Kays Translations

Chapter 107: Welcoming Her Majesty the Demon Lord (2)

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『IC Recorder (Voice Recorder)』

Unpleasant bosses? Knock them out with this!

With our company’s IC Recorder (Voice Recorder), deliver a decisive blow to unreasonable people!

Do you have bosses or clients who push impossible demands on you?

Do you want to fight back, but the power difference makes it impossible to confront them?

Work troubles—everyone has them, right?

For people like that, we recommend our “IC Recorder”!

Our “IC Recorder” is ultra high-functioning.

It records any words clearly and plays back the exact voice of the speaker.

(It has passed our company’s unique quality assurance tests).

Playback at double speed, 2x speed, 4x speed, and even 16x speed is possible.

Even at double speed, the audio remains clear.

The voice played back without distortion will have a great effect.

Your unexpected counterattack will surely surprise and fluster your opponent!

To protect yourself from powerful adversaries, please use our company’s “IC Recorder”!

────────────

“…So such an item exists, huh.”

“…That’s surprising.”

Rukie and Mabel sighed after hearing my explanation.

“I understand the ability of this so-called ‘IC Recorder.’ So, Thor thinks this item is the source of power for the ‘Instant Caster’?”

“Yes. After all, it ‘records any words’ and ‘plays back the exact voice of the speaker.’”

“And it can also play back at sixteen times speed…”

Apparently, it can also knock out a ‘hateful boss’—in other words, even higher-ranking heroes.

Whether it pierces the opponent’s defense or exploits their weakness… probably the latter.

Probably, this “IC Recorder” records magical chants in advance so they can be played back whenever desired.

Moreover, playback speed ranges from 4x to 16x.

If you can chant and activate magic at that speed, it’s no wonder it’s powerful.

If magic flies at sixteen times speed, there’s no way to counter it.

“In other words… this is an item that allows heroes to become ‘Instant Casters’…?”

“I think Mabel is right. ‘Instant Caster,’ ‘Interrupt Caster,’ and ‘Infinite Caster’ all start with the initials ‘IC.’”

“So, the ‘IC Recorder’ symbolizes ‘Instant,’ ‘Interrupt,’ and ‘Infinite.’”

“Therefore, that’s probably why it’s named the ‘IC Recorder.’”

Rukie and Mabel sighed.

“The official name might be ‘Recorder for IC Instant Caster.’”

When I said this, Rukie and Mabel nodded.

Both wore tense expressions. Understandably so.

Even in the Demon Lord’s territory, the legend remains that the ‘Instant Caster’ repeatedly cast spells without chanting.

For the Demon Lord’s army who actually fought him, that hero must have been a terrifying threat.

Since this ‘IC Recorder’ is the item symbolizing the strength of the ‘Instant Caster,’

“I… when I read the legend of the ‘Instant Caster,’ I thought about it,”

Mabel muttered softly.

“That hero reportedly unleashed a large amount of freezing magic immediately after announcing himself. I’ve always wondered—how was that possible…?”

“I know that story. ‘I am the strongest magician! Demon Lord’s army, fear and praise my name!’ while casting ‘Gigantic Blizzard!!’ right?”

“Y-Yes, that’s it.”

“At that time, he blew away numerous demi-humans with a massive blizzard…”

“It should be impossible to cast such a huge spell without chanting…”

“That must have been the power of the ‘IC Instant Cast Recorder.’”

Rukie nodded while looking at the ‘mail order catalog.’

“He probably pre-recorded the spell into the ‘IC Recorder.’ In battle, he played it back while announcing his name. The chanting was drowned out by his voice, so no one could hear it.”

“Maybe he played it back at about sixteen times speed then.”

“It must have been an incredibly fast speech. To those who don’t know the ‘IC Recorder,’ it probably sounded like noise.”

“But Your Majesty, can magic really activate even if chanted at sixteen times speed?”

“There are those who chant quickly even in this world.”

“That’s true. Besides, it’s a hero we’re talking about.”

“Indeed. If it’s the hero, it can’t be helped.”

“The fact that hero confidently called himself ‘Instant Caster’ and ‘Interrupt Caster’ means he trusted the function of the ‘IC Recorder.’”

“Otherwise, there’d be no point in proudly calling himself that.”

“Really, the technology in the hero’s world is amazing…”

Rukie and Mabel continued talking seriously while looking at the ‘mail order catalog.’

“…He really was a terrifying being… the ‘Instant Caster’…”

“…Your Majesty?”

Looking closely, Rukie’s body was trembling slightly.

Maybe… she’s scared of the ‘Instant Caster.’

…That’s right. That guy fought Rukie’s ancestor.

Since Rukie is a Demon Lord, she may have heard directly about that hero’s strength and abilities from her family.

Seeing the magic item that ‘Instant Caster’ used would naturally be frightening.

“The tea has gone cold. I’ll bring you something warm.”

Suddenly, Mabel stood up.

“I’ll also prepare some warm sweets. Please warm yourself up, Rukie-sama.”

“Well then, until then, please use this.”

I took a cloth out of the ‘Ultra-Compact Simple Storage’ and draped it over Rukie’s knees.

It was an uncut ‘Water Magic Weave Cloth.’ Leftover from when I made a bathrobe, it clings tightly to the body and prevents body heat from escaping.

“Y-Yes. Thank you, Thor.”

Rukie looked at me and smiled.

“I… was told many times about the terror of the ‘Instant Caster’ when I was little. I just couldn’t help trembling.”

“That’s understandable. That hero was astonishingly combative.”

“They also called him a ‘Magic Berserker.’”

“This ‘IC Recorder’ is the item that hero used, right…?”

I muttered while looking at Rukie.

“In that case, maybe it’s better not to make this.”

It’s a convenient item, but I don’t think I want to make it to the point of frightening Rukie.

Because the story about Archduke Kharon  can be recorded with a different item.

That’s what I thought, but──

“No, if it’s an item made by Thor, that’s a different story.”

Suddenly, Rukie placed her hand on top of mine.

On my lap, wrapped in the “Magic Weave Cloth.”

There, Rukie tightly gripped my hand.

“There is no way Thor’s item could be something evil. Besides, as the Demon Lord, I must understand the power of the Hero well. To learn their techniques and prepare for new magical beasts or heroes who might appear again in the distant future.”

“…Rukie-sama.”

“Therefore, I grant permission, Thor.”

Rukie leaned her shoulder against me, showed her teeth, and smiled.

“Go ahead and make this ‘IC Recorder.’ Record the Archduke Kharon’s voice and let me hear its contents. It is for us to know and learn about humans.”

“Understood, Rukie-sama.”

“Still… I wonder why the Hero created such an item.”

Tracing the photo of the ‘IC Recorder’ with her finger, Rukie tilted her head.

“The Hero is already strong enough. There shouldn’t be a need for an item to chant spells. Also, I do not understand why they were fighting with their superior or business partners…”

“If they have superiors, it would be a Great Hero or Mythical Hero, right?”

“A stronger Hero? Perhaps those beings managed the heroes who seek to be the strongest.”

“As for business partners, maybe they were other heroes exchanging magical beast materials.”

“That’s a plausible story.”

“Since they were fighting… maybe the Hero world had heroes competing against each other to create the truly strongest hero.”

“I see! Then it makes sense why the ‘IC Recorder’ is necessary.”

“In that case… how to bring the ‘IC Recorder’ without the superiors noticing would be a decisive tactic.”

“Maybe so. But for heroes to always be in such a tense battle in their world…”

“Perhaps they competed for strength and achievements that way.”

Even in the Empire, nobles fought magical beasts and competed over the results.

If the Hero world laid the foundation for that country, it wouldn’t be strange for them to do the same.

In such a world, the ‘IC Recorder’ would be an important key item.

I told Rukie this story.

“…Heroes competing against each other to be the strongest, huh. Then there must be some who get exhausted and collapse. The Hero world must have enough manpower for that to be possible.”

Rukie nodded as if convinced.

“From the perspective of the Demon Lord’s territory with a small population, that’s enviable.”

“…I wouldn’t say it’s enviable.”

The words slipped out before I could stop them.

“Because I couldn’t live in a country like that.”

In the Hero world, overflowing with powerful magic items, alchemists aren’t necessary.

And I wouldn’t be able to fight like a hero either.

If I had been born in the Hero world… I probably wouldn’t have been able to live there.

“I don’t think Rukie-sama needs to envy the Hero world. Even if the Hero world has a large population and people full of talent, it doesn’t matter. Um… what I want to say is—”

…I can’t seem to put it well.

But Rukie listened with a curious expression.

I need to make it clear.

What I want to say is… um.

“──I like the Demon Lord’s territory where Rukie-sama is.”

I said.

“──!?”

Rukie’s eyes went wide.

Maybe it was hard to understand.

I’ll explain more simply…

“I’m happy to be near Rukie-sama in the Demon King’s territory. Everyone here works with vitality. I can tell they all respect Rukie-sama. I think I’m very lucky to be able to serve such a Rukie-sama.”

“…Th-Thor? What are you saying all of a sudden?”

“No, I’m just saying I like the Demon Lord’s territory more than the Hero world.”

“I-I see.”

“It’s because it’s the Demon Lord’s territory that I can enjoy making magic items. I also focus on magical swords because I want to repay Rukie-sama, and of course, because Rukie-sama with a magical sword would look really cool, you know?”

“…Uh, uhmm?”

“It’s great, right? Rukie-sama wearing the ‘Recognition Inhibition’ mask and robe, throwing the shadow blade ‘Shuz vadorbann’.”

“…”

“Moreover, since I know Rukie-sama’s true face, while watching Rukie-sama swinging a sword in the ‘Recognition Inhibition’ state, I can imagine Rukie-sama’s real face swinging the sword. It’s like enjoying twice… or rather, I feel like I’m monopolizing Rukie-sama’s true face, which is really—”

“E-Enough, Thor!”

Bang.

Rukie suddenly let go of my hand.

Then she pressed both cheeks and turned away.

“…Sorry, Rukie-sama. I just…”

Oh no. I got too carried away.

“Anyway, what I want to say is that I like the Demon Lord’s territory ruled by Rukie-sama more than the Hero world.”

“I-I understand. I understand your feelings very well.”

“Sorry for talking so one-sidedly…”

“That’s fine. It’s fine… so,”

Rukie pressed her chest and nodded.

Then, as if filled with determination, took a deep breath, and said,

“A-Anyway, about the ‘IC Recorder’!?”

“Y-Yes. It was about the ‘IC Recorder.’”

“I don’t mind if you make it. Since it’s you, Thor, you probably already have an idea how to make it, right?”

“That’s right. I’m thinking of referencing the ‘Improved Body Pillow.’”

We know that personal information is contained in magic power from making the ‘Improved Body Pillow.’

Applying that, it should be possible to reproduce the voice ‘as if the individual chanted on the spot.’

“It may take some time, but I don’t think activating magic with the ‘IC Recorder’ is technically difficult.”

“I see.”

“Well, if it’s just recording and playing back audio, I can do that right away.”

I activated ‘Creation Alchemy.’

Then I took out the ‘Wind Magic Stone’ and ‘Water Magic Stone’ from the ‘Ultra-Compact Simple Storage.’

If it’s an item that plays back only voice, I think I can make it right here.

Since voice is vibrations in the air, the ‘Wind Magic Stone’ should be able to record and play back those vibrations.

Right… I should talk while pouring magic power into the ‘Wind Magic Stone.’ If I add the ‘Water Magic Stone’ as well, it might be possible to preserve it long-term.

Wind magic has the meaning of ‘circulation.’ In other words, it’s like storing the vibrations of the voice and circulating them around in water.

When needed, it can be converted back to air vibrations through the ‘Wind Magic Stone.’

Yeah. In theory, this should work.

The exterior… since it’s a prototype, just wrapping it in ‘Earth Magic Weave Cloth’ will be fine.

The ‘Earth Magic Weave Cloth’ is durable and lets both voice and magic power pass through.

If I make it bag-shaped and wrap it up, the prototype will be complete.

“──It’s done. This is the prototype ‘Voice Recorder.’”

──────────────────

‘Voice Recorder (Prototype)’

(Attribute: Wind Wind ・ Water)

(Rarity: ★★★☆)

Using multiple ‘Wind Magic Stones,’ it records and plays back audio.

The ability of the ‘Water Magic Stones’ allows long-term preservation of the audio.

The ‘Voice Recorder’ is a simple item for audio recording.

You hold it in your hand and just speak while pouring in magical power to record the voice.

To play back, you simply think ‘I want to play it back’ and pour in magical power.

However, it can only record and play back voices.

Unlike an ‘IC Recorder,’ it cannot activate magic through voice commands.

Therefore, the name is not ‘IC Instant Caster Recorder’ but ‘Voice Audio Recorder.’

Physical destruction resistance: ★☆ (Since it’s made of cloth, durability is relatively low)

Durable for six months.

One year of user support included. However, recorded audio data is not covered under warranty.

──────────────────

“──That’s what it is.”

“You really made it in no time at all…”

Rukie was quietly staring at the bag-shaped ‘Voice Recorder’ I handed her.

She placed it in the palm of her hand, rolled it around, and seemed to be checking its size and feel.

“Please try saying something, Rukie-sama.”

“…U-um. Yes, well then.”

Rukie took a deep breath.

“Well then, I will speak.”

“Go ahead.”

“…Hmmmm.”

“Rukie-sama?”

In front of the prototype ‘Voice Recorder,’ Rukie fell completely silent.

“…It’s nerve-wracking to have one’s own voice recorded.”

“That’s true. It’s a technology that doesn’t exist in this world.”

“…U-um.”

Rukie poured magical power into the bag-shaped ‘Voice Recorder.’

Then she took a deep breath — opened her mouth —

“It’s strange… I can’t get the words out properly.”

“Maybe it’s because you’re the Demon Lord, Rukie-sama.”

Rukie is the Demon Lord. That status grants power over others.

She can command someone or judge someone.

Perhaps, because of her position as Demon Lord, she feels resistance to having her words recorded.

“…Yes, that’s right. As Thor says.”

Rukie placed the ‘Voice Recorder’ on the table.

“The words of me, the Demon Lord, have meaning… Indeed, Thor, you observe well…”

“For now, I’ll try experimenting.”

I picked up the ‘Voice Recorder.’

I poured magical power into the ‘Wind Magic Stones’ and put it into recording mode.

Then —

“…I think it was good to come to the Demon Lord’s territory.”

I repeated the words I just spoke.

This way, there’s no problem if anyone hears them.

“Everyone in the Demon Lord’s territory works energetically. I am glad to have become a member of such a place. In other words, I like the Demon Lord’s territory ruled by Rukie-sama.”

This is good.

Next, I put magical power into the ‘Water Magic Stones’ to set it into preservation mode.

Then, if I activate the ‘Wind Magic Stones’ again —

‘…I think it was good to come to the Demon Lord’s territory.’

The audio played back.

Alright. Success.

‘──I like the Demon Lord’s territory ruled by Rukie-sama.’

When my words ended, the ‘Voice Recorder’ stopped.

When I ‘appraised and grasped’ it — I could see the vibrations of sound circulating inside the ‘Water Magic Stones.’ It seemed the recorded sound was being well maintained.

However, the recording time is short. Probably just a few minutes at most.

To extend this, we’d have to increase the number of magic stones or adjust the preservation method.

Still, it’s enough as a prototype.

Although it doesn’t have the ‘Instant Casting’ function, it can record and play back audio.

“This is the function it has. How is it, Rukie-sama?”

“……”

“…Why are you turning your back to me?”

“…It’s nothing.”

Rukie turned her back to me and sipped her cold tea.

That’s strange.

The ‘Voice Recorder’ should have worked properly…

“…Thor.”

“Yes, Rukie-sama?”

“Can the voice on this ‘Voice Recorder’ be preserved for a long time?”

“Yes. If magical power is poured regularly into the ‘Water Magic Stones,’ it should last for several months.”

“I have another question — may I keep this prototype for myself?”

“Yes. Of course.”

“I-I see. Then—”

“I’ll make one for you right away, Rukie-sama.”

I activated ‘Creation Alchemy.’

What I just made was wrapped in ‘Earth Magic Woven Cloth,’ plain and without decoration.

If it’s for Rukie, it should be something a bit easier to hold, with a nicer feel—

“N-no. That’s not necessary!”

—Just as I thought so, Rukie raised her hand to stop me.

“I only want to confirm the function! This prototype is fine. This prototype is what I want!”

“No, no, but since it’s for Rukie-sama, it should be proper—”

“I understand your insistence!”

With a sharp gesture, Rukie pointed at me.

“Therefore, I want to use the one you first made and give you my opinions and impressions! Rather than you making small improvements yourself bit by bit, wouldn’t it be better to take other people’s opinions and improve it all at once!? Isn’t that right!? Isn’t it!?”

“Y-Yes!”

“Right?”

“That’s right. Other people’s opinions are important too. I hadn’t thought of that.”

If I only fixed the parts I want to fix, it might become self-centered.

I might overlook flaws that others notice.

Rukie intends to use the prototype for this reason. Impressive.

“Thank you very much, Rukie-sama.”

“Then, may I keep this prototype?”

“By all means. Please take it.”

I handed the ‘voice recorder’ to Rukie.

Rukie took it and carefully wrapped it with both hands.

She seemed to like it.

“U-um. Then, please try using this ‘voice recorder’ and later give me your impressions—”

“Eh? Thor-sama, have you already made a magic item?”

Before I realized it, Mabel was there holding a tray.

On the tray were steaming tea and freshly baked sweets.

It seemed Mabel had come from the kitchen with some extra sweets.

“Yes. The prototype is ready.”

I answered.

“It’s not the ‘IC Instant Cast Recorder’ for activating magic, but just the ‘voice recorder’ for recording and playback. I want to think a bit more about the mechanism for the ‘IC recorder.’”

“Even so, to make it so quickly… as expected of Thor-sama.”

“Isn’t that right? My alchemist is amazing!”

“Then, may I try using it?”

Mabel said with sparkling eyes.

“Since it’s Thor-sama, you’ve already experimented with it, right? Please allow me to confirm how the recorded audio sounds with these elf ears of mine, Mabel Refrain.”

“Sure. Then, Rukie-sama, please try the prototype—”

“…………”

“Rukie-sama?”

“……………A-alright.”

Rukie handed over the prototype ‘voice recorder.’

But why were her hands shaking?

Why was she lowering her eyes and avoiding looking at Mabel…?

“Then, I shall play it back!”

Rukie infused magic into the ‘voice recorder’—and turned her back.

Then, the voice I had recorded began to play—

“So, that’s how you can record and play back audio.”

“…………”

“…………”

Huh?

Why are they both silent? Rukie and Mabel.

“…Thor-sama, I have a request.”

“Yeah?”

“You said at the trading post, right? If there’s anything I want…”

“That’s right.”

“May I also have a ‘voice recorder’? Not this one that Rukie-sama has, but one of the same kind. After Thor-sama has finished experimenting with it, though.”

“Of course. That’s fine, isn’t it, Rukie-sama?”

“…………Y-yes.”

Rukie nodded—though for some reason, she averted her gaze.

Mabel looked at Rukie kindly and said,

“And also… Your Majesty.”

“U-um? What is it?”

“I love the Demon Lord Territory governed by Rukie-sama, you know.”

Mabel smiled gently and said so.

“I love the calm Demon Lord Territory ruled by Rukie-sama. I love the Demon Lord Territory where Thor-sama resides. Just being together by your sides like this makes me feel happy. So, I love Rukie-sama’s Demon Lord Territory as much as I love Thor-sama’s.”

“…Mabel.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Haven’t you been starting to resemble Thor lately?”

“You say such pleasant things.”

“I’m not praising you, but… oh well.”

Rukie looked serious and turned to me.

“By the way… I almost forgot something important. This ‘voice recorder’ was made to record the stories of Archduke Kharon, wasn’t it?”

“That’s right. I think I’ll have it as an ‘IC recorder’ by then.”

Well, since it’s just listening to the Archduke’s stories, I don’t think it needs combat abilities.

Besides, even if there was an ‘IC recorder,’ I myself can’t use offensive magic. Even if I could, there’s no way I could beat the former Sword Saint Archduke in close combat.

But I intend to complete it.

“I will use this to record Archduke Kharon’s stories and report them to Rukie-sama.”

“Hmm.”

“Of course, the contents will be top secret. The recordings will be entrusted to Rukie-sama. No one else will be allowed to hear them.”

“Hmm. However, I shall allow an exception.”

Rukie held the ‘voice recorder’ and looked at Mabel.

“You may also let Mabel hear the Archduke’s stories.”

“…Your Majesty?”

Mabel tilted her head at Rukie’s words.

“I don’t think I could be of any help by hearing the Empire’s information…?”

“Archduke Kharon said, ‘The Empire once lost something precious,’ right?”

Rukie looked straight into Mabel’s eyes and said,

“And that was a story from the Archduke’s childhood. Then, isn’t it close to the time when Mabel’s grandmother came to the Demon Lord Territory?”

“…Ah.”

“Now that you mention it, Mabel’s grandmother was from the Empire, wasn’t she?”

I had heard that Mabel’s grandmother was human when I used the ‘foot bath.’

But I didn’t know when exactly she came to the Demon Lord Territory.

“Mabel’s grandmother came to the Demon Lord Territory when she was young. She had lost all her memories, though. I believe it was about forty years ago.”

“About forty years ago?”

What was the Empire like back then?

That country has quite a history of civil wars and conflicts.

I don’t know which of those might be related to Mabel’s grandmother.

“There were probably conflicts and civil wars in the Empire at that time as well… but the history books didn’t have many details. Only the names of the ringleaders were recorded.”

“Maybe there was an incident among those that the Archduke should talk about. It’s possible some villagers were driven out of the country because of it.”

Saying that, Rukie looked at Mabel.

“I want to tell Mabel who her grandmother really was. People are naturally curious about where they come from and who their ancestors were.”

“I appreciate your feelings, Your Majesty.”

Mabel bowed deeply toward Rukie.

“But… I’m not really interested in my grandmother’s roots.”

Saying that, Mabel took my hand.

The hand that had been a little chilly before had become warm thanks to the continuous use of the “foot bath” and the “fizzy bath.”

Entwining her slender fingers with mine, Mabel smiled once again.

“I am an elf born in the Demon Lord’s territory, and I serve Thor-sama. By fortune, I became a childhood friend of Her Majesty, and also became friends with Agnis-sama. That is enough. That is all there is to me. Everything important to me is in the Demon Lord’s territory.”

“…Mabel.”

“Excuse me, Your Majesty.”

Mabel took Rukie’s hand with her free hand.

She held our hands close to her chest, as if they were treasures—

“My place—my place as Mabel Refrain is here. The place where Your Majesty, Thor-sama, and Agnis-sama are is my place. I want it here. I don’t really want to know what kind of person my grandmother was… Knowing that would… shake the current me… just a little… and that scares me.”

“I understand, Mabel.”

I nodded.

When I reached out my hand, for some reason Mabel bowed her head as if she wanted me to stroke her.

Like I was being led, I placed my hand on Mabel’s hair.

Her silver, soft hair touched my hand.

When I stroked it just a little, Mabel narrowed her eyes in pleasure.

“…Hehe. Thor-sama has stroked me.”

“Um, Rukie-sama, about Archduke Kharon.”

“U-um.”

Rukie nodded, still holding Mabel’s hand.

I continued.

“I don’t think there will be an opportunity to ask Archduke Kharon questions directly. I will only be present as Sophia Princess and Liana Princess listen.”

“U-um. That’s right.”

“So, I don’t think we can speak out loud about Mabel’s grandmother there.”

“That’s right. As Thor says. Also, it’s not wise to leak Mabel’s information to the Empire side. It’s the privacy of an important childhood friend after all…”

Then, Rukie waved her hand as if trying to brush it off,

“Let me say this, I did not intend to use information about Mabel’s grandmother for political strategy. I just wanted to tell you if it would clarify Mabel’s roots… No other intentions.”

“I understand. Your Majesty is a kind person.”

“…Is that so?”

“If not, would you not have taken my hand?”

“I just liked the feel of Mabel’s hand.”

“Thank you very much, Your Majesty.”

“U-um.”

“By the way, Your Majesty. I am currently placing your hand and Thor-sama’s hand together… what are your impressions of Thor-sama’s hand?”

“…I felt it earlier, but it really is a boy’s hand. Surprisingly rough. It’s strange to think all sorts of items come from this hand. But the texture is not bad. Rather, it’s calming—Wait, what are you making me say!?”

“Thor-sama, did you hear that?”

“Yeah. Of course.”

Right now, Rukie, Mabel, and I have our hands stacked together, with Mabel in the middle.

Somehow, it’s very embarrassing.

It’s calming but ticklish, and very awkward. What is this?

Um…

“Excuse me, Rukie-sama. Please lend me a ‘voice recorder.’ Also, can you say the lines from just now one more time—”

“Don’t be unreasonable!”

“Oh? Your Majesty, is it unreasonable to hand the ‘voice recorder’ to Thor-sama? Or is it unreasonable to say your impressions again…?”

“Enough! Do not invade a maiden’s innermost feelings!! Thor and Mabel, stop cornering the Demon Lord with words────!!”

The voice of Demon Lord Rukie echoed inside the “Simple Storage.”

After that, we continued the tea party again.

For the time being, permission was granted to produce the ‘IC recorder’ and the ‘prototype demon sword.’

Since neither is something to be widely distributed in the Demon Lord’s territory, Chancellor Kelve’s approval is not required.

When the tea party ended, Rukie left the “Simple Storage” and headed to the mansion’s great hall.

It seems preparations will be made to set up the countermeasures headquarters.

We decided to stay at the mansion for the night.

Since Agnis is holding a welcome party for the Demon Lord’s group, we stayed just in case.

“Then, I’ll start working on producing the ‘IC recorder’ from tomorrow.”

I said to Mabel.

“In the meantime, I have one request for you.”

“Yes. Please say whatever you want.”

“Rukie-sama said she would accompany us for the prototype demon sword experiment, right?”

“Yes. She said so.”

“I want you to choose the clothes she will wear then.”

I spread out the ‘mail order catalog’ before Mabel.

This book is a treasure trove of magic items, but there are a few clothes listed as well.

There is a section called ‘Seasonal items,’ and in it were some swimsuits.

Bathing clothes are risky as they can slip when moving, but swimsuits are not a problem.

Moreover, those listed here seem to be used by educational institutions in the hero world.

There are words like ‘official’ and ‘certified.’

That means the quality is good, and it would be okay to wear them in official situations.

“From the swimsuits on this page, could you choose one that would suit Rukie-sama? Something easy to move in and that makes it easy to sense magical flow.”

“Yes. Something that won’t slip or fall even when swinging a sword would be good.”

“? Y-yeah. That’s right.”

“Understood. Leave it to Mabel Refrain!”

Mabel patted her chest confidently.

That’s reassuring.

There should be a few days before we hear Archduke Kharon’s story.

By then, I’ll finish the ‘IC recorder.’

For now, just the recording function would be fine, but since I’m making it, it has to be perfect.

I’ll add a chant playback function and a fast-forward function.

That way, Rukie can cast dark magic while swinging the demon sword, and Mabel can create water while cleaning. It’s cool and convenient.

“Alright, let’s do our best starting tomorrow, Mabel.”

“Yes, Thor-sama!”

And so, we enjoyed the Demon Lord Rukie welcome dinner at General Reisenga’s mansion—

The next day, we returned to the workshop and began work.

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