Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 194: “Trying Out the ‘Item That Makes You Stop Caring About Life and Work’”
──Thor’s Perspective──
“So this… is the power of the ‘Item That Makes You Stop Caring About Life and Work’…?”
Rukie, in her Demon Lord style, murmured blankly.
Mabel’s eyes were also wide open.
We were on a plain near the Demon Lord’s castle.
There, I was experimenting with the ‘Item That Makes You Stop Caring About Life and Work.’
It’s actually a three-piece set, but only one of them has been completed so far.
So this is the first stage of the experiment.
I created this item to counter the ‘Cursed Smartphone.’
After talking with Princess Sophia, I came to the hypothesis that the ‘Art of the Army’ conveyed by the ‘Cursed Smartphone’ is a type of magic that strengthens and transforms people.
That’s why I tried making an item that could nullify such enhancements.
That’s the first of the ‘Item That Makes You Stop Caring About Life and Work’ series…
“I never imagined… it would have this much of an effect.”
Just a while ago, Minotaur soldiers were conducting marching drills out on the plain.
But now, not a single one of them is moving.
Because──
“…Suuu…”
“…Suu-peee…”
“…(sound asleep)…”
──everyone was lying down on the grass, fast asleep.
This was the effect of the ‘Item That Makes You Stop Caring About Life and Work.’
I had asked the Minotaurs to perform marching drills.
Since the ‘Art of the Army’ supposedly strengthens people and puts them in a combat-ready state, I needed to put the Minotaurs into that same condition.
They followed instructions, marching and sparring with each other in mock battles.
But the moment I used ‘Item That Makes You Stop Caring About Life and Work’ No. 1, all movement stopped.
Everyone fell asleep right there on the spot, looking utterly comfortable.
Even Kelve-san, who had been leading the training.
Kelve-san didn’t have to participate in the military training, but he himself insisted──
“Lately, because of this ‘Stuffed Animal Smartphone Case,’ people keep calling me ‘cute.’ To regain my dignity as Chancellor, please allow me to join the march!”
──and forcibly joined in.
Now, he too was curled up, sleeping peacefully.
He was using his cute dragon-shaped ‘Stuffed Animal Smartphone Case’ as a pillow. Well, since you never know when it might reveal information, it’s understandable he wouldn’t let go of it. And it’s sturdy enough that using it as a pillow isn’t a problem.
“It is a frightening thing indeed… this ‘Item That Makes You Stop Caring About Life and Work,’” Rukie murmured softly.
“And this is only one of the three in the set, correct?”
“That’s right. I actually wanted to see the effect of ‘No. 2’ as well, but it’s not finished yet…”
“Perhaps that is for the best. If you had used two at once, Kelve and the others might never have woken up.”
“You may be right.”
“Well, if it is meant to stop the Hero, then I can understand why it would have such an effect.”
Rukie picked up a disc that had been placed on the grass.
It was the Hero’s World’s ‘CD’──or more accurately, a copy of one.
A metal disc infused with wind magic stones.
Up until a moment ago, it had been vibrating, emitting ‘alpha waves.’
It was light, easy to handle, and durable.
Because it was thin, hiding it in the grass made it hard to find.
Neither Kelve-san nor the Minotaur soldiers noticed the ‘Alpha Wave Ultra Relaxation CD’ devices placed around them.
They were simply enveloped in the ‘alpha wave’ barrier… and drifted off to sleep.
Its official name is ‘Alpha Wave Ultra Relaxation CD.’
By generating ‘alpha waves,’ it inflicts the status change known as ‘Ultimate Relaxation’ on the target.
Incidentally, the ‘mail-order catalog’ had the following description:
────────────────
Lately, have you been unable to sleep well?
Do you find that even at home, you can’t shake off the tension from work?
With the ‘Alpha Wave Ultra Relaxation CD,’ experience the ultimate in relaxation!
Alpha waves are said to have a relaxing effect on people.
Our company’s unique technology has succeeded in amplifying this effect to the maximum.
Using this ‘Alpha Wave Ultra Relaxation CD’ will free you, in a sensory way, from work tension, daily stress, and the pressure of a busy schedule.
Use it in your bedroom, and you will fall into a peaceful sleep like that of a child.
(This is based on our own research. It is not a medical diagnosis.)
No matter how hardworking you are, you cannot stay tense forever.
Sometimes, it’s good to forget about tomorrow’s work.
With the ‘Alpha Wave Ultra Relaxation CD,’ experience the ultimate floppy, melty state of relaxation!
────────────────
And the magic item I created based on that is──
────────────────
‘Alpha Wave Ultra Relaxation CD’
(Attribute: Fire・Wind x4・Light x2) (Rarity: ★★★★★★★★★★)
Using powerful wind-element magic, it produces a gentle ‘heartbeat sound’ and transmits it to the surroundings.
Using fire-element magic, it produces a gentle, human-skin-like warmth and transmits it to the surroundings.
Using light-element magic, it creates the presence of something that ‘gently embraces you’ and envelops the target.
An ultimate relaxation item.
The first of the ‘Item That Makes You Stop Caring About Life and Work’ series.
By utilizing ‘Heartbeat Alpha Waves,’ it produces a powerful relaxation effect.
A gentle heartbeat and womb-like warmth envelop the target.
This causes magical resonance, forcing the target into relaxation without question.
Those affected by the ‘Alpha Wave Ultra Relaxation CD’ will feel at peace, as if they were a baby in their mother’s womb.
Its shape is a disc similar to the Hero’s World’s ‘CD.’
The disc vibrates, producing sound.
Scatter them around the target’s surroundings to create an ‘Alpha Wave Barrier.’
Light and easy to handle.
Physical destruction resistance: ★★
Lifespan: Half a year
────────────────
This was created with the exact opposite concept of a ‘Personal Alarm.’
That produces an overwhelming sense of presence to intimidate an opponent, but this one is the reverse.
With light magic, it creates the sense of being ‘gently embraced,’ bringing peace of mind to the target. To achieve this, it uses the Hero’s World’s alpha waves… specifically, heartbeat sounds.
With that power, it forcibly brings the target into a relaxed state.
That is the Hero’s World’s ‘Alpha Wave Ultra Relaxation CD.’
“…I understand the item’s effect, but…”
Rukie murmured while watching Kelve-san and the others sleeping peacefully.
“Wouldn’t just this one item — ‘The Item That Makes You Stop Caring About Life and Work’ — be enough?”
“No, no, it’s a set. I think we should make the other two as well.”
“Still…”
Dressed in her Demon Lord attire, Rukie scratched her head with a troubled look.
“Even with just the ‘Alpha Wave Ultra Relaxation CD,’ we’ve already put the army into a relaxed state. If all three items were completed… what on earth would happen…?”
“But it’s not guaranteed that it can overcome the magic of the Hero’s World.”
It worked this time because they managed to catch Kelve-san and the others off guard. If they had noticed the existence of the ‘CD,’ they might have gotten rid of it. Also, a fast enemy could escape outside the ‘Alpha Wave Barrier.’
“Our opponent is the Hero’s World’s ‘Cursed Smartphone.’ We should take every possible precaution.”
“Understood. Do as you see fit, Thor.”
“Thank you.”
“By the way, I’ve been wondering…”
“Yes?”
“What does the ‘CD’ in ‘Alpha Wave Ultra Relaxation CD’ mean?”
“I think it’s the initials for ‘Curse Destroyer’ — something that destroys curses.”
“‘Curse’ means a magical hex, right?”
“As for ‘Destroyer,’ it still survives as a term in the Hero’s language. Like, ‘I am the destroyer of common sense! Common Sense Destroyer!’ or ‘A destroyer for the sake of justice! For Justice Destroyer!’”
“So this item has the effect of destroying curses.”
“The ‘mail-order catalog’ also listed something called a music CD. Music can heal people’s hearts, right? I imagine the heroes enjoyed music as a source of healing from their constant days of battle.”
“Hence, ‘CD’… ‘Curse Destroyer.’”
“As expected from the Hero’s World.”
“Even in the midst of battle, the attitude of trying to heal themselves is admirable. I wish I could teach the Empire the same.”
“The Empire only knows how to fight…”
The people of the Empire are practically possessed by the curse of “Becoming like the Heroes!”
It would be nice if the ‘Alpha Wave Ultra Relaxation CD’ could do something about that too.
“Alright, Thor. Proceed with developing the remaining two items in the ‘Stop Caring About Life and Work’ set. As for this ‘Alpha Wave Ultra Relaxation CD,’ let’s make it standard equipment in the Demon Lord’s domain.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“By the way… when will Kelve and the others wake up?”
“It’s an item meant to relieve fatigue. Once they’ve had a good sleep and feel refreshed, they’ll wake up.”
“Then until then, let us rest as well.”
“Agreed.”
“Mm.”
Rukie nodded, swished her Demon Lord robe dramatically, and stepped out in front of everyone.
“Everyone! Well done! The item experiment was a success!”
She called out to the guard soldiers.
“The first stage of countermeasures against the ‘Cursed Smartphone’ is complete. When the second and third items are ready, I’ll ask for your cooperation again. That’s all for today. Until Kelve and the others wake up, take a break! A meal has been prepared. Take your time and heal your daily fatigue!”
““Ooooooohhhh!!””
The guard soldiers let out a cheer. Even so, Kelve-san and the Minotaur squad still didn’t wake up. The Hero’s World’s ‘Alpha Wave Ultra Relaxation CD’ really is incredible.
“So heartbeats and body temperature can have such amazing power.”
“Indeed. I would like to experience it myself.”
“Alright. Then, I’ll get a spare ‘Alpha Wave Ultra Relaxation CD’—”
“I said I’d like to experience it for real!”
…Huh? Why is Rukie looking off in a completely different direction? And why is she glancing at me from the corner of her eye?
“Her Majesty wants to relax to Thor-sama’s heartbeat.”
Mabel suddenly whispered into my ear. It seems Rukie heard her too, because she quickly pressed both hands to her mask, trying to hide her expression. Thanks to her ‘Recognition Obstruction’ mask, I can’t actually see her face, though.
“The ‘Alpha Wave Ultra Relaxation CD’ reproduces heartbeat and body temperature, right?”
Mabel, wearing her maid outfit, had a mischievous look.
“But for someone as important as the Demon Lord, wouldn’t it be natural to want to personally check and know the original heartbeat and body temperature? That way, she can better understand the CD’s function.”
“Mabel is right!”
Rukie put her hands on her hips and stared straight at me.
“I am the Demon Lord. I must experience the real ‘Alpha Wave Heartbeat’ that inspired the CD. Otherwise, I cannot confidently approve its use.”
“Her Majesty is absolutely correct!”
For some reason, Mabel puffed out her chest next to Rukie.
“And so… as Thor-sama’s assistant, I believe I too should experience the proper ‘Alpha Wave Heartbeat.’ What do you think, Your Majesty?”
“A fine idea, Mabel.”
“Thank you.”
“Very convenient… I mean, very admirable of you. By the way, Mabel…”
“Yes. As you instructed, I’ve prepared the tent.”
“Good. Kelve and the others still aren’t waking, so let’s go rest there as well.”
“…Um, Rukie-sama, Mabel—”
It’s fine to have the two of them experience the “Heartbeat Alpha Waves” and all, but…
Aren’t the preparations a little too thorough?
The timing of the break, the tent already set up—just how much had the two of them planned ahead?
Well… whatever.
It is important to have them experience the “Alpha Waves.”
I also need to listen to the “heartbeats” of various people.
That way, I can further improve the “Alpha Wave Ultra Relaxation CD.”
“I understand. I’ll have Rukie-sama and Mabel experience the ‘Alpha Waves’ as well.”
“V–Very well.”
“P–Please take care of us, Thor-sama.”
“So, I’d like the two of you to cooperate with my research as well.”
“…Cooperate?”
“…Thor-sama. Does that mean…”
Rukie tilted her head, while Mabel seemed to realize something.
This is a good opportunity.
I’ll also have them let me experience their “Alpha Waves.”
With that in mind, I entered the tent together with the two of them—
“Th–There. I’ve removed my mask and robe. This is my usual appearance. Now then, let’s begin. I will check Thor’s heartbeat. V–Very well. Thor is standing there with his arms spread, ready at any moment. Then… here I go. Take this!”
Pofun.
“H–Hmm… so this is Thor’s ‘Heartbeat Alpha Waves’… I see, staying like this is indeed comforting. It’s warm… and calming… but also makes my heart race. Hm? You’re searching for a universal heartbeat that makes anyone feel at ease? I see… Alpha Waves are truly profound.
Hm? What is it, Mabel? You want to switch? That’s true, I can’t just monopolize Thor’s heartbeat—what? That’s not it?
W–W–Whaaat? Thor is going to experience my heartbeat?
Well… I did say I’d cooperate with your research. Very well. A Demon Lord does not go back on her word! Come, Thor… W–Wait, at least hesitate a little… Hmm? You feel relaxed? You’re getting sleepy? Have you been staying up late working again…? Ah—he’s fallen asleep. Honestly.
…He’s really sleeping soundly.
Thor’s hair… hmm, it’s a little stiff. But stroking it is somehow comforting.
And… doing this is making me feel calmer too.
Alpha Waves truly are deep… Here, Mabel. Take this chance to savor Thor’s heartbeat. I’ll allow it. There’s no need to be embarrassed… No, I am embarrassed too, but still. Getting used to the two of us holding Thor together… is something we must do.
Oh yes, while Thor is sleeping, I should tell you… on my birthday… I… and Mabel… also… yes…”
—While I was checking Rukie’s heartbeat and body warmth, at some point my consciousness began to drift… and I ended up falling fast asleep.
—Several minutes later—
“Fuwaa… I feel like I’ve had the best sleep in a long time.”
“I–Is that so?”
“That’s wonderful… Thor-sama.”
Huh?
Why are both Rukie and Mabel’s faces bright red?
And why are they both looking off in completely different directions…?
All I did was sleep inside the tent, right? I didn’t do anything weird.
Not that much time passed, either.
My clothes are the same as before—actually, they’re neater than when I fell asleep. Huh?
“…Um, Rukie-sama. Mabel.”
“W–Well! I suppose our break is over!”
“The Chancellor might have woken up as well. Let’s go!”
The two of them stood up without meeting my eyes.
And just as the three of us were about to leave the tent—
“Alchemist! Emergency message for you!!”
Suddenly, the winged fairy Pixie, Soleil, flew into the tent.
She was in a complete panic.
When she spotted me, she flew straight toward me—and then, as if she’d used up all her strength—wait, hey.
“Are you okay, Soleil!?”
I hurriedly caught her body.
In my arms, Soleil was breathing heavily.
“I–I’m fine.”
“What happened? Why the rush?”
“I’ll tell you right away. But first… to calm down, I need that thing that’s been popular lately… the Alchemist’s…”
“‘Alpha Waves’?”
“Y–Yes. The one Sophia-sama also experienced.”
Ah, hey now, Soleil.
I would’ve preferred you kept that a secret…
Look—Rukie is staring at me intently.
And Mabel is nodding like she’d already guessed as much.
Still holding Soleil, I pressed her cheek gently to my chest.
Perhaps reassured by my body warmth and heartbeat, Soleil let out a relieved sigh.
Winged fairies are supposed to occur naturally, but for some reason, they seem to calm down when they hear a heartbeat. Strange, isn’t it?
“So, what’s the message?”
“Y-yes. A guest from the Empire has arrived to see Sophia-sama.”
“A guest… would that be Princess Liana? Or the Archduke?”
“It’s Nona-sama, the Archduke’s adjutant.”
“Nona? It’s been a while.”
Nona-sama, the adjutant of Archduke Kharon, once came to the town of Nosa together with Princess Liana.
She’s a kind person and trusted by Sophia.
According to Sophia, she apparently harbors a secret romantic feeling for Archduke Kharon.
If she has come to visit Sophia, then—
“Could it be that Archduke Kharon is coming again?”
“No. Nona-sama has brought someone else.”
“Someone else? Who?”
“His name is Diaz Dolgaria. He’s Sophia-sama’s elder brother.”
“…Huh?”
““────!?””
For a moment, silence fell over the tent.
Sophia’s elder brother, Diaz?
The Crown Prince of the Empire… the next Emperor… in the town of Nosa?
“The Crown Prince of the Empire, in the town of Nosa, you say?”
Rukie spoke in a tense voice.
“That would mean his escort unit must be here as well. For the Crown Prince’s guard, there would be dozens… no, possibly more than a hundred. And they came to the borderlands!?”
“No. Only Nona-sama and Prince Diaz have come.”
Soleil shook her head.
“It seems some abnormal incident has occurred. The Archduke, Prince Diaz, and their subordinates were attacked by villains… Archduke Kharon apparently ordered Nona-sama and Prince Diaz to escape.”
“…What did you say?”
“The Archduke told Nona-sama, ‘Rely on the Alchemist of the Demon Lord’s Domain.’ Prince Diaz… was injured, so he couldn’t move without protection, and came along.”
Archduke Kharon was attacked by villains?
And he couldn’t escape himself… only Nona-sama and Prince Diaz got away?
Could such a thing even be possible?
Archduke Kharon is a former Sword Saint. In the Empire, he’s close to the strongest there is.
If Prince Diaz was with him, there must have been guards as well.
And yet, he could do no more than help Prince Diaz and Nona-sama escape…?
That would mean Archduke Kharon couldn’t defeat the enemy.
Either the attackers were strong, or they were opponents he couldn’t attack—Imperial soldiers, or high-ranking Imperial officials, perhaps.
But it’s hard to imagine Imperial soldiers or officials attacking Archduke Kharon.
They couldn’t win, and even if they did, it would cause a major issue between the Grand Duchy and the Empire.
If there were still those who would attack Archduke Kharon—could it be…
“They had obtained a ‘Cursed Smartphone’?”
There are two ‘Cursed Smartphones.’
It wouldn’t be strange if someone in the Empire had gotten one.
And what’s inside a ‘Cursed Smartphone’ is magic from the Hero’s World.
If that magic were used to overwhelm Archduke Kharon, it would make sense.
“Forgive me, Thor. Could you go to the town of Nosa?”
Rukie made her decision immediately.
“We don’t know if the ‘Cursed Smartphone’ is involved. However, it’s certainly an abnormal situation. There’s a chance the fire could spread to the Demon Lord’s Domain, so I want you to go hear what happened.”
“Understood!”
I replied.
“But if our counterpart is the Crown Prince, it would be better to have a strong person accompany me.”
Sophia would surely tell me everything she knows.
But Prince Diaz is different.
He’s the Empire’s Crown Prince. He might say something like, ‘I won’t speak with an alchemist who can’t fight.’
“What about having General Reisenga accompany you?”
“That would be difficult. If something happens, we need Reisenga on standby to move the army.”
“Understood. Then I’ll have Agnis come with me.”
“Agnis once sparred with Archduke Kharon, didn’t she?”
“Yes. It was a close match. If Agnis is with me, the Crown Prince won’t be able to act too arrogantly.”
“However… Agnis has a gentle nature.”
Rukie made a thoughtful gesture.
“Support her in that area, Thor. Understood?”
“Understood.”
Alright. I’ll have Agnis imitate General Reisenga—
Like when I first met her, with a very strong presence.
The counterpart is the Empire’s Crown Prince—the very heart of a nation that values strength above all.
We’d better be prepared for if he tries to push his weight around.
With that in mind, Mabel and I began preparing for the journey.