Kays Translations

Chapter 174: “Visiting the Elf Village (1)”

—From Thor’s point of view—

We had left the town of Ortia and were now near the Dwarf village.

We didn’t get lost.

That’s because the golden wolf—our “Ancestor”—guided us.

It was a mysterious wolf.

While we were traveling, it would lead the way in front of us.

Right before we set up camp, it would disappear, then return with prey.

Yet during meals, it vanished completely.

It didn’t speak, but it understood what we said.

Still, it wasn’t a beastkin or demon.

What kind of being was it, really? “Ancestor.”

“The ‘Ancestor’ has lived in the northern lands since before the Demon Lord’s territory was founded.”

During one of our camps, Erte-san explained this to me.

“Long ago, demons and beastkin were defeated by a hero and driven into the north. There, our ancestors laid the foundation of the Demon Lord’s domain. Eventually, the domain expanded northward… and they encountered those now called ‘Ancestors.’”

“Then… was that during the time of the first Demon Lord?”

“A little later. I believe it was during the reign of the second Demon Lord.”

The second Demon Lord, huh.

I wonder what kind of person they were.

When I visited the mausoleum with Rukie, there were no portraits of the first or second Demon Lord.

I’d heard that the second Demon Lord wasn’t even buried in the mausoleum.

So the expansion of the Demon Lord’s territory happened during the second Demon Lord’s time.

“Are there other beasts like that golden wolf?”

“There are many kinds, like bears and eagles. They were the original inhabitants of the northern lands. The second Demon Lord who met them apparently managed to communicate and chose peaceful coexistence with mutual understanding.”

“…That’s amazing.”

“Even without words, they understood each other.”

Erte-san nodded with a proud look on her face.

“The people of the Demon Lord’s territory came to call them ‘Ancestors’ out of respect. Since then, we’ve coexisted peacefully, without invading each other’s domains.”

“So that’s why it’s guiding us now?”

“Yes. Also, it’s said that the ‘Ancestor’ gets lonely.”

“Lonely?”

“It seems they like other species besides their own. Those beings, I mean.”

I see.

Somehow, I get it.

Even now, from across the campfire, it looks like it wants to join the conversation. The “Ancestor.”

“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen an ‘Ancestor’ as well.”

Lune, the winged fairy sitting on my shoulder, waved her hand.

The “Ancestor” wagged its tail in return while looking at Lune.

It really does seem to like beastkin and demons.

So, even the founding of the Demon Lord’s realm had its share of events.

Hearing about history like this is fun.

Back in the Empire, I used to read historical texts at the government office.

A race like the “Ancestor” rarely shows itself… huh.

Speaking of rare sightings, weren’t there dragons too?

In this world, there was once a massive species that flew through the skies—dragons.

They still exist, technically, but they no longer show themselves.

Before the heroes arrived, they interacted normally with humans, beastkin, and demons.

That changed because of the heroes.

The heroes summoned to this world kept saying things like, “I want to become a dragon slayer!” and started targeting dragons for no clear reason.

And the human kings didn’t stop them.

There were evil dragons that attacked towns once every few centuries.

Maybe the humans wanted to use that as a reason to expand their influence.

That’s how battles between heroes and dragons started for a time.

But no clear winner emerged.

The dragons abandoned the fight and vanished to the ends of the earth.

Not out of fear of the heroes—more like they just got fed up with them.

The heroes were content with slaying smaller dragons or turning them into familiars.

Then they began calling themselves “dragon slayers.”

Such things happened during the era of the Demon Lords and heroes.

Maybe the “Ancestor” also chose to hide in the northern lands to avoid ending up like the dragons.

And perhaps, after meeting the Demon Lords driven to the north, they decided to coexist.

“I wonder if it’d tell me if I asked.”

“…Wau?”

From across the fire, the “Ancestor” tilted its head curiously.

It might answer if I asked, but I can’t understand the “Ancestor’s” language.

Someday, I should try making a “translator.”

I’m pretty sure something like that was listed in the “Mail-Order Catalog.” The problem is, I have no way to verify if the translated words are accurate… I’ll need Rukie and Kelve-san’s help with that.

Oh well. I’ll make it a task for the future.

“We’ll arrive at the Dwarf village tomorrow. From there, it’s half a day to the Elf village. We’re almost there.”

Erte-san said as she added branches to the fire.

“Will a one-day stay in the Dwarf village be sufficient, Alchemist-sama?”

“That’s fine. I just want to see if there’s anyone interested in alchemy.”

My real goal is to visit Mabel’s parents’ graves in the Elf village.

Also, to gather materials needed to craft the Ultra High-Vibration Blade.

Stopping at the Dwarf village is just a side trip.

Dwarves love crafting and are a dexterous race.

I just thought it’d be nice if I could find someone who could be a student of alchemy…

And also… I wanted to give Mabel some time to mentally prepare before visiting the Elf village.

Looking for an alchemy student is partly a pretext not to make her feel pressured.

…She’s looked uneasy this whole time.

“You okay, Mabel?”

“Eh? Yes, I’m fine. Really.”

Mabel, next to me, tilted her head with a puzzled look.

She hadn’t noticed that she’d been holding my hand all along.

Nor that her hand was trembling.

She always does this when we camp.

She clings to me and grips my hand tightly.

As we get closer to the Elf village, the space between us keeps shrinking.

“You don’t have to worry. I decided of my own will to visit the graves with you, Thor-sama. Whatever happens in the village, I’m ready to face it.”

“…Mabel.”

“Of course, I’m still anxious.”

She said this with her eyes cast down.

“But if you’re with me, Thor-sama, I can move forward. I want to offer prayers at my parents’ graves with you, get the materials we need from the village… and only then, do I feel like I can come to terms with my past.”

“Yeah. I understand. Let’s go together.”

“Yes.”

Before I realized it, Mabel was leaning on my shoulder.

Erte-san looked at us with a warm smile.

On my other shoulder, Lune covered her eyes with her hands… though she didn’t have to look away or anything.

Mabel exhaled in relief as she sipped her tea.

—She’s afraid of going to the Elf village, but she can go because I’m with her.
—She wants to take this chance to overcome her trauma about the village.

That’s Mabel’s wish.

All I can do is stay by her side.

Let’s take it slow so Mabel can stay calm.

There’s still time until Rukie’s birthday, and we’re not in a rush.

With that in mind, we continued our camp.

And the next day, when we arrived at the Dwarf village—

“Yes. As for the alchemy student, we’ve already received word from Chancellor Kelve-sama. We’ve selected candidates here and made arrangements to send them to the castle, but…”

—The matter had already been handled.

…Now that I think of it, I did talk to Kelve-san about finding an alchemy student a while back.

Before the journey, I said something like, “It’d be nice if I could find someone suited for alchemy.” Just in casual conversation, I think.

Kelve-san remembered that and already took action… Impressive.

“Thank you. Could I meet the candidates, then?”

“I’m terribly sorry, but that won’t be possible.”

“Huh?”

“We’ve received a letter from the Chancellor. Please read it.”

The village chief handed me a letter.

I opened it, and it said the following:

---

‘I heard that Thor-sama is looking for an alchemy student.

Considering the route of the journey, it would be natural to recruit one in the Dwarf village.

So I’ve taken the liberty of making arrangements.

Of course, I have no objection to Thor-sama taking on a student of alchemy.

I believe it’s necessary for the development of the Demon Lord’s domain.

However, Thor-sama holds the position of Royal Alchemist, directly under Her Majesty the Demon Lord.

Any student would, naturally, be employed by the Demon Lord’s castle.

Therefore, Her Majesty and I should also be present for the interviews.’

---

It all made perfect sense.

Indeed, as the Royal Alchemist, my salary comes from the Demon Lord’s castle.

So of course, any student I take on would also be employed there.

It’s only natural that Rukie and Kelve-san would want to participate in the interview.

‘And so, Thor-sama, please continue your journey.

If you start recruiting and interviewing students on-site, your return will be delayed.

We would prefer to avoid that.

Also, if you begin testing the candidates’ abilities on-site by having them create items, or crafting magic items yourself as samples, or working together to create bizarre magic items as a group, and creating, and creating, and creating──

──Pardon me.

In any case, we would like you to continue your journey.

In the meantime, we will make preparations here to receive the students.

We look forward to your swift return.’

… I see.

What Kelve-san said makes perfect sense.

If I just brought students back on my own, the bureaucrats in charge of paperwork would have a hard time.

It might also leave a bad impression on the students themselves.

Kelve-san probably made these arrangements with that in mind.

“As expected of Chancellor Kelve. He’s always a step ahead.”

“That’s our Chancellor, the pride of the Demon Lord’s domain.”

“There’s never any oversight in what Uncle does.”

Mabel, Erte-san, and I nodded in agreement.

While we were reading the letter, the village chief was nodding with a gentle expression.

He was a dwarf, so he was short and stocky.

His long white beard looked really cool.

His gnarled fingers gave off the aura of a seasoned craftsman.

I wonder if I can become a craftsman with such dignity when I grow older.

… I hope I can.

Behind the village chief, the Dwarf village spread out before us.

Here and there, there were buildings with large chimneys—probably smithies.

Dwarves are skilled in metalworking and supply weapons and tools.

This village is one of their bases.

“I understand. I will follow the instructions of the Chancellor.”

I bowed to the village chief.

“It might be a bit troublesome, but could you find someone among the Dwarves who wants to learn alchemy?”

“No, it’s not troublesome at all. As soon as the letter arrived, several people volunteered.”

The village chief laughed.

“The people in the village had already heard rumors about the alchemist Thor-sama from the Dwarves in charge of mine development.”

“From the mining teams?”

“When digging the tunnels, underground water would come up. We used to struggle with dealing with it… but thanks to the ‘Water Summoner,’ we can now discharge it easily. Work has progressed faster, and safety has improved. We are truly grateful.”

“… I didn’t realize that.”

“If such an alchemist is recruiting students, of course we Dwarves will be eager to apply.”

“Thank you. How many candidates are there… no, never mind.”

If I asked, I’d want to talk to them.

What kind of skills do they have? Are they interested in making things? What do they want to create? What do they think about the Hero’s world…? If we clicked, I might end up wanting to make magic items with them right then and there.

That would slow the journey down.

Kelve-san is probably worried about that.

“If that’s the case, I’ll head straight for the Elf village. But, just…”

“What is it?”

“Would it be alright if I just take a quick look at the Dwarves’ smithy?”

“Oh! Of course. We would be delighted to have you!”

The village chief clapped his hands and gladly welcomed us.

After that, Mabel and I toured the village smithy.

Lune the winged fairy came too, but she didn’t seem to like the heat and hid inside my clothes.

The smithy was filled with the sounds of work.

The sound of heating materials, striking iron, cooling, and polishing.

It was the frontline of craftsmanship in the Demon Lord’s domain.

Just listening to the sounds was exciting.

The Dwarves were small but strong and nimble.

That’s why I thought they’d be perfect as my first students of alchemy.

And I was right. The Dwarves truly looked like they were having fun working.

In the smithy, small men and women worked tirelessly.

Apparently, they were currently making weapons and tools to supply the Demon Lord’s castle.

I got to see a sword in progress, and the craftsmanship was beautiful.

Even though I can work with metal using my “Creative Alchemy” skill, something forged by a Dwarf just felt different.

The rigidity was high, and the sharpening was superb. I definitely need to study this craft too.

“I wish I had come to the Dwarves’ village sooner.”

“It couldn’t be helped. Thor-sama, you’ve been busy ever since arriving in the Demon Lord’s domain.”

“Have I?”

“You created the ‘Footbath,’ made Agnis-sama’s ‘Health Enhancement Pendant,’ dealt with the ‘Magical Beast Gargarossa’… you really haven’t had a moment’s rest.”

“You also made us winged fairies clothes out of ‘Magic Woven Cloth.’”

Mabel and Lune said this while looking at my face.

“I know your work keeps you busy… but Thor-sama, you do need time like this to rest once in a while.”

“… You’re right.”

“I think that’s also why Her Majesty granted you permission to travel. And… maybe he wanted you to see the Demon Lord’s domain with your own eyes. By being here, you can also see how your items have spread throughout the people.”

Mabel was right.

Everyone in the smithy was wearing work clothes made from “Wind Magic Woven Cloth.”

It’s breathable and sweat dries quickly—perfect for this environment.

The curtains were made from “Earth Magic Woven Cloth,” probably because it could be used to extinguish fires.

Fire prevention is essential in a smithy.

“Earth Magic Woven Cloth” is fire-resistant, so it’s ideal for places where fire is handled.

It’s even used for gloves. When pulling out heated metal, it’s easy to accidentally touch it. In those cases, “Earth Magic Woven Cloth” helps reduce the risk of burns.

Everyone at the smithy seemed to know I was the creator of “Magic Woven Cloth.” Every time I passed by, they’d wave or bow. If I got close, they’d explain what they were working on.

They were truly kind people.

During the whole tour, Mabel kept holding my hand.

But she wasn’t trembling anymore.

It must have been a refreshing change of pace for her.

I’m really glad I asked to see the smithy.

If we had gone straight to the Elf village, Mabel wouldn’t have been able to settle down.

“Thank you very much. I’m alright now. Let’s go to the Elf village.”

Mabel said with a smile.

“Watching the smithy together made me forget all my fear. Because Thor-sama’s eyes were sparkling so much while watching the Dwarves at work.”

“…Really?”

“Yes. Just like when you’re making magic items.”

I looked into the nearest mirror.

No, I still don’t really get it myself…?

“That’s why I also wanted to go to the elf village to get materials, so that Thor-sama could make items faster. I just couldn’t sit still anymore.”

Mabel nodded firmly.

“Got it. Then, shall we depart?”

“Yes, Thor-sama!”

After that, we reunited with Erte-san.

Outside, Erte-san was waiting, gently stroking the back of “Ancestor” with a dreamy look.

“””…Erte-san, you really like fluffy things, huh.”””

“──!?”

Then, we calmed the now bright red Erte-san──

Expressed our thanks to the dwarf village chief for the tour──

And so, with the villagers seeing us off, we departed the dwarf village.

Leaving the dwarf village and heading northwest on the main road, a huge forest came into view.

“There it is. The Great Forest where the elf village is located.”

It was a forest of giant trees.

Each tree must be at least 20… no, 30 meters tall.

These massive trees stood together to form a grand forest.

“Trees this tall must also have deep roots. That’s why there’s space between them. In a forest like this, if you use ‘Chain Lock,’ it’s safer to anchor it to tree roots than rocks. That means, for each terrain type, we’d need to match the attribute of the magic item—”

“That’s a Grand Oarc tree. It only grows in this forest. It’s known for being strong and having fine grain. It’s even used for the Demon Lord’s throne.”

Looking up at the trees, Mabel explained.

“The forest trees are managed by elves, and they’re only cut during rituals or festivals. The roots are sturdy too, so using them to anchor a ‘Chain Lock’ might actually be a good idea.”

“Though I feel like we’d get scolded if we actually did that.”

Saying that, I shook my head.

I realized I was slipping into alchemist mode again.

I had to refocus.

Inside this forest lies the elf village.

The most important thing there is to visit the graves of Mabel’s parents.

If anyone heard me talking about using their rare trees for magic item experiments… I might get banned from entering.

Also, I heard the elf village has “a metal that reacts to living hearts.”

To gain information about that, I had to remain polite.

“We’re entering the forest now.”

From the driver’s seat, Erte-san announced.

“Once we reach the village entrance, we’ll proceed on foot. Alchemist-sama, Mabel-sama, please prepare your luggage—”

Wooooooo────n!

Suddenly, “Ancestor” howled.

In response, the horse came to a halt.

“Forgive me, Thor-sama. I must step out for a moment.”

Mabel stepped down from the carriage.

Her expression was stern.

A monster…? I thought.

But Mabel wasn’t carrying a weapon.

However, her “Ultra-Compact Storage” contains a “Laser Pointer.” If it were a monster, she’d use that. So then…?

Wooooon

Before I knew it, “Ancestor” was by the side of the carriage.

“It seems he intends to act as our escort.”

On my shoulder, the winged fairy Lune murmured.

“Ancestor” nodded at me several times as he looked at me.

Erte-san had already stepped down from the carriage and was heading toward Mabel.

I decided to follow the two of them.

Mabel and the others were at the forest’s edge.

There stood a decaying signpost, beside which was a small path.

It likely led to the elf village.

Mabel, Erte-san, Lune, and I all stared quietly into the forest.

Before long… a silhouette appeared from the other side of the path.

A tall figure.

White skin. White hair.

Holding a wooden, gnarled staff.

Tapping the ground with it, the person slowly approached.

They looked young.

But their expression revealed a deep maturity.

Their sharp gaze was fixed directly on us.

They wore a robe with a hood.

From beneath the edge of the hood, long ears — signifying their race — occasionally peeked out.

An elf.

“…Why is the Elder here?”

Mabel widened her eyes in surprise.

Erte-san also had a tense expression.

By my ear, Lune whispered, “The elf elder is someone who possesses great magical power even among the Demon Lord’s domain, and is highly skilled in sorcery. I’ve heard they usually remain secluded in the village depths and rarely appear in public…” — she said.

Looking closely, there were two other elves behind the elder.

They were kneeling on the ground, avoiding eye contact with me and Mabel.

As if they were afraid of us.

“Elder… why are you here?”

“I received word, you see.”

The elf elder responded to Mabel’s question.

Then, the elder said,

“We’ve been waiting for you. Alchemist Thor Canaan-sama. Civil servant, Erte-sama. And… Mabel-sama, assistant to the alchemist.”

──He bowed deeply to me, Erte-san, and Mabel.

“──!?”

Mabel widened her eyes.

“…The elf elder just bowed to me. Why…?”

“Mabel. I must apologize. The harsh treatment you received from us was the fault of our tribe. If only we’d known this day would come, things might have been different.”

“First, allow me to introduce myself, Elder.”

Before I knew it, I had stepped in front of Mabel.

With winged fairy Lune on my shoulder and “Ancestor” at my side, I faced the elf elder.

“My name is Thor Canaan, an alchemist. Though I am human, I serve directly under Her Majesty the Demon Lord. I look forward to our acquaintance.”

I returned the elder’s bow.

The elder looked at me, narrowing his eyes.

“Such a courteous greeting — I am honored. I am the elf, Raeselt Phanos.”

“You are the elder of the elf village, correct?”

“Indeed. I bear responsibility for what happened in the elf village.”

With a dry tone, the elf elder said that.

I continued.

“I have come with my fiancée, Mabel, to visit her parents’ graves. And, if possible, I’d like to gather materials as well.”

“I’ve received a letter from the Chancellor regarding that matter.”

“Our lodging will be at the home of the elf magic squad commander. We also have a letter of introduction. We’ve obtained the Demon Lord’s permission.”

“That, too, I am aware of.”

The elf elder nodded with a composed expression.

“I also know about Mabel’s past.”

I said.

The elf elder then made a pained expression, as if enduring regret.

“Yes. That’s right. Our village elves treated Mabel, who couldn’t use magic, harshly. At the time, I was secluded in the shrine. Had I known, I would have stopped it.”

“Did you come here to greet the Demon Lord’s envoy? Or to welcome Mabel home and apologize for the past?”

“Both, Alchemist Thor-sama.”

The elf elder’s expression did not change.

He let out a long sigh and shook his head.

“What we did to Mabel was the fault of us elves. Elves possess strong magical power and excel in sorcery. Because of that, some grow arrogant. They mistakenly believe they know everything. When in truth, they know nothing at all.”

“…Ah, Elder…”

“…I—I am truly sorry.”

Behind the elder, the two elf guards hung their heads.

As if they were being scolded, struck by an invisible staff.

“Only after the incident did they realize their ignorance. Even elves who’ve lived long lives are like this. Drowning in their knowledge and power, they look down on others. Even though we have a history of being defeated by the Hero because of that… how shameful.”

“…Elder.”

Suddenly, Mabel spoke.

At some point, she had taken my hand in hers.

As if confirming each other’s presence, we tightened our grip.

Then Mabel looked at the elder and asked,

“Something happened in the village, didn’t it?”

“Ah, how perceptive. If only the other village elves had that much wisdom and humility, this situation might have been avoided.”

“What happened?”

“Something abnormal — something we elves cannot understand — has occurred.”

Something abnormal?

Even elves don’t understand…? Is that even possible?

They have long lifespans, strong magic, and deep knowledge of sorcery…

“In the name of the elder, I permit you entry into the village. Please visit the graves as you wish. We will also cooperate fully with your material gathering. In exchange, if I may ask… would you listen to our story afterward?”

“I understand.”

I nodded.

In any case, we intended to enter the village.

If they had rejected Mabel, I was ready to get angry without holding back… but if they were welcoming us, then all the better.

Still──

“Could you tell me what happened?”

“Something from another world fell into the village. That is all I can say… for now.”

Saying that, the elf elder led us into the village.

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