Kays Translations

Chapter 130: Talking with Agnis

“If you’re not inclined, it’s perfectly fine to refuse. Um—”

Agnis said this while looking straight at me.

“T-this was Father’s proposal, not something Agnis brought up… N-no, it’s not that I’m opposed or unwilling. I just want to make clear who proposed it… Otherwise, it’ll cause confusion later…”

“Calm down, Agnis.”

I let Agnis into the room and had her sit in a chair.

I offered some tea and waited for her to settle down.

“…Suu. Haa.”

Agnis took several deep breaths, looking nervous.

Then, as if gathering her courage, she raised her face.

“I will convey the proposal from the Flame General Reisenga Freizad.”

Agnis looked straight at me—

“‘Thor-sama. Would you make my daughter, Agnis Freizad, your fiancée? This proposal comes from me, Reisenga, out of loyalty to Her Majesty the Demon Lord and the Demon Lord’s Domain, with absolutely no personal gain or selfish desire!’

…So,”

—That was what she declared.

“Make Agnis my fiancée? The General?”

That was all I could say.

It was so sudden I didn’t know how to react.

Agnis clenched her fists on her lap and trembled.

Looking at Mabel… yeah, she seemed calm.

Maybe Mabel had heard the conversation before. During the engagement announcement, Mabel and Agnis exchanged glances.

“Hey, Agnis.”

“Y-yes.”

“Did the General say anything else? Since it’s ‘for the Demon Lord’s Domain,’ there must be some political reason, right?”

“…Yes. I will explain.”

Agnis took a sip of tea and breathed deeply again.

Then, she began speaking slowly.

“I have heard from His Excellency the Chancellor that Mabel may be a descendant of the lost marquis family, so this is based on that.”

“Yeah. Her Majesty the Demon Lord said she would inform both the General and Agnis.”

The General is a key figure in the Demon Lord’s Domain, and Agnis is Mabel’s close friend.

They needed to be informed about Mabel’s secret lineage.

“The Chancellor explained this to Father and Agnis: ‘The engagement between Thor-sama and Mabel is to protect Mabel and to prevent Thor-sama from being taken by the Empire.’”

Agnis continued.

“After hearing this, Father told Agnis that this alone was not enough.”

“Not enough?”

“Yes. Since Thor Canaan-sama and Mabel both have ties to the Empire, Father thought the Empire might find some reason to abduct them both at the same time.”

Agnis looked worried.

It was as if she truly believed that Mabel and I might suddenly be taken away somewhere.

“That’s why Agnis, daughter of Flame General Reisenga, should also become engaged to Thor Canaan-sama. This is out of loyalty to Her Majesty the Demon Lord, with no personal gain. Father said he would not make a big fuss and swear to it, but it’s completely for the Demon Lord’s Domain… that’s what Father said.”

“The General said that…”

“Father also said, ‘Thor Canaan-sama is an important person for the Demon Lord’s Domain and must never be lost. It is natural to protect him, and naturally to protect his fiancée Mabel. For that, every possible measure must be taken.’”

“…I see.”

“‘There is no personal gain. Absolutely none.’ …that’s what he repeated.”

“You don’t have to repeat that.”

…Amazing.

The General had thought so much about us.

Moreover, the General’s proposal made sense.

Originally, my engagement to Mabel—partly because I want to be with her—was politically meant to protect each other.

Having a fiancée in the Demon Lord’s Domain is a reason for me not to return to the Empire.

Mabel having a fiancée who is a Demon Lord’s direct alchemist means she cannot be touched.

General Reisenga’s proposal strengthens that.

If Agnis and I marry, I would be like the General’s son, and Mabel like Agnis’s sister.

We would become family of the General.

That General’s territory is located closest to the Empire.

So, if Mabel or I were kidnapped, the Empire could be made to think that the furious General might move his troops.

‘Flame General Reisenga’ is known as a fierce general in the Empire.

“—Is that what the General is thinking?”

“Yes. Father’s explanation was a bit hard to understand, but it was roughly like that.”

“I understand the General’s reasoning. Honestly, I’m really glad.”

General Reisenga knows my situation.

He witnessed the negotiation with the frontier marquis Garua before the ‘Beast Gargarossa’ subjugation battle, where I was almost made a victim of a secret deal.

He was the one who firmly rejected the marquis’s proposal.

Such a person is saying he will become like my father…

Honestly… I’m ridiculously happy.

Though it’s late, I’m glad I came to the Demon Lord’s Domain. But…

“Agnis, are you okay with this? You’d become engaged to me.”

“I have decided to serve Thor Canaan-sama.”

Agnis said firmly.

Then slowly, as if choosing each word—

“I have always… looked at the world from inside armor. Because of my ignition ability, I couldn’t take off the armor, and I watched everyone through the gap in my helmet.”

Saying that, Agnis took another deep breath.

“It was Thor Canaan-sama who freed me from that. You made the ‘Health Promotion Pendant’ for me… and gently, as if beckoning, led me into the wide world. But… but, the outside world still seems too vast for me—”

Sometimes I feel anxious about what I want to do.

About how I want to walk forward from now on.

That’s what Agnis said.

“But one thing I have decided is that I will serve Thor Canaan-sama. I want to be together. That is a decision I made myself. So… I—”

“I understand, Agnis. Let’s be together.”

“…Thor Canaan-sama.”

Agnis’s red eyes were moist.

With those eyes, Agnis had been looking at the world through the gaps in her helmet all this time.

Because of her overpowering “fire magic” and her ability to spontaneously ignite, she couldn’t take off her armor.

Thanks to the “Health Promotion Pendant,” she was now able to remove her armor, but Agnis had only just gained her freedom. It was no wonder she felt confused.

I was the one who brought Agnis outside the armor.

If that’s the case, as long as Agnis wishes it, I will support her by her side.

That is my responsibility as an alchemist… and besides, I care about Agnis.

“I will continue to ‘user support’ Agnis by her side.”

I said.

“Just as the general and Agnis are trying to protect us, I will protect Agnis too. I will properly support her so that she can do anything she wants in the outside world. Whether as an fiancée… or in whatever form.”

“Y-yes. Agnis also wants Thor Canaan-sama to ‘user support’ her… So from now on, I look forward to your continued support!”

Agnis said this with a tearful, smiling expression, then

“In return, Thor Canaan-sama and Mabel, I will protect you. If the empire dares to lay hands on you, I will punish them with all my strength!”

Then, Agnis stretched out her slender hand and held mine.

She closed her eyes as if in prayer,

“Agnis swears ‘by the name of the Primordial Flame’ to serve Thor Canaan-sama. For one who carries the blood of the ‘Flame Giant,’ swearing ‘by the name of the Primordial Flame’ means…”

“Yeah. Swearing means…?”

“…roughly speaking, it means ‘to live by the side of someone important.’”

“Yeah. Can you explain more?”

“…Once things settle down a bit, I’ll explain properly.”

“…I see.”

Anyway, I understood Agnis and General Reisenga’s thoughts.

If they have thought so far ahead, I will accept it.

In return, I will continue to support Agnis.

I will keep making items so that she can freely do anything in the wide world.

“…That’s good.”

After Agnis and I finished talking, Mabel muttered softly.

She looked very happy and nodded repeatedly. She seemed to have no objections.

Well, it was something I already understood.

“Then, let’s talk to Rukie-sama and Kelve. We need to get permission for an audience.”

“Maybe not today… Right now, Father should be talking again with the Demon Lord Her Majesty and the Chancellor His Excellency.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. Father said he would convey his thoughts to Her Majesty.”

Agnis looked toward the throne room side,

“I think right now he is telling Her Majesty, ‘This is for the sake of the Demon Lord Her Majesty and the Demon Lord’s Territory, with no selfish desires at all. Rather, keeping the details hidden, Agnis has told the subordinates that she will marry Thor Canaan-sama. If refused, Agnis will probably be unable to marry at all.’”

“Isn’t that cutting off all escape routes too much!?”

“Father is a soldier too. Surely, he has thought this strategy through very carefully.”

…I see.

It can’t be helped. I’ll explain it to Rukie later as well.

I hope she won’t be angry…

“I apologize, Thor-sama.”

Before I noticed, Mabel was looking into my face.

“Actually… I knew about the general’s proposal even before the engagement announcement.”

“I know. I saw Mabel and Agnis nodding to each other in the throne room.”

“I heard just before, so I couldn’t tell Thor-sama. Also, Agnis said she wanted to speak directly to Thor-sama herself.”

“I’m sorry. So…”

Mabel and Agnis bowed their heads side by side.

“I’m not angry. To be honest… I’m happy to have more family.”

In the empire, there was no one I wanted to call family.

But in the Demon Lord’s Territory, everyone says they want to be my family.

Rukie, Mabel, Agnis, and General Reisenga too.

That makes me really happy… I think it’s a blessing.

Having two fiancées is a bit questionable though.

Since I lived as a commoner in the imperial capital, I don’t really understand the rules of nobles.

Duke Regus wouldn’t let his wives meet me because I was a “disgrace to the family.”

From now on, I’ll slowly learn how things work in the Demon Lord’s Territory.

How to handle having two fiancées—I wonder what I should do.

“For now, let’s not rush and go at our own pace.”

“Y-yes, that’s right.”

“Agnis thinks so too.”

Saying that, the three of us sat down for tea.

Nibbling on baked sweets, we slowly began talking about what lies ahead.

In the Reisenga territory, my house is scheduled to be expanded.

Once it’s complete, Agnis will probably live with me.

Because the general would be lonely if she stayed all the time, Agnis might commute between the mansion and there.

Agnis also has to study many things as the general’s heir.

I also want to travel back and forth between the Demon Lord’s Castle and the Reisenga territory while making necessary magic items.

I hope to get closer to the people living in the Demon Lord’s Territory and hear their requests for items.

Then, the finished items will be brought to the Demon Lord’s Castle for Rukie to check.

She will point out flaws, I will polish them, and then we’ll spread them throughout the Demon Lord’s Territory.

I hope to live such a relaxed life as an alchemist—

But before that, I have to talk to Rukie about my engagement to Agnis.

I have to explain properly and get her permission.

Rukie is important family to me. I have to do it properly. Yes.

—And so, as the three of us discussed the future, time passed.

Since it became late, we decided to disperse.

“Well then, see you tomorrow. Good night, both of you.”

“Good night.”

Agnis and I exchanged greetings.

I was about to do the same with Mabel but—

“…Please wait, Thor-sama.”

Mabel suddenly raised her hand.

She placed her hand on her chin, seeming to think deeply,

“I have become Thor-sama’s fiancée. Agnis-sama is going to be one as well. If that’s the case… wouldn’t it be alright to stay together a little later into the night?”

“That may be true, but…”

I opened the door and looked down the hallway.

The maids quickly averted their gazes.

Today, we just announced my engagement to Mabel.

It seems everyone’s paying attention to us.

“Since we’re inside the castle, wouldn’t it be better to call it a night as is?”

“That’s where I have a proposal.”

Mabel clapped her hands with a light pon.

“How about using the ‘hugging pillow’ after a long time?”

“A ‘hugging pillow’?”

“I-I and Thor-sama, and Thor-sama and Agnis-sama, have become fiancés. I think it would be good to practice sleeping hand in hand in the same bed at least.”

“M-Mabel!?”

“That kind of practice is necessary too. Agnis-sama, for when we become family.”

“…Y-yeah, maybe Mabel is right.”

Agnis nodded eagerly, breathing heavily.

“Especially since Agnis isn’t used to sleeping next to someone… it might be necessary to practice.”

“So, I would like to use the ‘hugging pillow.’”

Mabel concluded her talk.

Her persuasion was impressive.

…If that’s the case, it can’t be helped.

“Alright. Then, use these.”

I took the ‘hugging pillows’ out of the ‘ultra-compact simple storage.’

These are life-sized pillows that transform to closely resemble the owner of the magic power infused into the pillow cover.

Moreover, thanks to the ‘pseudo-life grasp’ enchantment, they can even replicate pulse and body temperature—truly amazing.

“This one is for Mabel, and this one is for Agnis.”

“Thank you very much, Thor-sama.”

Mabel accepted the ‘improved hugging pillow.’

Then suddenly, Agnis looked toward Mabel and said,

“Um… Mabel, would you sleep with me tonight? I want to talk about various things.”

“…Eh?”

“And… being with Thor Canaan-sama’s ‘hugging pillow’ makes me nervous, so it would be nice if you were with me…”

“Understood. If that’s the case…”

“I don’t need two hugging pillows—”

“—the extra one should be used by Thor-sama.”

Mabel said this with a heavily blushing but resolute face.

“Thor-sama also needs to get used to spending time together with Mabel and Agnis.”

“M-Mabel!?”

“It’s alright. We’re only holding hands while we sleep. Right, Thor-sama?”

“Y-yeah.”

At her words, I couldn’t help but nod.

“U-understood.”

Then, Agnis nodded in agreement as if satisfied.

“It’s unfair if only Agnis and Mabel sleep with Thor Canaan-sama’s ‘hugging pillow.’ Thor Canaan-sama should also sleep with Agnis’ and Mabel’s ‘hugging pillows’!”

“As expected of Agnis-sama. You’re quick to get to the point.”

“Well then, Mabel. Let’s decide who will infuse magic into the ‘hugging pillow cover’ by a match.”

“Understood. Let’s settle it with a coin toss.”

“T-The winner gets to infuse the magic?”

“That’s decided!”

“Got it!”

Then, Mabel and Agnis started the coin toss.

The result—

“P-please… Thor Canaan-sama.”

Agnis handed me the ‘hugging pillow cover’ infused with her magic.

Her face was about 30% redder than usual.

Her slender hand was trembling slightly.

In return, I handed her the ‘pillow cover’ infused with my magic.

Agnis held it carefully, and Mabel hugged the ‘hugging pillow’ itself—

“Well then, let’s promise to hold hands and sleep tonight.”

“W-we promised…”

After saying ‘good night’ once again, we parted ways.

“…Somehow, it feels like my family suddenly got bigger all at once.”

A lot happened today.

I announced my engagement to Mabel in front of everyone—

Received full blessings from everyone in the Demon Lord’s territory—

Then Agnis came to visit and told me about General Reisenga’s proposal—

—As a result, I ended up getting engaged to Agnis too.

I just got a message from Rukie saying, ‘Tomorrow, we will have a proper, thorough talk.’

It seems the discussions with Kelve and the General have finished.

I have to think about how I’m going to talk as well.

“Better get some sleep to prepare for tomorrow.”

I really don’t feel like doing any alchemy work today.

Anyway, the next thing I’ll make is a ‘personal alarm’ and ‘hair dryer’ for Mabel.

Since I’m planning to make it into a pendant cover, I’ll have to make it while listening to Mabel’s opinions. Also, it uses ‘rainbow magic stones’ as materials.

I can’t afford to fail. I have to proceed carefully.

“…Well then, I’ve got permission, so the ‘hugging pillow’…”

In front of me were the ‘hugging pillow cover’ into which Agnis had poured magic power, and the pure white ‘hugging pillow.’

If I combine these two, it will transform into Agnis’s form.

…I don’t know why, but I’m really nervous.

I put the cover over the hugging pillow and placed it under the blanket.

This should make the hugging pillow transform into Agnis.

After that, as promised, I’ll hold hands and sleep.

I wonder if Mabel and Agnis are sleeping with my ‘hugging pillow’ right now too.

The hugging pillow transformed into me should be wearing the usual pajamas.

Even when working overnight… no, even when working short hours, I wear pajamas, so that should be the main look.

“Speaking of which, what kind of pajamas does Agnis usually wear?”

…Huh? Agnis’s pajamas?

Come to think of it, it was only recently that Agnis was able to take off armor and wear clothes.

Before that, because of the fire ability, Agnis couldn’t wear normal clothes.

…If that’s the case even when awake, there’s no way Agnis can wear clothes while sleeping.

Then, what kind of form does Agnis’s ‘hugging pillow’ take…?

When I looked back, the hugging pillow transformed into Agnis was there.

It had its back to me and looked like it was sleeping.

I could see long hair, the nape of the neck, and a bare back.

And then—

Dadadadadadadada!

Knock knock!

Knock knock knock!!

“Thor-sama! Have you already gone to bed!?”

“I realized something terrible! Please, I beg you, open the door!!”

—As I thought.

Mabel and Agnis seemed to have realized this too.

After that—

Mabel and Agnis hurriedly took back the ‘Agnis-type hugging pillow.’

They must have been really flustered because both Mabel and Agnis were in pajamas. They matched.

Agnis’s pajamas didn’t fit properly, so I think Agnis was wearing a spare pair of Mabel’s.

I see.

So Agnis really didn’t have pajamas of her own….

And so, the night passed at the Demon Lord’s castle, and the next day—

“…I understand the situation. Reisenga’s proposal is reasonable. I approve your engagement to Agnis.”

In the throne room, Demon Lord Rukie gave permission regarding the engagement.

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