Chapter 108
──The next day, at General Raizenga's domain──
The next day, Flame General Raizenga arrived in his domain.
He returned in orderly formation beneath the banner of the Demon King's Domain.
The residents cheered as they welcomed the general's triumphant return.
The 'Magic Beast Investigation' had been a tremendous success.
Raizenga's forces had worked with the forces from 'Noza Town' to identify and capture the people who had been controlling the new Magic Beasts.
They had defeated the gigantic scorpion, 'Magic Beast Nozerias,' without even crossing swords.
They had also rescued the Empire's Grand Duke and princess.
On top of that, they had formed a friendship with Grand Duke Karon, the former Sword Saint.
The achievements of Flame General Raizenga and his soldiers were beyond measure.
Everyone believed that Demon King Lukie Evergald had come to praise General Raizenga and his soldiers──
"Long live His Majesty Demon King Lukie Evergald!"
"Praise for General Raizenga's achievements!"
"Glory to the Demon King's Domain!"
Raizenga proceeded while surrounded by the cheers of the people.
There was not the slightest sign of fatigue on his dignified face.
The soldiers under his command also proceeded slowly, waving to the residents.
Before long, the residence came into view.
Raizenga immediately looked toward the second floor.
That was his beloved daughter Agnis's room.
Agnis stood on the balcony of the room. She was wearing a dress made from the 'Earth Magic-Woven Cloth' Thor had given her.
The 'Earth Magic-Woven Cloth' was fire-resistant. It would not burn even if Agnis emitted flames.
Of course, Agnis's ignition ability was under control thanks to the 'Health Enhancement Pendant.' Even so, perhaps because of her years of habit, Agnis felt uneasy wearing ordinary clothes. Thor had taken that into account and made the 'Earth Magic-Woven Cloth' for her.
Raizenga was sincerely grateful to Thor for that.
That was why he had prepared a room in the residence where Thor could stay at any time. Naturally, it was next to Agnis's room.
The two rooms were connected by a balcony. It would be easy for Agnis, when her spirits were high, to sneak into Thor's room.
And now Demon King Lukie and Chancellor Kelv had come as well.
That meant Thor should stay at the residence for at least a day, as a matter of courtesy toward Demon King Lukie.
Perhaps this would be an opportunity for the feelings of Agnis and Thor, who had grown excited during the battle with 'Magic Beast Nozerias,' to draw closer together.
However, Agnis would not be able to relax with her father around.
Thinking this, Raizenga had taken his time returning, giving his subordinates a chance to rest as well.
"Welcome home, Father!"
Agnis waved to Raizenga with a smile.
Thor and Mabel stood beside her.
Judging by the distance between Agnis and Thor──there seemed to have been no change in their relationship.
(Good! Then I shall wait for the next opportunity!)
Raizenga changed his frame of mind.
He straightened his expression and turned his gaze toward the people in front of the residence.
Demon King Lukie and Chancellor Kelv stood before the entrance.
Seeing his masked liege, Raizenga instinctively straightened his back.
Demon King Lukie was still young, but his abilities and achievements were astounding.
He had defeated the 'Magic Beast Galgarossa' ravaging Raizenga's domain and the giant centipede──which the fortress commander had called 'Magic Beast Bazrafud'──in an instant, and had even consulted with the Empire's princess and built a trading post in the border region.
No Demon King had ever achieved so much in such a short time.
Looking forward to his future reign, Raizenga stepped forward before Demon King Lukie.
"Thank you for welcoming us, Your Majesty the Demon King! Flame General Raizenga and all my men have returned!"
"Indeed. You have done well with the investigation in Imperial territory."
Demon King Lukie Evergald spoke to Raizenga, who had knelt on the ground.
"Operations in unfamiliar territory must also have been difficult for your soldiers."
The Demon King continued while looking over Raizenga and the soldiers.
"However, thanks to all of you, the problem of the new Magic Beasts has been resolved. We were also able to capture the mastermind behind the Magic Beast summoning. This is a great achievement. As the ruler of the Demon King's Domain, I, Demon King Lukie, would like to thank you."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
"Thank you!!"
The soldiers under Raizenga's command echoed his words.
Demon King Lukie nodded and said,
"The Chancellor, Kelv, will speak with you about your rewards and special allowances later. But first, get some rest. Food has also been prepared. Eat and drink your fill, everyone, and soothe the fatigue of your journey."
Then Demon King Lukie said in a cheerful tone,
"Hehe. Under ordinary circumstances, I would like to set off fireworks to celebrate your achievements. Unfortunately, we could not prepare them in time. Instead, we have plenty of food and drink. Wash away the grime of your journey, then eat and drink your fill!!"
"Ooooooooooh!!"
Hearing those words, the soldiers raised a cheer.
The people gathered in front of the residence also applauded.
There were makeshift tents around the people, with food and drinks lined up beneath them. They must have prepared everything to coincide with Raizenga's return.
From this point on, it would become a festival where soldiers and residents mingled without formalities.
Raizenga would have liked to join them, but──
"My apologies, Raizenga."
"Yes, Your Majesty the Demon King. You wish to hear my report?"
"Indeed. I would like you to tell me in your own words about the results of interrogating the ringleader and your conversation with the Grand Duke. Could you come once you have made yourself presentable?"
"Understood!"
Raizenga raised his voice.
"I shall wash the dust from my journey away before coming, so that I do not show disrespect to Your Majesty."
"Good. That will do. Then I shall say this once more: soldiers of Raizenga's domain, you have done well! Everyone, celebrate the return of these great soldiers!!"
"Ooooooooooh────!!"
At Demon King Lukie's words, the soldiers and the people of Raizenga's domain raised another cheer.
Afterward, the soldiers bathed and washed away the grime of their journey──
Then they enjoyed a meal together with the people in the prepared tents.
An hour later, the Demon King, Chancellor Kelv, and Flame General Raizenga had gathered in the great hall.
Their purpose was to hear the report on the 'Magic Beast Investigation' and decide how to respond afterward.
A large table and chairs had been prepared in the great hall.
The doors were closed, and entry and exit were prohibited except in emergencies. This was to prevent information from leaking.
"Then, General Raizenga, please give us your report."
Chancellor Kelv was the first to speak.
"I hear that you witnessed the interrogation of the person who summoned the Magic Beasts together with the Empire's Grand Duke. I understand that the Empire's Grand Duke requested this."
"That is correct. Grand Duke Karon of the Empire disclosed all the information to us."
If they had only heard the results of the interrogation from the Grand Duke, there would inevitably have been room for doubt.
They might have protected one another as fellow citizens of the Empire──that was the concern.
The Grand Duke Karon had likely had Raizenga attend in order to avoid that suspicion.
And Grand Duke Karon had said:
'I do not wish to make enemies of you.'
'Princess Riana also wishes to establish a friendship with you.'
'Above all, I do not wish to betray you after you informed us about the Magic Beasts.'
'Especially now that I know you blew away two Magic Beast Nozerias at once.'
──Those were his words.
"I believe there was no chance that the Grand Duke would protect the mastermind or coordinate his story with him."
After conveying Grand Duke Karon's words, Raizenga addressed Demon King Lukie.
Demon King Lukie nodded silently.
Chancellor Kelv beside him also answered, "I believe the general's opinion."
After confirming their reactions, Raizenga said,
"I shall now give the rest of my report. The person who carried out the Magic Beast summoning was the fortress commander, Geralt Tsenger, and the person who gave him his orders was apparently a subordinate of an Imperial official, the Minister of Magic. The Grand Duke told us the Minister of Magic's name. He said it was a man named Azim Rajin."
"...What?"
"...We knew that the mastermind was an Imperial citizen, but we had no idea that a high-ranking official in the Imperial capital was involved."
Chancellor Kelv and Demon King Lukie both held their breath.
Raizenga continued his report.
While the interrogation was taking place, Raizenga's subordinates and the Grand Duke's subordinates worked together to search the fortress.
During that search, they found a letter from a high-ranking Imperial official.
The Minister of Magic's signature was unmistakably written on it.
When they showed the letter──Fortress Commander Geralt Tsenger hung his head as though a blade had been pressed against his throat.
That letter was proof of their crimes.
"The letter──instructed them to conduct experiments with summoning magic near the border of Imperial territory. It seems the purpose was to control Magic Beasts and use them in the war the Empire is waging in the south."
"A way to break the deadlock on the prolonged southern front?"
"Precisely. Struggling against a small country would tarnish the Empire's reputation as the strongest. The Empire had to remain the strongest. I believe they attempted to control Magic Beasts with that in mind."
"They intended to use Magic Beasts as a trump card in war...?"
"The perpetrator stated that they had originally intended to recreate Hero Summoning."
Raizenga and Kelv continued exchanging information.
This incident had begun when Imperial researchers tried to recreate 'Hero Summoning.'
They had been researching summoning magic in order to call another Hero from another world.
Because the previous summoning magic had ceased to work, they modified part of the formula and developed summoning magic that used a catalyst.
However, no Hero from another world appeared.
The result of the experiment was a Magic Beast unlike anything they had ever seen.
Naturally, that Magic Beast was destroyed. But the researchers then considered controlling Magic Beasts.
Geralt Tsenger and the others had been given their orders for that experiment.
"That is what appears to be the truth behind this entire incident."
With those words, Raizenga concluded his report.
"...What a troublesome matter."
Lukie spoke.
To the Empire, Heroes from another world were a trump card.
It was understandable that they would want to summon one to this world again.
But Lukie had never imagined that they would develop new summoning magic for that purpose.
"The magic circle was the same as that of the previous summoning magic... They modified the formula and added a catalyst. They were probably trying to strengthen the spell."
Lukie remembered the metal plate Thor had recovered.
That had probably been the key item for the new summoning magic.
"In other words, this incident was the result of an experiment with new summoning magic."
"Yes. Since the new Magic Beast was dangerous, they wanted to conduct the experiment as far from the Imperial capital as possible."
"So they were not targeting the Demon King's Domain?"
"That is correct. Conversely, they conducted the second Magic Beast summoning within the Empire because they feared the Demon King's Domain."
The Demon King's Army had easily defeated 'Magic Beast Galgarossa' and the swarm of tiny spiders.
More precisely, Demon King Lukie had wiped them out with 'Dark Magic.'
At that point, they had apparently realized the danger of making an enemy of the Demon King's Domain.
"...And yet they did not stop the experiment?"
Chancellor Kelv murmured as though confirming the point.
"I understand the circumstances. Then is there any guarantee that no further summoning experiments will be conducted?"
"They require a magic circle, an incantation, and a catalyst to perform the summoning. The Grand Duke promised to seal the documents containing the magic circle and incantation. The catalyst was recovered in my presence and reduced to ash in the flames."
Raizenga answered.
"The Grand Duke appeared desperate to avoid making an enemy of the Demon King's Domain. The fortress commander also seemed terrified of us. He said, 'To blow away two Magic Beasts at once with a Meteor...'"
"...Is that so?"
"...That is what happened."
"Was that also why the Empire's Grand Duke was so cooperative with the general?"
"The 'Meteor Imitation' destroying 'Magic Beast Nozerias' was surely related."
"The fact that the forces of the Demon King's Domain and 'Noza Town' were able to reach the fortress at all was also thanks to the 'Robot Vacuum Cleaner' that tracked the traces left by the Magic Beasts."
"After seeing something like that, it would be only natural for them to be frightened."
"If another 'Magic Beast Summoning' were performed, we would know who was responsible immediately."
"Those two magic items will serve as a deterrent."
"......"
"......"
Raizenga and Kelv suddenly looked up at the ceiling.
The alchemist who had created those items was on the second floor of the residence.
By now, he should have been preparing to leave.
There had been talk of having him participate in the council, but for the sake of keeping the information confidential, and because the civil officials had said, "He is probably making something strange again, so we should not disturb him," it had not happened.
They were supposed to speak with him after the council ended, at least.
"In any case, it appears that everything was caused by a mistake in a magical experiment."
"I understand that."
Raizenga and Kelv returned to the matter at hand.
"However, if the experiment had succeeded, there remains a possibility that its power might have been directed at the Demon King's Domain."
"Indeed. As a countermeasure, we should increase the soldiers stationed along the border and deploy 'Robot Vacuum Cleaners' as standard equipment."
Raizenga placed a bundle of parchment on the table.
"We recorded the testimony obtained in Imperial territory here and had Fortress Commander Geralt Tsenger sign it. We also obtained the signature of Grand Duke Karon Riistan as proof that he heard the testimony alongside us. Please confirm it, Your Majesty the Demon King."
"Understood. You have done well, Raizenga."
Demon King Lukie nodded after hearing the report.
"The Demon King's Domain will formally protest to the Empire. If the person entrusted with an Imperial fortress performed Magic Beast Summoning and a high-ranking Imperial official was behind it, they cannot make excuses. All the more so because Grand Duke Karon heard the testimony with you."
"We shall calculate the damage we suffered and send them a bill."
Chancellor Kelv took up Demon King Lukie's words.
"The Empire will pay the price for what it has done."
"Indeed. Let us send a letter to the Imperial capital."
"We should also use this opportunity to strengthen security throughout the Demon King's Domain."
"I agree. I believe we should build a fortress in the border region. A mine is about to be developed there, so it would also serve as an ideal base for the work."
"I believe that is an excellent plan."
"Normally, whenever we move soldiers in the border region, the Empire responds by sending more soldiers of its own... But it will be difficult for them to do so now. This is an excellent opportunity."
"In addition, I believe we should demand in writing that the Empire prohibit the summoning of Magic Beasts and Heroes as taboo practices."
Chancellor Kelv declared firmly.
"They were unable to control the new Magic Beast completely. We cannot allow such a thing to be used on a battlefield. It could run wild and cause unexpected damage. We should have the Empire formally acknowledge this failure, then demand that it prohibit the summoning of Magic Beasts and Heroes."
"Indeed. I agree with Kelv."
"I agree as well."
Demon King Lukie and Raizenga nodded.
Then General Raizenga drew the documents toward him and said,
"Regarding compensation for the damage, Grand Duke Karon Riistan clearly stated, 'If no compensation comes from the Imperial capital, the Grand Duchy will provide an appropriate amount.' He also gave us a written pledge."
"The Empire's Grand Duke is a man of honor."
"If he were the Emperor, this would never have happened."
"Did the Empire's Grand Duke say anything else?"
"He said that he wished to establish relations with the Demon King's Domain in the future."
Raizenga answered while looking over the documents.
"As a sign of friendship, he wishes to send one of his relatives as an envoy. He wants that person to stay here for a while so that our relations can deepen."
"That is worth considering."
"...However, the Grand Duke himself seems intent on confronting the high-ranking officials in the Imperial capital."
General Raizenga continued.
He said that as a blood relative of the current Emperor, he also bore responsibility for what the Empire had become.
Therefore, he would question the high-ranking officials and lodge a complaint with the Emperor and the others.
He said that only he, as the Grand Duke, could do so.
"──That is what the Empire's Grand Duke said."
"Being part of the imperial family of a great power must also be difficult."
Lukie sighed.
"Very well. Our policy of establishing a headquarters for countermeasures remains unchanged. We will use this residence as our headquarters for the time being and continue negotiations with the Empire. If the Grand Duke wishes to maintain ties with us, that should also work to our advantage."
"Understood. We shall strengthen security in the border region for the time being."
"If we build a fortress in the mining district, that will give me more work to do. I could not ask for more."
Kelv and Raizenga nodded.
Then Demon King Lukie looked at the two of them and said,
"This 'Magic Beast Summoning' was a troublesome incident for the Demon King's Domain. However, we were also able to earn the trust of the people in the border region. That is a blessing in disguise."
Demon King Lukie spoke in a gentle tone.
"I fought alongside Princess Sophia of the Empire and defeated the giant centipede Magic Beast──the one called 'Magic Beast Bazrafud.' Raizenga's forces also worked with 'Noza Town' to identify the culprit behind the Magic Beast Summoning. The Demon King's Domain protected the peace of the border. The people of the border region recognize that fact as well, do they not?"
"Yes. Thanks to that, the trading post in the border region is thriving."
"My forces also grew close to the 'Omewari-san Unit.'"
"These developments will lead to the development of the Demon King's Domain through trade, and──to obtaining information about the Empire. This truly is a blessing in disguise, but... let us make use of this opportunity."
"Understood!"
Chancellor Kelv and General Raizenga bowed to the Demon King.
The council had reached its conclusion.
For the time being, the problem of the new Magic Beast had been dealt with.
The border region had settled down, and the people nearby had relaxed their wariness toward the Demon King's Domain.
From now on, they should deepen their relations and work toward the development of the Demon King's Domain.
The mastermind had been detained, and the Grand Duke of the Empire had decided that he would be punished.
Furthermore, the Demon King's Domain had obtained information about the mastermind. The Empire could not simply deny knowing anything about it.
Moreover, the Demon King's Domain could make use of the information from the Magic Beast Investigation.
The Empire was currently waging war in the south.
If they spread information about the Magic Beast Summoning there──it would have a major impact.
The soldiers fighting the Empire would believe that Magic Beasts were going to ravage their country and would begin resisting desperately.
The Imperial soldiers, meanwhile, would also be shaken.
Therefore, the documents from this investigation would become a trump card in diplomacy.
It was the duty of the civil officials, led by Chancellor Kelv, to use them to extract concessions.
"If another new Magic Beast appears, it will be entirely the Empire's responsibility."
Demon King Lukie said this as he brought the discussion to a close.
"We have gathered all the evidence. We can use it to appeal to every country about the Empire's wrongdoing. Of course, the Empire must understand that as well."
"The catalyst for the summoning magic also appears to have been destroyed."
"Indeed. I saw the Grand Duke burn the catalyst myself."
"But I am curious. Raizenga, what sort of thing was the catalyst?"
"Please tell us, General."
"It was nothing unusual. It was simply an old piece of cloth."
Raizenga said,
"It was a cloth said to have been brought by a Hero... probably something like a handkerchief. I suspect it was a key for connecting to the Hero's world. They used it as a catalyst to perform the summoning magic."
"But what came was a new Magic Beast. Summoning magic is unstable, is it not?"
Chancellor Kelv muttered while folding his arms.
"I wonder what sort of person the mage was who summoned the Heroes of old without a catalyst. How did they develop Hero Summoning magic? Why did it stop working? My curiosity is endless."
"That means there are two types of summoning magic in this world."
After hearing Kelv's words, Demon King Lukie murmured,
"The first summoning magic stopped working. Therefore, the Imperial mages created summoning magic that used a catalyst. What we obtained this time was the magic circle and formula for a new type of summoning magic."
"However, both types of summoning magic failed."
"It is strange. What do you think, Kelv?"
"I do not know. We have far too little information to determine that."
"What if we had the elf forces research it?"
"That would be difficult. To learn the result, we would have to perform the summoning magic. Whether a Hero or a Magic Beast came as a result, it would harm the Demon King's Domain."
"Indeed, that would be difficult."
Demon King Lukie and Chancellor Kelv folded their arms.
Watching them, Raizenga suddenly seemed to think of something and said,
"Well... An alchemist of unparalleled ability might be able to make the summoning magic succeed."
"──!?"
Lukie and Kelv's eyes widened at those words.
Without noticing, Raizenga continued,
"The magic can be activated if there is a catalyst. For example, an item or document from another world... If we had something like that──"
"My apologies, Your Majesty! There is something I must confirm! Please excuse me from the council!!"
"U-um, very well."
Kelv stood up with a deathly pale face.
The Demon King nodded reflexively.
Perhaps taking that as permission, Chancellor Kelv quickly knelt on the floor and bowed.
"Then, please excuse me! I shall return shortly, so please forgive me──!"
And so Chancellor Kelv dashed out of the great hall.
──Thor's Perspective──
"A catalyst for summoning magic? Chancellor, this 'Mail-Order Catalog' may indeed be from the Hero world, but more importantly, it is a precious alchemy reference book to me. What would happen if I used it as a catalyst and it became damaged or unreadable? You did not need to warn me; I would never do something so wasteful."
"............"
"Of course I would like to hear about items from the Hero world from a Hero. But in the end, that summoning magic only summons Magic Beasts, right? I cannot do something so dangerous. Even if a Hero came, there is no way I could talk to a warrior race like a Hero when I have no combat Skills. I know that I am weak. I would never summon a Hero from another world for no reason."
"...Y-yes."
"In other words, I have no reason to use this 'Mail-Order Catalog' as a catalyst. To begin with, there is no way I would use something this valuable as a magical catalyst. Besides, I said I would use summoning magic to make items that improve plumbing. Why would I perform Hero Summoning? Chancellor, which do you think is more important: improving plumbing or summoning a Hero?"
"...I am very sorry."
Chancellor Kelv-san hung his head dejectedly.
I was surprised, too.
I had been preparing to return to the workshop when someone suddenly knocked on the door several times. When I opened it, Kelv-san was standing there with a deathly pale face. Then he rapidly said something like, "I would like to discuss summoning magic. I want to warn you against conducting any strange experiments," so I ended up arguing back without thinking.
Well, Chancellor Kelv-san was the head of the civil officials.
As someone who governed the people, it was only natural for him to worry about all sorts of things.
"What have I done...? I was terribly disrespectful..."
"It is all right as long as you understand."
"Indeed, Thor-dono is not someone who would summon Heroes or Magic Beasts. What could I have been thinking...?"
"The chancellors have preserved oral traditions about Heroes for generations. It is only natural for you to be wary of them, Chancellor."
"Perhaps so. No, I truly am sorry."
Chancellor Kelv-san bowed his head.
"Thor-dono is an alchemist directly serving His Majesty the Demon King. Since I have treated you discourteously, I must apologize. If there is anything I can do, please tell me."
"No, you do not have to worry about it──"
"No, no. I am also the Chancellor of the Demon King's Domain. I must make amends──"
"But if you really insist, would you cooperate with an experiment involving a 'Magic Item'?"
I picked up the 'Prototype IC Recorder' that I had left on the desk.
I had thought of it and developed it that morning.
It had not only a 'Voice Recorder' function but also a simple 'Instant Cast' function.
It was large and unattractive, but it should work.
"This records magical incantations and plays them back at high speed. I would like you to cooperate with an experiment involving it."
"...What?"
"It can record a spell chanted by the user. Then, when the person who chanted it holds it and plays it back, the magic will activate. I want to conduct a durability test. Since you are willing to cooperate, Chancellor, I would be grateful if you would help."
"A-a durability test?"
"Yes. We will play it continuously to test how many times it can cast a spell. It would be best if I could do it myself, but I am bad at magic. I could ask Mabel, but... she has only just learned how to use magic, so I do not want to burden her too much."
"...I see."
"Besides, if I fire magic indiscriminately, Elte-san might get angry, right? So I thought I might involve you, Chancellor."
"...M-mmm."
"Of course, I am not insisting. You said you wanted to apologize, so I simply asked. I was planning to have the fairyfolk conduct the durability test. So you do not have to force yourself..."
"...Mmm."
"Um, Chancellor?"
"............"
"You are looking down and groaning... Is something wrong, Chancellor? Kelv-san?"
"...Very well."
"...Yes?"
"I said very well!"
Huh? Why did he look so desperate?
I was not forcing him. I only asked whether he could do it if possible.
"...Um, Chancellor."
"Thor-dono."
"Yes?"
"I would like you to conduct such experiments where I can keep an eye on you."
"...Yes."
"Besides, if you involve the fairyfolk, it could turn into something like, 'Next is an experiment with each attribute. Everyone from light, dark, earth, water, fire, and wind, take turns until the IC Recorder breaks.'"
"No, I would not go that far."
"You would not?"
"I am sorry."
"Then it would be better for me to cooperate and have you conduct the experiments where I can keep an eye on you."
Chancellor Kelv-san looked straight into my eyes and said this.
Then,
"I shall return to the council. I expect it to end by evening, so let us conduct the experiment after that. Until then, Thor-dono, please stay quietly in your room. Is that understood?"
"Yes."
"Then, please excuse me!"
Bang!
"Chancellor, that is not the hallway──"
"P-please excuse me!!"
With that, Chancellor Kelv-san ran away.
I did not really understand what was going on, but Chancellor Kelv-san apparently intended to help with the 'IC Recorder' experiment.
He really was a good person.
He was responsible, and he kept his word.
With someone like him around, the Demon King's Domain was safe.
"I have to live up to his expectations, too."
I would add a double-speed playback function to the 'IC Recorder' by evening.
The chancellor was going to take the trouble to help with the durability test.
I would add as many functions as possible, increase its magic capacity, and think about its shape afterward.
Oh dear, what a problem.
I had been planning to return to the workshop, but I had ended up with more work.
Things were about to get busy. Yes. What a problem.
And so, with Chancellor Kelv-san's cooperation, I came to conduct an experiment with the 'IC Recorder'──
Then evening arrived, and when the experiment began──
──Doga-doga-dogon-bakon-zugan-zukyuun! Zugaga-dogagaga.........
"Oh, flames are rising near the rocky area."
"I hear the chancellor is conducting a magic experiment."
"His Majesty the Demon King said they could not prepare the fireworks in time, but... I see. Is this the replacement?"
"He is activating magic at an incredible rate. Is that double speed or quadruple speed...?"
"They must have mobilized every high-ranking mage they had. This 'Magic Beast Investigation' must have been an achievement of tremendous importance."
"His Majesty the Demon King and the chancellor certainly know how to put on a show."
"Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!"
──That day, the soldiers and the people of Raizenga's domain were thoroughly entertained by the magic being fired wildly into the night sky.