Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 133: “Thinking About a New Disguise”
A few days after the trial of the “Water Summoner” began—
I decided to go into the castle town.
To see with my own eyes how the townspeople lived.
I wanted to find out where the “Water Summoner” would be needed in town and also what kinds of items the townspeople might need.
To do that, I needed to observe people in their everyday lives.
But if I, a human, wandered around, everyone might get tense.
So, I wore a bit of a disguise to avoid revealing my identity.
I pulled a large hood over my head to hide my face and headed out, but—
“Oh, it’s the Alchemist! Hello—!”
“Alchemist Thor Canaan is here!!”
“The alchemist who helped defeat that new kind of magical beast!?”
“Thanks to Thor-sama, we can now bring our goods to the trade depot!”
“What are you going to make next, Alchemist!?”
—It turned into a huge commotion.
“Even though I’m hiding my face… why?”
“Thor-sama is a celebrity in the Demon Lord’s Domain.”
Mabel gave a troubled smile.
“There are soldiers and their families in the castle town, too. I’m sure they’ve all heard of Thor-sama’s reputation. If you show up in person, it’s only natural that everyone gathers around.”
“I’m glad they welcome me, but…”
Still, this is a problem.
I want to see how people live their normal lives.
If they stop their chores, look at me, wave, and gather around… it won’t be a proper investigation.
I mean, I do appreciate their affection.
It’s fun when the kids gather too.
“This is a bit of a problem.”
“Thor-sama just has that kind of presence, I suppose.”
Mabel walked beside me and said:
“Also, the Demon Lord’s Domain is a country of demons and demi-humans. There are no other pure humans besides you, Thor-sama. In other words, if someone sees a human in the Demon Lord’s Domain, they assume it’s you. That might be why they recognize you so quickly.”
“That’s it.”
“…Huh?”
“In other words, I just need to disguise myself as someone from the Demon Lord’s Domain, right?”
As expected of Mabel.
Her words always give me a clue.
Just like she said, I’m the only human here. Of course I stand out.
Then the solution is simple: I just need to disguise myself as something other than a human.
“I’ll make a disguise item. If I transform into another race, I’ll blend in with everyone, right? I’ll be able to sneak through the castle town without being noticed. Yeah. Let’s do that.”
“Thor-sama is wonderful just the way you are. There’s no need to disguise—”
“If I adapt the disguise item, I might be able to make Mabel look like a human too. That way, we can explore ‘Nosa Town’ together, right? We won’t have to act separately.”
“—I take back everything I just said! Please do it!! Thor-sama!”
“Alright!”
In that case, let’s head back to the castle and make a disguise item.
I don’t think it’ll be too difficult.
All I need to do is make myself look like something other than a human.
And so, I returned to my room and began working.
The “Mail-Order Catalog” had all kinds of disguise items.
Besides the “Roleplay Pajamas,” I found two or three others.
But they weren’t really suitable for blending in with people of the Demon Lord’s Domain.
They were too flashy, too cute, or just looked like mysterious creatures…
Anyway, they weren’t good for helping me blend in. Though, I do plan to give Mabel one of the super cute disguise items next time.
For now, I decided to make an original disguise item.
“Mabel, what kind of race do you think I should disguise myself as?”
“I’d love to say ‘an elf like me,’ but for a disguise, it might be better to have a feature that’s clearly visible to everyone.”
Mabel poked at her own elf ears with a poke gesture.
“Elf ears can be hidden by hats or hoods, after all.”
“For a noticeable feature… horns, maybe?”
“Yes. If you have horns, you could pass as a demon.”
“Got it. Let’s give it a try.”
Making horns is simple. I just need to shape some metal pieces.
But horns also represent magical power, so I can’t make them too big. If they’re too big, it would imply, “I have insanely powerful magic.”
So, I’ll make the horns small.
But what I need is something eye-catching. In that case… how about making them glow?
If I embed “Light Magic Stones” in them to make them glow, they’ll definitely stand out.
Everyone walking by will look at the glowing horns.
My face will probably be less noticeable… I think. Probably.
“What other kinds of disguises do you think would work?”
“How about wearing a cloak that hides your figure?”
“Ah, good idea.”
I don’t have the big build that people in the Demon Lord’s Domain often have.
If someone recognizes me just by my body shape, that would be a problem.
But still, I need a flashy feature… something that makes everyone focus on the cloak.
Then, maybe I can make it writhe and squirm like the “UV Cut Parasol”? That parasol’s surface moved like a slime.
Let’s adapt that concept.
If everyone is focused on the moving cloak, they’ll be less likely to pay attention to me.
“Alright then, I’ll try making the cloak too. Mabel really is reliable.”
“O-oh no… you’re making me blush.”
“Do you have any other ideas?”
“To hide the face, maybe a mask—”
“Wouldn’t that look a little too suspicious?”
“How about an eyepatch? Even just covering one eye can change the impression of your face.”
“That might actually look cool.”
An eyepatch is easy to make.
While I’m at it, I’ll make it emit light too.
That way, the opponent will be dazzled by the light and won’t be able to see my face.
“Alright… let’s try making it.”
I began crafting the “Glowing Horns,” “Wriggling Cloak,” and “Luminous Eyepatch.”
And after a little while—
“…I guess this’ll do?”
The horns, cloak, and eyepatch were completed.
I embedded light magic stones in the horns and eyepatch so they could emit light.
The cloak had the same three-layer structure as a UV-cut parasol. Thanks to water and wind attributes, it wriggles and moves.
With this, I should be able to conceal my identity.
…At least, I think so.
“Thinking about it logically, going out in public dressed like this… is this really okay?”
The horns glow. They can draw attention away from me.
The cloak wriggles. Everyone’s eyes will be on the cloak. It can hide my figure.
The eyepatch also glows. It can dazzle others and keep them from seeing my face.
The goal of hiding my identity is definitely achieved.
But walking around in this outfit… feels extremely suspicious.
The problem is, I focused too much on diverting attention from myself.
Because of that, I didn’t think at all about the overall visual balance…
But still, what should I do?
It’s a waste to throw it away after all the effort I put into it.
And… there’s a chance that wearing this in the Demon Lord’s territory might not even attract that much attention… Well, I can’t say that with certainty. So—
“For now, I’ll consult Mabel.”
I don’t completely understand the common sense of the Demon Lord’s territory.
Wearing this in the imperial capital of the Empire would definitely be a no-go, but it might just barely be acceptable in the Demon Lord’s castle town.
I’ll leave that judgment to Mabel.
Mabel… was just called away by someone from the kitchen.
She said she was going to try making a new snack today, right?
I’ll head to the kitchen too.
I can talk to her about the horns, cloak, and eyepatch while we eat.
As I was thinking that and going down the stairs—
“Oh, Thor-sama. Is that a new item?”
At the castle entrance, I ran into Chancellor Kelve.
It looked like he had just come down the central staircase. Maybe he had been meeting with Rukie.
“If you’re looking for Her Majesty the Demon Lord, she’s in the throne room. Shall I announce your visit?”
“Thank you. But the audience can wait. I need to experiment with some items first.”
“Item experimentation… you say?”
“It’s nothing special. Just some simple disguise items: ‘horns,’ a ‘cloak,’ and an ‘eyepatch.'”
“Disguise items?”
“Yes. Fake horns, a cloak to hide the body, and an eyepatch to hide expressions. They glow and wriggle when magic is infused, but that’s all they do.”
“I see…”
Huh? What’s wrong?
Kelve’s eyes went wide in surprise… then he put a hand to his forehead.
He’s looking at me with a sorrowful expression…
“I apologize, Thor-sama.”
“What’s the matter, Chancellor?”
“You just said what you’re holding is merely a disguise set of ‘horns,’ ‘cloak,’ and ‘eyepatch,’ correct?”
“Yes. They’re just flashy, that’s all.”
“Yes, of course. I trust you, Thor-sama. You always speak frankly about the items you create. However…”
Kelve spoke again, still in a sorrowful tone—
“My reason as Chancellor whispers to me: ‘Think logically. There’s no way Thor-sama’s items are just for disguise.'”
“Logically speaking?”
“Yes. Because of the common sense I’ve developed through experience… I just can’t stop worrying about those horns, cloak, and eyepatch.”
“That makes sense. As Chancellor, you must have a very strong sense of propriety.”
I see.
As Chancellor, Kelve is well-versed in the common sense of the Demon Lord’s domain.
He might be thinking that walking around in this three-piece set wouldn’t be seen as just a disguise.
People might be shocked, or mistake me for a suspicious demon and draw their weapons. That could cause a huge commotion.
That’s probably what he means by “it won’t just be a disguise.”
I understand why Kelve is worried.
This time, I was completely focused on “hiding my identity no matter what.”
I didn’t consider the other implications at all.
“I believe I understand your concerns, Chancellor.”
I said,
“If I were to walk around wearing these items, (townspeople might be surprised, or think some suspicious demon has shown up), and it could cause unintended effects, correct?”
“…? Ah, yes. That’s more or less what I meant, even if the wording feels a little off.”
“Then, I will entrust these to you, Chancellor.”
I held out the horns, cloak, and eyepatch to Kelve.
Kelve is well-versed in the customs of the Demon Lord’s territory.
He should also be able to tell whether it’s safe to go out in public wearing this.
In that case, the best course of action would be to have the sensible Kelve check it.
“Chancellor, please check whether this is a sensible item or not.”
“Is that all right?”
“I trust you, Chancellor.”
Thanks to Kelve checking my items, I can create them with peace of mind.
Besides, Kelve might also be knowledgeable about the fashion trends in the Demon Lord’s territory. He should be able to judge whether it’s okay to walk around in this appearance.
“For now, let me show you how to use them.”
“Ah, yes. Thank you.”
“The horns go on your head. They glow when you pour magic into them. The cloak—”
I explained to Kelve how to use the “horns,” “cloak,” and “eyepatch.”
Kelve nodded with a serious expression.
Then, taking the “horns,” “cloak,” and “eyepatch” that I had made, he left.
──Later, in the throne room──
“I see. The ‘Water Summoner’ seems to be problem-free. If nothing arises, we’ll ask Thor to mass-produce it.”
“Indeed. That sounds good.”
“Then, may I call the next person to report, Your Majesty?”
“Y-Yes.”
The Demon Lord Rukie nodded on the throne.
Then, tilting her head slightly,
“By the way, Kelve.”
“What is it, Your Majesty?”
“What’s with those shiny, glowing horns?”
“…I borrowed them from Thor to test the item’s effects.”
“And the cloak that wriggles around, and that eyepatch that emits a mysterious light?”
“…Yes, those too.”
“They just seem like flashy items. Is there any point to you wearing them?”
“N-No, I don’t think they’re necessary either…”
Chancellor Kelve pressed the glowing eyepatch with one hand and said:
“But my experience as a Chancellor whispers to me: ‘Think logically. Tor’s items couldn’t possibly be for mere disguise. If you keep using them, they’re bound to unleash some astonishing surprise effect’—”
“What did Thor say about them?”
“He said they’re just flashy disguise items. However—”
“His items tend to have unexpected effects even to himself.”
“If they transformed like the ‘Roleplay Pajamas,’ I’d be convinced. Or if he said things like ‘they fire beams,’ ‘they emit light magic,’ or ‘they make the wearer invisible,’ I could relax. But being told they’re ‘just for flashy disguise’ only makes me more uneasy.”
“Is that how it is?”
The Demon Lord Rukie turned her eyes to the glowing horns, the wriggling cloak, and the seven-colored changing eyepatch.
Then she folded her arms and said:
“But… isn’t that outfit just way too flashy?”
“…I’m aware of that.”
Chancellor Kelve lowered his shoulders and muttered:
“Just as Your Majesty said, it’s incredibly flashy. And bizarre. Honestly… wearing it feels like it’s draining my spirit.”
“Wouldn’t it be better to take them off?”
“These are Thor’s items. We won’t know if they’re safe unless we use them for a long time.”
“By the way, what did Thor intend to use the horns, cloak, and eyepatch for?”
“He said they were for disguises.”
“…And with glowing horns, a wriggling cloak, and an eyepatch, where exactly was he planning to go?”
“Most likely to subjugate magical beasts. The glowing horns might represent magical energy surging, the wriggling cloak could symbolize vibrant life force, and the eyepatch might indicate an all-seeing gaze. In other words, I believe these are items meant to intimidate magical beasts.”
“That sounds plausible.”
“In that case, we should also consider the possibility that suspicious beams may shoot from the horns or eyepatch.”
“So that’s why you’re continuing to wear them, Kelve?”
“If it displeases Your Majesty, I’ll remove them…”
“No, keep them on. Sometimes, it’s fun for us to discover the hidden effects of Thor’s items.”
“Yes! Understood.”
And so, Chancellor Kelve continued his duties while equipped with the “Glowing Horns,” the “Wriggling Cloak,” and the “Mysteriously Shining Eyepatch”—
Those in the Demon Lord’s castle and petitioners who came for an audience caught sight of the dazzling gear—
And as a result, Chancellor Kelve ended up creating a brand new legend—
“Nothing happened…”
“Right.”
“I never imagined that Thor-sama would create an item that only draws attention… It was beyond my common sense…”
The next morning.
Kelve came to return the “horns,” “cloak,” and “eyepatch,” looking utterly dejected.
“…I spent the whole day in that outfit… Thanks to that, rumors started spreading—‘The Chancellor Kelve with glowing horns,’ ‘The Chancellor who stirs shadows with his dark cloak,’ ‘The Chancellor Kelve has a piercing gaze that sees through lies’…”
“That sounds cool.”
“By the way, Thor-sama, why did you make those things?”
“To disguise myself as a demon and take a stroll through the castle town.”
“Please stop, you stand out far too much.”
“So even in the Demon Lord’s territory, that outfit was outrageous, huh…”
“Honestly, the fact that you even thought about walking around in that getup is what surprises me.”
“Right? I did think partway through making it, ‘Maybe this is bad.’”
“…I really wish you had stopped there.”
“But the people in the castle loved it, you know? ‘His Excellency the Chancellor is starting a new trend,’ ‘Thanks to the glowing horns, we always know where the Chancellor is,’ ‘No one can lie in the face of Chancellor Kelve’s gaze.’—Huh? Your Excellency? Where are you going? That’s a wall… Um?”
“…I—I’m fine.”
Kelve returned while holding his forehead.
Anyway, the horns, cloak, and eyepatch I made this time were failures.
I’ll collect them and… eventually dispose of them.
“Anyway, thank you for experimenting with them, Your Excellency the Chancellor.”
“No, if I could be of help… I’m glad.”
“Now, could you please hand over the ‘horns,’ ‘cloak,’ and ‘eyepatch’?”
“No, please allow me to purchase them.”
Chancellor Kelve said:
“I will pay for them. I would very much like to have them.”
“Did you actually like the fashion?”
“Not at all.”
“…Thought so.”
“Yesterday… while I was wearing them, I bent one of the horns.”
With that, Kelve took out the metal horn.
Sure enough, it was bent oddly in the middle—like it had taken a heavy blow.
“I can’t return something I broke. That’s why I want to buy it.”
“In that case, I’ll just give it to you.”
“I can’t accept that. I must do what’s right.”
He’s really serious. That’s just the kind of person Kelve is.
But I respect that about him.
As long as Kelve is by Rukie’s side, I feel confident the Demon Lord’s domain won’t go astray.
“Well then, I’ll be going now, Thor-sama.”
After negotiating the price a few times—we ended up agreeing that I’d just take a small compensation for the trouble.
Next time I go to the castle town, I’ll buy a souvenir for Kelve with it.
“This whole matter was my blunder. Please don’t worry about it, Thor-sama.”
Saying that at the end, Kelve bowed his head.
“I hope you continue to use your talents freely for the good of the Demon Lord’s realm.”
“Understood. I’ll make sure to report it properly next time I make a new magic item.”
“I believe in you, Thor-sama.”
With those parting words, Chancellor Kelve returned to his chambers.
Later, I again consulted with Mabel on how we could secretly sneak around the castle town.
We came up with ideas like using the “Role-Play Pajamas” to turn into a lizard, or distracting people with a “Modified Hug Pillow” doppelgänger of myself—but we set those aside for the time being.
Because a request had come from Demon Lord Rukie.
“Forgive me, Thor. Could you go to the Empire’s territory, to the town of Nosa?”
On the throne, Rukie—dressed in her Demon Lord style—spoke.
“A letter has come from Princess Sophia. ‘This is a matter of great importance. I would like to meet directly with the alchemist Thor Canaan and someone from the Demon Lord’s domain,’ it says. Would you go hear her out, Thor?”