Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 140: Princess Sophia’s Proposal and Dorothy’s Troubles
—Several Days Later: Thor’s Perspective—
After that, Demon Lord Rukie sent a letter to Princess Sophia.
The letter concerned expanding the Trading Post and establishing an office of the Demon Lord’s Domain there.
The two sides continued discussing their proposals through the winged pixies.
As the negotiations took shape, Rukie decided to send representatives to speak directly with Princess Sophia.
Thus, the date of the meeting was decided—
Mabel, Agnis, and I traveled to the border Trading Post for the meeting.
“…I’m feeling nervous.”
“This is an important mission entrusted to us by Her Majesty the Demon Lord, after all.”
“It’s alright. Princess Sophia has already been informed.”
We waited in the Trading Post’s secret room.
Princess Sophia was scheduled to use the Fizzing Bath in the rest area that day.
We would discuss the Trading Post from the adjoining secret room.
Princess Sophia had probably chosen the location to keep the negotiations completely confidential.
No observer would know whom she had met.
The contents of the conversation would remain secret as well.
“But I get why Agnis is nervous. It seems that Dorothy-sama will be joining Princess Sophia as well this time.”
Dorothy-sama’s participation was at Princess Sophia’s request.
As Archduke Kharon’s relative and Princess Sophia’s bodyguard, Dorothy probably needed to hear the information as well.
“…U-um, Thor Canaan-sama.”
“What’s wrong, Agnis?”
“That’s not the reason I’m nervous…”
“It’s not?”
“Y-yes. It’s just… this secret room is a bit… cramped…”
Agnis said this with a bright red face.
…Now that she mentions it.
The room was narrow. Mabel and I could barely stand side by side, and although it extended some distance inward, there was little usable space once we faced Princess Sophia and Dorothy.
That’s why we’re all pressed close together…
“…Well, it can’t be helped.”
“…That’s true.”
“…I-it can’t be helped…”
Mabel, Agnis, and I nodded at each other.
“By the way, Agnis. Is the security of the rest area alright?”
“It’s fine. There’s a Minotaur guard at the entrance. Around the area, we’ve set up ‘Traffic Cones’ and ‘Cone Bars.’ They’re arranged for anti-human measures…”
“Then it’s safe.”
My hair is inside the ‘Traffic Cones.’
As a result, they intimidated humans as an entire species.
That’s why no one enters the rest area with the Fizzing Bath without permission.
Even I can’t enter or leave without using the main entrance.
“Agnis-sama… I just had a thought,”
“What is it, Mabel?”
“If we want Sir Thor to rest properly, we could block the entrance to the rest area with ‘Traffic Cones’ and ‘Cone Bars’…”
“Oh! W-what a brilliant idea!”
“I’ve been banned from doing it, so please do it in my stead, Agnis-sama…”
“Understood. I’ll try it after the meeting is over…”
“You know I can hear you, right? Don’t do anything weird, okay?”
Good grief.
Mabel had discovered a rather alarming new use for the Traffic Cones and Cone Bars.
Perhaps I should modify them so they didn’t affect Thor Canaan specifically.
Clack.
As I was thinking that, I heard the sound of the bathhouse door opening.
Princess Sophia and her companion seemed to have arrived.
“Is anyone there? Thor Canaan-sama. Agnis-sama. Mabel-sama.”
From the bathhouse, Princess Sophia’s voice called out.
“Yes, we’re here.”
Agnis responded on our behalf.
This time, Agnis was responsible for conveying Rukie’s message.
That was the directive from Rukie.
Rukie’s letter had ordered the three of us to meet Princess Sophia together. She apparently wanted Agnis, as General Raisenga’s daughter, to gain diplomatic experience.
“I’m Sophia Dorgalia. Dorothy-sama accompanies me today.”
“…Pardon our intrusion.”
Princess Sophia and Dorothy-sama spoke.
In contrast to Princess Sophia’s calm voice, Dorothy’s tone was tense.
She had only just arrived in the borderlands, so it’s understandable.
“I, Agnis Freizad, shall convey Her Majesty the Demon Lord’s words. First, we welcome Your Highness Princess Sophia Dorgalia and Dorothy Listan-sama.”
Agnis offered words of welcome.
“So then, Your Highness. Have you read the letter from Her Majesty the Demon Lord?”
“Yes. I have confirmed that she has approved the expansion of the trading post. And on top of that, Her Majesty wishes to establish a diplomatic branch office at the trading post, correct?”
“Yes. It’s intended to promote exchange and diplomacy between our nations.”
The Demon Lord’s Domain wished to establish its own office at the Trading Post.
Its staff would resolve problems involving the Trading Post, hear petitions from local residents, report developments to the Demon Lord’s Domain, and handle diplomatic procedures.
Apparently, a civil official will be stationed there permanently.
Erte would probably be assigned there. She was Chancellor Kelve’s niece and an excellent civil official with experience handling reports and administrative procedures.
“I, Sophia Dorgalia, have no objections to these proposals.”
Princess Sophia stated.
“However, I must consult with Commander Isaac and the ‘Omawarisan Unit.’ I’ll need to take the matter back and discuss it—will that be alright?”
“That’s perfectly fine. Also, Her Majesty Demon Lord Rukie Evergard wishes to meet with you again, Princess Sophia.”
“I would be glad to accept.”
She agreed without hesitation.
Princess Sophia answered without hesitation.
“A giant centipede interrupted our previous meeting. I would be delighted to meet Her Majesty again and continue our discussion.”
“—Please wait, Your Highness.”
Suddenly, Dorothy-sama raised her voice.
“I’ve heard that the Demon Lord possesses immense power. If we’re going to meet with her, shouldn’t we at least invite Kharon-sama to accompany us for protection…?”
“Oh my, Dorothy-sama. I’m currently here speaking with everyone from the Demon Lord’s Domain with nothing but my own body, you know?”
“Even so…”
“At this moment, I’m wearing nothing but a bathing robe. If necessary, I can cast it aside and appear before the people of the Demon Lord’s Domain exactly as I am. That should prove that I expect no harm from them.”
“I-I understand! Please don’t take it off!”
Princess Sophia’s voice was full of determination, while Dorothy-sama’s was flustered.
Then, Dorothy-sama sighed and said:
“Please forgive my tactless comment. Seeing Your Highness like this makes it very clear how much you trust the people of the Demon Lord’s Domain. Compared to that, I… I can’t even bring myself to take off my clothes.”
…So Dorothy-sama is still clothed.
Well, I suppose that makes sense.
She’s, after all, Princess Sophia’s bodyguard.
She can’t exactly take a bath wearing just a bathing robe.
It was unfortunate that she couldn’t enjoy the bath.
This was one of my proudest creations—“The Luxurious Noble’s Fizzing Bath.”
“You needn’t worry about your clothes. I was the one who brought you to this place, Dorothy-sama.”
Princess Sophia spoke.
“Besides, the steam and mysterious light here conceal our bodies. Whether we’re clothed or not, it makes no difference.”
“Understood. Still… a bath that manipulates steam and light… What incredible technology. This was made by the alchemist, was it not? So that no one would see Princess Sophia’s bare skin during confidential discussions…”
I could sense Dorothy sighing.
“People who go to such lengths to be considerate to Her Highness… would never intend harm to her. My earlier statement was truly misplaced. I sincerely apologize for my rudeness.”
“It’s quite alright. It’s only natural that people from the Empire are unfamiliar with the Demon Lord’s Domain.”
“It seems Dorothy-sama is now convinced as well. Shall we go greet everyone, then?”
Splash. The sound of Princess Sophia standing up in the bath.
It sounded as though she was coming toward us.
She prefers face-to-face conversations, after all.
“Excuse me. Thor Canaan-sama.”
The hidden door opened.
Princess Sophia, with wet hair, entered slowly.
Naturally, her body was concealed by steam and mysterious light.
Dorothy appeared to be wearing her usual uniform beneath the concealing steam and light.
Still, the steam and light kept her concealed, so I couldn’t see clearly.
Her hairstyle was the usual ponytail. Even in the bath, she wore gloves and socks.
“Once again, I apologize for my earlier rudeness.”
Just after passing through the hidden door, Dorothy-sama bowed her head toward us.
It caught me off guard.
She hadn’t even confirmed our presence after entering.
Yet she bowed precisely in our direction.
She must have identified our positions by our voices.
Impressive—as expected of Archduke Kharon’s relative.
“Just to be clear, I won’t divulge anything said here. I’m here solely for Her Highness’s protection. And—”
“To have Dorothy-sama become my confidante.”
Princess Sophia continued Dorothy’s sentence.
“If anything happened to me—if I could no longer remain in Noza Town, for example—I would need someone capable of assuming my duties.”
“Understood.”
Agnis nodded.
“If that’s Your Highness’s wish, then I too will treat Dorothy-sama as your confidante.”
“Thank you. Now, let us discuss the details.”
Princess Sophia turned to me and said:
“Please convey all of this to Her Majesty, the Demon Lord. You may record it freely as well.”
—She smiled brightly as she said that.
And so, the face-to-face meeting between Princess Sophia and Agnis began.
Right in front of me and Mabel, they proceeded to settle the finer details.
The preferred schedule for the meeting between Demon Lord Rukie and Princess Sophia.
The date on which expansion of the Trading Post would begin.
The process for informing Noza Town and neighboring towns.
The location and size of the Demon Lord’s Domain’s office.
The meeting between Erte, who was expected to manage the office, and Noza Town’s representative.
The authority the Demon Lord’s Domain intends to grant the branch—and its limitations.
Whether the Demon Lord’s Domain would also permit Noza Town to establish an office on its side of the border.
Agnis continued the discussion with Princess Sophia while referring to the documents entrusted to her by Demon Lord Rukie.
The entire conversation was recorded with a Voice Recorder.
Rukie would listen to it later and then give an official response.
“—And that concludes Her Majesty the Demon Lord’s proposals.”
With those words, Agnis wrapped up the discussion.
While Agnis spoke, Princess Sophia nodded occasionally and posed several questions.
Agnis answered them all precisely.
This time, Agnis said she wanted to fulfill her role as liaison perfectly.
So the three of us had practiced together.
Rukie had recorded the message with a Voice Recorder, and Agnis had repeated it until she memorized every word. We had even rehearsed answers to the questions Princess Sophia was likely to ask.
Agnis worked really hard.
I’m glad it paid off.
“I understand. I accept all of the terms.”
After hearing everything, Princess Sophia said:
“As an individual—Sophia Dorgalia—I have no issues with these conditions. However, as I mentioned before, I must also speak with Captain Isaac. Once we reach an agreement, I’ll provide an official response.”
With those words, Princess Sophia gave a deep bow.
Agnis let out a sigh of relief. Mabel and I were also relieved.
Now all that was left was to send Princess Sophia’s response to the Demon Lord’s castle—
“Which means… now I can speak with you privately, Thor Canaan-sama.”
Clap. Princess Sophia clapped her hands together.
…Privately?
“The truth is, I have a personal request regarding Dorothy-sama.”
“Y-Your Highness!?”
“This is merely a selfish wish of mine, Dorothy-sama.”
Princess Sophia said this while gazing at Dorothy.
“I can’t simply ignore the troubles of my trusted confidant. May I consult Thor Canaan-sama about your worries?”
“…Your Highness…”
Dorothy seemed to hesitate for a moment.
But then, as if steeling herself, she lifted her face and nodded.
“I mustn’t trouble Your Highness. I shall speak for myself.”
With those words, Dorothy looked at me.
Still wearing her maid uniform, she gave a deep bow and said:
“The truth is… I have received a special order from the Archduke.”
“A special order? Is it alright for me to hear this?”
“I don’t mind. The Archduke said it was fine to share with those in the Demon Lord’s Domain. So then…”
After thinking for a moment, Dorothy continued:
“Do you remember Geralt Zelger, the man responsible for the Magical Beast Summoning?”
“The commander of the fortress in the west, right?”
“He was taken to the Empire and imprisoned in the underground dungeon of the imperial capital… but it seems that besides summoning a new type of magical beast, he also managed to summon something strange.”
…Huh?
“The fortress commander summoned something other than magical beasts?”
“That was something we only learned through interrogation in the capital.”
“But wasn’t he interrogated right after the fortress fell, by Archduke Kharon and General Raisenga? Why is new information coming out now…?”
“According to him, ‘I was too terrified of the Demon Lord’s Domain to speak during the first interrogation.’”
Dorothy shrugged.
“According to Archduke Kharon, the man was trembling and pale, saying, ‘If they found out I summoned anything else… I felt like they’d drop a meteor on me.’”
“…Makes sense.”
Come to think of it, I did use something like a ‘Meteor Replica’ when we defeated that giant scorpion beast.
Seeing that might have scared the fortress commander more than necessary.
“What exactly did he summon?”
“A mysterious box—that’s what Geralt Zelger called it.”
“…A ‘mysterious box’?”
“It seems to be a metal box of unknown contents. About one meter in size. It’s sturdy and couldn’t be opened or even peered into. No keyhole, and no gap to wedge anything in.”
“There was something like that…?”
Now I’m seriously curious.
If it’s a metal box, it’s definitely man-made.
Could it have come from the Heroes’ world, or from the world that produced those otherworldly magical beasts?
If the latter were true, a civilization existed in the world from which Magical Beast Gargarossa and Nozerius came.
I don’t know if it’s similar to this world or the Heroes’ world, but if they can produce such a box, their civilization must be highly advanced.
…Very curious indeed.
“But when we investigated the fortress, we didn’t find anything like that.”
“Some of the soldiers apparently took it when the giant scorpion magical beast rampaged.”
“So its whereabouts are unknown?”
“Yes. However, the Archduke suspects that those soldiers were remnants of Tilik. Geralt Zelger had hired many mages with money. Among them were likely Tilik’s remnants… who may have intended to steal the summoning rituals and the summoned object.”
—The House of Marquis Tilik.
Alongside the House of Marquis Misra, they had been involved in the Hero Summoning ritual.
If I remembered correctly, House Tilik specialized in taming magical beasts.
If their survivors interfered with the ‘Magical Beast Summoning’ and tried to control the summoned beasts, that would make sense.
In fact, it’s possible they were the ones who caused the magical beasts to go berserk.
And when the fortress fell, they betrayed their side and escaped with the ‘mysterious box.’
It would’ve been impossible for one person to carry a metal box alone, so there must’ve been multiple infiltrators.
“…So that’s what happened.”
Mabel suddenly murmured.
She closed her eyes tightly and clutched the Water Spirit Stone Pendant beneath its silver cover.
There might have been a connection between Mabel’s grandmother and House Tilik.
If that name has come up, it’s only natural she would be concerned.
“A box summoned from another world is somewhere in this world…”
And its current holder might be a remnant of the Tilik family.
If that’s true, then that person might also know who Mabel’s grandmother really was.
Because Houses Misra and Tilik had been closely associated, records might still exist.
“However, the matter regarding Tilik is speculation. We have no proof. That’s why… we didn’t report it to those in the Demon Lord’s Domain.”
Dorothy said.
“I also refuse to burden you with my personal mission. The Lady Omawarisan Unit will conduct the investigation and inform you once we uncover anything substantial.”
“Understood. Please take care of it, Dorothy-sama.”
“Princess Sophia, thank you as well for your concern.”
“…N-No, thank you, Dorothy-sama.”
Huh?
Princess Sophia was averting her gaze awkwardly.
I wonder why. She looked troubled, pressing her forehead.
“Dorothy-sama. I’m terribly sorry to bring this up, but…”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“What I wanted to consult Thor Canaan-sama about was actually your personal concern, Lady Dorothy.”
“Eh?”
“Didn’t I mention it the other day? ‘I know why you always wear gloves.’ I was planning to talk about that matter…”
“……Ah.”
Dorothy-sama’s mouth dropped open in surprise.
Her large eyes turned into dots. It seemed like this was an unexpected development for her.
…Um.
Could it be that Dorothy-sama had two secrets?
One was the command she had just spoken of, which came from Archduke Kharon—
But what Princess Sophia had intended to talk about was the other personal issue—
So Dorothy-sama had accidentally revealed the special order from Archduke Kharon instead.
“Ah, aaaaahhh! I—I completely forgot!! With the matter of the trading post expansion, and the establishment of a diplomatic outpost… and then hearing all that about the changes in the Grand Duchy and the Demon Lord’s Domain… I thought Her Highness’s topic was also related to diplomacy…”
She could be rather absentminded.
But still, she didn’t seem like a bad person.
“…What shall we do, Dorothy-sama?”
Princess Sophia twirled her damp hair as she asked.
“If you wish to keep it a secret, we can end the discussion here…”
“N-No, I’ve come this far. I’ll feel better if I say it!”
Dorothy-sama kneeled in front of me.
“To trouble someone of your caliber with my personal issues pains me, but…”
“No, no, I’m an alchemist, so I’ll take on a request if asked.”
“…Would that be alright?”
“Of course, within the limits of what I can do. For example, I can’t instantly track down the remnants of Tilik who stole that box. That’ll take time.”
“…Understood.”
Dorothy-sama sighed.
Then she turned to Princess Sophia.
As if steeling herself, she looked at me, then glanced at Mabel and Agnis—
With a soft rustle, she removed her gloves.
“Then… please, Alchemist. Would you touch my hand?”
“Your hand?”
“I-If possible, gently. Just a light touch, please.”
Dorothy-sama closed her eyes and held out her hand to me.
Doing as she asked, I lightly touched the back of her hand with my fingertip—
“—Hyaah!”
…Huh?
That was an awfully cute sound just now.
When I looked, Dorothy-sama was blushing furiously and clutching her hand.
Her previous composed expression was completely gone, replaced by a look like a child trying not to cry from too much tickling.
“Th-The truth is… I… have extremely sensitive skin.”
She placed a hand on her chest to steady her breathing, then spoke.
“I was born with extremely sensitive skin. It helps me sense people and magical beasts, and Kharon-sama has even praised my ability to evade attacks…”
Dorothy-sama continued her explanation.
As a child, she had honed her combat skills using her heightened skin sensitivity.
—Sensing the approach of an opponent’s attack.
—Anticipating the opponent’s movements.
—Detecting the presence of hidden beasts or monsters.
She refined her abilities that way, gradually sharpening her senses.
“As a child, I admired a hero from another world who could evade attacks with just their skin sensitivity.”
“I’ve heard of them. The hero who wore armor that only covered their chest and waist, like a swimsuit? I heard they were good at dodging monsters’ attacks at the last moment and landing counterattacks.”
“Yes. I wasn’t very strong, so… I admired that kind of fighting style.”
“It’s cool, I agree, but wasn’t that only possible because they were a hero from another world…?”
“I didn’t understand that when I was a child. That’s why I went through reckless training.”
“What kind of training?”
“I snuck out of the mansion, went to the nearby woods… made sure no one was around, then felt the wind and magic directly on my skin with my whole body… W-Wait, that’s a secret! A secret!”
…I’m really curious, though.
But Dorothy-sama was bright red, covering her face.
“There are races highly sensitive to magic, such as winged pixies. I thought I might learn to do something similar, so I repeated that training…”
Dorothy-sama let out another sigh.
“…I became extremely ticklish. Because of my sensitive skin, even being touched by someone… or just having someone blow on me… makes my whole body tingle…”
“I see…”
“My neck, palms, wrists, and ankles are especially sensitive. That’s why I wear gloves like this, and clothes that cover my collar.”
“Could it be… the reason you called yourself third-rate was because of this?”
“…With such a weakness, I could never become first-rate.”
Saying that, Dorothy-sama slumped her shoulders.
…Come to think of it, I’ve read about symptoms like Dorothy-sama’s in a book before.
It was in a government office library in the Empire. It was a dusty book that hadn’t been read much.
Among the notes, it was written quietly.
It described a condition in which someone trained excessively in an attempt to imitate a Hero, causing their body or senses to develop beyond their control.
If I remember correctly, it was called Hero Syndrome: Brave Overwork.
Dorothy-sama’s symptoms might be a variation of that as well.
Since the Grand Duchy is also part of the Empire, it’s probably influenced by the supremacy-of-strength mindset too.
“I understand.”
I nodded.
“I’ll look into whether Dorothy-sama’s symptoms can be treated with alchemy.”
“…Truly, it’s fine to do so only when you have time, you know?”
Dorothy-sama said.
Her face was bright red, and she was holding her palm.
She really is incredibly ticklish, huh…
“I don’t have much in the way of compensation that I can offer to an alchemist like yourself.”
“Yes. Dorothy-sama, I’ll cover it. For example, I—”
“In that case, could you give me some personal information about the ‘Mysterious Box’?”
If the box had been summoned through otherworldly summoning magic, I was intensely interested.
Dorothy had promised to share information with the Demon Lord’s Domain, but I wanted every possible detail: its material, shape, appearance, and magical properties.
Why did the summoning magic call forth a ‘box’?
It might even contain a living being, or something close to it.
I really want to investigate.
“Please let me know if you find any clues about the box. Let’s call that your payment.”
“Would something like that really be acceptable?”
“Yes. Also, if it’s found, I’d love to be the first one to touch it.”
“That doesn’t count as a reward at all.”
But Dorothy-sama shook her head.
“Kharon-sama already intended to share information about the box with the Demon Lord’s Domain. I can’t offer that as a personal reward. Is there nothing else you desire?”
She was being serious.
A reward from Dorothy-sama, huh…
“Then, just once, could I ask you to act as our personal ally?”
After thinking for a moment, I said it.
“After your symptoms are cured, I would like you to set aside your position in the Empire and Grand Duchy and support us once as Dorothy Listan, rather than as an official.”
“…Would something like that really be enough?”
“Yes. This time, I’m personally making a magic item to help Dorothy-sama recover. In exchange, I’d like you, just once, to personally be on our side. Let’s call it even.”
“I understand… If that’s acceptable to you, Alchemist-sama.”
Good. We’ve reached an agreement.
Once I get back, I’ll look through the Mail-Order Catalog to see if there’s anything useful.
“…I see. So you were satisfied with just that.”
…Huh?
Princess Sophia turned to the side, puffing out her cheeks.
“I predicted that you, Thor Canaan-sama, would be satisfied with the box information. That’s why I had planned to first bring up Dorothy-sama’s sensitive skin… But reversing the order was my downfall…”
“Is something the matter, Princess Sophia?”
“It’s nothing at all, Thor Canaan-sama.”
Princess Sophia took a deep breath, suu…
Then she smiled warmly, like a sunny meadow.
It really seemed like it was nothing.
…Probably.
“Well then, please take care of Dorothy-sama’s matter. Also, convey my thoughts about the meeting to Her Majesty the Demon Lord.”
“Understood.”
“I’ll continue the investigation on the ‘Mysterious Box’. However…”
“…The Empire’s movements are concerning.”
“So you’re thinking the same as I’m, Thor Canaan-sama?”
Princess Sophia nodded vigorously.
Of course.
Geralt Zelger had confessed the existence of the box after being taken to the Imperial Capital.
Naturally, that information must have reached the top of the Empire.
There’s no way they’ll ignore it.
“The region around Noza Town now belongs to the Grand Duchy. With the Archduke’s backing, I doubt the Empire will act recklessly…”
“I’ll be very careful too. I don’t want to cause any concern to Your Highness or the people of the Demon Lord’s Domain.”
Princess Sophia nodded, and Dorothy-sama curtseyed, pinching her skirt.
And thus, the meeting at the trading post came to an end.
Princess Sophia temporarily left the bath area and headed to the rest area.
She said that after hydrating there, she would enjoy the Fizzing Bath one more time. She really liked it, huh.
Dorothy-sama said she’d use the Fizzing Bath after Princess Sophia.
I hope it helps with her sensitive skin.
Afterward, we parted from the two women and returned toward the Demon Lord’s Domain.
We rejoined the minotaur escorts waiting in the border forest and headed for General Raisenga’s mansion.
There was much to report—
first to General Raisenga, and later to Demon Lord Rukie.
For now, we needed to prepare so that we could act immediately once Dorothy and her unit found a clue.
Before that, however, I needed to create an item to treat her condition.
If she’s not in good shape, it might affect the investigation.
As soon as we received new information, we would decide how to handle the box and the remnants of House Tilik.
The Demon Lord’s Domain was finally beginning to flourish.
I refused to let old grudges threaten that progress.
Neither Mabel nor I could remain calm while her family’s past was involved.
With those thoughts in mind, we returned to the general’s mansion.