Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 198: “Extra Story: Thor, Rukie, and the Mysterious Spy Set”
Thor finds a children’s item from the Heroes’ world, but…
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“Rukie-sama, Rukie-sama.”
“What is it, Thor?”
“I made a Pretend Spy Set from the Heroes’ world. Could you help me test it?”
“A ‘Pretend Spy Set,’ you say?”
“Yes. It’s an item from the Heroes’ world intended for spy training.”
“Oh-ho, such a thing exists?”
“And it’s for children.”
“For children!?”
“I was surprised too. But the Mail-Order Catalog says, ‘Recommended age: eight and up.’”
I opened the Mail-Order Catalog in front of Rukie.
Written there was—
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With the ‘Pretend Spy Set,’ you too can be a top-class spy starting today!
Everything a spy needs is included in this set.
Go out into town with it, and you’ll be a spy from day one.
The town is full of secrets.
—A narrow alley you never walk down.
—A deserted empty lot.
—A field overgrown with weeds.
Go find the many secrets hidden in such places!
When you can master the items in the ‘Pretend Spy Set,’ you’ll have learned the skills of a spy.
But you’re still only an apprentice.
Use the items together with your father or mother.
That’s your promise to the highest-ranking Master Spy!
Now, head into town, new spies!
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“Ooh…”
Rukie listened to my explanation with wide eyes.
“So that means, children of the Heroes’ world received spy training from a young age?”
“And with their parents present, at that.”
“So this is what they call elite education.”
“Surely to prepare children to handle all sorts of situations.”
“And because of such education, the heroes once summoned here could quickly adapt to this world.”
“I think they immediately grasped what kind of world this is and adapted. A result of honing their powers of observation as spies.”
“…The Heroes’ world is a fearsome place.”
“…Indeed.”
Rukie and I both sighed. We had never imagined that children in the Heroes’ world received elite spy training.
“That’s why I tried recreating this ‘Pretend Spy Set.’”
“To understand what kind of education the heroes received?”
“Exactly. And here’s the first thing I made.”
I took out an inkwell and a pen.
“This is an adaptation of the ‘Ink That Appears When a Special Chemical Is Applied’ included in the Pretend Spy Set.”
“Oh-ho. Such a thing exists?”
“The description said—”
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Secret Mission #1: ‘Show your parents the secret message!’
This is your first mission from the master spy!
Write a message to your parents with this ‘Secret Mission Pen.’
The letters written with this pen disappear after only a few seconds.
Afterward, apply Chemical B to the paper and—like magic—
the message that should have vanished will appear again!
Show your parents a message you can’t say aloud.
No matter how embarrassing it’s, that’s fine—because only your parents can see it.
Put your honest feelings into the message!
Of course, use the chemical together with your parents.
You’re still an apprentice, so you mustn’t use it alone.
That’s your promise to the Master Spy!
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“In other words, it’s ink that appears when a special chemical is applied.”
That way you can write messages only the intended person can read.”
“A necessary thing for a spy. But—”
“The Mail-Order Catalog didn’t list the ingredients for either the Secret Mission Pen’s ink or Chemical B.”
That might have been unavoidable. It was ink for writing secret messages, along with the chemical needed to read them. Publishing the ingredients would allow anyone to read the messages and defeat the purpose.
Most likely, the pen ink and Chemical B were prepared after each order was received. That way, every Secret Mission Pen and Chemical B set could be made to order, keeping the secret safe. It also explained why the ingredients weren’t listed in the Mail-Order Catalog.
“I see… so they keep the ingredients secret in order to protect the secret itself.”
Rukie nodded in agreement.
“So what did you do, Thor?”
“I made a substitute pen.”
I keenly felt my lack of skill. Children in the Heroes’ world had access to a Spy Set, yet I could make only a substitute.
“Even recreating it’s impressive. Don’t trouble yourself over not matching the Heroes’ world.”
“Thank you, Rukie-sama.”
“So, what does the pen you made do?”
“When you write on parchment, the letters appear in black for a few seconds using dark magic. But since I infused the ink with light magic as well, the two cancel each other out and the writing quickly vanishes.”
“Oh-ho. And how do you make the letters appear again?”
“All you have to do is infuse it with your magic, Rukie-sama. That replenishes the dark magic in the ink traces, making the letters reappear. It’s adjusted for you, so if anyone else infuses magic, it won’t work.”
“…Thor.”
“Yes, Rukie-sama?”
“Isn’t this… something amazing?”
“Oh no. Compared with the Heroes’ world, it’s still far behind.”
“Is that so?”
“The Heroes’ world’s Secret Mission Pen lets anyone carrying Chemical B read the writing. This pen allows only you to read it, Rukie-sama. I had to make it that way to preserve the secrecy of the document… but it’s inconvenient, isn’t it?”
“…Perhaps so.”
“By the way, Mabel has already written something on the parchment.”
“So if I infuse my magic, I can read it?”
“Yes. I don’t know what it says either—what does it say?”
“Let’s see… ‘Even if I officially become Thor-sama’s concubine… to ensure fairness, until Rukie-sama’s body matures, I won’t have a ch—’”
Fwoosh.
Rukie’s face turned bright red.
“Eh? What does it say, Rukie-sama?”
“‘Void Flame of Nihility.'”
Whoosh.
The pitch-black flame Rukie conjured incinerated the parchment.
“Eh? Eh? Eh? Why the parchment…?”
“Now then, let’s see the next ‘Spy Set.’”
“Um… Rukie-sama?”
“Show. Me. The. Next. Spy. Set. Thor.”
“…What did Mabel write in it?”
“A maiden’s secret!”
“Y-yes.”
A maiden’s secret, huh. Well, I guess that can’t be helped.
“The next item is the Spy Disguise Set.”
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Secret Directive No. 2: “Disguise Yourself as an Adult!”
Here’s your next mission. Use the fake beard included in the set to disguise yourself as an adult. Choose whichever you like from the three types: Full Beard, Handlebar Mustache, or Small Mustache!
If you want to disguise yourself perfectly, ask your parents to prepare adult-style clothes for you.
A spy must never stand out. That means you shouldn’t run around or raise your voice, okay?
How well can you pretend to be an adult?
Talk to your neighbors and write down the results in your ‘Spy Notebook’!
When you go out, be sure to go with your parents. That’s a promise to the Master Spy!
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“I see. So these are beards with the power of Recognition Inhibition.”
“Yes. They probably have the same ability as Her Majesty’s mask.”
Most likely, wearing the beard activates Recognition Inhibition, changing the wearer’s apparent age from child to adult. Adult clothes are needed because the effect changes only how the body is perceived.
The instruction to ‘go with your parents’ is probably so you can observe adult-like behavior up close.
As expected of the Heroes’ world—it all makes sense.
“I used this as a reference to create an item that surpasses even the Heroes’ world’s version.”
“I see. Since Recognition Inhibition also exists in this world, developing it further would indeed allow you to surpass the Spy Disguise Set.”
“Exactly. And there’s also a major flaw in this ‘Spy Disguise Set.’”
“A flaw?”
“Yes… When the disguise is removed, the beard remains.”
“Oh! I see!!”
At my words, Rukie’s eyes widened.
“The purpose of a disguise is to slip unnoticed into enemy territory. This Spy Disguise Set is meant to make a child appear adult and conceal their identity. But…”
“If you’re caught still holding the beard, your identity will be exposed.”
“Indeed. They would be caught carrying a beard enchanted with Recognition Inhibition.”
“Having this item in itself becomes proof that you’re a spy.”
If you infiltrate enemy territory, there’s a chance your belongings will be inspected.
If they found a recognition-inhibiting beard, the mission would fail.
This item is practically a badge declaring you’re a spy.
“Even if you cancel the disguise and turn back into a child, if the beard is still among your belongings…”
“You would certainly be caught, and you wouldn’t be able to bring back any intelligence.”
“Anyone with a suspicious beard might be stopped at the border.”
“Exactly. That’s why, to solve this problem, I took inspiration from another item.”
“Another item?”
“This one.”
I turned to a page in the Mail-Order Catalog. It read—
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Secret Directive No. 3: “Master the Disappearing Orders!”
By this point, you’ve probably acquired some real spy skills. Now, I’ll give you the ‘Disappearing Orders’!
These orders dissolve and vanish when soaked in water. But they’re sturdy, and not easily cut even with scissors!
Write your orders on this paper and show them to your parents. After that, put them in water and—like magic—your secret orders will vanish completely!
Write the secret, flush it away, and make it disappear. If you can do that, you’re a full-fledged spy. There’s nothing more I need to teach you!
I’ll grant you the Master Spy’s ‘Spy Certification’!
(To receive it, send the enclosed entry coupon along with the required postage stamps to our company.
Due to the Master Spy’s busy schedule, please understand that delivery may take some time.)
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“…I’m curious about this ‘Spy Certification’.”
“…I’m curious too. But there’s no way for us to get it.”
“…We can’t exactly send a letter to another world. A shame.”
“…It really is.”
Rukie and I both sighed.
“Anyway, I used the Disappearing Orders as a reference to create a recognition-inhibiting outfit that disappears when washed with water.”
I took a coat sized for Rukie out of the Miniature Simple Storage.
“This is your very own Recognition-Inhibiting Spy Disguise Coat.”
“Oh. This is surprisingly well-made.”
Rukie picked up the coat. She touched it, and her face lit up in surprise.
It had been difficult to make. I had to balance the recognition-inhibiting effect with a pleasant texture.
In the Heroes’ world, a beard alone produced Recognition Inhibition. Their version was superior in portability, so I focused on safety instead.
Even after returning to your normal form, you wouldn’t be exposed as a spy.
“When you wear this, Rukie-sama, you’ll appear as an adult.”
“What!?”
“That part works the same way as the Heroes’ world’s Spy Disguise Set. Thanks to Recognition Inhibition, that’s how others will perceive you. Though I doubt you’ll actually infiltrate enemy territory.”
“S-still, I must try it on at once!”
With that, Rukie went into another room. A little while later, she returned—
“Well? It doesn’t look strange, does it…?”
She had taken down her hair, appearing as an adult woman.
She was just slightly shorter than me.
Her figure—was now womanly.
Her curvy body was wrapped in the pure white coat, with many pockets for holding ‘spy gadgets.’
This appearance was designed at Mabel’s request.
Mabel had said, “When Rukie-sama grows up, she’ll become a refined and elegant adult woman. Just as you yourself said when you were little. Specifically…” and went on to give me a detailed explanation.
So I configured the Recognition Inhibition to make Rukie look exactly like that.
But—actually seeing it now, the impact is tremendous.
I usually think of Rukie as “the embodiment of divine beauty in physical form.”
But the Rukie before me now feels like that same divine beauty, with the charm of a mature woman added on top.
Amazing… so this is what Rukie will look like in the future.
“N-Now, say something, will you? If you just stay silent… it makes me anxious.”
“No, it’s just… your beauty left me speechless.”
“—!?”
“Your current self is wonderful too, but the grown-up you overflows with elegance and dignity. If I were to compare that elegance and beauty, I’d say you’re like a dragon with jewel-like scales. If someone carelessly approached and incurred your wrath, they would be burned to ashes by your flames. Yet, your beauty is so captivating that one can’t help but draw near. Even if it means losing their life, those who are enchanted will find themselves wanting to touch you. And even if they touched your anger and were burned to nothing, they would have no regrets… the grown-up you is truly like that…”
“Th-That’s enough—! Enough, enough, Thor!!”
Huh?
Rukie covered her face and crouched down.
“I only spoke what I felt.”
“Then do something about this habit of speaking exactly what you feel!”
“It’s just my nature. I can’t.”
“It’s me who can’t… can’t endure it…”
“Eh? But that was just the intro.”
“If I heard the full thing, my heart would stop!”
Rukie stood up, her long golden hair swirling behind her.
Then, stretching out her arm, she pointed at me.
“A-Anyway, the experiment is over. I’m taking this off. I’ll return to my original form.”
“Eeh.”
“No ‘Eeh.’ I’ll go change, so wait here.”
“But there’s still a function I haven’t explained.”
“What? Isn’t it just about disguising yourself?”
“The main feature of this coat is that it leaves no evidence of the disguise.”
“What do you mean?”
“You see the magic stone on the chest?”
“Mm. This one?”
“In an emergency, you pour magic power into it. Specifically, you use it when you’re spotted or chased by an enemy. Doing so allows you to remove the disguise without leaving any traces.”
“Hm…?”
Click.
Rukie poured magic power into the magic stone at the coat’s chest.
“Ah.”
“What? Why are you surprised?”
“No, it’s fine…”
“It’s rare for you to be vague, Thor. Go on, say it.”
“Yes. Earlier I mentioned the ‘disappearing directive paper,’ right?”
“The paper that dissolves in water?”
“Yes. It’s a function for erasing evidence.”
“Quite convenient.”
“This coat has the same ability enchanted into it.”
“I see. So it dissolves when water is poured on it?”
Rukie nodded.
“If it dissolves, the evidence disappears. So I just have to avoid water while wearing it.”
“That’s right.”
“It’s a splendid function. But you can’t always find water nearby.”
“That’s why there’s a water magic stone on the chest.”
“I see. So that’s how you dispose of the coat.”
“Yes. When you pour magic into it, the coat dissolves completely in thirty seconds.”
“Hm. That makes sense. And I’ve just poured magic into it by accident… it’s been twenty seconds. Which means in ten seconds—wait, Thor!”
“Of course, the depleted magic stone also vanishes. Every trace of the disguise is erased.”
“Eh? Wait? Then this coat is…”
“Three seconds left. Two, one…”
“W-Wait—!!”
Fsshh.
The coat dissolved.
The Recognition Inhibition vanished.
The figure of the adult Rukie slowly faded away.
What appeared was Rukie in her underwear—wait, what?
“U-Um, Rukie-sama… why are you in your underwear?”
“Because the coat felt nice against my skin.”
“Yes, I paid attention to the texture.”
“So I thought it was meant to be worn directly over underwear…”
“…Ah.”
“And now… Thor…”
The underwear-clad Rukie hid behind a chair.
Peeking out from over the backrest, she stared straight at me.
“How long are you going to keep looking this way?”
“…Sorry.”
“…Honestly. You really are…”
And just like that, Rukie gave me a wry smile.
“Well, this time it was my fault for not listening carefully to your explanation. It can’t be helped.”
“…I’m sorry.”
“Don’t worry about it. It’s over and done.”
Rukie rested her chin in her hand, looking at me with a shy expression.
“Well, I’m glad you got to see the grown-up me. It’s helped me make up my mind about a few things.”
“Made up your mind?”
“…Because Mabel wrote something strange, you see.”
Rukie turned her face away with a pui.
For some reason, her ears were red all the way to the tips.
“I understand. I’ll ask Mabel later what—”
“That’s forbidden!”
“Eh?”
“As Demon Lord, I forbid it! You aren’t to ask Mabel what was written on that paper! At least, not until I’ve truly grown up!”
“O-Okay.”
If Rukie is this desperate, there must be a reason.
I’m curious, but… oh well.
“Anyway, what will you do with the Pretend Spy Set?”
“I’ll be using the ‘Secret Directive Pen.’”
Rukie smiled slyly, pen in hand.
“It’ll be handy for secret communications between you, Mabel, and me. If my magic can make the letters appear, there will be plenty of uses.”
“Understood. Please do.”
“Mm. Then, at once…”
Rukie pulled a piece of parchment closer.
Then, with the ‘Secret Directive Pen,’ she began to write smoothly.
Since she covered it with one hand, I couldn’t see what she was writing. After a while, she finished the document and nodded in satisfaction.
She then handed the parchment to me.
“Keep this, Thor.”
“Me?”
“Yes.”
“But the letters have already disappeared?”
“As they should.”
“Without your magic, I can’t read it… and yet you want me to keep it?”
“Yes. When my birthday comes, I’ll make it readable, and then you, Mabel, and I… we’ll read it together.”
Rukie looked bashful.
“It’s nothing much. Just a reply to Mabel’s letter from earlier.”
“…Now I’m really curious.”
“Fufu. Making a man restless is one of a maiden’s skills.”
Honestly… I can’t beat Rukie.
She’s already making perfect use of the ‘Role-Playing Spy Set’ I made.
As expected of the ruler of the Demon Lord’s Domain, Rukie Evergard.
“Alright. On your birthday, we’ll read it together.”
“M-Mm. I’ll be prepared by then.”
“…What does it actually say?”
“It’s a maiden’s secret. Fufun.”
And so, the parchment was stored in my ‘Miniature Simple Storage’—
And the ‘Secret Directive Pen’ became one of Rukie’s favorite items.