Chapter 51
Demon Lord Lukie came to the castle's rear garden.
Since it was difficult to see from inside the castle, guards regularly patrolled this area.
It was also sometimes used by people from the castle to take secret breaks.
At present, everyone else had been cleared out, so Lukie was alone.
That was because Demon Lord Lukie was going to speak with the Pixies here.
"I cannot see you, but you are here, are you not? Pixies."
Demon Lord Lukie sat on a nearby stone and said this.
Many trees grew in the rear garden.
Even when she looked around, she could not see any Pixies. They seemed to be hiding themselves well.
"I am Lukie Evergald, the Demon Lord. Pixies, would you show yourselves?"
Lukie called out to the Pixies in a gentle voice.
She could search for their whereabouts with magic, but she had no intention of doing so.
This was a private meeting Lukie herself had requested, after all.
"...No, telling you to show yourselves while I remain hidden is selfish."
Demon Lord Lukie touched her 'Perception Obstruction' mask and robe.
"Let me confirm one thing. Pixies, are you Thor's friends?"
Stroking her mask, Lukie asked.
After a short pause, a nearby tree branch shook.
"...All Pixies are the Alchemist-sama's subordinates."
"...Since Demon Lord-sama is the Alchemist-sama's liege, she is the Pixies' liege as well."
"I see. Then you will keep this secret, won't you?"
"Yes."
After confirming that, Lukie removed the 'Perception Obstruction' mask and robe.
(Lately... I have not felt as reluctant to remove my mask and robe.)
Lukie murmured this silently as she placed the mask on the stone.
Lukie hid her identity because her appearance was young and frail.
Many people in the Demon Lord's Territory, like General Raizenga, valued strength.
She had hidden her identity so that people like that would not look down on her, but──
(Even Raizenga... has come to respect Thor completely these days.)
Thor, who had no fighting ability, had saved Agnis and continued making powerful magic items. Seeing that, Raizenga seemed to have changed his way of thinking.
Even if Raizenga learned now that Lukie was a delicate girl, she did not think he would look down on her.
On top of that, during the 'Gargalossa Magical Beast Subjugation,' Lukie had instantly killed both the Little Spider and the magical beast itself.
She had done so with the help of the 'Laser Pointer' Thor had made, but there was no doubt that Lukie's Dark magic had incinerated the enemies.
Her power was now known throughout the Demon Lord's Territory.
Because things like that had happened one after another, Lukie had recently stopped feeling reluctant to remove her mask.
At least in front of people who trusted Thor as she did.
"I, too, hide my identity for certain reasons. This is my true face."
Lukie called out to the Pixies as her blond hair fluttered in the wind.
"It would be selfish of me to tell people as shy as you to show yourselves while I continued hiding my identity. That is why I decided to reveal my true face. So, would you show yourselves as well?"
"Thank you for being so considerate."
"...Demon Lord-sama."
A voice called out.
A small blue-haired girl and a yellow-haired girl emerged from behind a tree trunk.
They were a Water-Attribute Pixie and an Earth-Attribute Pixie.
"I have come before you, Demon Lord-sama, representing the Pixies."
"...Nice to meet you."
"Well done showing yourselves."
Lukie spoke to the Pixies.
The Pixies before her were surprisingly composed.
Perhaps they were proud of their new clothes: they spun around to spread their skirts and twirled the ribbons at their waists.
Their gazes remained lowered, though, as if they were still a little embarrassed.
"Are those the clothes Thor gave you?"
"That is correct."
"...We decided who would receive them by drawing lots."
"They suit you very well. They are simple and look easy to move in. Mabel and Agnis tailored them, didn't they? Both of them are very skilled."
"Yes. We are grateful to Mabel-sama and Agnis-sama as well."
"...All of Demon Lord-sama's subordinates are kind people."
The Pixies bowed to Demon Lord Lukie while still holding hands.
"Now then, first, tell me how you came to meet Thor."
Lukie said.
"He also said that he wanted to conduct an experiment to defend against Light magic. You Pixies are going to help him with that, aren't you? I would like to hear how that came about as well."
"Understood."
"...We will tell you."
The two Pixies bowed once more.
"If it's about the Alchemist-sama, we know him well."
"...We sleep very well in his pockets."
"How on earth did that happen?"
The two Pixies began explaining to the puzzled Lukie.
The reason Thor had met Rune, the Dark Pixie, and what had happened afterward.
"──I see. The Pixies learned of Thor's existence when the area near the forest became a candidate site for his workshop. Thor, too, had a favor to ask of a Pixie who could use Light-Attribute magic, so he went to the Pixies' forest. That was how you met one another..."
After hearing the story, Lukie nodded as though satisfied.
Thor learned that the Light Pixie was sickly and gave her the 'Footbath' and 'Magic-Woven Fabric clothes.'
Grateful for that, the Pixies helped Thor search for a workshop site.
Then Thor decided to give the Pixies clothes as thanks—that was how it seemed to have happened.
That was why the Pixies had come to the Demon Lord's Castle as Thor's messengers to deliver the letter.
Apparently, several more Pixies wearing leaf clothes had come along with the two of them.
They were waiting some distance from the castle for their companions to return.
"Why is it...? I can practically see the exchanges between Thor and the Pixies."
Lukie covered her mouth and laughed.
Now she understood why the shy Pixies had gone all the way to the Demon Lord's Castle.
Pixies were conscientious about repaying favors.
Once their companion had been helped and they themselves had received clothes, they could not help but repay the debt.
What was more, Thor intended to give Magic-Woven Fabric clothes to even more Pixies.
Having learned that, the Pixies had probably sworn loyalty to Thor as an entire race.
"These clothes... are so comfortable to wear."
"...They make flying easy and feel good, too."
The Earth-Attribute Pixie and Water-Attribute Pixie smiled.
They spun their tiny bodies around and around, as if showing off their snow-white clothes.
Then the two of them looked at Lukie and—
"Your Majesty. We have a request."
"...Please watch us fly."
"We would like the Alchemist-sama's liege to see what we can do in the new clothes we received."
The Pixies said this in unison.
"Very well. Let me see."
Lukie nodded. She wanted to see the Pixies fly, too.
She had heard that Pixies danced elegantly through the air.
And now they were wearing pure-white clothes.
Surely their skirts would flutter like wings and look very beautiful.
"No one will see you in this rear garden. Fly to your heart's content."
"Understood..."
Immediately afterward, the two Pixies shot into the air at high speed.
"...Huh?"
Fast.
When Lukie looked up, the Pixies had already reached the treetops.
Their skirts had spread wide like wings. They looked like spare wings.
"Ready, set!"
With a whoosh, the Pixies flew sideways.
They really were fast. Following their movements with her eyes was all she could manage.
Looking closely, Lukie saw the surfaces of their clothes rippling.
It was as though fish were swimming by writhing their bodies—that was what it looked like to Lukie.
Those clothes were reading the flow of the air, changing shape to match it, and helping the Pixies fly.
"Magic-Woven Fabric clothes had that much power...?!"
Lukie remembered the words in Thor's letter.
──Magic-Woven Fabric conducts magic power.
──By wearing Magic-Woven Fabric clothes, Pixies can make the clothes part of their bodies.
──It helps Pixies. That is why I want to give them Magic-Woven Fabric clothes.
"No, it did say that, but! This is far more unexpected than I could have imagined, Thor!"
Before Lukie's eyes, the Pixies continued flying rapidly around in the air.
Eventually, they reached the edge of the rear garden and—
"Changing direction!"
The Pixies spread their skirts and used them like the sails of a ship to slow down.
Then, with a rustle, they extended the ribbons wrapped around their waists.
The extended ribbons caught around a tree branch.
Using it as a pivot, the Pixies swung around and changed direction. They slowed down and returned toward Lukie.
Then they came to a perfect stop in front of Lukie.
"How was that, Demon Lord-sama?!"
The Pixies looked at Lukie with sparkling eyes.
"With these clothes, we can all be of use to Demon Lord-sama."
"...We can work alongside the people of the Demon Lord's Territory."
"With comfortable clothes, we will be able to work in comfort!"
"Is this really a matter of comfort and ease...?"
Lukie stared at the Pixies in a daze.
They puffed out their chests with an "Ahem!" and waited for Lukie's reaction.
"...They certainly are wonderful clothes, and you have wonderful flying abilities."
After thinking for a while, Lukie said,
"There can hardly be anyone in the Demon Lord's Territory who can fly as fast as you. That was wonderful. Yes."
"Thank you, Demon Lord-sama!"
The Pixies clapped their hands happily.
There truly were no clothes better than these.
They had already made the Magic-Woven Fabric clothes part of their bodies.
Spreading and retracting them, using the ribbons to change direction—yes, this must be comfortable.
Demon Lord Lukie was happy that her people were pleased, but—
(Thor! Are you planning to change the very way the Pixies live?!)
Lukie silently retorted.
The Magic-Woven Fabric clothes Thor had made would change the Pixies' way of life itself.
That would surely have a major impact on the Demon Lord's Territory, which Demon Lord Lukie ruled, as well.
The mine development that was about to begin was another example.
The Pixies' high-speed flight would surely make them immensely useful, allowing them to explore narrow mine shafts and deliver instructions from the Demon Lord's Castle to the mines.
The Pixies themselves wanted to work for the Demon Lord's Territory.
There was no problem at all.
Except that the Demon Lord and the chancellor would be left clutching their heads over the utterly unexpected effects.
"...Thor. Honestly, you really are something."
Lukie instinctively pressed a hand to her forehead.
Chancellor Kelv was probably looking over the 'Magic Item Dissemination Application Form' and considering whether to approve it by now, but—there was no point in such a thing anymore.
Considering the Demon Lord's Territory and the Pixies, they had no choice but to approve it.
"Demon Lord-sama. What is the matter?"
"...Does your head hurt?"
"Pay it no mind."
"Is that so?"
"...That's right. You're smiling, Demon Lord-sama."
"...Smiling, you say?"
At their words, Lukie noticed her own expression.
Just as the Pixies said, Lukie was smiling.
"Indeed. It seems even I have ended up having fun."
Lukie said.
"When I think about how the Demon Lord's Territory will change from now on, I cannot help feeling excited."
"I understand how you feel, Demon Lord-sama."
"...All the Pixies are excited, too."
"I see. Then we are comrades."
"We are!"
The Pixies flew happily around Lukie.
(My alchemist really does take everyone to the most unexpected places.)
Watching them, Lukie held a hand over her pounding heart.
(But... Thor, remember this when we meet next. I am going to complain to you all night about surprising me like that.)
After declaring this inwardly to the absent Thor, Demon Lord Lukie took a deep breath.
"Now then, about giving clothes to you Pixies..."
"Gulp..."
"I am in favor."
Lukie declared firmly.
"Some may oppose it, but I will persuade them."
"Really, Demon Lord-sama?!"
At those words, the two Pixies opened their eyes wide.
Lukie nodded and—
"Chancellor Kelv is rigid, but he cares about the Demon Lord's Territory. He will understand how important Magic-Woven Fabric clothes are to the Pixies. It may take him time to accept it, though."
"Understood!"
The two Pixies folded their wings and descended to the ground.
Then they bowed deeply and—
"On behalf of the Pixies, I offer our gratitude for Your Majesty's words."
"...We offer our gratitude."
"Yes. And as for conducting the item experiment with the help of the Light Pixie's power..."
Lukie was curious about the 'UV-Cut Parasol' as well.
She had seen Princess Riana's Holy Sword in action.
If there was an item that could defend against the Holy Sword of Light or Light attack magic, she definitely wanted to see it with her own eyes.
"That will have to wait until the matter of the clothes is settled. Tell Thor that. Also tell him that I will send an official answer in a letter later."
"Understood!"
"By the way, what kind of attack magic can the Light Pixie use?"
"Soleil can use 'Vivid Light Strike'!"
"...An intermediate Light attack spell. That is perfect for the experiment."
It was several ranks below the Ultimate Magic 'Ultimate Vivid Light,' but it should be more than sufficient for the experiment.
It would also be easier for Lukie to grant permission.
Lukie resolved to write a reply to Thor's letter at once.
"That settles it. The difficult matters are over."
"Okay!"
"As for the rest... Yes. Since you have come all this way, why not stay for tea?"
Demon Lord Lukie put her 'Perception Obstruction' mask and robe back on.
Then she lifted the hem of her robe and—
"If you are embarrassed to be seen, you may come inside this robe. The 'Perception Obstruction' effect should hide you as well."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
"...Please excuse the intrusion."
"Then I will show you to my room. Tell me about Thor over tea. It sounds as though you have many fascinating stories."
"Thor-sama confirmed that Light Pixie Soleil was taking a bath."
"...Twenty Pixies hugged Thor-dono. It was wonderfully comfortable to hug him."
"I see, I see. I simply must hear all about that! Indeed."
With an odd feeling tugging at her heart, Lukie began walking toward the castle.
She opened the service entrance door and entered the castle──
"Has your meeting with the Pixies ended, Your Majesty?"
──Chancellor Kelv was standing in the corridor before her.
"I was told that the rear garden had been cleared of people, so I waited here."
"What is it, Kelv? Is this about the application form?"
"...I gave in and signed it. This is a report about another matter."
"Another matter?"
"We have received word from the border guards. The Dulgaria Empire has made a move."
Chancellor Kelv announced this in a tense voice.
"Apparently, their envoy left a letter in front of the forest near the border. They planted a flag in the ground and tied the letter to its pole."
"That is the Empire's formal procedure for contacting us."
Demon Lord Lukie nodded.
The Demon Lord's Territory had only just conducted a joint operation with the Empire to subjugate Gargalossa.
Although Demon Lord Lukie had defeated most of the magical beasts, there was no changing the fact that they had cooperated.
Hoping it was a letter of friendship, Lukie asked,
"Is the content something that should be kept secret? If so, I will hear it after we return to the throne room."
"No. If anything, I believe it should be made public to warn people."
"I see. Then tell me."
"I shall."
Chancellor Kelv read aloud from the parchment in his hand.
"It says, 'During the recent magical beast subjugation, some of our soldiers lacked sufficient training and fell behind the magical beasts. In response, we have decided to conduct military training.'"
"...What?"
"'We hope that the people of the Demon Lord's Territory will come to the border as well. We would like to show you the Light magic our Dulgaria Empire is so proud of──'"
Kelv then read aloud the date of the military training written at the end of the letter.
It was about twenty days from now. That was quite a long way off.
"Who sent it?"
"It bears the emperor's signature, but the letter was written by Zagrand-dono, the Minister of War."
"──That man."
Lukie looked at the Pixies inside her robe.
The two Earth- and Water-Attribute Pixies nodded with serious expressions.
They, too, seemed to sense something unpleasant about the letter from the Empire.
Hoping it was merely her imagination, Lukie gave Chancellor Kelv instructions.
"It seems we still have time. Before then, I should meet with Thor and discuss this. We should also prepare for Light magic, just in case."
Lukie stroked the 'Perception Obstruction' robe.
"Kelv. Give me the 'Magic Item Dissemination Application Form.' I will sign it and send it to Thor at once. Also, arrange a carriage to Raizenga's territory. Send the fabric and dressmakers. We will make clothes for the Pixies. I want the wearers to scout the area around the border."
"Understood, Your Majesty!"
"Understood."
"...Demon Lord-sama's orders are the same as the Alchemist-sama's orders."
The Pixies answered in a murmur, overlapping Chancellor Kelv's voice.
Lukie continued.
"Finally, I authorize my alchemist Thor Kanan's 'Light Magic Countermeasure Experiment.' Conduct the experiment as soon as Pixie Soleil's condition improves. I will attend as well. That is all."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"I would like to trust the Empire, but considering what happened last time, we should remain on our guard."
"Then I will make the arrangements immediately. If you will excuse me."
Saying that, Chancellor Kelv bowed.
He then handed Lukie the 'Magic Item Dissemination Application Form' bearing his signature and ran off to his office.
"The Dulgaria Empire, huh? I know little about that country."
Demon Lord Lukie said this while still wearing her mask.
"What could the emperor, princes, and princesses be thinking?"
"...If you wish..."
"...Shall we go and find out?"
"No. Do not. If anything happened to you, Thor would be sad."
Whispering to the Pixies inside her robe, Lukie headed toward her room.
Afterward──
Lukie signed the 'Magic Item Dissemination Application Form' while watching the Pixies crunching on baked sweets.
Once they finished eating, the Pixies were going to deliver it to Thor.
"If the Empire is merely conducting military training... there should be no problem."
If anything, she wanted to watch the training and learn from it.
The formations and methods of battle used by humans—all of it.
The Demon Lord's Territory had no intention of becoming hostile toward the Empire. Rather, it intended to learn from them and develop its territory.
"Surely there are people within the Empire who will understand that."
Thor──he was an exception, since he was on an entirely different level.
Surely there were people who would choose coexistence after hearing her out.
Thinking this, Lukie continued her tea time with the Pixies.