Chapter 106
After parting with Princess Sophia and the others, we continued shopping for a while.
I wanted to enjoy my day off with Mabel and Agnis wearing clothes different from their usual ones.
By the way, the two of them bought food and treats at the trading post.
Mabel was delighted that she had found some unusual tea.
Agnis bought some sweet fruit. She said she would have it as a snack tomorrow.
However, I couldn't buy presents for either of them here.
Both Mabel and Agnis insisted that there was nothing in particular they wanted.
In the end, all I bought was candy.
There were also things unavailable in the Demon King's Domain, such as sweets and dried fruit.
As for the presents... I decided to secretly ask them what they wanted later and make the gifts myself.
Incidentally, the strange merchant I found at the trading post apparently closed up shop afterward and left for the south. Since that was in the opposite direction from Noza Town, it seemed he hadn't been following Princess Sophia.
Perhaps he had simply been an eccentric merchant.
Just in case, I passed along the information that 'someone like that had been there' to Princess Sophia through the Pixie.
If it was all needless worrying, then that was fine.
Once we finished shopping and returned to Raizenga's Domain—
"Alchemist-sama! Please come to the general's residence at once. His Majesty the Demon King is here!"
—Clerk Erte was waiting for us at the edge of the forest.
I immediately took a change of clothes out of the 'Ultra-Compact Simple Storage.'
The clothes I was wearing were for traveling and could get dirty. Mabel was wearing a cute dress, and Agnis was even wearing her maid uniform.
Fortunately, all three of us had changes of clothes stored in the 'Ultra-Compact Simple Storage.'
So we decided to change into proper clothes suitable for welcoming Lukie.
With that, we went back into the forest.
Since we were in such a hurry, the three of us changed with a single tree at our backs.
We might have seen quite a bit of one another, but we had no time to care. In fact, we simply resigned ourselves to it and helped each other change. We only regained our composure after leaving the forest.
Then we took a carriage Erte-san had prepared to General Raizenga's residence.
When we entered the great hall—
"Oh. Thor, Mabel, Agnis. You're back."
Demon King Lukie was sitting in one of the prepared chairs.
Chancellor Kelv-san and the Minotaur guard unit were with her as well.
The general's adjutant and his principal subordinates were lined up in the hall.
Everyone was staring at Lukie and her attendants with tense expressions.
I was surprised, too.
Why had Lukie come without any warning...?
"I received word from Raizenga that the 'Magic Beast Investigation' and the interrogation of the people who summoned the Magic Beasts have been completed."
After looking around at us, Lukie, wearing her mask, spoke.
"This incident is extremely important because it is connected to the Empire. I need to hear the report directly and decide what to do from here. That is why I came here."
Demon King Lukie spoke before us as we knelt.
She was currently in her 'Demon King form,' wearing the 'Perception Interference' mask and a robe.
She appeared to be around two meters tall.
Seated in a tall chair, she looked over me, Mabel, Agnis, and the people of Raizenga's Domain. Her expression was completely hidden behind the golden mask.
But Lukie in her Demon King form was wonderful, too.
Her horns looked more imposing than usual, and her billowing black robe was cool.
The golden mask was mysterious as well.
If Lukie in her true form was the pinnacle of beauty, then Lukie in her Demon King form might be called the pinnacle of mystery.
...What sort of magic sword would suit Lukie in this form?
For example—to show her power as the Demon King, a double-edged greatsword might be suitable. Perhaps around 1.5 meters long. If I made the blade thick enough to cut through steel—wait, Lukie wouldn't be able to wield that when she returned to her true form.
Lukie was quite small and light in her true form.
In that case... perhaps a curved, single-edged magic sword would be better. She could draw it more easily if she carried it on her back.
She could wear it at her waist in her Demon King form and on her back in her true form.
That would suit both versions of Lukie perfectly.
All right. I had settled on the concept.
I would use what I had learned from Princess Riana about wielding the Holy Sword to make a magic sword for Lukie.
First I would prepare the materials... No, before that, I needed to make an item to record the Grand Duke's story. There was also an item for improving water facilities.
But I wanted to make use of my knowledge of the Holy Sword, so perhaps the magic sword should come first after all.
This was a problem.
There were too many items I wanted to make. What should I do...?
"Alchemist Thor, what are you pondering so deeply?"
Before I knew it, Lukie in her Demon King form was looking down at me.
"My apologies, Your Majesty the Demon King."
Oh no. Even though I was in front of Lukie, I had become lost in my thoughts.
This wasn't my workshop, nor was it inside the 'Simple Storage.'
I wasn't in a position to speak familiarly with Lukie. We were in front of everyone. I had to behave properly as her subordinate.
"Is something troubling you, Alchemist Thor?"
Lukie in her Demon King form questioned me.
"You have only just returned from your inspection of the trading post. If you are tired, you may rest."
"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. But I am fine."
I answered while still kneeling.
"I was simply captivated because I had the honor of seeing His Majesty the Demon King again after so long. I apologize."
"—!?"
"I will be more careful from now on, so please forgive me."
"N-no... It is fine. That is nothing to worry about."
Demon King Lukie cleared her throat beneath her mask.
Then she looked around at everyone gathered in the hall and said,
"It was Kelv and me who arrived here without warning. It is only natural for everyone in Raizenga's Domain to be confused."
Lukie began speaking slowly in a voice filled with dignity.
"As I said earlier, I came here to hear Flame General Raizenga's report on the 'Magic Beast Investigation.' From now on, we will also need to conduct various negotiations with the Empire. After discussing matters with Raizenga by letter, I decided that we would establish a headquarters for dealing with the situation here."
"Oh..."
The people of Raizenga's Domain sighed at Lukie's words.
After waiting for the sound to die down, Lukie continued.
"Here, near the border, we should be able to respond quickly to anything that happens. We also need to reassure the people, who have been shaken by the appearance of a new species of Magic Beast. Therefore, Kelv and I will remain here for some time."
Demon King Lukie looked toward Chancellor Kelv-san and nodded.
Taking that as his cue, Kelv-san began speaking with a parchment in hand.
"We will station civil officials at the headquarters to analyze the situation and coordinate our response. Specifically, they will handle negotiations with Noza Town, the imperial capital, and Grand Duke Karon Reestan. Once matters have settled down, the headquarters will be dissolved."
Looking around at the people in the residence, including me, Kelv-san continued.
"Everyone in Raizenga's Domain will also be asked to cooperate. We appreciate your assistance."
"Understood!"
The people of the residence and the Minotaur soldiers all raised their voices at once.
"However, Chancellor, if possible, we would have appreciated being informed a little earlier."
The red-bearded man—the general's adjutant—raised his hand and spoke.
"That way, we could have prepared a proper welcome throughout the domain."
"I apologize for the late notice. However, there was a reason we had to hurry."
Chancellor Kelv-san said this.
"This was the right time to move a large number of soldiers within the Demon King's Domain."
Then Lukie in her Demon King form took over the explanation.
"The Empire was involved in this 'Magic Beast Summoning,' and the imperial Grand Duke has confirmed as much. At this time, the Empire cannot object even if we move a large number of soldiers. We are deploying them to reassure the people who were shaken by the Empire's actions."
"...I see."
"With many soldiers stationed here, the people will feel safer. We can also assist with the development of the mines. For those shaken by the appearance of the new Magic Beasts, the soldiers will serve as a source of reassurance."
With that, Lukie nodded.
As expected of Demon King Lukie. It was a precise response.
Normally, stationing a large number of soldiers in the border region would put the Empire on alert. They might wonder whether we were gathering soldiers in preparation for an invasion.
But the 'Magic Beast Investigation' had made it clear that people from the Empire had summoned the Magic Beasts. General Raizenga and Grand Duke Karon Reestan of the Empire had confirmed it.
The Grand Duke himself had fought the Magic Beast and admitted that imperial soldiers had caused damage in the Demon King's Domain.
Under those circumstances, the Empire couldn't object to us moving soldiers.
If we had moved them to reassure people shaken by the Magic Beasts, then all responsibility for the situation lay with the Empire.
As expected of Demon King Lukie Evergard.
A king who made accurate decisions and acted quickly was truly reassuring.
"...By the way, it seems it will still be some time before Raizenga returns."
Demon King Lukie suddenly murmured.
"If I recall correctly, Raizenga is proceeding slowly so as not to alarm the imperial citizens?"
"Yes. Soldiers from the Grand Duchy are accompanying him as far as the border. They are probably discussing how they will conduct their future exchanges by now."
"I see. But we must make effective use of our time."
After hearing Chancellor Kelv-san's report, Lukie looked toward me.
"Then I shall use this time to hear from someone who participated in the 'Magic Beast Investigation.' Is anyone here who took part in it? Preferably someone who was present at the negotiations between Raizenga and the Grand Duke?"
"...Yes, Your Majesty the Demon King."
I raised my hand.
Or rather, wasn't that effectively calling me out by name...?
"I... that is, Alchemist Thor Kanan, was present at the negotiations between the general and the imperial Grand Duke."
"I see. Then let us hear your story in another room."
Demon King Lukie thought for a moment before saying this.
"I apologize, but could you prepare a room for us? Preferably somewhere near the kitchen. Mabel may join us as well. I would like to drink tea brewed by you for the first time in a while."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Mabel answered from beside me.
Preparations began immediately.
While I spoke with Lukie, Agnis was to prepare a welcome for the Demon King's party as General Raizenga's representative. Apparently she would also tell them about the 'Magic Beast Investigation.'
Of course, what happened at the trading post was a secret.
That was why Lukie had just said that we had been 'inspecting the trading post.'
The matter of Princess Sophia and Princess Riana would be an absolute secret known only to me, Mabel, Agnis—and Lukie.
"Agnis Freizad, I gratefully accept your goodwill. As your father Raizenga's representative, welcome everyone on our behalf."
"Y-yes, Your Majesty the Demon King!"
"It pleases me to see you so lively now that you've shed your armor."
Lukie spoke to the nervous Agnis.
"If you wish to work as Raizenga's representative, there is no reason for you to hold back. We shall be in your care for a while, Agnis."
"I-I am honored by your words."
Agnis bowed deeply.
"B-but Agnis was able to become free entirely because of Alchemist Thor Kanan-sama..."
"Indeed. Then I shall ask this man in great detail what he did this time."
Um, Your Majesty the Demon King.
Could it be that you're wearing a fearless smile beneath that mask?
I feel some strange pressure coming from you...
"Kelv and the others are to prepare for the establishment of the headquarters. Clerk Erte, explain this area to Kelv and the other soldiers. It is important for them to understand the terrain as well."
"Thank you for Your Majesty's gracious consideration."
Chancellor Kelv-san bowed.
"Then we shall hear about the 'Magic Beast Investigation' from Agnis."
"Y-yes! Agnis will explain everything in detail!"
Agnis nodded again, her face tense.
"We would also like to hear about Agnis-sama's accomplishments."
"We are eager to hear how the general's daughter worked so hard."
"We have heard that Thor-sama's magic item was extremely useful."
The Minotaurs cheered at Agnis's words.
Hearing them, Agnis turned bright red and said,
"The one who accomplished all that was Alchemist Thor Kanan-sama's 'Cleaning Robot.' I think it would be faster to show you that!"
"Ah, yes. Quite right."
Indeed, the 'Cleaning Robot' would be useful for explaining the 'Magic Beast Investigation.'
If everyone saw it in action, they would understand its functions and effects.
I took the spherical 'Cleaning Robot' out of the 'Ultra-Compact Simple Storage.'
"Here you are, Agnis-sama."
"Ah, thank you very much."
Agnis handed the 'Cleaning Robot' to Chancellor Kelv-san and said,
"Now then. I will explain this little one's accomplishments in detail."
"...We shall be counting on you."
Chancellor Kelv-san murmured in a solemn voice.
Come to think of it, Kelv-san had designed the spherical model.
The reason Kelv-san looked so gloomy might have been that he was worried whether the thing he had designed had actually worked properly.
Everyone else—the Minotaurs and Clerk Erte as well—knew that Kelv-san had designed the spherical model.
That was why they were all looking at Kelv-san with shining eyes.
"Then shall I hear the story from Thor and Mabel?"
Demon King Lukie murmured.
As expected, she seemed to be smiling beneath her mask.
"I have a mountain of things I wish to discuss. I want you to tell me all about them until I am satisfied."
And so I ended up heading to the guest room with Demon King Lukie.
"Hehe. As expected, I feel at ease inside Thor's 'Simple Storage.'"
Demon King Lukie said this.
This was inside the 'Simple Storage' placed in a guest room in a corner of General Raizenga's residence.
Only Lukie, Mabel, and I were here.
Everyone had been cleared from the area around the room, and guards were standing in the corridor.
Lukie had arranged things so that we could speak freely.
Naturally, Lukie was in her true form now.
In fact, the moment we entered the 'Simple Storage,' she had taken off her mask and robe herself.
Apparently, her reasoning was, 'You'll just make me take them off soon anyway.' I felt a little bad.
Mabel brewed the tea she had just bought.
After serving it, she said, "I'll go get some honey from the kitchen. It's delicious drizzled over baked sweets," and went outside.
She seemed happy to have a tea party with Lukie again after so long.
Of course, I was happy, too.
There were many things I wanted to talk about with Lukie.
But—
"Now then, Thor. Tell me what happened."
—I was a little concerned by Lukie's extremely pleasant smile.
Why did I feel more pressure from her now than when she was wearing the mask?
"The report on the 'Magic Beast Investigation' can wait. Tell me this first. You met an imperial princess at the trading post, didn't you?"
"Yes. I was supposed to simply speak with Princess Sophia, but..."
"Hmm... So it was not simply a conversation?"
Lukie leaned across the table.
"Answer me, Thor. You said you were going to the trading post to speak with Princess Sophia of the Empire. What actually happened?"
"Actually... it wasn't just Princess Sophia. Princess Riana was there, too."
"...What?"
Lukie shrugged and sat back down in her chair.
"I see. That makes sense. Princess Riana had also participated in the 'Magic Beast Investigation.' If her twin sister, Princess Sophia, was meeting Thor, she might well have attended as well. So that's what happened?"
"Yes. Princess Riana taught me how to wield the Holy Sword."
"I see. She taught you how to wield the Holy Sword... Wait, Thor."
"What is it?"
"Did the princess summon you in order to teach you how to wield the Holy Sword? Does the imperial princess feel such affection for you, Thor...?"
"No. While we were talking, Princess Riana said she wanted to thank me for helping her during the 'Magic Beast Investigation.'"
I explained.
"I told her there was no need to thank me. But Princess Riana didn't seem satisfied with that. So I had her teach me how to wield the Holy Sword."
"Princess Riana... She is more dutiful than I expected."
"She regretted treating me like a tool before."
"The Minister of Military Affairs, Zagran, was with her at the time. Princess Riana and that man seemed unusually close. Perhaps she had been influenced by him."
"Princess Sophia says that she will properly educate Princess Riana from now on."
"Hmm. Then let us see what she can do."
Lukie grinned.
"By the way, why did you go out of your way to ask about wielding the Holy Sword?"
"Because I'm an alchemist."
"No, no. It was a reward from the princess, wasn't it? If you were going to accept something, wouldn't you have preferred something more valuable?"
"Hmm. But there isn't anything in particular I want. Lukie-sama pays my salary, and I can make whatever I need myself."
"...Giving a present to an alchemist is difficult, isn't it?"
"Besides, I promised before that I would give you a magic sword, Lukie-sama."
"...What?"
Lukie stared at me with her mouth hanging open.
Then she opened her eyes as wide as possible and said,
"Y-you asked an imperial princess to teach you how to wield the Holy Sword for that!? She said she wanted to thank you, didn't she!? You should have asked for something for yourself!"
"It is for myself. Making magic swords is fun, after all."
It was fun even just to make one.
If I managed to create something cool, that made me even happier.
If Lukie equipped it, just watching her use it would make me excited.
Having her use the magic sword, point out its flaws, and then improving it would be fun, too.
And if the magic sword helped Lukie, that would be the best of all.
"See? That's five benefits in one go."
"...Thor."
"If I understand how the Holy Sword handles magic power, it will help me make magic swords. There was no way I could pass up an opportunity like this. And yet you're saying I should have asked Princess Riana for a different reward... What do you think I am, Lukie-sama?"
"What else could I possibly call you besides a surprise-and-delight alchemist?"
"...Let's set that aside for now."
"...Y-yes."
"Sorry, but it seems I won't be able to start making the magic sword right away."
I said this.
"There are some items I need to make first. So the magic sword may have to wait a little longer. I really want to make it my top priority and give you a magic sword, Lukie-sama, but..."
"I don't mind. Make it at your own pace, Thor."
"Right. I'll do it when you have some free time, Lukie-sama."
"When I have some free time?"
"I'll need your help when I make the magic sword."
"Help? I don't mind."
"Thank you. Since it will be a magic sword made specifically for you, Lukie-sama, I need to proceed while checking how your magic power flows through it."
"...Hm?"
"Princess Riana demonstrated how to swing the Holy Sword and how to channel magic power through it. I more or less understand the flow of magic power within the body now. If I do the same with you, Lukie-sama, I can make a magic sword that suits you perfectly—"
"—!? Cough, cough, hack, ahem!"
"L-Lukie-sama!?"
"Thor! A-are you telling me to pose as though I were swinging a sword in the bath!?"
...Oh.
"N-no, that's not what I meant!"
"R-really!?"
"No matter how you put it, that's too much..."
"I see. Since it is you, Thor, I assumed you thought that having me do the same thing as the princess would make developing the magic sword go more smoothly—"
"—Ah."
"What was that 'Ah' just now!? Hey, look at me, Thor!"
As expected of Demon King Lukie Evergard.
There was nothing wrong with that idea.
If Lukie did the same thing as Princess Riana, it would speed up the development of the magic sword.
If I had her swing a prototype magic sword and explain in detail which parts of her body she poured magic power from into the sword and how she felt the flow of magic power within her body, the work should proceed smoothly.
I see—
"You mustn't, Thor-sama."
Clunk.
Mabel placed a plate of baked sweets in front of us.
Apparently she had returned from the kitchen without my noticing.
Mabel drizzled honey over the baked sweets, then stared at me intently and said,
"You mustn't have His Majesty the Demon King swing a sword while wearing bathing clothes, Thor-sama."
"...I know, Mabel."
I nodded.
I knew. I was also one of Demon King Lukie's subordinates.
There was no way I would put bathing clothes on Lukie and have her swing a sword—
...I suppose I could cooperate a little."
"Huh?"
"Thor is trying to make a magic sword for my sake, after all..."
Lukie said this and nodded.
Apparently, she herself didn't particularly mind.
Mabel stared at Lukie and me for a while, but—
"In that case, I think it would be better for you to wear something other than bathing clothes."
She said this after thinking for a moment.
"Bathing clothes are meant to be worn when taking a bath. That inevitably means they cover less of the body. If you move vigorously, they may slip out of place."
"Hmm. But couldn't we just move slowly?"
"Even so. Accidents can happen when someone gets carried away demonstrating sword forms."
"Oh, do they?"
"They do happen. Probably. I haven't actually confirmed it myself."
"I see."
"The wraparound type in particular seems dangerous. The ties come undone easily. Sometimes you can see the untied strings through the gaps in the steam and light."
"You say that as though you've seen it yourself."
"...It was only a prediction. Really."
Mabel turned away as she said this.
I see.
In that case, I needed to think of clothes for experimenting with the magic sword.
I wanted something that made the body's movements easy to see and wouldn't shift or fall off.
I seem to remember seeing something like that in the 'Mail-Order Catalog.'
It should have been in the 'Seasonal Products' section. I would look into it later.
"That's how it is, Lukie-sama. We'll work on the magic sword once you have some free time and I've finished the experimental clothes."
"I-I see. Quite right."
Lukie nodded at my words.
"Thor is correct. It would be better to make the magic sword after we have dealt with the other matters."
"Right. We also need to hear the Grand Duke's story and make the item for improving the water facilities."
"There are so many things you need to make."
"There really are. It's becoming a problem."
"...Do I look troubled, Mabel?"
"No. Your eyes are sparkling, Thor-sama."
"Thought so."
Lukie and Mabel drank their tea, then laughed.
After that, we talked about what had happened at the trading post.
We discussed Princess Sophia and Princess Riana, Mabel and Agnis dressing up, and our shopping.
Once we had finished discussing everything—
"Lukie-sama, regarding hearing the Grand Duke's story in Noza Town, may I have your permission?"
I asked Lukie.
An alchemist directly serving the Demon King was going to meet with an imperial Grand Duke.
I needed to obtain permission, just in case.
"Of course. You have my permission."
Lukie nodded readily.
"This is an opportunity to hear valuable information about the Empire. We cannot let it pass us by."
"Of course, I will tell you everything I hear as well, Lukie-sama."
"Understood. I shall prepare myself mentally."
"I will tell you Grand Duke Karon's words word for word."
"No, that is obviously impossible."
"I'll try. That will be all right, won't it?"
"No, no, you don't need to push yourself—"
"I'll do my best. So—"
"........"
"........"
"Thor."
"Yes?"
"Tell me honestly. What do you want to make this time?"
"As expected of you, Lukie-sama. You read my mind."
"Anyone could tell. Isn't that right, Mabel?"
"Yes. I had already heard about it. I realized what you meant when you said 'everything I hear.'"
Lukie and Mabel narrowed their eyes and stared at me.
Both of them were far too perceptive.
"Actually, I found an item in the 'Mail-Order Catalog' that combines combat and voice recording."
"An item that combines combat and voice recording!?"
"What's more, it seems to be connected to one of the five most powerful spellcasters among the Otherworldly Heroes."
At my words, Lukie and Mabel opened their eyes wide.
Well, I hadn't told Mabel even this much before.
"Do you and Mabel know about the 'Instant Caster,' the Otherworldly Hero who was called the fastest spellcaster among the Otherworldly Heroes?"
"...I know of it."
Lukie nodded in a tense voice.
"The spellcaster was also apparently called the 'Interrupt Caster' because they could activate magic without an incantation and interrupt their opponent's magic."
"I know about that spellcaster, too. They used a huge number of spells at terrifying speed, so they were also called the 'Infinite Caster,' weren't they?"
"That's right."
"I doubt there is anyone who does not know of them."
"That spellcaster was famous among the Otherworldly Heroes. In fact, I hear they even went around calling themselves by those aliases."
I see.
That hero had apparently made something called business cards and handed them out at the time.
Their aliases were written on the cards.
'Instant Caster'—'Instant Caster.'
'Interrupt Caster'—'Interrupt Caster.'
'Infinite Caster'—'Infinite Caster.'
All of them were self-proclaimed names. They had even been written in various languages.
The business cards themselves had disappeared, but proper records remained.
Apparently, that spellcaster could cast magic without an incantation—or chant spells several times faster—and interrupt their opponent's magic. Their magic level wasn't particularly high, but they could use an overwhelming number of spells. That was why the name 'Infinite Caster' had remained.
I had always wondered about the source of that ability, but—
"There was an item in the 'Mail-Order Catalog' that could record a voice and hurl it at someone. Judging from its name, it might be connected to that spellcaster."
I opened the 'Mail-Order Catalog' in front of Lukie and Mabel.
"The item's name is 'Voice Recorder'—or 'IC Recorder.'"
"'IC Recorder'?"
"Could that be the one belonging to the 'Infinite Caster'?"
"Furthermore... it says here, 'With this Voice Recorder, even your unpleasant boss gets knocked out.' I think 'boss' refers to someone above the Hero. And so—"
I began explaining.
The effects and power of the terrifying combat item, the 'IC Recorder.'