Kays Translations

Chapter 89: The Alchemist Thor and Princess Liana meet face to face

──Thor’s point of view──

“…I apologize for what I said the other day… As a princess, and as Sofia’s younger sister, I offer my deepest apologies. I’m sorry… I’m so sorry.”

It was a little while after Princess Sofia and Princess Liana began talking in the room upstairs.

When I was called into the room by Princess Sofia, Princess Liana was bowing deeply.

Her shoulders were shaking, and she was gripping her skirt with both hands, apologizing in a tearful voice.

…What kind of conversation did they have here, I wonder?

“The alchemist… no, Canaan-sama, as a person from the Demon Lord’s domain, has been helping my Onee-san, right?”

“Uh, yes. Something like that.”

I nodded.

This was the explanation I had heard from Princess Sofia just earlier, so I figured it would be best to stick with this story.

“I am a hostage sent to the Demon Lord’s domain, but thanks to the Demon Lord’s kindness, I am allowed to act freely. His Majesty wishes for friendly relations between the Demon Lord’s domain and the Empire. That’s why I came to this town.”

Not a single lie was spoken.

Rukie allowed me to act freely, and Her Majesty does indeed hope for a friendly relationship with Princess Sofia.

The joint magical beast investigation between the Demon Lord’s domain and the Empire is also a part of that plan.

I came to ‘Nosa Town’ for the meeting regarding that.

“…To think that someone would think so much of my Onee-san… I’ve been so rude…”

“That’s right. I’ve always been helped by Thor Canaan-sama.”

While gently patting her sister’s back, Princess Sofia spoke.

“I owe my life to  Thor Canaan-sama. Not just once, but many times.”

“…R-really?”

“I have a great respect for  Thor Canaan-sama.”

At those words from Princess Sofia, Princess Liana bowed her head deeply once again.

So, what on earth happened here…?

“Regarding the incident with the magical beast Gargarossa… I also apologize for the rude things my sister said.”

Princess Sofia said, standing next to Princess Liana.

“I’ve spoken firmly with Liana. I believe she’ll reconsider her actions from now on. If Thor Canaan-sama is angry, I, Sofia, will offer myself to calm his anger.”

Princess Sofia said that and gave a formal bow, in contrast to Princess Liana, who was trembling as she lowered her head.

Honestly, how should I respond when a princess apologizes while crying?

“…To think my sister would be so angry… For someone to be this important to her… I… I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry.”

“Please, raise your head, Princess Liana.”

I said.

I felt that it was enough now.

When I had heard Princess Liana’s words from Rukie earlier, I was honestly quite upset.

But, well, there was no real harm done.

Princess Liana was apologizing desperately, so that was enough for me.

“By the way, I apologize for not introducing myself earlier. I am Thor Canaan, formerly of the Empire’s nobility, now residing in the Demon Lord’s domain.”

“Y-yes. Thank you for earlier…”

Princess Liana finally lifted her head.

“Thanks to you and that girl, I was able to meet my sister. Also, you taught me about the lives of the people here and how much my sister is adored by them. You’ve given me such a valuable experience.”

“It was just by chance. Until a little while ago, I didn’t even realize that Princess Liana was here.”

“Even so, it doesn’t change the fact that you opened my eyes.”

Princess Liana gave a formal bow to me as a princess.

“I am truly grateful for everything that has happened today. Thank you. Canaan-sama.”

“It’s an honor, Your Highness.”

Come to think of it, when Princess Sofia called us earlier, she had said:

‘Liana is not a bad person. She’s just too honest and easily influenced by others…’

──She said that.

Princess Liana, since she was little, had been outstanding in swordsmanship.

She had a genius-like ability, and could absorb whatever she was taught right away.

Because of this, she didn’t need to think deeply or worry much.

But, while she absorbed things honestly, she also tended to be influenced by those around her──it seems.

“Thank you for apologizing properly, Liana.”

Princess Sofia smiled at her younger sister while looking at her.

“I’m truly glad. If Liana ever again does something rude to  Thor Canaan-sama, I was prepared to leave and travel far away.”

“W-what?! Onee-san!”

“It’s fine, Liana. I believed in you.”

Princess Sofia clasped her hands as if in prayer and closed her eyes.

Princess Liana looked like she was on the verge of tears. She really seems to be weak when it comes to Princess Sofia.

“…Alchemist-sama, Canaan-sama!”

“Yes?”

“If there is anything you would like me to do, please, anything, just say it!”

It came out of nowhere.

Princess Liana looked at me with serious eyes and said that.

“If Canaan-sama wishes to return to the Empire, I can lend my strength—”

“I have no intention of returning. Please leave me alone.”

“Within the range of what I, Liana, can do, I could offer financial support—”

“Please give that to Princess Sophia. Everything I need for my life and work, I receive from Her Majesty the Demon King.”

“Th-then, how about subjugating magical beasts! If you face a tough opponent, I could—”

“I usually stay in the Demon King’s domain. I don’t think it would be feasible for Your Highness to come all the way there.”

“…I see.”

Princess Liana slumped her shoulders dejectedly.

But this couldn’t be helped.

If I directly received support from Princess Liana, it might arouse suspicion from the Empire.

Princess Liana is the “Princess of the Holy Sword.” She is under close watch by the imperial family and nobility.

If I were to receive aid from her, I might attract unwanted noble attention—and in the end, it could bring trouble to the Demon King’s domain.

“St-still, I… I can’t rest easy unless I apologize. Please, somehow—”

“Then, could you tell me about the Holy Sword?”

I said.

“Your Highness Liana, you brought the Holy Sword with you for this magical beast investigation, correct?”

“…Ah, yes. I brought it with official permission.”

Princess Liana nodded after a brief hesitation.

“However, I’ve entrusted it to the main unit, so I can’t show it to you—”

“No, I don’t want to see it or borrow it or anything like that.”

When I said that, Princess Sophia looked surprised.

Why is she surprised? No matter how bold I may be, I wouldn’t say “Lend me the Holy Sword” or “Let me appraise it,” okay? Seriously, I wouldn’t!

“I just want to ask about what the Holy Sword is.”

Composing myself, I asked:

“Your Highness Liana, you are the Princess of the Holy Sword. Then perhaps you know what material the Holy Sword is made of, or how it produces the blade of light?”

“…I’m sorry. I don’t know.”

But Princess Liana shook her head.

“The Holy Sword of Dorgalia is usually kept in the treasury. I only wield it after receiving permission. I’ve never had it appraised, and I don’t know what materials it’s made from.”

“Then could you tell me how to use the Holy Sword?”

“How to use it?”

“I’ve heard that the Holy Sword can generate a massive blade of light—the ‘Holy Sword Light Blade, Photon Blade.’ I want to know the steps involved in creating it.”

“Even if you ask me that… I just pour magical power into it…”

“You pour magical power into it?”

“Yes. I inject light-element magical power with a ‘shwap!’, let it ‘shlur’ into the blade, and then it ‘zuzun’ forms the blade of light. I release it all at once with a ‘zuban’.”

Princess Liana said.

With a serious face.

She didn’t seem to be joking.

Injecting magic with a ‘shwap!’, letting it ‘shlur’ into the blade, then it ‘zuzun’ forms the blade of light.

And finally releasing it with a ‘zuban’.

So that’s how you use the legendary Holy Sword of Dorgalia… I never knew.

“I’m sorry, Thor Canaan-sama. As I mentioned earlier, Liana is something of a genius…”

Princess Sophia murmured, almost in a whisper.

She was pressing her forehead like she had a headache.

“Liana has a talent for handling things with ease. Her greatest talent is with the sword… but because of that, she often can’t explain how she does what she does.”

“Y-yes. It’s an embarrassing story.”

“But, Liana, there are better ways to describe things, aren’t there? Who explains how to use a holy sword like that?”

“You’re right.”

I nodded.

“If you’re injecting magical power with a ‘shwap!’, then the magic charge time into the Holy Sword should be about 2.8 seconds. However, there are rumors that the Holy Sword uses magic silver—mithril. If that’s true, then injecting magic with a ‘shwap!’ might be too fast. Wouldn’t that cause a loss in magical power?”

“How do you know that!?”

Princess Liana raised her voice.

“Th-then would ‘shooo… pa!’ be better for magic infusion?”

“I think that would be an improvement. But maybe a little slower would be—”

“Um, Thor Canaan-sama?”

Princess Sophia’s eyes widened.

“Can you actually understand Liana’s explanation?”

“I’m an alchemist.”

To make magic items, you have to channel magical power into the materials.

And I’m always sensing whether it feels like ‘shwap’, ‘shuwa’, or ‘jiwa-jiwa’ as the magic passes through.

Also, sometimes clients can’t express what they want clearly.

So I’ve studied hard to be able to respond to any kind of request.

“If Your Highness Liana poured magic into the Holy Sword with a ‘shwap!’, then wasn’t there inconsistency in how the magic soaked into the blade?”

“Y-yes! The magic didn’t always spread evenly.”

“Which means the Holy Sword likely does contain magic silver—mithril, after all.”

That was valuable information.

If possible, I’d like to talk a little more about how to channel magical power… but still…

It would be problematic if, because of my advice, the holy sword’s power were to increase.

There’s always a chance the Empire might aim the holy sword at the Demon Lord’s territory.

I’m an alchemist, and my dream is to surpass the items of the Hero’s world.

But that doesn’t mean I’m thinking, “I won’t be satisfied unless it’s the holy sword in its true form!”

Let’s just keep it light and share my opinion.

In return, I’ll listen to the details about the holy sword’s materials and how they channel magical power.

If that leads to creating a demonic sword that surpasses the holy sword, it’ll benefit Rukie.

“—So, after channeling your magic, it’s best to let it ‘swoosh’ and allow it to permeate throughout.”

“Not ‘shrrr’?”

“That makes it feel like the magic starts rotating. Inside the blade, the magic might bounce back and create resistance, right?”

“Y-yes, exactly! You understand!?”

“I’m an alchemist, after all.”

“You’re absolutely right! After a ‘shwap’, if I follow it with a ‘shrrr’, the light blade does form quickly, but when expanding it, I feel a slight resistance.”

“Then I think letting the magic permeate with a ‘swoosh’ is the better way. Even if the blade forms a second or two later, with the higher rate of magical absorption, the light blade should extend further. That increases your reach, which makes fighting easier, right?”

“Canaan-sama… You are…”

“I don’t intend to return to the Empire, you know?”

“I understand. But… as a princess of the Empire, I feel ashamed. The court and the High Council made a fatal mistake in losing someone like you…”

“More importantly, about releasing the light blade. When you unleash it with a ‘zuban’, what does that feel like?”

“Y-yes! I’ll explain in detail!”

After that, Princess Liana and I talked about supplying magic to the holy sword.

As she mimed swinging the sword, Princess Liana kept nodding eagerly.

While talking with her, I began to understand how the magic flows through the holy sword.

There’s no doubt that mithril, or magic silver, is one of its materials.

I don’t know about the other materials, but it’s enough of a clue.

I’ll use this method of channeling magic as a reference and try making a demonic sword.

Liana’s style is to channel magic with a ‘shwap’, permeate it with a ‘shrrr’, form the light blade with a ‘zuzun’, and unleash it with a ‘zuban’.

But if my prediction is correct, using ‘juwaah’, ‘shooosh’, ‘zakyun’, then ‘zubabaaan’ should result in more power. And after the ‘zakyun’, maybe adding a ‘gyurun’ to knead the magic might work well too.

To stand against the holy sword, I just need to make a demonic sword like that.

I’ll test it out once I return home.

“Thank you very much, Canaan-sama.”

“No, the pleasure’s mine. You gave me valuable information too.”

During the course of our conversation, Princess Liana also told me about the monster investigation and Archduke Kharon.

It seems the investigation hasn’t started yet.

That said, the Empire has former Sword Saint Archduke Kharon.

If he’s truly a former Sword Saint, he might capture the one behind the summoned beasts in no time.

“…Um, Canaan-sama.”

“What is it, Princess Liana?”

“My sister said something earlier. That I should interact with more people and learn more about the world.”

Princess Liana said that while looking down.

“I’m a princess of the Empire. I’m also one of the imperial family who drove you into the Demon Lord’s territory. And… I’ve said some rude things to you before. But—”

She hesitantly reached out her hand toward me.

“You’re the first person I’ve ever found it this easy to talk to. So… if it’s all right with you… w-would you… um, be frie—”

“Do you mean… become friends?”

“O-of course, I don’t want to cause you any trouble. But if it’s all right, when my sister writes to me… if you could also add… a few words… just a small message…”

Princess Liana’s hand was trembling.

In that short exchange, I felt like I understood her just a little more.

Princess Liana is a natural genius. She can do anything with ease.

But she doesn’t know how she does it, and she finds it hard to share what she feels with others.

That’s why she’s only been influenced by her tutor.

Because that tutor, having watched over her for so long, could understand her to some extent.

But now, Princess Liana has begun to think that’s not enough.

She wants to change so she doesn’t lose her precious twin sister, Sophia.

If that’s the case—

“Writing letters is fine with me.”

I took Princess Liana’s hand.

“Though I’ll be using an alias, just in case.”

“That’s fine. I just… want to stay connected to the person my sister has chosen.”

“Understood. Then, when Princess Sophia sends a letter to Princess Liana, I’ll include something of my own.”

I looked toward Sophia.

“Is that acceptable, Princess Sophia?”

“Yes, of course. I think it’s a wonderful idea.”

Sophia clapped her hands happily.

“It’s for Liana’s growth, after all. I’d be happy to help.”

She placed her hand over mine and Princess Liana’s.

Seeing that, Princess Liana sighed in relief.

From the look of it, she’s not going to tell the Empire about me.

Princess Liana treasures Princess Sophia deeply—so much so that she came all the way to a border town just to see her.

Someone like that would never betray her sister.

Exchanging letters under a fake name isn’t a big deal anyway.

“Canaan-sama. Please give my thanks to that amazing young lady.”

Princess Liana suddenly said.

“Her movements when capturing that thief were far beyond what even Nona-sama or I could manage. If it’s her… she might be able to inherit Archduke Kharon’s sword.”

“I understand. I’ll pass it on.”

“Someone of her level surely has reasons for not revealing her name. I’ll keep her secret in my heart. I wouldn’t want my sister to scold me…”

“Oh, Liana…”

With Princess Sophia smiling gently and Princess Liana trembling under her sister’s gaze—

…What were the two of them talking about earlier?

…I’ll ask Princess Sophia about it later.

After that, we drank tea while talking about many things.

I asked about resistance, and Princess Liana listened with interest as I talked about the border town.

As we continued like that, time passed—

“Princess Liana. It’s about time to leave the town.”

Nona, the Archduke’s adjutant, came to call on Princess Liana.

Incidentally, “Nona” was her real name.

While we were talking, it seems she had been downstairs in a meeting with Isaac.

That was to keep the fact that Princess Liana was here a complete secret.

“I will say this just in case. I have a message from Archduke Kharon. ‘If Princess Liana and Princess Sophia are able to reunite, there’s no need to rush back. Though I am old, I, Kharon, can at least fulfill the duty of investigating the magical beasts’—so he said.”

Archduke Kharon seemed to be a good person.

He apparently didn’t get along with my father, so I didn’t think he was a bad person.

“…I will return.”

At Adjutant Nona’s words, Princess Liana shook her head.

“I have already received enough. I’ve also realized what I’m lacking. I want to show the Archduke the results of that realization.”

“Understood. Then, Isaac-sama—”

“Y-Yes. I understand! I will prepare the escort soldiers.”

And with that, the matter was settled.

Princess Liana would now return to Archduke Kharon and begin the investigation of the magical beasts.

Although she shared the same goal as me and Agnis, we wouldn’t be acting together.

They had received an official order from the Imperial High Council.

If we conducted the magical beast investigation alongside them—well, things might get complicated.

They probably had bureaucrats and strategists dispatched from the imperial capital too.

We should conduct our own investigation on our side.

“Truly, thank you, Onee-san.”

“Take care, Liana.”

Princess Sophia came out to the entrance to see her sister off.

Agnis and I were hiding in a room on the first floor. Of course, we couldn’t exactly send her off openly.

“…I-I’ll be waiting for your letter.”

Princess Liana murmured this to Sophia.

Her gaze was turned toward the living room—where we were.

And thus, Princess Liana, with her escort soldiers, returned to the town she had come from.

“Thank you very much, Thor Canaan-sama.”

After seeing off Princess Liana, Sophia quietly spoke those words.

I was back again in Princess Sophia’s room. This time, Agnis was with me.

“I’m grateful you spoke with her. I’m sorry for making an unreasonable request.”

“No, I’m glad I got to speak with Princess Liana too.”

After all, I learned about the Holy Sword.

And by actually meeting and talking with her, I realized Princess Liana was a rather awkward person.

Even just that made it worthwhile.

—I should tell Rukie about this later.

“Hearing that… it brings me peace.”

Princess Sophia placed her hand on her chest and let out a sigh.

“Liana isn’t a bad child, but she’s awkward, and she always lacks the right words… That’s why she leaned on Zagran, who pretended to understand her.”

Zagran—the former Minister of Military Affairs, I think.

Apparently, he was in charge of Princess Liana’s education.

“As a princess, she can face others. But as an individual, she’s hardly ever done so. That’s why she leaned on Zagran… and on me. But Zagran is gone, and I came to the borderlands. Losing those to lean on, she…”

“She came to see you, Princess Sophia.”

“Yes. But in this land, with the guidance of Thor Canaan-sama and Agnis-sama, she was able to see how the people live. And she saw how I had changed. It seems that brought about a good change in her.”

Saying that, Sophia once again bowed her head to me.

“Thank you very much, Thor Canaan-sama, Agnis-sama.”

“I didn’t do much, really.”

“I’m the same,” Agnis added.

“Well then, allow me to speak now as a messenger from the Demon Lord’s domain.”

I shifted the conversation.

“His Majesty the Demon Lord wishes for the Demon Lord’s domain and Princess Sophia’s soldiers to search for the magical beasts and their summoner together.”

“A joint investigation. I agree.”

“Archduke Kharon and Princess Liana will also be conducting an investigation, but… if they find the summoner first, there’s a chance they won’t share the information with us.”

It doesn’t matter what kind of people Archduke Kharon or Princess Liana are.

This is a matter between nations.

From the Empire’s perspective, there’s no reason at all to share information about the summoner with the Demon Lord’s domain.

“That’s… true. Liana and the Archduke Kharon are the action unit. The interrogation of the culprit will be handled by the Imperial High Council. As for the culprit’s name, motives, and detailed circumstances…”

“There’s a possibility we won’t be told anything.”

“That’s why I think we need to hurry with our own investigation. If only we had some kind of clue…”

“Come to think of it, Isaac said something that caught my attention.”

Suddenly, Sophia murmured.

“He said he found traces of something large passing through the eastern forest. Grass was flattened, and trees were broken. It’s not the same path the ‘giant centipede’ took the other day, so it might be a new type of magical beast. However…”

“That alone doesn’t count as a clue.”

“You’re right, Agnis-sama. Even if a magical beast passed through there, that’s all. We wouldn’t know where it went…”

“No, we might be able to manage.”

I pulled out some parchment from my ‘Miniature Simple Storage.’

It was a copied diagram of an item I had seen in the ‘Mail-Order Catalog.’

The catalog itself was important, so I had left it in the workshop’s ‘Simple Storage.’ And since the item I was going to make was a bit complicated, I wanted to have a proper blueprint ready.

“What is this… item, exactly?”

“I’ll explain it now. I’d like to hear your thoughts too, Princess Sophia, Agnis-sama.”

Apparently, this item was considered a luxury good even in the Hero World.

It was introduced across a full two-page spread in the ‘Mail-Order Catalog.’

It’s a magic item that uses the latest technology of the Hero World to clean up its surroundings.

“With this item, we might be able to track the magical beast from its traces and find its main body.”

I began my explanation.

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