Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 169: “Thor the Alchemist Travels the Demon Lord’s Domain (1)”
Three days had passed since we departed from the Demon Lord’s castle.
Our carriage was making good progress along the highway.
The travel party consisted of me, Mabel, and the civil official, Erte-san.
Also accompanying us, both as escorts and for communication purposes, were the winged fairies, the Pixies.
They were currently asleep in a basket on the floor.
Our destination was the northwest of the Demon Lord’s territory—a village of elves beyond the lake marshlands.
The purpose of our journey was to visit the graves of Mabel’s parents and to gather materials.
“I believe we’ll reach the next town by this afternoon, Alchemist-sama. Mabel-sama.”
Erte-san, seated on the driver’s bench, said while looking at the map in her hand,
“Today we’ll be staying in the town of Ortia, located within the marshlands. As with yesterday, there will be a meeting with the town mayor, so I ask that you prepare yourself, Alchemist-sama.”
“Um… Erte-san.”
“Yes, Alchemist-sama?”
“Why is it that we always end up meeting the town mayor every time?”
We had stayed in towns for the past two nights as well.
In the first town, we received a grand welcome.
All the important people in the town came out to greet us.
Erte-san had said, “It’s the town closest to the castle, so everyone must have heard the rumors about Alchemist-sama.”
Apparently, they all came to see me.
But even in the town we stayed in last night, I ended up participating in a dinner with the mayor and other officials.
I was incredibly nervous.
Thanks to Mabel being beside me, I managed to talk calmly.
But the more I thought about it, the stranger it seemed.
Why were the important people in every town always waiting for us?
When I asked Erte-san about that,
“That’s because Uncle Kelve informed the mayors and village chiefs in advance.”
She answered easily.
“The towns and villages were notified of Alchemist-sama’s itinerary and the places you’d be stopping at.”
“…Why would the Chancellor go that far?”
“To confirm that you are traveling safely.”
Erte-san said it like it was the most natural thing in the world.
“That’s why Uncle instructed the mayors and village chiefs to send a letter to the castle upon your arrival. So it’s no surprise that the townspeople knew you were coming.”
“The Chancellor… Why would he go to such lengths?”
“Because he’s worried about you.”
“But this is just a trip to gather materials. Isn’t all this a bit much?”
“…Alchemist-sama. Don’t you realize that you’re an important figure within the Demon Lord’s territory?”
Erte-san’s eyes shone as she said,
“Normally, someone of your status should be traveling with a large escort. The only reason it’s a small group is because Her Majesty the Demon Lord decided it shouldn’t be a big affair. Instead, safety is being ensured through these measures. I ask that you tolerate at least this much.”
“Is that… how it is?”
“That’s how it is.”
I see.
If that’s how it is, then it can’t be helped.
Come to think of it, this is my first time traveling within the Demon Lord’s territory.
Having Kelve-san take care of the arrangements is actually a huge help.
Wait a second… In the hero’s world, this kind of thing is called a “package tour,” isn’t it?
Apparently, that’s how people traveled over there.
A trip where everything you need is bundled together.
According to researchers in the Empire, “Water, food, even a change of clothes comes pre-packed and is provided in each town along the way.”
This trip arranged by Kelve-san must be something close to that “package tour.”
I see.
So Kelve-san has unknowingly recreated the hero world’s “package tour.”
As expected of the Chancellor of the Demon Lord’s territory.
I’ll be sure to write him a thank-you letter later.
“But if possible… I would’ve liked to take a completely ordinary, unremarkable journey.”
“…Thor-sama.”
“…Alchemist-sama.”
Mabel and Erte-san both looked at me.
Inside the gently moving carriage, time flowed calmly, and the two of them—
“I believe a normal journey would have much more shaking and bouncing, Thor-sama.”
“Isn’t it unusual for a carriage to be this smooth…?”
“Huh?”
Well, yes, I did make some modifications to the carriage for a more comfortable trip.
But it’s nothing that fancy, really?
I only made two changes.
First, I wrapped beast hide soaked in MAX Silky Smooth Lotion Premium around the axle of the carriage to improve the wheels’ glide. That lotion reduces friction when applied to living skin, and I’ve already confirmed it works similarly on beast hide.
Thanks to that lotion, the axle rotation became incredibly smooth.
It also seems to have lessened the strain on the horse.
Then, underneath the floor of the carriage, I laid out husks from Slara Beans wrapped in Magic-Weave Fabric, covering the entire underside with no gaps.
The husks of Slara Beans are used as filling in body pillows.
When combined with magic stones, they become responsive to magical energy.
In this case, I set them to become soft when exposed to magic—a slightly firm, low-resistance material.
Just by Mabel and me sitting on the seats, it absorbs faint magical energy and turns into a “low-resistance cushion.”
This absorbs the impact and reduces shaking.
Thanks to that, the Pixies in the basket are sound asleep.
The cushions they’re using are made from the same low-resistance material.
Originally, I was going to install some magical devices on the outside of the carriage too… but I held back.
A carriage packed with the latest technology would stand out too much. It can’t be helped.
“There really is… almost no vibration or shaking.”
Erte-san murmured from the driver’s seat.
“It feels as if we’re gliding across a calm lake surface… It’s unbelievable.”
“Well, compared to the vehicles in the hero world, it’s still not much.”
Especially in terms of speed.
From what I heard, in the hero’s world, the scenery outside the window flew by as they traveled.
“It was in the mail-order catalog too, you know. ‘Experience it on video! Tour three countries in 120 minutes.’”
“To visit three countries in two hours… just how fast are they traveling in that world, I wonder…”
“But, Thor-sama, I don’t think we need vehicles that are too fast.”
“Really?”
“Yes. If they’re too fast, it would be dangerous for people walking along the roads. For safety, we’d have to deploy ‘Jump-out Kids’.”
“Oh, yeah. That’s true.”
If a high-speed vehicle travels down the highway, you’d need some sort of device to protect pedestrians.
In that case, you’d need ‘Jump-out Kids’.
But just one or two wouldn’t be enough.
You’d have to line them up every 100 meters or so, and physically stop any carriage that looks like it’s about to hit someone.
…But making that many would be practically impossible.
And besides… a highway where carriages and ‘Jump-out Kids’ are zipping around sounds like a pretty terrifying place.
It doesn’t really fit the Demon Lord’s territory that Rukie governs. Yeah.
“Mabel’s right. Maybe it’s better not to make carriages too fast.”
“This speed is just right to enjoy a leisurely journey.”
“Yeah. Rather than speed, it’s better to focus on comfort… Wait, huh? Erte-san, why are you holding your head?”
When I asked, Erte-san pressed her forehead against one of the carriage’s posts and said,
“No… I made the mistake of imagining a horizon filled with endless rows of ‘Jump-out Kids.’ It was a nightmarish vision. As a civil official, I can’t even begin to imagine how I’d manage that road…”
“That won’t happen. You don’t have to worry.”
“I know. In my head, I know that…”
As we talked, the carriage entered a marshy region.
A large river ran alongside the highway, splitting into many tributaries.
Beyond that were lakes and swamps.
The surface of the water shimmered under the sunlight.
“It’s a beautiful place.”
“It is. Some races even use this area as a summer retreat.”
Mabel explained as she looked out at the scenery.
“It’s rich in water and beautiful, but… there’s a drawback: there’s not much arable land. Of course, it has its strengths too. Thanks to the large river, it serves as a key hub for boat-based distribution.”
“…I see.”
At the river’s mouth, many people were working.
Merfolk were underwater, directing ship traffic or fishing.
Lizardmen were doing the heavy labor.
And beastkin, with animal ears, were directing operations.
Underwater tasks went to merfolk. Shoreline tasks to lizardmen. Land-based management to beastkin.
It seemed like each race had their own specialized role.
“Lately, even the merfolk and lizardmen have started using ‘Water-resistant Magic Weave’.”
Mabel said,
“They say it’s perfect for working near water, and they’re really happy with it.”
“That’s great.”
It makes me happy to see something I made being used.
Magic Weave is made by fusing magic stones into large cloths, so it’s not very labor-intensive.
These days, I have the craftsmen sew the fabric together and spread it out across the floor of a hall, and then I quickly fuse the magic stones into it.
That way, I can make enough for about 100 people at once.
“The majority population in the town of Ortia is beastkin. Their main trait is that they have long hair.”
Erte-san said from the driver’s seat.
“Some beastkin can transform into their beast form. If their hair isn’t long, they won’t have enough fur when they do, apparently. So it’s become a custom among beastkin to grow their hair long.”
“So that’s why they tie or let down their hair?”
Both men and women braid or tie their long hair with string. It reaches down to their waists.
I thought it might get in the way, but beastkin control their long hair with their tails. They really are athletic… amazing.
“I’m really glad we went on this journey.”
It’s so much fun to see things I’ve never seen before.
I now realize how little I actually knew about the Demon Lord’s domain.
If I want to help the people here, I need to understand them better.
That’s why I wanted to travel around the Demon Lord’s lands with my own eyes.
I really should thank Rukie for granting me permission and Kelve-san for arranging everything.
“We’ll be arriving in the town of Ortia shortly. You’ll be meeting the mayor, so please prepare yourself.”
“Understood. By the way, Erte-san.”
“Yes, Alchemist-sama?”
“Is it okay if I start handing out ‘I’m an Alchemist’ flyers soon?”
“You’re still talking about that!?”
She was shocked.
I’ve asked several times since we left on this journey:
‘Can I hand out flyers that say “I’m an Alchemist” so I can connect with people in the Demon Lord’s lands?’
The best way to understand people is to listen to their hopes and concerns.
So I thought I’d hand out flyers and take on alchemy requests.
“Could you… maybe do that on the way back instead?”
“So it’s a no, huh?”
“Yes. If you accept requests in every town we stop in, it’ll take too long. If the journey gets delayed, Her Majesty and Uncle Kelve will be worried.”
“…You’re right.”
“Please prioritize reaching our destination. After that, feel free to hand out as many flyers as you like.”
“Got it.”
Can’t be helped. Kelve-san’s done so much for me.
Just like Erte-san said, I’ll save the alchemy work for the way back.
Sounds like I can do as much as I want then. Yep, yep.
“…Um, Thor-sama. I don’t think that means you can do as much as you want.”
“…How did you know, Mabel?”
“I could just tell… by your face.”
Mabel looked at me and smiled shyly.
After thinking for a moment, I said,
“…Please, Mabel. On the way back, I want to do a bit more alchemy work. Can you overlook it?”
“…You’re putting me in a tough spot when you ask like that.”
“…I’ll keep it short. Please keep it a secret.”
“…You’re so unfair. There’s no way I could refuse a request from you, Thor-sama.”
“…Thanks, Mabel.”
“…Just a little bit, okay?”
We looked at each other and laughed.
“It’s lovely that you get along so well… but I can hear everything, you know. This carriage is quite quiet.”
Before we realized, Erte-san was looking at us with a deadpan stare.
Apparently, she’d heard it all.
So that’s the downside of a quiet carriage…
And so, with all that behind us, we finally arrived at the town of Ortia.
“This is truly an honor! To meet the renowned alchemist in person!”
The mayor of Ortia was a beastman with gray hair.
Triangular beast ears stuck out from the top of his head. A large tail wagged vigorously from behind him.
The mayor offered me his hand with a friendly smile.
“I am the mayor of Ortia, Guerun Ashdon. The deputy mayor was supposed to come greet you as well… but he’s the leader of the lizardmen, and it seems he’s a bit busy.”
“Please, don’t worry about it.”
I shook Guerun’s hand in return.
“Besides, I can see that everyone’s busy. I saw them working by the river earlier.”
“That’s very kind of you to say.”
Guerun nodded, his gray hair swaying.
The way his hair spread out to the sides made it look like a mane.
Beastmen are said to be able to transform into animal forms—maybe this guy turns into a lion.
“The townspeople are all preparing goods for the trade station. They can hardly spare the time.”
“So they’re getting everything ready to ship once the construction over there is finished, right?”
“Exactly. Come to think of it, I heard it was thanks to you, Alchemist-dono, that the trade station came to be.”
“Not at all.”
I shook my head.
“I just happened to be there. It was Her Majesty the Demon Lord, Rukie Evergard, and Princess Sophia of the town of Nosa who made the decision to set it up.”
“Heh heh. No need to be so modest.”
Guerun gave a few sniffing snorts through his nose.
“Bringing together different races—different in scent and appearance—that was only possible because of your capabilities, Alchemist-dono. Thanks to you, our town has become much livelier. We are truly grateful to you.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
Guerun was a big man. He could go toe-to-toe with General Reisenga.
Yet he wore a gentle smile.
Reisenga was the same—many people in the Demon Lord’s territory seem to be kind, even if they’re large and imposing.
That’s the complete opposite of the Empire.
It must be the difference in leadership.
Thinking that made me wonder how Rukie was doing.
Kelve-san must have told her where I was… but I should probably write to her myself.
Maybe I’ll ask the mayor to send a letter for me.
“Please, have dinner at our home tonight—oh! Sera, you’re back.”
Suddenly, Guerun looked toward the hallway.
Someone seemed to be approaching from that direction.
But we hadn’t noticed at all.
Beastmen really are sensitive to sounds and presence.
“Y-yes, Father. And to our guests as well…”
When I looked toward the hallway, I saw a small girl.
Her hair was the same gray color as Guerun’s.
It reached down to her waist, braided and tied with a scarlet ribbon.
She was hiding behind a pillar, staring at us.
She wore a gray one-piece dress and was clutching its hem tightly.
“Welcome… to the town of Ortia. We are honored to have you.”
“Now now, Sera.”
Guerun chuckled wryly.
“It’s rude to hide from our guests. Come out and greet them properly.”
“B-but Father…”
“What is it?”
“My hair—um, the ribbon didn’t come out right today…”
“The weather’s been bad lately, I know. But that has nothing to do with manners. Come over here, Sera.”
“…Y-yes.”
The girl called Sera walked over with small, plodding steps.
Then, pinching the hem of her skirt, she bowed.
“N-nice to meet you. I’m Sera Ashdon. I’m Mayor Guerun’s daughter, and I help with the town’s work.”
“Nice to meet you. I’m Thor Canaan, an alchemist.”
I returned her bow.
“I’m currently on a journey to gather materials and stopped by the town of Ortia. I’ll be leaving tomorrow, but I plan to stop by again on the way back, so I hope to see you then.”
“T-thank you very much… for your kindness!”
Whoosh.
Sera bowed her head vigorously.
Swish.
At that moment, the ribbon that held her hair in place came undone.
And then—
“A-a-a-aahhh!”
Sera-san’s hair poofed and fluffed out.
It was just like a lion spreading its mane.
“Ah, awwawawawa… th-this is so embarrassing…”
Sera-san turned bright red and crouched down.
Looking utterly embarrassed, she held down her now messy and puffed-up hair.
“In front of a guest… like this… I really shouldn’t have come out in public today after all…”
“Please don’t worry about it. I’m aware of the reasons why beastkin grow out their hair.”
Some beastkin are capable of completely transforming into beasts.
At that time, their hair turns into fur, which is why they let it grow out… if I recall correctly.
“Th-that’s true, but the reason my hair turns out like this is… because of the humidity…”
Sera-san shook her head, her face still completely red.
“This town is in a marshland area… so the humidity is really intense.”
Now that she mentioned it—
It’s true that ever since we entered the town, the air has felt kind of damp and clammy.
“…I also feel like my hair is a bit heavier than usual.”
“…So it wasn’t just my imagination.”
Mabel and Erte-san nodded in agreement.
Both of them have relatively long hair. But not nearly as long as beastkin like Guerun-san or Sera-san.
Among beastkin who can transform into beasts, there’s a custom of growing their hair very long.
Because of that, they’re probably more affected by humidity.
“Sera is right.”
Guerun-san shook his head with a troubled expression.
“This town is a key location for water transport, and many people work by the water. However, due to slightly higher temperatures this year… the humidity has become terrible. As a result, beastkin with long hair end up with their hair fluffed up and messy…”
“I see, so that’s the reason.”
“S-Sera does take care of her hair, I do! But with the humidity, I just can’t keep up. This hair… it’s embarrassing, but also… it blocks my vision and gets in the way when I move…”
Sera-san looked like she was on the verge of tears.
Seeing her like that, Guerun-san sighed and said:
“I apologize. This is not the kind of story to share with our guest.”
“It’s no problem. In fact, I’m glad you shared it.”
This journey is also about me getting to know the people of the Demon Lord’s Domain.
If beastkin have troubles, I want to understand them.
So that I can properly support Lukie.
“I am the Demon Lord’s personal alchemist. Her Majesty said, ‘Go and see the domain on my behalf.’ So if there’s a problem, please let me know.”
“But…”
“…May I, Erte-san?”
I turned to Erte-san.
She nodded in resignation and gave a wry smile.
Good. That’s permission.
“Then, please take a look at this.”
From my Ultra-Compact Portable Storage, I pulled out a flyer that said ‘Practicing Alchemist at Your Service’.
I handed it to Guerun-san and Sera-san.
“Alchemist Thor Canaan is currently accepting requests. If it’s something I can solve while I’m staying in the town of Ortia, I’ll take care of it. If not, I’ll send a magic item later as a solution. Of course, that doesn’t mean I can fix everything.”
When I said that, Guerun-san hesitated for a while.
Then he looked at Sera-san, whose eyes were still teary, and—
“…Very well. I shall speak. Normally, this wouldn’t be something to trouble someone directly under Her Majesty the Demon Lord with, but…”
And so, Mayor Guerun began to speak in detail about the troubles the beastkin were facing.