Kays Translations

Chapter 163: “Preparing for the Meeting”

—Prince Ricardo’s point of view—

Prince Ricardo and his soldiers were camping in the forest.

Today was the day before the scheduled meeting with Princess Sophia.

So they were holding a final strategy meeting at a location close to Noza Town.

“Your Highness, may I be permitted to speak?”

During the meeting, the captain of the reconnaissance unit spoke up hesitantly.

“Ah, I don’t mind. Go ahead and speak.”

Prince Ricardo nodded firmly.

Granted permission, the captain spoke in a somewhat hesitant tone.

“Tomorrow, Your Highness is to have a meeting with Sophia-sama, but… is there truly no other way?”

“And why do you say that?”

“Though Sophia-sama is a member of the imperial family, she’s now the ruler of a duchy. If we ask for her assistance, wouldn’t that mean we’re indebting ourselves to the Grand Duchy?”

“It won’t. I, Ricardo, will be negotiating with her as her brother, as family.”

Ricardo spoke with a dismissive smile, brushing off the captain’s concerns.

“Yes, this is the only option we have now. We must give up appearances in order to obtain results.”

“By giving up appearances, you mean relying on the power of Princess Sophia, who’s known as the ‘Useless Princess’?”

“We don’t have enough time to return to the imperial capital and prepare the money.”

The one who had stolen the Mysterious Box had contacted Prince Ricardo to negotiate.

“If you want the box, pay for it,” they said.

As proof of possession, a mysterious bundle of papers had been shown.

It had apparently been summoned alongside the Mysterious Box and described how to open it.

Just a glance at it had been enough to see—it didn’t look like something from this world.

Therefore, Ricardo decided to enter into negotiations.

To catch the culprit, he needed to make contact again.

However, preparing the money would take time.

He would also need some funds to present upfront for the meeting, but what he had on hand wasn’t enough.

So he decided to seek the cooperation of his sister Sophia, the lord of Noza Town.

“When I meet with Sophia, I’ll admit that I sent soldiers to her quarters. I’ll also apologize for underestimating her.”

Ricardo declared.

“Then I’ll borrow money and soldiers. If I bow my head while acting under His Majesty the Emperor’s orders, Sophia won’t take it badly. After that, I’ll pay Daryl Zanno a deposit and prolong the negotiations.”

“If the negotiations drag on, we’ll have more opportunities to make contact.”

“Exactly. With the soldiers borrowed from Sophia, we can establish a surveillance net. We may even be able to capture this Daryl fellow.”

Prince Ricardo flashed a fearless smile.

“In return, I’ll grant Sophia the honor of having cooperated in a top-secret mission under imperial command. I’ll also inform His Majesty that she governs Noza well and is a fine lord.”

“So that Sophia-sama can return to the capital… is that your intent?”

“That’s right. If Sophia feels gratitude, she’ll surely choose to cooperate with me. Having a sibling ally is no bad thing. And Sophia holds no claim to the throne, so she poses no threat.”

“But…”

“What is it?”

“No, I thought it might not be my place to question your Highness’s reasoning.”

“Nonsense. I, Ricardo, am not so narrow-minded.”

Prince Ricardo gave the captain of the reconnaissance unit a friendly pat on the shoulder.

“A leader of men must listen to his subordinates. Isn’t that right?”

“Y-yes, Your Highness…”

The soldiers around them murmured in awe at Ricardo’s casual, almost friendly gesture.

Over the past few days, Prince Ricardo had camped with the soldiers, slept in the same tents, and eaten the same food.

It was as though he were trying to share in their hardships.

Though harsh on failure, Ricardo always gave fair recognition for good work.

Moreover, he was now bowing to Princess Sophia in order to save the captured soldiers.

That alone was enough for the soldiers to feel a strong sense of loyalty.

“Then, I’ll ask this. What if Sophia-sama wishes to remain in Noza Town?”

“That won’t happen. It’s impossible.”

Prince Ricardo laughed off the captain’s words.

Even if she had lost her claim to the throne, Sophia was still the emperor’s daughter.

She must be seeking power—if not strength, then influence. That’s how it should be.

That was Ricardo’s belief.

“Even if she has no combat ability herself, there are ways. For example, if she returns to the capital with soldiers and demonstrates leadership, she’ll likely be treated with more respect. After all, she would also be my ally.”

Ricardo was intending to grant Sophia that right.

A sister once called the “Useless Princess” ought to be grateful for such an opportunity.

“There’s no way she would refuse. None at all. Right?”

“Yes, just as you say, Your Highness.”

The soldiers were oddly moved.

Hearing Prince Ricardo’s confident words made it feel like everything was going to work out.

They even began to forget about their captured comrades and the unresolved matter of the Mysterious Box.

It might have been Ricardo’s charisma at work.

Of course, whether that would actually lead to any real progress was a different issue—but in this lively atmosphere, no one wanted to spoil the mood.

“If anyone else has something to say, speak freely. Don’t hold back. Truly, don’t hold back.”

“Th-then, may I speak?”

One of the soldiers stepped forward.

“If the Demon Lord’s Domain is involved in this matter, what will you do?”

“The Demon Lord’s Domain, huh…”

“The Trading Post on the border is also used by people from the Demon Lord’s side. If the soldiers haven’t returned, there’s a chance the Demon Lord’s people have noticed our presence.”

“Brother Diaz said, ‘Don’t meddle with the Demon Lord’s Domain.’”

“In that case, then—”

“If we intervene through Sophia, Brother Diaz will have no complaint.”

Prince Ricardo nodded.

“The real problem is whether Daryl Zanno is negotiating with others as well. That man is trying to sell the ‘box in question,’ so naturally he would sell it to the highest bidder. If he were negotiating with the Demon Lord’s side or… with Sophia—”

If the opponent is Sophia, obtaining the box will be easy.

‘I’ll help you return to the Imperial Capital.’ That should be enough.

That alone would likely be enough to make Sophia hand over the Mysterious Box.

If the box has fallen into the hands of the Demon Lord’s Domain, negotiations will proceed through Sophia.

If they fail to retrieve the box from the Demon Lord’s Domain, that failure would also be attributed to Sophia.

It would be a failure on the part of the Grand Duchy’s ruler. If that failure were magnified, it could weaken Archduke Kharon’s power.

“Prince Ricardo, did you go as far as to consider all that before involving Sophia-sama?”

“I, Ricardo, am not like my brother Diaz. Even something the Empire has thrown away—if it has a use, I’ll pick it up and use it. Oh yes, I’ll make full use of it.”

In the mock battle, Crown Prince Diaz was defeated by Archduke Kharon.

If he could weaken the Archduke who defeated the Crown Prince, then Ricardo’s name would rise by comparison.

Involving Sophia would greatly benefit Ricardo.

“I can already see the happy look on Sophia’s face. She’ll finally have a chance to return to the Imperial Capital. Besides her twin sister Liana, now there’s also a prince concerned about her. That alone will surely make her feel honored. Yes. No doubt about it.”

Surrounded by soldiers, Prince Ricardo made that declaration.

—Thor’s point of view—

“I know I’ve said it before, but my goal is to remain the lord of this town, Noza.”

Princess Sophia said.

“My meeting with Prince Ricardo tomorrow is for that purpose. I ask for your support.”

“I understand, Princess Sophia.”

I gave a slight bow, then nodded.

We were in Princess Sophia’s mansion, located in Noza Town.

In the reception room at the back, we were holding a meeting.

The meeting between Princess Sophia and Prince Ricardo was scheduled to take place there the following day.

Therefore, we had decided to exchange the items recovered during our search that day.

“Well then, since we’ve received permission from Her Majesty the Demon Lord, I’ll now hand over the ‘Fireproof Safe.’”

“Thank you. In return, I’ll present you with the ‘Otherworldly Documents.’”

Sophia and I exchanged the formal phrases we had agreed upon in advance.

In the room were me, Mabel, Princess Sophia, and Commander Isaac.

What was taking place here was an official exchange between the Demon Lord’s Domain and the Grand Duchy.

That was why Mabel and I were both in formal attire: we were representatives of the Demon Lord’s Domain.

Even though it’s Sophia, I’m still a bit nervous…

“Now then, please sign for the receipt, Princess Sophia.”

“Yes, I would appreciate your signature as well.”

With that, we both signed the handover documents.

This formally completed the exchange of the “Fireproof Safe” and the “Otherworldly Documents.”

“Now then, I shall hand over the documents.”

Princess Sophia took a bundle of papers from the wooden box.

A thick stack of papers—the Otherworldly Documents.

Written by an anonymous researcher from another world, they contained information about weapons such as the “Ultra-High-Vibration Blade.” I was intensely curious about them.

Sophia picked them up and—wait, what?

Why is she just walking past me?

Wasn’t she supposed to hand it to me? Why is she just ignoring me and handing it to Mabel…?

While I was making a puzzled face—

“The truth is… I received a letter from Her Majesty the Demon Lord Rukie, and in it, it said: ‘The documents are to be entrusted to Mabel Refrain.’ She added, ‘Thor Canaan is to serve as witness to the meeting, so that he can focus on that role.’”

………………This is cruel, Your Majesty.

How could you do this, Your Majesty?

This is the very definition of torment. Demon Lord Rukie…

The documents are right in front of me, and I can’t even read them… Well, Mabel is flipping through them and showing me the contents, huh? She’s confirming whether they’re genuine. Thanks. That makes me feel a bit better. Not enough time to see the details, though…

“…Confirmed. They’re undoubtedly genuine.”

“Yes. We would never do something so dishonorable as to deceive the Demon Lord’s representatives.”

“Right… these really are the genuine Otherworldly Documents…”

What’s this feeling?

There’s an old tale of a summoned hero who once pointed at a magical weapon he couldn’t use and said, ‘I’m not interested in grapes I can’t reach. That magic sword must be sour anyway!’

…I think I finally understand how that hero felt.

Yes. Those Otherworldly Documents must have been sour too…

“Oh, by the way, the letter had a postscript. ‘After the meeting with Princess Sophia is concluded, the documents are to be handed over to Thor Canaan and he shall be free to conduct research.’ That was written there.”

“In that case, it can’t be helped!”

What the heck. Why didn’t you just say so from the start?

Rukie can be such a tease.

Basically, she’s saying, ‘Focus on work for now. I’ll let you study all you want afterward,’ right?

I wish she’d just told me that directly.

If she had, I would’ve taken the documents, handed them to Mabel after about two hours of intense reading, and been done with it.

No need to be considerate about that, really…

“Oh, I almost forgot. About that ‘Fireproof Safe’—the lock isn’t currently set.”

I pointed at the Fireproof Safe.

“It’s in a state where the lock code can be freely configured. I made a copy of the manual’s section on how to reset it. Please use that to set a code of your choice, Princess Sophia.”

“A code…?”

“You see the symbols on the dial? Those are numbers from the other world. They represent zero through nine. You can rotate them in any order, then flip an internal switch to set what’s called a passcode.”

“U-Understood. I’ll do my best to figure it out.”

“If anything’s unclear, feel free to ask. We offer after-sales service.”

“Thank you. And… regarding the information on the passcode…”

Sophia lowered her voice so others couldn’t hear:

“…I believe you may have already guessed, Thor Canaan, but I intend to use that passcode as a bargaining chip in negotiations with the Empire.”

“…Yes. I understand.”

Sophia’s objective in handing over the “Fireproof Safe” to the Empire is to secure a verbal commitment from Prince Ricardo.

Prince Ricardo had likely been ordered by the Empire’s upper leadership to investigate the Mysterious Box.

Words spoken by a prince at an official negotiation carry weight.

Therefore, in exchange for handing over the “Fireproof Safe,” Sophia would obtain a verbal commitment that Noza Town and the surrounding region belonged to the Grand Duchy and that Princess Sophia would be permitted to govern it for life.

This should serve as a weapon for Sophia to remain in this region.

Of course, the statement will be documented, and Prince Ricardo’s signature will be obtained as well.

It would also be recorded using a “Voice Recorder.”

It’s uncertain whether the other side will accept it as evidence, but the more records, the better.

After that, the “Fireproof Safe” will be handed over to the Empire with the lock still engaged.

The fact that we already opened the safe once will remain a secret.

Inside the safe is a “fake letter.”

A “fake letter” intended to warn of the dangers of summoning magic.

Thanks to Chancellor Kelve’s advice, we made something quite convincing.

It was written in an otherworldly language on paper from another world—cut from the margins of the ‘Fireproof Safe’ instruction manual.

If the Empire opens the safe and manages to translate the letter, they’ll likely take it as a warning from another world.

It should serve as a deterrent against “Hero Summoning.”

Furthermore — the code for the “Fireproof Safe” will be set by Sophia.

If we let the Empire know that Liana “happened to discover” that code somewhere, and that she knows it—

“…I believe there are many ways we can use this.”

“…A fine idea, Princess Sophia.”

“…I’m still thinking about how much of a concession we can extract.”

“…Is there a possibility the Empire will try to destroy the safe with magic instead of unlocking it?”

“…I don’t think so. The imperial family places great value on items from the Heroes’ world.”

Whisper, whisper, whisper.

We lowered our voices as we spoke.

After all, the Empire has caused us some trouble this time.

Soldiers had invaded Princess Sophia’s residence and the Trading Post jointly operated with the Demon Lord’s Domain.

I think a little payback is more than justified.

“By the way, the hut where the ‘Fireproof Safe’ was found is being watched by Dorothy and the ‘Lady Omawarisan Unit,’ right? Any changes?”

“…No.”

“I see. I thought Daryl Zanno would return to his comrades.”

“However, the soldiers say they occasionally heard wolves howling. Perhaps the enemy sensed our presence and abandoned the hut.”

“They abandoned both their comrades and the ‘Fireproof Safe’?”

“If so, we’re dealing with quite a formidable opponent.”

Yeah, that makes sense.

They had outwitted the Empire and obtained the Mysterious Box, yet they weren’t even obsessed with keeping it.

That means they prioritized not leaving us any trace over their own gain.

This Daryl Zanno seems like a very capable person.

So, it’s probably best to push the “Fireproof Safe” onto the Empire quickly, right?

“I personally hope the border region stabilizes soon.”

“Once the meeting with Prince Ricardo is over, things will settle down. Just one more day to endure.”

“Yes, and Thor Canaan-sama is here with me, after all.”

Sophia said that with a gentle smile.

But she still looked a little tired.

She seemed to be using the “Foot Bath,” but physical fatigue was unavoidable.

After all, until yesterday, Sophia was working with us on the countermeasure team.

I wonder if there’s something I can say to cheer her up—

“Ah, come to think of it, there was something I wanted to show you, Your Highness.”

I’d forgotten.

I meant to show everyone that item and hear their thoughts.

“Would Your Highness, Mabel, and Isaac-san take a look? I rushed the creation, so it’s nothing special.”

I looked around at everyone as I spoke.

Isaac-san and Mabel nodded. Naturally, Sophia did as well.

“Yes. I’d be happy to. What kind of item is it?”

“A sword, inspired by the ‘Fireproof Safe.’”

I said.

Princess Sophia blinked in surprise.

“A sword inspired by the ‘Fireproof Safe’? But that’s meant to safely store items, not serve as a weapon, isn’t it?”

“Even so, it’s something from the Heroes’ world. It can still give us ideas for item crafting.”

“What sort of sword is it?”

“I call it the ‘Sword-Like Sword.’”

I was about to retrieve the sword from my “Miniature Simple Storage,” but this was an official meeting between the Demon Lord’s Domain and Noza Town.

I couldn’t simply draw a sword in front of the princess.

“Isaac-san, I’m sorry to trouble you, but could you accept the sword for me? I can’t exactly pull out a sword in front of Her Highness.”

“Ah, uh, sure… I don’t mind.”

“Thank you very much.”

I then took the sword out of my “Miniature Simple Storage.”

Still in its sheath, I held it with both hands and offered it to Isaac-san.

“Hm? It’s quite heavy… Wait, this is!? The dial on the hilt—isn’t that from the ‘Fireproof Safe’!?”

“Yes. It uses the same locking mechanism.”

I began my explanation.

“This is the ‘Sword-Like Sword,’ created with reference to the otherworldly ‘Fireproof Safe.’”

Sword-Like Sword (Attribute: None. Magic Stone: Unused)

A sword crafted with reference to the Heroes’ world’s “Fireproof Safe.”

It has a dial on the hilt.

In its default state, it’s locked and can’t be drawn.

If the dial is set to the correct combination, the lock disengages and the sword can be drawn.

“It—it won’t come out. The lock is quite strong…”

“Set the dial to ‘3-6-1’: three, six, one. Then return the dial to its original position—yes, just like that.”

Click.

“Oh! It came out! It’s unlocked!! Please look, Your Highness. This is a sword from another world!”

Isaac-san held the unsheathed sword in both hands and raised it high.

“Hmm. How strange. It’s as if the blade itself is glowing. Thor Canaan-sama, what kind of ability does this sword possess?”

“Ah, yes. I think the sharpness is decent, at least.”

“…Huh?”

“It was used by a soldier from the Raisenga territory, so I assume it was properly maintained.”

“…Does it have physical enhancements? Magic resistance? Are there any abilities imbued in it?”

“No, it doesn’t. I told you, didn’t I? It’s just a ‘sword that looks the part.’”

“…Huh?”

Isaac-san looked completely baffled.

Behind him, Sophia tilted her head in confusion.

Mabel, too, stood with her mouth agape.

Huh? I did explain it, didn’t I?

That it was a “sword that looks the part,” inspired by a “Fireproof Safe.”

I just attached the locking mechanism from a Fireproof Safe to a sword, you know? I didn’t give it any special abilities.

“Um… Thor Canaan-sama.”

“Yes, Princess Sophia?”

“What exactly is the significance of this sword?”

“It’s significant in that it looks like a sword from the Heroes’ world.”

“Y-Yes. It does look like a Heroes’ world sword.”

“It looks ridiculously strong, right?”

“It does. What do you think, Isaac-san?”

“…Even after hearing your explanation, it still appears to me to be a magic sword from the Heroes’ world.”

“…Same here.”

“However… thinking about it calmly, it’s heavier and harder to use than a regular sword. The balance is off. The dial on the hilt makes it difficult to grip properly. I don’t think it’s suitable for combat… Was that too blunt of me?”

“Not at all.”

I shook my head.

“I’ve heard that you’re the captain of the Omawarisan Unit and an excellent warrior. I truly appreciate such frank feedback from someone like you. Honestly, I want to take notes right now.”

“Well, if you put it that way, I’m honored.”

“But it’s not suited for combat, right?”

“That’s correct.”

“Then, could you return it for now?”

“…………”

Um, why are you gripping the sword’s scabbard so tightly, Isaac-san?

You look like you’re having a really hard time parting with it.

“Isaac-san?”

“…I understand. In the name of the Omawarisan Unit, I shall return it.”

He slowly sheathed the sword, stared at it in its scabbard…

Then he turned the dial on the hilt several times—

“…T-Thank you for letting me see such a precious item. I’m truly grateful.”

With trembling hands, Isaac-san handed the “sword that looks the part” back to me.

“Mabel, could you hold onto this?”

“Y-Yes, Thor-sama.”

I handed the “sword that looks the part” to Mabel.

The reason I didn’t store it in the “Miniature Simple Storage” was because I wanted to see everyone’s reactions.

Yup. Both Sophia and Isaac are staring at the sword.

Especially Isaac—he’s fidgeting a lot. Seems like he’s really intrigued by the “sword that looks the part.”

Seeing their reactions, I knew the purpose of making this sword had been achieved.

This item really does draw people’s attention.

“Actually, what’s important isn’t the sword itself, but the locking mechanism attached to it.”

“The locking mechanism?”

“It was originally developed as a safety feature for a certain item.”

This locking mechanism had been designed as a safety feature for the “Ultra-High-Vibration Blade.”

That thing vibrates at ultra-high speeds, so if you accidentally unsheath it, it could be catastrophic.

So I came up with a solid locking mechanism that prevents it from being drawn unless you align the dials.

But since that’s still a secret—

“Putting that aside for now, let me explain the meaning behind attaching a dial-lock mechanism to the sword.”

I cleared my throat and changed my tone.

“Pardon me, but… Princess Sophia, Captain Isaac—you both mistook the ‘sword that looks the part’ for an item from another world, didn’t you?”

“…Yes, that’s true.”

“…Even now, I can’t see it as anything but a sword from another world.”

“That’s because a dial-lock mechanism doesn’t exist in this world. It’s unfamiliar and cool-looking. That’s why you both mistook it for something from another world.”

“…Yes.”

“…Exactly.”

Princess Sophia and Isaac-san both nodded at my words.

Immediately after, Sophia’s eyes widened in realization.

She’s sharp, as expected.

“Could it be, Thor Canaan-sama—you’re planning to commercialize this ‘dial-lock mechanism’!?”

“You’re absolutely right, Your Highness.”

The lock mechanism on a Fireproof Safe is explained in the instruction manual.

I’ve researched Fireproof Safes myself, so I understand how they work.

Skilled craftsmen in the Demon Lord’s Domain could make them. They could even be mass-produced.

That’s why I decided to make products using the lock mechanism.

For example, attach it to a door, and you’ve got a dial-lock door.

Or a type that can be retrofitted onto treasure chests.

Or even dial-lock handcuffs for restraining prisoners.

I can think of endless uses.

“Since dial-lock mechanisms look cool, I think they could sell even to people who’ve never seen a Fireproof Safe.”

“…I see.”

“…If it were me, I’d definitely buy one…”

Wait a second, Isaac-san—you’re checking your wallet, aren’t you?

The “sword that looks the part” isn’t for sale, okay? I only made it for presentation purposes.

It’s ridiculously impractical as an actual sword.

In fact, the lock mechanism lowers its value as a weapon.

“I’ll bring the ‘sword that looks the part’ again sometime. I’ll lend it to you then.”

“I’m grateful, Thor Canaan-sama.”

Isaac-san nodded.

At least the presentation was a success.

Actually—there’s something I didn’t tell Sophia and Isaac-san.

They didn’t mistake the “sword that looks the part” for something from another world just because it looked cool and mysterious.

It’s because they had already seen the dial-type Fireproof Safe earlier.

If there’s a Fireproof Safe with a dial, and then a sword with a similar dial, it’s natural to assume they come from the same world.

And after negotiations with Prince Ricardo, the Fireproof Safe will be taken to the imperial capital.

The imperial family and top officials will see it too.

They’ll probably get curious and start turning the dial.

Then, when products with similar “dial-lock mechanisms” start appearing on the market, they’ll take notice.

Because to them… it would look like an item from another world…

Even if it’s priced rather high.

Even if it’s made in the Demon Lord’s Domain specifically for imperial officials.

—Well, for now, it’s all just an idea.

Before that, I need to perfect the dial-lock mechanism.

If I want to commercialize it, I’ll need to ensure it can’t be easily copied.

Also, the one installed in the “sword that looks the part” is just a prototype. The dial’s stiff, and the lock is incomplete.

Once I return to the Demon Lord’s Domain, I’ll discuss it with the craftsmen and figure out a better way to make it.

So commercialization is still a long way off.

—And with that, we continued our planning meeting for tomorrow.

How to handle the soldiers Prince Ricardo would bring.

The method and conditions for transferring the captured prisoners.

How much of Sophia’s ties with the Demon Lord’s Domain should remain secret.

As we discussed all this, time passed—

“Well then, I’ll take my leave for today.”

“Farewell, Princess Sophia.”

Mabel and I bowed to Sophia.

At tomorrow’s meeting, I’ll be meeting a prince of the Empire for the first time.

I need to make sure I understand what kind of person he’s, so I can properly report it to Rukie.

“Your Highness, you should get to bed early today as well.”

“Yes. Tonight, I’ll soak my feet in warm water, spend time with the cats and owls, and then sleep early.”

“That sounds like a good idea.”

Sophia and I exchanged a nod of understanding.

“Tonight, I’ll use the Foot Bath, chat with the winged pixies, and then go to bed.”

—That was a message only between Sophia and me.

We bowed to the still-confused Isaac-san and left the reception room.

After that, we returned to the dormitory—

Mabel, Agnis, and I wrote a letter summarizing the meeting with Princess Sophia—

We had the winged pixies deliver it to Rukie—

Then I did a bit of fine-tuning on the “sword that looks the part”—

Since I had told Sophia to “get to bed early for tomorrow,” I figured I should do the same.

So, I went to bed a little earlier than usual.

Previous chapter | TOC | Next chapter