Kays Translations

Chapter 147: Experimenting with the Hairpiece and the Strongest Formation (Part 1)

“It’s finished. This is the ‘Natural Volume Hairpiece’ from the Heroes’ world.”

“…Is this the item I asked for?”

“When I wear this, it hides my ears and horns, right…?”

A few days after receiving the request, I showed the new hairpiece to Mabel and Erte-san.

We were in the living room at home.

On the table were two hairpieces.

One was for Mabel, and the other for Erte-san.

Mabel and Erte-san were both staring at the hairpieces with surprise.

That was probably because they looked like ordinary hair extensions.

Normally, no one would think these could hide horns or elf ears.

But these were powerful transforming hairpieces based on the same technology as the Improved Body Pillow.

Natural Volume Hairpiece (Rarity: ★★★★★☆)
Attributes: Water ×2, Wind ×2, Light

Thanks to strong water attributes, it has a smooth texture and flexible transformation ability.

Thanks to strong wind attributes, it has excellent breathability.

The light attribute allows the surface color and patterns to change freely.

A hair extension-type hairpiece created through alchemy.

The embedded magic stones are preloaded with Mabel and Erte-san’s magical power.

Using that power, the hairpiece takes on the appearance of their natural hair.

It uses the transformation system developed for the Improved Body Pillow.
(Because only a small area transforms, the effect can be maintained for a long time.)

The “Natural Volume Hairpiece” is meant to be attached near the ears or horns.

It’s highly breathable, so it doesn’t affect hearing.

Once attached, it transforms to cover the wearer’s natural ears or horns and creates human-looking ears or smaller horns. Because it continuously draws on the registered user’s magic, there’s no time limit.

Comes with a safety mechanism.

Physical damage resistance: ★★
Durability: 1 year

“So, that’s how it works. Erte-san, would you like to try it on?”

I handed the hairpiece to Erte-san.

“There’s a clip at the base of the hairpiece, so attach it by clamping it onto your hair. One on each side, around where your horns are.”

“I-I understand.”

Nodding, Erte-san attached the hairpiece above her ears.

As she clicked the clip into place—

“…Something’s… squirming on top of my head.”

“Here’s a hand mirror.”

“Thank you… Huh? Eh, eeeeeeh?!”

Erte-san’s eyes widened as she looked into the mirror.

The hairpiece was automatically covering her horns.

In the blink of an eye, her horns were hidden within her hair. What remained was hair styled into a bun.

Then, part of the hairpiece transformed into the shape of horns.

They were much smaller than her original ones—about half the length of a thumb.

They peeked out just a bit from behind her ears.

“T-This is… me? I look just like a human…”

In an instant, Erte-san had completely changed her image.

At first glance, the horned demonkin woman now looked almost human.

As expected, items from the Heroes’ world are amazing.

Just as the ‘Mail-Order Catalog’ description said, it “naturally covers parts you’re concerned about.”

There was no false advertising. Items from the Heroes’ world really were astonishing.

“What do you think, Erte-san?”

“It’s strange. My horns have shrunk… but it doesn’t feel unnatural at all.”

Staring into the hand mirror, Erte-san muttered in amazement.

“My original horns are naturally hidden within my hair. The horns created by the hairpiece feel just like the real thing. It’s incredible…”

“Mabel, what do you think?”

“There’s no sense of artificiality at all… I’m amazed.”

Mabel’s eyes were wide with surprise.

“The horns made by the ‘Natural Volume Hairpiece’ don’t look fake at all. It really feels like Erte-san’s horns just got smaller.”

“It’s amazing how much your appearance can change with just one hairpiece…”

Erte-san moved the hand mirror around, checking her horns and hair.

She looked serious… but the corners of her mouth were slightly curved.

Yeah. Looks like she likes it.

“You can adjust the horn size.”

I continued explaining.

“By channeling magic into the magic stone and tapping it, the horns will extend or shrink. I’ll explain how later, so please adjust it to your preferred size.”

“O-Okay.”

“Also, as a safety feature, you can switch to a no-horn appearance.”

“A safety feature?”

“Yes. Use it when appearing completely human is necessary for your safety.”

That function was added just in case.

Erte-san will be working at the Trading Post from now on.

People living in the borderlands might be used to different races, but some of the people from the Empire might be hostile toward demons or demi-humans.

To prepare for encounters with such individuals, being able to appear fully human will be very useful.

The people of the Empire know little about non-human races.

If she looks the same, they won’t be able to tell whether Erte-san is human or not.

It should help her fool them and get through dangerous situations.

“…You thought that far ahead, Alchemist-sama?”

“I believe this hairpiece has many possible applications.”

I think it might even be useful to Princess Sophia.

A version that let Princess Sophia disguise herself as an elf could help her escape anyone specifically searching for a human princess.

It’s quicker to put on than the ‘Transforming Pajamas,’ and much less bulky.

It’s an excellent item that can even handle unexpected trouble.

That’s what this “Natural Volume Hairpiece” is all about.

“…That’s why I think this belongs among the three best safety items, alongside the Security Buzzer and Hair Dryer.”

That’s what I explained to Erte-san and Mabel.

“Of course, we’ll be making new items in the future, so the top three might change. But for now, I think this one makes the cut.”

“…A-As expected of you, Alchemist-sama.”

“…So this ‘Hairpiece’ is also suited for danger avoidance.”

Both Erte-san and Mabel widened their eyes in surprise.

I shrugged and said,

“Well, either way, I plan to give this to Princess Sophia too. She can use it when she visits the Demon Lord’s Domain for fun. And knowing her, I’m sure she’d enjoy disguising herself as an elf or a demon… at least, that’s what I think. What do you think, Mabel?”

“Yes. I feel the same way as you, Thor-sama.”

Mabel nodded.

She’s met Princess Sophia multiple times too.

She must know that the princess is quite friendly.

“If Princess Sophia sometimes appears as an elf, while Erte-san and Mabel sometimes appear human, their movement between the Demon Lord’s Domain and the borderlands could deepen mutual understanding.”

Before I realized it, I found myself saying all that aloud.

“If that exchange continues… then maybe eventually, the people of the borderlands won’t care about racial differences anymore… That’s what I’m wishing for.”

A princess of the Grand Duchy occasionally appearing as an elf—

A demon like Erte-san, working at the Trading Post, sometimes appearing completely human—

If that sort of interaction becomes normal, maybe the people of the borderlands will stop worrying so much about appearances or races.

The local lord, Princess Sophia, is pretending to be an elf just for fun.

It would really reduce resistance against demons and demi-humans.

If that happens, exchange between the Demon Lord’s Domain and the borderland people will surely expand.

We’ll gain more allies for the Demon Lord’s Domain too.

Even now, Princess Sophia and Dorothy-san are pretty much already on our side.

“…Well, that’s what I’ve been thinking.”

“…………”

“…………”

Huh?

Why do both Mabel and Erte-san look so dumbfounded?

“Thor-sama… You had that kind of hope riding on this hairpiece!?”

“Y-Yeah. I mean, I hope it turns out that way.”

“A-Amazing! Thor-sama!”

Mabel grabbed my hand, clearly moved.

Her fingers were slender and a little cold.

She knelt in front of me, looked up, and said:

“I-I’m truly glad I met you, Thor-sama. I’m proud to be able to assist you. I never imagined this ‘Natural Volume Hairpiece’ held such meaning…”

“Of course, the hairpiece’s original purpose is to let you and Erte-san move freely between the human world and here.”

“I-I know. Still… even so.”

“And my hope of increasing understanding of the Demon Lord’s Domain is also part of my goal to surpass the Hero.”

The otherworldly Hero who was once summoned changed this world.

It was his fault that demons and demi-humans were driven to the northern lands.

The Hero’s influence also turned the Empire into a nation obsessed with strength and reduced contact between humans and the Demon Lord’s Domain.

So by encouraging exchange between people from the Demon Lord’s Domain and the borderlands, we’re also working to rebuild the world that the Hero changed. It’s part of surpassing the Hero.

At least, that’s what I believe.

“Anyway… Sorry, Erte-san. I went off topic.”

I turned to Erte-san.

“In any case, I believe this ‘Natural Volume Hairpiece’ will be useful to you. Please use it to shorten the distance between yourself and the people of the borderlands.”

“Thank you very much. I’ll treasure it.”

Erte-san murmured with what seemed like genuine emotion.

She placed a hand on her chest and bowed.

Then, as if something suddenly occurred to her, she said:

“Also… I think your vision is admirable, Alchemist-sama. However… I do have one concern.”

“A concern… something you’re worried about?”

“Yes. It’s about the risk of this hairpiece being lost or stolen.”

Erte-san said:

“It allows the wearer to appear human, demon, or demi-human. If it fell into the wrong hands, someone could use it to infiltrate the Demon Lord’s Domain. I think precautions are necessary.”

“…I see.”

She had a point.

Using this hairpiece, a human could disguise as a demon or demi-human—and vice versa.

It makes visual distinctions meaningless.

Thinking about it that way… yes, countermeasures for theft or loss are absolutely necessary.

“As expected of Erte-san. A brilliant insight.”

“N-No… I feel bad as if I’m criticizing something you went to the trouble of making…”

“Not at all. I’d prefer to hear lots of feedback. It can even help improve future magic items.”

“Y-Yes. I’m relieved to hear that.”

“Then let me explain how to use the anti-theft system built into this hairpiece.”

“Yes. Please explain how the anti-theft—huh?”

Erte-san’s eyes widened in surprise.

“U-Um, Alchemist-sama?”

“Yes?”

“You already built in countermeasures?”

“Of course. Just in case something like this happened, I incorporated an anti-theft system into the ‘Natural Volume Hairpiece.’”

“T-Then… why did you praise me!?”

“Eh, well, because it was still a valuable opinion.”

“…I-I see…”

“Not at all. Critical feedback is valuable. Chancellor Kelve’s comments once inspired the Spherical-Type Cleaning Robot. Your suggestions may someday lead me to another extraordinary creation.”

“…………”

Huh? Erte-san?

Why are you leaning your forehead against the wall and sighing?

Why are you slowly shuffling toward the pillar…?

“…That’s right. This is what Alchemist-sama is like. No wonder Chancellor Kelve gets headaches…”

“Um, Erte-san? Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. Cooling my head on the stone wall helped me calm down.”

“I’m glad. Well then, let me go ahead and explain how the anti-theft system works.”

I pointed to the magic stone at the base of the “Natural Volume Hairpiece.”

“Two magic stones are embedded at the base. The larger one powers the hairpiece’s transformation, while the smaller one registers its authorized user.”

That one, attached to the metal fitting, was a really tiny magic stone.

Erte-san’s magical power had been registered into the magic stone meant for registration.

“The Natural Volume Hairpiece activates only for the person whose magical power was registered. If anyone else wears it, the false horns or ears won’t appear.”

“I see… As expected of the alchemist.”

“However, just in case that wasn’t enough, I’ve added another safety mechanism.”

I took out a random magic stone and poked it with my finger.

“You see the magic stone on the hair clip part, right? By tapping it with your fingertip, you can control the length of the horns. If you don’t know this, the hairpiece is basically useless.”

“Ah, I see.”

“Try tapping the magic stone with your finger—tap tap.”

“…Tap tap. Ah… the horns extended a little.”

“To shrink them, tap rapidly—tap-tap-tap. Do it quickly.”

“I did it. So this is how it works…”

“Once you get used to it, you should be able to freely extend or shrink the horns.”

“Tap tap… tap-tap-tap. I see. This is quite interesting.”

“This is the second safety mechanism.”

“If someone doesn’t know how to use it, they won’t be able to disguise themselves as a demon or demi-human. In order to transform—tap tap, tap tap…”

“Exactly. Random tapping won’t activate it.”

“I think that’s a wonderful safety feature.”

“Right? Even if someone tries to use it without knowing the proper way—tapping it continuously like tap-tap-tap-tap-tap or tap-tap-tap-tap-tap-tap…”

“Yes. Even if someone taps like tap-tap-tap-tap-tap or tap-tap-tap-tap-tap…”

“──It’ll just go haywire and won’t let you disguise as a demon or elf. It’s safe.”

“──It only causes a malfunction and can’t be used for disguise. That makes it safe… huh?”

Whoosh.

Erte-san’s horns grew.

Downward. Like the branches of a tree.

The horns wrapped themselves around Erte-san’s arms.

“A-Alchemist-sama!? My arms are restrained!? I can’t move at all!?”

“T-Thor-sama, what’s the meaning of this!?”

Oops. I explained things in the wrong order.

“This is the third safety mechanism. If someone tries to use it without permission, it restrains the user.”

“H-How can I release it!?”

“I’ll release it. Mabel, hold Erte-san’s body.”

“Y-Yes.”

Mabel wrapped her arms around Erte-san’s waist to support her body.

Then, I reached toward Erte-san’s ear. I pinched the magic stone on the hairpiece with my fingers and pressed it. A long press for ten seconds.

Shurun.

The hairpiece stopped moving, and Erte-san’s horns began to shrink.

In several dozen seconds, everything returned to normal.

“…This is the third safety mechanism of the ‘Natural Volume Hairpiece.'”

“…………”

“If someone tries to use it after stealing it, the horns and ears extend and restrain the wearer.”

“…………”

“I think it’s a safety feature that prevents misuse and simultaneously apprehends the culprit—two birds with one stone… is that not acceptable?”

Come to think of it, Erte-san is also responsible for evaluating the magic items I make.

If that’s the case… maybe this was too much.

It went haywire and restrained Erte-san, after all.

I guess it can’t be helped if the ‘Natural Volume Hairpiece’ gets banned…

“…No, I think it’s a necessary safety mechanism.”

To my surprise, Erte-san quietly nodded.

“This would be disastrous if stolen, so I understand your reasoning, Alchemist-sama.”

Sitting on the floor, holding her chest, Erte-san wore a calm expression.

She was surprised, but it seems she still appreciated it as a safety mechanism.

“However… was there no other kind of safety feature? That’s the only thing that concerns me.”

“Well…”

“Yes. I understand this is a highly advanced item, so it’s not easy…”

“That’s true. Mabel’s hairpiece only works for someone wearing a specific accessory. Maybe I should’ve used the same system?”

“Wait a minute. There’s such a system!?”

“Ah, yes.”

Mabel always wore her Water Spirit Stone Pendant.

Her ‘Natural Volume Hairpiece’ is keyed to activate only when that pendant is worn.

“T-Then, why is mine the kind that malfunctions if you press it wrong!?”

“Because you go to more dangerous places, Erte-san. So I thought the safety mechanism should be stronger.”

“U-Ugh… th-that is… reasonable.”

“And besides, don’t you think having horns grow and restrain enemies looks cool?”

“M-Mmm… it is… barely reasonable!”

Erte-san nodded with a “hmm, hmm, hmm” kind of expression.

“I understand. Then, since I also have a bracelet, could you make it the safety mechanism for the ‘Natural Volume Hairpiece’?”

“Understood.”

“And… please leave the system where the horns extend to restrain enemies as is.”

“Is that all right?”

“I-I can appreciate the dramatic appeal too. I admit it looks impressive. Spending time with Alchemist-sama may be making that instinct run wild, which is slightly frightening…”

Saying that, Erte-san fell deep into thought.

Then, she straightened her posture and said,

“Well then, let me thank you again. Thank you for granting my wish.”

Erte-san bowed deeply to me.

When she raised her face, she had a somewhat bashful smile.

“I understand your feelings now. I promise to use this Natural Volume Hairpiece to promote friendship between the Demon Lord’s Domain and the people of the borderlands.”

With a serious expression, Erte-san made that declaration.

And so, Erte-san’s version of the “Natural Volume Hairpiece” had finally reached the stage of practical use.

Using the experiment as a reference, I should now move on to creating the version for Rukie.

Though… it might be better to start after things settle down with the Trading Post.

Rukie did say she wanted to see the hairpiece in person to inspect it.

It would be better for both of us to do it when we can make time.

“Well then, next let’s test Mabel’s ‘Natural Volume Hairpiece.’”

“…Um, Thor-sama.”

Holding the silver “Hairpiece” in her hand, Mabel looked at me as if pleading.

“As for me… if possible, I’d like you to see me putting it on when we’re alone.”

“Really?”

“Yes. I’ll be wearing it when I accompany you to Noza Town…”

Blushing slightly and looking a little embarrassed, Mabel added,

“I’d like you to check if it looks natural when paired with different outfits, and worn in various ways… Thor-sama, I’d like your opinion as much as possible, in as many styles as possible.”

“I see. Yeah, got it.”

I nodded.

“Then, how about tonight? After we finish General Raisenga’s request.”

“Y-yes. Tonight would be perfect. Thank you very much!”

I already had plans during the day, after all.

Today, I’m supposed to show General Raisenga the ‘Traffic Cone’ formation.

I was originally planning to do it at the Trading Post, but the general said, “I’d like to confirm the safety first.”

I’m not planning to do anything particularly dangerous though.

This formation simply used modified Traffic Cones modeled after the Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, Black Tortoise, and Kirin, arranged according to the cardinal directions.

Also, when we tested with a few cones, it just changed the flow of magical energy. Well, we hadn’t activated the cones’ intimidation ability at that time, though.

Knowing the general, he’s probably thinking about whether this could be used in actual combat.

As expected of one of the strongest warriors in the Demon Lord’s Domain.

The experiment is scheduled for this afternoon.

The location is a grassland near General Raisenga’s mansion.

I figure the general and Agnis are probably starting preparations by now.

“Well then, shall we head out too?”

“Yes, Thor-sama.”

“Th-then, as the official in charge of the Trading Post, allow me to accompany you as well.”

And so, the three of us headed to where the general and Agnis were.

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