A Creative Alchemist Enjoys His Freedom – After Being Banished from His Hometown, He Is Now Free to Create Magical Items with Incredible Effects Under the Control of the Demon King - Episode 16

Episode 16: “Getting Guided Around the Demon King’s Castle”

　──Thor’s point of view──

　It was the morning of the second day since arriving at the Demon King’s territory.

“Good morning, Thor-sama. Are you awake?”

　As I was lying in bed daydreaming, I heard a knock and then Mabel’s voice.
　Speaking of which, I was supposed to have her show me around the Demon King’s castle today.

“Good morning. I’m awake. Have a great day.”
“Yes, thank you very much. I’ll bring you breakfast then.”

　A short time later, Mabel arrived with breakfast.
　Today, Mabel had her silver hair tied back, her apron was freshly washed, and her expression seemed full of determination.

　When I asked her what happened,

“I was planning on showing Thor-sama around the castle today, so I woke up early and spent the whole morning fixing my hair and smoothing out the wrinkles in my apron.”

　──That’s what it seemed to be.
　She shouldn’t have to worry about it that much.

　By the way, the breakfast menu consisted of hard bread, fried eggs, and salad.
　In addition, freshly brewed tea was served.

　The bread was slightly hard, but the sweet nuts were kneaded into it. The omelette was rich in flavour. Mabel prepared the tea right in front of me, so it smelled amazing.
　I asked Mabel if we could eat together, but she shook her head apologetically and said she had already eaten at the cafeteria.

　By the way, there were people of various races living in the Demon King’s castle, and the breakfast menu seemed to differ depending on that.

“Thor-sama’s menu is the same as Demon King Luquier’s.”

　I almost spit out my tea.
　Even as a respected guest, being treated the same as Her Majesty the Demon King… that was quite impressive.

“Didn’t it fit your palate?”
“No, no, it’s more than delicious enough. It would be fine if it were a little simpler.”
“That’s not going to work.”
“Is that so?”
“Thor-sama is a respected guest of the Demon King’s territory, an alchemist directly under Her Majesty’s command… and the person I serve. I must provide him with something that satisfies him.”
“I’m satisfied with normal food. It was the same when I lived in the Empire… the Imperial Capital.”
“What was breakfast like in the Imperial Capital?”
“I ate the bread I bought three days ago, dipping it in soup little by little.”
“…In that case, you should get your nutrients from the food in the Demon King’s territory.”

　Mabel puffed out her cheeks.

“The head chef of the Demon King’s castle was also very enthusiastic. He said he wanted the guests from the human region to try our food. He wanted to hear their opinions and learn from human cooking.”

　I thought I would get along with the head chef.

“I’d like to meet him later.”
“Okay. Then, when we go around the castle.”
“Also, people from the Demon King’s territory are really studious.”
“The Demon King’s territory has the experience of being defeated by humans and heroes from another world.”

　Mabel thought for a moment and then said.

“Let’s learn from the human world. The right person is in the right place, let’s do what we can do best. That’s the current slogan of the Demon King’s Territory.”
“Well then, I’ll be studying in the Demon King’s territory. Before that, can I have some more tea?”
“Yes, Thor-sama.”

　While we were talking like that, I enjoyed my meal.

　Mabel’s story was interesting, and I listened to her with great interest.
　After the meal, the two of us had tea and continued our conversation.
　And so, after spending some relaxing time…

　I ended up touring the Demon King’s castle with Mabel as my guide.

“First, I think it would be a good idea to remember where the entrance is. From here, you can get to all parts of the castle.”

　Mabel guided me to the entrance just past the main gate of the Demon King’s castle.

　It was a stone hall with a large statue on the wall.
　At the entrance to the castle, there were minotaurs holding spears. They were the gatekeepers.
　Mabel told me that if I ever get lost, I should ask those people for directions.

“Thor-sama’s room is on the third floor of the west wing. Our maid’s rooms are on the first floor of the same west wing. So, if you need anything, please ask the gatekeepers or one of the maids to call for me. I’ll come right away.”

　Mabel said as she held my hand.
　Her pointed ears, peculiar to the elf, were red at the tips.
　She might be nervous because she was acting my guide as a maid.
　Still, Mabel enthusiastically continued explaining about the castle.

“Mabel, what about that big staircase?”

　I pointed to the wide staircase in front of the entrance.

“It’s a very impressive structure, but does it perhaps lead to where Her Majesty the Demon King is?”
“That’s right. It connects to the throne room, the Demon King’s quarters, and her study.”
“Well, I guess I should get permission before climbing.”
“That’s true… but…”

　Mabel put her lips on my ear.

“…I think Her Majesty herself would be pleased to have Thor-sama visit. However, since there are other people around, it would be best to get permission first.”
“O.K., I understand.”

　She might have guests or be working.

“Also, there’s a statue next to the big staircase, right?”
“Yes. That is a statue of the first demon king.”

　Mabel approached the central staircase and knelt in front of the statue.
　I did the same.

　Next to the wide central staircase was a statue of a woman.
　The height was just under 2 metres.
　She had large horns behind her ears and wore armour and a cloak on her body.
　The statue itself was made of stone, but the sword it was holding was made of metal. It reflected the light from the entrance and shone dully.

“The sword in the hands of the first Demon King was made from a stone that fell from the sky. It is said that she used it to fight a hero from another world. However, what is over there is…”
“…A replica magic sword with a similar shape?”

　I whispered to Mabel.
　Mabel nodded, and then,

“That’s just like you, Thor-sama. You could tell at a glance.”
“I know. I don’t feel any magic coming from that sword.”

    With my 『Creative Alchemy』 skill, I could understand it somehow.
　The sword that the statue had was a decoration, a replica that resembled the shape of a magic sword.

“The legend goes that the magic sword broke during a battle with a hero from another world and went missing.”

　Mabel told me, looking up at the statue.

“It is said that the hero took it away or that it was thrown away after it lost its power after being broken. I don’t know where it is now. It’s unfortunate, but…”
“Yeah. That’s a shame.”
“It’s a demon’s treasure, after all. I’d love to show it to Thor-sama──”
“──If it were in the castle. I wanted to try repairing it.”
“Eh?”
“Eh?”

　Mabel and I looked at each other.
　Then Mabel seemed to think deeply.

“It’s a sword made from a stone that fell from the sky. No matter what, it can’t be repaired… Well, maybe Thor-sama can…”
“Well, there’s nothing we can do about what’s gone missing.”
“Please let me know if you find it. The Demon King will be delighted.”.”
“……I agree”

　Suddenly, the image of the unmasked Demon King Luquier, overjoyed with the magic sword in her hands, came to mind.
　Yeah… I would look for it when I got the chance.

　Or rather, it would be an option to create a magic sword that surpasses the magic sword of the first Demon King.
　I wanted to make use of the Demon King Luquier’s dark magical powers and increase her power. Also, since her body was small, her reach was short, so I wanted to make sure she wasn’t in danger when fighting. For example, I could make her sword that extend, or have dark magic shoot out from the sword.

“…This would be perfect for Her Majesty the Demon King.”
“Thor-sama is a kind man.”
“Huh?”
“I can tell from the look on your face. You imagined Her Majesty to be pleased, right?”

　Mabel took my hand.

“If there’s anything I can do for you, please let me know. I’ll be happy to help.”
“No, I just want to make a lot of different things with 『Alchemy』.”
“…Either way, there’s no need to be shy. We are comrades who share secrets, after all.”

　Mabel whispered softly in my ear.
　It was kind of ticklish.

　I felt a soft sensation on my arm…and then I realised that her breasts from the maid uniform were touching my arm. I instinctively tried to move away, but Mabel held me tightly. Feeling my cheeks heat up, I nodded back to Mabel.
　Suddenly, when I listened carefully…

“… Lady Mabel is hugging the guest.”
“…What a happy face she have.”
“…What on earth happened between our guest and Mabel-sama…?”

　The minotaurs kept glancing our way.
　Mabel noticed this and let go of my hand. Looking at her own hands—which were slightly sweaty—she blushed in embarrassment.
　Then I cleared my throat to deceive myself.

“Well then, I’ll continue with the tour.”
“Yes please, Mabel.”
“Next is… the kitchen and the bathroom. Well then–”

　As Mabel said this and started to walk away,——

“What! Is that a guest from the empire! ? He’s quite weak, isn’t he! ?”

　A loud voice rang out at the entrance.

　I heard the sound of footsteps.
　A giant-like figure was coming down from the stairs on the eastern side.

　The first thing I saw was his thick legs and his trousers squeaking with each step he took down the stairs, looking like they were about to burst.
　The next thing that appeared was his bronze-coloured torso. The exposed upper body was covered in thick muscles, with what looked like heat haze rising from the surrounding area. Finally, a bearded face appears.
　The man was about two and a half metres tall, with bright red hair that shook like flames.
　I remembered the story I had heard from Mabel.
　Could it be that this person──

“Flame General Raizenga…?”
“Hohho. My guest, did you know my name?”

　The red-haired man grinned, baring his teeth.

“Indeed, I am one of the Generals serving His Majesty, Flame General Raizenga. I heard that a guest from the Empire had arrived, so I came to see him.”
“…Thank you very much for your consideration.”

　Following the etiquette of a nobleman, I bowed to General Raizenga.

“I am Thor Regus, an alchemist from the Dorgalian Empire. I look forward to working with you.”
“I know your name. But your face is not worth my trouble. My daughter must be anxious.”
“Daughter?”

　Next to Flame General Raizenga was a person clad in full armour.
　Her body was covered in full plate armour, and her legs were also covered in metal leg guards.
　I couldn’t even tell the colour of her skin, let alone her face.

“Yes. This is my daughter. Her name is Agnis.”
“……Nice to meet you.”

　A small voice said.
　The armoured figure was about the same height as me.
　She was cowering behind General Raizenga.

　General Reizenga tapped the armoured figure on the shoulder.

“Look, Agnis. I thought that someone from an empire that is known for its military might would be a very powerful warrior… but he really does look like a boy who is a civil servant.”
“Father.”
“It doesn’t seem like you would be much use in combat, isn’t it?”
“That’s true. I’m not cut out for fighting.”

　I said.

“Haha. That’s unfortunate.”

　General Raizenga chuckled, holding his throat.

“I would have liked to have a warrior from the Empire pitted against my daughter. I thought it would be interesting to see just how strong someone from the Empire, a great military power, is, using my daughter as a test of her strength.”
“Father, that’s so rude…!”
“Calm down, Agnis. The flames are leaking.”

　Raizenga was right.
　A faint flame was erupting from the helmet of the armoured figure—Agnis.
　Holding it in his palm, Flame General Raizenga continued speaking.

“Guest. What was your name?”
“Thor Regus.”
“I see. So Thor, tell me the name of the strongest man in the empire. I am in charge of the mountainous region in the south of the Demon King’s territory. I have many opportunities to meet people from the Empire. If there are any strong people out there, I would love to challenge them.”
“Lord Raizenga!”

　Suddenly, Mabel spoke up next to me.
　She clutched the skirt of her maid’s uniform and glared at General Raizenga.

“Thor-sama is a distinguished guest and an alchemist under the direct command of His Majesty the Demon King. It would be rude to be called by his first name! Besides, this is not the kind of place where you should be trying to find out information about the Empire!”
“A guest, huh?”
“Are you dissatisfied?”
“I think it’s admirable that His Majesty wants to learn from the human world.”

　General Raizenga looked from me to Mabel and back again, then nodded.

“But I believe we should learn from the Empire’s strength and fighting prowess. Both my daughter Agnis and I can only demonstrate our true strength on the battlefield.”
“Demon King Luquier wishes for a peaceful world.”
“So you’re treating someone who can’t even fight as a guest? But there’s a limit.”

　Raizenga slowly came down the stairs and stood in front of me.

　Humongous.
　His arms were also big. It looked like he could blow me away with a single swing.

“Thor Regus, what can you do? How can you be of use to the Demon King if you can’t even fight?”
“With my alchemy skills, I can strengthen the General’s daughter’s armour.”

　I replied, looking back into General Raizenga’s crimson eyes.
　I was curious about that armour for a while now.

　According to Mabel, General Raizenga was said to be a descendant of the 『Flame Giant』.
　If so, the same was probably true for his daughter.
　However, the armour she was wearing had 『Fire Resistance』.

   The 『Flame Giants』 were skilled at manipulating fire magic. Those of their bloodline had the 『Flame Resistance』 armour on their entire body, making them feel cramped. It was like wearing clothes that sealed you away.

　Was the attribute of the armour 『Earth』?
　The theory was that the way to give an item fire resistance was to add the earth attribute.
　The the water attribute was good for putting out fires but not for enduring them. If the water attribute was too strong, steam would erupt, and if it’s too weak, the attribute would be overpowered by the fire and will disappear.

　On the other hand, the earth attribute was stable.
　The earth contains iron and rocks that only melt when exposed to high temperatures, so adding a lot of earth elemental elements to them can give them fire resistance.

　I guessed the strength and fire resistance were increased by stacking two earth elements. Seeing how Agnis moved with ease, it seemed that the wind element was also being used to reduce weight. Interesting. I’d love to strengthen it.

“The armour cannot withstand the heat, and it appears that the connections have come loose. I am an alchemist. I can strengthen the armour. If you would like, I could try.”

    Armour with the double earth attribute added was a fairly rare item.
　I would hate to see it broken, and I’d love to look into it and fix it.

“I intend to be of use to the Demon King in this way. What do you think, General?”
“…That’s none of your business. Alchemist”

　However, General Raizenga glared at me with his crimson eyes.

“Only the strongest warriors may touch my daughter. There is no way I would allow a weak alchemist to touch her armour.”
“Father! Don’t say such things…”
“Let’s go back, Agnis. It’s a wasted trip.”

　Raizenga dismissed the remark and headed up the stairs.
　Agnis was about to follow her father, but stopped midway. Then she turned to look at me and bowed deeply.

　I returned the greeting, and Agnis ran up the stairs after her father.

“……Haaah.”

　Once the two of them were out of sight, the minotaurs guarding the gate sighed.

“That’s amazing, Thor-dono.”
“To think that you would not even back down in front of Lord Raizenga? I’m amazed.”
“As expected from someone from the Empire, how brave.”

　Wrong.
　Because I was focussing on the armour, I missed the power of the general.

“Weren’t you scared, Thor-sama?”

　When I came back to my senses, I saw Mabel looking into my face.

“That Raizenga-sama is one of the top five strongest people in the Demon King’s castle. To openly argue in front of him… how much courage do you have, Thor-sama?”
“I don’t think it was courage. The armour just drew my attention.”
“Armour, huh?”
“Besides… I’m weak. If the opponent is strong enough, it’s the same for them all.”

　I’d seen plenty of strong opponents in the Empire.
　Since I had no fighting skills, most of them could kill me with one hit.
　Apparently, while facing such a person, paralysis happened occasionally.

“Well then, I will continue my tour of the Demon King’s castle.”

　Mabel nodded with a smile, trying to clear the tense atmosphere.

“There are still many things I would like you to see, Thor-sama. First, let’s go to the balcony and enjoy the view of the Demon King’s territory. After that, we will head to the kitchen. Lunch preparations are just about to begin. Perhaps you can have a snack.”
“Okay, please, Mabel.”

　I was curious to know what kind of cooking utensils were used in the Demon King’s territory.
　Plus, listening to what the people in the kitchen had to say might give me some ideas for a new magic item.
　To be honest, I was also curious about General Raizenga and his daughter Agnis…
　But I didn’t think that was something to talk about here.
　I would ask her when we got back to the room after the tour. I was sure Mabel would be able to tell me all about it.

“Well then, let’s go to the kitchen.”
“Yes, Thor-sama.”

　And so Mabel and I resumed our 『Demon King’s Castle Tour』.