Kays Translations

Chapter 98: “The Alchemist Thor and Archduke Kharon, Meet”

── Thor’s point of view ──

“The Archduke Kharon’s unit defeated the ‘Magical Beast Nozerius’ just like that? That’s amazing…”

From beyond the highway, the Archduke Kharon’s unit was approaching.

Behind them lay the corpse of the scorpion-like magical beast—“Magical Beast Nozerius.”

Its legs had been severed, and its body was split cleanly from head to torso.

They probably immobilized it by cutting off its legs, then cleaved it in two with the Holy Sword.

That way, they could also harvest materials like the hide and claws.

It was a method of defeating it that I couldn’t have done.

So the former Sword Saint of the Empire and the “Princess of the Holy Sword” are capable of something like this…

“Thor-sama. Who is this former Sword Saint you mentioned?”

Mabel asked in a tense voice.

Agnis and the Minotaur folks also had stiff expressions.

Everyone seemed to be on high alert toward Archduke Kharon.

“He’s the one standing next to Princess Liana. You see the man with gray hair and a cloak?”

“…That man?”

“It’s actually my first time seeing him in person too.”

“He’s supposed to be the strongest swordsman… but he’s not particularly brawny, and his expression is calm.”

“It’s actually more scary that he doesn’t look strong…”

Mabel and Agnis looked puzzled.

Archduke Kharon was a middle-aged man with some gray in his hair.

He was tall and slender, and his left arm didn’t move much. I’d heard it was due to an old injury.

He treated the surrounding soldiers with courtesy. He gave off the impression of a gentleman.

Totally different from my father—Barga Regus.

That guy was extremely muscular and constantly barked orders at his subordinates.

That was the kind of image I had of strong people in the Empire.

But maybe someone at the level of Archduke Kharon doesn’t need to appear strong.

“…No, I shouldn’t let my preconceptions get the better of me.”

I’ll judge what kind of person Archduke Kharon is with my own eyes.

He’s the highest-ranking noble in the Empire and the cousin of the Emperor.

He’s also a former Sword Saint and a symbol of the Empire’s might.

That obsession with “strength” drove me out of that country and produced people like my father.

But Archduke Kharon is also the one who arranged for Princess Liana to meet Princess Sophia.

Princess Sophia was happy to see her sister, and I was able to learn that Princess Liana isn’t a bad person. I even gained some information on how to use the Holy Sword.

Both of those were thanks to Archduke Kharon.

That’s why I want to talk to him in person and find out what kind of person he really is.

Well… I might not get that chance, though.

While I was thinking all that, Archduke Kharon’s unit came to a halt.

They stopped at a slight distance from our group, and then—

“To the soldiers of the Empire, and to those of the Demon Lord’s territory, I speak!”

Archduke Kharon raised his voice from the front of his unit.

“This is the unit of Imperial Archduke Kharon Listan and Her Highness Liana Dolgaria. We are here to investigate a new species of magical beast. I would like to know your names and affiliations!”

“We serve directly under Her Highness Sophia Dolgaria, part of the ‘Omawarisan Unit’!”

Isaac and the others from the town of Nosa dropped to one knee in unison.

Behind them, we remained standing.

We’re from another country—there’s no need for us to kneel before an Imperial Grand Duke.

“We were cooperating with the folks from the Demon Lord’s domain to investigate a suspicious fortress. As a result, we discovered that a new species of magical beast was targeting Her Highness and Your Grace’s unit, so we came to offer support. We’d like to exchange information first—would that be acceptable?”

“I permit it. Also, we have already received your aid. Thanks to the letter you sent, we were able to defeat the magical beast with ease.”

Archduke Kharon nodded with a gentle expression.

Good. The spherical “cleaning robot” must have reached Princess Liana safely.

“We are grateful for your aid—Isaac Omawarisan Muira and the ‘Omawarisan Unit.’ And you as well, people of the Demon Lord’s domain!”

“““Ooooooooh!!”””

The unit from the town of Nosa erupted with excitement.

It was probably because Archduke Kharon called Isaac by his full name, including his newly adopted middle name.

Isaac only recently started calling himself “Omawarisan.”

Yet Archduke Kharon not only remembered that name correctly but also addressed him by it in an official setting.

To Isaac and his team, it must’ve felt like being formally recognized by Archduke Kharon.

“I’d like to hear the full story. Captain Isaac—this way, please.”

“Y-yes, sir!”

“And you, people of the Demon Lord’s domain!”

Archduke Kharon looked toward General Reisenga.

“I thank you for conducting the magical beast investigation together with the unit from the town of Nosa. Also, I am grateful that you came all this way to deliver your warning.”

Saying that, Archduke Kharon bowed his head to General Reisenga.

The general and the Minotaurs stirred with surprise.

The highest-ranking noble in the Empire had bowed his head to people from the Demon Lord’s domain, in front of Imperial soldiers.

“Such a courteous greeting—I am honored. I am Reisenga Freizad, a general of the Demon Lord’s domain.”

General Reisenga responded.

“By order of the Demon Lord, I have been cooperating in the investigation of the new species of magical beast disturbing our borders. We unintentionally ventured deep into Imperial territory, but I ask for your understanding, as it was done in pursuit of peace at the border.”

“Of course. I’d also like to hear your full account, if you would allow it.”

“I understand.”

“And… there is one more person I would like to have join us.”

Archduke Kharon turned to the side.

He looked to Princess Liana beside him—and following her gaze—he looked in our direction.

…Huh?

I’d been so focused on Archduke Kharon that I hadn’t noticed.

Princess Liana was looking at me.

In her hand was a white cloth—Princess Sophia’s handkerchief.

Just as I’d hoped, the spherical messenger had successfully completed its task.

But Princess Liana’s expression was deadly serious.

Her face was bright red, her eyes wide open—as if she were angry.

Could it be… she didn’t understand the meaning of the letter?

Maybe using “Juwaah”, “Shuuu”, “Zukyunn”, “Gyurun”, “Zubababaan” was too much.

I thought Princess Liana, being more of a sensory type, would understand…

I didn’t want to explain how to use the Holy Sword to someone from the Empire. That’s why I only used sound effects.

But… if it didn’t get across, then it’s just nonsense.

That might be why Princess Liana has been staring at me like that.

It’s no wonder she’d be mad if she got an incomprehensible letter.

So then, the “someone else he’d like to be present” mentioned by Archduke Kharon must be──

“Is the alchemist Thor Regus present?”

I knew it.

Of course. If they saw a magic item deliver the letter, it’s obvious I’m involved…

“I’d like to hear from you as well. Would you mind joining us?”

“…Understood.”

Can’t be helped.

I’ll explain properly so the Demon Lord’s territory doesn’t get dragged into trouble.

“Thor-sama, I’ll accompany you as your escort!”

“May I come too…?” Agnis asked.

“Thank you. But… I think it’ll be hard to bring escorts along.”

Only Archduke Kharon and Isaac came from the Empire’s side.

Princess Liana… hasn’t emerged from their troops.

She might have used up her magic and stamina after wielding the Holy Sword.

Since there are only two people on the Empire’s side, we need to match their numbers.

If we outnumber them, Archduke Kharon’s forces might get on edge.

“They probably won’t try anything weird.”

Princess Liana is trustworthy.

Even Isaac knows our strength.

They wouldn’t do something to turn the Demon Lord’s territory into an enemy.

“I’ll be back soon. Wait for me.”

“…Yes.”

“…I’ll be waiting for your return.”

But Mabel, please stop gripping the Meteor Iron Arrow behind your back.

And Agnis, there’s no need to clutch the Health Boost Pendant so tightly.

We’re just going for a discussion, okay?

“Well then, I’m off.”

I waved to the two of them and began walking alongside the general.

First, there was a short greeting.

After that, Archduke Kharon explained why they were heading to the eastern fortress.

He said he was investigating suspicious money flows in the Imperial Capital and had realized that fortress was suspicious.

So, together with Princess Liana, he headed to the fortress for investigation.

On the way, they encountered the “Magic Beast Nozerius.”

Princess Liana noticed the “cleaning robot” and read my letter. Based on that information, they prepared for battle.

As expected, the one who severed the beast’s leg was Archduke Kharon.

After that, Princess Liana cleaved the beast in two with the Holy Sword.

Apparently, Princess Liana became unstable after using the Holy Sword and will not be joining the meeting.

According to the Archduke, “the letter from you” is the reason──or so he says.

But apparently, she’s not angry. Huh?

…I’ll send her another letter later just in case.

Once the Archduke finished speaking, General Reisenga talked about what happened during the investigation.

The fortress commander rejected Isaac’s inquiry, resulting in a battle with two “Magic Beasts Nozerius.”

After they defeated the two beasts, a third one headed toward the Archduke’s unit.

After restraining the fortress personnel, we arrived as reinforcements.

“I have been entrusted with full authority regarding this investigation by Her Majesty the Demon Lord.”

General Reisenga turned to Archduke Kharon and said,

“It is my duty to confirm the facts. Thus, I’d like to be present during the interrogation of the soldiers.”

“Understood.”

Archduke Kharon replied.

“The people from the Demon Lord’s territory came to rescue me and Princess Liana. I wish to honor that goodwill.”

“…Phew.”

Commander Isaac sighed in relief.

He must have been nervous, caught between powerful figures from the Empire and the Demon Lord’s side.

“We’ve caused trouble for the people of the Demon Lord’s territory.”

Archduke Kharon nodded to General Reisenga.

“I’ll make a recommendation to the High Council and do my best to ensure appropriate compensation is given for the damage caused to the Demon Lord’s territory. I’d also like to send a gift in thanks for your cooperation with the magic beast investigation.”

“That’s appreciated… but Archduke Kharon, you’re not the Emperor of the Empire, are you?”

General Reisenga tilted his head at Archduke Kharon’s words.

“And yet, to have money and goods sent from the Empire… that’s hard to believe.”

“I do have some influence. If I use the evidence from this incident to persuade them, I should be able to get something from the High Council. If not, I’ll ensure appropriate compensation comes from my duchy.”

“Then this is a personal promise from you as an individual, Archduke Kharon?”

“Indeed. As a swordsman, I would never betray someone who fought the same enemy alongside me. I’ll send a formal letter later, stamped with the seal of my house.”

“Understood. I’ll report this matter to His Majesty the Demon Lord and Her Excellency the Chancellor.”

“Please do. Separately from that… I have a few questions.”

Archduke Kharon cleared his throat and then said,

“During the investigation, some strange items were used. Regarding those──”

“Thor-sama,” “Alchemist.”

The general and Isaac looked at me.

Ah, yes. This is what I was called for.

“I am Thor Canaan, an alchemist. Under orders from the general, I will explain.”

I bowed as a noble and then began.

The Archduke looked steadily at me, and then said,

“First… yes. I’d like to hear more about the ‘cleaning robot’ the general mentioned during the investigation. What exactly is it?”

“This is the one I sent to Your Grace and Her Highness as a messenger.”

I picked up the spherical “cleaning robot.”

I’d retrieved it earlier with the command, ‘Thou who cleans, return to thine charger house.’

“I cannot reveal too much without Her Majesty’s permission, but this device has the ability to track the traces of magic beasts. Using it, we located the fortress housing the beast.”

“‘Cleaning robot’… a golem that cleans, correct? Yet it tracks magic beasts…?”

“Please consider it an assistant that cleans up the ‘trash’ that is the magic beast, to help purify the world.”

“…Is that so?”

“Details require permission from Her Majesty. I ask for your understanding.”

“…U-Understood. In that case, it can’t be helped.”

Archduke Kharon nodded.

“U-Understood. And the two beasts that were defeated?”

“That was an experimental magic.”

“An experimental magic.”

“Please think of it as a degraded version of the Hero’s spell, ‘Meteor’.”

Since the “Fake Meteor” was witnessed by soldiers on the Empire’s side, I had discussed it with General Reisenga and agreed to share some information.

“…A degraded version of ‘Meteor’, huh.”

“Further details also require Her Majesty’s permission──”

“I understand. You have your position to consider, after all.”

Archduke Kharon quietly murmured after a pause.

I wonder if he believes me or thinks I’m only half telling the truth.

Talking like this, I understand. Archduke Kharon is not a bad person.

This man listens to the stories of me and General Reisenga on an equal footing.

So politely that it’s hard to believe he is a noble of the Empire.

However, it’s unavoidable to remain cautious.

This man is the emperor’s cousin. He is also the ruler of the grand duchy granted autonomy by the Empire.

But precisely because he is a person of power — he must know certain things.

“May I ask you a question, Archduke Kharon of the Empire?”

At a lull in the conversation, I said this.

“I— no, I have something that concerns me. With the general’s permission, I would like to ask the Archduke of the Empire directly.”

I asked General Reisenga.

Right now, I am an alchemist directly under Demon Lord Rukie, a person from the Demon Lord’s territory.

To ask the Empire’s Archduke questions from this side, I need General Reisenga’s permission.

Taking that into account, I asked, and General Reisenga said,

“Archduke of the Empire, will you allow our alchemist to ask questions?”

“I do not mind.”

The Archduke looked intently at me and nodded.

“I shall hear you out, alchemist Thor Regus of the Demon Lord’s territory.”

“That was the name I used when I lived in the country before. My current name is Thor Canaan.”

Archduke Kharon is powerful. He is a ruler with enough authority to be granted autonomy within the Empire.

That’s why there are things I want to confirm.

There is no way a fortress commander would summon a new species of magical beast on his own judgment.

Moreover, summoning magic is a secret technique of the Empire. He should have been acting under the orders of someone who knows that.

If anyone might know, it would be the powerful Archduke Kharon.

But I cannot just ask that directly.

What should I do…

Right… as an alchemist interested in mysterious technology —

“I find it strange that Geralt Zelger and the others knew the movement route of Your Grace and Princess Liana. Did they also use mysterious magic items like I do?”

Good. This should be fine.

An alchemist showing interest in magic items.

A natural question born from curiosity.

“If such items exist, I would very much like to know about them. Do you, Archduke of the Empire, have any knowledge of this?”

“…That is something that will be revealed in the course of future investigation.”

The Archduke avoided a clear answer.

“Of course, the information will be shared with the Demon Lord’s territory as well.”

“I see…”

“Let me ask you in return. What do you think?”

“I don’t know. I don’t believe there is anything else like a ‘cleaning robot.’”

“Then… how do you suppose they knew the movement route of myself and Princess Liana?”

“I can’t imagine.”

“Then… where do you think the leak came from?”

Is he trying to probe me?

No, the Archduke is smiling.

It’s as if he is trying to test me. If so —

“I read in the Empire’s history books before. That in order to prepare for a former small eastern country, or its remnants, fortresses were built in various places. Considering that fortress as one of them, its jurisdiction would be not under the Minister of Military Affairs, but higher up.”

“Your knowledge is correct.”

“Then, I think someone who is the superior of Commander Geralt Zelger is involved. No, I do not know who it is. I cannot imagine it at all.”

I made sure to leave an escape route just in case.

If it is higher than the Minister of Military Affairs, then it must be the High Officials Council.

Or maybe even higher.

I cannot say it aloud, but Archduke Kharon understands. That is probably why he wears a bitter smile. He even nodded.

Isaac’s eyes are wide with surprise.

In contrast, General Reisenga looks like he simply understands and agrees.

“Your line of thought is unique to someone who was a noble of the Empire.”

Archduke Kharon said.

“So, do you want to blame the Empire for this?”

“No. I… no, I just do not want the same kind of thing to happen again.”

I said.

“I hate the idea that the Demon Lord’s territory, my second home, would be ravaged by new species of magical beasts. It would be the worst if people from the country I once lived in caused trouble for those I care about. That’s why I just want to make sure it never happens again.”

The ‘Magical Beast Gargarossa’ had taken up residence in the Demon Lord’s territory.

The giant centipede suddenly crashed into the meeting between Rukia and Princess Sophia.

It was only luck that there was no damage. If things had gone badly, there would have been injuries or even deaths.

In the worst case, Demon Lord Rukia or Princess Sophia could have been hurt.

If that had happened — in anger, I might have created a destructive item from the hero’s world.

The moment I found out who was responsible, I might have activated it without question.

But I don’t want to do that.

I just want to open a workshop in the Demon Lord’s territory and make items that help people.

“If someone is behind the fortress commander, I want you to properly deal with it.”

After thinking for a moment, I said.

“Please do not make me despise my birthplace any further. The magic items I make are meant to bring happiness to people, not to punish them. Please end this incident so that there will be no need to use ‘Meteor-like’ magic in the Empire territory again.”

“…So that magic like ‘Meteor’ will never be needed again… is that so?”

“Yes.”

There are only three ‘Meteorite Arrows’ left.

Those were actually magic items intended for civil engineering.

I originally planned to use them to break rocks blocking mining development or widen rivers.

Yet they were consumed to defeat the magical beast Nozerius.

I don’t want to use them for combat anymore. There is no guarantee more meteorite will be found.

“Repeating myself… what I want is just for something like this never to happen again.”

I looked straight at Archduke Kharon and said.

Archduke Kharon, for some reason, opened his eyes wide and trembled slightly — but —

“Understood… In the name of Archduke Kharon Listan, I will uncover the cause. I promise that we will never cause trouble to the Demon Lord Territory again. To the best of my ability.”

“Thank you very much.”

I bowed to Archduke Kharon in the manner of nobility.

“From our side as well, we have a proposal for Alchemist Thor Canaan.”

“What is it, Your Grace, Archduke Kharon of the Empire?”

“Would you consider coming to the Grand Duchy?”

It was sudden.

Archduke Kharon nodded repeatedly as he spoke.

“Of course, it’s not that I want to poach you from the Demon Lord Territory. After seeing your items, I realized the necessity of cultivating technicians in the Grand Duchy as well. Would you come to the Grand Duchy and guide the next generation? Naturally, proper compensation will be paid to both the Demon Lord Territory and yourself.”

“Your Grace!? What are you saying!?”

“I like him.”

Archduke Kharon smiled slyly toward Isaac.

“Not only the technical skill to create magic items, but I also like the way he asks questions. I want to maintain a connection with him. There are those who would be pleased by that.”

“…Your Grace.”

“What do you think, Thor Canaan? Just about ten days a year would be enough. Would you come on a temporary posting to the Grand Duchy?”

“I am grateful for the offer, but I must decline.”

I shook my head.

“I am the alchemist of Her Majesty the Demon Lord. My workplace is the Demon Lord Territory, and my job is to create tools that help the people who live there. I cannot be posted to another country.”

“I understand. I apologize for speaking of something so trivial.”

Archduke Kharon shrugged.

He’s a tough man to read, Archduke Kharon.

Judging by how easily he backed down, it seemed like if I came, it would just be lucky for him.

“But, there will come a time when your work settles down.”

Just as I thought that, Archduke Kharon—after glancing toward the troops behind him—continued.

“At that time, I would very much like to ask you to teach alchemy.”

“That’s right. Once I can have confidence in my own skills, that opportunity may come.”

“Hmm. When do you think that will be?”

“First, I will complete making all the magic items in the mail-order—or rather, in the textbook. After that, I will create original items, and if they are on par with those in the hero’s world, I may gain confidence in my skills.”

“…Thor-sama.”

“…Alchemist-sama. What do you say?”

Huh?

The general and Isaac both widened their eyes.

I didn’t think I said anything strange.

The textbook—the ‘mail-order catalog’—is quite thick. I’ve only made a few items from it so far.

I think it will be a while before I gain confidence in my alchemy.

“I understand.”

In contrast, Archduke Kharon nodded as if in full agreement.

“I understand very well, Alchemist Thor Canaan.”

“Thank you for understanding, Your Grace, Archduke Kharon of the Empire.”

“I myself still lack confidence in my sword. As proof, I once suffered defeat by a magical beast and received a wound on my left arm.”

Rolling up his sleeve to reveal his upper arm,

There were several claw marks of some kind left on it.

“This is the result of youthful recklessness. I think of it as the price for taking on disciples while still inexperienced, and since then, I have devoted myself to sword training alone. There is still a long way to go before I master the technique.”

“Your Grace is said to be one of the top five strongest in the Empire.”

“There were plenty of heroes stronger than me. I must not be arrogant.”

“I understand.”

“Indeed.”

“I am impressed by your attitude to master one technique.”

“Then to the Grand Duchy—no, it is rude to ask the same thing twice.”

“I apologize. I also wish to master one technique in the Demon Lord Territory.”

“Losing you is a loss for the Empire, but it cannot be helped.”

Saying that, Archduke Kharon turned toward General Reisenga,

“General of the Demon Lord Territory, as you have heard, I, Archduke Kharon, will take responsibility for investigating the culprit in this incident. The results will also be reported to the Demon Lord Territory. I will do my utmost so that this kind of thing never happens again.”

“Y-yes. I will convey your words to Her Majesty the Demon Lord.”

“I hope that we will maintain exchanges in the future as well. Captain Isaac, could you serve as the liaison between the Grand Duchy and the Demon Lord Territory?”

“Y-yes!”

Isaac straightened his back sharply.

“I will serve as the liaison connecting the Demon Lord Territory and the Grand Duchy. It is an honor to be a bridge between the Demon Lord Territory and Archduke Kharon.”

“Of course, I will inform Princess Sophia, your superior officer.”

Finally, Archduke Kharon looked at me,

“Alchemist Thor Canaan. I would like to talk with you more.”

—And with that, the discussion came to an end.

To summarize, three decisions were made:

From now on, Archduke Kharon, General Reisenga, and Captain Isaac will jointly interrogate the fort soldiers.

Via Princess Sophia and Captain Isaac, exchanges between the Demon Lord Territory and the Grand Duchy will continue.

During that, information regarding this incident will also be shared.

Mabel, Agnis, and I would return to the Demon Lord Territory with some of the soldiers.

Princess Liana would head to the town of Nosa with some soldiers.

I wanted to talk with Princess Liana too, but she seemed tired, so it couldn’t be helped.

Later, I would send a letter to Princess Sophia to see if I could meet her.

I also wanted to talk about the “Juua,” “Shuu,” “Zukyun,” “Gyurun,” and “Zubababaan” sounds.

Archduke Kharon was surprisingly someone I could get along with.

Since the Demon Lord Territory and the Grand Duchy will be exchanging communication from now on, I thought there would be chances to talk.

I hope he will become a supporter of the Demon Lord Territory.

“Well then, after a short break, let’s head to the fort, General.”

“Understood. I hope that the Demon Lord Territory, the Empire, and the Grand Duchy will maintain good relations from now on.”

With that, General Reisenga and Archduke Kharon shook hands, and the meeting came to a close.

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