Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 98: The Alchemist Thor Meets Archduke Kharon
──Thor’s point of view──
“Archduke Kharon’s unit defeated the Magical Beast Nozerius that cleanly? That’s amazing…”
Archduke Kharon’s unit approached from farther down the highway.
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 Empire’s former Sword Saint and the Princess of the Holy Sword were capable of something like this…
“Thor-sama. Who’s 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 said to be the Empire’s strongest swordsman, but he isn’t especially muscular, and his expression is calm.”
“The fact that he doesn’t look strong somehow makes him even more frightening…”
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—Valga 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 Domain, 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 Dorgalia. We’re investigating a new species of magical beast. State your names and affiliations!”
“We serve directly under Her Highness Sophia Dorgalia as members of the Omawarisan Unit!”
Isaac and the soldiers of Noza Town dropped to one knee.
Behind them, we remained standing.
We were citizens of another country, so there was no need to kneel before an Imperial archduke.
“We were cooperating with the Demon Lord’s Domain to investigate a suspicious fortress. We discovered that a new species of magical beast was targeting Your Grace and Her Highness’s unit, so we came to warn you. May we exchange information?”
“I permit it. Also, we’ve 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’re grateful for the aid of Isaac ‘Omawarisan’ Muira and the Omawarisan Unit—and of the people from the Demon Lord’s Domain!”
“Ooooooooh!!”
The soldiers from Noza Town erupted in cheers.
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 Raisenga.
“I thank you for investigating the magical beasts alongside the unit from Noza Town and for coming all this way to warn us.”
Saying that, Archduke Kharon bowed his head to General Raisenga.
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.
“I’m Raisenga Freizad, a general of the Demon Lord’s Domain. I’m honored by your courteous greeting.”
General Raisenga responded.
“By order of Her Majesty the Demon Lord, I have cooperated in the investigation of the new species disturbing the border. We unintentionally ventured deep into Imperial territory, but I ask your understanding, as it was done to preserve peace.”
“Of course. I’d also like to hear your full account, if you would allow it.”
“I understand.”
“And… there’s 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?
Perhaps using “Juwaa,” “Shuuu,” “Zukyuuun,” “Gyurun,” and “Zubababaan” had been 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 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 would explain properly so that the Demon Lord’s Domain wasn’t 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 Domain into an enemy.
“I’ll be back soon. Wait for me.”
“…Yes.”
“…I’ll be waiting for your return.”
Mabel, please stop gripping the Meteorite Arrow behind your back.
And Agnis, there’s no need to clutch the Health-Boosting 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.
Afterward, Archduke Kharon explained why his party had been heading toward 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 had encountered the Magical Beast Nozerius.
Princess Liana noticed the Cleaning Robot, read my letter, and used the information to prepare 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 had become unsteady after using the Holy Sword and wouldn’t join 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.
When the Archduke finished, General Raisenga explained what had happened during our investigation.
Fortress Commander Geralt rejected Isaac’s request, resulting in a battle against two Nozerius magical beasts.
After we defeated them, a third beast headed toward the Archduke’s unit.
After restraining the fortress personnel, we arrived as reinforcements.
“I’ve been entrusted with full authority regarding this investigation by Her Majesty the Demon Lord.”
General Raisenga turned to Archduke Kharon and said,
“It’s 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 Domain 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 Domain.
“We’ve caused trouble for the people of the Demon Lord’s Domain.”
Archduke Kharon nodded to General Raisenga.
“I’ll recommend to the Council of High Officials that appropriate compensation be provided for the damage suffered by the Demon Lord’s Domain. I would also like the Empire to send a gift in thanks for your cooperation.”
“That’s appreciated… but Archduke Kharon, you’re not the Emperor of the Empire, are you?”
General Raisenga 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 have some influence. With the evidence from this incident, I should be able to obtain approval from the Council of High Officials. If not, I’ll provide proper compensation from the Grand 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 that to Her Majesty the Demon Lord and Chancellor Kelve.”
“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’m Thor Canaan, an alchemist. Under orders from the general, I’ll explain.”
I bowed as a noble and then began.
The Archduke looked steadily at me, and then said,
“First, I would like to hear more about the Cleaning Robot the general mentioned. 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 had recalled it earlier with the command, “Thou who cleans—return to thy charging station!”
“I can’t disclose every detail without Her Majesty’s permission, but this device can track traces left by magical beasts. We used it to locate the fortress where the beasts were kept.”
“‘Cleaning robot’… a golem that cleans, correct? Yet it tracks magical beasts…?”
“Please think of it as an assistant that cleans away the ‘trash’ of magical beasts and helps 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 lesser version of the Hero spell Meteor.”
Because Imperial soldiers had witnessed the Meteor Replica, General Raisenga and I had agreed to disclose limited information.
“A lesser version of Meteor…”
“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 isn’t a bad person.
He listened to both General Raisenga and me as equals.
So politely that it’s hard to believe he’s a noble of the Empire.
However, it’s unavoidable to remain cautious.
He was the Emperor’s cousin and ruler of an autonomous grand duchy within the Empire.
But precisely because he’s 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 Raisenga.
Right now, I’m an alchemist directly under Demon Lord Rukie, a person from the Demon Lord’s Domain.
To ask the Empire’s Archduke questions from this side, I need General Raisenga’s permission.
Taking that into account, I asked, and General Raisenga said,
“Archduke of the Empire, will you allow our alchemist to ask questions?”
“I don’t mind.”
The Archduke looked intently at me and nodded.
“I’ll hear you out, Alchemist Thor Regus of the Demon Lord’s Domain.”
“That was the name I used while living in the Empire. My name now is Thor Canaan.”
Archduke Kharon is powerful. He’s a ruler with enough authority to be granted autonomy within the Empire.
That’s why there are things I want to confirm.
There’s 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 can’t just ask that directly.
What should I do…
Right… as an alchemist interested in mysterious technology —
“I find it strange that Geralt Zelger and his people knew Your Grace and Princess Liana’s route. Did they also use mysterious magic items like mine?”
Good. This should be fine.
An alchemist showing interest in magic items.
A natural question born from curiosity.
“If such an item exists, I would very much like to study it. Do you know anything about it, Your Grace?”
“…That’s 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 Domain as well.”
“I see…”
“Let me ask you in return. What do you think?”
“I don’t know. I don’t believe there’s anything else like a ‘cleaning robot.’”
“Then how do you think they learned my route and Princess Liana’s?”
“I can’t imagine.”
“Then… where do you think the leak came from?”
Was he trying to probe me?
No—the Archduke was smiling.
It was as if he were testing me. If so—
“I once read in the Empire’s history books that fortresses were built throughout the east to prepare for a former small nation and its remnants. If that fortress was one of them, it wouldn’t fall under the Minister of Military Affairs but under someone higher.”
“Your knowledge is correct.”
“Then, I think someone who’s the superior of Commander Geralt Zelger is involved. No, I don’t know who it is. I can’t imagine it at all.”
I made sure to leave an escape route just in case.
Someone higher than the Minister of Military Affairs would mean the Council of High Officials,
Or maybe even higher.
I can’t say it aloud, but Archduke Kharon understands. That’s probably why he wears a bitter smile. He even nodded.
Isaac’s eyes are wide with surprise.
In contrast, General Raisenga 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 don’t want the same kind of thing to happen again.”
I said.
“I don’t want the Demon Lord’s Domain, my second home, to be ravaged by new species of magical beast. It would be unbearable if people from my birthplace harmed those I care about. I simply want to make sure it never happens again.”
The ‘Magical Beast Gargarossa’ had taken up residence in the Demon Lord’s Domain.
The giant centipede had crashed into the meeting between Rukie 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 Rukie or Princess Sophia could have been hurt.
Had that happened, I might have created a destructive item from the Heroes’ world in my anger.
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 Domain 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 don’t make me despise my birthplace any more than I already do. My magic items are meant to make people happy, not punish them. Bring this incident to an end so that Meteor-like magic will never again be needed in Imperial territory.”
“…So that magic like ‘Meteor’ will never be needed again… is that so?”
“Yes.”
Only three Meteorite Arrows remained.
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 had been consumed to defeat the Magical Beast Nozerius.
I don’t want to use them for combat anymore. There’s 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’ll uncover the cause. I promise to do everything in my power to ensure the Demon Lord’s Domain is never harmed in this way again.”
“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 visiting the Grand Duchy?”
It was sudden.
Archduke Kharon nodded repeatedly as he spoke.
“I don’t intend to lure you away from the Demon Lord’s Domain. After seeing your items, I realized the Grand Duchy must also cultivate technicians. Would you come and guide the next generation? Naturally, both you and the Demon Lord’s Domain would be compensated.”
“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? Even ten days a year would suffice. Would you consider a temporary appointment in the Grand Duchy?”
“I’m grateful for the offer, but I must decline.”
I shook my head.
“I’m Her Majesty the Demon Lord’s alchemist. My workplace is the Demon Lord’s Domain, and my duty is to create tools for its people. I can’t accept a posting in 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’ll reproduce every magical item in the Mail-Order Catalog—rather, the textbook. Then I’ll create original items. Once those rival the devices of the Heroes’ world, I may finally have confidence in my skill.”
“…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—was extremely thick, and I had reproduced only a few of its items.
I think it’ll 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 still lack confidence in my sword. The wound on my left arm is proof; I once suffered defeat at the hands of a magical beast.”
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’s 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 mustn’t be arrogant.”
“I understand.”
“Indeed.”
“I’m impressed by your attitude to master one technique.”
“Then to the Grand Duchy—no, it’s rude to ask the same thing twice.”
“I apologize. I also wish to master one technique in the Demon Lord’s Domain.”
“Losing you is a loss for the Empire, but it can’t be helped.”
Saying that, Archduke Kharon turned toward General Raisenga,
“General of the Demon Lord’s Domain, as you heard, I, Archduke Kharon, will take responsibility for investigating the culprit. The results will be shared with the Demon Lord’s Domain, and I’ll do everything possible to prevent a recurrence.”
“Y-yes. I’ll convey your words to Her Majesty the Demon Lord.”
“I hope our exchanges continue. Captain Isaac, will you serve as liaison between the Grand Duchy and the Demon Lord’s Domain?”
“Y-yes!”
Isaac straightened his back sharply.
“I’ll serve as the liaison between the Demon Lord’s Domain and the Grand Duchy. It’s an honor to act as a bridge between them.”
“Of course, I’ll 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:
Archduke Kharon, General Raisenga, and Captain Isaac would jointly interrogate the fortress soldiers.
Princess Sophia and Captain Isaac would maintain communication between the Demon Lord’s Domain and the Grand Duchy.
During that, information regarding this incident will also be shared.
Mabel, Agnis, and I would return to the Demon Lord’s Domain with part of our force.
Princess Liana would travel to Noza Town with several 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 discuss the “Juwaa,” “Shuu,” “Zukyuuun,” “Gyurun,” and “Zubababaan” sounds.
Archduke Kharon was surprisingly someone I could get along with.
Since the Demon Lord’s Domain and the Grand Duchy would continue communicating, there should be other opportunities to speak.
I hope he’ll become a supporter of the Demon Lord’s Domain.
“Well then, after a short break, let’s head to the fort, General.”
“Understood. I hope the Demon Lord’s Domain, the Empire, and the Grand Duchy maintain good relations.”
With that, General Raisenga and Archduke Kharon shook hands, and the meeting came to a close.