Visiting General Raizenga's Mansion

──Thor's Perspective──

The day after we finished subjugating 'Magical Beast Galgarossa'──

"Thor. I shall give you this 'Alchemy Permit.'"

Lukie held out a piece of parchment bearing her signature.

Written on the parchment was: 'In the name of Demon Lord Lukie Evergald, permission is hereby granted for the alchemist Thor Kanan to use alchemy anywhere within the Demon Lord's Territory.'──

It was official authorization for me to practice alchemy anywhere in the Demon Lord's Territory.

It was only a simplified version, but it even bore the Demon Lord's crest. Amazing.

"This is only a temporary permit, but use it for now."

Lukie nodded in satisfaction at how the permit had turned out.

"The official version will be prepared and delivered after we return to the Demon Lord's Castle."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

I knelt before Lukie and bowed.

I never expected her to give it to me the day after I asked.

Lukie really is incredible.

"However, Chancellor Kelv has a request concerning that permit."

"Yes, Thor-dono."

Following Lukie's words, Chancellor Kelv-san stepped forward.

"This is a request from me as chancellor, but if you intend to distribute alchemical items to many people, I would like you to obtain permission beforehand."

"Permission?"

"Of course, there is no problem with giving them to one or two people."

Chancellor Kelv-san nodded.

"However, if Thor-dono's items are distributed widely and become commonplace, they may have a major impact on the Demon Lord's Territory as a whole. Therefore, whenever you intend to do something of that nature, I would appreciate it if you obtained permission in advance."

"Understood. I will follow your judgment, Chancellor-sama."

If magic items from the Hero's world were spread carelessly, it could cause serious trouble.

"With that in mind, I have prepared 'Magic Item Distribution Applications.'"

When the chancellor gave a signal, one of his attendants brought over a stack of parchment.

Apparently, these were the 'Magic Item Distribution Applications.'

On the front were spaces for the magic item's name and abilities, as well as the name of the person to whom I wanted to give it.

Apparently, whenever I wanted to distribute an item, I simply had to fill in the required information here.

"Do I fill in all the fields and send it to the Demon Lord's Castle?"

"Exactly. After that, Her Majesty and I will check it and send it back to you. Please do not distribute the item until then."

"Understood."

The chancellor continued explaining.

Once I had filled out the form, I was to give it to General Raizenga or one of his retainers.

They would then arrange for it to be delivered to the Demon Lord's Castle.

"If you have any questions, ask Raizenga."

Lukie said this to me after I accepted the 'Magic Item Distribution Application.'

"You may also send a letter of inquiry to the Demon Lord's Castle. Just attach a note to the application. That way, it will reach me as well. Is that correct, Kelv?"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Kelv-san nodded.

"In any case, it would help if you kept in close contact with us. If there is anything I need to confirm, I will come to see you as well. In short, make sure you communicate and report everything properly."

"Understood. Thank you as well, Your Majesty and Chancellor-sama."

I bowed to Lukie and Chancellor Kelv-san.

"Thank you for taking such good care of me. I want to see and experience many things in the general's territory, then bring what I gain back to the Demon Lord's Castle."

"You are a serious one, Thor."

"Am I?"

"This is also a vacation I am granting you. You accomplished a great deal during this subjugation of the magical beast. If I do not reward you as generously as possible, it will reflect poorly on my name."

Still wearing her mask, Lukie smiled with only her lips.

"Therefore, enjoy your vacation and journey through Raizenga's territory to the fullest. Of course, there is no problem with putting what you learn to use in your alchemy."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

I bowed to Lukie once more.

Then I turned toward Chancellor Kelv-san and said,

"Thank you for the applications as well, Chancellor-sama."

"Y-yes. Please make reasonable use of them."

"Preparing twenty of them in a single night must have been difficult. I intend to devote myself to my alchemical research so that I can live up to your expectations."

"I gave you extra copies, so you do not have to use every one of them!?"

"...I understand."

I should keep it to about half.

Sending letters from the general's territory to the Demon Lord's Castle would be difficult, after all.

After we talked for a while longer, it was time to depart.

The Demon Lord's army began forming ranks, and the door of the carriage Lukie would ride in opened.

"Raizenga, Agnis, Mabel. I entrust Thor to you."

Lukie looked at the three of them as she spoke.

"Teach Thor all about the world outside the Demon Lord's Castle. I desire that every person in the Demon Lord's Territory treat Thor as an honored guest."

General Raizenga, Agnis, and Mabel bowed at her words.

It was my first time living outside the Demon Lord's Castle, so I was a little anxious... but with Mabel, General Raizenga, and Agnis there, I thought everything would be fine.

Besides, I was not about to wander around the territory immediately.

There was something I wanted to try making as soon as we reached the general's mansion.

"Then, everyone, take care."

"Yes. Please take care on your journey as well, Your Majesty."

With Mabel, Agnis, General Raizenga──and the soldiers under the general's command──watching, Lukie's carriage and the Demon Lord's army set out.

We watched them until the procession disappeared from sight.

"Now then, Thor-dono. Let us proceed to my mansion!"

General Raizenga said this after Lukie's carriage vanished from view.

"Once we arrive, we should begin with a meal... No, perhaps I should show Thor-dono a map of the territory? Or perhaps blueprints for the mines that will be developed in the future...?"

"Father. If you talk about so many things at once, you will only confuse Thor-dono..."

"O-oh. Yes, of course."

At Agnis's words, General Raizenga scratched his head sheepishly.

"It is rare for me to welcome a friend to my mansion. I seem to have become rather excited. My apologies."

"Please do not worry about it."

"I cannot do that. Thor-dono, if there is anything you wish to say to me, tell me. Requests and things you want are fine as well. There is no need to hold back."

"...Now that you mention it."

Come to think of it, there was something I wanted to confirm.

It concerned my alchemical research, so I thought it would be better to bring it up early.

"Actually, there is something I would like to ask you, General. It is a slightly troublesome matter, though."

"Will it be a long story?"

"Only a little."

"Then let us discuss it after we return to the mansion. We will arrive shortly, and it would be better to talk somewhere peaceful."

The general laughed heartily as he said this.

"Troublesome matters are best discussed over food and drink, as the saying goes. Now, let us be on our way."

And so Mabel and I went to the mansion together with the general.

"Do any of your acquaintances possess Light-attribute attack Skills, General?"

This was General Raizenga's mansion.

As I drank some piping-hot tea, I asked General Raizenga this question.

The table was covered with dishes the general had prepared.

There was grilled meat and soup bubbling in its pot.

Given that this was the mansion of a general descended from an Ifrit, it seemed to have a great many hot dishes.

They were delicious, but Mabel and I were both drenched in sweat.

While I was staying in the territory, I should make clothes and underwear out of 'Wind Magic-Woven Fabric.'

That fabric was breathable, and it dried sweat quickly.

"The alchemical research I am about to begin will involve Light-attribute attacks."

I continued speaking.

"Light-attribute attack magic would be ideal, but an ability that strengthens weapons would work as well. If you know anyone like that, I would like them to help with my research."

"A Light-attribute attack..."

The general folded his arms and frowned thoughtfully.

"There may be someone, but... Thor-dono, why Light?"

"To research the Empire's Holy Sword."

I straightened my posture and addressed the general.

"You saw it as well, did you not? The Holy Sword and the 'Light Blade' used by the Imperial Princess."

"Indeed. It was an impressive sight."

The general nodded as though recalling what he had seen.

"I saw it from closer than you did, Thor-dono, so I understand it well. The Holy Sword created a gigantic blade of light and cut down the small spiders under 'Magical Beast Galgarossa' one after another. Even the spiders' webs could not entangle that blade. To be honest, I thought I would never want to fight that Holy Sword."

"I understand how you feel."

I nodded.

"That 'Light Blade' had tremendous power, and it seemed to last for a long time as well..."

The Holy Sword was probably creating the 'Light Blade' with its user's Light magic power.

The Imperial Princess had created a blade more than ten meters long, but she should have been able to adjust its output as well.

If she had made the blade shorter, she might have been able to use the 'Light Blade' for even longer.

I did not know whether the Imperial Princess had been startled by the small spiders and used maximum output, or whether she was unable to adjust it.

Either way, it was an extremely powerful ability.

"General, could you cross swords with a Holy Sword that suddenly produced a 'Light Blade' more than ten meters long?"

"Impossible. I would not be able to judge its range."

"I thought so..."

"Seeing how fixated you are on it, Thor-dono, are you hoping to create something like the Holy Sword?"

"I do want to create one. But it is impossible for me right now."

I needed to study more of the otherworldly items in the 'Mail-Order Catalog' first.

I also needed to study the magic power of each attribute and discover efficient ways to use them.

I still had a long way to go.

"So before that, I want to research whether it is possible to create an item that can defend against the 'Light Blade.'"

"So that is why you need a Light-attribute attack."

The general nodded and said, "I see."

It seemed he understood.

"Yes. If I cannot defend against ordinary Light-attribute attack magic, there is no way I can defend against the 'Light Blade.' First, I intend to experiment with countering a weaker 'Light attack spell,' and then I will think about how to surpass the Holy Sword."

What I wanted to create was a magic sword that surpassed the Holy Sword.

To achieve that, I planned to begin by defending against the Holy Sword's attacks.

The otherworldly 'Mail-Order Catalog' ought to contain an item capable of countering light, at least.

"You are certainly devoted to your research, Thor-dono."

General Raizenga smiled wryly.

"Her Majesty granted you a vacation, you know. You should take things easier."

"I know. But I wanted to begin researching while the image of the Holy Sword was still fresh in my mind..."

"You need not apologize. I value that side of you. Isn't that right, Agnis?"

"Y-yes. Father!?"

Agnis, who had been eating beside me, raised her voice nervously.

Of course, she was not wearing her armor.

She was wearing a red dress, and it suited her very well. She looked cute.

"Y-yes, I was listening. This is about the Light attribute, correct?"

"Exactly. Agnis-sama, do you know anyone who can use Light-attribute attack magic?"

"Let me think..."

Agnis's red hair swayed as she thought for a moment, then she said,

"The Demon Lord's Territory is generally weak in Light magic, so someone who can use Light-attribute attack magic... Hmm. I think there must be someone somewhere, so I will look into it."

"There is no need to hurry. I will not conduct the experiment until after I create an item that can defend against the Light attribute."

"When will you begin making the item, Thor-sama?"

"I plan to start today or tomorrow."

"Then I will immediately ask around among my acquaintances as well."

Agnis looked at me as she said this.

"There are also people of rare races living in the forests of our territory. Perhaps... there may be someone who can use Light-attribute magic..."

"Sorry to trouble you. Thank you."

"N-no. Thor-sama, you have done so much for me."

As she said this, Agnis closed her eyes and gripped the 'Health Enhancement Pendant' at her chest.

Light from the pendant spilled through the gaps between her fingers.

Of course, no flames emerged from Agnis, and her beautiful dress did not catch fire.

"I am glad the 'Health Enhancement Pendant' seems to be working properly."

"Y-yes. Thanks to you, Thor-sama, I can wear pretty clothes now."

Agnis lightly pinched the skirt of her dress.

"Flames no longer come out against Agnis's will, so Agnis can wear clothes without worrying."

Then Agnis looked at the attendants and maids standing by the wall and said,

"...But everyone around me still seems worried..."

"Some of them appear uneasy when they see Agnis without her armor."

General Raizenga took over the explanation.

"Neither Agnis nor I doubt the effect of Thor-dono's 'Health Enhancement Pendant.' But the others are different. When Agnis wears ordinary clothes, some of them become startled and flustered."

"Because they are afraid of Agnis-san's flames?"

"No. The kin of an Ifrit are resistant to flames, so no one fears fire. Rather, they are anxious that Agnis's clothes might burn."

"...That happened often when Agnis was a child."

Agnis said this with a troubled expression.

"I think everyone in the mansion remembers those incidents."

"All of my kin are like family, after all. They know about the past as well."

"I see. Understood."

"Still, everyone will calm down with time. There is no need for you to worry, Thor-dono."

"No. This is part of 'user support,' too."

Besides, I had already made preparations.

"Mabel, bring out that souvenir."

"Yes, Thor-sama."

From the seat beside me, Mabel took the 'Ultra-Compact Simple Storage' out of the pocket of her maid uniform.

"Thor-sama, is this a personal gift, or is it for distribution?"

"It is fine either way. When I received the 'Magic Item Distribution Application' from the chancellor, I immediately wrote down the details for 'Earth Magic-Woven Fabric' and had him sign it."

I took out the application bearing the chancellor's signature.

I had already obtained permission to distribute it throughout General Raizenga's territory.

"If I had not received permission, I would have given it to you as a souvenir instead. So there is no problem."

"Understood. In that case──"

With a rustle, Mabel took out the item she had placed in 'Storage.'

It was a pure white cloth folded over and over.

It was the 'Earth Magic-Woven Fabric' I had prepared in case something like this happened.

"Thor-sama...?" "Thor-dono, what is this?"

"It is a new material I made recently: 'Magic-Woven Fabric.'"

"'Magic-Woven Fabric'──the material used for the tents?"

"Yes. Those were 'Wind Magic-Woven Fabric,' which prioritized breathability, and 'Light Magic-Woven Fabric,' which allowed people to see what was inside. This is 'Earth Magic-Woven Fabric,' which is fire-resistant."

"Her Majesty and Chancellor-sama have given permission for this to be given to Agnis-sama."

Mabel held out the Magic-Woven Fabric toward Agnis with both hands.

I had prepared it in advance when it was decided that I would stay in the general's territory.

The fire-resistant 'Earth Magic-Woven Fabric' was perfect for Agnis's clothes.

"We were also instructed to use the remainder for the benefit of the general's territory. Please give it to the children of the Ifrit's kin who cannot yet control their flames."

Mabel recited the words we had decided on beforehand.

But she wore a mischievous smile.

Mabel seemed happy that she could help Agnis as well. They were childhood friends, after all.

"That is the situation. Since we will be staying here for a while, I brought it as a souvenir."

I said this to the general and Agnis, who were staring blankly at me.

"Later, I think it would be good to have everyone in the mansion verify that this Magic-Woven Fabric is fire-resistant. After that, if you make Agnis-san's clothes from this 'Earth Magic-Woven Fabric,' everyone should feel reassured."

"Thor-sama... You would go that far for me...?"

"This is part of 'user support,' too."

I was the one who had given Agnis the 'Health Enhancement Pendant.'

That was why I thought I ought to offer her some support so that she could live comfortably even after taking off her armor.

"...Thank you, Thor-sama."

It happened all of a sudden.

Agnis stood up and knelt before me.

"I will never forget this debt. Agnis Freizadd will... work as hard as she can to be of use to you, Thor-sama..."

"No, you do not have to go that far..."

"First, I will find someone in the territory who can use 'Light Magic'!"

"Yes. I will be counting on you."

Countermeasures against the 'Light attribute' were necessary for my research into creating a magic sword.

I would have no hesitation in asking for her help with that.

"I would like to thank you as well, Thor-dono."

"Even you, General...? It is fine. This is only a souvenir."

"The things you bring are far too unexpected."

"I will be staying at your mansion from now on, after all."

I would be living at General Raizenga's mansion for a while and traveling around the Demon Lord's Territory.

I would probably ask Agnis to show me around, and I might need the general's help as well.

Oh, right. They were going to build my workshop and house near the mine, too.

This journey also served as a preliminary inspection for that project.

"I am the one who will be relying on you a great deal, General. So please let me do at least this much."

"Very well."

General Raizenga nodded.

"I gratefully accept your kindness."

"I am glad."

"I have also prepared the largest room in the corner of the second floor for you, Thor-dono, so that you can work on alchemy without restraint. It will be fine even if you make somewhat loud noises. I have already informed everyone in the mansion, so work to your heart's content."

"Thank you, General-sama."

"And what will Mabel-dono do? The room next to Agnis's is vacant as well."

"I have come as Thor-sama's maid."

Mabel stood up, pinched the skirt of her maid uniform, and bowed.

"If possible, I would like to borrow the room closest to Thor-sama's."

"Indeed. Understood."

"I will have Mabel's room prepared before we finish eating."

Once everything had been settled, General Raizenga clapped his hands.

A servant came over and poured wine into the general's glass.

I was not good with alcohol, so I asked for tea instead.

Mabel was on duty, so Agnis also chose tea to match us.

Then General Raizenga raised his glass and said,

"A toast to the arrival of my friend, Thor Kanan-dono, and his maid, Mabel-dono!"

"Cheers!"

For a while afterward, the four of us enjoyed tea and conversation──

After a suitable amount of time had passed, Mabel and I returned to our rooms.

──After Thor and the others returned to their rooms──

"Agnis. There is something I must apologize to you for."

Raizenga suddenly set down his glass and muttered this.

"Your father may not be able to support your love."

"W-what are you saying all of a sudden, Father!?"

Agnis raised her voice in spite of herself at her father's words.

But Raizenga wore a pained expression as he said,

"I cannot explain the details, but I am no longer able to support only your romance. I... have sworn loyalty to the Demon Lord, after all."

"Her Majesty?"

"That is why I cannot explain the details."

"Could it be that Her Majesty the Demon Lord also has feelings for Thor-sama...?"

"I cannot be certain, but that is how it seems... No, that is why I said I cannot tell you, is it not?"

Agnis thought that this was practically the same as admitting it.

Agnis knew that her father had sworn loyalty to Demon Lord Lukie Evergald 'in the name of the Primordial Flame.'

If that was the case, then something must have happened between the Demon Lord and Thor.

And Agnis herself had sworn loyalty to Thor 'in the name of the Primordial Flame.'

Of course, her father's loyalty and Agnis's loyalty were somewhat different.

"It is not something you need to worry about, Father."

"...Agnis."

"Well... Agnis only wishes to devote her body and soul to serving Thor-sama."

"Is that different from being in love with Thor-dono?"

Raizenga murmured this in puzzlement.

"You kept glancing at Thor-dono during the meal. You were startled when I spoke to you. That was not merely because you were nervous, was it?"

"I... do not really understand it myself..."

Her face turned red.

She could tell that the 'Health Enhancement Pendant' at her chest was reacting.

Without thinking, Agnis looked up toward the room where Thor and Mabel were staying.

"Agnis has always looked at the world through the gaps in her armor and helmet. So she does not know whether the feelings she has for Thor-sama are the same as the feelings of an ordinary girl who falls in love with someone... She truly... does not know."

"Is that so...?"

"Probably..."

"I am sorry, Agnis..."

Raizenga sighed.

"If your mother were still alive, she could have understood your feelings much better."

"You have helped Agnis more than enough, Father."

Agnis said this as if admonishing him,

"Besides, if Mother were alive, I think she would never forgive you for trying to abduct Thor-sama, my benefactor. She probably would not speak to you for at least five years..."

"That would be a disaster! If she said something like that to me, I would not be able to go on living!"

"That is why this is fine."

"B-but you swore to Thor-dono 'in the name of the Primordial Flame'..."

"Y-yes. I meant it with all my heart, and there is not the slightest falsehood in it. But Thor-sama has given Agnis so many things..."

Agnis murmured softly,

"I want to think about love and such things only after I have returned something to Thor-sama worth more than what he has given me. I want to grow further and become someone Thor-sama needs..."

"...I see."

"So, for now, while Thor-sama is in the territory, I want to help him with all my strength."

Agnis hugged the 'Earth Magic-Woven Fabric' that Thor and the others had left behind.

It was fire-resistant fabric that would soon be made into clothes for her to wear.

Thor could make even something like this so effortlessly.

But Thor did not seem satisfied yet.

Perhaps the items he wanted to create were ones that surpassed the Hero's world.

Thor was probably looking far into the future.

Agnis wanted to follow him there.

She wanted to see the same things Thor saw and become capable of helping him.

"So first, Agnis wants to help Thor-sama... and see for herself what Thor-sama is striving toward. That is Agnis's goal for now..."

"You have grown, Agnis."

"Yes. After I became able to take off my armor and my body felt lighter... I began thinking about many things..."

"Is that also thanks to Thor-dono? If my wife were alive, how happy she would be..."

"Oh, Father..."

"If Agnis has thought this far ahead, then I shall say no more."

Raizenga said this and drained the wine from his glass.

"All I can do is... let me see, talk with Thor-dono over drinks. Surely there is no harm in asking what sort of women he likes. Would he prefer a gentle woman like the night, or a passionate woman like flame──Agnis, why are you glaring at me?"

"Oh, the 'Health Enhancement Pendant' is glowing. What? You want me to stop saying unnecessary things? But still... It is only natural for a father to worry about his daughter... Hey, why are you grabbing my arm!?"

"D-don't, Agnis. You are using the 'Health Enhancement Pendant' to strengthen your body. Your father cannot resist... Huh? Where are you taking me? What? Kneeling? You want to have a serious talk? W-why are you making such a frightening face? Wait, Agnis, c-calm down────"

The first night after Thor's arrival──

The sounds of a parent and child quarreling echoed through the mansion of Raizenga, the Flame General.