Chapter 138: “Demon Lord Rukie Reflects on Magical Beast Subjugation and the Development of the Demon Lord’s Territory”

──A few days later, in the mining region of the Raizenga Territory──

“…Grrrr…”

Deep inside a cave, the magical beast Cave Dark Bear awoke.

Its internal clock indicated that it was night. Time to be active.

The beast crawled out from between the rocks and began moving toward the cave entrance.

This was a cave located within the mountains of the mining region.

There were countless similar caves nearby. They were connected in a complex web like blood vessels, making it impossible to grasp the full layout from the outside.

Only creatures that lived in the caves could understand their internal structure.

Cave Dark Bear was one such creature.

This magical beast made its nest in cave-like places that humans and demi-humans couldn’t pass through.

At night, it would go outside to hunt prey.

Its nest had multiple exits, allowing it to escape from any direction.

Because of this, it was a difficult magical beast to subjugate.

“Gisha… gugaga…”

Seeking food, Cave Dark Bear crawled deeper into the cave.

Its body length was just under one meter. It had black fur and long claws.

Though small in size, it was strong. Its claws could crush rocks and damage armor.

It moved quickly, silently sneaking up on its prey from behind to attack.

Now, Cave Dark Bear was heading toward a demi-human camp.

There was plenty of food there.

If the demi-humans got in the way, it could just attack and devour them.

After all, this rocky mountain was Cave Dark Bear’s territory──

“………Gugaga?’

Cave Dark Bear suddenly remembered.

Come to think of it, there had been intruders in the cave earlier that day.

A spider about the same size as itself and a mysterious sphere. As if they knew exactly where it was, they had ventured deep into the cave. When startled, they had quickly fled.

What on earth were they──?

“Heh… gugaga.”

Soon, the cave exit came into view.

Delighted by the sight of the outside, Cave Dark Bear forgot about the intruders.

The blue-black night sky and the starlight entered its vision.

Now it was time to hunt.

It would attack the demi-humans and steal plenty of food──

BIIIKUUUUUUU!?

Suddenly, Cave Dark Bear stopped in its tracks and stared ahead.

Its body began to tremble slightly, overtaken by an instinctual fear.

There was something at the cave entrance.

A demi-human soldier—no, something far more dangerous.

“………?”

Upon closer inspection, something strange was at the cave entrance.

A triangular object. Like upward-facing fangs, it was placed at the entrance.

Red in color. There were two of them.

Two long rods connected the triangles.

It looked as if the cave entrance had become the gaping maw of a giant magical beast.

“Grrr…”

This cave was entirely within Cave Dark Bear’s territory.

Having its exit blocked was a matter of life and death.

If there was an enemy, it had to fight and eliminate it.

With that in mind, Cave Dark Bear took a step forward, and at that moment──

“────VUUUOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!”

A massive roar echoed through the cave.

“Hiiiii!!”

In an instant, Cave Dark Bear realized it was defeated.

It couldn’t win.

The presence was overwhelming.

The triangles and rods emitted an incredibly vicious and deadly aura.

It wasn’t a demi-human, demon, human, or even a magical beast.

It was something that invoked a more primal terror.

And it was waiting at the cave exit, targeting Cave Dark Bear.

“──Don’t come any closer! You are already within my striking range!!”

“Hiiiii────!!”

Hearing that voice, Cave Dark Bear swiftly turned around and ran.

It couldn’t even think about fighting.

All it could do was escape.

All it wanted was to get away.

It was fine. There were other exits.

This mountain was filled with countless caves, all connected like veins.

It would never use that exit again.

Next time it went hunting, it would use a different one.

Look, the outside was already visible.

The same blue-black sky and countless stars.

There would be no problem leaving from this exit.

It could forget about that terrifying thing and attack the demi-humans──

“────VUUUOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!”

──Or so it thought, but the creature was at this exit too.

“Don’t come any closer! You are already within my strike──”

“Gyaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!”

Once again, Cave Dark Bear fled.

The worst case. This exit was also covered.

Only five exits remained in its territory.

Cave Dark Bear headed for them, but──

“Don’t come any closer! You──” “Don’t come any clos──” “Don’t──” “I’ll EAT YOU! GOOORAAAAAA──!!”

“HIIIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! GYAAAAAAAH!!”

Cave Dark bear was in a state of panic.

Of the seven exits, six were occupied by “that terrible something.”

Only one escape route remained. If that presence was there too — there was no choice but to fight.

Even though it was a magical beast, it could not live inside the cave alone.

There wasn’t enough food. There wasn’t enough water.

If it couldn’t get outside, it would die.

The last exit was near the mountain summit. Since it was on top of a cliff, it should be hard to find.

That “terrible something” might not notice it either.

“Gwaaahhhh! Haha! Gagagaga!”

And then — ‘Cave Dark bear’ let out a shout of joy.

That last exit did not have that creature.

No triangular object, no long stick.

Safe — thinking so, Cave Dark bear sprinted full speed toward the exit.

— Now, let’s begin the hunt.

— Let’s catch plenty of prey.

— So that for a while, it wouldn’t need to leave the cave.

Thinking this, the moment Cave Dark bear burst out of the cave —

Thud!

Something slammed into Cave Dark bear’s torso.

The impact sent its body flying into the air. It was blown away. It crashed into the rocky wall.

“—Gahaa!”

Coughing up blood, what Cave Dark bear saw was — a human child smiling under the moonlight.

Moreover, strangely flat.

It had seemed huge perhaps because it was night, or maybe because of fear.

In any case, Cave Dark bear no longer understood.

The damage from the collision had dealt a fatal blow to the magical beast.

“……Giee, ee”

It had underestimated the demi-humans.

They must have summoned “that terrible something” blocking the cave entrance, and a “child-like something” that crashed at high speed.

It should never have picked a fight.

Thinking this, Cave Dark bear breathed its last.

— A few days later, at the Demon Lord’s Castle —

“The ‘Cave Dark bear’ that appeared in the mining district has all been exterminated.”

This was the throne room of the Demon Lord’s Castle.

Chancellor Kelve held a letter and was reporting to Demon Lord Rukie.

“The incident began when the magical beast ‘Cave Dark bear’ appeared in the mining district. It is a nocturnal magical beast, and it was disturbing sleeping soldiers and raiding stored food supplies. Therefore, it was decided to exterminate it, but…”

“To that, Thor also lent his cooperation.”

“Yes. The items used were the ‘Traffic Cone,’ ‘Cone Bar,’ and ‘Jump-out Kid.’”

Chancellor Kelve said with a stern expression.

Demon Lord Rukie nodded and said,

“The ‘Traffic Cone’ and ‘Cone Bar’ are stationary ‘security buzzers,’ right?”

“I’ve heard they have the effect of intimidating humans, demi-humans, demon tribes, and magical beasts.”

“Hmm. And the ‘Jump-out Kid’ is…”

“That is truly a mysterious item. We do not understand why it takes the form of a child.”

“In the hero world’s items, there must be some meaning.”

“…Yes. And the effect of the ‘Jump-out Kid’ is beyond doubt. In this operation, it defeated twelve ‘Cave Dark bear’ beasts…”

Chancellor Kelve’s voice trembled.

‘Cave Dark bear’ is a difficult magical beast to fight.

It moves fast and is hard to catch. When sensing danger, it immediately flees into caves or narrow gaps.

When it has no escape, it becomes ferocious and forces soldiers to bleed with its long claws.

Extermination takes time.

To do all that in one night — and to exterminate the entire pack — was utterly unexpected.

Rukie had never imagined the ‘Jump-out Kid’ had such power.

──────────────────

‘Jump-out Kid’ (Attributes: Earth Earth Earth, Wind Wind Wind) (Rarity: ★★★★★★★★★★★★)

Powered by strong earth attributes and ‘Earth Magic Stones,’ it has weight and stability.

Powered by strong wind attributes and ‘Wind Magic Stones,’ it moves as if literally flying.

An item designed to keep demi-humans, demon tribes, and humans away from dangerous areas.

It has the ability to charge toward detected targets when sensing magical power.

Made of metal, its weight increases during collision due to earth attributes and ‘Earth Magic Stones,’ delivering a tremendous impact.

Its appearance is that of a lively child’s signboard.

The base has legs similar to the ‘Cleaning Robot — Spider Type,’ allowing it to traverse any terrain.

Upon detecting an enemy, the child-shaped signboard portion slides forward to attack.

Its range is only a few meters, but its power is enormous.

Physical destruction resistance: ★★★

Durability: 1 year (however, the signboard portion that rams enemies degrades quickly)

User support for the base part lasts 3 years.

──────────────────

“It seems the ‘Jump-out Kid’ was installed at the cave’s exit. Then… when a magical beast approached, it literally sprang forward… delivering a tremendous body slam…”

“The impact of the collision dealt great damage to the magical beasts?”

“Some were smashed against rocks or rolled off cliffs.”

“…It is a powerful item.”

“The soldiers of Reisenga territory were reportedly surprised as well,”

Chancellor Kelve continued the report with a pale face.

“I understand their feelings. By morning… there were a large number of ‘Cave Dark bear’ corpses scattered below the cliff… It’s hard to find words to express it.”

“Indeed. An item that automatically ambushes magical beasts is unexpected.”

The Demon Lord Rukie nodded while still wearing her mask.

“Specifically, what kind of strategy was carried out?”

“The details are as follows.

(1) Using the ‘Cleaning Robot’ to collect the beast’s skin and fur.

(2) Using the ‘Cleaning Robot’ to search for caves that serve as the beasts’ pathways.

(3) Placing ‘Traffic Cones’ and ‘Cone Bars’ at the cave exits where the beasts pass through, to block their passage.

(4) However, at one spot only, instead of ‘Traffic Cones’ and ‘Cone Bars,’ a ‘Jump-Out Kid’ was placed.

(5) After that, the area was left unattended for several days.

— When this was executed, they were able to subjugate 12 of them overnight… an entire pack of ‘Cave Dark Bears’…”

“…I see.”

“It’s exactly like a textbook siege operation. Blocking the castle’s entrances and exits, limiting the enemy’s retreat to a single point. Then placing ambush troops there to strike soldiers rushing out of the castle. Most likely, the strategy itself was devised by General Reisenga.”

“That strategy was realized thanks to Thor’s items, wasn’t it…”

“…………”

“…………”

Silence fell over the throne room.

Demon Lord Rukie folded her arms and nodded repeatedly.

She was deeply pondering the contents of the report.

‘Cleaning Robot,’ ‘Traffic Cone,’ ‘Cone Bar,’ ‘Jump-Out Kid’—

These were words neither Rukie nor Kelve had known just a few months ago.

(And yet… somehow, with those items, they have come to be able to conquer monster nests…)

She thought this was proof that the Demon Lord’s territory was continuing to develop and evolve.

Someday… Thor’s items would become commonplace, and the Demon Lord’s domain might become a much more comfortable and livable place.

(It is my duty to move the country towards that future…)

Rukie clenched her fists on her lap.

She renewed her resolve as a ruler, then said,

“In any case, it was fortunate that the subjugation proceeded smoothly.”

Normally, just finding the cave that the monsters use would take several days.

Afterwards, soldiers would be stationed at the cave entrance. Considering the possibility that the beasts might move during the day, there would be three shifts. This would require a large number of personnel, yet even then, monsters could escape.

If the ‘Cave Dark Bears’ made a nest elsewhere, the investigation would have to start over.

Yet, with the ‘Cleaning Robot,’ ‘Traffic Cone,’ and ‘Cone Bar’—including the time for placement—they managed the subjugation in just a few days.

“We must commend Thor and Reisenga. I will send a letter asking what sort of reward they desire.”

“…Your Majesty.”

When she noticed, Chancellor Kelve was looking at Rukie with a serious expression.

Seeing this, Rukie tilted her head.

“What is it, Kelve?”

“I see tremendous potential in the ‘Traffic Cones’ and ‘Cone Bars.’”

“Hmm. Then, please tell me.”

“…Excuse me.”

Chancellor Kelve straightened his chest and took a deep breath.

Then—

“—The ‘Traffic Cones’ and ‘Cone Bars’ can be used as siege weapons. If you block the enemy’s castle gates with ‘Traffic Cones’ and ‘Cone Bars,’ the enemy cannot sortie. Their movements can be restrained until those barriers are destroyed. Additionally, it’s possible to cut off connections between castles. They can be used tactically.”

“…Indeed.”

“Furthermore… The Demon Lord’s territory is currently developing new land. There are places nearby where monsters appear. In such cases, first, using the ‘Cleaning Robot’ to collect monster fur and skin, then surrounding the development camp with ‘Traffic Cones’ and ‘Cone Bars’ embedded with those materials can prevent monster attacks. There will be no need to post lookouts. Imagine how much development could progress!”

“Kelve? You don’t have to get so excited…”

“If used on ranches, they can prevent livestock from escaping. They can also keep away pest birds and insects that damage crops. Placing ‘Traffic Cones’ designed for horses in front of cavalry can cause charging riders to fall. And then… and then…”

“Alright, alright, calm down, Kelve!”

Demon Lord Rukie waved her hand in a ‘calm down’ gesture.

Chancellor Kelve pulled his head away from a shaking pillar and said,

“If these items are combined with the ‘Water Summoner’ that Thor made last time… the living standards of the Demon Lord’s territory will greatly evolve.”

“That’s no surprise. Since Thor arrived, the Demon Lord’s territory has been steadily evolving.”

“I understand. But it’s happening so fast… I always feel like my capabilities as Chancellor are being tested under enormous pressure.”

“…Indeed, the flow of time has sped up.”

Saying this, Demon Lord Rukie looked at the parchment in her hands.

What she held was a proposal from Princess Sophia regarding the expansion of the trading post.

“It’s not just about magic items. Relations with other countries are also changing. The current active exchange with the human world is unprecedented in the history of the Demon Lord’s territory.”

“You mean the proposal from Princess Sophia.”

“What do you think about expanding the trading post, Kelve?”

“I agree.”

“There is no longer any reason to oppose it.”

Demon Lord Rukie gave a wry smile and…

“With ‘traffic cones’ and ‘cone bars’, you can control the flow of people. And with the ‘Jump-out Kid’, you can stop bad guys in their tracks. If you equip the guards with ‘security buzzers’, things will be even safer.”

“Expanding the trading post brings economic benefits. However, the issue had always been the need for a large number of personnel to maintain security. Now that this has been resolved, there are only advantages for the Demon Lord’s Domain.”

“Indeed.”

“In relation to that, I, Chancellor Kelve, have a proposal.”

Suddenly, Chancellor Kelve dropped to one knee.

With a serious expression, he continued.

“How about we take this opportunity to establish an outpost of the Demon Lord’s Domain beyond the border?”

“…What did you say?”

“I would like to create an agency within the trading post responsible for diplomacy on behalf of the Demon Lord’s Domain. And, if Princess Sophia so wishes… I also think we should establish a branch office of ‘Nosa Town’ within our territory.”

“For the sake of friendship between the two nations…?”

“Yes. Setting aside the Empire, I believe we can form a friendship with the Grand Duchy.”

It was a good plan.

Originally, the establishment of the trading post was a temporary measure.

It was based on tacit approval, and if complaints came from the Empire, they would have no choice but to withdraw.

However, the area near the border had become territory of the Grand Duchy.

Princess Sophia, who governs that land, desires the expansion of the trading post and exchange with the Demon Lord’s Domain.

In that case, it should be possible to create an outpost of the Demon Lord’s Domain within the trading post.

That would facilitate smoother interactions between the Grand Duchy and the Demon Lord’s Domain.

It would also make it easier to gather information from the Empire.

“Even if they refuse, it’s fine. It would simply mean it was too soon. If interactions continue to deepen through the trading post’s expansion, the opportunity will surely come again.”

“Yes. A fine idea.”

Demon Lord Rukie nodded with satisfaction.

“Very well. Let’s proceed with negotiations with Princess Sophia.”

“Please do, Your Majesty.”

“But it is surprising, isn’t it? First, the expansion of the trading post, and now the establishment of an outpost.”

Rukie muttered vaguely as she gazed out the window.

“To think the Demon Lord’s Domain would develop so rapidly… When I first ascended the throne, I never imagined such things.”

“It’s all thanks to Thor-sama, and Your Majesty who employed him. That said, I do wish Thor-sama would slow down the pace of his alchemy just a little…”

Chancellor Kelve scratched his head vigorously.

“Come to think of it, I heard the next meeting will be held at the trading post. Will they use the hidden room, perhaps?”

“…Hmm?”

Demon Lord Rukie crossed her arms instinctively.

Of course, she had received a message from Thor.

The next meeting with Princess Sophia would be held in the fizzy bath at the trading post.

It made perfect sense, as they would be discussing confidential matters.

And since the negotiation concerned the trading post, the location was suitable.

Rukie understood this. Logically, it made sense. But still—

“…Hmm, hmmm…”

“That location should be secure. The Empire won’t be able to eavesdrop. Even regarding the outpost, only Princess Sophia will hear about it.”

“…Hmmmm.”

“This part can be left to Thor-sama. If Thor, Mabel, and Princess Sophia conduct the meeting together…”

“…Kelve.”

“Yes, Your Majesty?”

“Tell Thor to have Agnis present at the meeting as well.”

“Y-Yes? But usually it’s just Mabel…”

“Mabel is an important person too. And she’s let her guard down since becoming Thor’s fiancée… No, in any case, Agnis should be present. Diplomacy will involve her more from now on. It will also serve as training!”

“U-Understood!”

Thus, the Demon Lord’s Domain decided to expand the trading post.

At the same time, a plan was set in motion to establish a diplomatic outpost south of the border—

Agnis was appointed as the negotiator, with Thor and Mabel assigned to support her.

—Meanwhile, in ‘Nosa Town’—

“Dorothy-sama.”

“Yes, Your Highness?”

“Your work is done for today, yes? Would you stay and chat with me for a bit?”

This was Princess Sophia’s residence in Nosa Town.

Evening. The time when the day’s work had ended.

Sophia had invited Dorothy, who had come to report, into her room.

While Dorothy hesitated, Sophia brewed tea for two and sat down.

It was as if she had timed it perfectly for Dorothy’s arrival.

“…I can’t outmatch you, Princess Sophia.”

Dorothy murmured with a resigned smile and took the seat opposite Sophia.

“Kharon-sama said it as well. That Princess Sophia is an irreplaceable asset. Regardless of your health, the Empire should have treated you with far more care.”

“It is an honor to hear such words from the Archduke.”

“I feel the same way. I believe Princess Sophia is truly an exceptional person.”

“I have simply been blessed with good people.”

“Being able to attract such people is also part of your talent, Your Highness. On that note, I have a request…”

“A request?”

“Yes. If you have time, may I draw your portrait?”

Dorothy said this with sparkling eyes.

“It’s just a small hobby of mine… but drawing portraits of distinguished individuals is my greatest joy. Of course, I’m not asking you right away. I’d like to first be of greater service to Your Highness, to produce results… and then, once I’ve done that, I’ll ask again properly.”

“I don’t mind. If I have time, I’ll gladly accompany you anytime…”

Sofia nodded, and then, as if something occurred to her—

“Dorothy-sama, by any chance, have you also drawn the Archduke’s portrait?”

“Yes. I pestered him as a child, and he kindly let me draw him.”

“…What about a portrait of Thor Canaan-sama?”

“N-No… not yet… I’d like to wait until I’ve proven myself to be of use to everyone.”

Dorothy lowered her gaze in embarrassment.

“For someone like me to ask a distinguished person… I must achieve some results first.”

“You shouldn’t belittle yourself so much. You are already doing an admirable job… truly.”

Suddenly, Sophia looked straight at Dorothy.

With a strong gaze—but still wearing a gentle expression, she said,

“And… I’ve heard from Archduke Kharon about what you’re struggling with. About why you always wear gloves in front of others. And that because of it, you think of yourself as third-rate.”

“──!?”

Dorothy’s eyes widened.

Instinctively, she pulled the hand holding her cup back and hid it under the table.

“I-I’m so sorry. I wasn’t trying to hide it. It’s just that… it hasn’t interfered with my duties as Your Highness’s guard, so I didn’t bring it up.”

“I’m not accusing you. I just wanted to say that if you’re troubled, I could speak to Thor Canaan-sama about it on your behalf.”

“Absolutely not! I could never trouble you with something so personal…”

“Is that so?”

“Y-Yes. Besides, I have nothing to offer the alchemist in return!”

“In that case, I—Sophia—will pay the cost on your behalf.”

With a dreamy expression, Princess Sophia placed a hand on her chest as she said that.

Thump, thump—her heart was beating fast.

Blushing faintly, she continued.

“For the sake of someone important to me, I’ll offer what I can to Thor Canaan-sama as compensation.”

“…I can’t possibly let you go that far for me.”

“You don’t need to worry. In fact, this might be a good opportunity. One day, I’ll give everything I have… No, that’s a different matter.”

“I don’t fully understand, but Your Highness’s proposal is far too generous for someone like me.”

With a loud thunk, Dorothy lowered her head so quickly it was as if she had struck the table with her forehead.

“Of course, I deeply appreciate Your Highness’s feelings. But I cannot let you go that far for me!”

“That’s a pity.”

“Truly, from the bottom of my heart, I am grateful. I hereby renew my vow of unwavering loyalty to Your Highness.”

“Is that so… Then, may I ask one favor?”

“Please, anything at all!”

“The next time I meet with Thor Canaan-sama, I’d like you to be there with me.”

After a moment of thought, Sophia said,

“And I’d like whatever you hear there to remain a secret between the two of us. May I ask this of you, Dorothy Listan-sama?”

Previous chapter | TOC | Next chapter