Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
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 Raisenga 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.
The Demon Lord’s Domain truly had become my home.
But I couldn’t afford to relax.
There was something I had 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 was correct.
Agnis and I met with Archduke Kharon as official envoys from the Demon Lord’s Domain.
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 Raisenga 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 then played the “Voice Recorder” for Demon Lord Rukie and Chancellor Kelve.
When the playback ended—
“This is everything we heard in Noza Town.”
““…………””
Silence continued for a while.
Rukie, in her Demon Lord guise, sighed, while Chancellor Kelve pressed his forehead thoughtfully.
After a while—
“To think that such things happened in the former empire…”
Rukie muttered softly.
“I don’t 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 chose to be annexed… 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 homelands part of the Dorgalia Empire, did they? That’s no small thing. As Chancellor of the Demon Lord’s Domain, I express my respect.”
“I too consider their resolve worthy of respect.”
Rukie turned her gaze south, toward the Empire, and said while staring into the distance,
“Thus humans united to resist the Demon Lord’s army. Yet after their victory, internal conflict destroyed both the Misra marquisate, which preserved the ‘Hero Summoning’ technique, and the Tilik marquisate, which produced ‘Beast Tamers.’”
“…Honestly, I have mixed feelings.”
Rukie and Chancellor Kelve sighed quietly.
Archduke Kharon’s story seemed to have surprised even them.
I somewhat understand how they feel.
The Demon Lord’s Domain upheld the principles “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 lost even its own trump cards.
It’s no wonder Rukie and Kelve were stunned.
But now, there’s something even more important.
“Your Majesty, 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 defer to Your Majesty. Thor-sama clearly has something to say. Please go ahead.”
Rukie agreed easily, and Chancellor Kelve nodded slowly.
“What’s most important to me now is Mabel and her grandmother.”
I took a deep breath and said,
“As an alchemist, I’m interested in the founding of the Dorgalia Empire, its internal conflicts, Hero Summoning, and Beast Tamers—but right now, those things don’t matter. First, please allow me to speak about Mabel.”
“I see… Very well.”
“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’ll 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 House of Marquis Misra.”
I said.
“Mabel is her descendant, so she might also carry the blood of the Misra marquis family. But the bloodline itself isn’t what matters. What matters is keeping the secret and protecting Mabel’s life.”
Mabel’s grandmother came to the Demon Lord’s Domain around the same time as the ‘Tilik Rebellion’ took place.
She was accompanied by two human men.
They risked their lives to protect Mabel’s grandmother.
Even after being mortally wounded, they worried about her until their final breaths.
The people of the Demon Lord’s Domain seemed to think those two were her family… but perhaps they were actually servants of the House of Marquis Misra.
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 House of Marquis Misra.
In other words, it was highly likely that Mabel’s grandmother had been a survivor of the Misra marquis family and that Mabel was 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’s Domain.
“There’s no conclusive proof that Mabel is a descendant of the House of Marquis Misra.”
I continued my explanation.
“However, the ‘Water Spirit Stone Pendant,’ a treasure of the Misra marquis family, is also a key item in ‘Hero Summoning.’ If the Empire learns that it exists—”
“They’ll probably want it, no doubt.”
Rukie, in her Demon Lord guise, nodded in understanding.
“The Empire is looking for a ‘trump card’ like a hero. If they learn about Mabel’s situation, they’ll 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 possessed no combat skills, I was sent to the Demon Lord’s Domain as a hostage—a disposable ‘tool.’
Princess Sophia, who’s physically weak, was sent to the border area also as a ‘tool’ to control the Demon Lord’s Domain… 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 Rebellion.’
The timing had been unnaturally convenient,
as though they had known in advance that the rebellion 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 from the country. For her granddaughter to be exploited by the Empire would be the worst possible outcome. I’ll 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 the chancellor responsible for preserving oral traditions and the history of the Heroes, he probably had his own thoughts.
“…Thor-sama.”
Kelve covered his face with both hands and looked at me through the gaps between his fingers.
“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 can’t 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’ll 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’s a beam!?”
“It’s a heat ray or destructive ray from the Heroes’ 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’ll 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 had frozen.
His eyes were wide, and he gripped the armrest of his chair.
“…Don’t try to rush things too much, Thor.”
Suddenly, the Demon Lord Rukie muttered.
“Moreover, you don’t need to bear everything alone. I also wish to protect Mabel.”
“…Rukie-sama.”
“I want to protect Mabel as her friend. As Demon Lord, I also have a duty to protect my people. I’ll never allow the Empire to lay a hand on her. Politically, too, I can’t let Mabel be taken by the Empire.”
Rukie spoke in a bitter tone.
Hearing her words, I felt a little relieved.
Rukie was Mabel’s childhood friend. She valued Mabel as much as I did.
Besides, as Demon Lord, she surely didn’t want to surrender Mabel 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’s a possibility that the “Hero Summoning” ceremony will be repeated.
Of course, even if the “Hero Summoning” ceremony is performed, a hero won’t 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.
That was probably what Rukie meant by the ‘political’ reason.
“Therefore, I also intend to consider ways to protect Mabel.”
“Thank you very much, Your Majesty.”
“It’s strange for you to be thanking me, Thor.”
Rukie said in a troubled tone,
“You and I are the same. We’re each doing everything we can to protect what’s precious to us.”
“Even so, thank you very much, Your Majesty.”
“I see.”
“Yes.”
Rukie and I made eye contact and nodded.
“I’ll 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’ll accept it. But it’ll be after this matter settles down.”
“Understood.”
“So… about telling Mabel this story—”
“I intend to speak with her.”
I was the one who had heard the story.
Archduke Kharon had also told it to me because I was close to Princess Sophia.
Therefore, it was my role to explain to Mabel the circumstances surrounding her grandmother.
“I’ve 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’ll return it once the conversation is finished.”
“Good. You’ll report back afterward, yes?”
“I understand.”
“Then go. Mabel is waiting.”
Rukie said.
I gave her the formal courtesy due a noble.
Political matters could be entrusted to Rukie.
My role was to protect Mabel physically and mentally.
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’s Domain, 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 lost in thought.”
“That’s understandable. I don’t 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 Dorgalia Empire’s founding 200 years ago.
The lost Houses of Marquis Misra and Marquis Tilik.
The Tilik Rebellion, which had occurred more than forty years ago, and the identity of Mabel’s grandmother.
All this information had arrived at once. No wonder both of them were unsettled.
Even Rukie herself was disturbed.
She even considered reviving a proposal she had previously rejected.
“I’ll ask again—do you remember what you proposed before?”
“When you say ‘when Thor first came to the Demon Lord’s Domain’…”
Chancellor Kelve widened his eyes and looked at Rukie.
“Could it be the proposal to arrange a political marriage between Thor and Mabel?”
“That’s 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’s Domain.
The plan had been 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’s Domain doesn’t take hostages of subordinates’ wives and children.
“Please forget that proposal. At the time, I couldn’t fully trust Thor.”
Chancellor Kelve tapped his forehead.
Rukie now knew that Thor was an ally of the Demon Lord’s Domain and someone trustworthy. Even so, she still considered him a terrifying and astonishing alchemist.
“…I see.”
Rukie, in her Demon Lord guise, gripped the armrest of her chair.
She held her breath as if suppressing something, then sighed deeply.
“But I think I’ll adopt your… proposal from that time.”
She conveyed that.
“No, it isn’t your fault. Of my own will as Demon Lord, I intend to arrange a marriage between Thor and Mabel.”
“P-please wait, Your Majesty!”
Chancellor Kelve shouted in alarm.
“There’s no need for that. I told you, Thor is an ally of the Demon Lord’s Domain and worthy of trust! Why propose marriage to Mabel now? Thor needs no hostages!”
“No. This is a measure to… protect Mabel…”
Rukie said.
Chancellor Kelve gasped.
As chancellor, Kelve was well versed in imperial politics and immediately understood Rukie’s meaning.
Nodding to him, Rukie said in a firm voice,
“Thor is an ally of the Demon Lord’s Domain. Princess Sophia and Princess Liana of the Empire, as well as Archduke Kharon, know this. They know Thor is a terrifying alchemist and the creator of items capable of felling 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.
It was as if the institution known as the ‘Demon Lord’ were speaking words detached from her heart.
“I ask you, Kelve. Do you think there’s anyone who would dare lay a hand on the wife of the alchemist Thor?”
“…I don’t. 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 Alchemist Thor, a ‘Cleaning Robot’ will chase you to the ends of the earth. An ultra-long-range spell will fire from a ‘Laser Pointer.’ In the end, you’ll be struck by a ‘Beam’ and blown away by a ‘Meteor Replica.’ Obtaining the ‘Water Spirit Stone Pendant’ is simply not worth that risk, 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’s 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’s favored by 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 isn’t inappropriate.”
Only Thor, Rukie, and Kelve knew of Mabel’s connection to the imperial House of Marquis Misra.
Everyone did, however, know that Mabel’s grandmother had come from 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?”
The words came naturally to her in her role as ruler.
Rukie didn’t notice how often she had been touching 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’ll offer Thor a reward. In response, Thor will say, ‘Please grant me permission to marry Mabel.’ I’ll accept. Such a scenario would seem perfectly natural, would it not?”
While hiding her expression behind a mask, Rukie took a long moment… and a faint smile touched 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 Lord’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 dispassionately.
“Marrying Thor-sama and Mabel at this time is impossible. It can’t be done. Frankly, it’s difficult to believe this idea came from Your Majesty. This is something that mustn’t 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’m 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 was the Demon Lord.
She was accustomed to hiding her emotions.
She could even hide them from herself.
On top of that, Rukie wore a mask and robe that granted “Recognition Inhibition.”
No one should have been 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 wouldn’t 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 time. It hardly seems like something Your 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? Princess Sophia of the Empire is prepared to become Thor-sama’s concubine and called him someone she ‘trusted.’ To marry Mabel to Thor-sama immediately after such a proposal would simply be unacceptable.”
—There was silence for a while.
Rukie widened her eyes and forgot to breathe as she stared at Chancellor Kelve.
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 isn’t like Your Majesty.”
Facing the dumbfounded Rukie, Chancellor Kelve continued his explanation.
—The person Princess Sophia had called “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 “didn’t 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 ranking Princess Sophia below 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.
“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’s why I opposed it.”
“…Y-yes, you’re right. What you say makes sense, Kelve.”
Rukie slumped 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 arguments against the marriage were logical or emotional.
Just as Chancellor Kelve had said, with Princess Sophia declaring that she “wanted 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’m grateful to you, Kelve. Without your words, I would have made a terrible mistake…”
“Th-that serious?”
“Yes. In any case, it seems difficult for Thor and Mabel to marry.”
After taking a deep breath, Demon Lord Rukie spoke.
“Mabel can’t 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, we can say that the Demon Lord’s Domain is balancing the situation by making Mabel Thor’s fiancée.”
“It’ll 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.
She had worried about Mabel, thought about Thor’s feelings, gotten ahead of herself, and run in circles—
In the end, things settled in a safe, unremarkable way.
She had exhausted herself with worry.
That made her laugh at herself; 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’ll inform Thor of that.”
“Thank you. Also, regarding Mabel’s grandmother—”
“It’ll remain top secret. Only Her Majesty, myself, Thor, Mabel, and—”
“We should tell Raisenga and Agnis, I suppose.”
“That should be the limit.”
“To avoid any information leaks, that would be best.”
In truth, no one knew what effect Mabel’s origins might have in the future.
Rukie hoped that nothing would happen.
If the matter merely became an occasion for Thor and Mabel to become engaged, that alone would be enough.
The Demon Lord’s Domain wouldn’t use the Empire’s secret information as a weapon.
At least, not during Rukie’s reign.
“…During my reign, huh…”
“…? Did Your Majesty say something?”
“No, just talking to myself. You needn’t worry.”
“You seem tired. Then I’ll 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 Domain.”
“That’s true.”
The astonishing alchemist.
Directly under the Demon Lord.
The prospective consort of Princess Sophia.
The prospective fiancé of Mabel, who might carry the blood of the lost Misra marquisate.
Thor’s titles kept piling up.
Though he appeared interested only in alchemy and craftsmanship, he was the type to fiercely protect those important to him.
He had a passion so strong that he would devote his entire being and power to that purpose.
Thor Canaan truly was a troublesome person.
“There’s no one as unpredictable as him. Really, truly… that one.”
“Moreover, the women who may become his concubines are Princess Sophia of the Empire and Mabel, a descendant of the lost principality. What happens from now on… I have no idea who will become his lawful wife.”
“……Eh?”
“Well then, I’ll take my leave.”
Click.
Chancellor Kelve left the hall.
After Kelve left, Demon Lord Rukie remained 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 wasn’t necessarily limited to one wife.
So there was no problem with his becoming engaged to Mabel, who could also become a 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 point couldn’t be compromised.
However, she must be someone from the Demon Lord’s Domain.
That makes sense. They can’t afford to lose Thor to another country.
Someone from the Demon Lord’s Domain 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 isn’t the time for that. Absolutely not!)
She took a deep breath and waited for her pounding heart to calm, but it didn’t.
Finally, she gave up and stood.
She put her mask back on and started walking toward her private chambers.
What she had to do was clear.
She would wait until Thor and Mabel finished their conversation.
The next day, after they had calmed down, she would talk to them about their 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 had to endure, because she was the Demon Lord.
Telling herself that, Demon Lord Rukie headed for her private chambers.