Chapter 140: “Princess Sophia’s Proposal and Listening to the Story of the Girl Dorothy”

—Several days later, from Thor’s point of view—

After that, Demon Lord Rukie sent a letter to Princess Sophia.

The contents were about expanding the trading post and establishing a branch office of the Demon Lord’s territory there.

Discussions continued via winged fairies regarding each other’s proposals.

Gradually, the talks came together — and once things had settled down, Rukie decided to speak with Princess Sophia through a representative.

Thus, the date of the meeting was decided—

Mabel, Agnis, and I came to the trading post on the border 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.”

A few days later, we were in the secret room of the trading post.

Today, Princess Sophia is coming to the ‘Fizzy Bath’ in the rest area.

We’re supposed to discuss the trading post there.

The reason Princess Sophia designated this place for the meeting is probably to keep the discussion top secret.

In this location, no one would know who she met with.

The content of the conversation can remain confidential.

“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 the lord of the Grand Duchy and a relative of Archduke Kharon, she probably wants to share information too.

“…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.

This room isn’t very spacious. The width is just enough for Mabel and me to stand side by side with a small gap. The depth is decent, but considering we’ll be facing Princess Sophia and the others, the space we can use isn’t very wide.

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, it now intimidates the entire human race as a species.

That’s why no one enters the rest area with the Fizzy 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 has come up with a strange use for the ‘traffic cones’ and ‘cone bars.’

Maybe I should adjust them so they don’t affect ‘Thor Canaan’…

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 are here.”

Agnis responded on our behalf.

This time, she’s the one relaying Rukie’s message.

That was the directive from Rukie.

The letter said: “Meet with Princess Sophia in a group of three, including Agnis.” It seems Rukie wants Agnis, as General Reisenga’s daughter, to gain various experiences.

“I am Sophia Dolgaria. Today, I will be visiting with Dorothy-sama.”

“…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 Dolgaria 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 is intended to promote exchange and diplomacy between our nations.”

What the Demon Lord’s territory seeks is to place their own branch office at the trading post.

There, they would resolve issues related to the post, listen to the local people and report to the Demon Lord’s domain, and handle diplomatic procedures.

Apparently, a civil official will be stationed there permanently.

It’ll probably be Erte. She’s Chancellor Kelve’s niece and an excellent civil servant.

“I, Sophia Dolgaria, 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 Evergarde wishes to meet with you again, Princess Sophia.”

“I would be glad to accept.”

She agreed without hesitation.

Princess Sophia replied with no doubt in her voice.

“During our last meeting, a giant centipede attacked, cutting our talks short. I have absolutely no objection to meeting Her Majesty again and continuing 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?”

“That may be so, but…”

“Right now, I am wearing only a bathing robe. If you’d like, I could cast it off and appear before the people of the Demon Lord’s domain as I am. That way, I can prove that no harm will come to me 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 is, after all, Princess Sophia’s bodyguard.

She can’t exactly take a bath wearing just a bathing robe.

That’s a shame.

This was one of my proudest creations—“The Luxurious Noble’s Fizzy 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 are 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.

Sounds like she’s coming this way.

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.

As for Dorothy-sama, she appeared to be in her maid uniform.

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 from a relative of Archduke Kharon.

“Just to be clear, I will not divulge anything said here. I am here solely for Her Highness’s protection. And—”

“To have Dorothy-sama become my confidante.”

Princess Sophia continued Dorothy’s sentence.

“If anything were to happen to me… for example, if I could no longer remain in the town of Nosa, I would need someone to take over my duties.”

“Understood.”

Agnis nodded.

“If that is 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 to begin expansion of the trade center.

The process for informing the town of Nosa and neighboring towns.

The building and size of the Demon Lord’s domain’s branch office.

The meeting between Miss Erte, who is expected to manage the branch, and the representative of the town of Nosa.

The authority the Demon Lord’s domain intends to grant the branch—and its limitations.

Whether the Demon Lord’s domain will establish a branch office within Nosa as well.

Agnis continued the discussion with Princess Sophia while referring to the documents entrusted to her by Demon Lord Rukie.

All of the conversation was being recorded on 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 recorded her words into the voice recorder, and Agnis repeated them over and over. Thanks to that, she memorized everything perfectly. We even practiced answers to questions that Princess Sophia might 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 Dolgaria—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 cannot 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 territory. So then…”

After thinking for a moment, Dorothy continued:

“Do you all remember the perpetrator of the ‘Magical Beast Summoning,’ Geralt Zenger?”

“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 Reisenga? Why is new information coming out now…?”

“According to him, ‘I was too terrified of the Demon Lord’s territory 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 ‘pseudo-meteor’ 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’—Geralt Zenger called it that, apparently.”

“…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 be from the Hero’s World… or from the world where the new type of magical beast came from?

If it’s the latter, that would mean civilization exists in the world of the ‘Gargarossa’ magical beasts.

I don’t know if it’s similar to this world or the Hero’s 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 Zenger 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 Tilik Marquis family.

Alongside the Misra Marquis family, they were one of the noble houses involved in the Hero Summoning.

If I remember correctly, the Tilik family 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 pendant wrapped in a silver… cover.

There might be a connection between Mabel’s grandmother and the Tilik family.

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.

Since the Misra and Tilik families were close, there might be records of such information.

“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 territory.”

Dorothy said.

“Also, I don’t want to trouble everyone because of my personal mission. The investigation will be carried out by us, the ‘Lady Omawarisan Squad.’ Once we have more information, we’ll inform you.”

“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 was a bit of a scatterbrain.

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 shurrrp, she removed the gloves she had been wearing.

“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.

“Since birth, I’ve had a heightened tactile sensitivity, making me good at sensing people’s presence, or detecting monsters. Kharon-sama even praised me for being adept at evading 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 is 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 magic-sensitive races too—like the winged fairies, pixies. I thought maybe I could do something similar. So, repeating that training on a whim…”

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’s a condition where, aspiring to be like a Hero, one trains excessively—causing their physical strength and senses to go out of 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 will cover it. For example, I—”

“In that case, could you give me some personal information about the ‘Mysterious Box’?”

If the box was summoned through summoning magic, I’m very interested.

Dorothy-sama said she would provide information for the Demon Lord’s territory, but if possible, I’d like even more detailed info. The materials, the shape, the appearance. What kind of magical power it has.

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.

“Originally, Kharon-sama was going to share the information about the ‘box’ with the Demon Lord’s territory. That’s not something that can be considered a reward from me. Is there anything else?”

She was being serious.

A reward from Dorothy-sama, huh…

“Then, just once—could you personally be on our side?”

After thinking for a moment, I said it.

“It’s fine after Dorothy-sama’s symptoms are cured. I’d like you to forget your position in the Empire or Grand Duchy, and just once, personally take our side.”

“…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 is 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 am, Thor Canaan-sama?”

Princess Sophia nodded vigorously.

Of course.

The fortress commander, Geralt Zenger, confessed about the ‘box’ in the Imperial Capital.

Naturally, that information must have reached the top of the Empire.

There’s no way they’ll ignore it.

“The area around ‘Nosa Town’ is already Grand Duchy territory. Since we have the Archduke’s backing, I don’t think the Empire will do anything reckless…”

“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 fizzy bath one more time. She really liked it, huh.

Dorothy-sama said she’d use the fizzy bath after Princess Sophia.

I hope it helps with her sensitive skin.

After that, we parted ways with the two and returned to the Demon Lord’s territory.

We rejoined the Minotaur folks who were waiting in the forest near the border, and headed to General Reisenga’s mansion.

There’s a lot to report.

To both General Reisenga and Mabel.

For now, we need to prepare so we can act immediately once Dorothy-sama and the others find a clue.

Of course, that’s after making the item to treat her condition.

If she’s not in good shape, it might affect the investigation.

As soon as we receive any intel, we’ll think about how to deal with the box and the remnants of Tilik.

The Demon Lord’s territory is finally starting to develop.

I don’t want any old grudges to cause more trouble.

Even I—no, even Mabel—can’t stay calm with all this going on.

With those thoughts in mind, we returned to the general’s mansion.

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