Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Volume 8
Chapter 181: “Returning to the Demon Lord’s Castle”
“I have returned, Your Majesty.”
A few days later.
I had safely returned to the Demon Lord’s castle.
First, I headed to the throne room to report on my journey.
Demon Lord Rukie, Chancellor Kelve, and senior members of the Demon Lord’s forces were waiting there.
I first reported my safe return to Demon Lord Rukie.
Then, I bowed politely to everyone present.
“Alchemist Thor Canaan, reporting my return to the Demon Lord’s Castle. Thanks to Your Majesty, I was able to obtain a sample of the ‘Mind-Responsive Material’ safely.”
“…I see.”
“What I brought back is only a small fragment. Mabel went to collect a larger piece. Since the Ancestor and the winged pixies are guarding her, I believe she’s in no danger.”
“Indeed. I’m not concerned about that.”
“With this, we can begin preparing countermeasures against the Hard Creatures.”
I placed the fragment of Mind-Responsive Material on a cloth and offered it to Rukie.
Chancellor Kelve stepped forward and placed it in front of Rukie.
I continued speaking.
“The true nature of this Mind-Responsive Material is said to be dragon bone. That surprised me. Still, if it came from such a powerful life-form, it wouldn’t be strange for it to respond to mental energy, would it? Dragons were said to be able to alter the strength of their bodies at will, so it’s only natural to assume that their skeletal structure held secrets as well.”
“Y-Yes. I understand that, Thor. But…”
“Now that I know how to speak with the Ancestor, I might be able to learn the whereabouts of other dragons too. Aside from Karotia-san, other Ancestors reside in the Demon Lord’s Domain. If they act as intermediaries, we may be able to contact dragons and obtain new knowledge…”
“Wait. Stop right there, Thor.”
“Eh?”
Before I noticed, the throne room had fallen silent.
The Minotaur captain of the guard and the elven commander of the magic corps were both staring at me in silence.
As for Chancellor Kelve… huh? When had he moved near the door? He normally stood diagonally in front of Rukie, but now he was at the far corner of the room, leaning against a pillar. Erte-san stood beside him, saying, “This pillar is still fine. It hasn’t been damaged yet──” but…?
“My dear alchemist, Thor Canaan.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“It seems you had quite the enjoyable journey.”
“Thanks to Your Majesty, it was a very meaningful trip.”
“Indeed. We received word from Ortia. Thanks to the ‘Absolutely Comfortable Cloud Dehumidifier’ you created, living conditions there have improved. They say it may even be usable for reclaiming marshland, since it can manipulate moisture over a wide area. The townspeople sent a letter of gratitude bearing many signatures.”
“That happened?”
“It did.”
“That’s surprising.”
“I was surprised too.”
“But I’m glad they appreciated it.”
“Good. Then, next you visited the Dwarf village, correct?”
“Yes, I did.”
“There’s been a flood of applications from that village to become alchemy students. When the dwarves saw off your carriage, they noticed something unusual.”
“The carriage? Was something wrong with it?”
“They said the wheels moved unusually smoothly and the ride was very stable.”
“That’s because I applied ‘MAX Silky Smooth Lotion Premium’ to the axles. I also lined the floor with ‘Low-Resistance Cushions’ to reduce vibration. It was only a subtle improvement, though.”
“The dwarves are engineers, so they were likely impressed by such understated techniques.”
“Is that how it is?”
“That’s how it is.”
Rukie stared at me intently from behind her mask.
Then she cleared her throat with a polite cough.
“Regarding the retrieval of the ‘mystery item’ from the Elf village, there’s nothing to say but praise. You’ve eliminated the villagers’ anxiety. Well done, Thor.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“As for the item called the ‘Woof-Meow Friendly Talk Pendant’… well. I suppose it’s fine. You used it to speak politely with ‘The Ancestor,’ after all.”
“Yes. Karotia-san, the golden wolf, was a very kind person.”
“From now on, those in the Demon Lord’s Domain who meet her can greet her by name.”
“I believe Karotia-san will be pleased too.”
“Indeed…”
Demon Lord Rukie rested her cheek on her hand.
Then, as if she just remembered something—
“Let me confirm something, Thor.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“What was the original reason you went on this journey?”
“To collect materials in the Elf village.”
“That’s right.”
“Yes.”
“And during that journey, you solved the beastman issue, astonished the dwarves, resolved the Elf village’s problem, and managed to converse with ‘The Ancestor,’ correct?”
Rukie crossed her arms, looking contemplative.
“Before your departure, I told you to ‘go and observe the Demon Lord’s Domain as my envoy.’ You’ve certainly fulfilled that role. Perhaps a little too well, but I can’t really say anything against it…”
Soon, murmuring began to spread in the throne room.
“…Thor Canaan-dono was away from the castle for less than 20 days, wasn’t he?”
“…So much happened in such a short time.”
“…We informed our Elf village that ‘an alchemist directly under the Demon Lord will visit; treat him as an honored guest,’ but… I guess that wasn’t enough of a warning…”
The elven commander and the Minotaur captain were discussing something.
Come to think of it, I never did end up staying at the commander’s family home.
I did greet his family properly and gave them a souvenir. I thought something unusual would be best, so I gave them a piece of “Light-and-Dark Magical Weave Fabric,” but I wonder whether they were satisfied… I’m a little worried…
“Kelve. Let’s hear your thoughts.”
“…As for the events of the journey… I believe now isn’t the time to dwell on them.”
Kelve stepped away from the pillar and returned to his usual place.
“What matters now is the mysterious item resembling a smartphone that Thor-sama obtained. Let us focus our discussion on that for the moment.”
“That’s unexpected. You’re fine leaving the other matters aside?”
“We must prioritize. If we concern ourselves with everything, neither our minds nor the pillars will hold. Since the item came from another world, I believe we must give it top priority.”
With that, Kelve picked up the report.
“Everyone, please listen. In the elven village, Thor Canaan-sama acquired a mysterious item resembling a smartphone from another world. It displays numbers. Thor-sama predicts that when the number reaches zero, it’ll reveal some kind of information. Is that correct, Thor-sama?”
“Yes, Chancellor.”
I nodded.
“I believe the information it reveals may relate to the Hard Creatures.”
“Then we must indeed investigate the ‘mystery item’ as a top priority. However…”
Kelve pressed his forehead, deep in thought.
“Calling it a ‘mystery item’ makes it hard to grasp. Even those reading the report may struggle to picture it. Is there a better term we could use?”
“How about ‘Pseudo-Smartphone’? It resembles a smartphone from the Heroes’ world.”
“Understood. From now on, we shall refer to the item as the ‘Pseudo-Smartphone.’”
He took out a parchment and neatly wrote down the new term.
As expected of the Chancellor. Always prepared and efficient. Impressive.
“How long remains until the ‘Pseudo-Smartphone’ activates?”
“In three and a half days.”
“Then we must quickly assemble an analysis team.”
“An analysis team?”
“Thor-sama can’t handle everything alone. It would be better to have several people present in case something unexpected occurs. Since the ‘Pseudo-Smartphone’ came from the Heroes’ world, no amount of caution is excessive.”
“I see. Just as Kelve-san said.”
The Heroes’ world is an unreasonable place.
There was always the possibility that the “Pseudo-Smartphone” might behave unexpectedly.
In times like that, having comrades from the analysis team would allow us to work together to deal with it.
Besides, that “Pseudo-Smartphone” is an important item.
In that case, rather than analyzing it alone, it would be better to make the investigation a castle-wide effort.
“I agree with the Chancellor’s proposal.”
I responded.
“With Her Majesty’s permission, I would like to form a team to analyze the information contained in the ‘Pseudo-Smartphone.’”
“Very well. I permit it.”
Rukie granted permission without hesitation.
“That’s an important item. It would be best for several individuals to investigate it. You may select personnel and add them to the analysis team.”
“Thank you very much, Your Majesty.”
“We’re grateful, Your Majesty.”
Chancellor Kelve and I bowed our heads to Rukie.
“Now then, Your Majesty, Chancellor. As for the selection of members for the analysis team…”
“What kind of personnel are you looking for, Thor?”
Rukie looked toward me and asked.
I thought for a moment and said:
“First, it would be best to have someone with extensive knowledge of magic. The ‘Pseudo-Smartphone’ is related to summoning and dispatch magic.”
“Hmm. That’s reasonable.”
“Also, I think things would proceed more smoothly if we had someone of relatively high standing. Constantly having to seek Your Majesty’s approval whenever we need resources or personnel would be difficult.”
“Indeed. A system that allows for a certain degree of autonomy would be necessary.”
“And… someone compatible with the Heroes’ world would be ideal.”
“Compatible with the Heroes’ world?”
“Yes. So far, I’ve created many magic items. But I didn’t create them all from my own ideas. Some were only possible because those around me gave me hints.”
“And those who gave you those hints—those are the people who are compatible with the Heroes’ world?”
“I believe such a person might also provide valuable hints while we analyze the ‘Pseudo-Smartphone.’”
“I see.”
“That makes perfect sense.”
Demon Lord Rukie nodded, and Chancellor Kelve voiced his agreement.
I continued.
“Of course, I’ve also received many helpful hints from Your Majesty. However…”
“I understand. If I were to join the analysis team, everyone would probably feel intimidated.”
Rukie gave a wry smile.
“In that case, it would be better to have someone act as my representative.”
“I agree. Someone of high enough status to serve as Your Majesty’s proxy, who also frequently provides hints about magic items—that sort of person would be ideal.”
“But Your Majesty, Thor-sama. Isn’t that a bit too strict of a requirement?”
Kelve shook his head, looking flustered.
“Someone knowledgeable about magic, compatible with the Heroes’ world, and able to act as Your Majesty’s proxy… I don’t believe such a person exists in the Demon Lord’s Castle…”
“‘Huh?’”
“‘Huh?’”
“…………” (Stare.)
Rukie and I stared at Kelve-san.
So did Erte-san, the Minotaur captain of the guard, and the elven commander of the magic corps.
Under the gaze of five people, Kelve-san looked puzzled.
He glanced in surprise at Rukie, then at me, then at everyone else around him—
“Me? No way! Your Majesty, Thor-sama… Everyone… Are you all talking about me!?”
Kelve-san realized what the stares meant and raised his voice.
“W-Why!? Why am I the right person!?”
“Because, Chancellor, you’re always the one giving me hints when making items.”
That was true when I made the “cleaning robot.”
The picture Kelve-san drew became the inspiration for the “spherical cleaning robot.”
That spherical shape had proved incredibly useful while investigating magical beasts and the “Mysterious Box.”
The same was true when I made the disguise item.
He willingly wore the prototypes—the “glowing horn and eyepatch” and the “wiggling cape.”
That led to the eventual creation of the “Natural Volume Hairpiece.”
Before handing the “Mysterious Box” over to the Empire, it was Kelve-san who devised the warning message intended to prevent summoning magic.
That was truly impressive.
The line “The Hero explodes. Hard Creatures also explode.” had an incredible impact.
I couldn’t have come up with something like that.
Even Rukie, who read it, and I, who translated it into the language of the Heroes’ world, blurted out, “Heroes are frightening. Hard Creatures are dangerous…” without thinking.
With accomplishments like those, Chancellor Kelve was a perfect fit for the analysis team.
His compatibility with the Heroes’ world had already been proven.
“I ask this of you as well. Would you join the analysis team, Kelve?”
Rukie spoke to Chancellor Kelve.
“Analyzing the ‘Pseudo-Smartphone’ is crucial. It’s undoubtedly an item from the Heroes’ world.”
“I-I understand what you’re saying, but…”
“That’s exactly why the analysis team needs someone who can make decisions on the spot as my proxy. Will you do it, Kelve?”
“…Understood.”
Chancellor Kelve responded in a grave tone.
As he turned to face Rukie, his back trembled slightly.
I understood how he felt.
Precisely because he was the Chancellor, he must’ve realized how important this item was.
“By order of Her Majesty the Demon Lord, I, Kelve, shall join the ‘Pseudo-Smartphone’ analysis team.”
“Good. I’m counting on you, Kelve.”
“Now then, Your Majesty. As for the other members…”
“Indeed. Do you have anyone in mind, Thor?”
Rukie said, turning to look at me.
Kelve-san would handle the knowledge of magic and the authority to move others.
Next, we needed someone who could respond if the “Pseudo-Smartphone” reacted unexpectedly.
With that in mind, the ideal choice would be…
“How about Ms. Agnis?”
Agnis is descended from a Flame Giant, so she’s resistant to fire.
Even if the “Pseudo-Smartphone” heated up, she would be fine.
According to the “Mail-Order Catalog,” smartphones in the Heroes’ world sometimes become hot.
That’s why there are even cases to hold items like “cooling gel” and “cold packs.”
If “smartphones” are magical tools, that would make sense.
After all, powerful mages using large-scale magic can sometimes release extreme heat when their magic power runs wild.
In some cases, they may even lose control and burst into flames.
But Agnis has fire resistance.
Moreover, with her powerful fire magic, she might even be able to unravel the mystery behind the flames produced by the smartphone.
On top of that, thanks to the “Health-Boosting Pendant,” she could use extraordinary physical strength.
She’s someone I would definitely want in the analysis team, but…
“I would certainly like Agnis on the team… but calling her here may be difficult.”
There was quite a distance between the Demon Lord’s Domain and the Raisenga territory.
Even if we summoned Agnis now, she would arrive only shortly before the “Pseudo-Smartphone” activated.
“Had I known we would be forming an analysis team, I would have sent General Raisenga a letter in advance… But if we summon her now, she’ll barely arrive before the ‘Pseudo-Smartphone’ activates…”
“No need. Agnis is already here at the castle.”
“…Is that so?”
“It seems there’s been some movement on the Empire’s side. She’s here to report on it.”
“Movement from the Empire?”
“We’ll discuss that later with her present. For now, let us remain focused on the analysis team. If you wish Agnis to join, I can speak to General Raisenga on your behalf. What do you say?”
“Please do, Your Majesty.”
“Understood. Then I’ll approve Agnis’s participation—of course, pending her own consent.”
“Thank you very much!”
Yes!
With Chancellor Kelve and Agnis on the team, I can rest easy.
That made three core members of the analysis team, including me. As for the rest… a few assistants would be enough. I would ask Kelve-san to handle that. He could choose civil officials knowledgeable about magic.
“Until the issue with the ‘Pseudo-Smartphone’ is resolved, Thor and Kelve, focus exclusively on that. Responding to that item is the top priority. That’s all!”
“Your Majesty… may I ask one thing?”
“What is it, Thor?”
“We have a sample of the ‘Mind-Responsive Material’… May we conduct experiments with it…?”
“That will have to wait until after the ‘Pseudo-Smartphone’ issue is resolved.”
“…Understood.”
“I-It can’t be helped. Both are important, but the ‘Pseudo-Smartphone’ has a time limit, so it must take precedence.”
Behind her mask, Rukie seemed troubled.
I had seen Rukie’s true face many times.
By now, I’ve learned to tell what kind of expression she’s making in moments like this.
“As Her Majesty said, I’ll focus fully on the ‘Pseudo-Smartphone’ for now.”
I can’t let Rukie be troubled.
I need to make it clear that I understand how important the “Pseudo-Smartphone” is.
“I’ve always been interested in smartphones from the other world. I’ll begin by analyzing the ‘Pseudo-Smartphone’ and exploring whether we can create something similar. I appreciate the opportunity, Your Majesty.”
“I-I see… I’m glad to hear it.”
“…I too will devote myself to addressing the ‘Pseudo-Smartphone’ for now.”
Kelve-san spoke up.
“I’ll return to the Chancellor’s office and handle the transition. Now then… Erte, could you help me with the handover?”
“Y-Yes, Uncle.”
“Your Majesty, I apologize, but I must hand off some urgent tasks. May I be excused?”
“Yes. You’re excused. I’m counting on you, Kelve.”
“……Yes, Your Majesty.”
Kelve-san bowed deeply.
Then, together with Erte-san, he exited the throne room.
“That concludes the matter of the analysis team.”
Once the two had left the throne room, Rukie made her declaration.
“The research facility for the ‘Pseudo-Smartphone’ will be built outside the castle for safety. Captain of the Guard, coordinate security in the surrounding area. Commander of the Magic Corps, prepare a protective barrier. We must ensure the safety of both the castle and the analysis team. I’m counting on you.”
“Understood, Your Majesty!”
“This also concerns the elven village, so we’ll give it our all!”
The Minotaur captain of the guard and the elven commander of the magic corps answered in raised voices.
“Then, this meeting is adjourned.”
Demon Lord Rukie, seated on the throne, nodded solemnly.
“Everyone, carry out your tasks. Thor, remain here.”
“Understood. Um… there was movement on the Empire’s side, right?”
“Indeed. I’ll have Agnis report on it, so I’d like you to be present.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
In any case, I need to talk to Agnis about the analysis team too.
With Rukie there, things will go smoothly.
But still, I wonder what the Empire is up to.
Surely, they didn’t use “Summoning Magic” again… right?
No, if that were the case, Princess Sophia would’ve already sent an urgent envoy. There’s no way we’d be this relaxed.
If it’s not that, then… what could it be?
If it’s something like Princess Liana coming for a visit, or Archduke Kharon coming to test Agnis’s strength, that would be great.
“Things will be hectic for a while as we deal with the ‘Pseudo-Smartphone,’ but I ask that everyone give their best effort. That’s all!”
“Understood, Your Majesty!!”
And thus, the meeting with Demon Lord Rukie came to an end—
The people of the Demon Lord’s Castle began to mobilize in response to the “Pseudo-Smartphone” issue.
—At the Minotaur Guard Unit Barracks in the Demon Lord’s Castle—
“Quickly, prepare the temporary shelter.”
“Thor-dono, the Chancellor, and Agnis-sama will analyze the item from the other world.”
“Make the room spacious… very… comfortable.”
“Contact the dwarven tailors as well, so they can help create a comfortable place.”
“It’s a place to be used by very important people from the Demon Lord’s Castle, so—”
──In the Demon Lord’s Castle, in the Elven Magic Corps’ waiting room──
“Thor Canaan-sama has been entrusted with the ‘Pseudo-Smartphone’ by the elder of the elves. It’s our duty, the Elf Magic Corps, to assist him!”
“When an accident occurs, it’s the role of the elves to save the analysis team!”
“Items from the Heroes’ world are nothing to fear!”
“We must aid the benefactor of the elves, the Chancellor, and General Raisenga’s beloved daughter!”
“““Ooooooh!!”””
──In the hallway leading to the Chancellor’s office in the Demon Lord’s Castle──
“…I’ll analyze the ‘Pseudo-Smartphone.’ I will… together with Thor-sama.”
“Please leave it to me, Uncle Kelve. I’ll do my utmost to allow you to focus fully on analyzing the ‘Pseudo-Smartphone.’”
“Thank you, Erte.”
“I don’t think the analysis team will have any issues as long as you’re there, Uncle.”
“………”
“It’s already been proven many times that you and items from the Heroes’ world are highly compatible… Ah! Uncle! That’s a wall, not the hallway! Please restrain yourself! If you damage any more pillars, the ceiling of the Chancellor’s office will──”
── In the reception room of the Demon Lord’s Castle ──
“Understood. I humbly accept the role assigned to the analysis team!”
Agnis knelt on the floor and bowed her head toward Demon Lord Rukie.
This was the reception room of the Demon Lord’s Castle.
At the far end, there was a chair designed to resemble a throne, a large table in front of it, and slightly farther away, a guest table and chairs. This room was used by Demon Lord Rukie for confidential conversations.
When Mabel and I discussed secret matters, we usually used the “Simple Storage,” so we rarely came here.
This time, Agnis had come as an envoy of General Raisenga.
Since it was an official matter, they had apparently decided to use the reception room.
“I’ll do my utmost to be of service to Her Majesty the Demon Lord and Thor Canaan-sama!”
“Good. I’m counting on you, Agnis.”
“Thank you very much, Agnis.”
“Yes! I’ll serve to the best of my ability!”
Saying that, Agnis smiled.
As expected of Agnis—reliable as always.
She’s strong enough to fight Archduke Kharon of the Empire to a draw, after all.
Even if the ‘Pseudo-Smartphone’ goes on a rampage, I think she could destroy it.
Kelve-san specializes in defensive magic, and the surrounding area is guarded by the Minotaur guards and the Elf Magic Corps. With this, I can focus on analyzing the ‘Pseudo-Smartphone’ with peace of mind.
“Now then, Agnis. Tell Thor about the Empire’s recent movements.”
“Understood.”
Saying that, Agnis pulled out two letters from her bag.
“A few days ago, a messenger from Princess Sophia came to the Trading Post.”
“A messenger from Princess Sophia?”
“Yes. The Trading Post is still under renovation, but guards are posted at the entrance. The messenger handed the letters to them. However…”
“One is from Princess Sophia, right? What about the other?”
“…From the Imperial Crown Prince, Diaz… or so they said.”
“…Excuse me?”
Did I just make a weird sound?
No, that’s impossible. The Crown Prince of the Empire… to me?
“Even Princess Sophia doesn’t know what the letter contains. But she did leave a message.”
“A message?”
“‘Whatever the contents of the letter may be, Sophia Dorgalia will always stand with Thor Canaan-sama. If you ever require my help, please call upon me at any time.’”──
Imitating Princess Sophia, Agnis stood up, pinched the hem of her skirt, and said those words with a gentle smile.