But your opinion, Agnis-sama, is that of someone who walks outside and sees reality. That’s a living opinion—far more valuable.”
“I-I understand!”
Agnis nodded as if she had made up her mind.
She pointed to the picture of the “Jump-out Kid” featured in For a Safe Community Life, and said:
“It’s the name ‘Jump-out Kid’ that bothers me.”
“The name?”
“Thor Canaan-sama and Princess Sophia seem to think that this signboard works like a traffic cone, exerting pressure on its surroundings just by being placed there… But if that’s the case, then the name doesn’t make sense.”
Agnis took a deep breath.
“Because the name of this sign is ‘Jump-out Kid’. If it didn’t move, it should be called something like ‘Looks-like-it’s-about-to-jump-out Kid’. But calling it ‘Jump-out Kid’ means it must be something that moves in order to be effective!”
““…Ah.””
Princess Sophia and I widened our eyes.
Agnis was right.
There’s no way the people of the Hero World would name a stationary signboard “Jump-out Kid”.
If it didn’t move, names like “About-to-jump-out Kid”, “Jumping Pose Kid”, or “Dash Cancel Kid” would make more sense.
If it’s named “Jump-out Kid”, then it would be strange if it didn’t move.
“So this signboard moves to physically stop people or carriages…”
“Or perhaps, it might be designed to destroy the wheels of vehicles like carriages.”
It was a plausible idea.
There’s no way a vehicle controlled by a Hero from another world could be stopped just by intimidation.
Some kind of physical offensive power would be necessary.
It was a blind spot.
We were trapped by our preconception that the Hero World prefers intimidation.
That was close. If Agnis hadn’t spoken up, we would’ve ended up making an immobile signboard. There’s no way a signboard from the Hero World would be that ordinary…
“Thank you, Agnis.”
I took Agnis’s hand.
“If you hadn’t told me, I would have misunderstood what the ‘Jump-out Kid’ was. You gave me a new perspective. Thank you.”
“…Thor-sama.”
Agnis really is dependable.
She might not know much about alchemy or the Hero World, but she makes up for it with her knowledge of military strategy and tactics.
That helps illuminate the areas I overlook.
I’m glad Agnis is by my side.
“There’s no doubt that the ‘Jump-out Kid’ is meant to control the flow of pedestrians and carriages. But it’s not just intimidation or pressure—it also uses physical force.”
“Y-yes… um, and—”
“If we copy this item, it could help maintain security around the trading post. A ‘Jump-out Kid’ that dashes through crowds of pedestrians… That would certainly keep wrongdoers away. If we use it together with traffic cones, I think we can expect a significant effect.”
“…Y-yes. And also…”
“We should test it as soon as we return to the Demon Lord’s Territory. No, before that—”
“T-Thor-sama!”
Suddenly, Agnis raised her voice.
“U-um. If you keep holding my hand like this… I’ll get really embarrassed. And Princess Sophia is watching!”
“Oh.”
When I realized, Agnis’s face was bright red.
The “Health Promotion Pendant” on her chest was glowing more strongly.
Looking to the side… Princess Sophia was watching us with very gentle eyes.
“I’m sorry—no, my apologies, Your Highness. Your insight was also invaluable to me. I’m grateful.”
“No, I had a delightful time as well.”
Saying that, Princess Sophia extended her hand toward me.
She took off her white gloves… and waited quietly.
“If you hadn’t guided me, Thor Canaan-sama, the ancient documents would have remained a complete mystery. You gave me a new perspective. Thank you.”
…Yeah.
That’s almost exactly what I said to Agnis earlier when I took her hand.
Could it be… she wants me to hold her hand?
That would make sense.
A princess wouldn’t be able to openly say, “Please hold my hand.”
“…Excuse me, Your Highness.”
“…Yes, Thor Canaan-sama.”
When I extended my hand, Princess Sophia placed hers on top of it.
It was a delicate hand. Her fingers were slender, and her body temperature was low.
But as we touched, it gradually grew warmer. Perhaps finding that comforting, Princess Sophia let out a satisfied sigh.
“Princess Sophia.”
“Yes, Thor Canaan-sama.”
“Earlier, Your Highness told Agnis, ‘Let’s be the kind of friends who can say anything to each other,’ didn’t you?”
“I did. Agnis is a precious friend to me.”
“…You don’t have to hold back with me either.”
“Thor Canaan-sama?”
“If there’s anything you want, please tell me. You’ve only recently arrived in this borderland. I’m sure there are times you feel uneasy or just want someone to talk to.”
“The same goes for you, doesn’t it?”
Princess Sophia smiled as she leaned forward to look into my face.
“You were also dispatched from the Imperial Capital to the Demon Lord’s Territory, and you must be struggling in an unfamiliar land. Compared to that, I—”
“I get to do work I love in the Demon Lord’s Territory. I have Mabel, Agnis, and Her Majesty the Demon Lord by my side. I’m totally fine.”
“…You’re strong, Thor Canaan-sama.”
That’s the first time someone’s said that to me.
Back in the Empire, I was one of the weakest.
“I understand. I’ll take you up on that offer.”
After a brief pause, Princess Sophia smiled shyly.
“Then I’ll be honest with you, Thor Canaan-sama, without holding back. I’ll share the real thoughts of Sophia Dolgaria.”
“Yes, Princess Sophia.”
“Well then, for our next meeting, why don’t we use the Fizzy Bath?”
“…Pardon?”
“I love talking with you while soaking in the bath, Thor Canaan-sama. And next time, we’ll likely be discussing the expansion of the trading post. In that case, if we meet in that place, we’ll be able to make concrete decisions as well.”
With an expression as if she had just come up with a brilliant idea, Princess Sophia said this.
And surprisingly, it was quite rational.
“While we’re in the Fizzy Bath… talking with you in the hidden room, I feel like the boundaries between us disappear. That’s why, I feel like I can say anything in that place… is that not allowed?”
“It’s not disallowed.”
…It’s not really a problem, right? We’ve done it before.
Princess Sophia’s bathing clothes are always kept in the bathhouse of the trading post.
The steam and mysterious light of the noble-exclusive “Fizzy Bath” are also functioning. No issues there.
“I understand.”
I nodded.
“However, that’s only if Her Majesty the Demon Lord permits the expansion of the trading post.”
“Understood.”
“If we can make ‘traffic cones,’ ‘cone bars,’ and the ‘Jump-out kid,’ we could safely expand the trading post…”
The “traffic cones” and “cone bars” can control the flow of people.
They can be used to block off restricted areas and reduce the burden on the guards.
Even so, for those who still intrude or steal, the “Jump-out kid” would come in handy.
It can physically stop or knock out wrongdoers. Since it’s board-shaped, it can be hidden in any gap, or laid in tall grass without being noticed. It’s a pretty powerful item.
“When I get back, I’ll check whether these items are listed in any other documents.”
Just relying on the document “For a Safe Community Life” is weak as a source.
I should also check if the same items are in the “Mail-Order Catalog.”
If they’re listed there, I can definitely make them. If not, I’ll just have to rely on intuition… and in that case, I’ll try customizing them my own way. It should work out somehow.
“I will present the proposal for the expansion of the trading post and the contents of the ‘For a Safe Community Life’ document to Her Majesty the Demon Lord. Then, we’ll wait for the judgment of Her Majesty and the Chancellor.”
“Understood. I’ll be hoping for a positive response.”
Princess Sophia gave a polite bow.
With that, the political discussion came to an end.
Afterward, we talked about what’s been going on in our lives.
Princess Sophia told me that there would be a festival held in the town of Nosa.
It’s a festival to celebrate her appointment as lord.
Because of that, there’s been an increase in traffic, but apparently there are still times and places that are less crowded.
She asked me to pass that information on to the winged fairies, the Pixies.
As for me, there haven’t been any particular changes.
Just as usual, I run my workshops in the Demon Lord’s Castle and in the Reisenga territory, leisurely doing alchemy.
Princess Sophia said she’s looking forward to seeing new items.
She also wants to write another trial report as “Anonymous S Princess.”
I should let Kelve know.
And so, the pleasant time passed—
“Well then, I look forward to seeing you again.”
With Princess Sophia’s words, today’s meeting came to an end.
And finally—
“Oh, that’s right. I had a request for you, Miss Agnis.”
“Y-yes, I’m listening.”
“Next time I enter the ‘Fizzy Bath,’ would you join me? I’d like to try washing each other’s backs—as friends.”
With an innocent, childlike expression, Princess Sophia said.
She reminded me a bit of Princess Liana, who talked about sword techniques in the bathhouse.
“If we bathe together, we can have girl-to-girl secret talks. I admire things like that… what do you think?”
“Yes, Agnis is fine with it.”
Agnis nodded happily.
Maybe these two really do get along well.
Thinking that, we parted ways with Princess Sophia and headed toward the border forest.
──That Night, in the Town of Nosa (Dorothy Listan’s Perspective)──
“I understand. Rather than ‘Fukeisan Unit,’ ‘Lady Omawarisan Unit’ sounds better, doesn’t it?”
This was in the town of Nosa, in the lodging prepared for the Archduke’s soldiers.
There, the young girl Dorothy was speaking with her subordinate soldiers.
“Let us respect everyone’s opinions. I will inform Princess Sophia and Commander Isaac.”
“──Dorothy-sama.”
Suddenly, one of the female soldiers raised her hand.
“What did you think of the people from the Demon Lord’s territory, Dorothy-sama?”
“They were unfathomable individuals.”
Dorothy replied.
“I couldn’t gauge the extent of knowledge and skill the alchemist possessed. As for the red-haired girl, she seemed to be hiding her true power. Yet, she was calm and didn’t try to show off her strength… They’re a completely different kind of ‘strong’ from those of the Empire.”
“May I be permitted to speak my opinion?”
Another female soldier raised her hand. Dorothy nodded without hesitation. The post-dinner meeting was important for the unit. It was through the exchange of information and discussion here that her unit stayed united. To Dorothy, her subordinates’ opinions were crucial for her own growth as well.
(──I’m not first-rate. That’s why I must do everything I can.)
Thinking that, Dorothy nodded.
“I won’t turn you down. Please speak.”
“About that investigation—shouldn’t we report it to Princess Sophia?”
The female soldier spoke.
“The Archduke said it might just be needless worry, but still, there’s always a chance. I think we should rely on the strength of Her Highness and Commander Isaac’s ‘Omawarisan Unit’…”
“Kharon-sama also said, ‘It’s nothing worth making a fuss over.'”
Dorothy nodded and continued.
“I understand your concern. However… I want to wait until we have a solid lead before reporting to Her Highness. She is currently working on a plan to enrich the lives of the people in the borderlands. I don’t want to interfere with that.”
“Dorothy-sama…”
“Princess Sophia and the alchemist have suffered through much hardship because of their ties to the Imperial Capital. It’s time they had their freedom. I cannot burden them with something that may not even exist.”
“…Understood, Dorothy-sama.”
“We will follow your lead, Dorothy-sama.”
“But please, don’t take everything on your own shoulders. Dorothy-sama!”
“I appreciate everyone’s thoughts. Then, this meeting is concluded. Thank you all for your hard work today.”
Dorothy clapped her hands, and the soldiers dispersed. A few of them would now take up the night watch. The others were off to rest.
Just as Dorothy was returning to her room to begin paperwork, her adjutant suddenly called out to her.
“Dorothy-sama. I have… a suggestion.”
“What is it?”
“Regarding the issue you’ve long struggled with… could you perhaps consult the alchemist from the Demon Lord’s territory?”
“──That won’t be necessary.”
“Dorothy-sama…”
“That person is a foreign alchemist. I cannot ask them to act based on my personal reasons. I came here to assist Princess Sophia. How could I justify imposing further burdens on them?”
“Dorothy-sama, you’re too serious.”
“I will view my problem as a trial to better myself.”
Dorothy let out a sigh.
“Don’t worry. I’ll do everything I can. I am the younger sister of the next Archduke, and the one entrusted with a mission by the great Kharon-sama.”
In front of the soldiers watching her with concern, Dorothy made her declaration. And so, to fulfill her role, she headed to her room.