Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Volume 8
Chapter 181: “Returning to the Demon Lord’s Castle”
“I have just returned, Your Majesty the Demon Lord.”
A few days later.
I had safely returned to the Demon Lord’s castle.
First, I headed to the throne room to report on my journey.
There, the Demon Lord-style Rukie, Chancellor Kelve, and members of the Demon Lord’s operational forces were waiting.
I first offered my greetings for returning safely to Demon Lord Rukie.
Then, I bowed politely to everyone present.
“Alchemist Thor Canaan, reporting my return to the Demon Lord’s castle. Thanks to Your Majesty, I was able to safely obtain a sample of the ‘mental-responsive material.’”
“…I see.”
“What I brought back is just a small fragment. Mabel went to collect a larger piece. Since ‘The Ancestor’ and the winged fairies, the Pixies, are guarding her, I believe there’s no danger.”
“Indeed. I am not concerned about that.”
“With this, we can begin preparing countermeasures against the ‘Hard Creature.’”
I placed the fragment of the ‘mental-responsive material’ on a cloth and offered it to Rukie.
Chancellor Kelve stepped forward and placed it in front of Rukie.
I continued speaking.
“The true identity of this ‘mental-responsive material’ is said to be the bones of a dragon. I was surprised. But if it’s the bones of a high-level lifeform, it wouldn’t be strange for it to have the ability to respond to mental energy, right? Dragons were said to be able to change the strength of their bodies at will, so it’s only natural to assume their skeletal structure holds secrets as well.”
“Y-Yes. I understand that, Thor. But…”
“Now that I know how to speak with ‘The Ancestor,’ I might be able to learn the whereabouts of other dragons too. Aside from Karotia-san, there are other ‘Ancestors’ residing in the Demon Lord’s domain. If they act as intermediaries, we may be able to contact dragons and obtain new knowledge…”
“Wait. Stop right there, Thor.”
“Eh?”
Before I noticed, the throne room had fallen silent.
The Minotaur captain of the guards and the Elf commander of the magic unit were both silently staring at me.
As for Chancellor Kelve… huh? When did he move near the door? He’s usually just diagonally in front of Rukie, but now he’s on the opposite side… more like at the diagonal end of the room, leaning against a pillar. Erte-san beside him is saying, “This pillar is still fine. Not damaged yet──” but…?
“My dear alchemist, Thor Canaan.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“It seems you had quite the enjoyable journey.”
“Thanks to Your Majesty, it was a very meaningful trip.”
“Indeed. We received word from the town of Ortia. Thanks to the ‘Cloud Dehumidifier’ you created, the living conditions there have improved. It’s said it could even be used to reclaim marshlands since it can manipulate moisture over a wide area. The townspeople sent a letter of gratitude with many signatures.”
“That happened?”
“It did.”
“That’s surprising.”
“I was surprised too.”
“But I’m glad they appreciated it.”
“Good. Then, next you visited the Dwarf village, correct?”
“Yes, I did.”
“There’s been a flood of applications from that village to become alchemy students. When the dwarves saw off your carriage, they noticed something unusual.”
“The carriage? Was something wrong with it?”
“They said the wheels moved unusually smoothly and the ride was very stable.”
“That’s because I applied ‘MAX Silky Smooth Lotion Premium’ to the axles. Also, I lined the floor with ‘low-rebound cushions’ to reduce vibrations. It’s a subtle improvement though.”
“The dwarves are engineers, so they were likely impressed by such understated techniques.”
“Is that how it is?”
“That’s how it is.”
Rukie stared at me intently from behind her mask.
Then she cleared her throat with a polite cough.
“Regarding the retrieval of the ‘mystery item’ from the Elf village, there’s nothing to say but praise. You’ve eliminated the villagers’ anxiety. Well done, Thor.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“As for the item called the ‘Woof-Meow Friendship Talk Pendant’… well. I suppose it’s fine. You used it to speak politely with ‘The Ancestor,’ after all.”
“Yes. Karotia-san the golden wolf was a very kind person.”
“From now on, those in the Demon Lord’s domain who meet her can greet her by name.”
“I believe Karotia-san will be pleased too.”
“Indeed…”
Demon Lord-style Rukie rested her cheek on her hand.
Then, as if she just remembered something—
“Let me confirm something, Thor.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“What was the original reason you went on this journey?”
“To collect materials in the Elf village.”
“That’s right.”
“Yes.”
“And during that journey, you solved the beastman issue, astonished the dwarves, resolved the Elf village’s problem, and managed to converse with ‘The Ancestor,’ correct?”
Rukie crossed her arms, looking contemplative.
“Before your departure, I told you to ‘go and observe the Demon Lord’s domain as my envoy.’ You’ve certainly fulfilled that role. Perhaps a little too well, but I can’t really say anything against it…”
Soon, murmuring began to spread in the throne room.
“…Thor Canaan-dono was away from the castle for less than 20 days, wasn’t he?”
“…So much happened in such a short time.”
“…We informed our Elf village that ‘an alchemist directly under the Demon Lord will visit; treat him as an honored guest,’ but… I guess that wasn’t enough of a warning…”
The Elf commander and Minotaur captain were discussing something.
Come to think of it, I never did end up staying at the commander’s family home.
I did greet them properly and gave them a souvenir. I thought something unusual would be best, so I gave them a “Light-Dark Dual Attribute Magic-Woven Cloth,” but I wonder if they were satisfied… I’m a bit worried…
“Kelve. Let’s hear your thoughts.”
“…As for the events of the journey… I believe now is not the time to dwell on them.”
Kelve stepped away from the pillar and returned to his usual place.
“What’s important now is the matter of the ‘mystery item’ similar to a smartphone that Thor-sama obtained. Let’s focus our discussion on that for now.”
“That’s unexpected. You’re fine leaving the other matters aside?”
“We must prioritize. If we concern ourselves with everything, neither our minds nor the pillars will hold. Since the item came from another world, I believe we must give it top priority.”
With that, Kelve picked up the report.
“Everyone, please listen. Thor Canaan-sama acquired in the Elf village a ‘mystery item’ that resembles a ‘smartphone’ from another world. It displays numbers. Thor-sama predicts that when the number reaches zero, it will reveal some kind of information. Is that correct, Thor-sama?”
“Yes, Chancellor.”
I nodded.
“I believe the information it reveals may relate to the ‘Hard Creature.’”
“Then we must indeed investigate the ‘mystery item’ as a top priority. However…”
Kelve pressed his forehead, deep in thought.
“Calling it a ‘mystery item’ makes it hard to grasp. Even those reading the report may struggle to picture it. Is there a better term we could use?”
“How about ‘pseudo-smartphone’? Since it resembles a smartphone from the Hero’s world.”
“Understood. From now on, we’ll refer to the item as ‘pseudo-smartphone.’”
He took out a parchment and neatly wrote down the new term.
As expected of the Chancellor. Always prepared and efficient. Impressive.
“How long until the ‘pseudo-smartphone’ activates?”
“In three and a half days.”
“Then we must quickly assemble an analysis team.”
“An analysis team?”
“Thor-sama can’t handle everything alone. It would be better to have several people in case of unexpected situations. Since the ‘pseudo-smartphone’ came from the Hero’s world, no amount of caution is too much.”
“I see. Just as Kelve-san said.”
The Hero World is an unreasonable place.
There’s always the possibility that the “pseudo-smartphone” could behave unexpectedly.
In times like that, having comrades from the analysis team would allow us to work together to deal with it.
Besides, that “pseudo-smartphone” is an important item.
In that case, rather than analyzing it alone, it would be better to do it as a whole Demon Lord’s Castle effort.
“I agree with the Chancellor’s proposal.”
I responded.
“If I can receive Her Majesty the Demon Lord’s permission, I would like to form a team and work on analyzing the information of the ‘pseudo-smartphone.’”
“Very well. I permit it.”
Rukie granted permission without hesitation.
“That is an important item. It would be best for several individuals to investigate it. You may select personnel and add them to the analysis team.”
“Thank you very much, Your Majesty.”
“We are grateful, Your Majesty.”
Chancellor Kelve and I bowed our heads to Rukie.
“Now then, Your Majesty, Chancellor. As for the selection of members for the analysis team…”
“What kind of personnel are you looking for, Thor?”
Rukie looked toward me and asked.
I thought for a moment and said:
“First, it would be best to have someone with extensive knowledge of magic. The ‘pseudo-smartphone’ is related to summoning and dispatch magic.”
“Hmm. That’s reasonable.”
“Also, I think things would proceed more smoothly if we had someone of relatively high standing. Constantly having to seek Your Majesty’s approval whenever we need resources or personnel would be difficult.”
“Indeed. A system that allows for a certain degree of autonomy would be necessary.”
“And… someone compatible with the Hero World would be ideal.”
“Compatible with the Hero World?”
“Yes. So far, I’ve created many magic items. But I didn’t create them all from my own ideas. Some were only possible because those around me gave me hints.”
“And those who gave you those hints—those are the people who are compatible with the Hero World?”
“I believe that such people might also provide valuable hints for analyzing the ‘pseudo-smartphone.’”
“I see.”
“That makes perfect sense.”
Demon Lord Rukie nodded, and Chancellor Kelve voiced their agreement.
I continued.
“Of course, I’ve also received many helpful hints from Your Majesty. However…”
“I understand. If I were to join the analysis team, everyone would probably feel intimidated.”
Rukie gave a wry smile.
“In that case, it would be better to have someone act as my representative.”
“I agree. Someone of high enough status to serve as Your Majesty’s proxy, who also frequently provides hints about magic items—that sort of person would be ideal.”
“But Your Majesty, Thor-sama. Isn’t that a bit too strict of a requirement?”
Kelve shook his head, looking flustered.
“Someone knowledgeable in magic, compatible with the Hero World, and able to act as Your Majesty’s proxy… I don’t believe such a person exists in the Demon Lord’s Castle…”
“‘Huh?’”
“‘Huh?’”
“………… (staaare)”
Rukie and I stared at Kelve-san.
So did Erte-san, the Minotaur captain of the guard, and the elven leader of the magic corps.
Under the gaze of five people, Kelve-san looked puzzled.
He glanced in surprise at Rukie, then at me, then at everyone else around him—
“Me? No way! Your Majesty, Thor-sama… Everyone… Are you all talking about me!?”
Kelve-san realized what the stares meant and raised his voice.
“W-Why!? Why am I the right person!?”
“Because, Chancellor, you’re always the one giving me hints when making items.”
That was true when I made the “cleaning robot.”
The picture Kelve-san drew became the inspiration for the “spherical cleaning robot.”
That spherical shape was incredibly useful in investigating magical beasts and “that box.”
The same was true when I made the disguise item.
He willingly wore the prototypes—the “glowing horn and eyepatch” and the “wiggling cape.”
That led to the eventual creation of the “partial concealment hairpiece.”
Before handing “that box” over to the Empire, it was Kelve-san who came up with the warning message to block summoning magic.
That was truly impressive.
The line: “The Hero explodes. Hard Creatures also explode.” had an incredible impact.
I couldn’t have come up with something like that.
Even Rukie, who read it, and I, who translated it into the Hero World’s language, ended up blurting out, “Heroes are scary. Hard Creatures are dangerous…” without even thinking.
With such accomplishments, Chancellor Kelve is a perfect fit for the analysis team.
His compatibility with the Hero World has already been proven.
“I ask this of you as well. Would you join the analysis team, Kelve?”
Rukie spoke to Chancellor Kelve.
“Analyzing the ‘pseudo-smartphone’ is crucial. It is undoubtedly an item from the Hero World.”
“I-I understand what you’re saying, but…”
“That’s exactly why the analysis team needs someone who can make decisions on the spot as my proxy. Will you do it, Kelve?”
“…Understood.”
Chancellor Kelve responded in a grave tone.
As he turned to face Rukie, his back trembled slightly.
I understood how he felt.
Precisely because he was the Chancellor, he must’ve realized how important this item was.
“By the order of Her Majesty the Demon Lord, I, Kelve, shall join the ‘pseudo-smartphone’ analysis team.”
“Good. I’m counting on you, Kelve.”
“Now then, Your Majesty. As for the other members…”
“Indeed. Do you have anyone in mind, Thor?”
Rukie said, turning to look at me.
Kelve-san would handle the knowledge of magic and the authority to move others.
Next, we’d need someone who could respond if the “pseudo-smartphone” reacted unexpectedly.
With that in mind, the ideal choice would be…
“How about Ms. Agnis?”
Agnis is a subordinate of the Flame Giant, so she’s resistant to fire.
Even if the “pseudo-smartphone” heats up, she’ll be fine.
According to the “Mail Order Catalog,” smartphones in the Hero World sometimes get hot.
That’s why there are even cases to hold items like “cooling gel” and “cold packs.”
If “smartphones” are magical tools, that would make sense.
After all, powerful mages using large-scale magic can sometimes release extreme heat when their magic power runs wild.
In some cases, they may even lose control and burst into flames.
But Agnis has fire resistance.
Moreover, with her powerful fire magic, she might even be able to unravel the mystery behind the flames produced by the smartphone.
On top of that, thanks to the “Health Enhancement Pendant,” she can utilize extraordinary physical abilities.
She’s someone I would definitely want in the analysis team, but…
“We really want Agnis on the team… but it might be difficult.”
There’s quite a distance between the Demon Lord’s domain and the Reisenga territory.
Even if we call for Agnis now, she’d only arrive right before the “Pseudo-Smartphone” activates.
“If I had known we were forming an analysis team, I would’ve sent a letter to Reisenga ahead of time… But calling her now won’t make it in time for the ‘Pseudo-Smartphone’ activation…”
“No need. Agnis is already here at the castle.”
“…Is that so?”
“It seems there’s been some movement on the Empire’s side. She’s here to report on it.”
“Movement from the Empire?”
“We’ll discuss that later with her present. For now, let’s stay focused on the analysis team. If you want Agnis to join, I can speak to Reisenga on your behalf. What do you say?”
“Please do, Your Majesty.”
“Understood. Then I will approve Agnis’s participation—of course, pending her own consent.”
“Thank you very much!”
Yes!
With Chancellor Kelve and Agnis on the team, I can rest easy.
That makes three core members of the analysis team, including myself. As for the rest… a few assistants should do. I’ll ask Kelve-san to handle that. He’ll choose civil officers knowledgeable in magic.
“Until the issue with the ‘Pseudo-Smartphone’ is resolved, Thor and Kelve, focus exclusively on that. Responding to that item is the top priority. That is all!”
“Your Majesty… may I ask one thing?”
“What is it, Thor?”
“We have a sample of ‘psychic-responsive material’… Could we conduct experiments with it…?”
“That will have to wait until after the ‘Pseudo-Smartphone’ issue is resolved.”
“…Understood.”
“I-It can’t be helped. Both are important, but the ‘Pseudo-Smartphone’ has a time limit, so it must take precedence.”
Behind her mask, Rukie looked… troubled, or so it seemed.
I always see Rukie’s real face.
By now, I’ve learned to tell what kind of expression she’s making in moments like this.
“As Her Majesty said, I’ll focus fully on the ‘Pseudo-Smartphone’ for now.”
I can’t let Rukie be troubled.
I need to make it clear that I understand how important the “Pseudo-Smartphone” is.
“I’ve always had an interest in the ‘smartphones’ from the other world. I’ll start by analyzing the ‘Pseudo-Smartphone’ and exploring whether we can make something similar. I appreciate the opportunity, Your Majesty.”
“I-I see… I’m glad to hear it.”
“…I too will devote myself to addressing the ‘Pseudo-Smartphone’ for now.”
Kelve-san spoke up.
“I’ll return to the Chancellor’s office and handle the transition. Now then… Erte, could you help me with the handover?”
“Y-Yes, Uncle.”
“Your Majesty, I apologize, but I must hand off some urgent tasks. May I be excused?”
“Yes. You are excused. I’m counting on you, Kelve.”
“……Yes, Your Majesty.”
Kelve-san bowed deeply.
Then, together with Erte-san, he exited the throne room.
“That concludes the matter of the analysis team.”
Once the two had left the throne room, Rukie made her declaration.
“The research facility for the ‘Pseudo-Smartphone’ will be built outside the castle for safety. Captain of the Guard, coordinate the surrounding security. Head of the Magic Corps, prepare a protective barrier in the area. We must ensure both the safety of the castle and the analysis team. I’m counting on you.”
“Understood, Your Majesty!”
“This also concerns the elven village, so we’ll give it our all!”
The Minotaur captain of the guards and the elf commander of the magic corps raised their voices in response.
“Then, this meeting is adjourned.”
Demon Lord Rukie, seated on the throne, nodded solemnly.
“Everyone, carry out your tasks. Thor, remain here.”
“Understood. Um… there was movement on the Empire’s side, right?”
“Indeed. I’ll have Agnis report on it, so I’d like you to be present.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
In any case, I need to talk to Agnis about the analysis team too.
With Rukie there, things will go smoothly.
But still, I wonder what the Empire is up to.
Surely, they didn’t use “Summoning Magic” again… right?
No, if that were the case, Princess Sophia would’ve already sent an urgent envoy. There’s no way we’d be this relaxed.
If it’s not that, then… what could it be?
If it’s something like Princess Liana coming for a visit, or Archduke Kharon coming to test Agnis’s strength, that would be great.
“Things will be hectic for a while as we deal with the ‘Pseudo-Smartphone,’ but I ask that everyone give their best effort. That is all!”
““Understood, Your Majesty!!””
And thus, the meeting with Demon Lord Rukie came to an end—
The people of the Demon Lord’s Castle began to mobilize in response to the “Pseudo-Smartphone” issue.
—At the Minotaur Guard Unit Barracks in the Demon Lord’s Castle—
“Quickly, prepare the temporary shErter.”
“Thor-dono, Chancellor, and Agnis-sama will analyze the item from the other world.”
“Make the room spacious… very… comfortable.”
“Contact the dwarven tailors as well, so they can help create a comfortable place.”
“It’s a place to be used by very important people from the Demon Lord’s Castle, so—”
── In the Demon Lord’s Castle, in the Elf Magic Corps Waiting Room ──
“Thor Canaan-sama has been entrusted with the ‘Pseudo-Smartphone’ by the elder of the elves. It is our duty, the Elf Magic Corps, to assist him!”
“When an accident occurs, it is the role of the elves to save the analysis team!”
“Items from the Hero’s World are nothing to fear!”
“We must aid the benefactor of the elves, the Chancellor, and General Reisenga’s beloved daughter!”
“““Ooooooh!!”””
── In the hallway leading to the Chancellor’s Office in the Demon Lord’s Castle ──
“…I will analyze the ‘Pseudo-Smartphone.’ I will… together with Thor-sama.”
“Please leave it to me, Uncle Kelve. I will do my utmost to allow you to focus fully on analyzing the ‘Pseudo-Smartphone.’”
“Thank you, Erte.”
“I don’t think the analysis team will have any issues as long as you’re there, Uncle.”
“………”
“It’s already been proven many times that Uncle and items from the Hero’s World are highly compatible… Ah! Uncle! That’s not a hallway! Please restrain yourself! If you cause any more damage to the pillars, the ceiling of the Chancellor’s Office will—”
── In the reception room of the Demon Lord’s Castle ──
“Understood. I humbly accept the role assigned to the analysis team!”
Agnis knelt on the floor and bowed her head toward Demon Lord Rukie.
This was the reception room of the Demon Lord’s Castle.
At the far end, there was a chair designed to resemble a throne, a large table in front of it, and slightly farther away, a guest table and chairs. This room was used by Demon Lord Rukie for confidential conversations.
When Mabel and I talk about secret matters, we usually use the “simple warehouse,” so we rarely come here.
This time, Agnis had come here as an envoy of General Reisenga.
Since it was an official matter, they had apparently decided to use the reception room.
“I will do my utmost to be of service to Her Majesty the Demon Lord and Thor Canaan-sama!”
“Good. I’m counting on you, Agnis.”
“Thank you very much, Agnis.”
“Yes! I will serve to the best of my ability!”
Saying that, Agnis smiled.
As expected of Agnis—reliable as always.
She’s strong enough to fight Archduke Kharon of the Empire to a draw, after all.
Even if the ‘Pseudo-Smartphone’ goes on a rampage, I think she could destroy it.
Kelve-san specializes in defensive magic, and the surrounding area is guarded by the Minotaur guards and the Elf Magic Corps. With this, I can focus on analyzing the ‘Pseudo-Smartphone’ with peace of mind.
“Now then, Agnis. Tell Thor about the Empire’s recent movements.”
“Understood.”
Saying that, Agnis pulled out two letters from her bag.
“A few days ago, a messenger from Princess Sophia came to the trade station.”
“A messenger from Princess Sophia?”
“Yes. The trade station is still under renovation, but there are guards posted at the entrance. The messenger handed the letters to them. However…”
“One is from Princess Sophia, right? What about the other?”
“…From the Imperial Crown Prince, Diaz… or so they said.”
“…Excuse me?”
Did I just make a weird sound?
No, that’s impossible. The Crown Prince of the Empire… to me?
“Even Princess Sophia doesn’t know what the letter contains. But she did leave a message.”
“A message?”
“‘No matter what the contents of the letter may be, Sophia Dolgaria will always be on Thor Canaan-sama’s side. If you ever need my help, please feel free to call on me anytime.’”—
Imitating Princess Sophia, Agnis stood up, pinched the hem of her skirt, and said those words with a gentle smile.