Kays Translations

Chapter 105: Asking about the Holy Sword

“Sophia Dolgaria here. I will take a bath.”

“…Excuse me, Alchemist-sama.”

Voices of two girls came from the bathroom.

Princess Sophia and Princess Liana.

This place is the resting area inside the trading post.

Mabel and I were waiting in the hidden room for the two of them to arrive.

Today, we were scheduled to have a secret meeting here with Princess Sophia and the others.

The reason for choosing the trading post as the location was because the Archduke Kharon’s subordinates are currently in the town of Nosa.

Having finished the “Beast Investigation,” they escorted Princess Liana back to town, then stayed put waiting for Archduke Kharon to arrive.

Among them, some recognize the faces of Mabel, Agnis, and me.

If we visited Princess Sophia’s place, they would notice, and some might eavesdrop on our conversation.

That’s why I thought it best for Princess Sophia to come here in secret.

Here, both she and I can talk without worry.

In the hidden room are Mabel and me.

Agnis is stationed in front of the resting area, keeping watch with General Reisenga’s men. Just to be safe, of course.

“We have been waiting for you, Princess Sophia, Princess Liana.”

I called out through the wall.

“I am Alchemist Thor Canaan, waiting in the hidden room.”

“I am Mabel.”

“We appreciate the opportunity to speak with you. First, please relax.”

I suggested they take a bath and asked them to start the talk once they had settled.

Since they came all this way, I wanted them to first enjoy our pride—the “Fizzing Bath.”

“Thank you, Thor Canaan-sama, Mabel-sama.”

“We will take you up on that… Thank you.”

Words of gratitude came from Princess Sophia and Princess Liana.

So Mabel and I sat on the floor of the hidden room, waiting for the two princesses to settle down.

Splash.

“…Haaah.”

After a while, I heard Princess Sophia sigh.

“…As expected… it’s so calming here.”

“Um, Oneesan, the water in the tub is fizzing…”

“As expected, the bath made by Thor Canaan-sama is wonderful…”

“The steam is gathering on my body! And it’s sparkling! What is happening!?”

“Calm down, Liana. Didn’t I explain this before we came?”

“I heard it, but I didn’t expect it to be this much…”

“You remember what I told you as a child, right? Not to make noise in the bath. Not to swim in the tub. Baths are to be enjoyed quietly, Liana.”

“Yes.”

“…………”

“…………”

““…………Hah.””

Both of them seemed to have calmed down.

“How is the water temperature?”

I called from the hidden room.

“It’s just right. Very relaxing.”

“Not too hot, not too cold… I could stay in forever…”

Their voices answered.

“And… it’s strange… the magical power exhausted from battle is recovering… it feels like it’s spreading through every part of my body… it feels good…”

Princess Liana especially seemed very pleased.

She was tired from the long journey, and on top of that, had used a large amount of “Light Magic” during the battle against the “Beast Nozerius.”

The “Fizzing Bath” should heal that fatigue and speed up magic recovery.

“Is it alright if we start talking now, Your Highness?”

“Yes.” “Wh-what is it?”

…Come to think of it, both of them were princesses.

“I will ask Princess Sophia. You mentioned having something to discuss. Is it about the ‘Beast Investigation’?”

“No, it’s a separate matter.”

“A separate matter?”

“It is related to the ‘Beast Investigation’ as well… but before that, Liana would like to speak with Thor Canaan-sama. Is that alright?”

“Yes. That’s fine.”

Perfect timing. I wanted to talk with Princess Liana as well.

I wanted to hear in detail how the advice given to the “Cleaning Robot” had helped, and how the Holy Sword reacted.

If that’s the case, knowing Sophia, then—

“I will come there then.”

As expected.

Of course, I had predicted this outcome.

Last time, Princess Sophia had said “there is a mysterious beam so no worries” and came to the hidden room without wearing anything.

With that in mind, this time I had prepared something.

“Princess Sophia, the bathing gowns prepared in the dressing room—”

“Yes. They are very comfortable.”

“You are wearing them, then?”

“Yes. I used the one with shoulder straps.”

“Princess Liana took the other one?”

“Yes. She said the texture was very nice.”

Both of them seemed to be wearing the bathing gowns.

Also, from Princess Sophia’s tone, it seemed Princess Liana had something important to talk to me about.

In that case, it would be better to speak face-to-face.

“If you’re wearing the bathing gowns, that’s good.”

“…There’s also steam and that mysterious light, after all.”

Mabel and I nodded.

“Understood. Please come to the hidden room.”

“Thank you. Let’s go, Liana.”

“O-Oneesan…”

“Prepare yourself. Liana, a maiden does not go back on her word, you know?”

“………… Yes.”

Splash.

They heard the sound of the two stepping out of the bathtub.

After a while, the door to the hidden room opened.

Thick steam flowed out from the bathroom.

At the same time, lights for safety measures flew over.

Protected by the steam and the lights—the first to enter the hidden room was Princess Sophia.

She shook her cherry blossom-colored hair, wearing a shy expression. From her collarbone down to above her knees, she was hidden by the steam and light. Only the thin shoulder straps were visible. Princess Sophia seemed to be properly wearing a bathing dress.

With flushed hands, she was holding Princess Liana’s hand.

Princess Liana peeked her face out from the door and looked this way. Her eyes were wide open in surprise at her sister’s actions. When she saw me, her flushed face turned even redder. She seemed hesitant to enter the hidden room—but—

“It’s alright, Liana. Our figures are concealed by the steam and the light.”

“…B-but, Oneesan…”

“You were the one who said it, weren’t you? That you want to talk to Thor Canaan-sama as a person, not as a princess, but just as you truly are.”

“…Ugh…”

“Of course, if you can’t, it’s fine to stop.”

Princess Sophia said gently.

Upon hearing that voice, Princess Liana closed her eyes and pursed her lips—

Then, as if having made a decision, she raised her face and stepped into the hidden room.

“Excuse me, Alchemist Thor.”

She then knelt down on the floor—wait, what?

Princess Liana is kneeling? In front of me? Why?

“…What’s the matter, Princess Liana?”

“I want to express my gratitude and… my apology to you.”

“Gratitude and apology?”

“First, my thanks. During this ‘Beast Investigation,’ both myself and Archduke Kharon were saved by you. If your ‘cleaning robot’ had not brought us information, we would have had to fight the ‘Beast Nozerius’ not knowing anything.”

Princess Liana, with her face bright red and eyes lowered, said it all in one breath.

“Your advice about the Holy Sword was also remarkable. Because of your words, I was able to draw out more power from the Holy Sword than ever before and cleave the ‘Beast Nozerius’ in two. Thanks to that, there were no casualties or injuries… and yet—”

Her slender shoulders trembled slightly.

Princess Liana, still kneeling, didn’t raise her face.

Her body was properly concealed by the steam and light. Although there were no visible shoulder straps, she must be wearing a wrap-type bathing dress.

Yet because of the steam, it looked as if she was wearing nothing at all.

It made her look fragile, as if she were waiting for judgment with nothing but herself.

“I couldn’t even say thank you directly to you. My heart was pounding wildly, my mind went blank… I remembered that I had called you a ‘tool’ before… and I didn’t know what to do. So, I… um… well…”

“I understand.”

“…Huh?”

“I understand that Princess Liana is thanking me and that you feel sorry for having called me a ‘tool’ before. For now, you don’t need to apologize anymore.”

Just by coming out here wearing only a bathing dress, I think that’s already enough.

For a princess with the right of succession to appear in front of someone she barely knows, almost naked, it takes quite a lot of courage.

Even though Princess Sophia pushed her to do this, it was Princess Liana’s choice to come into the hidden room.

She appeared before me, a foreigner, without any guards or weapons.

Just that alone made me understand her feelings of gratitude and apology. It’s already enough.

“B-but. That still won’t satisfy me! I have to properly thank you in a way that convinces me…”

“In that case, could you teach me about the Holy Sword?”

“…About the Holy Sword?”

Princess Liana tilted her head in confusion.

I nodded toward her and said,

“My advice increased the Holy Sword’s power, right? But I never got to see you wield the Holy Sword. So, I want you to tell me in detail how the Holy Sword was then. How big the blade of light was, how the magic flowed.”

“Y-yes. Understood!”

Princess Liana raised her face, her eyes shining.

“To be specific! It was amazing!”

She raised her arm excitedly and—

“The magic power throughout my body flowed ‘shushushun’ into the Holy Sword, as if the sword and I became one in a swoosh! Not only that! The magic spiraled and swirled—”

“Liana… I don’t understand it like that.”

Princess Sophia stopped her explanation.

“I think you should explain it in a way that’s easier to understand.”

“B-but, Oneesan, I thought Alchemist Thor would understand…”

“You mustn’t rely on that.”

Well, it’s fine with me. I mostly get it.

The internal magic flowed ‘shushushun’—meaning a rapid, finely segmented, uniform penetration—and that speed was even faster than expected, ‘hyun’, and the penetrated magic swirled like a vortex. So, it amplified inside to form the blade of light, right?

“Look, Mabel seems troubled.”

Princess Sophia looked toward Mabel.

Indeed, Mabel had a difficult expression. It seemed she didn’t understand the explanation just now.

“We also have to consider those who are near Thor Canaan-sama. Speaking only in words that Thor Canaan-sama understands might cause suspicion from others nearby. Think about how to convey it to others, and then do that, Liana.”

“Y-yes! Sister!”

Princess Liana nodded.

She pressed her head with both hands as if thinking hard, then shook her head, scattering droplets from her cherry blossom hair—

“Then, I will demonstrate the movements when using the Holy Sword right here!”

Princess Liana stood up vigorously.

She took a sturdy stance.

Her legs slightly apart, hands on her waist. It looked like she was equipped with a Holy Sword.

“I feel I can’t convey it well in words, so I will show you my actual movements and explain the flow of magic! P-please watch carefully!”

“Is that alright?”

“It’s fine. I came here with sufficient resolve…”

…This is amazing.

An imperial princess is going to demonstrate how to use the Holy Sword right in front of me.

Such an opportunity is absolutely unheard of.

Princess Liana doesn’t have the Holy Sword now, but even just showing the movements is enough.

As information allowed to a foreigner, this is probably the limit.

Knowing how to use the Holy Sword is meaningless without having the Holy Sword itself. Normally, this wouldn’t be valuable information.

Still, it’s invaluable to me.

I’ve always wanted to create a magical sword that surpasses the Holy Sword.

So, if I can see how Princess Liana operates her magic, it will be a great reference.

Even though I’m grateful for what she did during the ‘Beast Investigation,’ to go this far…

…She really is a good person, Princess Liana.

She’s honest and too earnest… almost worryingly so.

Her demonstration of the Holy Sword use is due to that kindness.

I can’t waste her feelings.

And as an alchemist, missing this opportunity is unthinkable.

I’ll watch everything about her.

…Though I’m a little bothered by Princess Sophia behind her, holding her forehead with a deeply flushed face.

She’s pulling on the shoulder strap of her bathing dress, snapping it with a ‘pachin’ sound.

It seems like a signal or she’s trying to get Princess Liana’s attention…?

Mabel… yes, she’s watching Princess Liana seriously.

Maybe she’s surprised by what Princess Liana just said.

But why does her gaze keep traveling from Princess Liana’s shoulder down to her knees repeatedly?

…I’ll worry about those two later.

Right now, I need to learn about the Holy Sword from Princess Liana.

“Then, please, Princess Liana.”

“Y-yes. Then, please watch!”

Then Princess Liana taught me how to use the Holy Sword and about the flow of magical power inside the body.

“──When releasing the ‘Holy Sword’s Radiant Blade,’ you raise the Holy Sword high like this. By straightening your back, you align the flow of magical power inside your body and the Holy Sword in a straight line. Imagine the light magic flowing like a fountain from your lower abdomen to the top of your head—shupa… no, like a fountain. Specifically, it flows from here to here.”

──She explained the flow of magical power while pointing.

“──As a preparation step, lightly spread your arms and gather the surrounding light magic. Spread your legs firmly… step on the ground lightly, and softly… sense the light magic through your skin. Then, become conscious of your heartbeat, thumping here… around this area──”

──She actually took the pose and taught me how to absorb magic.

“──Then, while swinging your arms down in this way, it’s ‘subababan.’ Huh? Alchemist-sama thinks ‘zubababan’ is better? Well… indeed, from the perspective of simultaneous release of magical power, that might be better. Focus on the spine──you can come a little closer, it’s okay. Yes, like that──”

──She demonstrated the movement when swinging the sword.

It was easy to understand.

The ‘Holy Sword Princess’ was demonstrating how to handle the Holy Sword right before my eyes. There was no way I could not understand.

Princess Liana responded to my requests, turning sideways and then backwards. Her movements were very easy to follow.

Of course, because of the steam and light, I couldn’t see her body. But she pointed from outside the steam and showed me which parts to focus the magical power on.

It seemed she was faithfully following Princess Sophia’s instruction to ‘explain clearly.’

The very person who gave that instruction was facing the wall.

Princess Sophia is a powerful user of ‘Light Magic.’ Maybe she’s not interested in the Holy Sword.

Mabel, who was also facing the wall, might be cautious not to touch the secrets of the Holy Sword as someone from the Demon Lord’s territory. Impressive.

In front of those two, Princess Liana and I continued talking about the Holy Sword.

“Your Highness. Instead of only swinging down from a high position, how about releasing light magic simultaneously with a thrust?”

“Thrust?”

“In this case, it wouldn’t be a simultaneous release but a controlled output. Simply put, it’s like ‘shupān.’ For high power, ‘shup, pan.’ For weak power, it’s ‘shipan.’”

“Very easy to understand.”

“I think mixing swinging down and thrusting would broaden combat options.”

“How does the flow of magical power work in that case?”

“The magical power drawn up like a fountain is once stored between the chest, then released straight to the side. You pull the power strongly from below the abdomen and spin it around this area.”

“Interesting idea! So from around this area?”

“Maybe a little lower.”

“I can understand the feeling, but…”

“It’s three fingers below the navel.”

“Please show me closer. If I could release the ‘Holy Sword’s Radiant Blade’ during a thrust form… I think more efficient combat would be possible. I will demonstrate the sword thrust motion, so Alchemist-sama, please trace the flow of magical power with your finger──”

“Enough, Liana.”

Suddenly, Princess Sophia clapped her hands.

The sound brought Princess Liana and me back to our senses.

Princess Liana stepped forward and pulled back her arms to take a sword stance.

I stood beside her, trying to trace the flow of magical power with my finger.

Before I knew it, I had gotten too close.

The distance wasn’t appropriate for a mere alchemist and a princess.

“──I-I’m sorry, Princess Liana.”

“──N-no! I should be the one apologizing…”

Hurriedly, Princess Liana and I stepped back.

…No, no.

I got too absorbed in listening to the Holy Sword explanation.

Princess Sophia had her hand on Princess Liana’s shoulder. Mabel had been tugging at the hem of my clothes.

I hadn’t noticed at all.

Getting too focused on something interesting is a bad habit…

“I apologize, Princess Liana.”

I bowed my head toward her.

She is Princess Liana, who holds the imperial succession rights.

Depending on circumstances, she may become the Empress of the Empire.

No matter how well we got along, I was too close. That was a mistake…

“I got too absorbed in the conversation. I apologize.”

“N-no, same here. Alchemist Thor’s explanation was so easy to understand… it was so much fun… I lost myself.”

“Unfortunately, let’s stop here.”

“Even though we were about to develop a new technique.”

“I will also think about the ‘Holy Sword’s Radiant Blade: Thrust’ version later. I will inform you once I know more.”

“Thank you, Alchemist Thor.”

Princess Liana bowed to me.

Then, with a serious expression,

“This isn’t exactly a thank you, but as a princess… no, as a human who has cast off the princess’s robe, I promise. I will never direct the power of the Holy Sword against Alchemist Thor or those precious to him.”

Princess Liana placed her hand over her chest and declared.

“I have learned better ways to use the Holy Sword’s power from Alchemist Thor. Directing that power against you or your loved ones… as a human, I believe that is not the right thing to do.”

“…Princess Liana.”

“These are the words of an inexperienced me. I don’t know if you will believe them.”

“No, I do.”

Princess Liana has literally cast off the princess’s robe to come here.

If she promises me that, I will believe her.

“Thank you, Princess Liana… and Princess Sophia as well.”

“Alchemist-sama?”

“Thor Canaan-sama?”

“Just knowing that people like you two exist in the Empire somehow makes me feel saved.”

I really hate the Empire.

But even among the top — the imperial family — there were people who faced me in person and spoke honestly.

If Princess Sophia is in the town of Nosa, and Princess Liana is in the Imperial Capital, then the relationship with the Demon Lord’s domain should remain peaceful. Surely.

“I believe in Her Highness Liana. I… I know that Her Highness is someone who will listen like this. Therefore, as a fellow human being… as an alchemist, I place my trust in Princess Liana.”

“…Alchemist Thor-sama.”

“Please rest assured. When the time comes, I will scold Liana for you.”

Princess Sophia swept back her wet hair and gave a fearless smile.

“As someone on the Empire’s side, I will act as a witness to this promise.”

“I don’t think we particularly need a witness…”

“Think of it as a commemoration of this day. Of course, I trust Liana as well.”

Saying so, Princess Sophia clapped her hands happily.

Then, with a more serious expression,

“I too would like to express my thanks to you, Thor Canaan-sama. Thank you for helping Liana during the ‘Magical Beast Investigation.’ You have… helped my younger sister grow significantly.”

“…Oneesan…”

“Now, that concludes the matter regarding Liana.”

She clapped her hands again, clap.

“Now, allow me to speak on my matter.”

“You mean something related to the ‘Magical Beast Investigation’?”

“More precisely, it concerns a proposal made by Archduke Kharon during the investigation.”

Princess Sophia looked over at Princess Liana.

Confirming Liana’s nod, she continued.

“Archduke Kharon said that he would talk to me and Liana about something that happened long ago in the Empire. He also requested Thor Canaan-sama to be present for that discussion.”

And so, Princess Sophia began her explanation.

When the investigation began, Archduke Kharon suspected that people from the Empire were involved in the summoning of the magical beasts.

It seems the cause lies in a past mistake of the Empire.

That the imperial family once lost someone they never should have, and that loss still casts a shadow to this day.

That this may even be a distant cause of the current magical beast summoning incident.

That Void Regus—the Sword Saint of that era—might have been involved in the past incident.

“Archduke Kharon promised to explain everything in detail to Liana and me once the ‘Magical Beast Investigation’ is over. He also said he wouldn’t mind if Thor Canaan-sama were present. If you wish, we would be delighted for you to join us.”

“Archduke Kharon said… I could be there too?”

“I, Princess Sophia, guarantee your safety. Though to be honest, Archduke Kharon is a kind person, so there’s no real danger even if you attend…”

“I don’t dislike Archduke Kharon either. But—”

What was that past mistake?

And our grandfather—Void Regus was involved in it…?

I’ve never heard anything from my grandfather. Of course, not from my father either.

I know almost nothing about my grandfather.

He, in turn, had no interest in me.

Or rather, my father once said, “You think you can stand before the former Sword Saint, you wretch!” and wouldn’t let me meet him.

On top of that, by the time I became aware of things, my grandfather was already drowning in alcohol.

We never even had the chance to talk. He was killed by bandits during a journey and died just like that.

Of course, I’m curious about my grandfather’s past.

“However, I will have to relay everything I hear to the Demon Lord’s side… to Her Majesty the Demon Lord and Mabel and the others. Is that acceptable?”

“I don’t mind.”

At my words, Princess Sophia nodded.

“Since Thor Canaan-sama has been granted permission to attend, I believe Archduke Kharon is aware of that possibility.”

“I may report everything exactly as I hear it, is that still alright?”

“I don’t think it will be a problem. I believe Archduke Kharon will simply omit anything he does not wish shared with those in the Demon Lord’s domain.”

“Understood. Then, I will be present at the meeting.”

I bowed to Princess Sophia.

“I am grateful for this valuable opportunity. Princess Sophia, Princess Liana.”

“Please, think nothing of it. We’re the ones who requested your company, after all.”

“Y-yes. Alchemist-sama.”

Though Princess Sophia and Princess Liana said that… this is a truly valuable opportunity for me.

Perhaps I’ll learn why the Empire ended up the way it is now.

Maybe even the secrets behind the Hero Summoning.

Well, at this point, there’s no reason to summon a hero and make them fight.

Ah, but asking about magic items from the Hero’s world sounds great.

Summon one, show them the “Mail Order Catalog,” and interrogate them about the secrets behind the magic items listed. That’s a great idea. A really great idea.

And then just send them right back, so there’s no impact on this world.

But… would we even be able to talk with that warrior race?

What if they’re like a stronger version of my dad or the Imperial soldiers?

…Yeah, maybe I’d better stay away from Hero Summoning after all.

Anyway, I’ll definitely listen to the Archduke’s story. That’s decided. I can’t afford to miss such a chance.

The problem is how to record everything he says without missing anything.

I want to relay every detail accurately to Rukie and Mabel.

But I can’t exactly be jotting notes on parchment while listening. That would only make Archduke Kharon suspicious.

Which means, I need to create a magic item for recording.

…Come to think of it, I think I saw a recording magic item in the “Mail Order Catalog.”

The one with the slogan, “With this item, even your annoying boss is knocked out.”

Apparently, it can be used for recording and magic. I’ll check it out once I get back.

“Then, I’ll make preparations before I meet with the Archduke.”

“Yes. I’ll talk to him myself once I return to the town of Nosa.”

Princess Sophia said she would inform me once the schedule was set.

I’ll make sure to talk with Her Majesty the Demon Lord and Chancellor Kelve by then.

And thus, the secret meeting ended, and Princess Sophia and Princess Liana returned to the bath.

Thanks to the “Shuwa-Shuwa Bath,” there was no worry of catching a chill.

But still, I couldn’t keep facing the two of them while they were just wearing bathrobes.

Maybe because it was her second time, Princess Sophia remained completely composed.

But Princess Liana—perhaps realizing what she’d just explained about the Holy Sword—turned beet red, as if steam might rise from her head.

In the end, she pressed her cheeks with both hands and returned to the bath without even looking in my direction.

And then, a short while later—

“Haaah…”

Once again, sighs escaped from the two who were soaking in the bath.

“…Thor Canaan-sama, I have a request.”

Suddenly, Princess Liana murmured.

“So that I don’t stray from the right path… together with my sister… would you watch over me?”

“Watch over you?”

“…Y-Yes.”

“Do you mean… through letter exchanges?”

I’m in the Demon Lord’s territory, and Princess Sophia is in the town of Nosa.

We can’t directly watch over Princess Liana.

So, it would have to be from afar…

“…Yes, exactly.”

After a moment, Princess Liana’s whispering voice reached me.

“I’m still inexperienced. I want to grow from here on… but I might make mistakes like I did before. However, if my respected sister and the alchemist are watching over me, I feel like I’ll be able to avoid making those mistakes.”

Saying that, Princess Liana took a deep breath and continued.

“In front of Alchemist Thor, I can take off the garments of a princess… and just be a girl. In front of my sister, I am simply her younger sister, Liana. I want to live in a way that won’t bring shame to myself in front of you two, who truly understand the real me. So…”

“I understand.”

I spoke.

“I did promise before to exchange letters with Princess Liana. Together with Princess Sophia, I’ll watch over you through our letters.”

“Thank you, Alchemist Thor.”

“Then, I’ll handle the delivery of the letters.”

Princess Sophia smiled.

It was the kind of voice that sounded like she couldn’t help but find her clumsy little sister adorable, despite the exasperation.

“I’m sorry, Thor Canaan-sama. Liana is… a difficult child.”

“Is that so?”

“She’s a natural genius, very intuitive. Once she gets an idea in her head, there’s no stopping her. When she gets absorbed in one thing, she forgets everything else. She doesn’t even realize her own condition unless someone tells her. Thanks to training, she’s able to keep up the appearance of a proper princess in formal situations… but as her sister, I’m still worried.”

Snap — there was a sound like a string being plucked.

Mabel whispered to me, “That was probably the shoulder strap of her bathrobe snapping.”

Now that I think about it, she did that earlier too. I wonder what it means.

“…Thank you for the advice, Oneesan.”

With a fading voice, Princess Liana murmured.

Then, as if sharing a secret, Princess Sophia whispered:

“But that’s also what makes Liana so lovable, Thor Canaan-sama.”

“O-Oneesan!? What are you saying!?”

“Oh? Isn’t it natural for a big sister to boast about her little sister?”

Princess Liana’s flustered voice, and Princess Sophia’s cheerful one.

Mabel and I, from the hidden room, listened to their exchange.

And so, a gentle time passed—and the bath time came to an end.

The two of them thanked Mabel and me and left the bathing area.

Mabel left the hidden room first and confirmed that the two had left the bath and dressing room.

When she called me over, I found her holding two bathrobes and tilting her head.

“What’s wrong, Mabel?”

“It’s nothing.”

Saying that, Mabel bundled the two bathrobes together and placed them into a “Miniature Portable Storage.”

Then, we returned once again to the hidden room.

We waited until Princess Sophia, Princess Liana, and their escorts had left before heading outside ourselves.

“Good work, Thor-sama, Mabel.”

“Thanks for keeping watch, Agnis.”

“Oh, it was nothing at all.”

Agnis, dressed in her maid uniform, smiled.

We left the resting area and headed toward the market tents.

Today was full of harvest.

I got to see Mabel and Agnis in outfits they don’t usually wear, and I got to talk with Princess Sophia and Princess Liana. It was almost too fulfilling for a day off.

“Well then, shall we go shopping before heading back?”

“Yes. I’d like to buy some ingredients.”

“I saw some delicious-looking fruit at the market tents!”

I’ll also check once more to see if there are any good materials I can use for alchemy.

With those thoughts in mind, we headed once again toward the tents where the market was being held.

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