Kays Translations

Chapter 170: “Thor the Alchemist Travels the Demon Lord’s Domain (2)”

The town of Ortia had a short history.

It was built during the previous Demon Lord’s reign as a distribution hub utilizing the river.

It was surrounded by marshlands, with a river flowing just outside the town.

Canals ran through the town and connected to a pond inhabited by merfolk.

To prevent magical beasts from invading, the town was also enclosed by sturdy walls.

Airflow was poor, leaving the humidity with nowhere to escape.

As a result, on hot days, the whole town inevitably became damp and clammy.

Merfolk lived underwater, so humidity didn’t trouble them.

Lizardmen seemed to find it more comfortable when their scales were slightly moist.

The only residents troubled by it were the beastkin, who traditionally grew their hair long.

Specifically, when they woke in the morning, their hair might be puffed up as though it had exploded.

Hair sticking out in strange directions could block their view or become tangled around their limbs.

That was why many of them braided their hair or tied it with ribbons and clips.

On top of that, beastkin had keen senses.

Those sensitive to changes in humidity and temperature became listless and lost their appetites.

Mayor Guerun-san’s daughter, Sera-san, was one such person.

“Of course, this doesn’t happen every year.”

Guerun-san shook his head and wagged his gray tail.

“But in years like this one, when the temperature is especially high… the beastkin have a gloomy time.”

“You could have consulted the Demon Lord’s castle.”

Erte-san suddenly stepped forward.

“My uncle—no, I mean the Chancellor—would have taken care of it.”

“Well, you see. It’s not something that threatens their lives. It’s hard to say something like, ‘Our beastkin’s hair gets frizzy from the humidity. They’re feeling down. Please help us.’ Her Majesty and the Chancellor are both very busy.”

“Well… that might be true.”

“We also have to consider the merfolk, who are part of our community.”

Guerun-san scratched his head vigorously.

“They’re kind folks, the merfolk. If this turned into a big issue, they might feel responsible. When the weather’s like this year’s, they already seem apologetic. After all, the town’s canals are one of the causes of the humidity.”

“…I understand how you feel.”

“This town operates through a system in which the beastkin use their sense of smell to inspect goods, the lizardmen carry them to the riverbank, and the merfolk ship them by boat. This severe dampness occurs only once every few years. If the beastkin endure it, we can manage…”

“Guerun-san, may I ask one thing?”

I interjected.

Something had been bothering me.

It was also a matter of curiosity for an alchemist—

“When the humidity is severe, can beastkin safely transform into their beast forms?”

“…………”

Huh?

Guerun-san and Sera-san fell silent.

Especially Sera-san—she looked extremely embarrassed for some reason.

“When the humidity is high and their hair is frizzy, transforming makes them look like walking balls of fur.”

“Father!?”

“There’s no use hiding it, Sera.”

Guerun-san folded his arms.

“When beastkin transform during periods of high humidity, all their fur puffs up, and they end up looking like balls of fluff with arms and legs. Normally they’re ‘fluffy,’ but in high humidity they become ‘puffy.’ When Sera transformed as a child, she looked like a perfectly round stuffed toy…”

“Father, father, faaather!!”

Whack, whack, whack, whack.

Bright red-faced, Sera-san pounded her father’s back.

Apparently, it was a more serious problem than expected.

According to Erte-san, beastkin transformed into their beast forms for scouting and reconnaissance.

In that form, their physical abilities improve, and their senses become even sharper. They use that advantage in battles and monster extermination missions.

But if they become all puffy from the humidity──

“Indeed. Before going on a scouting mission, they have to reduce the humidity and fix their hair. It takes a lot of time.”

Guerun-san must have read my expression, as he added this.

That being the case… we really ought to do something.

“Understood. I’ll think of a solution.”

I said.

“Mabel, could you try using the ‘Hair Dryer’ to fix Sera-san’s hair? That should help against the humidity.”

“Leave it to me, Thor-sama.”

Mabel already had the “Hair Dryer” ready.

She must have predicted what I would do. As expected of her.

The cover of the “Water Spirit Stone Pendant” could transform into a “Hair Dryer” or a “Security Buzzer” at her will, thanks to the “Rainbow-Colored Magic Stone” Rukie had given us.

“Sera-sama. May I tend to your hair?”

“Eh, but, but. I couldn’t possibly ask a guest to do such a thing…”

“I’m the assistant to Alchemist Thor Canaan.”

Mabel pinched the hem of her skirt and, in a solemn tone, said:

“If Thor-sama has decided to address the town’s problem, then it’s only natural that I assist him. That’s also my joy.”

“I-I understand. If that’s the case…”

Holding down her frizzed-up hair, Sera-san stepped toward Mabel.

I exchanged glances with Guerun-san.

“Also… Guerun-san, could you tell me about the town’s layout? I want to understand how the beastkin, lizardmen, and merfolk divide their living areas.”

“Understood. I shall prepare a map.”

And so, Guerun-san, Erte-san, and I began our planning session.

“I see. The town is divided east and west by the canal.”

“The lizardmen live on the west side, the beastkin on the east, and the central area contains the canal and the merfolk quarter.”

“The square next to the canal is the common gathering place?”

“That’s right. After work, we drink there with the merfolk and lizardmen. Everyone brings their favorite food and cooks beside the river. It’s the best time of day.”

“That sounds wonderful. I’d love to sneak in and join sometime.”

“Why not just join openly?”

“You’re basically having a party, right?”

“Well, I suppose we are.”

“…………”

“…………?”

“Anyway, based on this layout, we might be able to reduce the humidity in just the beastkin district.”

“R-Really!?”

“It’s worth trying, I think.”

I took the “Mail-Order Catalog” out of my “Miniature Simple Storage.”

I spread it out so that Guerun-san and Erte-san could see it clearly.

“…As I thought, you brought that book with you.”

“Yes. I brought it so I could view things from a hero’s perspective during our journey.”

“From a hero’s perspective?”

“My goal is to surpass the Heroes’ world. Whenever something caught my attention during the journey, I wanted to ask myself, ‘What would a hero do?’ That’s why I brought the ‘Mail-Order Catalog.’”

“You should at least take it easy while traveling.”

Erte-san looked exasperated.

“Didn’t Her Majesty the Demon Lord and my uncle also tell you not to push yourself?”

“I’m not pushing myself. This is just my normal routine. More importantly, could you take a look at this?”

I flipped through the “Mail-Order Catalog.”

There should be a useful item around here…

Yep. Found it.

“This ‘Absolutely Comfortable Cloud Dehumidifier’ might be able to solve the humidity problem.”

“‘Absolutely Comfortable Cloud Dehumidifier’… That’s an unfamiliar name.”

“W-What’s this oddly named item…?”

Both Erte-san and Guerun-san were clearly surprised.

I decided to translate and explain the contents of the “Mail-Order Catalog” to them.

────────────────

Absolutely Comfortable Cloud Dehumidifier

The dampness of the rainy season, laundry that won’t dry, condensation on the windows—humidity problems are everywhere.

Let the “Absolutely Comfortable Cloud Dehumidifier” say goodbye to all that sticky dampness!

Our dehumidifier, using a proprietary method and powerful performance, eliminates moisture in an instant!

There are three levels of power: “Low,” “High,” and “Total Dehumidification.”

It also comes equipped with a “Moist Comfort Mode” that leaves just the right amount of humidity.

“High” and “Total Dehumidification” have astonishing power.

Even laundry on a rainy day dries in no time!

Furthermore, our original “Cloud Network” function is pre-installed.

All dehumidifiers placed in the home will link together to maintain optimal humidity.

(*Requires environmental settings in accordance with our instructions and network access provided by the customer.)

Even large areas are effortlessly dehumidified.

With our “Absolutely Comfortable Cloud Dehumidifier,” say goodbye to seasonal problems!

────────────────

I finished reading the “Mail-Order Catalog.”

“…………”

Erte-san and Guerun-san were silent for a while.

Eventually, they tilted their heads and—

“We understand that the item described here removes moisture.”

“Y-Yes. Even we beastkin can understand that much.”

“But…”

“What exactly is this ‘Cloud Network’?”

They both asked with puzzled expressions.

“In the Heroes’ world, ‘cloud’ means a cloud, while ‘network’ refers to a connection or linked system.”

That’s what the words mean.

As for how that connects to a “dehumidifier”—

“Most likely, this ‘Cloud Network’ refers to a system that links dehumidifiers together. Clouds in the sky break apart, reconnect, and eventually spread over wide areas, bringing rain. In other words, by using a ‘Cloud Network,’ I think you could affect an entire town like a cloud would.”

“No way!?”

“S-Such a thing is possible!?”

“It’s an item from the Heroes’ world. Something like this is apparently quite ordinary there.”

A massive cloud can cover the entire sky over a town.

If that’s the case, the “Cloud Network” should be expected to cover a similar range.

“Al-Alchemist… How do you plan to realize this ‘Cloud Network’?”

“I’m thinking of using the ‘Traffic Cones’ as a reference.”

“The ‘Traffic Cones’?”

“You know the defensive formation I built at the Trading Post using ‘Traffic Cones’?”

“──!?”

Erte-san’s eyes widened.

Beside her, Guerun-san also looked startled.

Apparently, he had heard rumors about the Trading Post as well.

Previously, I had built a territorial defense system using “Traffic Cones” at the Trading Post.

I arranged “Traffic Cones” shaped like otherworldly divine beasts—the Azure Dragon, Vermilion Bird, White Tiger, Black Tortoise, and Kirin—to expand the effective range and increase the power.

The results had been remarkable, allowing us to capture the Imperial soldiers who tried to infiltrate the Trading Post with ease.

In other words—

“That defense formation may have been the ‘Cloud Network’ itself.”

“…How extraordinary.”

“…I don’t quite understand it, but the guest’s words have a ring of truth. As a beastkin, I can sense that he’s being sincere.”

“I’m always serious.”

To be honest, I wasn’t entirely certain that the “Five-Element Defensive Formation” and the “Cloud Network” were the same thing.

But I do think it’s worth testing.

That was why I wanted to conduct an experiment here in the town of Ortia.

If it succeeds—

“From now on, ‘Cloud Network’ might become the standard for magic items. The very concept of magic items could change.”

“The concept of magic items!?”

“A-Ah, you truly do possess a hero’s perspective, honored guest…”

“It’s still only a hypothesis… but if it works, the Demon Lord’s Domain might become a nation that completely surpasses the Empire.”

The Empire has a large population.

Moreover, their soldiers achieve strength beyond individual capability by coordinating with each other.

That’s how the Empire has expanded its territory.

But the Demon Lord’s Domain couldn’t do the same.

Not just because of the small population, but also because different races have different areas of expertise.

Of course, that’s also a strength.

Rukie assigns people to roles that suit them best, using the “right person in the right place” approach to great effect.

So, what do you do when the races’ traits differ and make coordination difficult?

The answer is simple: create “cooperative magic items” to compensate.

In the Empire, humans work together to exhibit their strength.

In the Demon Lord’s Domain, magic items would work together to display their strength.

That way, they could compensate for their small population and the differences among the races’ abilities.

If done well, this land could become so prosperous that the Empire couldn’t compare.

It would also lighten Rukie’s burden.

“…Linked Security Buzzers… linked Cleaning Robots… linked Water Summoners… W-What will become of the Demon Lord’s Domain…”

“…Erte-san?”

“What you’re saying is beyond my imagination. How should I even respond…”

“Please calm down. It’s not something that’ll happen right away.”

I gently shook Erte-san’s shoulder as she pressed her forehead to the table.

“Besides, it’s not something I can do alone.”

“T-That may be true, but…”

“If I had an apprentice who could use alchemy, it’d be a different story.”

“An apprentice?”

“I’m the only one who can use ‘Creation Alchemy: Over-Alchemy,’ but surely there are people in the Demon Lord’s Domain who can use ordinary alchemy. If I took one of them as an apprentice and taught them the techniques, our work would progress faster and we could produce magic items more efficiently.”

“You were thinking that far ahead!?”

“Yes. Once this journey is over, I’m planning to gather Mabel, Agnis-sama… or perhaps all the winged pixies and hold an ‘Alchemy Workshop.’ I’ll see who’s the most dexterous and consider taking them as an apprentice.”

“I-I’m relieved. So it’s something you’re planning after the journey is over…”

Erte-san let out a sigh of relief.

“Then how about stopping by the dwarves’ village?”

Suddenly, Guerun-san muttered.

“Beyond the marshlands lies a small dwarven village. Dwarves are skilled with their hands, so they might be able to help the alchemist… W-What is it, Erte? Why are you glaring at me!?”

“…I just felt like our problems might be about to multiply.”

“You two are moving the conversation along too quickly.”

Any lessons in alchemy would have to wait until after the journey.

There was no need for Erte-san to worry, even as she muttered, “Two alchemists… three alchemists… four… Oh, my uncle’s stomach…”

“Back to the topic. I want to try creating ‘Dehumidification Zones’ and ‘Dehumidification Barriers’ using the ‘Absolutely Comfortable Cloud Dehumidifier’ to solve this town’s humidity problem.”

I bowed to Guerun-san and said:

“With that in mind, would you allow me to conduct some experiments in the town?”

“Of course! I was about to ask you myself!”

Guerun-san lowered his large beast ears and drooped his tail.

“This will benefit the beastkin of this town too. I’ll gladly cooperate!”

“Thank you. Please tell me the exact directions—north, south, east, and west. Also, if there are any metals that might serve as materials, could I have them?”

“Understood!”

“And Erte-san.”

“Y-yes?”

“Is it alright if we delay our departure by a day or two?”

“In this situation, I suppose I can’t say no.”

Erte-san put her hand on her hip and sighed.

“I’ll report the schedule delay to Uncle Kelve. Alchemist-sama, please write to the Demon Lord as well. I’ll send your letter to the castle together with confirmation of our arrival.”

“Understood.”

Alright then.

This time, I wasn’t just making a dehumidifier.

I had to build a stable Cloud Network.

It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth doing.

After all, this was the first step toward linking the Demon Lord’s magic items through a “Cloud Network.”

“Then, Guerun-san, please lend me a room where I can work.”

I said:

“In order to build a ‘Dehumidification Cloud Network’ in this town, I’ll now begin my alchemy.”

And so, I began preparing for the work.

—Mabel’s point of view—

“A-a-amazing. I can’t believe my hair looks so neat…”

Staring into the mirror, the beastkin girl Sera exclaimed.

Mabel nodded with satisfaction.

It hadn’t been very difficult to style Sera’s hair.

First, she washed it, applied diluted “MAX Silky Smooth Lotion Premium,” and allowed it to soak in.

Finally, she dried it with a “Hair Dryer.”

That’s how Sera’s hair turned into a beautiful ponytail.

“I’m glad the ‘Fairy’s Tear: Pixie Drop’ was useful.”

The winged pixie Lune murmured from Mabel’s shoulder.

“If you ever need more, please tell us. Merely imagining a scene in which the alchemist is absent… is enough to make the winged pixies shed tears of sorrow.”

“Please don’t imagine that. It’ll make me want to cry.”

“I think Mabel and I’ll be good friends.”

“I think so too, Lune.”

Mabel reached out her finger, and Lune bumped it with her tiny fist.

It was a friendly promise between the elven girl and the winged pixie.

“…I’m a bit envious.”

“What’s the matter, Sera?”

“The alchemist’s companions all seem to be having so much fun.”

“Yes. Every day is full of joy… and happiness.”

Mabel closed her eyes and smiled.

“When I’m by Thor-sama’s side, I feel like I’ve become a part of him. Just earlier, when he consulted me about you, Sera, I immediately realized that a ‘Hair Dryer’ was needed. That made me so happy… it warmed my heart.”

Listening to Mabel’s words, Sera unintentionally narrowed her eyes.

The girl in front of her looked dazzling.

She had heard rumors that the alchemist Thor was human and possessed incredible powers.

That’s why she had thought he would be scary.

But Thor was a very kind person.

Even though they only stopped by during their journey, he had earnestly listened to the worries of the beastkin like Sera.

And now, he was trying to solve the town’s humidity problem entirely.

(If someone like him is the confidant of the Demon Lord, then the Demon Lord must be a wonderful person too…)

Sera had never met Demon Lord Rukie.

All she knew came from stories told by her father.

—The Demon Lord used dark magic to slay Magical Beast Gargarossa instantly from afar.

—She negotiated with a fearsome Imperial princess and established a Trading Post in the borderlands.

—She’s rapidly developing mines and farmlands.

To Sera, all of these feats were beyond imagination.

That’s why she thought the Demon Lord was a fearsome being, someone to fear and respect.

(But maybe… the Demon Lord is actually a kind person.)

She must be.

After all, she entrusted someone like Thor as her confidant.

(I wonder… could I also be of some help to the Demon Lord and these people?)

In a few days, the alchemist Thor and his companions would leave the town for the elven forest.

Before then, she wanted to do whatever she could.

—That’s what the beastkin girl Sera was thinking.

“Your hair looks smooth and settled. I think it’ll stay that way for a few days.”

“Y-yes. Thank you so much.”

“Then let’s return to Thor-sama. We should start preparing the meal soon.”

With that, Mabel put her hand on her chin and nodded.

“It looks like things are going to get busy. Let’s make something that can be eaten during work.”

“How about letting him try some local specialties?”

“That’s a great idea, Lune. It’ll make a good story for the Demon Lord too.”

“I’m sure Her Majesty will want to hear stories from the journey.”

Mabel and Lune leaned their foreheads together as they spoke.

Then Mabel turned to Sera.

“I have a favor to ask, Sera-sama. Could you tell us about any local specialties that are easy to eat and nutritious?”

“Ah, yes. Umm…”

Sera thought for a moment.

“How about deep-fried small fish? It’s a specialty of this town, and you can eat the bones too. They’re usually served in sandwiches with vegetables, so I think they can be eaten while working… maybe.”

“That’s a brilliant idea.”

“Wonderful suggestion indeed!”

Suddenly, Mabel and the winged pixie Lune grabbed Sera’s hands.

Feeling happy that she could be useful, Sera couldn’t help but smile.

“The fish are sold at the market along the river. At this hour, there should still be fresh ones. I’ll show you the way.”

Sera instinctively touched her own hair.

On sunny days, getting close to the river always made her hair frizzy.

No one ever mocked her for it, but the merfolk’s apologetic looks—as though they were saying, “It might be our fault”—had always troubled her.

They lived in the same town—she really wanted to get along with them.

(But now—)

Sera’s hair was shiny and neatly tied.

It was straight even without ribbons, like it wasn’t even her own hair.

With this, she could probably talk to the merfolk without hesitation.

(I should give Mabel and the others a tour of the town.)

She also wanted to introduce the alchemist and his companions to everyone.

That person had amazing power. He was thinking about the town.

And the Demon Lord, who trusted him as a confidant, must be a wonderful ruler.

She wanted to tell as many people as possible about the alchemist Thor and the Demon Lord.

That’s what Sera was thinking.

“Understood. Then I shall guide you, Mabel-sama.”

With conviction, the beastkin girl Sera declared:

“While we’re at it, I’ll introduce you to everyone in town. After that… I’ll use my beastkin sense of smell to find the freshest fish in town!”

“Please do, Sera-sama.”

“For the sake of the alchemist!”

And so, Mabel, Sera, and Lune headed toward the marketplace.

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