Talks Between the Demon Lord and the Princess (Preparation)

──At the Town Mayor's Residence in the 'Town of Noza'──

"──For the reasons stated above, I order you to change the location of the military training. You are not permitted to use magic to obstruct the movement of civilians. If you wish to conduct training, choose an appropriate location. Isaac Mueller."

In the great hall of the town mayor's residence, Princess Sofia and Unit Commander Isaac faced each other.

Isaac had only just returned from the rocky mountain to the east.

As though she had been waiting for him, Sofia had summoned Isaac to this room.

Only Sofia and Isaac were in the room. A soldier stood near the entrance. He was the courier who had been handling communications with the Demon Lord's Territory.

The letters exchanged with the Demon Lord's Territory lay on the table.

Sofia picked up one of them and said,

"The letter from the Demon Lord's Territory also contained a protest regarding this matter. It said, 'The Empire asked us to come and observe the military training, but the Demon Lord's Territory cannot approve of actions that place civilians in danger.'"

Sofia read aloud from the parchment, then looked toward Isaac.

"I am sure you have your own opinions as the person responsible for the soldiers. However, for the sake of the people living near the border, I would like you to reconsider the location of the training."

"Your Highness."

"What is it?"

"May I ask why your health suddenly recovered?"

"Because I came to this land. Because there was something I had to do here."

Princess Sofia looked straight at Unit Commander Isaac and declared,

"My body must have temporarily recovered so that I could fulfill that duty."

"So that you could fulfill your duty?"

"The people of the town seemed worried that their relationship with the Demon Lord's Territory would worsen. Meanwhile, the Demon Lord's Territory has requested talks with us. I believe it is my duty to listen to the voices of the people and our neighboring country, and to serve as a bridge between them. For that purpose, even my 'piece of junk' body, as the Heroes would call it, has recovered a little."

"You should not call it a 'piece of junk'..."

"There is no point in dressing up the truth with pretty words, Isaac Mueller."

Princess Sofia wore a gentle smile.

"However much of a 'piece of junk' I may be, I am still a princess. Is it not natural that I would want to be of some use to my country and its people?"

"Your Highness..."

"I wish to hold talks with Demon Lord Lukie Evargard. For that purpose, I exchanged letters despite acting on my own initiative. The other side has already agreed."

While looking intently into Isaac's eyes, Sofia told him,

"Would you be willing to cooperate, Isaac Mueller?"

"Suppose I told you that I would not cooperate?"

"Then I will go to the meeting with only the soldiers who support me."

Princess Sofia said this.

Perhaps they had heard her voice. The soldiers guarding the entrance to the hall raised voices of admiration.

Hearing this, Isaac sighed.

Princess Sofia did not have complete control over the soldiers.

However, quite a few soldiers sympathized with her courage.

If he tried to stop Sofia by force, the soldiers who supported her might turn against him.

With Adjutant Mariela as his rival, he wanted to avoid that.

Sofia was probably asking him to cooperate because she understood his state of mind.

"I do not mind cooperating. However, I have one request of my own."

After more than ten seconds of silence, Isaac Mueller answered.

"If it is something I can do."

Sofia nodded without hesitation.

Isaac continued.

"To the northeast of the rocky mountain east of the 'Town of Noza' lies a forest. Do you know that a dormant demon beast lives deep within it?"

"I heard about it from my sister Riana. Apparently, it was supposed to be exterminated after the 'Demon Beast Gargalossa.'"

"According to the townspeople, it is not particularly strong. It has remained dormant for several years and never leaves its territory, so it seems to have been left alone. We have also received a request from the Demon Lord's Territory to investigate it."

"I know. I also know that the Empire has refused that request."

"The demon beast is resistant to the Dark Attribute. The Demon Lord must have refused because she would rather not let them discover a way to counter that resistance."

Having said this much, Isaac bowed his head.

"I would like Princess Sofia to cooperate in exterminating that demon beast."

"Understood."

"...Your Highness."

"If it is resistant to the Dark Attribute, my 'Light-Attribute Attack Magic' may be effective against it. If it was originally Riana's duty to defeat the demon beast, then it is only natural for me, her older sister, to take care of it."

Sofia nodded as she pressed a hand against her chest, enclosed by her dress.

"However, if we are going to exterminate it, please do so soon. Although this body has fortunately recovered, I do not know how long it will last. Let us act immediately after the talks with the Demon Lord. I order your subordinates to investigate the demon beast's current condition. Isaac Mueller."

"Your Highness... Are you serious?"

"You want to exterminate the demon beast for the sake of the people, do you not?"

"Of course. Well, I do have a little desire for personal glory."

"If it benefits the people, that is fine as well. I was the one who told you to change the location of the military training for their sake. How could I refuse to exterminate a demon beast for the sake of the people?"

Sofia's hand trembled faintly.

She was afraid. Of course she was.

Until just recently, the princess had been unable even to leave her room. Now she was being asked to help exterminate a demon beast.

Even so, Sofia had answered Isaac's request.

The soldiers voiced their admiration for her courage. "What courage." "I feel as though I have witnessed the return of a Hero." "Perhaps Her Highness truly did awaken in this northern land."

Hearing their voices, Isaac let out a sigh as though he had resigned himself to the situation.

"Very well. I will cooperate with Your Highness and the talks with the Demon Lord."

"Really? Isaac Mueller?"

"I am a loyal subject of His Imperial Majesty. My loyalty to His Majesty outweighs my position as a unit commander. I cannot disobey the Imperial Princess's orders."

"...I understand what you are trying to say."

Sofia nodded with a serious expression.

"This is my selfishness. I am acting on my own authority. I am using the power I possess as His Imperial Majesty's daughter to force you to do this. You have no choice but to obey me. Isaac Mueller."

"Understood, Your Highness."

Isaac rose and knelt on the floor.

"I, Isaac Mueller, shall obey Your Highness's orders as a subject of His Imperial Majesty."

"Please do so. For the sake of peace in the border region as well."

Then Sofia lowered her voice so the other soldiers could not hear.

"My failures are mine alone. However, claim the credit for my achievements as your own."

"...You should not say things like that so openly."

Isaac sighed again.

"In any case, I, Isaac Mueller, will obey Your Highness while I remain in this land. I shall cooperate to ensure that the talks between Your Highness and the Demon Lord go well."

"Thank you, Isaac Mueller."

Sofia gave him the formal bow of an Imperial princess, then said,

"By the way, what has happened to Mariela? I have a request for her as well."

"She has not returned yet. But, Your Highness..."

"I know that she is Zagran's confidante. I intend to speak with her fully aware of that."

Princess Sofia said this with a gentle smile.

"However, I appreciate the warning. Thank you, Isaac Mueller."

"...I will tell Mariela to come to Your Highness as soon as she returns."

Unit Commander Isaac said this with a deep bow.

Then he scratched his head in troubled thought.

(I thought she was merely a sickly princess, but she is not someone who can be taken lightly. Then again, perhaps this is what a Hero is like...)

He muttered inwardly as he looked at Princess Sofia.

(The problem is the talks with the Demon Lord. We have agreed that each side may bring only one weapon for its guards, but... no matter. I will bring as many weapons as I can conceal, including a sword and a dagger. I cannot afford to die before becoming Minister of War.)

Princess Sofia quietly checked the letters from the Demon Lord's Territory.

Her expression appeared calm, but Isaac noticed that her hand was trembling faintly.

(...I will also bring cavalry to intimidate the Demon Lord's Territory at the talks. If they see heavily armored cavalry, they will not feel inclined to harm Her Highness. Honestly, Her Highness is causing me nothing but trouble. I want to become a Hero, not serve as a Hero's support character...)

"What is the matter, Isaac Mueller?"

"Nothing... I have preparations to make, so if you will excuse me."

Isaac left the room while averting his eyes from Princess Sofia, concealing his thoughts.

Thus, Unit Commander Isaac Mueller promised to cooperate with Princess Sofia──

And the unit under Isaac's command began preparing for the talks.

──Around the same time, at General Raizenga's residence──

"It seems the conditions for the talks have been settled."

Demon Lord Lukie said this as she looked at the letter sent by Princess Sofia.

They were in the great hall of General Raizenga's residence.

With the talks scheduled for the following day, Demon Lord Lukie, Chancellor Kelv, and General Raizenga were holding their final meeting.

"The meeting will be held near the forest, which also marks the border. The princess and I will each bring two guards. Thor, who is an Imperial citizen and also a guest of the Demon Lord's Territory, will attend as well."

"I, Kelv, shall serve as Your Majesty's guard."

"I, Raizenga, am prepared to stake my life to protect Your Majesty."

Chancellor Kelv and General Raizenga bowed deeply.

Then Kelv looked at the letter and said,

"According to this, each guard may carry only one weapon. However, a greatsword or a war hammer could be seen as an attempt to intimidate the other side. Therefore, General Raizenga will carry only a longsword."

"Understood. But do you think the Empire will honor its promise?"

General Raizenga tilted his head.

"I consider Princess Sofia worthy of trust."

Still wearing her mask, Lukie looked toward Raizenga and Kelv and nodded.

"After hearing what the Pixies told me, I am certain of it. I am not worried."

"As Your Majesty's guard, I am concerned for Your Highness's safety. Besides, if Your Majesty goes unarmed, those left behind will be anxious as well."

"I understand that. But we still cannot bring any more weapons."

Still wearing her mask, Lukie nodded.

"Therefore... just in case, let us bring Thor's 'Ultra-Compact Simple Storage.'"

"...Ah."

Kelv and Raizenga were left speechless.

The conditions stated that each guard could carry one weapon.

However, there was no condition forbidding them from bringing an item box.

"There is a proverb that says, 'When you see a Hero, expect at least one hundred items to come out.'"

Chancellor Kelv sighed.

"It means that one should not be deceived by a Hero's appearance... but I never expected us to start using an 'item box.' What is this feeling of guilt...?"

"It is only a precaution. We will probably have no reason to use it."

"I hope so as well." "Understood, Your Majesty."

Kelv and Raizenga nodded at Lukie's words.

The three of them looked over the letters again, then

"Next, regarding defense against magic..."

"I, Kelv, shall prepare an 'Anti-Magic Barrier' during the talks."

"The problem is if they use 'Light-Attribute Attack Magic.' A powerful attack could break through the magic barrier."

"I cannot imagine Princess Sofia doing such a thing."

Lukie looked from one man's face to the other, then said,

"But I understand why Kelv and Raizenga are concerned. Just in case, let us bring the 'UV-Cut Parasol.'"

"..."

Kelv and Raizenga fell silent once again.

The 'UV-Cut Parasol' cuts Light-Attribute Attack Magic by ninety percent.

Combined with Kelv's 'Anti-Magic Barrier,' it would provide complete protection.

"As expected of an item made by Thor-dono!"

"...My concerns are becoming completely meaningless. What in the world is that man?"

"Do not say that, Kelv. We still have one concern."

"What is that?"

"Where to station the soldiers while the talks are taking place."

Lukie pointed to the map.

The location of the talks was marked on the plain in front of the forest, with lines drawn at points farther away from it.

There was one line to the north and one to the south of the meeting place.

"These are the positions where the Demon Lord's Territory and the Empire will station their soldiers."

Lukie said this while indicating the map.

"We are permitted to bring additional soldiers besides our guards."

"So they can rescue us if the other side attacks. It seems like a natural precaution."

"However, it seems the soldiers are supposed to wait at a distance so that neither side can attack the other."

"Indeed, the soldiers' positions are quite far from the meeting place."

"To keep arrows and magic from reaching them, I suppose."

The soldiers' waiting positions were more than one hundred meters from the meeting place.

They were far beyond the effective range of arrows and magic.

This was intended to prevent conflict between the soldiers.

Some soldiers──particularly among the Imperial forces──might plot to fire magic into the Demon Lord's Territory and ruin the talks.

The distance between the soldiers and the meeting place had probably been set to prevent that from happening.

"The problem is the range of the magic."

"Does the Empire have powerful magic users?"

"The opposite. Thor's 'Laser Pointer' has increased the range of our magic several times over."

"...Ah."

For the third time, Chancellor Kelv was left speechless.

Beside him, Lukie and Raizenga continued their discussion.

"The Empire also knows that our magic has such a long range. That must be why they are keeping the soldiers at a distance, but... they are still too close. At this distance, our magic could reach the Imperial soldiers."

"But Your Majesty, is the 'Laser Pointer' not unusable against human targets?"

"We cannot aim it directly at them. However, we can cast flames on the ground in front of them. We can even freeze the cavalry's horses in place. It is sufficient as a deterrent."

"I see!"

"To be fair, we should explain the 'Laser Pointer' to the Empire in detail, but... regardless of Princess Sofia, I do not want the Empire to learn the extent of our power."

"Besides, they would have to move a considerable distance to get outside the 'Laser Pointer's' range."

"If the soldiers moved that far away, Princess Sofia would feel uneasy as well."

"It would be far enough away that we might not even be able to hear one another's voices."

"Yes. Therefore, we have no choice but to keep the range of the 'Laser Pointer' secret... but I do not know whether that is the right way to treat Princess Sofia, who showed such courage by requesting these talks. Hmm? The table seems to be shaking strangely. Kelv, why are you pressing your head against the table?"

"...My apologies, Your Majesty."

Chancellor Kelv raised his head while rubbing his forehead.

"It was so unexpected that I briefly lost track of myself."

"Unexpected?"

"I never imagined that the situation would become so advantageous for us against the Empire. We can freely bring items in the 'Simple Storage,' nullify Light magic with the 'UV-Cut Parasol,' and our magic can reach the other side unilaterally... It is as though we have become the Heroes."

"...Indeed."

"It is all thanks to the items made by Thor-dono, but what does that man intend to do with our Demon Lord's Territory...?"

"Thor-dono trusts us, and he is testing us."

Raizenga suddenly said this with a serious expression.

"We have acquired power nearly equal to that of the Heroes. But we have not flaunted our power like the Heroes, nor have we looked down on other races. Thor must be entrusting us with these items because he believes we are not that kind of people."

"...General?"

"Thor-dono is always watching how we use our power. To live up to that trust, we must 'learn from humans.' These talks with the Imperial princess will be an excellent opportunity to do so."

"...I-I see. That is one way of looking at it."

"Do you find something strange about it, Kelv-dono?"

"I sometimes wonder whether Thor-dono is a 'surprise-gimmick alchemist who acts on impulse.'"

"What nonsense. Hahaha."

"Perhaps I have misjudged Thor-dono's character... Hmm."

"If he appears to be a 'surprise-gimmick alchemist,' perhaps that is exactly what Thor-dono has arranged. Those with truly great character do not let the people around them realize it!"

Raizenga laughed heartily, while Kelv wore a complicated expression.

Watching the two men, Lukie thought──

(Raizenga's words may have struck closer to the truth than he realizes.)

──That was what she thought.

Thor certainly appeared to be a 'surprise-gimmick alchemist' whose hobby was creating items from the world of the Heroes.

However, within him was anger toward the Empire, which valued strength above all else, as well as sympathy for those trampled beneath it.

That was probably why he had made Princess Sofia use the 'footbath.'

Because she trusted Thor, Lukie had permitted contact with Princess Sofia through the Pixies.

Otherwise, she would never have gone out of her way to restore an Imperial princess's health.

(If that princess becomes intoxicated by power, Thor will probably distance himself from her.)

(And... I must be careful as well.)

She did not want to disappoint Thor by abusing his items.

She did not want to lose his──gentle smile.

Thinking this, Demon Lord Lukie steeled herself.

"In any case, it seems we have no problems regarding safety at the meeting."

Lukie said this.

"I believe Princess Sofia is worthy of trust. There can be no lie in the words she told the Pixies: 'I want peace.' That is why she replied to my letter."

"That is fine as far as Princess Sofia is concerned. But we do not know about the people around her."

"I know that. However, I do not want these talks to become unpleasant. Please understand, Kelv."

What Lukie wanted was peace in the border region.

She wanted to speak with people who could understand one another with her, like Thor.

If Princess Sofia was such a person, the relationship between the Demon Lord's Territory and the Empire could change.

Besides, they were currently developing the silver mine. If improving relations with the Empire led to increased trade, so much the better.

It was Lukie's duty to make the Demon Lord's Territory prosperous in that way.

"There is also the matter of the monster investigation we have requested from the Empire. If Princess Sofia becomes our ally, we may be able to investigate the border region together."

"Your Majesty is wary of the new species of demon beast, then?"

"The 'Demon Beast Gargalossa' we fought earlier was a demon beast unlike any we had ever seen. No new species of demon beast had appeared in the past several decades. There may be others like it living in the border region. If possible, I would like to investigate them in cooperation with the Empire."

"In any case, it depends on the result of the talks with Princess Sofia..."

Chancellor Kelv nodded.

Demon Lord Lukie and the others then finalized their plans for the following day.

Kelv and Raizenga would serve as Lukie's guards.

The soldiers who would protect the three of them from behind had also been selected.

They had decided what they wanted to tell Princess Sofia during the talks.

Finally──

"Your Majesty, I have a proposal concerning Thor-dono."

Chancellor Kelv spoke up unexpectedly.

"I believe Thor-dono should become engaged to Mabel before attending the talks."

"──What?"

"Kelv-dono, what are you saying all of a sudden?!"

"It is to protect Thor-dono, General."

Chancellor Kelv began to explain.

──The Empire knows that Thor is an alchemist.

──They suspect that Thor is connected to the mysterious items in the Demon Lord's Territory.

──Although Thor himself abandoned his family name, he is still an Imperial citizen.

──Therefore, the Empire may attempt to return Thor to the Empire by some means.

"However, if he is engaged to someone from the Demon Lord's Territory, the Empire should hesitate to take him away. If they forcibly return him to the Empire, they will earn the resentment of both Thor himself and the people of the Demon Lord's Territory. Therefore, this would only be temporary, just during the talks──I said temporary! Please do not start breathing fire, General!"

"Why Mabel, Kelv-dono? If it is only temporary, Agnis would be suitable! What do you have against my daughter?! Huh?!"

"That is precisely why it must be temporary! If Thor were engaged to Agnis-dono, General Raizenga would make a grand announcement, would he not?!"

"Of course I would."

"You would boast about it not only to the people in this residence, but to everyone in your territory, would you not?!"

"Obviously!!"

"That is why! It would cause a tremendous uproar when we canceled it later!"

"M-Mmph..."

"Since this is temporary... we cannot choose someone as noble as Agnis-dono. Do you understand?"

Chancellor Kelv's eyes turned toward Lukie.

Only then did Lukie realize that his words were also directed at her.

"Kelv's proposal is correct. It is also for Thor's protection, so it cannot be helped."

After a while, Demon Lord Lukie nodded.

"I approve. Mabel will be Thor's fiancée until the talks with Princess Sofia are over."

Lukie understood that Chancellor Kelv's proposal was correct.

She was the Demon Lord. She had received an education as the leader of her people.

Therefore, she understood that Kelv's proposal was intended to protect Thor from the Empire.

She also understood that Mabel was suitable as the partner for a temporary engagement.

If Lukie herself became Thor's fiancée, Thor would become even more important than he already was.

His words would take on political significance, and people might even kidnap Thor and attempt to blackmail Lukie.

If Agnis became his fiancée──Raizenga would probably tell all his subordinates. Canceling it later would cause a tremendous uproar.

Thor's position could also suffer after the engagement was called off.

Therefore, as the Demon Lord, Lukie was completely convinced that Chancellor Kelv's proposal was correct.

(──Then why do I feel so conflicted?)

Lukie let out a long sigh.

The meeting ended just like that.

After announcing the end of the meeting to Kelv and Raizenga, Lukie left the room.

She headed straight to her own room.

Kelv had said that he would tell Thor and Mabel about the engagement.

Until then, it would probably be better for her not to see him.

She felt as though she might say something unnecessary.

"...I see. This is when I start wanting a 'body pillow.'"

Come to think of it, Thor had said he had improved the 'body pillow.'

What could it be like...? As she wondered this, Lukie pressed her chest with both hands—the same hands with which she had exchanged magical power with Thor the other day.

The talks with Princess Sofia would be held tomorrow.

She hoped the princess would be reasonable. She also wanted to investigate the demon beasts in the border region together with her.

If the Demon Lord's Territory and the border remained peaceful──then both Lukie and Thor could live peaceful, carefree lives. Lukie wanted to watch how the items Thor made would change the Demon Lord's Territory.

If possible, she wanted to remain by Thor's side, holding his hand.

Thinking this, Demon Lord Lukie Evargard closed her eyes.