Making Plans for My Days Off

──Thor's Point of View──

"I'm thinking of taking the next few days off."

I said that as soon as I returned to the workshop in the Reizenga territory.

"The monster investigation is over, after all. While I'm off, I thought we could stroll around town and do some shopping."

"...That surprises me."

This was the workshop's living room.

Across the table, Mabel had her eyes wide open, still holding the pose of someone pouring tea.

"To think that Thor-sama would say he was taking a break from alchemy..."

"Of course, only after I finish what needs doing."

First, I would make a clean copy of the 'Summoning Magic Metal Plate' we had found at the fortress.

I also had to adjust the 'Cleaning Robot.' After making it run such a long distance, I needed to check whether any parts had come loose... No, I should wash it first. Our 'Cleaning Robot' could be completely rinsed with water, after all.

Once that was done, I would take my break.

"I'm also taking time off to prepare for the alchemy I'll be doing, though."

"...Y-yes."

Mabel was still surprised.

I clearly needed to explain.

"The items I'm going to make are household goods, so before that, I need to change my mood... Or rather, switch my thoughts over."

"Your thoughts?"

"I've been making nothing but combat-oriented items lately."

I explained.

"The 'Cleaning Robot' and 'Meteorite Arrows' are both suited for combat, right? And after fighting monsters, I feel like my ideas have become focused on combat, too."

"That's true. We've been occupied with the 'monster investigation' lately."

"So before making household goods, I want to go shopping, take a walk, and so on... Basically, I want to get my mind into everyday mode. It's all for making household magic items."

"I think I understand."

Mabel nodded.

"And the household item you're going to make is one that uses that 'Summoning Magic,' isn't it?"

"Yes. It's the one I applied to His Majesty the Demon King for permission to make."

I had sent the letter, but there had been no reply yet.

It should be arriving soon.

"'Summoning Magic' is complicated. Since I'm going to make an item that uses it, I can't afford to fail. So I'm planning to take a break to get myself in good condition, too."

"I see. So that's what this is about."

Mabel set her teacup on the table and looked puzzled.

"Then what sort of item is this one that uses 'Summoning Magic'?"

"Shall I explain?"

I opened the 'Mail-Order Catalog.'

The page I opened showed a kitchen from another world.

It depicted a silver-colored kitchen, a drain, and a pipe with water flowing out of it.

"Look here, Mabel."

"'Nuru-Nuru Sponge Excellent,' which cleans everything, right?"

"That interests me, too, but I want you to look at the pipe the water is coming out of."

"Oh, yes... Let's see. There's a silver pipe, and water is flowing out of it."

"How do you think it's drawing up the water?"

"The pipe is connected to a short cylinder, and there's a lever attached to it, so perhaps it's a hand pump? But..."

"The lever is much too small for a hand pump."

"Yes. Since it comes from the Hero's world, perhaps it's more efficient, but even so... It seems far too small."

Mabel was right.

An ordinary hand pump was made of metal and had a lever about as long as a person's arm.

It was large, bulky, and heavy.

Moving it up and down drew water up from a well or other water source.

"Of course, magic can create water, too."

"Like when we take a bath."

"Thank you as always for that."

"Not at all."

Mabel and I bowed to each other in turn.

Then we returned to the subject at hand.

"But the pumps in the Hero's world are small. All you have to do is move a lever about as long as a person's finger, and plenty of water flows out. I think that's where the secret lies."

"It must be a magic item, then."

"Most likely, the pump itself is infused with powerful magic."

"Without a doubt."

"It is the Hero's world, after all."

"If it's from the Hero's world, I suppose it can't be helped."

"With my Creation Alchemy, I could make something similar. But if I applied 'Summoning Magic,' I feel like I could make an item that drew up water much more efficiently."

I placed a copy of the Summoning Magic metal plate on the table.

"'Summoning Magic' is magic that calls a target 'from far away to nearby oneself.' To put it simply, it possesses a 'pulling force.'"

"That makes sense... Yes."

Mabel seemed to think it over for a moment before speaking.

"Just as you say, Thor-sama. 'Summoning Magic' can pull a target toward you from far away. In that case—"

"If we incorporate that 'pulling force' into a water-intake pipe, we can easily pull water up from a water source."

"T-that's amazing!"

"Of course, permission from Lukie-sama is necessary if we're going to use 'Summoning Magic.' Mabel and the others will also have to decipher the magic. We need to proceed little by little while checking its safety, but it would be worthwhile."

"If we complete an item that can 'pull' water or anything else, life in the Demon King's territory will change completely..."

"Yes, it will."

Mabel and I looked at each other and nodded.

This was something I had been thinking about for a long time.

In both the Demon King's territory and the Empire, people drew water from wells or hand pumps connected to wells.

Even the bathhouse in the castle had been built near a water source, with a large pump used to draw up the water. Though, since the powerful Minotaur-san was in charge of it, it didn't seem to be much trouble for them.

Incidentally, the reason I could take baths so easily was thanks to Mabel, the water-element elf.

With her magic circulation boosted by the 'Foot Bath' and 'Fizzy Bath,' Mabel could easily create enough water for one bath.

But not everyone could create water with magic.

That was why I wanted to make a household water-intake item.

If I applied the 'pulling force' of 'Summoning Magic,' perhaps people could draw water with nothing more than a small lever, just like in the Hero's world.

Furthermore, this item had plenty of other applications.

If it could 'pull in' air, it could serve as a vent. Pull in earth, and it could be used for mining; pull in fire, and it could become a useful fire outlet.

"In any case, making this item will take time and concentration."

I said.

"So I'm going to rest and get myself in shape before starting the work. After that, I plan to visit the market and the town to examine the structures used for water. That's what this break is for."

"I understand... But, Thor-sama."

"What is it, Mabel?"

"If you're preparing for alchemy... Doesn't that mean this isn't really a break?"

"I'm not going to make the item yet. So I think it counts as a break, right?"

"Does it?"

"It does. The person taking the break says it does, so there can't be any mistake."

"...When you put it that way, I suppose it does feel like one."

"So while I'm off, Mabel, you can do whatever you like, too."

"What?"

"You and Agnis protected me during this monster investigation, didn't you? I think you should take a break, too."

Mabel had been helping with my work ever since she became my attendant.

So I thought I would give her a few days off.

"You can go spend time with Agnis, or just relax and take it easy. You've always taken care of me, Mabel, so I want you to be free to do as you like, at least this once."

"Understood. Then I shall take about three days off."

"Yes."

"During that time, rather than being your attendant, I'll stay by your side as just an ordinary girl, all right? Since I'm on break, I'll wear my own clothes."

Mabel said that with a smile.

"This is perfect. I've wanted to try wearing something besides my maid uniform while staying by your side, Thor-sama. Thank you for giving me time off."

"...Huh?"

"Is something wrong?"

"I'm always indebted to Mabel, aren't I?"

"You have helped me as well, Thor-sama."

"That's why I want to give you time off."

"Yes. So for these three days, I will stay by your side as one hundred percent Mabel Refrain, with no work whatsoever."

"What about normally?"

"Normally, one hundred percent Mabel Refrain has orders from His Majesty the Demon King added on top."

"Isn't there something wrong with that calculation?"

"Percent is a unit from the Hero's world, so it's only natural that it might be difficult for us to understand."

"That's surprisingly convincing."

"May I stay by your side?"

"Of course."

I answered immediately.

Going out with Mabel in her own clothes sounded... really fun.

"All right. Will you come shopping with me tomorrow?"

"Yes. I look forward to it. Um, Thor-sama..."

Mabel looked straight into my eyes.

"May Agnis-sama come with us, too?"

"Of course."

"Thank you! Then I'll go discuss it with her later."

"Discuss what?"

"There are several things Agnis-sama and I have been thinking about..."

I see.

Thinking about it, this would be the first time I had gone out with everyone privately.

Mabel and Agnis must have several things in mind, too.

"Of course. Feel free to do as you like."

"Thank you. Then I'll go out after preparing lunch. I'll be back by evening."

With that, Mabel began preparing the meal.

I went back to the workshop and started maintaining the magic items.

The 'Cleaning Robot' that had been running around outside was... just as I expected, dirty. The spherical model only had dirt stuck to its surface, but grass was tangled around the joints of the spider model. I would pull out the grass and wash them with water.

Perhaps I should make the 'Cleaning Robot' a little easier to maintain.

The spherical model was the easiest to service, so perhaps I should mass-produce that one. You could put letters inside it, and it had all sorts of possible uses—

"Speaking of letters... I wonder if Lukie has read the report yet."

I hoped she would grant permission to make everyday items using 'Summoning Magic.'

For that purpose, I should make a clean copy of the 'Summoning Magic Metal Plate' later.

After that, I would take my break... Perhaps I should prepare the bath—

"Alchemist-sama────!!"

──Just as I was thinking that, I heard voices.

I looked up and saw a green-haired 'Wind Pixie' and a red-haired 'Fire Pixie' flying toward me.

The Wind Pixie was carrying a tube of parchment, while the Fire Pixie was hugging a small bag.

They were the children who had gone to the Demon King's castle on an errand. It looked like they had just returned.

"It's a festival, a festival! We're all excited!"

"His Majesty wishes to see a prototype of that item for the passionate festival."

The Pixies floated down and landed on my shoulders.

I more or less understood what they were saying.

"Could it be that the Demon King's castle is holding a festival to celebrate the end of the monster investigation? And His Majesty wants to see a prototype of that item by around then?"

"That's more or less it!"

"As expected of Alchemist-sama! You illuminate the truth like a flame!"

I understood them. I had gotten used to the way the Pixies spoke lately.

The Wind Pixie talked about thoughts intuitively.

The Fire Pixie earnestly told me whatever was necessary.

As long as I kept that in mind, I could generally understand what they wanted to say. I was an alchemist, after all.

"The festival will be after the general returns!"

"Until then, you have been ordered to do your best to take it easy!"

"Also, these are souvenirs!"

The two of them placed a small bag in my hand.

When I opened it... there were fragments of stone inside.

They were gray, the same color as the pillars and walls in the Demon King's castle's great hall. Each was about the size of my palm. They were flat, octagonal pieces.

"When I saw it, inspiration started tingling!"

"When I saw it, my heart grew warm. I thought it would make Alchemist-sama happy!"

Pixies really were amazing.

I had told them to bring me anything they found inspiring, but I hadn't told them what I was going to make.

Even so, this had exactly the right shape for drawing a magic circle for 'Summoning Magic.'

What I wanted to make was an item that applied 'Summoning Magic' to call water, warm air, light, and similar things nearby.

With it, fetching water would become easier, and it could also be used to ventilate a room. When it was cold, it could call warm air, and it could even be used to bring in light.

I had been thinking about how to incorporate 'Summoning Magic' into it, but—

"I see. An octagonal plate..."

Yes... This was interesting.

I could draw a magic circle here, punch a hole in the middle, and run a pipe through it.

I would incorporate this shape into the prototype.

"Thank you. I'll use this as a reference."

"Then please pet us!"

"Please praise us passionately!"

The Pixies climbed happily onto my shoulders.

As I stroked their heads, I asked,

"Come to think of it, did you bring these stone fragments from the Demon King's castle?"

"Yes! We received His Majesty's permission!"

"Chancellor Kelve-sama put up fiery resistance, though..."

"Kelve-san did?"

I wondered if this fragment had been important to him, too.

But Lukie had given them permission, hadn't she...?

I didn't know. I would ask for more details when I went to the Demon King's castle later.

"Are we doing alchemy?"

"We would love to help!"

"Thank you. But I've decided to take some time off starting today."

During my break, I would take it easy, read through my materials, and go shopping.

I also had plans to go out with Mabel and Agnis, so—

"...It'll be my first time going out with the two of them without work involved."

I was starting to feel nervous.

Since I had the chance, I should thank Mabel and Agnis.

They were always taking care of me, so perhaps I could buy them gifts at the market while we were shopping.

I would look for something during my break.

"Thor-sama, lunch is ready."

As I was thinking that, I heard Mabel's voice from the kitchen.

"Thanks. I'll be right there."

"There's some for the Pixies, too. Here you are."

"Thank you, Mabel-sama!"

"We are grateful!"

The two Pixies and I headed toward the living room.

I had just decided that today I would eat lunch, take a bath, and relax when—

"──Alchemist-sama! An urgent message!"

This time, 'Light Pixie' Soleil flew in through the window.

'I have been entrusted with a message from Princess Sophia of "Norsa Town." Her Highness wishes to meet with Alchemist-sama.'

"Princess Sophia?"

Perhaps she wanted to discuss the monster investigation.

Princess Liana should have already returned to 'Norsa Town.'

Perhaps she had heard something about the monster investigation from Liana and noticed something. Knowing Princess Sophia, there had to be a reason.

"I understand. Does she have a preferred date and time?"

"She says she will accommodate your schedule, Alchemist-sama. She would like to meet at the trading post in the borderlands."

"I see."

For the time being, I planned to spend about three days preparing for alchemy—no, taking a break—so I would meet Princess Sophia afterward.

During my break, I planned to take walks and go shopping.

I also wanted to give Mabel and Agnis something unusual, since I had the chance. First, I would go to the market and—

"...? The market... Shopping... Something unusual."

For the two of them living in the Demon King's territory, the place to find unusual things would be...

"Thor-sama, about shopping during our break... Why don't we go not only to the towns in the Demon King's territory, but to the trading post in the borderlands, too?"

Before I knew it, Mabel had poked her head out of the kitchen.

"That way, we can speak with Princess Sophia-sama before or after shopping, right? I can continue guarding you while we're there, too."

"True... Visiting all sorts of places would also give me ideas for making household items."

"And I would like to try shopping in human territory once in a while, too."

Mabel folded her hands in front of her maid uniform and gave a small bow.

"I told you before that my grandmother was human, didn't I?"

"Yes. Soon after I met you, Mabel."

"So I've wanted to try shopping in human territory for a while. I want to see what they sell and what sorts of things are popular."

"Come to think of it... When we went to the trading post before, the shops hadn't opened yet, had they?"

"Yes. And if I learn what is popular in the human world, I believe I will be able to serve you better, Thor-sama."

"All right. Let's do that, then."

I placed Soleil the Pixie on the palm of my hand.

"I understand about meeting Princess Sophia at the trading post. I'll have Elte-san make the arrangements later. I'll write a letter, too, so could you deliver it to Princess Sophia?"

"Understood!"

Soleil nodded.

That brought today's work to an end.

"Then let's have lunch, Thor-sama. Soleil-san and the others, too."

"The weather's nice today. Shall we eat outside?"

"Yes! I wholeheartedly agree!"

I used the 'Simple Storage' to move the table and chairs into the garden.

After arranging the chairs, the three Pixies worked together to set the tablecloth.

Once Mabel had laid out the bread and teacups, lunch was ready.

And so we took our time and leisurely enjoyed lunch.

Afterward, Mabel went to General Reizenga's mansion.

Apparently she was going to discuss our plans for the break with Agnis.

After Mabel left, I put away the dishes and then prepared the bath.

I planned to light the stove and wait for the water to boil, but—

"Leave managing the fire to the Fire Pixie!"

"The wind will gently fan the flames!"

"Soleil likes baths, too, so I'll keep watch!"

"Alchemist-sama, please spend your time as you please!"

──Since the three of them said that, I went to the workshop.

I decided to use the afternoon to make a clean copy of the 'Summoning Magic Metal Plate.'

I had given the original to Isaac-san, but I had a copy I had written down at the site. I needed to copy it neatly while I still remembered it clearly.

I really had wanted the original, though.

But I couldn't exactly slip the 'Summoning Magic Metal Plate' into my pocket in that situation. It was also evidence that the people at the fortress had been summoning monsters. More importantly, if it became known that I had taken it and a dispute broke out between the Demon King's territory and 'Norsa Town,' I would cause trouble for Demon King Lukie.

This time, I would be satisfied with having obtained the information about 'Summoning Magic.'

In the end, after several hours of work, I had made three copies.

I would keep one, give one to Elte-san as a spare, and give one to Lukie.

I checked for any copying errors... then checked it over one more time...

"...Oh, I forgot about the bath."

They had said they would come and get me when it was ready.

I wondered what Soleil and the others were doing.

When I went to the bathing area—

"...It's so warm."

"...I've overheated. How embarrassing."

"...The temptation of the 'Fizzy Bath'..."

All the Pixies were lying around in the washing area.

It seemed they had gone into the bath ahead of me after losing patience.

And all three of them were completely overheated.

"...What can you do?"

I was the one who had made the 'Fizzy Bath,' after all.

If Soleil and the others couldn't resist its temptation, I supposed it couldn't be helped. Yes.

This was what made being an alchemist worthwhile.

So I gave the three overheated Pixies some water to drink and headed outside.

Then I took them out into the open air to cool off in the breeze.

The Reizenga territory was near a mountainous region.

In the evening, a cool breeze blew down from the mountains.

In the distance, I could see the trees of the forest where the Pixies lived swaying gently.

As I listened to the wind and the rustling leaves, I began to doze off—

"──Thor-sama, Thor-sama. If you sleep here, you'll catch a cold."

"──Please wake up, Thor Kanan-sama."

When I opened my eyes, I saw Mabel and Agnis's faces.

It was getting dim around me. The sun was already close to setting.

"You were taking an afternoon nap. I'm glad you seemed to be relaxing."

"But it's starting to get cold. You should go inside."

"...Hmm."

It seemed I had fallen asleep without realizing it.

Huh? Come to think of it, where were Soleil and the others...?

"...Zzz." "...Mmm." "...Zzz."

My chest felt strangely warm.

When I looked down through my collar... Ah, Soleil and the others had crawled inside my clothes.

They must have gotten inside when it grew cool and fallen asleep there.

Good. At least they hadn't caught a chill after their bath.

"...Alchemist-sama's body is warm." "...It's comforting." "...Sleepy..."

"Honestly, you three..."

I supported them through my clothes so they wouldn't fall... There.

All right. I managed to stand up while holding them securely.

First I would go inside, and since they might have gotten cold, perhaps I should let them take another bath.

"...Stare."

"...What is it, Mabel?"

"Nothing... I thought I might have a little talk with Soleil-san."

"Agnis would like to join you."

And so Mabel, Agnis, and I went inside together.

We laid Soleil and the others out on the living-room table and covered them with blankets.

Then we drank tea and discussed our plans for the break.

How we would spend it—which places we would shop at—which sorts of places we preferred.

As we talked, I tried to find the right moment to ask what Mabel and Agnis wanted.

In the end, I asked them directly and startled them both.

Before long, Soleil and the others woke up, and Mabel and Agnis switched into lecture mode—

And so──the day after the end of the monster investigation came to a leisurely close.