Talks Between the Demon Lord and the Princess (3)

After a while, the tent was ready.

I had made this special tent in anticipation of something like this.

It was large enough for four or five people to spend time comfortably.

The fabric was made of Earth-Attribute magic-woven cloth, so even arrows could not pierce it. On top of that, it was soundproof.

It was perfect for having a secret conversation.

"I will inspect the inside of the tent every few minutes."

Isaac Mueller said.

"If you harm Her Highness, I will deal with you on the spot. Even if people from the Demon Lord's Territory try to protect you, I, Isaac Mueller, will show no mercy. Keep that in mind."

"Understood."

I only wanted to have a private conversation with Princess Sofia and adjust her physical condition.

It would be over quickly, and of course, I had no intention of doing anything strange.

"...Hmph."

Isaac Mueller snorted and left.

The Imperial escort seemed wary of me and everyone from the Demon Lord's Territory. Given our respective positions, that was only natural.

It wasn't as though I—or anyone from the Demon Lord's Territory—intended to do anything.

"Thor. Come over here."

I happened to look over and saw Lukie beckoning me.

We moved around to the back of the tent.

Lukie made sure no one else was watching, then—removed her mask.

"I trust you. Whatever you do, I intend to accept it."

"Lukie-sama?"

"I cannot put it into words well, but... if that is what you wish, a political marriage would be acceptable as well. However, I will not allow you to make Mabel sad. Mabel is my childhood friend, and... I, too... so, um, well..."

"Please calm down, Lukie-sama."

"...Ugh."

"I belong to the Demon Lord's Territory. My liege is Her Majesty Lukie Evargard, my superiors are Chancellor Kelv-san and General Raizenga, and my companions are Mabel, Agnis, and the Pixies."

"I-I know that, but..."

"If becoming engaged to Princess Sofia would benefit the Demon Lord's Territory, I intend to accept. But first, I want to speak with Princess Sofia and hear her true intentions."

"I understand. Before that, there is something I want to confirm."

Saying that, Lukie removed her glove.

She held out the ring finger wearing the 'Special Good-Luck Ring' before me and said,

"You called this a 'Good-Luck Ring.' You said it would bring good fortune when worn."

"No, it isn't finished yet..."

"You called it a 'Good-Luck Ring,' did you not?"

"...I did."

"Then if I, wearing this, ever find myself thinking, 'Oh, what terrible luck,' I may hold you responsible, may I not?"

"Huh?"

"Even though it is unfinished, you explicitly called this a 'Good-Luck Ring.' If it has no ability as a magic item, then you yourself are responsible for making Mabel and me happy, are you not? Otherwise, it would not be a 'Good-Luck Ring.'"

"Huh? Wait... does that really follow?"

"Yes. It does."

"...D-does it?"

I certainly had not considered that.

It was true that I had given the rings to Lukie and Mabel, calling them 'Good-Luck Rings.'

But they were still prototypes... They had no abilities as magic items. Did that mean I had to take responsibility for making Lukie and Mabel happy...? Huh?

I felt my thoughts becoming confused.

"Now then, I wonder how Thor intends to make me happy?"

Lukie looked straight at me and grinned.

Then she put her mask back on and returned to her Demon Lord's manner of speaking.

"Indeed. I have told you what I needed to tell you. Now go to Princess Sofia. She may become an ally of the Demon Lord's Territory. You should hear her out, then find the best possible course."

"Understood, Lukie-sama."

"Go, Thor."

With Lukie pushing me from behind, I headed toward the tent.

When I opened the cloth at the entrance, I saw Princess Sofia sitting inside.

She was sitting on a box-shaped chair, looking tired.

"Thor Kanan-sama."

"We can talk later. First, please infuse this 'Body-Pillow Cover' with magic power."

I looked toward the entrance and confirmed that Isaac Mueller was not peeking in.

Then I took the 'Improved Body-Pillow Cover' I had stored in the 'Ultra-Compact Simple Storage' and handed it to Princess Sofia.

"...Huh? What is this?"

"It is a tool for having a private conversation. Please hug it tightly."

"I-I understand."

As instructed, Princess Sofia hugged the 'Body-Pillow Cover.'

I took out my own and did the same.

Once we had infused them with a suitable amount of magic power, I took out two 'Body Pillows' and put the covers on them—

Squish.

The two body pillows transformed into my shape and Princess Sofia's.

"I-I... another me?"

"It isn't just their appearance. They move, too. For now, please order it to 'sit down and move its lips.'"

"...Y-yes."

Princess Sofia closed her eyes and murmured something.

I assumed she had given it the instruction I told her to.

The Sofia body pillow was standing up, moving its mouth.

That was the ability of the 'Improved Body Pillow.'

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'Improved Body Pillow' (Rarity: ★★★★★★★★★★★★★☆)

(Attributes: Water, Water, Wind)

This is a normal 'Body Pillow' imbued with lively vitality through 'Pseudo-Life Perception.'

It is used in the same way as a normal 'Body Pillow,' but can perform actions more like an actual living being.

Its complexion and pulse are exactly like those of a living person, making it almost impossible to distinguish it from the original.

Furthermore, the person who supplies it with magic power can make it move as instructed.

(It is limited to simple actions such as walking and sitting.)

Its increased abilities come at the cost of greater magic-power consumption.

It can remain transformed for 45 minutes.

Physical Destruction Resistance: ★★★★★

Service Life: 5 years

Additional detail: It can be washed normally even while transformed into human form.

────────────

"Th-this is... exactly me. And the one beside me... I can't tell it apart from Thor Kanan-sama..."

"...Shh. Keep your voice down."

When I put a finger to my lips, my body pillow took the same pose.

At the same time, Princess Sofia and the Sofia body pillow nodded repeatedly.

The 'Improved Body Pillow' had been given lively vitality through the 'Pseudo-Life Perception' Skill.

Thanks to that, I could make it move as though it were alive.

Of course, it could only perform simple movements.

I had the body pillows sit in chairs and pretend to talk in low voices.

This way, even if someone peered into the tent, it should look as though we were whispering to each other.

"...Th-this is incredible, Thor Kanan-sama."

Princess Sofia's eyes widened as she watched the body pillows, which appeared to be sitting in chairs and talking.

"With this, I would no longer need to fear assassination. It could also be used to make it look as though an ambush were lying in wait. This item is... astonishingly powerful..."

"We can discuss that later. First, let's move somewhere we can relax."

Saying that, I removed the cloth draped over a chair.

A small door, just large enough for someone to enter, appeared.

This was a chair-shaped 'Simple Storage' I had made.

Inside, I had prepared chairs, a table, and a tea set.

This tent was made for secret meetings.

Whoever entered could create a dummy with an 'Improved Body Pillow' and make it look as though they were talking.

But in reality, they could discuss things they did not want anyone to hear inside the 'Simple Storage.'

That was the concept behind it.

I had hesitated over whether to show Princess Sofia the 'Simple Storage'... but when I thought about it, the Pixies were already using it to carry the 'Footbath' and hot water.

So I had discussed it with Lukie and obtained her permission.

Because I thought Princess Sofia could be trusted.

"Can you trust me, Princess Sofia?"

At my words, Sofia gave a small nod.

In that case, it seemed safe to guide her inside.

I told Princess Sofia to follow me, then entered the 'Simple Storage.'

Then I pulled Princess Sofia inside after me.

I closed the door, and—now the voices inside should not be audible outside.

"...Wow."

Princess Sofia's eyes lit up when she entered the 'Simple Storage.'

Anyone would be surprised to find a space inside such a small box.

"My younger sister Riana told me before. She said there was an exceptionally skilled alchemist-sama in the Demon Lord's Territory who repaired Riana's magic sword. She tried to recruit him, but the Demon Lord refused."

Princess Sofia looked at me seriously.

"So you were that alchemist-sama, Thor Kanan-sama."

"Yes. I was the one who made the 'Footbath,' too."

"Then please allow me to thank you properly."

It was sudden.

Princess Sofia knelt before me and bowed deeply.

"Thank you for saving my younger sister Riana's life by repairing her magic sword, and for healing my body with the 'Footbath.' Thank you very much, Thor Kanan-sama."

"Not at all. I only practice alchemy because I enjoy it."

"Because you enjoy it?"

"The status of alchemists in the Empire is very low, isn't it?"

"...Yes."

"But everyone in the Demon Lord's Territory gave me work as an alchemist. Everyone is happy to use the things I make. That is why I enjoy creating new items. What you used, Your Highness, was one of them."

"The 'Footbath' was one of those items as well?"

"Yes. But for now, please use it."

I pulled the 'Footbath' out from beneath the table.

I had Princess Sofia sit in a chair and put her legs into the 'Footbath.'

When I infused it with magic power, the water inside began to vibrate—

"...Ahh."

Princess Sofia let out a sigh as though relieved.

"...Mmh... Ahh. This feels wonderful... The stiffness in my body is melting away."

"If you use it regularly, I think Your Highness's body will become even healthier."

"...Regularly?"

"That would be difficult, wouldn't it? I have no intention of giving this item to the Empire."

If I handed it over, I had a feeling nothing good would come of it.

The Imperial army might run rampant in the south with its improved flow of magic power, or get carried away and march on the Demon Lord's Territory.

Yes. It was better not to hand it over.

"In the Empire, I was called weak and useless."

"The same... is true of me."

"That is why I understand how you feel, Your Highness, wanting to do your best and fulfill your duty as a princess."

I said,

"I wanted to help you because, if I may be so bold, our circumstances are similar. I had everyone in the Demon Lord's Territory, but I wondered if you had anyone like that."

"Someone to help me?"

Princess Sofia fell silent.

I lit the fire in the hearth inside the 'Simple Storage' and began boiling water.

For a while, Princess Sofia and I remained silent.

The only sounds were the crackling firewood and the water sloshing in the 'Footbath.'

"The people of the Demon Lord's Territory are precious to you, aren't they, Thor Kanan-sama?"

When the water boiled, Princess Sofia murmured softly.

"I envy you."

"I actually wish you could come to the Demon Lord's Territory too, Your Highness."

"...I think that would be difficult. If the high officials in the Imperial capital started making a fuss about 'the princess being kidnapped,' it would cause trouble for everyone in the Demon Lord's Territory."

"I understand. Then I will continue researching a 'Body Pillow' that can serve as a double and move almost indefinitely."

"Oh, Thor Kanan-sama."

Princess Sofia laughed.

She seemed to think I was joking. I was serious.

"But perhaps it is because you are that kind of person that I... came to want to become your fiancée."

As she watched the rippling surface of the water, Princess Sofia said,

"The owls who visited my room told me many things about my 'benefactor-sama'... Thor Kanan-sama. They told me that you delivered the 'Footbath' to me despite the great resolve it took. Thanks to you, my health has improved, you know?"

"That was because you trusted me, Your Highness."

"But you would never have sent the owls if you had not trusted me first, would you?"

Princess Sofia laughed, gently swishing her bare white feet through the water.

"Also, the owls spoke of you so gently. I felt their words were much warmer and more comforting than even the Light magic I wield. I thought that someone like that would understand my feelings, and that it would be safe to propose an engagement to you."

"I see..."

She's incredible... Princess Sofia.

She had trusted me, a stranger, accepted the owls—Soleil and the others—and decided on 'an engagement.'

Because she thought it would benefit the people in the border region and the Demon Lord's Territory.

"If that is the case, I do not mind becoming your fiancé, Your Highness."

I said.

"I was the one who healed Your Highness's body. As an alchemist, it would be unacceptable—third-rate, even—to heal you and then wash my hands of the rest. I want to take responsibility for creating an environment where you can continue using the 'Footbath' properly."

Actually, I was currently hard at work developing an upgraded version of the 'Footbath.'

It was an excellent item that gave the entire bath the effect of the 'Footbath' just by filling it with water, so the healing effect would be on an entirely different scale. Princess Sofia's health should stabilize soon.

"Besides, you have up to three years before returning to the Imperial capital, right? During that time, you may find other things you want to do or places you want to visit. If that happens, we can dissolve the engagement, and I will support whatever you 'want to do' as an alchemist."

"Thor... Kanan-sama."

"Either way, I am as good as dead in the Empire. You may use my name however you like."

I had no intention of returning to the Empire at all.

I was the Demon Lord's direct alchemist, planning to lay my bones in the Demon Lord's Territory.

"As long as you remain a 'good neighbor' to the Demon Lord's Territory, I will help you. Helping you will mean helping the Demon Lord's Territory."

"...Thank you."

"Well, there is no need to rush. I am sure a good idea will come to us eventually."

"Y-yes, you're right."

"First, let's hurry up and build the trading post. Please come there under the pretext of inspecting it. I will make sure you can use the 'Footbath' whenever you want. Other than that... do you have any requests?"

"Ah, yes... um..."

Princess Sofia pinched the hem of her skirt.

"Well... I am good at doing laundry, but clothes take time to dry."

"Yes?"

"I only have one change of underwear... so I have to wash it every day. If possible, I would like some more."

...Oh.

Of course.

I had given Princess Sofia only one set of underwear made from the 'Light-Attribute magic-woven cloth.'

There was no way to have a maid wash those. That meant Princess Sofia had to wash them herself every day... No wonder it was difficult.

"I hang them out before going to sleep. So while I am asleep, I—"

"You don't have to say it. More importantly... I'm sorry for sending you transparent underwear."

The 'Light-Attribute magic-woven cloth' became transparent when infused with magic power, so it could not be helped.

If I gave her clothes, the people around her might realize what the magic-woven cloth was, so I had no choice but to use something inconspicuous—underwear.

But now that I thought about it, sending a woman transparent underwear was probably questionable—

"Huh? Why is that?"

But Princess Sofia only looked puzzled.

"That underwear is something I need, isn't it?"

"No, but transparent underwear..."

"It was unsettling at first, but once I got used to it, I found it quite nice."

Princess Sofia said this matter-of-factly, without the slightest sign of embarrassment.

In fact, she was opening her neckline in front of me—as though she were about to check her underwear.

They say members of the Imperial family have no problem showing their skin because maids help them change... But wait, are all princesses like this?

"I will have the extra underwear delivered later."

"Thank you. Heehee."

Princess Sofia laughed.

Good. She seemed to have regained some of her energy.

In any case, I would discuss the engagement with Lukie and the others before deciding.

If it gave Princess Sofia an excuse to remain allied with the Demon Lord's Territory, I had no objection to becoming engaged.

If it caused Sofia to lose her status as a princess, I would truly invite her to the Demon Lord's Territory. If Princess Sofia came as an ordinary person, it probably would not cause a kidnapping uproar.

She seemed prepared for it, and I thought Lukie and the others would accept Sofia too.

Just as they had accepted me.

"...Phew."

After finishing with the 'Footbath,' Princess Sofia let out a sigh.

Then, as though she had suddenly remembered something, she looked at me and said,

"As I thought, Thor Kanan-sama, you are a wonderful person."

"...Huh?"

"You said that before, didn't you? 'If I feel even slightly uncomfortable while using the Footbath, strike me with Light attack magic.'"

Saying that, Princess Sofia pressed a hand to her chest.

"When I heard that from the owls, my heart gave a little flutter. I thought, 'There really are people this courageous...'"

"About that, actually—"

I should tell her properly about the 'UV-Cut Parasol.'

Since Sofia was a user of 'Light-Attribute magic,' she might have an opinion.

Just as I was thinking that—

"Thor! This is serious!"

Lukie's voice suddenly came from outside.

"A monster is here! I've never seen anything like it. It may be another variant like the 'Demon Beast Gargalossa.' Come out!"