Chapter 196: “Alchemist Thor, Strengthens the Countermeasures”

──Sophia’s Perspective──

(…As I thought, Thor Canaan-sama truly observes people well.)

Sophia watched the exchange between Thor and Diaz.

She had decided to speak as little as possible.

Sophia knew that she would end up taking Thor’s side.

However, that might only make Diaz more obstinate.

The moment she intervened, Diaz might cut off the negotiations entirely.

If that happened, nothing would change.

If Diaz ended the negotiations, he would either return to the imperial capital to gather troops, or go alone to rescue Kharon.

However—

(Brother Diaz cannot stand against the “Cursed Smartphone.”)

If Crown Prince Diaz were to be absorbed by the “Art of the Army,” the empire would be shaken.

That would, in turn, cause trouble for the Demon Lord’s Territory—and for Thor.

She wanted to avoid that outcome.

“…For me, Diaz, to stand on equal footing with the Demon Lord’s Territory, huh…”

Diaz clenched his fist.

Thor had just proposed a cooperative relationship between the Demon Lord’s Territory and the Empire on equal terms.

Sophia was also a member of the imperial family. She understood what Diaz was troubled over.

As an individual, Diaz likely wanted to save Kharon.

He had fought Kharon once and lost, and this time had been protected by him at the risk of Kharon’s own life.

He would surely want to repay that debt.

The fastest way to do so was to borrow the power of the Demon Lord’s Territory.

Returning to the imperial capital to gather troops would take time.

Once there, he would have to report the incident to the Emperor and high officials.

If Ricardo had detained Kharon, it would become a political issue.

As a result, Diaz would be unable to act immediately.

Most likely, a response unit would be formed.

Whether Diaz could even join that unit was uncertain.

If he were left out, he would lose the chance to repay his debt to Kharon.

That was why Thor’s proposal was a godsend for Diaz.

On top of that, Thor had a countermeasure against the “Cursed Smartphone.”

Diaz should have wanted to accept the proposal immediately.

However, Diaz was the Crown Prince.

If he declared cooperation with another country, it would be taken as the will of the Empire.

It would mean the future Emperor forming an alliance with the Demon Lord’s Territory.

If that became public, it would send shockwaves through the Empire.

Some would agree with Diaz’s decision.

But others would oppose it. In the worst case, the Empire could split.

To prevent that, the Emperor might even consider disinheriting Diaz.

Thus, as Crown Prince, Diaz could not simply nod to Thor’s proposal.

Within Diaz, his personal self and his public self were clashing.

(If it were me, I would accept Thor Canaan-sama’s proposal without hesitation.)

Her younger sister Liana would likely do the same.

Impulsive Liana would probably say, without even thinking, “Understood. Let’s zip right over and help the Archduke,” and start moving.

(Sisters like us are probably not fit to be Emperors.)

Sophia and Liana could never fully become “parts of the state.”

That was why neither of them could bear the weight of the Empire.

“…I wish to save the Archduke. But…”

Before Sophia’s eyes, Diaz bit his lip.

“But… I am the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince of the Empire… cannot freely join hands with… the Demon Lord’s Territory…”

“I understand. There’s no need for the cooperation to be made public.”

It was so casual.

Thor spoke as if tossing away Diaz’s burdens in one go.

“Time is precious. We must deal with this incident immediately. If His Highness the Crown Prince is troubled by this, the Demon Lord has said a secret cooperative relationship is fine.”

“…Huh?”

Diaz’s expression went blank in surprise.

Sophia instinctively looked toward Agnis. She nodded gently.

It seemed the Demon Lord’s Territory truly didn’t mind a “secret cooperative relationship.”

Sophia could hardly believe it.

This was a chance to change history for the Demon Lord’s Territory.

Letting it slip by was unthinkable.

If they formed ties with the Empire’s Crown Prince, the Empire’s treatment of the Demon Lord’s Territory would change.

Ricardo had caused this incident.

By helping resolve it, the Demon Lord’s Territory could claim merit.

That could lead to many negotiations with the Empire going in their favor.

Yet Demon Lord Rukie and Thor were willing to let go of this opportunity.

(This kind of decisiveness is impossible for someone of the Empire. Unless they possess extraordinary courage…)

—Like that of a “hero.”

Surprised at the words that surfaced in her mind, Sophia almost spoke them aloud, but hastily covered her mouth.

“Her Majesty said she wishes to avoid mixing up priorities.”

Thor continued explaining.

“I feel the same. What matters is destroying and sealing the item Prince Ricardo is using. For that, we will need the Empire’s cooperation. So first and foremost, we should work together.”

“…Urgh.”

“If we waste time insisting on an official alliance, the response will be delayed. That would be putting the cart before the horse.”

—The important thing is to solve the problem.

—The Demon Lord’s Territory has no intention of using this incident for political gain.

—If possible, they’d like to, but if that worsens the damage, it’s meaningless.

That was what Thor said.

“That is Her Majesty the Demon Lord’s conclusion. Even if it is a secret cooperative relationship, His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince and Sophia-sama are aware of that fact. That is enough. The Chancellor also seemed to understand the Crown Prince’s position.”

“…The Demon Lord would show mercy to the Crown Prince of the Empire?”

“It has nothing to do with mercy. It is simply a matter of prioritizing solving the problem.”

“…………”

“I’m also interested in the item Prince Ricardo is using. If possible, before destroying it… just a little. I’d like to appraise it for only a few seconds. But if the damage increases any further, we’ll have no choice but to destroy it without question, right?”

“…………”

“That’s why I want to resolve this as quickly as possible. If keeping the cooperation secret allows us to act faster, then that’s better. Both Her Majesty the Demon Lord and I think so.”

“…………”

Thor was probably just speaking his honest thoughts.

However, Diaz’s face was gradually turning red.

Blood oozed from his clenched fists, and his shoulders began to tremble.

To Diaz, Thor’s words must have sounded like this:

‘Does the Crown Prince of the Empire prioritize self-preservation over resolving the situation, over the peace of the people and the country?’

‘Is your own safety that important to you?’

‘Can the Crown Prince Diaz not even grasp the saving hand the Demon Lord’s domain has extended?’

—That’s what it sounded like.

Neither Thor nor the Demon Lord Rukie had any ill intent.

But to the princes and princesses of the Empire, who were always conscious of rank and hierarchy, such words could only sound provocative.

(If it’s come to this, then Brother Diaz’s reaction will be…)

In Sophia’s line of sight, Diaz lifted his face.

With blood on his lips, wearing the expression of someone forcing down something bitter,

“…I will accept the cooperative relationship.”

With his shoulders trembling, Diaz spoke.

“As you say, resolving the problem is the top priority. If necessary… I do not mind making our cooperation public.”

“Ah, yes. But there’s no need to push yourself—”

“That is not for you to concern yourself with!”

Diaz raised his voice.

Sophia covered her mouth.

She had almost let a smile slip out without thinking.

(It seems Brother Diaz has chosen to repay the Archduke rather than cling to his pride or position.)

That was probably the correct choice.

If something were to happen to Archduke Kharon due to delayed action, Diaz would be left with an irreparable wound.

Not on his body, but in his heart.

When Diaz became the next Emperor, that wound would greatly affect him.

However, Diaz chose to throw away his position to save Kharon.

And it was Thor who drew out that choice.

So Diaz, as an individual, threw away the pride of the Crown Prince.

(As expected of Thor Canaan-sama.)

Thor had the power to change people.

Just as Sophia and Liana had changed, perhaps Diaz would change too.

Such expectations were what Sophia found herself having.

—Thor’s point of view—

“Ah, yes. Your cooperation is much appreciated.”But why does Prince Diaz look like he’s angry?

Sophia… is looking away. It almost looks like she’s stifling a laugh.

…I don’t really get it.

As for the secret cooperative relationship, Rukie also agrees.

So does Kelve-san.

Although Kelve-san did say, “Perhaps the Crown Prince of the Empire might make the cooperation public. However, if I were in his position… well, given the situation that requires a Pillar…”

Since Kelve-san is an amazing person, maybe he sensed something.

I don’t really understand why he wanted to bring along Erte-san, who can use the magic ‘Ice Pillar,’ though.

“In the name of Diaz Dolgaria, Crown Prince, I swear the following:”

Prince Diaz glared straight at me and raised his voice.

“Until this incident is resolved, I will cooperate with the Demon Lord’s domain. If I break this oath, I will abandon my swordsmanship and magic, and never again utter the words ‘I aim to be a hero.’ This is my resolve!”

“No, you don’t have to go that far—”

“Sophia, and Nona, the Archduke’s adjutant, will be witnesses. Understood?”

“Yes, Brother Diaz.”

“Your Highness the Crown Prince… for the Archduke’s sake… to go that far…”

Sophia nodded with a bright smile, and Nona-san was tearing up.

Anyway, it was good that a cooperative relationship had been established.

“Then, first, I’ll share the information we have.”

Then, I told Crown Prince Diaz about the ‘Cursed Smartphone.’

That a dangerous magic item called the ‘Cursed Smartphone’ had been sent from the Hero World.

That we had obtained this information from the ‘Justice Smartphone’ that had fallen into the Demon Lord’s domain.

That the technique Prince Ricardo used might be one called the ‘Art of the Army.’

That the Demon Lord’s domain had already begun countermeasures against the ‘Art of the Army.’

And that there were two ‘Cursed Smartphones’ in this world.

“Of the two ‘Cursed Smartphones,’ I believe Prince Ricardo has acquired one of them.”

I continued my explanation.

“We will do our utmost to seize the ‘Cursed Smartphone’ from Prince Ricardo and destroy it. Please promise to destroy the ‘Cursed Smartphone’ and to help search for the other one.”

“U-understood. But… another one of those items exists?”

“It does. Probably, anyway.”

“…I see.”

“We’ve searched within the Demon Lord’s domain, but the second ‘Cursed Smartphone’ wasn’t found. So, it’s highly likely it fell in Imperial territory or nearby. To find and destroy it, we need the Empire’s cooperation.”

This was why the Demon Lord’s domain was lending its strength to Prince Diaz.

The ‘Cursed Smartphone’ was dangerous.

After hearing Prince Diaz’s story, I was certain. That item is seriously bad news.

According to Prince Diaz, the soldiers had moved as if they were a single living organism.

It was probably a case of shared senses and shared consciousness.

Prince Ricardo, as the commander, must have shared senses and consciousness with the soldiers and directed their movements.

Quite literally, it was an item that turned people into an army.

Prince Ricardo’s words—“It was as if I could see the prey that suddenly leapt out of the forest”—were proof of that.

If my guess is correct, Prince Ricardo was seeing the prey’s movements through the vision of the soldiers in the forest.

It’s certainly a powerful technique, but… can a human mind really withstand that state?

If you’re sharing senses and consciousness with a large number of soldiers, it’s as if you suddenly grew countless eyes, noses, ears, arms, and legs.

Can someone really endure being in that state continuously?

If they can’t… then Prince Ricardo, Princess Daphne, and the soldiers’ consciousnesses might turn into something different from that of humans, demi-humans, or demons in this world.

Rather, the Empire’s Prince Ricardo sure had some nerve to actually activate the “Cursed Smartphone.”

Reckless bravery, or perhaps sheer recklessness.

They didn’t actually choose and send him precisely because he’s that kind of person… right?

“I thank you for providing us with information.”

After a short while, Prince Diaz spoke.

“I now fully understand that item is dangerous. I promise to destroy it without fail. I will also cooperate in the search for the other ‘Cursed Smartphone.’”

“Thank you very much.”

“Then, Brother Diaz… could I trouble you to put that in writing?”

It came suddenly.

Sophia, who had been silent until now, placed a sheet of parchment in front of Prince Diaz.

On it was written: “Memorandum on the Search and Destruction of the Cursed Smartphone.”

There was also a space for a signature.

At the very bottom was the name: “Witness: Sophia Dolgaria.”

“I anticipated this would happen, so I prepared it in advance.”

“…You are well prepared, Sophia.”

“I have resolved to become a bridge between the Empire and the Demon Lord’s Territory, after all.”

“You… already knew this would happen?”

“I wasn’t certain. But His Highness the Crown Prince is a man of great pride.”

With a challenging smile, Sophia looked at Prince Diaz and said,

“In a letter from Liana, it was written that after losing to the Archduke, Brother Diaz repeatedly requested a rematch. You requested a rematch… but you never used your position as Crown Prince to order him to fight you, correct?”

—Indeed, that was true.

In Prince Diaz’s position, he could have commanded a rematch.

He could have asked the Emperor to tell Archduke Kharon, ‘Fight Diaz.’

But Prince Diaz did not do that.

“Brother Diaz, you wished to have a rematch only after the Archduke himself agreed to it, didn’t you? Because otherwise, you felt he would not fight you seriously. You didn’t want to force it—you wanted a resolution in which both sides were satisfied. As far as I’m concerned, putting aside Your Highness the Crown Prince as a public figure… I believed that the individual named Diaz Dolgaria is such a man.”

Sophia continued in a calm tone.

“If you are such a person, then I believed you would be willing to sign an agreement for cooperation. The individual Brother Diaz is someone who, when defeated, accepts it and seeks to regain honor in a way that satisfies both sides.”

“…Sophia.”

“Yes, Brother Diaz.”

“I never knew… you possessed such wisdom and resourcefulness. Sophia, you should return to the Imperial Capital…”

“I have no intention of returning, you know?”

Sophia answered proudly, chest held high.

“I have found my place here. I have met someone I wish to be with, and dear friends as well. What I desire is to become a bridge of peace between the Demon Lord’s Territory and the Empire. The affairs of the Imperial Capital, I leave to you, Brother Diaz.”

“…I see.”

“So, what will you do? Will you give me your signature?”

“…Very well, I will write it.”

“Understood. There are two copies of the document. One will serve as the Demon Lord’s Territory’s copy.”

With a fearless smile, Sophia took out a second sheet of parchment.

Seeing it, Crown Prince Diaz made a resigned expression.

She really is amazing.

Just as Prince Diaz said, in terms of wisdom and resourcefulness, she might actually overwhelm him.

Before Sophia, Prince Diaz silently read through the document.

He was, after all, the Crown Prince of the Empire. He was making sure to confirm the wording thoroughly before signing.

Meanwhile, Agnis and I stepped outside the room.

We decided to have a quick discussion about what to do next.

“…Thor Canaan-sama, you really are amazing.”

“What’s this all of a sudden, Agnis?”

“‘The Art of the Army’ turned out to be, just as you predicted, an ability that strengthens people.”

Agnis looked at me with sparkling eyes.

“In that case, we might be able to neutralize it with that special item.”

“The idea came thanks to Princess Sophia. It’s not my achievement alone.”

There’s only so much I can do alone.

It’s because I can talk with everyone and hear their opinions that I can make all kinds of guesses.

Even the inspiration for magic items—I get them from everyone.

“In any case, we now know the location of the first ‘Cursed Smartphone.’”

I said.

“Its owner is Prince Ricardo. And he’s leading a group of soldiers. He may have moved from the hunting grounds, but if they’re a large group, they’ll be easy to locate.”

“If Prince Diaz is cooperating, we can also act within the Empire.”

“The problem is that there’s only one completed copy of the ‘Item That Makes You Stop Caring About Life and Work.’”

Right now, all we have is the Alpha Wave Relaxation CD.

It’s powerful, but we’re dealing with a ‘Cursed Smartphone’ from the Hero’s World.

That alone might not be enough.

Also, the CD is a fixed-installation item.

The enemy could simply escape outside its effective range. We need a countermeasure for that.

If Prince Ricardo’s group truly shares their vision and hearing, then using the Alpha Wave Relaxation CD on just one of them might neutralize several at once.

The remaining problem is… how to actually capture them.

“Also, the other two items are proving quite difficult.”

“What kind of items are they?”

“One that makes the target sit down, and one that makes them tremble.”

“…That is difficult.”

“They’re both installation-type items. They’re inflexible. I’m hoping we can think of a good method.”

This time’s items are tricky.

Just copying things from the Hero’s World won’t be enough.

If I could tailor them to fit with the ‘Art of the Army,’ that would be ideal.

“—Thor Canaan-sama, Agnis-sama. The signing is complete.”

While we were talking about such things, Sophia came to call me.

When I returned to the room, the memorandum was complete. There were two copies.

Sophia’s and Crown Prince Diaz’s signatures.

As an additional witness, there was also the signature of Nona-san, the representative of the Grand Duchy.

It was a certificate stating that the Demon Lord’s Domain and Crown Prince Diaz would maintain a cooperative relationship.

“Our cooperation will last only until the two ‘Cursed Smartphones’ are destroyed.”

Looking straight at me, Crown Prince Diaz said this.

“I have no intention of getting too friendly. If I am criticized by the Imperial High Officials’ Council, I will answer proudly that this is ‘a temporary measure for countering the Cursed Smartphones.’ You cannot use this document as a weapon to threaten me. Don’t forget that.”

“I understand, Your Highness the Crown Prince.”

“…Then that’s fine.”

Crown Prince Diaz sighed while resting his cheek in his hand.

He looked rather sleepy.

“Your Highness Diaz, perhaps you should get some rest.”

Nona-san spoke to him.

But Crown Prince Diaz shook his head and said,

“I cannot sleep. When I do… I see a dream where I am swallowed by darkness.”

“A nightmare, Your Highness?”

“Do you laugh, alchemist of the Demon Lord’s Domain?”

Crown Prince Diaz gave a wry smile.

“Ever since I was attacked by Ricardo in the hunting grounds, I have been seeing the same dream. Darkness… no, a black wave surges toward me, trying to swallow me up. It envelops me like slime and whispers that it will give me power. And then, before I know it… I have become like Ricardo in the dream.”

“…That’s a nasty nightmare.”

“What’s worse is that, having gained this power, I feel at peace. That now, I have become an invincible Crown Prince. That I can become the next Emperor and lead the Empire… all while wrapped in that amorphous creature, in the darkness.”

…Perhaps the shock of nearly being swallowed by “Art of the Army” caused him to start having such dreams.

I kind of get it.

Crown Prince Diaz is still a man of the Empire.

It must be hard to resist the temptation of “strength” that “Art of the Army” offers.

But… darkness that envelops you like slime, huh.

That’s scary. Being attacked by such a nightmare.

Well, as actual bedding, maybe it wouldn’t be so bad though.

For example—pitch black as if swallowing darkness, gently wrapping your body, warm—

And once you’re enveloped, gentle music begins to play—

If such a blanket… bed… cushion existed…

“That’s it!!”

“Thor Canaan-sama!?”

“What’s the matter?”

“W-What is it, alchemist of the Demon Lord’s Domain?”

“Alchemist!?”

Sophia, Agnis, Crown Prince Diaz, and Nona-san all looked at me at once.

I bowed to all four of them, then dashed out of the room.

I moved to the end of the corridor and pulled out the “Mail Order Catalog” from the “Ultra-Compact Simple Warehouse.”

I opened to the page for the “Three-Piece Set That Makes You Stop Caring About Life and Work.”

Pictured there was a black cushion.

It was the second item in the three-piece set.

The “Soft Cushion That Makes You Stop Caring About Tomorrow’s Work.”

────────────────────

“Soft Cushion That Makes You Stop Caring About Tomorrow’s Work”

This cushion, thanks to the effect of “Soft Beads,” can freely change shape.

It will gently wrap around you, tired from your daily work.

Its softness feels just like being embraced by someone kind.

When combined with the other two items, you will be completely freed from the stress of life and work. Therefore, we recommend using it on your day off or the day before.

The features of this “Soft Cushion” are—

────────────────────

—The “Mail Order Catalog” detailed the materials, features, and excellence of the product.

This cushion wraps around the body, giving the ultimate relaxation effect. It is one item from the “Three-Piece Set That Makes You Stop Caring About Life and Work.”

It’s not that difficult to make.

If you apply the concept of a “body pillow,” you can make a soft cushion.

The problem is how to get someone enhanced by “Art of the Army” to sit on it.

The opponent won’t just stay still.

They’re not going to obediently sit on a cushion placed in front of them.

I’d been wondering how to solve that problem—

“What if the cushion itself could move…”

It was a shift in thinking.

Like the “darkness” that appears in Crown Prince Diaz’s nightmare, the cushion could move toward the target. Quickly, silently, without letting them escape.

I could make it a “Crawling Soft Cushion.”

The “Crawling Soft Cushion” would, without question, wrap up anyone under the effects of “Art of the Army” and relax them.

Inside the cushion, I could embed an “Alpha Wave Relaxation CD.”

That way, the target would be hit by Alpha Waves at point-blank range.

Compared to what I used on Kelve-san and the others, the effect would be several times greater.

If the target shared senses with others, several… or even dozens might simultaneously fall into a relaxed state.

It would crawl toward them at high speed, relax them, and put them to sleep.

If their consciousness falls asleep… drops into darkness, it would be like darkness attacking them.

It might be similar to the “nightmare” Crown Prince Diaz sees…

“I never thought I’d get a magic item idea from the Imperial Crown Prince.”

I’m not good with Imperial princes, though.

…Feels like I’ve ended up in debt to him in a weird way.

“Oh well. We’re in a cooperative relationship right now. I’ll do everything I can.”

Archduke Kharon is a good person, so I want to help him.

So even if it’s just a temporary cooperation, I’ll give it my all.

That should, in the long run, benefit the Demon Lord’s Domain and Rukie as well.

With those thoughts in mind, I returned to Sophia and the others.

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