Kays Translations

Chapter 106: “Welcoming Her Majesty the Demon Lord (1)”

After parting ways with Princess Sophia and the others, we continued shopping for a while.

Because I wanted to enjoy the holiday with Mabel and Agnis, who were wearing clothes different from usual.

By the way, what the two of them bought at the trading post were food and luxury goods.

Mabel was delighted to have gotten some rare tea.

Agnis bought some sweet fruit. She said it would be tomorrow’s snack.

However, I couldn’t buy presents for them here.

Both Mabel and Agnis insisted they didn’t particularly want anything.

In the end, the only thing I bought was sweets.

There were things like sweets and dried fruits that couldn’t be obtained in the Demon Lord’s territory.

As for the presents… I decided to secretly ask them later what they want, and I would make them myself.

Speaking of which, that strange merchant we found at the trading post apparently closed up shop and left southwards afterward.

Since that’s a different direction from the town of Nosa, it doesn’t seem like he was following Princess Sophia.

Maybe he was just an unusual, but ordinary, merchant.

Just in case, I relayed the information that “there was such a person” to Princess Sophia through the pixie fairy.

If it turns out to be nothing, then that’s fine.

After we finished shopping and returned to the Reisenga territory—

“Alchemist-sama! Please come to General Reisenga’s mansion immediately. Her Majesty the Demon Lord is here!”

The civil official, Erte, was waiting for us at the edge of the forest.

I immediately took out a change of clothes from my “Ultra-Small Simple Storage.”

The clothes I was wearing now were for traveling and could get dirty. Mabel was wearing a cute one-piece dress, and Agnis had a maid outfit on.

Fortunately, all three of us had packed changes of clothes inside the “Ultra-Small Simple Storage.”

So, we decided to change into proper clothes suitable for greeting Rukie.

With that, we headed back into the forest.

We were really in a hurry, so the three of us changed clothes with our backs against a single tree.

We might have seen a bit too much of each other, but there was no time to worry about it. In fact, we just accepted it and helped each other change.

We only calmed down after leaving the forest.

Then we took the carriage prepared by Erte to General Reisenga’s mansion.

When we entered the great hall—

“Oh. Thor, Mabel, and Agnis. You’re back.”

The Demon Lord Rukie was seated in a prepared chair.

Prime Minister Kelve and the Minotaur guard unit were also present.

In the hall, General Reisenga’s adjutants and main subordinates were lined up.

Everyone was looking at Rukie and her close aides with tense faces.

I was surprised too.

To come without notice—what happened to Rukie…?

“We have received word from Reisenga that the ‘Beast Investigation’ and the interrogation of those who summoned the beasts have concluded.”

Rukie, wearing a mask, looked around at us and said.

“This incident is very important and also involves the Empire. I need to hear the report directly and decide what to do next. That is why I have come to this land myself.”

Before us kneeling, Demon Lord Rukie spoke.

Right now, she wore the mask and robe of ‘Recognition Inhibition’—the Demon Lord style.

Her apparent height was around two meters.

She sat in a tall chair and looked over me, Mabel, Agnis, and the people of Reisenga territory.

Her expression was completely hidden behind the golden mask.

But the Demon Lord style Rukie is nice too.

The horns look more impressive and bigger than usual, and the flowing black robe is cool.

The golden mask is mysterious.

If her bare face is the pinnacle of beauty, then the Demon Lord style Rukie might be the pinnacle of mystery.

…What kind of magic sword would suit this appearance of Rukie?

For example—if I wanted to show the strength of the Demon Lord, maybe a double-edged greatsword would be good.

About 1.5 meters long.

If the blade were thickened and had power enough to cut steel—wait, in that case Rukie couldn’t wield it in her true form.

Her bare face Rukie is quite petite and light.

So… maybe a curved single-edged magic sword would be better.

If she carried it on her back, it would be easier to draw.

When in Demon Lord style, she could wear it on her waist, and in her true form, on her back.

That would suit both versions of Rukie perfectly.

Alright. The concept is decided.

I’ll use what I learned from Princess Liana about how to use a holy sword to make a magic sword for Rukie.

First, I need to prepare the materials… No, before that, I need to make an item to record the Archduke’s report. There was also an item to improve water facilities.

But since I want to use the knowledge of the holy sword, maybe the magic sword should come first.

I’m troubled.

There are too many items I want to make. What should I do…?

“Alchemist Thor. What are you so lost in thought about?”

I realized Demon Lord style Rukie was looking down at me.

“My apologies, Your Majesty the Demon Lord.”

I messed up. Even though I’m in front of Rukie, I was lost in thought.

This isn’t the workshop, nor inside the ‘Simple Storage.’

I’m not in a state to chat casually with Rukie.

Everyone is here. I have to act properly as a subordinate.

“Is there something on your mind? Alchemist Thor.”

Demon Lord style Rukie asked me.

“You just returned from inspecting the trading post, didn’t you? If you’re tired, you may rest.”

“Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. But I’m fine.”

I answered while still kneeling.

“I was just admiring Her Majesty the Demon Lord  since it’s been a while since I last saw you. I apologize.”

“──!?”

“I will be careful from now on, so please forgive me.”

“N-no… it’s fine. That’s not a problem.”

Demon Lord Rukie cleared her throat behind the mask.

Then, looking around at the people gathered in the hall,

“It’s we, Kelve  and I, who suddenly came to this land. It’s understandable that everyone in the Reisenga territory is confused.”

Rukie began to speak slowly in a voice full of dignity.

“As I said before, we came here to hear the report on the ‘Beast Investigation’ from Flame General Reisenga. Also, it is necessary to negotiate with the Empire in various matters from now on. After consulting by letter with Reisenga, we decided to set up a countermeasure headquarters in this land.”

“““Oh…”””

At Rukie’s words, the people of Reisenga territory sighed.

Waiting for that to settle, Rukie continued.

“Since this place is near the border, we can respond quickly to anything. Also, it is necessary to calm the people shaken by the appearance of a new species of beast. Therefore, Kelve and I will stay in this land for a while.”

Demon Lord Rukie looked at Prime Minister Kelve and nodded.

Taking that as a cue, Kelve took out a parchment and began to speak.

“We will station civil officials at the Countermeasure Headquarters to carry out analysis and responses. Specifically, they will be in charge of negotiations with the town of Nosa, the capital of the Empire, and Archduke Kharon Listan. Once matters settle down, the headquarters is expected to be disbanded.”

Looking around at the people in the mansion—including me—Kelve continued.

“We’ll also need cooperation from everyone in the Reisenga territory. I ask for your support.”

“““Understood!”””

The people in the mansion, as well as the minotaur soldiers, all raised their voices in unison.

“However, Chancellor-sama, if I may, we would have appreciated it if we had received notice a little earlier.”

A man with a red beard—the deputy to General Reisenga—raised his hand and spoke.

“If so, we could have prepared a proper welcome on behalf of the entire territory.”

“I apologize for the delay in communication. However, the matter was urgent.”

Chancellor Kelve said.

“Now is the ideal timing to mobilize a large number of troops in the Demon Lord’s territory.”

Furthermore, Demon Lord-style Rukie continued the explanation.

“This time’s ‘Magical Beast Summoning’ involved agents of the Empire. Even the Imperial Archduke has confirmed it. At this timing, even if we mobilize many troops, the Empire cannot complain. We’re moving troops to calm the people who have been disturbed due to the Empire’s actions.”

“…So that’s the reason.”

“With a strong military presence here, the people will feel at ease. It will also help in the development of the mines. For those shaken by the incident involving a new species of magical beast, it will become a psychological support.”

Saying so, Rukie nodded.

As expected of Demon Lord Rukie. A precise response.

Normally, if the Demon Lord’s domain stationed a large number of troops near the border, it would raise the Empire’s suspicions. They might think we’re gathering troops to invade.

But this time, the “Magical Beast Investigation” clearly revealed that people from the Empire were summoning beasts. That fact was confirmed by both General Reisenga and Imperial Archduke Kharon Listan.

The Archduke himself fought against the magical beasts and admitted that Imperial soldiers caused harm to the Demon Lord’s domain.

Under those circumstances, the Empire has no grounds to complain if troops are mobilized.

If the troops are moved to calm the citizens distressed by the beasts, the responsibility lies solely with the Empire.

Indeed, Demon Lord Rukie Evergard is reliable.

A king who makes sound judgments and acts swiftly is truly dependable.

“…By the way, it seems it will still take some time for Reisenga to return.”

Suddenly, Demon Lord Rukie murmured.

“If I remember, Reisenga is deliberately proceeding slowly so as not to alarm the Imperial citizens, right?”

“Yes. I was told that soldiers from the Archduchy are accompanying him to the border. They are likely discussing how future exchanges should proceed.”

“I see. Still, we must make good use of our time.”

After hearing Chancellor Kelve’s words, Rukie looked at me.

“Then I shall use this time to hear from those who participated in the ‘Magical Beast Investigation.’ Is anyone here who joined the investigation? Preferably, someone who was present at the negotiation between Reisenga and the Archduke?”

“…Yes, Your Majesty the Demon Lord.”

I raised my hand.

I mean, isn’t that basically calling me out by name…?

“I… no, Alchemist Thor Canaan was present during the negotiations between His Excellency the General and the Imperial Archduke.”

“I see. Then let us speak in a separate room.”

Demon Lord Rukie said after a moment of thought.

“Pardon me, but could a room be prepared? Preferably one near the kitchen. Mabel shall join us as well. It’s been a while—I’d like to drink the tea you make again.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Mabel answered beside me.

And so, preparations immediately began.

While I was talking with Rukie, Agnis was to act as General Reisenga’s representative and take charge of welcoming the Demon Lord’s party. Apparently, she’d also be discussing the “Magical Beast Investigation.”

Of course, what happened at the trading post is a secret.

That’s why Rukie earlier said we had “inspected the trading post.”

The matter regarding Princesses Sophia and Liana is now a top-secret known only to Mabel, Agnis, myself—and Rukie.

“Agnis Freizad. I gratefully accept your sentiment. As the representative of your father Reisenga, please give them a warm welcome.”

“Y-Yes, Your Majesty the Demon Lord!”

“Seeing you without armor and full of energy pleases me as well.”

To the nervous Agnis, Rukie said:

“If you wish to work as Reisenga’s representative, then there is no reason to hold you back. We’ll be in your care for a while, Agnis.”

“I-I’m honored by your words.”

Agnis bowed deeply.

“B-But the only reason I was able to be free like this is entirely thanks to Thor Canaan.”

“Indeed. Then I shall thoroughly inquire about what this person did in this incident.”

Um, Your Majesty the Demon Lord…

Are you perhaps grinning under that mask?

I feel an odd kind of pressure right now…

“Kelve and the others, begin preparations for setting up the Countermeasure Headquarters. Civil officer Erte, please explain the details of this area to Kelve and the other soldiers. Understanding the terrain is vital.”

“We are grateful for Your Majesty’s kindness.”

Chancellor Kelve bowed.

“Then, we shall hear about the ‘Magical Beast Investigation’ from Agnis-sama.”

“Y-Yes. Agnis will explain in detail!”

Agnis nodded again with a nervous expression.

“We’d also love to hear about Agnis-sama’s achievements.”

“We’re eager to know how the General’s daughter performed.”

“I’ve heard that Thor-sama’s magic item was incredibly useful.”

At Agnis’s words, the Minotaur soldiers raised cheerful voices.

Hearing that, Agnis blushed deep red and said,

“T-The one who did all the work was Thor Canaan-sama’s ‘Cleaning Robot’! I think it’d be quicker to show you that!”

“Ah, yes. That’s true.”

Certainly, if we’re going to explain the “Magical Beast Investigation,” having the “Cleaning Robot” would help.

If they see it in action, everyone will understand its functions and effects better.

I took out the spherical “Cleaning Robot” from my “Ultra-Compact Portable Storage.”

“Here you go, Agnis-sama.”

“Ah, thank you very much.”

Agnis presented the “Cleaning Robot” to Chancellor Kelve and said,

“Now then. I will explain in detail how this little one performed.”

“………………Please do.”

Chancellor Kelve muttered in a solemn tone.

Come to think of it, the spherical design was created by Kelve.

Kelve’s gloomy eyes might mean he’s worried whether what he designed is working properly.

The others—Minotaur-san and Erte the civil officer—know that Kelve designed the spherical type.

That’s why everyone’s eyes are shining as they look at Kelve.

“Now then, I shall hear from Thor and Mabel,”

Demon Lord Rukie muttered.

As expected, it felt like he was smiling beneath her mask.

“There is a mountain of things I want to hear. Tell me everything until I am satisfied,”

And so, I was to go with Demon Lord Rukie to the guest room.

“Fufu. As expected, Thor’s ‘simple storage’ is comfortable,”

Demon Lord Rukie said.

This is the ‘simple storage’ placed in the guest room, a corner of General Reisenga’s mansion.

Only Demon Lord Rukie, Mabel, and I are here.

The people around the room have been cleared out, and guards stand in the hallway.

Rukie arranged this so we could talk freely without worries.

Of course Rukie is currently without her mask.

In fact, the moment we entered the ‘simple storage’, she took off her mask and robe on her own.

Apparently, “since I will be forced to take them off soon anyway.” Sorry about that.

Mabel brewed some freshly bought tea.

After serving it, she said, “I’ll go get some honey from the kitchen. It’s delicious on baked sweets,” and left.

She seemed happy to have a tea gathering with Demon Lord Rukie again after a long time.

Of course, I’m happy too.

I had a lot to talk about with Rukie.

But—

“Now then, Thor. Tell me what you have to say,”

—but I was concerned about how Rukie’s smile was so genuine.

Why do I feel more pressure now than when she was wearing her mask?

“The report on the ‘Beast Investigation’ can wait.

Before that, tell me this: you met the empire’s princess at the trading post, yes?”

“Yes. I was supposed to just talk with Princess Sophia,”

“Hmm… so it was not just talking?”

Rukie leaned over the table suddenly.

“Answer me, Thor. You said you were going to talk with the empire’s Princess Sophia at the trading post. What actually happened?”

“Actually… it wasn’t only Princess Sophia. Princess Liana was also there,”

“…What?”

Rukie shrugged and sat back in her chair.

“I see. That makes sense. Princess Liana also took part in the ‘Beast Investigation’. If the twin sister Princess Sophia was meeting with you, it would make sense for her to be present as well. So that’s how it is.”

“Yes. Princess Liana taught me how to use the Holy Sword.”

“I see. How to use the Holy Sword—wait, Thor,”

“What is it?”

“Did the princess summon you to teach you how to use the Holy Sword?

Does the empire’s princess feel that close to you…?”

“No, while talking, Princess Liana said she wanted to thank me for saving her during the ‘Beast Investigation’,”

I said.

“I told her there was no need for thanks, but Princess Liana didn’t seem satisfied with that.

So, I decided to learn how to use the Holy Sword from her.”

“Princess Liana is… surprisingly loyal,”

“She regretted treating me like a tool before,”

“At that time, the military minister named Zagran was with her.

Princess Liana and that person seemed unusually close.

Maybe she was influenced by him,”

“From now on, Princess Sophia will properly educate Princess Liana,”

“Hmm. In that case, let’s see how she fares.”

Demon Lord Rukie grinned slyly.

“By the way, why did you go out of your way to learn how to use the Holy Sword?”

“I’m an alchemist,”

“No, no, it’s a thank-you gift from the princess, right? If you’re going to accept something, wouldn’t you want something more valuable?”

“Hmm. But there’s nothing in particular I want. I get paid by Rukie-sama, and I can make whatever I need myself.”

“…It’s hard to give presents to an alchemist, huh?”

“And besides, I promised before. I’ll give Rukie-sama a magic sword.”

“…Huh?”

Rukie’s mouth dropped open in surprise.

Then her eyes widened to their fullest extent,

“Y-you learned how to use the Holy Sword for something like that!? The empire’s princess said she wanted to thank you, right!? You should be asking for something for yourself!”

“For myself, I am. Because making magic swords is fun,”

Just making them is fun.

If I can make something cool, that’s even better.

If Demon Lord Rukie equips it, just watching makes me excited.

Having her use the magic sword, pointing out flaws, and improving it is something I look forward to.

And on top of that, if the magic sword helps Demon Lord Rukie, that’s the best.

“See? It’s like getting five benefits at once.”

“…Thor,”

“If I understand how the Holy Sword’s magical power works, it will be a reference for making magic swords. Missing an opportunity like this would be unforgivable. And if Princess Liana offers another kind of thanks— What does Rukie-sama  think I am?”

“Are you saying you’re anything other than a surprising, astonishing alchemist?”

“…Putting that aside,”

“…Y-yes,”

“Sorry, but I won’t be able to start making the magic sword right away.”

I said.

“There are items that need to be made in advance. So, making the magic sword might have to wait a little longer. Honestly, I want to prioritize giving a magic sword to Rukie-sama.”

“That’s quite all right. Make it at your own pace, Thor.”

“Yes, I will make it when Rukie-sama has some spare time.”

“When I have some spare time?”

“When making the magic sword, I need Rukie-sama’s help.”

“Help, huh? That’s fine.”

“Thank you. Since it’s a magic sword exclusively for Rukie-sama, I need to check the way magic flows through it as I work.”

“…Huh?”

“Princess Liana demonstrated how to swing the holy sword and how to channel magic. I now roughly understand the flow of internal magic. If we do it the same way, the magic sword perfect for Rukie-sama will—”

“—!? cough cough hack!”

“R-Rukie-sama!?”

“Thor! Are you telling me to pose swinging a sword in the bathhouse!?”

…Ah.

“N-No, that’s not what I meant!”

“Is that so!?”

“No matter what, it’s not to that extent…”

“I see. Since it’s you, Thor, I thought that if you did the same as the princess, the magic sword’s development would go smoothly—”

“—Hah.”

“What was that ‘hah’ just now!? Hey, look this way, Thor!”

As expected of the Demon Lord Rukie Evergard.

There’s no mistake in that idea.

If Rukie herself does it just like Princess Liana, the development of the magic sword will go faster.

If she swings the prototype magic sword and teaches us in detail where in her body she channels magic into the sword and how she senses the flow of internal magic, the work should proceed smoothly.

I see—

“No, that won’t do, Thor-sama.”

Clink.

Mabel placed a plate of baked sweets in front of us.

She must have come back from the kitchen without us noticing.

Mabel drizzled honey on the baked sweets—and then stared intently at me,

“It’s not acceptable to have Her Majesty the Demon Lord swinging a sword while wearing just a bathrobe, Thor-sama.”

“…I know that, Mabel.”

I nodded.

I understand. After all, I’m also a subordinate of Demon Lord Rukie

There’s no way I would make Rukie wear just a bathrobe and have her swing a sword—

“…Though, I don’t mind helping a little.”

“Eh?”

“Since Thor is trying to make a magic sword for me…”

Rukie said that and nodded.

It seems she herself does not particularly object.

Mabel watched Rukie and me for a while, then—

“In that case, I think it would be better if she wore clothes other than a bathrobe.”

After thinking for a moment, she said that.

“The bathrobe is meant for bathing. Because it covers so little cloth, if you move your body too much, it might slip off.”

“Hmm. But wouldn’t moving slowly be fine?”

“Even so. When you’re absorbed in demonstrating sword forms, accidents tend to happen.”

“Accidents happen, huh.”

“They do. Probably. Though I haven’t actually confirmed it.”

“I see.”

“I especially think clothes that wrap around the body are dangerous. Their strings come undone easily. You can even see loosened strings through steam or light.”

“Don’t talk like you’ve seen it yourself.”

“…That’s just a guess. Really.”

Mabel turned to the side and said so.

I see.

Then, we need to think of clothes for magic sword experiments.

Clothes that make it easy to understand body movement and won’t slip or fall off.

I think such clothes were listed in the ‘mail order catalog.’

It should have been in the ‘seasonal products’ section. I’ll check later.

“That’s the situation, Rukie-sama. We’ll make the magic sword once you have free time and the experimental clothes are ready.”

“Y-Yes. That sounds right.”

Rukie nodded at my words.

“Thor is right. Making the magic sword should wait until other problems are solved.”

“That’s true. We also need to hear the Archduke’s story and make items for plumbing.”

“There sure are a lot of things to make.”

“There really are so many it’s troublesome.”

“…Do I look troubled, Mabel?”

“No. Thor-sama, your eyes are sparkling brightly.”

“That’s right.”

Rukie and Mabel laughed after drinking tea.

Then we talked about what happened at the trading post.

About Princess Sophia and Princess Liana. About Mabel and Agnis dressing up. About shopping.

After finishing the conversation—

“Rukie-sama. About hearing the Archduke’s story in ‘Nosa Town,’ may I have your permission?”

I asked Rukie.

An alchemist directly under the Demon Lord is going to make contact with the empire’s Archduke.

Just in case, I need to get permission.

“Of course. I permit it.”

Rukie nodded without hesitation.

“It’s a precious opportunity to hear valuable information from the empire. We cannot let it slip away.”

“Of course, I will report everything I hear to you as well, Rukie-sama.”

“Understood. I will also prepare myself mentally.”

“I will convey every single word exactly as Archduke Kharon says.”

“No, that would be impossible, wouldn’t it?”

“I’ll try. That’s okay, right?”

“No, no, you don’t have to push yourself.”

“I’ll do my best. So──”

“…………”

“…………”

“Thor.”

“Yes.”

“Be honest with me. What do you want to create this time?”

“As expected of Rukie-sama. You read my mind.”

“Anyone could tell. Right, Mabel?”

“That’s right. I had already heard about it beforehand. When you said ‘I want to hear everything,’ I guessed what it was.”

Rukie and Mabel narrowed their eyes and stared intently at me.

Both of them are way too perceptive.

“Actually, I found an item in a ‘mail-order catalog’ that serves as both a combat and voice recorder.”

“An item that serves as both combat and voice recorder!?”

“Moreover, it seems related to one of the top five powerful magicians among the heroes from another world.”

At my words, Rukie and Mabel’s eyes widened.

Well, I hadn’t told Mabel all of this until now.

“Do Rukie-sama and Mabel know about the ‘Instant Caster,’ known as the fastest magician among the heroes from another world?”

“…Yes, we know.”

Rukie nodded in a tense voice.

“He was also called the ‘Interrupt Caster’ because he could cast magic without chanting and interrupt the opponent’s magic.”

“I know too. He was a person who used a huge amount of magic at terrifying speeds, and was also called the ‘Infinite Caster.’”

“That’s right.”

“No one could be unaware of him.”

“He’s famous among the heroes from another world. After all, he voluntarily adopted those nicknames himself.”

That’s true.

That hero apparently made and handed out ‘business cards’ at that time.

The business cards reportedly had his nicknames written on them.

‘Instant Caster’

‘Interrupt Caster’

‘Infinite Caster’

All self-proclaimed. And written in various languages.

The actual business cards have disappeared, but the records remain intact.

That magician could cast magic without chanting—or at speeds multiple times faster than normal—and interrupt the opponent’s magic. His magic level wasn’t particularly high, but he had a huge number of attacks. That’s why the name ‘Infinite Caster’ remained.

I had long wondered about the source of that ability—but—

“In the ‘mail-order catalog,’ there was an item that records voice and shoots it at the opponent. Judging by the name, it might be related to that magician.”

I spread the ‘mail-order catalog’ open before Rukie and Mabel.

“The item’s name is ‘Voice Recorder’—or ‘IC Recorder.’”

“‘IC Recorder,’ you say?”

“Could it be… related to the ‘Infinite Caster’!?”

“Furthermore… it says here: ‘Knock out even your annoying boss with this voice recorder.’ I think the boss refers to someone above the hero. And so—”

I began to explain.

About the terrifying combat item ‘IC Recorder,’ its effects and its power.

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