Chapter 152: “The Demon Lord’s Domain and ‘Nosa Town’ Joint Unit Begins Operation”

—Thor’s point of view—

A few days after I informed Ruke about the person who had taken the “box”—

A letter arrived at my workshop from Ruke.

The contents were as follows:

──────────────────

A search team is being formed to locate the one who took the “box.” There will be six members. Three from the Demon Lord’s domain, and three from the town of Nosa. Civil officer Erte, alchemist Thor, and the elf Mabel shall participate as members from the Demon Lord’s side.

From the town of Nosa, we have received word that Princess Sophia and members of the Lady-Omawarisan Corps will be joining. As this is a critical matter, the princess herself wishes to assess the situation directly.

The team has been kept small to allow for a covert operation. Members will disguise themselves as travelers, infiltrate the northeastern town of Zaigan, and carry out the investigation.

Additionally, a security unit will follow at a distance, ready to assist as backup. Communication with the security unit will be conducted via pixie messengers. Thor and Agnis should handle this coordination.

And please, do not overexert yourselves. The box itself may be destroyed with a “pseudo-meteor” spell if necessary. What matters is not the object, but the people. Do not forget that.

──────────────────

—That was it.

“As expected of Ruke-sama. A sound decision.”

I had spread the letter out on the table and was reading it together with Mabel and Agnis.

“It really is true that what’s important isn’t the object, but the people.”

“Yes. Her Majesty’s policy is to ‘enrich the nation by making use of talent,’ after all.”

“Which means I need to create items that protect lives. Yeah.”

Now, what should I make…? Something with broad utility would be good, right?

I haven’t pulled any all-nighters recently. So maybe it’s okay to spend a few days working full-time on this. There’s still time before departure… If I push myself, I should be able to make about five magic items—

“Thor-sama. I believe the items you’ve made so far are already more than enough to protect lives.”

Suddenly, Mabel spoke. She was touching the pendant on her chest, wearing a troubled expression.

“Agnis will also be there to protect you at any time.”

Next to her, Agnis clenched her fist.

“Besides, no one in the search team is going to neglect human life. Her Majesty the Demon Lord herself said it’s fine to destroy the ‘box’ if necessary.”

“We don’t want you pushing yourself too hard,Thor-sama.”

Mabel and Agnis spoke with concern, staring intently at me.

“Um, you two…”

“Yes?”

“Are you assuming I’ll be pulling all-nighters to make items?”

“Aren’t you?”

“…Setting that aside, our opponent this time is a bit of an unknown.”

I decided to change the subject.

“First off, there’s the Empire’s investigation unit. Those guys are seriously skilled. I mean, they even infiltrated Princess Sophia’s lodging and the trade post.”

“Y-Yes, that’s true.”

“They specialize in covert ops.”

“We managed to counter them with ‘MAX Silky Smooth Lotion Premium’ and the ‘Five Element Defense Formation: Threat Mode – Jump-out Type,’ but we can’t assume those tricks will work again.”

The Empire’s investigation unit probably has a separate division.

Why do I think so? Because the people who snuck into Princess Sophia’s lodging called her the “Unneeded Princess.”

“Unneeded Princess” is a derogaThory term for Princess Sophia, who has no claim to the throne.
However, people of the Empire would never use that term — it would be considered disrespectful.

But if someone close to them normally referred to her as “Unneeded Princess,” they might slip and say it unconsciously. Like a member of the imperial family — maybe a sibling of Princess Sophia.

That’s why there’s a possibility the Empire’s investigation unit includes a separate team led by a prince or princess.

Princess Sophia and Demon Lord Ruke reached the same conclusion.

“Besides, there’s also the issue of the people who took the ‘box.’ We know next to nothing about them.”

Personally, I think they’re the bigger threat.

They outmaneuvered the Empire’s soldiers and took the “box.”

If it was a planned operation, then someone among them is a strategist.

It’s best to stay on high alert.

“Anyway, I was thinking of going all out — not 24/7, but trying hard to make five items…”

But I can’t make Mabel and Agnis worry.

And Ruke did issue a “no all-nighters” order.

When I tried to explain in a letter that “Night is dark. If you fill a room with lights and make it bright like day, it’s not technically ‘night’ anymore. So working in that condition doesn’t count as an all-nighter,” I nearly got hauled off to the Demon Lord’s castle.

That was dangerous. I felt the seriousness of Demon Lord Ruke.

“I’ll reduce the working hours. I’ll just make one or two safety items.”

“Yes. I will fully support you, Thor-sama.”

“The escort unit will be equipped with laser pointers. If anyone tries to harm you, I’ll snipe them from extreme range.”

“I’m counting on both of you.”

The best outcome would be not running into any enemies at all. That’s what I want to make an item for.

“The Empire’s unit has strong stealth skills. Which means they likely also have ‘Presence Detection’ skills to keep track of their teammates. So I want to prepare something to make sure we don’t get spotted by them.”

I spread out a mail-order catalog in front of Mabel and Agnis.

“That’s why I’ve been looking for items that would let us move stealthily too.”

“Do such things exist?”

“They do. Though it needs a little adapting.”

That’s the hero’s world for you. The kind of thing I imagine already exists here.

If I apply the theory, I think I can make something really useful.

“And that is… these ‘Noise-Canceling Headphones.’”

“Enjoy a Comfortable Life with Our Exclusive Noise-Canceling Technology!”

──────────────────

No more stress from background noise starting today!

Do you ever miss important sounds because of annoying background noise? Of course you do! Absolutely — no question about it!

At times like that, use our Noise-Canceling Headphones!

Our proprietary noise-canceling mechanism earns a five-star rating (based on our internal criteria). From passing cars to footsteps, it’ll cut out the noise that bothers you. Perfect for sleeping while on the move!

Enjoy a better life with our newly developed headphones!

──────────────────

“Technology that erases noise!?”

“To think the hero’s world even developed something like this…”

“Even I’m surprised.”

These headphones apparently “cancel out external noise using a system inside the headphones.”

And they do it within an item far smaller than a helmet.

Truly terrifying. The technology of the Hero World.

“Thor-sama, what kind of use are these intended for?”

“Since they cut out what you consider to be noise… maybe they were used during group battles?”

“During group battles?”

“Yes! I understand now!”

Agnis raised her hand.

“In group battles, the commander’s orders are important. But footsteps, surrounding voices, and monster roars can drown out those orders…”

“Don’t tell me… that’s what the ‘noise canceling’ is for?”

Mabel looked startled.

“Noise… In other words, to clearly hear the commander’s orders, all unnecessary sounds are cut off…”

“I think Mabel is right. The description says, ‘It cuts out the noise that interferes with you.’”

The battlefield is full of noise.

Footsteps, clashing armor, clashing swords, enemy screams—so many sounds.

It’s common for the commander’s voice to be drowned out by the noise.

That’s why commanders beat drums or ring bells to give orders.

But if you could cancel out all the noise, the way battles are fought would change drastically.

Soldiers would be able to clearly hear only the commander’s voice.

The commander could give precise instructions to the troops.

Team coordination would become much easier.

There would be no need for drums or bells to signal “advance” or “retreat.”

The commander could issue orders to each unit—or even to individual soldiers—according to the rapidly changing battlefield.

They could also accurately relay the battlefield situation and calm the troops.

That would be a huge advantage.

“In the Hero World, whether or not you could use ‘noise canceling’ might have determined the tide of battle.”

“…It’s certainly plausible.”

“…The combat-centric heroes even modified their hearing, after all…”

If we could give “noise-canceling headphones” to all the soldiers of the Demon Lord’s domain, it would probably change the very nature of warfare in this world.

I’d like to try making them—but…

“Reproducing them exactly might be difficult.”

“Even for you, Thor-sama!?”

“Because these ‘noise-canceling headphones’ cancel only some sounds. Packing that functionality into such a small item is quite a feat.”

At the very least, they won’t be ready in time for this investigation.

Besides—

“What we need this time is an item for ‘stealth operations.’”

“Oh, that’s right.”

“What we need is an item for safety.”

“Right. So, what I plan to make this time is not something that cancels outside noise—but something that cancels inside noise.”

If that’s the case, there’s no need to make it compact.

I think I can complete it on time without overreaching.

“So, Mabel, Agnis—I’d like to ask: do either of you know Princess Sophia’s clothing size?”

“Ah, yes… Agnis-sama knows that.”

“I do! I asked when she stayed over before!”

“Please tell me in detail. Also, can you introduce me to a clothing tailor in the Reisenga domain? And—”

I spoke to Mabel and Agnis about the stealth-use magic item.

—A few days later, in a forest near the town of Nosa (Princess Sophia’s point of view)—

“It’s about time to meet up with the people from the Demon Lord’s domain.”

“Yes. They should also be wearing traveler’s clothing to remain inconspicuous.”

“I see. It’s my first time wearing such clothing… but it’s surprisingly easy to move in.”

Princess Sophia playfully swayed the hem of her coat, smiling.

She was wearing a very typical traveler’s outfit, complete with a hood.

The color was a light grassy green, and it included a cloak to protect against dust.

It was Sophia’s first time wearing such attire.

(I wonder what Thor Canaan-sama will think when he sees me like this.)

This time, Thor might be wearing similar clothing.

If so, they’d be “wearing matching clothes.”

Proof of their closeness.

Mabel and the Demon Lord’s official, Erte, should also be wearing similar outfits.

If Sophia wears something similar, maybe Thor will feel the same closeness with her as he does with the girls from the Demon Lord’s domain. That would be a very good thing.

“Princess Sophia. I have a suggestion regarding our formation.”

“Yes, Dorothy-sama?”

“As per our prior arrangement, is it alright for me to take the lead?”

“No problem. The sThory is that you are the leader of villagers traveling together.”

“But that would mean Your Highness walks behind me. It would be harder to keep you in sight, and not ideal for your protection. Wouldn’t it be better if I took the rear…?”

“That might make the people from the Demon Lord’s domain uncomfortable, wouldn’t it?”

Princess Sophia replied in a gentle voice.

“Dorothy-sama, you are a skilled swordswoman taught by Archduke Kharon. The people from the Demon Lord’s domain know of your strength. If you’re in the rear, they might think, ‘Is she watching us?’ or ‘Do they not trust us?’—and it might offend them.”

“I understand that. But considering Your Highness’s safety…”

“I trust the people of the Demon Lord’s domain. Besides, if I feared danger, I wouldn’t have volunteered for this mission.”

Princess Sophia gently admonished her.

“The matter of ‘that box’ is also a disgrace to the Empire. As an imperial princess, it is only natural that I take responsibility. I will not fear danger.”

“…Understood, Princess Sophia.”

Dorothy straightened her posture and replied.

“If that is Your Highness’s resolve, I have nothing more to say.”

“Then, let the formation be: Dorothy-sama and Miss Erte from the Demon Lord’s domain at the front. Then myself and Thor Canaan-sama. At the rear, Misana-sama from the ‘Lady Omawarisan Unit’ and Mabel. Please suggest that to the people of the Demon Lord’s domain. That way, I’ll be between Dorothy-sama and Misana-sama.”

“That would be reassuring.”

“Very well, Your Highness.”

Dorothy and the soldier woman named Misana nodded.

Sophia clenched her fist tightly behind her back.

Because the formation had turned out just the way she wanted.

Now all that remained was to wait for Thor and the others.

She imagined how wonderful Thor would look, wearing matching clothes with her.

As she waited with such thoughts—

“—Princess Sophia. Lunes’ magical presence is approaching.”

From the bag hanging at her waist, the winged fairy Soleil whispered.

Soleil was accompanying this investigation team to protect Sophia.

But not wanting to be seen, she hid in the bag.

“…If the pixie Lune is here, then Thor Canaan-sama must be as well?”

Sophia instinctively looked around.

She found them.

Beyond the trees stood several people in traveler’s clothes.

The distance was a dozen or so meters in Hero World units. Very close.

“Huh? Ehhhh!? Wh-When did they!?”

Dorothy also noticed Thor and the others, eyes wide in shock.

She was skilled in the “presence detection” skill.

When the Empire’s investigation team infiltrated Sophia’s quarters, she was the first to notice. And yet, she hadn’t sensed Thor and his party at all.

(Hehe…Thor Canaan-sama has surprised me again.)

Sophia wore a blissful smile.

Every time she met Thor, she felt as if her world expanded.

Surprised, thrilled, excited—

—She was truly happy to feel herself changing like that.

“Excuse me. Are you from the town of Nosa?”

A hooded woman directed her question to Dorothy.

Sharp eyes. A noble forehead.

She must be Erte, the demon lord’s civil officer in charge of the trading post.

“I am Erte, assigned to manage the trading post.”

“We’ve been expecting you. I am Dorothy Listan, captain of the ‘Lady Omawarisan Unit.’”

“Thank you for your courtesy.”

“You seem to possess quite the stealth skills, Erte-san.”

Dorothy asked the question.

She stood in a position shielding Sophia and her subordinate, Misana—likely because she was wary of their stealth skills.

“I failed to notice your presence or footsteps. A grave oversight. For me, who is responsible for guarding Her Highness the Princess, not to notice your approach until you were so near…”

“I deeply apologize for the discourtesy.”

The demon lord’s civil officer, Erte, removed her hood and bowed her head apologetically.

“The reason you couldn’t sense us was due to the alchemist’s ‘stealth item.’”

Officer Erte said:

“The alchemist wishes for the people of Noaa to also use the ‘stealth item.’ He thought it best for you to experience its effects firsthand… hence, this little demonstration.”

“So, you waited outside the forest until we noticed you?”

“Yes. We thought it would be impolite to approach while hidden.”

“If that’s the case, then it can’t be helped.”

Dorothy sighed.

“It is, after all, the work of the demon lord’s alchemist. It’s inevitable.”

“It is something the alchemist would do, after all.”

Dorothy and Officer Erte shrugged their shoulders in unison.

Watching them, Sophia couldn’t help but smile.

Thor had already been informed of the intruder at Sophia’s quarters through the winged fairy.

At the same time, the same unit had apparently infiltrated the trading post.

It was quite likely that imperial soldiers would interfere in this investigation as well.

To counter those skilled in stealth, Thor had likely created the “stealth item.”

“May I ask you about this item?”

Sophia stepped forward.

She stood beside Dorothy, facing Thor directly.

Thor wore the expression of a child caught pulling a prank.

Even the winged fairy, Lune, hidden under the hood, had a similar look.

Finding their expressions endearing, Princess Sophia posed her question.

“Alchemist Thor Canaan-sama, you created this item specifically for this investigation, correct? And you demonstrated it like this so that we could experience its effects firsthand?”

“As Your Highness says.”

“The item’s effect is to erase one’s presence, is that correct?”

“Yes. I’ve heard that the imperial investigation team is also looking for the ‘box in question.’”

Thor spoke in a serious tone.

“To outmaneuver them, I thought we needed stronger stealth abilities.”

“That’s quite logical.”

“I’m glad you understand.”

“Then… this ‘stealth item’ you created, Thor Canaan-sama—what exactly is it?”

“A long coat.”

So saying, Thor pulled his hood down low.

Then he appeared to begin speaking—

“…I can’t hear his voice.”

At this distance, even if he was whispering, they should be able to catch some of it.

But Sophia couldn’t hear Thor’s voice. Not even his breathing.

He patted his clothes inside the coat. That sound didn’t reach her either.

“No way… this coat’s ability is…”

“Yes. This coat is enchanted with a function to cancel out noise in the Hero’s World.”

Thor removed his hood and replied.

“This is the stealth-use item, the ‘Noise-Cancelling Coat.’”

──────────────────

Noise-Cancelling Coat
(Attributes: Water Water / Wind Wind Wind / Dark)
(Rarity: ★★★★★★★★★★☆)

Powered by strong wind attributes, it offers a light, airy feel and noise-cancelling capabilities.

Its strong water attributes allow it to morph smoothly, absorbing all sound.

With dark attributes, it turns black when infused with magic, allowing the wearer to melt into the shadows.

A coat modeled after the otherworldly “Noise-Cancelling Headphones.”

Lowering the hood and infusing it with magic activates the “noise-cancelling effect.”

Noise-Cancelling Effect

Cloth infused with “Wind Magic Stones” cancels internal air vibrations within the coat.

It generates a special field in front of the face to prevent the wearer’s voice from leaking out.

Additionally, it includes a feature to seal scents, countering those with sharp olfacThory senses.

Cloth infused with “Water Magic Stones” freely morphs to absorb internal vibrations.

The surface of the fabric is smooth—so it doesn’t make noise when brushing against grass or trees.

With these combined effects, this coat cancels out breathing, voices, and movement sounds while active.

Very convenient for sneaking around. Recommended for nighttime use.

Optional Item: “Noise-Cancelling Soles”

Soft cloth soles that attach to the bottom of shoes to absorb impact.

When used, they completely silence footsteps.

(One-size-fits-all. If it doesn’t fit, please cut to size with scissors.)

The “Noise-Cancelling Coat” is also reversible.

Physical Damage Resistance: ★★★ (Strong shock-absorption; can even stop arrows)

Durability: 2 years

──────────────────

Enough “Noise-Cancelling Coats” were prepared for everyone.

Upon receiving theirs, Sophia and the others went to change under the shade of a tree.

Dorothy had said, “I’ll try it first,” but before she noticed, Sophia had already begun changing.

She simply removed her jacket and put on the coat. It was easy.

In truth, there wasn’t even a need to hide in the shade.

And so, after changing clothes, Sophia—

“This is wonderfully comfortable. I don’t feel any weight at all. How amazing…”

Moved by emotion, she murmured those words.

“Princess Sophia, you look really happy.”

Soleil, perched on Sophia’s shoulder, laughed cheerfully.

“Let’s do a little experiment.” “Understood!”

Sophia infused the coat with magic.

After confirming that the air around her had shifted, she quietly murmured the name of someone dear to her.

Softly at first, then in a clearer voice.

But—

“Amazing. Even though you’re so close, I can’t hear your voice at all!”

Soleil’s eyes were wide with surprise.

Seeing that she wasn’t blushing, it must truly be that she hadn’t heard anything.

When he gave her the coat, Thor had said, “…It still hasn’t caught up with the Hero World. True ‘noise canceling’ blocks external noise. This just inverts that concept…” He seemed a little frustrated about it.

(Thor Canaan-sama truly aims to surpass even the heroes.)

She couldn’t help but admire him.

To have created something this amazing, and yet still not be satisfied.

(…If only I could be of help to him.)

Sophia placed her hand over her chest, thinking so.

“Are you really talking, Misana? Really?”

“────! ────!!”

Looking to the side, she saw Dorothy and Misana testing the coat’s effects.

Misana was desperately speaking, while Dorothy tried to listen.

With a look like she was witnessing something unbelievable, Dorothy said—

“…Could it be my ‘Presence Detection’ skill is malfunctioning? To not hear a voice at this distance…”

Dorothy strained her ears.

But it seemed she still couldn’t hear her subordinate’s voice.

“…This coat is fearsome. With this, one might even be able to infiltrate the imperial court.”

The Noise-Canceling Coat erases internal sounds but lets external sounds through as normal.

It blocks your presence while allowing you to sense others’. For Dorothy, who excelled at “Presence Detection,” it was the perfect item.

“I’m just happy to be wearing the same outfit as Thor Canaan-sama…”

Inside her noise-canceling hood, Sophia let her honest feelings slip.

Ahead of her, Thor nodded in satisfaction.

Of course, he shouldn’t be able to hear Sophia’s voice. Probably.

Thor was wearing the same withered-grass-colored coat as Sophia.

When she subtly waved, Thor waved back.

Wearing matching outfits and exchanging waves made her feel closer to him—and that made her happy.

(But… I can’t afford to get carried away.)

The real objective this time was to track down the person who took “that box.”

That’s why Demon Lord Rukie had proposed, “Let’s form a joint search team.”

Truthfully, the demon territory could have conducted the investigation alone.

Even so, the Demon Lord had reached out to Sophia—probably for the sake of friendship with the town of Nosa.

Demon Lord Rukie Evergard was known for using people to their fullest potential.

And that “people” might not just mean those within her own borders, but also those she was allied with.

(Using people to enrich the nation… Demon Lord Rukie Evergard truly governs her country with excellence. I wonder if any of my siblings can match her…)

Sophia thought of the siblings she had rarely met face-to-face.

Among those suited to be the next emperor, perhaps only her eldest brother, Diaz, came close to matching the Demon Lord. And only if supported by capable ministers and advisors.

In terms of governance and leadership, Diaz fell far short of the Demon Lord.

Among her siblings, the one with the greatest potential was likely her younger sister, Liana.

Liana had a natural openness that let her accept anything.

If she studied thoroughly under Archduke Kharon… then maybe, in a decade or so, she’d have the ability to govern a nation.

As her elder sister, Sophia could only pray for Liana’s growth.

For Liana’s sake as well, Sophia wished for peace in the borderlands.

So that even if she someday left this place, it would be alright.

(To that end, I’ll give it my all.)

That was precisely why Sophia had volunteered to join this search team.

For peace in the borderlands. To fulfill her duty as the lord of the town of Nosa.

She was ready to accept some hardship and discomfort.

(I’m ready to… or at least, I think I am…)

She happened to glance over—and saw Thor and Mabel talking.

With their hoods touching, they were so close their breaths seemed to mingle.

She understood immediately.

While the Noise-Canceling Coat was activated, they couldn’t talk normally.

But if their hoods touched, the sound could likely travel through.

The two of them were very close.

Just watching made her heart race.

Their noses—or even their lips—looked like they might touch.

…Were they always like that?

(In that case, I should ask Thor Canaan-sama to teach me how to use this coat too.)

For example, how to talk while the coat was active.

In the process, her body might accidentally lean forward.

Sophia had been frail since childhood. Though she was much better now, she still occasionally stumbled.

If their faces just happened to get close at such a time… well, such things happen.

“Princess Sophia, what are you thinking about?”

From within the hood, Soleil murmured suddenly.

Sophia gave a gentle smile and said—

“I was thinking about the success of our investigation.”

“Princess Sophia, you’re so serious.”

“Yes. I’m committed to ensuring that this investigation brings success both to the town of Nosa and the Demon Lord’s territory—and to myself.”

“Is that why you’re smiling?”

“Yes. The joy of taking on something new is simply irresistible.”

Eventually, everyone finished testing the Noise-Canceling Coats and understood their functions.

After that came a simple briefing.

As previously arranged by Sophia, she stood next to Thor in the formation.

She confirmed the position of the escort units stationed farther away.

On the other side of the road, within the forest, were two groups: one led by Isaac, Officer Muira, and the Omawarisan Unit from Nosa; the other by Agnis from the Demon Lord’s domain.

They would follow at a distance, protecting Sophia’s team.

“Let us depart, then.”

Dorothy raised her voice.

“If I may be so bold, I, Dorothy, shall serve as leader of this unit.”

“Please take good care of us, Dorothy-sama.”

Civil official Erte nodded beside her.

“Our destination is the town of Zaigan, northeast of the trading post. We’ll visit that town and search for leads on whoever took ‘that box.’ We’re counting on Dorothy-sama’s Presence Detection and Princess Sophia’s wisdom.”

“Indeed. And as for our trump card—”

“Yes. That would be…”

Both Dorothy and Erte turned to look at Thor.

Thor was touching the Ultra-Compact Portable Storage at his waist.

Sophia knew that tiny box could hold a huge number of items.

Dorothy and Erte, too, must have been wondering what he might pull out.

Sophia felt the same.

Whatever it was that Thor would bring forth—she would accept it.

And all that came from it, too.

That resolve was already firm in her heart.

“Let’s do our best, Thor-sama.”

Looking behind her, she saw the elf Mabel nodding.

Seeing the full trust on her face, Sophia felt a sense of kinship.

It was strange.

Sophia had grown fond of the people around Thor.

Agnis, who had become her friend, and Soleil, the fairy who still stayed by her side.

“I’ll do my best too. Please watch me, Thor Canaan-sama.”

As close as possible—she whispered those words in her heart.

For now, that was enough.

Just having Thor nod was more than sufficient.

Now, let the investigation begin.

To uncover the truth of that box—the one that drew the attention of both the Empire and unknown forces.

“Then, let the operation commence.”

With Dorothy’s signal, Sophia and the others began their mission.

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