Kays Translations

Chapter 102: “Making Plans for a Day Off”

──Thor’s point of view ──

“I’m thinking of taking a few days off.”

I said this right after returning to the workshop in the Reisenga Territory.

“Now that the magical beast investigation is done, I thought I’d take a break—go for walks around town, maybe do some shopping.”

“…I’m surprised.”

This is the workshop’s living room.

On the other side of the table, Mabel had her eyes wide open, frozen in the pose of pouring tea.

“That you, Thor-sama, would say you’re taking a break from alchemy…”

“Of course, only after I finish what I need to do.”

First, I need to make a clean copy of the “Summoning Magic Metal Plate” I found at the fortress.

I also have to adjust the “Cleaning Robot.” It’s been running long distances, so I need to check for any loose parts… actually, I should probably wash it first. Our “Cleaning Robot” is washable, after all.

Once that’s all done, then it’s break time.

“Taking time off is also part of preparing for alchemy.”

“…Y-yes.”

Mabel still looked surprised.

I guess an explanation is in order.

“The items I’ll be making next are daily-use items, so I need to switch gears—or rather, reset my mindset beforehand.”

“Reset your mindset?”

“Recently, I’ve only been making combat-oriented items.”

I explained:

“The ‘Cleaning Robot’ and the ‘Meteor Iron Arrow’ are both designed for combat. On top of that, we’ve been fighting magical beasts, so I feel like my mindset has shifted toward combat.”

“That’s true. We were completely absorbed in the ‘magical beast investigation’ until just now.”

“So before making everyday items, I thought I’d go shopping, take walks… basically, shift my mindset to everyday life mode. It’s all to make better daily-use magical items.”

“I think I understand what you mean.”

Mabel nodded.

“And… these daily-use items you’re planning to make—do they involve that ‘Summoning Magic’?”

“Yep. The ones I submitted a request to Her Majesty the Demon lord for permission to create.”

I’ve already sent the letter, but the reply hasn’t come back yet.

It should be about time, though.

“‘Summoning Magic’ is quite complex. Since I’ll be using it to make items, I can’t afford to mess up. That’s another reason I want to be in good physical and mental condition—hence, the break.”

“So that’s what it was about.”

Mabel placed her teacup on the table, then curiously asked,

“So what kind of item is this that uses ‘Summoning Magic’?”

“Then let me explain.”

I opened a “mail-order catalog.”

The page showed a kitchen from another world.

It featured a silver-colored kitchen area with a drain, and a pipe with water flowing out of it.

“Look here, Mabel.”

“‘The All-Purpose Cleaning Item: Slippery Sponge Excellent,’ right?”

“That one’s interesting too, but what I want you to focus on is the pipe where the water is coming out.”

“Ah, okay… um, there’s a silver pipe, and water is flowing from it.”

“How do you think they’re drawing the water?”

“The pipe is connected to a short cylinder. It has a lever attached, so maybe it’s a hand pump? But…”

“The lever’s way too small for a hand pump.”

“Yes. It might be efficient because it’s from the Hero’s World, but… it still feels too small.”

She’s absolutely right.

A normal hand pump is metal, with a lever about the size of a human arm.

They’re big, rugged, and heavy.

You pull the lever up and down to draw water from a well or water source.

“Of course, you can use magic to produce water.”

“Like when we take baths.”

“Thanks for always helping with that.”

“Not at all.”

Mabel and I bowed to each other in turn.

Then I returned to the main topic.

“But this Hero World pump is small. Just moving a lever the size of a finger causes water to flow abundantly. I think there’s a secret to that.”

“It must be a magic item, then.”

“Most likely, the pump itself is imbued with strong magical power.”

“No doubt about it.”

“It is from the Hero’s World, after all.”

“If it’s the Hero’s World, it can’t be helped.”

“I think I can make something similar using my ‘Creative Alchemy.’ But if I apply ‘Summoning Magic,’ I might be able to make something even more efficient—an item that draws water up.”

I placed a copy of the “Summoning Magic” metal plate on the table.

“‘Summoning Magic’ is a spell that brings something from far away to near you. Simply put, it has a ‘pulling force.’”

“That… does make sense.”

Mabel paused, seemingly thinking deeply.

“As you say, Thor-sama, ‘Summoning Magic’ can draw objects from far away. So then—”

“If we integrate that ‘pulling force’ into a water pipe, we can easily draw water from the source.”

“T-That’s amazing!”

“Of course, since it uses ‘Summoning Magic,’ we need Rukie-sama’s permission. We’ll also need you and the others to decipher the spell. We’ll have to confirm the safety and make gradual progress—but it’ll be worth it.”

“If we can complete an item that ‘pulls’ water or anything else, life in the Demon Lord’s domain would be transformed…”

“Exactly.”

Mabel and I exchanged glances and nodded.

This is something I’ve been thinking about for a long time.

Both the Demon Lord’s territory and the Empire use wells or hand pumps connected to wells to draw water.

Even the castle’s bath is built near a water source and uses a large pump to draw water. Well, since a strong Minotaur handles it, it doesn’t seem to be too much trouble.

Incidentally, the reason I can enjoy a bath so easily is thanks to Mabel, the water-element elf.

With the magical power circulation boosted by the “Foot Bath” and the “Fizzing Bath,” Mabel can easily produce enough water for a single bath.

But not everyone can create water with magic.

That’s why I wanted to create a household water-drawing item.

If I can apply the “pulling force” of summoning magic, it might be possible to draw water with just a small lever, like in the hero’s world.

Moreover, this item could have various applications.

If it can “pull” air, it could be used as a ventilation duct. If it can pull earth, it could aid in mining. If it can pull fire, it could become a convenient fire source.

“This item will take time and focus to make.”

I said.

“That’s why I decided to rest and recover before starting the work. After that, I plan to go around the market and town to check the water systems. That’s what this break is for.”

“I understand… but Thor-sama,”

“What is it, Mabel?”

“If you’re preparing for alchemy… wouldn’t that not count as a break?”

“I’m not going to make the item. So it counts as a break, right?”

“If you say so…”

“It’s true. I’m the one taking the break, so there’s no mistake.”

“…When you put it like that, I kind of believe it.”

“So, while I’m taking a break, you’re free to do as you like too, Mabel.”

“Huh?”

“You and Agnis both protected me during the magical beast investigation, right? So I think it’s best you take a break too.”

Since Mabel became my caretaker, she’s always helped with my work.

So I figured I’d give her a few days off.

“You can visit Agnis, or just relax and take it easy. I’m really grateful to you, Mabel, so I’d like you to enjoy a bit of freedom now and then.”

“Understood. Then I’ll take three days off.”

“Yeah.”

“During that time, I won’t be your caretaker—I’ll just be a girl staying by your side. Since it’s my break, I’ll wear my casual clothes.”

Mabel said that and smiled.

“That’s perfect. I’ve been wanting to wear something other than a maid uniform while by your side. Thank you for the time off, Thor-sama.”

“…Huh?”

“Is something wrong?”

“I’m always grateful to you, Mabel, right?”

“And I’m always being helped by you, Thor-sama.”

“So I want to give you a break.”

“Yes. So for these three days, I’ll be by your side as the 100% version of Mabel Refrain—without any work involved.”

“And usually?”

“Usually it’s 100% Mabel Refrain plus orders from His Majesty the Demon Lord.”

“Isn’t that a bit off mathematically?”

“Percentages are a unit from the hero’s world, so it’s natural that we’d find it confusing.”

“That’s surprisingly convincing.”

“Is it okay if I stay by your side?”

“Of course.”

I answered immediately.

Going out with Mabel in casual clothes… I’m really looking forward to it.

“Alright. Will you come shopping with me tomorrow?”

“Yes. Looking forward to it. Um, Thor-sama—”

Mabel looked directly into my eyes.

“Is it alright if Agnis-sama comes along too?”

“Of course.”

“Thank you! Then I’ll go talk to her and make arrangements.”

“Arrangements?”

“There are some things Agnis-sama and I want to plan out together…”

I see.

Come to think of it, this will be my first time going out privately with everyone.

Mabel and Agnis must have their own thoughts too.

“Of course. You’re free to do as you like.”

“Thank you. Then I’ll prepare lunch and head out. I’ll be back by evening.”

Saying that, Mabel began preparing the meal.

I returned to the workshop and began maintenance on my magical items.

The “cleaning robot” that had been running around outside… was dirty, as expected. The spherical type just had dirt on the surface, but the spider-type had grass tangled in its joints. I’ll pull out the grass and rinse it with water.

Maybe I should think more about ease of maintenance for the cleaning robots.

The spherical type is easiest to maintain, so maybe I should mass-produce that one. You can even put letters inside—it has various uses—

“Speaking of letters… I wonder if Rukie has already read the report.”

If I can get approval to create daily-use items based on summoning magic—that would be great.

To that end, I’ll do a clean draft of the “summoning magic metal plate” later.

After that, I’ll officially take my break… maybe I’ll prepare a bath too—

“Alchemist-sama────!!”

──Just as I was thinking that, I heard voices.

When I looked up, I saw the green-haired Wind-Winged Fairy Pixie and the red-haired Fire-Winged Fairy Pixie flying toward me.

The Wind-Winged Fairy was carrying a parchment scroll, and the Fire-Winged Fairy was holding a small pouch.

These were the ones I had sent on an errand to the Demon Lord’s castle. Looks like they’ve just returned.

“Festival, festival~! We’re so excited~!”

“In anticipation of the passionate festival, His Majesty has requested a prototype of that item.”

With a flutter, the fairies landed on my shoulders.

I kind of understood what they were saying.

“Could it be that a festival is being held at the Demon Lord’s castle to celebrate the end of the magical beast investigation? And His Majesty wants to see a prototype of that item around that time?”

“That’s pretty much it~”

“As expected of Alchemist-sama! Like fire, you illuminate the truth!”

I get it. I’ve gotten used to how the fairies talk lately.

The Wind-Winged Fairy speaks intuitively, expressing thoughts and feelings.

The Fire-Winged Fairy earnestly conveys what needs to be known.

As long as I’m mindful of those traits, I can generally understand what they’re trying to say. I am an alchemist, after all.

“The festival will happen after the General returns~”

“Until then, we have been instructed to rest diligently and take it easy.”

“And this is a souvenir~!”

The two placed a small pouch in my hands.

When I opened it… inside were fragments of stone.

They were gray in color, the same as the pillars and walls in the grand hall of the Demon Lord’s castle. The size was about enough to fit in the palm of my hand. Octagonal in shape, and flat.

“When I saw this, I felt a jolt of inspiration~”

“My heart heated up the moment I saw it. I thought Alchemist-sama would be pleased!”

Amazing… these fairies.

I did say to bring back anything that gave them a feeling of inspiration… but I never told them what I was planning to make.

Yet, this is exactly the right shape for drawing a summoning magic circle.

What I want to make is an item that uses Summoning Magic to draw water, warm air, or light closer to the user.

If I have that, it’ll make collecting water easier and help ventilate indoor spaces. In cold weather, it could draw in warm air, and it could even function as a source of light.

I’ve been thinking about how to integrate Summoning Magic into it──

“I see. An octagonal board…”

Yeah… interesting.

I could draw the magic circle on this and even drill a hole in the center to run a tube through.

Let’s try incorporating this shape into the prototype.

“Thanks. I’ll use it as a reference.”

“Then, please pat us~!”

“Praise us with passion~!”

The fairies happily perched on both of my shoulders.

As I stroked their heads:

“By the way, did you bring this stone fragment from the Demon Lord’s castle?”

“Yes, we did~. With Her Majesty’s permission~”

“Chancellor Kelve resisted us fiercely… like fire…”

“Kelve did?”

I wonder if this fragment is something important to him too.

But Rukie did give permission… right?

I don’t really get it… I’ll have to ask more about it when I visit the Demon Lord’s castle later.

“Would you like to do alchemy?”

“We definitely want to help~!”

“Thank you. But I’ve decided to take a break for a while starting today.”

During my break, I plan to relax, read some materials, and do some shopping.

I also plan to go out with Mabel and Agnis──

“…Come to think of it, this’ll be the first time I go out with them not for work.”

I’m starting to feel nervous.

This is a good opportunity. I’ll take the chance to thank Mabel and Agnis.

They always help me out. Maybe while we’re out shopping, I’ll pick up something from the market to give them as a gift.

I’ll try looking for something nice during the break.

“Thor-sama. Lunch is ready.”

As I was thinking that, Mabel’s voice called out from the kitchen.

“Thanks. I’ll be right there.”

“There’s food for the fairies too. Please enjoy.”

“Thanks so much~ Mabel-sama~”

“Much appreciated~”

The fairies and I headed toward the living room.

I planned to have lunch, take a bath, and relax for the day──

“──Alchemist-sama! An urgent message~!”

This time, the Light-Winged Fairy Pixie Soleil burst in through the window.

“I bring a message from Princess Sophia of ‘Nosa Town’! Her Highness wishes to meet with you, Alchemist-sama~!”

“Princess Sophia?”

Maybe she wants to talk about the magical beast investigation.

Princess Liana should have already returned to Nosa Town.

She might’ve told Sophia about the magical beast investigation, and something about it must have caught her attention. If it’s Princess Sophia, it must be something meaningful.

“Got it. Did she specify a date and time?”

“She said she will adjust to your schedule, Alchemist-sama. As for the place, she requests the trade post near the border~”

“I see.”

I’m planning to take a break for about three days to relax… so I’ll meet with Princess Sophia after that.

During my break, I plan to go on walks and do some shopping.

And I also want to find something rare to gift Mabel and Agnis. First, I’ll go to the market──

“…? Market… shopping… something rare…”

For the two who live in the Demon Realm, where would rare items be sold…?

“Thor-sama, about shopping during your break… how about we go not just to towns in the Demon Realm, but also to the trade post on the border?”

Before I realized it, Mabel had peeked out from the kitchen.

“That way, you could meet with Princess Sophia before or after shopping, right? And I could stay with you as your escort.”

“That’s true… and seeing various places could help inspire ideas for household items too.”

“Also, I’d like to try shopping in human territory at least once.”

Mabel placed her hands neatly in front of her maid outfit and gave a small bow.

“I mentioned before that my grandmother was human, right?”

“Yeah. Right after we met.”

“So I’ve always wanted to shop in human lands—see what kind of things are sold there, what’s popular.”

“Come to think of it… the last time we went to the trade post, the shops weren’t open yet.”

“Yes. And if I understand what’s popular in the human world, I believe I can serve you even better, Thor-sama.”

“Got it. Let’s do that.”

I placed the fairy Soleil in the palm of my hand, and—

“I understand about meeting Princess Sophia at the trading post. Later, I’ll have Elte speak to her. I’ll also write a letter, so could you deliver it to Princess Sophia for me?”

“Understood—”

Soleil nodded.

And with that, the conversation about today’s work came to an end.

“Well then, let’s have lunch. Thor-sama, you too, Soleil and everyone else.”

“The weather’s nice today, so how about eating outside?”

“Yes! I’m all for it!”

Then I used the [Portable Warehouse] to move a table and chairs out into the garden.

After I lined up the chairs, the three winged fairies worked together to set the tablecloth.

When Mabel laid out the bread and teacups, lunch was ready.

And so, we all took our time and enjoyed a relaxing lunch.

Afterward, Mabel headed out to General Reisenga’s residence.

Apparently, she was going to coordinate plans for the break with Agnis.

Once Mabel left, I cleaned up the dishes and then prepared the bath.

I intended to light the stove and wait for the water to heat up, but—

“If it’s fire management, leave it to the fire winged fairy!”

“The wind softly stokes the flame—”

“Soleil loves baths too, so I’ll keep an eye on things—”

“““Please feel free to do as you like, Alchemist!”””

—With those words from the three of them, I headed to the workshop.

I decided to use the afternoon to make a clean copy of the ‘Summoning Magic Metal Plate.’

I had given the original to Isaac, but I still had the version I copied on-site. I needed to transcribe it neatly while it was still fresh in my memory.

Honestly, I did want the original.

But under those circumstances, I couldn’t exactly stuff the ‘Summoning Magic Metal Plate’ into my coat. It’s evidence that the fort’s people were summoning magical beasts. More than anything, if it were discovered I took it, and it caused conflict between the Demon Lord’s territory and the town of Nosa, it would cause trouble for Demon Lord Rukie.

So for now, I’ll just be satisfied with the information I got about summoning magic.

In the end—after spending several hours—I finished three copies.

One to keep with me, one spare for Erte, and one to give to Rukie.

I checked for mistakes… and reviewed it once more…

“…Oh, I forgot about the bath.”

They said they’d call me when it was ready.

I wonder how Soleil and the others are doing.

When I went to the bath—

“…So warm—”

“…I’ve been boiled. A careless mistake.”

“…The fizzy bath was too tempting—”

The winged fairies were sprawled out in the washing area.

It seemed they couldn’t wait and went ahead and took a bath on their own.

What’s more, they were all completely overheated.

“…Well, it can’t be helped.”

I’m the one who made the fizzy bath.

If Soleil and the others couldn’t resist the temptation, then it can’t be helped. Yes.

This is the true reward of being an alchemist.

So, I had the three overcooked fairies drink some water and stepped outside.

Then I took them out to cool off in the breeze.

The Reisenga territory is near a mountainous region.

In the evening, cool winds blow down from the mountains.

In the distance, I could see the trees of the forest where the winged fairies lived gently swaying.

While listening to the rustling leaves and the wind—my eyes grew heavy—

“—Thor-sama, Thor-sama. If you sleep here, you’ll catch a cold, you know?”

“—Please wake up, Thor Canaan-sama.”

When I opened my eyes, Mabel and Agnis were there.

It was getting dark. The sun had already begun to set.

“So you were taking a nap. I’m glad you were able to rest.”

“But it’s getting chilly. You should come inside.”

“…Mm.”

Seems I fell asleep at some point.

Huh? Now that I think of it, where did Soleil and the others go…?

“…Suu.” “…Mmm.” “…Ssspee…”

I felt something warm around my chest.

When I peeked down through my collar… Ah, Soleil and the others had crawled into my clothes.

Maybe it got cooler and they snuck in for warmth and fell asleep like that.

Good thing they didn’t catch a chill.

“…The alchemist’s body is warm.” “…So comforting.” “…Zzz…”

“Can’t be helped.”

I held them through the fabric to keep them from falling—

Okay. I stood up, and I’ve got them securely in place.

First, I should go back inside… They might have cooled down, so maybe I’ll let them take another bath.

“…Staaare.”

“…What is it, Mabel?”

“No, it’s just… I thought I’d like to have a little talk with Soleil.”

“Agnis would like to join too.”

And so, Mabel, Agnis, and I went inside together.

I laid Soleil and the others on the living room table and covered them with a blanket.

Then the three of us had tea and discussed our holiday plans.

How we’d spend the time—where we’d go shopping—what kind of places we liked.

While talking about all that, I was trying to find the right moment to ask Mabel and Agnis what they wanted.

In the end, I asked them directly, which surprised them both.

Eventually, Soleil and the others woke up, and Mabel and Agnis slipped into lecture mode—

And like that—the day after the magical beast investigation came to a gentle close.

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