Kays Translations

Chapter 116: “Reporting Back to Her Majesty the Demon Lord”

After finishing the meeting with Archduke Kharon, Agnis and I returned to the forest near the border area.

Mabel was waiting for us in the forest.

General Reisenga and his subordinate soldiers were with her as well.

“We were waiting for your return, Thor-sama.”

“I’m back, Mabel.”

Seeing Mabel’s face made me feel like I had come back home.

It really seems like the Demon Lord Territory has already become my home.

But I can’t afford to relax.

There is something I have to tell Mabel.

“…Mabel, can I have a moment?”

I whispered in Mabel’s ear, “I have something important to talk about.”

Mabel looked at me with a face that seemed to sense something.

Then, with a gentle expression, she shook her head and said,

“I appreciate your feelings. However, I think you should first report back to Her Majesty the Demon Lord.”

—That’s what she said.

…Mabel can be sharp sometimes.

She might have guessed what I was about to talk about.

Besides, what Mabel said is correct.

Agnis and I met with Archduke Kharon as official envoys from the Demon Lord Territory.

We should first report back — in other words, make a formal report — to Demon Lord Rukie and Chancellor Kelve.

“Sorry, Mabel, I was rushing a bit.”

“No, I understand that Thor-sama is thinking of me.”

“After reporting to Her Majesty the Demon Lord and Chancellor Kelve, could you spare me some time?”

“My time belongs to Thor-sama, you know?”

Mabel said that and smiled.

Then we left the forest and returned to the Reisenga territory.

The General went to report our return to Demon Lord Rukie and Chancellor Kelve, and Agnis went to her room.

With Mabel’s help, I got ready in my room.

Then, about ten minutes later, a servant from the mansion informed me, “The audience is ready.”

I was about to play the “voice recorder” in front of Demon Lord Rukie and Chancellor Kelve.

And — the playback of the “voice recorder” finished.

“This is everything we heard in the town of Nosa.”

““…………””

Silence continued for a while.

Demon Lord-style Rukie sighed, and Chancellor Kelve pressed his forehead thoughtfully.

After a while —

“To think that such things happened in the former empire…”

Rukie muttered softly.

“I do not understand the affairs of the human world. In the era of the first Demon Lord… there were three countries involved in the founding of the empire, and two of them desired to be annexed themselves… and vanished into history.”

“…To unify the human world, yes.”

Chancellor Kelve continued Rukie’s words.

“For that reason, the rulers of those two countries — the Kingdom of Tilik and the Duchy of Misra — abandoned their positions and made their homeland a part of the Dolgaria Empire, did they? That’s no small thing. As Chancellor of the Demon Lord Territory, I express my respect.”

“I too consider their resolve worthy of respect.”

Rukie turned her gaze to the south — the direction of the empire — looking into the distance, and said,

“Thus humans united to resist the Demon Lord’s army. However, after the humans’ victory, internal conflict broke out, and the Marquis of Misra who used the ‘Hero Summoning’ technique, and the Marquis of Tilik who was a ‘Beast Tamer’… both perished, huh.”

“…Honestly, I have mixed feelings.”

Rukie and Chancellor Kelve sighed quietly.

It seems Archduke Kharon’s story was unexpected even for them.

I somewhat understand how they feel.

The Demon Lord Territory carries the slogan, “Don’t underestimate humans” and “Learn from humans.”

That’s because they believe humans are both a threat to demons and demi-humans and also respectable rivals.

But the human empire repeated internal conflicts and even lost their own trump cards.

It’s no wonder Rukie and Kelve were stunned.

But now, there is something even more important.

“Your Majesty the Demon Lord, Chancellor, I have a request.”

At the moment the conversation paused, I spoke.

Addressing Demon Lord Rukie, who sat on a slightly elevated chair, and Chancellor Kelve sitting beside her, I said,

“First, may I be allowed to express my opinion?”

“Hmm. You may.”

“I obey Your Majesty’s wishes. Thor-sama surely has something to say. Please go ahead.”

Rukie agreed easily, and Chancellor Kelve nodded slowly.

“What is most important to me now is Mabel and her grandmother.”

I took a deep breath and said,

“I am interested as an alchemist in the circumstances of the founding of the Dolgaria Empire, the internal conflicts, the hero summoning, and the beast tamers — but right now, I don’t care about those things. First, please allow me to talk about Mabel.”

“Hmm… that is so.”

“Eh? Thor-sama is putting ‘Hero Summoning’ and ‘Beast Tamer’ aside…?”

Rukie nodded, and Kelve’s eyes widened.

I continued while looking at both of them.

“Chancellor, are you aware of the situation regarding Mabel’s grandmother?”

“Of course, I am.”

“Then, Your Majesty and Chancellor, I will share my speculation about Mabel’s grandmother.”

When I said that, Rukie clenched her fist on the throne.

Kelve’s expression was tense.

They had already heard the contents of the “voice recorder.”

They probably already knew what I was thinking.

“Mabel’s grandmother might be a survivor of the Misra Marquis family.”

I said.

“Mabel is her descendant, so she might also carry the blood of the Misra Marquis family. But the important thing isn’t the bloodline itself. What matters is how we keep that secret and protect Mabel’s life, that’s what I think.”

Mabel’s grandmother came to the Demon Lord Territory around the same time as the ‘Tilik Civil War’ took place.

She was accompanied by two human men.

They risked their lives to protect Mabel’s grandmother.

They were worried about her until they were wounded and breathed their last.

The people of the Demon Lord Territory seemed to think those two were her family… but perhaps they were actually servants of the Misra Marquis family.

If that’s the case, it makes sense why they protected Mabel’s grandmother with their lives.

And the ‘Water Spirit Stone Pendant’ that Mabel has inherited through generations is a treasured heirloom of the Misra Marquis family.

In other words, there is an extremely high possibility that Mabel’s grandmother was a survivor of the Misra Marquis family, and Mabel is her descendant…

Of course, this is just speculation.

But even so, that’s fine.

What’s important is protecting Mabel. It’s about making her happy in the Demon Lord Territory.

“There is no conclusive proof that Mabel is a descendant of the Misra Marquis family.”

I continued my explanation.

“However, the ‘Water Spirit Stone Pendant,’ a treasure of the Misra Marquis family, is also a key item for the ‘Hero Summoning.’ If the Empire finds out about its existence—”

“They will probably want it, no doubt.”

Rukie, in her Demon King style, nodded in understanding.

“The Empire is looking for a ‘trump card’ like a hero. If they learn about Mabel’s situation, they will want the ‘Water Spirit Stone Pendant’… and possibly Mabel herself.”

“Yes. That’s why I intend to think of every possible way to protect Mabel with all my strength.”

I won’t let anyone lay a hand on Mabel.

I won’t let her suffer the same fate I once did.

To the Empire, everything is just a tool.

Because I have no combat skills, I was a ‘tool’ hostage to the Demon Lord Territory.

Princess Sophia, who is physically weak, was sent to the border area also as a ‘tool’ to control the Demon Lord Territory… or so I believe. The Empire is that kind of country.

My grandfather, Void Regus, was the same.

Although he was a sword saint, he was sent south to avoid involvement in the ‘Tilik Civil War.’

At an unnaturally convenient timing.

As if they knew in advance that the civil war would break out.

That kind of thing is commonplace in the Empire.

What matters to that country is ‘power’ and ‘strength,’ not ‘people.’

So—

“I don’t want Mabel to go through the same feelings I had.”

I don’t want to hand her over to the Empire.

I won’t let her be treated like a tool, as I was.

“Mabel’s grandmother was driven out of the country, and her granddaughter Mabel being exploited by the Empire is the worst-case scenario. So I will do everything in my power to protect Mabel. That’s what I wanted to tell you.”

“…Thor, with all your might, huh.”

“Yes. Using all of my ‘Creation Alchemy’ skill.”

“…What will happen then?”

“I don’t know. But I don’t intend to do anything too flashy.”

“…Uh, um.”

“Chancellor, do you agree?”

I looked at Chancellor Kelve.

Kelve was… holding his head.

As if hesitating about something, he stared at me, the wall, and the pillar.

…It’s understandable to be disturbed.

The information brought by Archduke Kharon is too serious.

As one of the chancellors who conveys oral traditions and history of heroes, he probably has his own thoughts.

“…Thor-sama.”

Kelve covered his face with both hands—and through the gaps between his fingers, looked at me.

“Thor-sama, what means do you intend to use to protect Mabel?”

“I’m thinking of putting a cover on the ‘Water Spirit Stone Pendant’ to obstruct appraisal.”

“A cover?”

“Specifically, a metallic cover so the stone inside cannot be seen. The metal will be imbued with a function to obstruct appraisal. If we can hide the existence of the ‘Water Spirit Stone,’ it will reduce the chances of Mabel being targeted.”

“I see. That’s reassuring.”

“Also, I want to add a beam.”

“…Huh?”

“I want the pendant to emit a beam if someone hostile touches it.”

“A b-beam!? What is a beam!?”

“It’s a heat ray or destructive ray from the hero world.”

“Heat ray? Destructive ray!?”

“It’s a beam that can melt iron and cut through rocks. I want to give the pendant’s cover the ability to fire that. That way, it will be easier to protect Mabel.”

“Is a beam something that can be handled safely!? N-no, how do you even plan to make that!?”

“I’ll think about that later.”

“…………”

Huh? Kelve has frozen.

His eyes are wide open, gripping the armrest of his chair—as if he has been petrified.

“…Don’t try to rush things too much, Thor.”

Suddenly, the Demon Lord Rukie muttered.

“Moreover, you do not need to bear everything alone. I also wish to protect Mabel.”

“…Rukie-sama.”

“I want to protect Mabel as a friend. Also, as a king, I have the duty to protect my people. I will never allow the Empire to lay a hand on her. Politically speaking as well, I cannot let Mabel be handed over to the Empire.”

Rukie spoke in a bitter tone.

Hearing her words, I felt a little relieved.

Rukie is Mabel’s childhood friend. She values Mabel about as much as I do.

Besides, as the Demon Lord, she surely does not want to hand Mabel over to the Empire.

Mabel’s “Water Spirit Stone Pendant” is the key item for the “Hero Summoning” ritual.

If that falls into the hands of the Empire, there is a possibility that the “Hero Summoning” ceremony will be repeated.

Of course, even if the “Hero Summoning” ceremony is performed, a hero will not appear.

However, there was also the recent “Catalyst Hero Summoning.”

If that combines with the official “Hero Summoning,” a new summoning might occur.

A third kind of existence, neither a hero nor a new type of magical beast, might appear.

To prevent that, we must protect Mabel.

Rukie’s mention of “political meaning” is probably referring to that.

“Therefore, I also intend to consider ways to protect Mabel.”

“Thank you very much, Your Majesty.”

“It is strange for you to be thanking me, Thor.”

Rukie said in a troubled tone,

“You and I are the same. We are each doing everything we can to protect what is precious to us.”

“Even so, thank you very much, Your Majesty.”

“I see.”

“Yes.”

Rukie and I made eye contact and nodded.

“I will definitely repay this kindness, Your Majesty.”

“I told you it’s unnecessary.”

“This is my duty as your Majesty’s direct alchemist.”

“I see. Then I will accept it. But it will be after this matter settles down.”

“Understood.”

“So… about telling Mabel this story—”

“I intend to speak with her.”

I am the one who has heard this story.

I was also the one to be told by Archduke Kharon because I am close to Princess Sophia.

Therefore, it is my role to convey to Mabel the circumstances concerning her grandmother.

“I have already told Mabel ‘I have something to talk about.’ Knowing her, I think she has an idea of the gist.”

“…I see.”

Rukie nodded and handed over a “voice recorder.”

I knelt before her and took it.

“I will return it once the conversation is finished.”

“Good. You will report back afterward, yes?”

“I understand.”

“Then go. Mabel is waiting.”

Rukie said.

I returned her formal noble’s courtesy.

Political matters can be entrusted to Lukie.

Physically—and mentally—protecting her is my role.

With such thoughts, I headed toward Mabel.

—From Rukie’s point of view—

“…Kelve, do you remember what you proposed before?”

In the hall after Thor had left, Rukie murmured softly.

“When Thor first came to the Demon Lord Territory, you made a proposal to me, didn’t you?”

“…!? Y-yes!”

Chancellor Kelve, who had been stiff, shook his head and lifted his face.

Then he knelt before Demon Lord Rukie and said,

“I apologize, Your Majesty. I was unconscious.”

“That is understandable. I do not blame you.”

Rukie smiled bitterly.

The information Thor brought back was significant.

It was natural for Chancellor Kelve to be stunned.

The circumstances of the Dolgaria Empire’s founding 200 years ago.

The lost Marquis Misra family and the Marquis Tilik family.

The civil war that occurred over 40 years ago, and the identity of Mabel’s grandmother.

All this information flooded in at once; it’s no wonder they were unsettled.

Even Rukie herself was disturbed.

She even considered voicing again a proposal she had previously rejected.

“I will ask again—do you remember what you proposed before?”

“When you say ‘when Thor first came to the Demon Lord Territory’…”

Chancellor Kelve widened his eyes and looked at Rukie.

“Could it be the proposal to arrange a political marriage between Thor and Mabel?”

“That is correct.”

This was after Thor created the “foot bath.”

Kelve, surprised by the power of Thor’s items, proposed marrying Thor to Mabel.

The goal was to bind Thor to the Demon Lord Territory.

To hold Mabel, his wife, and any children they might have as hostages.

It was uncharacteristic of Kelve.

Of course, Rukie rejected it.

The Demon Lord Territory does not take hostages of subordinates’ wives and children.

“Please forget that proposal. At the time, I could not fully trust Thor.”

Chancellor Kelve tapped his forehead.

“I now know that Thor is an ally of the Demon Lord Territory and someone trustworthy. Of course, even now, I think he is a terrifying and surprising alchemist.”

“…I see.”

Rukie, in Demon Lord form, gripped the armrest of her chair.

Holding her breath to suppress something, then sighed deeply.

“But I think I will adopt your… proposal from that time.”

She conveyed that.

“No, it is not your fault. As Demon Lord, I intend to marry Thor and Mabel by my own will.”

“P-please wait, Your Majesty!”

Chancellor Kelve shouted in alarm.

“There is no need for that. I told you, Thor is an ally of the Demon Lord Territory and someone worthy of trust! So why, now, propose marriage with Mabel? Thor needs no hostages!!”

“No. This is a measure to… protect Mabel…”

Rukie said.

Chancellor Kelve gasped.

He is also a chancellor responsible for the Empire’s politics. He must have understood Rukie’s meaning.

Nodding to him, Rukie said in a firm voice,

“Thor is an ally of the Demon Lord Territory. Princess Sophia and Princess Liana of the Empire, and Archduke Kharon also know this. They know Thor is a terrifying alchemist and the creator of items that can fell magical beasts with a single blow.”

“…Y-yes.”

“If Thor becomes Mabel’s husband, no one will dare harm her.”

Rukie’s words echoed throughout the hall.

It was a voice devoid of emotion.

As if the system known as the “Demon Lord” was speaking words that were different from the heart.

“I ask you, Kelve. Do you think there is anyone who would dare lay a hand on the wife of the alchemist Thor?”

“…I do not. Judging by Thor-sama’s earlier outburst, one can easily understand the fear of making an enemy out of him.”

“Exactly.”

“A beam will come flying, after all.”

“Indeed. And if the two marry, then everyone will come to know that Thor has become Mabel’s protector. They’ll also understand the danger of laying a hand on her.”

Rukie continued.

“If you make an enemy of the alchemist Thor, a ‘cleaning robot’ will chase you to the ends of the earth. An ultra-long-range spell will shoot from a ‘laser pointer’. In the end, you’ll be hit by a ‘beam’ and blown away by a ‘pseudo-meteor’. For the risk of obtaining the ‘Water Spirit Stone Pendant’, it’s simply not worth it, is it?”

“…As you say.”

“This is the reason Thor and Mabel must marry.”

Having said what needed to be said… Demon Lord Rukie let out a long sigh.

“If no one dares touch Mabel, the risk of information leakage decreases. And even if the information comes to light, she can be protected. That is the purpose of this marriage.”

“I understand your reasoning.”

After hearing the explanation, Chancellor Kelve thought for a moment, then said:

“But Your Majesty, if the goal is solely to protect Mabel, would it not suffice to place her directly under your command?”

“Yes. I considered that.”

“If Mabel became a maid directly under Your Majesty, it would be an official declaration that she is a favorite of the crown. I believe this would suffice to protect her.”

“However, such a sudden reassignment would arouse suspicion among the people, would it not?”

“Everyone in the castle knows that Mabel is Your Majesty’s childhood friend.”

“Even so. To give her an official promotion, a suitable reason is necessary.”

Rukie averted her gaze from Chancellor Kelve.

“Then it would be more natural to have her marry Thor, and promote her as part of the celebration. Thor is my direct subordinate as an alchemist. For a lord to celebrate such a marriage by granting a reward to the wife—it is not inappropriate.”

Only Thor, Rukie, and Kelve know of Mabel’s connection to the Empire’s ‘House of Marquis Misra’.

But everyone knows that Mabel’s grandmother was of the Empire.

So if Mabel were promoted right after Thor’s meeting with the Archduke—though the chance is slim—there might be those who suspect a connection.

You never know where information might leak from. It’s better to be cautious.

“If Thor and Mabel were to marry, that alone would seem like a natural development, would it not?”

“Indeed… Everyone knows how close they are.”

“Th-that’s right. Then how about this scenario?”

Words as a king flowed naturally from her lips.

Rukie didn’t notice how often she had been pressing at the corner of her mask.

Her back was straight, and her words were firm.

But the hand gripping the armrest was trembling slightly.

“Now that the ‘Magical Beast Summoning’ incident has been settled, I will offer Thor a reward. In response, Thor will say, ‘Please grant me permission to marry Mabel.’ I will accept. Such a scenario would seem perfectly natural, would it not?”

While hiding her expression behind a mask, Rukie took a long moment… and showed a smile at her lips.

“What do you think, Kelve? As the one who proposed this in the first place.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Chancellor Kelve, still kneeling before Rukie, bowed his head.

Then—

“Your Majesty, I must oppose your proposal.”

The Demon King’s Chancellor Kelve declared clearly and firmly.

It wasn’t a loud voice.

But Rukie—shuddered as if struck, and stared at Kelve.

“W-what!? Oppose… you say!?”

“With all due respect, Your Majesty’s proposal is—an inferior plan.”

Unaware of her shock, Kelve continued his words dispassionately.

“To marry Thor-sama and Mabel at this time is impossible. It cannot be done. To be frank, it’s hard to believe this idea came from Your Majesty. I think this is something that must not be done.”

“W-w-what are you saying!?”

Bang—Rukie slammed the armrest.

“What nonsense, Kelve! Was this not your suggestion in the first place!?”

“I am aware.”

“Then why oppose it!? Do you not think this plan is effective in protecting Mabel!?”

“…Your Majesty, have you not forgotten something important?”

“Something important?”

Rukie reflexively clutched her chest.

And then—she realized how violently her heart was pounding.

She had been pretending not to notice.

Ever since she came up with the idea of marrying Thor and Mabel.

She remembered when Kelve had brought up the same idea before.

At that time, she opposed it—not just because she hated the idea of using someone as a hostage.

If Thor and Mabel were to marry, the shape of their tea gatherings—the three of them, including Rukie—would change.

That thought had made her feel very lonely.

That’s why, when the marriage plan was abandoned, she felt relieved.

Looking back, that might have been the first moment Rukie realized her true feelings.

Of course, Rukie is the Demon Lord.

She is accustomed to hiding her emotions.

She can even hide them from herself.

On top of that, Rukie wears a mask and robe that grant “Perception Inhibition.”

No one should be able to read her feelings from her face or expression—

(Perhaps… I underestimated Kelve.)

Rukie had made up her mind.

No matter what words were spoken, she would not run away—she would accept them.

Even if those words laid bare the heart of a maiden—

“To be honest, I was surprised. That you would try to marry Thor-sama and Mabel at this timing… It hardly seems like something Her Majesty would say.”

Chancellor Kelve spoke while staring straight at Rukie.

And the words thrown at Rukie were—

“Your Majesty also confirmed it with the ‘voice recorder,’ did you not? That Princess Sophia of the Empire is prepared to become Thor-sama’s concubine—someone she said she ‘trusts.’ To marry Mabel to Thor-sama right after such a proposal… it is simply not possible.”

—There was silence for a while.

Rukie widened her eyes and forgot to breathe as she stared at Chancellor Kelve in front of her.

Several seconds later, the words that came out were:

“…Huh?”

“I understand that you’re upset about Mabel’s origin. However, to forget about Princess Sophia, with whom we have friendly relations, in your effort to protect Mabel—that is not like Your Majesty.”

Facing the dumbfounded Rukie, Chancellor Kelve continued his explanation.

—The person Princess Sophia referred to as “the one Her Majesty trusts and whom I also trust” was Thor.

—Thor himself likely understands this as well.

—Princess Sophia had stated that she “does not insist on being the official wife.”

—This is likely out of consideration for Thor’s position. If the official wife—the lawful spouse—were a princess of the Empire, there could be people among the Demon Lord’s subjects who would mistakenly believe Thor to be someone aligned with the Empire.

—In other words, Princess Sophia could only be made a concubine.

—In that situation, it would be unacceptable to make Mabel the official wife.

Because—

“If Mabel becomes the official wife, the Demon Lord’s domain will be seen as considering Princess Sophia to be of lower status than Mabel. At the very least, that’s the message we would be sending to the Empire, Your Majesty!”

“…Ah.”

Rukie instinctively covered her mouth.

Kelve continued further.

“Making Mabel a concubine is also ill-timed. Considering our friendly relations with Princess Sophia and Archduke Kharon, it would be best to wait a little longer. That is why I opposed it.”

“…Y-yes, you’re right. What you say makes sense, Kelve.”

With a slump, Rukiecollapsed into her chair.

It was an unthinkable oversight.

Normally, she would have noticed.

She had overlooked it—because she was shaken by Mabel’s origin.

(…No, that’s not quite right. I—)

She had come up with the idea of marrying Mabel to Thor in order to protect Mabel.

She thought that, as the Demon Lord, she had to ignore her personal feelings.

That’s why, unconsciously, she had turned her eyes away from any information that might obstruct Thor and Mabel’s marriage.

Because of that, she could no longer tell whether her reasons for denying the marriage were logical—or emotional.

Just as Chancellor Kelve had said, with Princess Sophia saying she “wants to become Thor’s concubine,” it would be impossible to make Mabel the official wife while ignoring Sophia.

It was something she should have realized with a little thought.

“…What a foolish mistake I’ve made.”

“N-no, it wasn’t that bad, Your Majesty. Perhaps my wording was a bit harsh. I apologize.”

“No, I thank you for your frank counsel, Kelve.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

Chancellor Kelve bowed deeply.

“I, Kelve, am proud to serve a ruler who accepts honest advice.”

“And I am grateful to you, Kelve. Without your words, I would have made a terrible mistake…”

“Th-that serious?”

“Yes. In any case, it seems difficult to have Thor and Mabel marry.”

After taking a deep breath, Demon Lord Lord spoke.

“Mabel cannot be Thor’s official wife. And we must also consider our diplomatic relations with Princess Sophia. That being the case… an engagement would be the safest route.”

“I believe that’s a wise decision.”

“I see.”

“An engagement will deepen the bond between Thor-sama and Mabel. That in itself will help protect Mabel. Furthermore, Princess Sophia’s reaction to the engagement will allow us to gauge how serious she truly is.”

“Indeed. In response to Princess Sophia’s proposal, let’s say the Demon Lord’s domain is balancing the situation by making Mabel Thor’s fiancée.”

“It will show our intention not to hand Thor-sama over to the Empire, while maintaining friendly ties with Princess Sophia. A sound strategy, I believe.”

“Then I shall speak to Thor and Mabel later.”

Saying this, Demon Lord Rukie leaned back in her chair.

She felt incredibly tired.

Worried about Mabel, thinking about Thor’s feelings, getting ahead of myself, and running in circles—

In the end, things settled in a safe, unremarkable way.

I wasted energy worrying and became mentally exhausted.

That made me laugh at myself—it was amusing and strangely comforting.

Somehow, it was a peculiar feeling.

“The plan is decided then.”

Rukie straightened her posture and told Chancellor Kelve.

“It would be best to speak with Thor and Mabel tomorrow. Mabel will need time to calm her feelings as well.”

“Understood. I will inform Thor of that.”

“Thank you. Also, regarding Mabel’s grandmother—”

“It will remain top secret. Only Her Majesty, myself, Thor, Mabel, and—”

“We should tell Reisenga and Agnis, I suppose.”

“That should be the limit.”

“To avoid any information leaks, that would be best.”

In reality, no one knows what impact the matter of Mabel’s birth will have going forward.

What Rukie hopes for is that nothing happens.

That this simply becomes the occasion for Thor and Mabel to become engaged. That alone would be enough.

The secret imperial information will not be used as a weapon by the Demon Lord’s territory.

At least, not during Rukie’s time.

“…During my time, huh…”

“…? Did Your Majesty say something?”

“No, just talking to myself. You needn’t worry.”

“You seem tired. Then I will take my leave.”

Chancellor Kelve bowed and exited.

When he reached the door, he sighed softly and said—

“But… this will make Thor-sama an even more important figure in the Demon Lord’s territory.”

“That’s true.”

The surprising and astonishing alchemist.

Directly under the Demon Lord.

The one who is (planned to be) Princess Sophia’s consort.

The one who will become fiancé to Mabel, who may carry the blood of the lost Marquis of Misra family.

Thor’s titles keep piling up.

Though he appears to be interested only in alchemy and craftsmanship, he is the type to fiercely protect those important to him.

He has a passion so strong he is willing to put his entire being into using his power for that purpose.

Thor Canaan truly is a troublesome person.

“There is no one as unpredictable as him. Really, truly… that one.”

“Moreover, the woman who will become his concubine is Princess Sophia of the Empire and Mabel, a descendant of the lost duchy. What will happen from now on… I have no idea who will become his lawful wife.”

“……Eh?”

“Well then, I will take my leave.”

Click.

Chancellor Kelve left the hall.

Behind him, the Demon Lord Rukie was left staring blankly.

(…Thor’s lawful wife, huh?)

For Kelve, it was probably just a meaningless phrase.

But in Rukie’s mind, those words began to spin around.

Princess Sophia of the Empire wishes to become Thor’s concubine.

Thor was once a noble of the Empire. He is not necessarily limited to one wife.

So, it is no problem for him to become engaged to Mabel as another concubine.

Then, the lawful wife—

Of course, she must be someone of higher status than Princess Sophia.

To satisfy the people who admire Princess Sophia and the Omawarisan unit, that cannot be compromised.

However, she must be someone from the Demon Lord’s territory.

That makes sense. They cannot afford to lose Thor to another country.

Someone from the Demon Lord’s territory with a status higher than the Empire’s princess.

Who would that be—

“────!!”

Rukie’s face flushed bright red.

Her face felt hot. So hot she could no longer wear her mask.

(What… did I just imagine!? Why now of all times────!!)

She instinctively removed her mask and covered her face with both hands.

She listened for any sign of people.

It was okay. She had ensured no one would be near. No one should approach this hall.

(Calm down. This is not the time for that. Absolutely not!)

Taking a deep breath,

waiting for her pounding heart to calm down— but in the end, it did not, so she gave up and stood up.

She put her mask back on and started walking toward her private chambers.

What she must do is decided.

Wait until Thor and Mabel finish their conversation.

Tomorrow, after they have calmed down, she will talk to them about Thor and Mabel’s engagement.

Until then—

(I have to spend an entire day like this…)

Rukie, the Demon Lord, pressed her hands to her chest.

Her heartbeat quickened. She wanted to see Thor.

But that would have to wait until tomorrow. For now, she must endure, because she is the Demon Lord.

Telling herself that, Demon Lord Rukie headed for her private chambers.

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