Kays Translations

Chapter 103: Visiting the Trading Post

The day before meeting Princess Sophia──

A package arrived for me from the Demon Lord’s castle.

Inside were three items. Two of them were bathrobes made from water-element “Magical Weave Fabric.”

These were ordered after my conversation with Princess Sophia at the Trading Post last time.

Back then, Princess Sophia, relying on the mysterious rays of the “Fizzing Bath,” appeared before us completely unclothed. To prevent such accidents from happening again, I ordered bathrobes from the clothing artisans at the Demon Lord’s castle.

There were two types of bathrobes inside the box.

One was a type worn over the head and secured with shoulder straps.

The other was a strapless wraparound type.

The designs incorporate suggestions from Mabel and Agnis.

The one with shoulder straps emphasizes fit and stability, while the wraparound type focuses on ease of wear and freedom of movement.

I had both of them try the garments on. They looked beautiful.

As for the ease of movement… I didn’t have them actually move around in those outfits, so I can’t confirm that. But since I had a skilled artisan make them, I’m confident they’ll be fine.

I’ll bring these bathrobes with me when I meet Princess Sophia.

There was one more item in the box—a large ribbon.

It’s meant to be attached to a hat and is also made from the water-element “Magical Weave Fabric.”

It’s for hiding Mabel’s elf ears when we go to the Trading Post.

Mabel had said she wanted to “see what humans are doing” at the Trading Post.

So I arranged for her to be able to shop there while pretending to be human.

If she wears a hat with big ribbons on both sides, it’ll completely hide her elf ears.

That way, Mabel will just be an incredibly cute, beautiful girl. She’ll still stand out, but she should be able to talk to the humans without worry.

That’s what I explained to Mabel──

“But, Thor-sama, the border Trading Post is a place where people from both Noza Town and the Demon Lord’s Domain may visit, correct?”

Still holding the ribbon-adorned hat, Mabel spoke.

“Thinking about it that way, I don’t really think there’s a need for a disguise…”

“Yeah. But I thought it might be twice as fun if Mabel disguised herself as a human.”

“Huh?”

“If you first talk to the people at the Trading Post while looking human, you’ll get to know them. Then, if you later show up again as an elf, the merchants will realize that the polite, kind, beautiful girl from before was actually an elf. If that happens, they might treat you normally even without a disguise next time.”

“I-I don’t need the ‘beautiful girl’ part! Thor-sama!”

Mabel hugged the hat to her chest and turned bright red.

“And… wouldn’t disguising myself mean I’m deceiving them…?”

“You aren’t deceiving anyone. Mabel is simply wearing a hat with a slightly oversized ribbon. If people mistakenly assume she isn’t an elf, that’s their misunderstanding.”

“Oh, Thor-sama…”

Mabel tilted her head with a troubled expression. So cute.

And the hat suits her really well. It’s a large one, fluffy and frilled like flower petals. Add a veil and she’d look just like a noblewoman. It looks great on her.

“But… I don’t own any clothes fancy enough to match a hat like this…”

“Yeah. That’s why I asked Agnis to prepare a matching outfit.”

“…Huh?”

Mabel turned around.

Behind her stood Agnis, holding a cute one-piece dress.

It looked expensive, with frills at the collar and sleeves.

Apparently, it had belonged to Agnis’s late mother. Agnis didn’t own many clothes, but she had chosen one she thought would suit Mabel.

“I’d like to help with dressing you up as well.”

“Agnis-sama… I—I’m supposed to wear something this fancy?”

“Yes. Because Thor Canaan-sama asked me to.”

“T-That’s… me, wearing this… to the Trading Post…”

“It’s fine. I’ll help you put it on.”

“By the way… Agnis-sama, what kind of outfit will you be wearing?”

“I was thinking of going with a maid outfit.”

Agnis showed a mischievous smile.

“Mabel will be the noble lady, Thor Canaan-sama will be her alchemist partner, and I’ll be the maid who serves Mabel. That way, we’ll blend in better with the humans.”

“P-please wait! There’s no way the general would approve of this! Agnis-sama and I hold completely different social positions—!”

“Eh? But when I got the ‘Health-Boosting Pendant,’ Father said, ‘I hope Agnis and Mabel can be friends without worrying about rank.’”

“I-I think it’s unfair to bring that up now…”

“And when we tested the ‘Health-Boosting Pendant,’ Mabel removed Agnis’s armor and put her in a maid outfit, correct? Consider this repayment.”

“…Ugh.”

The battle was over.

Mabel groaned, her face bright red. Agnis was smiling brilliantly.

This whole setup had been planned in advance by me and Agnis.

Bringing up the past was part of Agnis’s strategy to get Mabel to wear the outfit.

Otherwise, Mabel would’ve hesitated.

Also… I really want to see Mabel dressed up.

Of course, I also want to see Agnis in a maid outfit again…

“I want to see Mabel wearing cute clothes too. If I see that, I’ll get inspired to create new things.”

──Before I realized it, the words had slipped out.

“Yes. Understood.”

Mabel nodded, as if she had made up her mind.

“Mabel. You suddenly became very obedient.”

“If it’s Thor-sama’s wish, I can’t refuse. Of course, I’ll make Agnis-sama wear something even cuter later as payback.”

“Yes, I’m prepared for that.”

“Fufu. Still, thank you, Agnis-sama.”

With a happy face, Mabel touched the dress Agnis was holding.

“This is the first time I’ve looked forward to a day off so much. Thank you too, Thor-sama.”

“We leave tomorrow. Let’s rest early tonight.”

“Yes.”

“Got it!”

Finally, tomorrow is the Trading Post visit.

I already sent a letter to Princess Sophia a while ago. We’ve agreed to meet at the bathhouse of the Trading Post.

I’ve also received permission from the Flame Giant’s kin who manages the Trading Post.

The winged pixies Soleil and Lune would accompany us disguised as a cat and an owl. As thanks, I planned to treat them to fresh fruit.

Oh, right—I also need to check the plumbing at the Trading Post once we arrive.

Over the past few days, I had visited markets throughout Raisenga Territory to inspect their water sources. As expected, everyone relied on wells.

Especially in the homes of the Flame Giant’s kin, there were many wells installed.

According to what I heard, this has to do with their ignition ability. Because they might accidentally set fire to their homes or furniture with that power, they need plenty of wells to be able to extinguish fires quickly.

Since the general’s subordinates are usually strong, they don’t have any problem using heavy pump-style wells. But I also found out that ordinary commoners have a hard time drawing water.

We really do need magical items for water access.

Later, I’ll check the water facilities at the Trading Post and think about whether we can create standardized magical items.

Oh, and I mustn’t forget to look for presents for Mabel and Agnis at the Trading Post.

They’ve both helped me out a lot.

I want to give them a personal thank-you, once in a while.

But if I’m going to give them presents, they have to be something they actually want. Otherwise, it’s meaningless.

So another goal of this visit is to secretly observe them at the Trading Post and figure out what they want.

I’m looking forward to it.

“Good night, Mabel. Agnis.”

“Good night, Thor-sama.”

“Until tomorrow, then, Thor Canaan-sama.”

And with that, we decided to get some early rest.

The next day, we arrived at the Trading Post just before noon.

“This is amazing. It’s completely different from the last time we came…”

The moment we stepped inside, Mabel’s eyes sparkled.

When we last visited, the Trading Post had just opened, and there were hardly any people.

But now—

“Step right up! Freshly squeezed ‘Sizzling Tomatoes’ from Noza Town! Extra juicy and picked just this morning!”

“Fresh-laid eggs! These hens are the very ones that laid them! Make sure you check their health before you buy!”

“How about some cloth gathered from nearby villages? All the most popular colors in the country! When you live in the frontier, you’ve got to stay on trend!”

“““…Wow.”””

The moment we stepped under the tent, we all let out a breath.

The place was packed with people.

And not just humans. Dwarves and elves from the Demon Lord’s Domain were here too.

Everyone was shopping casually alongside the people of Noza Town.

This is incredible… I’ve never seen anything like this before.

“I’m surprised. I didn’t realize the Trading Post had gotten this crowded…”

“It must be thanks to the Demon Lord and Princess Sophia.”

“It’s so lively…”

Maybe we didn’t even need to disguise ourselves.

Mabel’s hat and dress are cute though. Just seeing her like that makes the trip worth it. Well, it’s what it is.

This border Trading Post had been established through official correspondence between Demon Lord Rukie and Princess Sophia.

Thanks to them, it had become an exceptionally convenient facility.

The Trading Post was divided into two sides: one where humans sold goods and another where people from the Demon Lord’s Domain sold theirs. From the tent entrance, people could be seen moving freely between the two areas.

Between the two areas was a water station, equipped with a hand pump drawing groundwater, where travelers could wash their hands and feet or rinse vegetables. People gathered there to eat and talk. The pumps were operated by local guards from Noza Town and members of the Flame Giant’s kin.

Humans, demi-humans, and demons alike are casually getting water and eating their bento lunches.

The area around the water station has become a little plaza.

People are enjoying their meals and conversations while basking in the sunlight. It’s such a peaceful, heartwarming scene.

“I never imagined a sight like this… even just a few months ago.”

“…Everyone’s getting along.”

Mabel and Agnis are both astonished.

And honestly, I’m a little moved too.

It seemed the Trading Post created by Rukie and Princess Sophia was a tremendous success.

Thinking about that, we began walking through the tent.

This tent was where the people of Noza Town sold their goods, but some merchants also brought products from the Demon Lord’s Domain to barter. Those items were proving very popular.

Well, dwarven-made kitchen knives are valuable masterpieces in the human world, after all.

So nice… I really want one… a dwarven knife.

“But I didn’t come here to shop for myself today.”

I came to find something Mabel and Agnis would want.

With that in mind, I looked over at them—

“…That dwarven knife is lovely.”

“…A real masterpiece.”

“So we can cook meals for Thor-sama.”

But neither of them is thinking about themselves at all.

This was a problem. I had told them it was their day off.

“Thor-sama, Thor-sama! I’ve never seen this fruit before!”

Mabel was pointing at the yellow fruits lined up at a street stall.

“That’s called a ‘Rohaha Banana.’ It comes from the south. People eat it raw or use it in cooking. Are you curious?”

“Yes. But… it’s from the south?”

“Right. Since it’s been a while since it was harvested, it might not be fresh.”

“I just thought, if it were a fruit from the Empire, it would make you happy, Thor-sama.”

“…Yeah. Thank you, Mabel.”

Mabel’s thoughtfulness made me really happy.

If we weren’t out in public, I might have been moved to hold her hand, gaze into her eyes, and thank her earnestly.

But still. It’s our day off, so I wish they’d think about themselves more.

There were imperial trinkets and accessories for sale at the Trading Post too, but the two of them showed no interest in those. What they were busy collecting were ingredients from the human world. Seems like they’re planning to try out new dishes.

…Well, they seem to be enjoying themselves, so maybe that’s okay.

“A report from Noza Town! We’ve just received word that Archduke Kharon has finished dealing with the magical beasts and is on his way to town!”

Suddenly, a soldier burst into the tent.

I recognized the armor and helmet. He was one of the “Omawarisan Unit.”

“The threat along the border has been eliminated. Everyone, feel free to resume your business with peace of mind!”

“““Ooooooh!!”””

The tent shook with the cheers and applause of merchants and shoppers.

“Thank you, Omawarisan Unit!”

“Praise be to Archduke Kharon, Princess Liana, and Princess Sophia!”

“As expected of General Raisenga! Excellent work!”

Voices echoed from surrounding tents as well.

It looked like the soldiers who had returned from investigating the fortress had come to inform the Trading Post.

So Archduke Kharon was heading to Noza Town.

Which means… there might also be a message from Princess Sophia.

“Sorry. I’ll be stepping out for a bit.”

I called out to Mabel and Agnis and stepped outside the tent.

And then—

“Meow~”

A small black cat was waiting outside the tent.

It was Lune, the dark-element winged pixie.

“Come here, come here~”

“Meow, meow~”

I picked up Lune as she rubbed against me and moved into a shadowed area.

Making sure no one was around…

“—Is this a message from Princess Sophia, Lune?”

“Correct. Princess Sophia says that, before Archduke Kharon arrives in Noza Town, the two of you should come to the Trading Post at once.”

Curled up in my arms, Lune said that.

“She would like to speak with the Alchemist before things get busy with reports and formalities once Archduke Kharon returns.”

“I see… wait, did you say ‘the two of you’ just now?”

“Yes. It seems Princess Liana is also at the Trading Post.”

So Princess Liana is coming too.

Is that okay? We were planning to hold a secret meeting in the Trading Post’s bath area.

There’s nowhere else we can talk without being seen by a third party.

That was why we had prepared the bathrobes, but—

“Well, I guess it’s not a problem.”

Princess Liana isn’t a bad person.

She can’t go against Princess Sophia. Even if the Fizzing Bath rejuvenates her, she’s not the type to use that power against the Demon Lord’s Domain.

Besides, I wanted to trust her. She had trusted my letter and obediently unleashed the ‘Holy Sword Light Blade, Photon Blade.’

If she’s fine with it, then I’m okay talking in the bath area.

Knowing Princess Sophia, she’s probably already explained everything to her.

“Understood. Lune, return to Princess Sophia and tell her I received the message. I’ll speak with the Flame Giant’s kin who manage the bath and prepare it ahead of time.”

“Understood, Alchemist-sama.”

“Are any other winged pixies here? If possible, I would like one to remain as a liaison.”

“““Meow~!”””

Ah, there they are.

They were all wearing their ‘cosplay pajamas’ as though it were perfectly normal and appearing freely inside the Empire.

It seemed winged pixies didn’t recognize national borders. That was probably a good thing.

“Well then, I’ll return to Princess Sophia.”

“Yeah. Give her my regards.”

“““Meow-meow-meow!”””

The black cat Lune departed, seen off by me and the other winged pixies, all of whom were disguised as cats.

Alright, time to go back to the tent and talk with Mabel and the others—then head to the bath area.

I returned to the tent.

“Oniisan, Oniisan. Won’t you stop and take a look?”

While looking for Mabel and the others, I was stopped.

Looking over, a woman wearing a robe was running a stall.

What she was selling… was metal accessories. Not magic items, just crafted goods.

That’s rare around here.

“How about it? Cute accessories, right? If you give them as a present to her, I guarantee she’ll be happy.”

“…I suppose so.”

The material was copper. Crafted by hammering and stretching. Moreover, it was decorated with fine patterns.

Noza Town was rural. There were probably no craftsmen here capable of such detailed work.

In that case, this must be merchandise sent from another town.

“May I have a look?”

“Sure, go ahead.”

I got permission and brought my face close to the stall’s crafts.

Secretly, I activated ‘Appraisal Grasp.’

…As expected, this merchandise was just plain crafted goods.

Continuing the appraisal further, there was a trace of magical power on the merchant woman’s robe. It had an ‘Enhancement’ to make it resistant to dirt. Wind attribute was added to make dust less likely to stick to the fabric.

Someone wealthy, like a prosperous merchant, would own something like that.

But considering that, what she was selling looked too cheap. It was incongruous.

In that case, perhaps this person isn’t a merchant, but someone who came for intelligence gathering.

Well, if a Trading Post opens near the border, it’s natural some people would come to check it out.

“What wonderful craftsmanship. Sorry, but it looks like it’s out of my budget.”

I thanked her and stood up.

I thought these goods would suit Mabel and Agnis, but I didn’t feel like buying from this person.

Later, I’d just activate ‘Creation Alchemy’ myself to make something.

“Thank you for showing me such nice things.”

Holding the cat, I left the spot.

In a low voice, I spoke to the brown cat: “Keep an eye on that person. Let me know if anything happens.”

As I wandered through the Trading Post, I occasionally noticed people like her.

Ordinarily, Isaac’s Omawarisan Unit guarded the area strictly, but this was immediately after the ‘Magical Beast Investigation.’ There simply weren’t enough personnel.

I guess some people try to take advantage of that and come to observe.

I would report her later to the Omawarisan Unit and the Flame General’s subordinates.

Well, I hope nothing happens.

“Thor-sama. Have you returned?”

“Did something happen?”

After finishing the report and returning, Mabel and Agnis were waiting in the corner of the tent.

“Sorry. I got a message from the winged pixie Lune. It seems Princess Sophia and Princess Liana are already heading this way.”

“The two of them? Could it be related to Archduke Kharon…?”

“As expected of Mabel. That’s correct.”

I quickly relayed the story I heard from Lune.

“That’s the situation. If Archduke Kharon enters Noza Town, we’ll have to receive his report in our capacity as princesses. Sophia therefore wants us to speak before he arrives.”

“I understand. Let’s head to the bathhouse right away.”

“Is that alright? You two can still keep shopping if you want.”

“No.”

Mabel raised the bag she was holding.

Inside were vegetables, fruits, and dried river fish bought here.

“I’ve had enough fun already.”

“Agnis is satisfied too.”

“If we need more, after seeing off Princess Sophia, we’ll come back to the market.”

“So, it’s fine.”

“Also, it would be troublesome if Thor-sama was alone in the secret room of the bathhouse if something happens.”

“That’s very important!”

For some reason, Mabel and Agnis clenched their fists and emphasized this passionately.

I understood their feelings.

Even if Princess Sophia agreed, it’s not good for a man to be alone in the secret room.

If it was just me, who knows what kind of rudeness might occur. With Mabel and Agnis, they could cover for me.

“Alright. Then, let’s go together.”

“Understood!”

“Let’s go, Thor Canaan-sama.”

With that, we headed to the bathhouse for nobles at the back of the Trading Post.

We explained the situation to the Flame Giant’s follower who manages the facility, and asked them to start heating the bath early.

After that, we changed clothes, cleaned the bathhouse, and placed bathing clothes in the dressing room.

While working, I asked Mabel and Agnis what kind of shopping they did, but in the end, the only things they bought were cooking utensils and vegetables that would last a while. I asked if they saw any interesting accessories, but—

“I always watch what Thor-sama makes.”

“The things at the market can’t compare.”

That was their answer.

It was an oversight on my part.

Oh well. I’ll prepare gifts for the two myself.

If I’m going to make them, it has to be something absolutely unobtainable anywhere else. Once I finish making the water-related items, I’ll immediately start the design.

Something that will surprise them and that everyone in the Demon Lord’s Domain will eagerly want…?

While thinking about that, time passed──

“Excuse me. We’ve come on a secret visit to inspect the Trading Post.”

“…We have arrived.”

Princess Sophia and Princess Liana quietly arrived at the Trading Post’s bathhouse.

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