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 20

Episode 20: “Agnis Thinks of the Alchemist Thor”

　──Agnis’s point of view──

“Where have you been, Agnis?”

　When Agnis returned to the area of ​​the castle given to the General’s family, her father, Raizenga, was waiting for her.

“The day after tomorrow, we’ll be leaving for our estate. I told you to get ready.”
“I’m sorry, Father.”

　Agnis bowed her head while still wearing her helmet.

“I only have a little time left at the castle, so I was looking around.”
“I see. That’s good, then.”
“I’m sorry for causing you concern…”
“No, I’m not blaming you or anything. Ugh.”

　Raizenga cleared his throat.

“And… I feel sorry for you. The reason you can’t control the flames is because of our ancestor, Flame Giant. That’s because his blood is so strong. It’s the nature of a flame giant to manipulate flames emotionally. There’s nothing I can do about it.”
“I know…Father.”
“We have finished reporting to His Majesty the Demon King. We will now return to our territory. We will begin the development of the mining system. We have also received permission to cooperate with the Empire.”
“Agnis’s territory is in the southern mountain region. We need to be on good terms with the Empire…”
“That’s right. That’s why I went to see the face of the guest who came from the Empire, but wow. I can’t believe someone like that is an Imperial noble.”
“Father…”
“I heard that he has no fighting skills. No wonder he looks so weak. Since he is an imperial noble, I imagined him to be a brave man worthy of crossing swords with me. What a pitiful thing—”
“Father!”

　Agnis cried out involuntarily, staring at her father.

“Thor Regus is a good man … I think.”
“Did you talk to him?”
“Yes. We met and talked. He gave this to me.”

　Agnis showed her father the [Ultra Compact Simple Warehouse] that Thor had given her.

“He was worried about Agnis, who couldn’t control her flames, so he gave her a valuable item to absorb the excess flames!… Please stop saying bad things about him!!”
“What an unnecessary thing to do!”
“Father?!”
“Even if something like this exists it would be the same if you could not wear any other clothes beside this armour.”
“But! He’s doing it for Agnis!!”
“…Please understand, Agnis.”

　General Raizenga took Agnis’s hand, which was wrapped in a gauntlet.

“I am thinking of you above all else. This mine development is also for your benefit. That is why I am exchanging letters with the Margrave of the Empire.”
“I know that you are always thinking about Agnis.”
“If the negotiations with the Empire are successful, mines will be developed in our territory. To do that, we must defeat the magical beasts that are in our way. That’s where you come in. Show everyone that your [fire magic] is useful!”
“…Father.”
“Your flames will be able to easily subjugate the monsters that lurk around the mines. The people of the Empire will be amazed. The name of General Raizenga’s daughter, Agnis, will spread throughout the Demon King’s territory and the Empire.”
“…I understand…Father.”

　She knew that her father cared about her.
　Agnis’s flames could only be used to harm someone.
　It could only be used to subjugate troublesome magical beasts.

(…There must be a kinder way to live…)

　Agnis didn’t know what to do.
　It was the same when she was little.
　When she first awakened to “Magic of Fire”, Agnis’s flames went out of control and inflicted burns on her dear friends.
　She forgave her, but since then, Agnis was not able to looked her in the eye.

　It was after that that she started wearing her family heirloom, the [fire-resistant armour], so that she wouldn’t hurt anyone. She didn’t have anything else to wear, and as long as she wore the armour, she wouldn’t hurt anyone.

She had received permission from Prime Minister Kelve to wear the [fire-resistant armour]. They had even filed a notice. So everyone knew that if they got close to Agnis, they would get burned.

(…But even so, there are kind people who still try to talk to Agnis…)

　Suddenly, she remembered Thor, the alchemist she met today.
　That person did not fear Agnis’s flames.
　He said he would listen carefully and think of a solution.

(…He really is a strange person.)

　She could see why Mabel was on that person’s side.
　She guessed the kind people would get along well.

　But Agnis wasn’t included in that.
　The only thing fire could do was hurt someone. That was painful.

“Agnis… is aware of her role as Father’s daughter.”

　Agnis told him, looking at her father.

“I will do what I can. I will not do anything that would tarnish the name of Flame General.”
“Um, well. If you understand, then that’s fine.”

　Her father, Raizenga, cleared his throat to change the mood.

“We are leaving for our territory the day after tomorrow. Until then, feel free to do as you please.”
“Yes… Father.”

　Agnis nodded and returned to her room.
　She removed the clasps that had become a little loose recently and took off her armour.

　The only time she could take off her armour was when she was in her room.
　Her room was made of flame-retardant materials to make it comfortable for her.
　The walls and furniture were made of stone, and the dishes and pitchers were all metal.

　The only thing that remained was the futon, a fire-resistant item passed down through generations of Agnis’s family, without which Agnis would have had to sleep on the floor.

“… Phew.”

　Agnis sighed.

　Then, she placed the [Ultra-Compact Simple Warehouse] next to her pillow and laid down.

“…Thor Regus.”

　He was a strange man.
　He wasn’t the least bit wary of Agnis.
　He said the flames she was producing were beautiful.

“Thor-sama said that he wanted those in the Demon King’s territory to live leisurely and peacefully. Does that include Agnis too…?”

　Tokun.

　Thinking of Thor’s face makes her heart beat faster.
　The resulting flames were sucked into the [Ultra-Compact Simple Warehouse].

“……I’m in trouble.”

　Agnis sighed.

The  [Ultra-Compact Simple Warehouse] absorbed the flames.
　But watching this made her think of Thor.
　Her heart was beating faster, and the flames were being born. It was an endless cycle.
　But right now, she felt good.

“The day after tomorrow, Agnis must return to her territory.”

　Agnis muttered softly.
　Thor said he would find a way to stop the flames, but that’s impossible. There was not much time.　

“…When I go to the bathroom tomorrow, I’ll have to say goodbye…”

　Thor had helped Agnis more than enough.

“Just this [Ultra-Compact Simple Warehouse]… no. Just the words that person gave me… are enough for Agnis.”

　So…that’s enough.
　There was no way he could deal with Agnis’s flames in a day.

“When I see you tomorrow, I must thank Thor Regus. Thank you for thinking of Agnis…”

　Thinking about such things, Agnis closed her eyes.