Kays Translations

Chapter 151: “Forming a New Search Team”

—Thor’s point of view—

This is my workshop in the Raisenga Domain.

We were in the living room, reading a letter from Princess Sophia.

It was an apology letter from Princess Sophia, who had gone to Zaigan Town to investigate the remnants of House Tilik.

“I accidentally used up the ‘MAX Silky Smooth Lotion Premium’ you gave me. Moreover, I couldn’t even follow the correct usage or dosage… I sincerely apologize.”

That’s how the letter began.

As we read on, we understood the details.

While Princess Sophia was investigating “that box,” an imperial investigation unit apparently broke into her inn.

She used the “MAX Silky Smooth Lotion Premium” to capture them.

It briefly mentioned the information she had gathered and the state of the investigation.

Most of the letter was filled with her apologies, so the information about the documents was only a small part.

“I would like to apologize to you in person, Thor Canaan.”

“At that time, I would also like to show you the materials I confiscated from the investigation unit.”

—That was Princess Sophia’s wish.

“Sophia really does the most unexpected things sometimes…”

“To think she’d capture intruders with ‘MAX Silky Smooth Lotion Premium’…”

“Yes. It seems Soleil assisted her.”

Next to me, Mabel and the winged pixie Pixie, Lune, nodded.

It was Lune who flew to Noza Town to bring us the letter.

At that time, she also got the details from Soleil.

Princess Sophia stopped the intruders’ movement using a “security buzzer,” then threw a bottle containing the “MAX Silky Smooth Lotion Premium.”

Soleil, the winged pixie, hit that bottle with a light attack spell, making a hole in it.

As a result, the intruders were doused in the lotion concentrate.

This lotion’s concentrate reduces friction to nearly zero.

Those soaked in it couldn’t stand up or even lift themselves off the ground.

Furthermore, those who came to help also touched the lotion—and in the end, all of them were caught in one fell swoop.

“So this lotion is also a powerful combat item… In that case, should it be used for Her Majesty’s self-defense?”

Mabel asked while looking at a bottle containing her own lotion.

“It can be used, but it’s better to save it for emergencies.”

I shook my head.

“It’s very effective if it hits the target, but if the concentrate gets on your own hands, it’d be a disaster. It’s better to reserve it for when there’s absolutely no other choice.”

“Y-you’re right…”

The “MAX Silky Smooth Lotion Premium” concentrate is dangerous.

I should think about making a “lotion that nullifies the lotion” later. Yeah.

“Anyway, I’m just glad Princess Sophia is safe.”

“Indeed. I was surprised too. I can’t believe an imperial investigation unit broke into Her Highness’sss inn…”

“Normally, I don’t think anyone would dare rummage through the room of the Emperor’s child.”

Princess Sophia doesn’t have imperial succession rights and holds a low position among the imperial family.

But she’s still the Emperor’s child.

For imperial subordinates to break into her quarters without permission—something’s off. Which means…

“Maybe a different prince or princess is leading the investigation unit.”

“A different prince or princess?”

“If that’s the case, then breaking into Sophia’s quarters would still fall under the imperial family’s responsibility, right? Plus, if the order came from a sibling, the subordinates might be less resistant to following it.”

“…That’s quite possible.”

Mabel nodded.

“But the captured investigators haven’t said a word, have they?”

“Same as the ones who broke into the trading post. Same clothes too, so they’re probably part of the same group.”

The imperial investigators had also broken into the trading post while it was closed.

Erte-san was standing beside her.

Apparently, most of the intruders were unconscious when caught.

The “Five-Element Defensive Formation: Intimidation – Jump-Out Type” that we’d set up seemed to have worked.

“The leader of the intruders was knocked out by a body slam from ‘Jump-out Kid,’ apparently.”

“Even imperial investigators couldn’t avoid it… That’s impressive.”

“‘Jump-out Kid’ is an item meant to stop vehicles in the Heroes’ world—like carriages or chariots. Imperial soldiers are no match for it.”

The “Five-Element Defensive Formation: Intimidation – Jump-Out Type” uses the same theory as the “Health-Boosting Pendant.”

The divine beast-type “traffic cone” amplifies and circulates magic, which is used to intimidate enemies.

Its intimidation power is several times that of the standard version.

If they got hit by that kind of intimidation, no wonder the imperial soldiers fainted.

This time, the formation also included “Jump-out Kid.”

It rides the circulating magic and moves around the perimeter of the formation at high speed. It’s excellent for preventing enemy escapes.

It apparently worked well and eliminated the invading unit.

“Well, anyway, I’m glad it was useful.”

Erte-san and Dorothy-san had already begun gathering information.

“Yeah. We now know the names of those suspected of taking ‘that box.’”

I received a copy of the list too.

There are five names.

They’re not regular soldiers—they were temporarily hired for their skills as beast tamers.

A copy is also going to be given to Princess Sophia, but—

“Finding them by name alone will be quite difficult.”

“We’ll probably have to ask around in towns and villages.”

“Isaac and the Omawarisan Unit will have a tough time too…”

“…I recognize one of the names on the list.”

It was sudden.

Lune, who was perched on my shoulder, said that.

“You know them, Lune?”

“Yes. I remember hearing it from fellow winged pixies. One of the suspicious people who came to the trading post had that name.”

“Wait a minute. Why would the winged pixies know something like that?”

“They said it was under the alchemist’s orders…?”

Lune tilted her head in puzzlement.

Was it because I gave the order?

…I don’t remember.

Did I tell the winged pixies to do that?

“Do you remember when you were speaking with Their Highnesses at the trading post?”

“Yeah. I was in the bathhouse, learning how to use the holy sword from Princess Liana.”

“Yes. Just before that, the alchemist had been walking around the trading post.”

“Yeah. I was checking out the tents.”

“During that time, you found a suspicious merchant and ordered a winged pixie disguised as a cat to investigate him.”

“…That did happen.”

I had found a strange merchant at that time.

Despite wearing luxurious clothes, he was selling only cheap goods, which seemed suspicious.

So I asked the winged pixie nearby to tail him.

But in the end, the merchant just headed back toward the capital.

Whether he was truly just a merchant or something else—I never found out.

Well, since nothing happened, it was fine.

Later, when the winged pixie came back to report, I tried to thank her. Then she said, “Please drink tea and feed me sweets! Passionately!” So I did exactly that.

“Wait, that merchant back then—was he one of the fortress soldiers?”

“Unfortunately, he wasn’t.”

“…I figured.”

They had been fed directly and kept hidden from the townspeople.

“That’s very important, Lune.”

“You understand, Mabel-sama?”

“I do. I understand very well.”

Lune and Mabel exchanged glances and nodded with serious expressions.

“So, the reason why all the winged pixies come to the workshop during tea time is…”

“To receive sweets from the Alchemist-sama.”

“True… though I did hear things that sounded like reports from time to time.”

Like a quarrel at the trading post.

Or someone trying to steal goods, only to be caught by Minotaur-san.

“But most of it was just small talk. The reports were only a small part.”

“Many of the winged pixies aren’t very good at explaining, after all.”

“…Ahh.”

Come to think of it, that’s true.

The wind winged pixie once said, “Today there was a gooey person going all gloomy at the trading post.”

So that was a report. Huh.

“In other words, in order to be fed sweets by me, the winged pixies started patrolling the trading post…”

“And during that time, they overheard this name.”

Lune stretched out her slender arm and pointed at a name near the bottom of the list.

That person’s name was “Daryl Zanno.”

He was one of the beast tamers temporarily hired at the fortress.

“According to the report, he was called ‘Daryl-sama’ or ‘Zanno-sama.’ A wind winged pixie found it suspicious that he was hiding his face with a hood and decided to tail him based on intuition.”

“Did those people come to the trading post before the fortress collapsed? Or after?”

“It was afterward. After leaving the trading post, they headed northeast along the highway.”

“Mabel. The map.”

“Yes, Thor-sama.”

Mabel spread a map out on the table.

The road leading northeast from the trading post ran along the border forest.

There was one town beyond that road.

I wonder if this Daryl Zanno person is in that town.

Or did he already move on?

I don’t know. There’s too little information.

But if they came to the trading post after the collapse of the fortress, maybe they have a reason for staying near the border.

If that’s the case… there’s a chance they’re still in the town.

And if I talk to the townspeople, I might be able to get some information.

“Thank you, Lune. You’ve been a big help.”

“I’m honored to be of service.”

General Raisenga had also sent a message.

“Understood.”

“But before that…”

It’s been a while since lunch.

I’m thirsty, and a bit hungry.

So—

“Mabel. Shall we have tea time?”

“Understood. I’ll prepare some sweets as well.”

As expected of Mabel. She seems to know exactly what I’m thinking.

“Now that the discussion is over, let’s relax and have some tea.”

I said that while looking toward Lune.

Behind her, Mabel was also smiling gently.

“Well then, would you prefer to eat the sweets yourself, or have me feed them to you?”

“P-please feed them to me!”

“Yes. I would be honored, Thor-sama!”

…Wait, what?

Why is Mabel bowing along with Lune?

I mean, I feed the winged pixies sweets because it’s hard for them to lift the treats with their tiny bodies…

Come to think of it, Mabel was sitting across from me earlier, right?

When did she move to Lune’s side…?

…Well, whatever.

It’s super embarrassing, but… I’ll feed Mabel too.

And so, as preparations for tea began—

While writing the letters, I ended up feeding baked sweets to both Mabel and Lune.

──Several days later, in the Demon Lord’s castle──

“We should form a joint search team between the Demon Lord’s Domain and the town of ‘Noza.’”

In the throne room, Demon Lord-style Rukie spoke.

Standing before her were Chancellor Kelve and General Raisenga.

Raisenga had received a letter from Thor and decided it was best to speak with Demon Lord Rukie directly on this matter.

So he rode swiftly to the Demon Lord’s castle.

In contrast to the red-faced and heavy-breathing Raisenga, Kelve looked pale.

He was looking down, seeming shaken.

The unit from Noza Town would operate on the human side of the border.

“A wise decision, Your Majesty.”

Raisenga voiced his agreement.

“To prevent interference from the Empire, I believe we must resolve this matter swiftly. Therefore, we should integrate the information from Noza Town and the Demon Lord’s Domain, and use it to locate the owner of ‘that box.’”

“If the one carrying ‘that box’ has already gone far away, that would be a relief.”

“In that case, it would no longer concern the Demon Lord’s Domain.”

“In any case, it must be verified. If possible, I’d like to retrieve ‘that box’ as well… though we don’t know what might come out of it. It’s a troublesome thing to handle.”

We would meet again after gathering information and then decide what to do next.

If the contents of the box turn out to be… say, a weapon, Rukie intends to seal it within the Demon Lord’s Domain. At the very least, she doesn’t want to hand it over to the Empire. Who knows what they’d use it for?

However, even if they seal the box in the Demon Lord’s Domain, the Empire might not believe them.

“The Demon Lord’s Domain is hiding a weapon from another world to use in an emergency”—that’s how the Empire might see it.

So, a way to convince the Empire will also need to be considered.

(Still, it’s the same both ways. We can’t trust the Empire either.)

For example, if the Empire obtained the box and said, “There was no danger. We sealed it domestically,” the Demon Lord’s Domain would have no way to confirm that.

The fear that the Empire might use a magical item from another world against the Demon Lord’s Domain would always remain.

The handling of “that box” required utmost caution.

(Not knowing the contents makes it all the more troublesome.)

That’s why Rukie is considering forming a joint search team between the Demon Lord’s Domain and Noza Town.

If “that box” is found, representatives from both sides will manage it for a while.

If the box opens, both Rukie and Princess Sophia will confirm the contents together.

Rukie believes that’s the safest method.

If the contents are dangerous… they’ll have to pretend it never opened.

They’ll seal the box within the Demon Lord’s Domain and have Princess Sophia confirm the seal at regular intervals.

The Meteor Replica could also be used as a signal if anything happened.

“What do you think about forming a joint search team between the Demon Lord’s Domain and Noza Town, Kelve?”

Rukie turned to ask Chancellor Kelve.

Since entering the throne room, Kelve had remained silent.

Perhaps he was troubled or deep in thought.

“Y-yes. I believe forming a search team is an excellent idea.”

A few seconds later, Kelve responded quietly.

Noticing his stiff expression, Rukie asked—

“What troubles you, Kelve? Do you have some concern?”

We would bring the Five-Element Defensive Formation: Standard Type as a precaution.

““…Ah.””

Rukie and Raisenga let out sighs.

Both of them were aware of the mysterious formation involving the “traffic cones.”

They had thought the strengthened security at the trading post was a good thing, but—

“Kelve, do you believe there’s a problem with that formation?”

“There’s no problem. I merely thought of a different way it could be used.”

“A different way, you say?”

“Yes… for example, let’s say there’s a forest full of magical beasts, making it difficult for people to enter.”

“Mm. Let’s assume such a forest exists.”

“It’s a rich forest with fruits, timber, mushrooms, and wild animals. If the magical beasts were gone, it could be used for timber harvesting as well.”

“But if there are magical beasts, no one can go harvesting. And it’s difficult to deploy many soldiers in the forest to exterminate them. There are many places for beasts to hide. It would be hard to completely drive them out.”

“I agree with that assessment.”

Chancellor Kelve bowed politely.

The Five-Element Defensive Formation: Intimidation Type would also be useful.

“…You mean placing the magical beast’s fur inside the ‘traffic cones’?”

“…Assuming the interior of the forest becomes the effect area of the ‘defense formation’…”

Rukie and Raisenga tilted their heads.

Place a “Kirin-type” traffic cone in the center of the forest.

Surround the forest with other “divine beast-type” traffic cones.

Then the entire forest would fall within the Five-Element Defensive Formation’s effect range.

The Traffic Cones within the formation would continuously intimidate the magical beasts. Frightened, they would try to flee, but the defensive formation would disrupt their sense of direction and leave them wandering through the forest.

With their directional sense distorted, the beasts would be unable to catch prey. They’d be completely unable to feed.

And if they did somehow attempt to run outside, they’d be driven back by the cheerful smile of the “Jump-out Kid.”

In other words, the magical beasts of the forest would ultimately be left with no choice but to starve to death—

“In about a month, there wouldn’t be a single magical beast left in the forest…”

“Exactly. The ‘defense formation’ Thor-sama devised can be used not only to protect the trading post, but also to exterminate magical beasts.”

“B-but Chancellor, didn’t the ‘traffic cones’ and ‘Jump-out Kid’ previously help with magical beasts in the mine too? It’s not exactly a new surprise, is it?”

“Yes, General, but that was in a confined space like a mine. The current Five-Element Defensive Formation can be used anywhere.”

Chancellor Kelve spoke with a trembling voice.

“Thor-sama seems to have created that formation to ‘protect important places’… but it can also be used to ‘keep dangerous magical beasts contained.’ Not just for defense—it can be used to cleanse the land of magical beasts. It’s truly a battlefield formation that embodies both offense and defense…”

“…But Kelve, isn’t that a good thing?”

Rukie said.

Thor’s Five-Element Defensive Formation can be used not only for defense, but also to conquer magical-beast territories.

In short, it’s a very handy formation.

And yet Chancellor Kelve looked stiff and tense.

The reason why was—

“…Because it means more work for the Chancellor’s Office.”

—That was it.

The Chancellor’s Office is responsible for the development of the Demon Lord’s Domain, arranging the necessary funds and materials.

After development, it also manages personnel.

Moreover, thanks to the “Water Summoner,” land development and mining are progressing rapidly. Even though they’ve increased manpower, the Chancellor’s Office is always extremely busy.

If they also began developing forests with the Five-Element Defensive Formation—

“—If that happens, the Chancellor’s Office will be at its limit, Your Majesty.”

“No, no. There’s no need to begin developing them with the Five-Element Defensive Formation immediately, is there? It’s only a possibility. You can postpone it.”

“I understand that. I do…”

Chancellor Kelve muttered, voice trembling.

“But delaying the Demon Lord’s Domain’s development for the sake of the Chancellor’s Office would wound my pride as Chancellor. Really, Thor-sama is such a problem. Why does he keep creating one revolutionary item after another…?”

“Now, now, Kelve. Stop banging your head against the pillar. You’ll damage it. If you must hit something, use Raisenga’s back instead.”

“…Understood. Mmm. This firmness is just right…”

Thud. Thud.

“…There’s a strange sound coming from my back.”

“Bear with it for a while, Raisenga. More importantly, about the joint investigation team—considering disguising as travelers, five or six members seems best, don’t you think?”

“I believe six would be best. That way, the Demon Lord’s Domain and Noza Town can provide equal numbers. If one side has more members, it may arouse suspicion.”

“As for the Demon Lord’s Domain members… I suppose we can’t leave Thor out.”

“Indeed. Princess Sophia trusts him, and he’s familiar with magic items such as that box. A winged pixie is always nearby, so communication will be easy. If anything happens, Thor-sama can handle it on the spot.”

“He’ll probably insist on going too…”

“Yes. I spoke with him before coming here—he already seems to be thinking of how to open ‘that box.'”

“Make sure to warn him when we return. Thinking is fine, but tell him not to use it just yet.”

“Understood. As for other members, I think it’s best to include Erte as a representative from the Demon Lord’s Domain.”

“Kelve’s niece, correct? I’ve heard she’s capable. Apparently, she can disguise herself as a human with that mysterious hairpiece.”

“Yes. Moreover, Erte manages the Trading Post and will have deep ties with Noza Town in the future. She’s a suitable companion, and as Kelve’s niece, there’s no reason to doubt her ability.”

“Right. She’s Chancellor Kelve’s niece—the same Chancellor whose strength can shake even a general like you.”

“Indeed. I never expected Chancellor Kelve himself to possess such physical strength.”

Thud. Thud.

“That said… I would really like you to stop headbutting me soon.”

“Does it hurt?”

“It doesn’t, but… it’s rather unsettling.”

“Sorry, but bear with it a little longer.”

“Understood.”

“As for the third member—you were going to recommend Agnis, weren’t you?”

“No. This time, I think Mabel would be better.”

“…That’s unexpected.”

“Mabel can also use the hairpiece to disguise herself as a human. There should be no problem with her joining. I intend to have Agnis support from the rear with the troops. Also…”

Raisenga trailed off.

“Agnis is a bit too reserved. The Imperial Princess is very sharp. To match wits with her… surprisingly, the cunning Mabel might be better…”

“…What did you just say?”

“Nothing at all, Your Majesty.”

“I-I see.”

“In any case, this investigation is of great importance. I intend to give it my all.”

Raisenga knelt to the floor.

Kelve, having lost his target, came to his senses and knelt as well, as if nothing had happened.

“I, Raisenga, pledge to do all in my power to bring back valuable information to Your Majesty.”

“As Chancellor, I’ll also do my best to support the General.”

“Very well said.”

Demon Lord Rukie nodded.

“I’ll send a letter to Princess Sophia. Once we get her consent, the joint team may begin operations. In the meantime, continue patrolling the border region. The Empire may attempt something.”

““Yes!””

“I’ll send a letter to Thor as well.”

With a fearless smile, Rukie murmured.

“Even if you find ‘that box,’ don’t open it on your own. Don’t approach dangerous targets. And… when meeting with Princess Sophia, make sure Mabel is with you. Raisenga, inform Thor of all this as well. That’s all!”

And so, the meeting between Demon Lord Rukie, Chancellor Kelve, and General Raisenga concluded—

An immediate positive reply came from Princess Sophia regarding the proposal for a joint search team—

And so, the Demon Lord’s Domain and Noza Town formed a joint team to search for that box.

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