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 28

Episode 28: “General Raizenga Negotiates with the Imperial Nobility”

　──While Thor was making the 『Laser Pointer』 in Raizenga’s territory──

　This was the territory of Flame General Raizenga, located south of the Demon King’s territory.
　An envoy from the Empire had arrived at the General’s mansion at the centre of the place.

　The messager was Margrave Garua.
　He was an imperial noble whose territory was closest to the Demon King’s territory.

“Nice to meet you, Flame General, Lord Raizenga. I am Margrave Garua from the Dorgalian Empire.”

　A man wearing a cloak, indicating he was an Imperial nobleman, bowed to General Raizenga.
　In response, Raizenga also bowed lightly and returned his greeting.

“I am Raizenga Freyzadd, General in Charge of the Southern Territories of His Majesty the Demon King.”

　This meeting was also agreed to by Demon King Luquier.
　The purpose was to negotiate mining development.

　A few months ago, a new vein was found in the mountains where Raizenga was in charge.
　The location was near the border with the Empire.

　Right next to it was the territory of Margrave Garua.

　The Demon King’s Territory had planned to begin mining immediately, but after investigating, it was discovered that it was the nest of powerful demon beasts.
　Before development could begin, the monster subjugation must be the first priority.

　However, if they gather troops in the border area, the Empire might misunderstand that they had the intention to invade the Demon King’s territory.
　Also, if they managed to provoke the demon beasts and have them attack the town, it would cause trouble for the Empire.

　Thinking about this, Raizenga sent an envoy to the Margrave Garua of the Empire to explain the situation.

　After a few exchanges, the following plan emerged:

• The Empire will cooperate with the Demon King’s Territory to defeat the demonic beasts.
• Once the mine is developed, the Empire will receive a portion of the silver extracted as compensation.

　Thus, written negotiations continued between the General and the Margrave──

　Now, they were entering the final stages of finalisation.

“May I confirm the conditions, Lord Raizenga?”
“Yeah. Never mind.”

　Raizenga presented a piece of paper to the margrave.

“The conditions are as written here. Is there anything that concerns you? Margrave Garua.”
“Well… first, let me confirm. Is it correct that the Empire will be providing soldiers to defeat the Demonic Beast Gargarossa? The number of soldiers will be between 50 and 100.”
“Yes. There’s no problem. Your cooperation would be much appreciated. That demonic beast has many subordinates, after all.”

　Raizenga nodded at the margrave’s words.

“The soldiers from the Empire will fight together with us from the Demon King’s territory; is that okay? Margrave Garua.”
“Yes. Now, regarding the reward we will be receiving… After the mine was developed, a portion of the silver was given to the Empire as a reward. How about this?
“Is your Majesty the Demon King also satisfied with these conditions?”
“Of course. His Majesty Luquier Evargard said that there would be no problem under these conditions.”
“Here’s some of your silver. The period is one year, I believe.”

　Margrave Garua looked up from his documents.

“Is it possible to extend the period during which I receive silver?”
“I don’t know how many mineral veins are there. I can’t say for certain.”
“I would be happy if you could provide me for two years, no, four years.”
“I have already told His Majesty the Demon King that it is a year.”
“Well, there is a way to do that.”

　Margrave Garua rubbed his hands and laughed.
　The Margrave was a muscular man.
　Although he was not as tall as Raizenga, it was heard that he was a renowned warrior in the Empire.

　The Margrave left his weapons with his attendant and came to Raizenga’s mansion.
　 He looked like a courageous person.
　Although the place for the meeting was a room close to the mansion’s exit, there were many soldiers waiting outside.

　Respect the brave warrior was the policy of the Raizenga family.
　He had no complaints about Margrave Garua acting as the negotiator.
　However, was there anything that could be done about that piercing look in his eyes?

“…How do you do it?”
“It would be rude to say it aloud.”
“I won’t know until you tell me.”
“Well then, I will give General Raizenga a portion of the silver sent to the Empire as a token of my thanks for extending the period for which I will receive the silver to four years. This is a personal token of my gratitude to the general.”

　Margrave Garua twisted his lips in a smile.

“The Empire’s share will be reduced, but the period will be longer. His Majesty will be pleased. And of course, General Raizenga will receive benefits too.”
“That’s not worth discussing. I will end up deceiving His Majesty, the Demon King.”
“If the General keeps his mouth shut, he won’t know.”
“You know the truth, don’t you?”
“This Garua is a man of tight lips.”
“…Are you a trustworthy person?”

　Raizenga sipped his cup of tea, took a breath, and continued.

“In your letter, you wrote that the guest you were sending to the Demon King’s territory was a ‘powerful warrior’. Even though he didn’t look strong, he was a strong man who would be perfect for testing my skills.”
“You are right. Did you fight him, General?”
“Not at all. I could tell just by looking at him that he was not the type to pick up a weapon and fight.”
“That’s unfortunate. But as the Shogun, I’m sure you don’t like people like that, do you? Someone of noble bl00d who can’t fight and yet lives a comfortable life. I believe that with your help, that person should be able to reform his character.”
“… his character?”
“Although the Empire and the Demon King’s Territory are currently at peace, they were once warring nations. There are probably some who bear a grudge against the Empire. By all means, you should offer him to those people. That will clear the hearts of those who bear a grudge against the Empire.”
“So that’s why you introduced Thor-dono as a ‘warrior’.”
“Yes. The duke said the same thing. Thor Regus is a disgrace to the Duke’s family. He said that he should at least use his life to help the Empire. So, going back to what I was saying earlier…”

　Margrave Garua put his hands on the table and leaned forward.

“I have a great idea. We could extend the contract between the Demon King’s territory and the Empire to four years, and if it is discovered that the Empire is sending some of the silver to the Demon King’s territory… how about pushing the responsibility onto Thor Regus?”
“…………”
“Let’s say that he deceived the general and altered some of the documents. Then he pocketed the silver that was meant to be given to the Empire. Let’s say that he used that silver for underhanded tactics to get back to the Empire.”
“…………”
“This way, the general will not be inconvenienced. Thor Regus will simply disappear, bearing all of his sins. With his life, he will be of use to the empire and the general. Don’t you think that’s a good idea?”
“……One question.”

　General Raizenga spoke, his eyes still on the table.

“Is it your decision to 『push the responsibility onto Thor Regus』?”
“I’m not the only one who suggested this. It was also his father, Duke Regus, who suggested it.”
“No, I am asking whether your emperor knows about this.”
“No. All his Majesty knows is that the period for which he will receive the silver will be extended to four years.”

　Margrave Garua shrugged his shoulders.

“Serving the Empire is a noble’s duty, and it is not something that needs to be reported to His Majesty every time.”
“…I see, that’s good.”
“Eh?”
“The Empire itself is not disdained. His Majesty the Demon King has the mindset of ‘learning from humans’. I don’t want to make His Majesty sad.”
“Um, um… General Raizenga?”
“…That’s enough. Shut up. Don’t open your mouth any more.”

　CRACK!

　The cup in the hands of General Raizenga shattered.
　The general then clenched his fist and crushed the pieces into powder.

　Suddenly, flames burst out from the general’s hair.
　His copper-red skin turned even redder, and her crimson eyes began to take on a golden hue.
　The general silently extended his arm and pointed to the exit of the mansion.

“Get out”
“Y-Yes?”
“I have no way of talking to a vile person like you! Get out! Don’t ever show yourself before me again!!”
“Hii?!”

　Then, Raizenga’s fist hit the table and broke in half at the top.
　The flying pieces of wood turned into sparks and flew up all around him.

“Just deceiving His Majesty the Demon King is a sin… and now, of all things, you want me to take advantage of my benefactor, Thor-dono? And then you want me to pin all the blame on him…? Thor-sama, my friend and my daughter’s benefactor?! Stop messing around like that!!”
“My, my friend?! That person?!”
“Yes. I respect Thor-dono. And I have sworn allegiance to His Majesty the Demon King, who appointed him!”
“Wha-why?! To Thor Regus, and the like?!”
“‘Thor Regus and the like’? How far will you go insulting him?!”

　The temperature in the room rose.
　Heat was radiating from General Raizenga’s body.
　Flames flickering before his eyes and the general’s anger.
　Overwhelmed by both of them, the Margrave’s face turned pale.

“I don’t understand. What’s wrong with Thor Regus?”
“To my daughter Agnis, who has made up her mind, Thor-dono is my son-in-law!”

　General Raizenga glared at Margrave Garua with his crimson eyes.

“It is unthinkable that I would take advantage of Thor-dono! This concludes my negotiations with you! I will report this matter to His Majesty the Demon King! His Majesty will also send a letter to the Emperor of the Empire. You have used dirty tactics to deceive His Majesty the Demon King and tried to take advantage of me and Thor-dono!”
“No way. If you accept this offer, the general will benefit…”
“That kind of thing is equivalent to garbage compared to Agnis’ smile! !”
“So, what about the mines?”
“Originally, these negotiations were for the sake of friendship between the Empire and the Demon King’s Territory. We were negotiating so that the soldiers being gathered to subjugate the monsters in the mines would not be misunderstood as being for an invasion of the Empire.”

　General Raizenga continued, suppressing the anger in his voice.

“However, I have realised that this is not going to work with you. I will write a letter directly to the Emperor of the Empire to convey that the Demon King’s Territory has no hostile intentions.”
“That can’t be true! I’ve already informed His Majesty the Emperor about the mines! If I’m removed from the negotiating role here, then I and… Duke… Where does that leave us?”
“His Majesty the Demon King has entrusted this matter to me.”

　Raizenga waved his arm towards the window.
　The metal-reinforced windows shattered easily.

　They must have already heard the commotion.

　Below the window, Raizenga’s subordinates and those of Margrave Garua were gathered.

“I speak in the name of Flame General Raizenga! I can’t overlook Margrave’s remarks to His Majesty the Demon King and my friend! Having been entrusted with the negotiations by His Majesty the Demon King, I take full responsibility and will end the negotiations with the Margrave here!!”

　General Raizenga shouted to the crowd gathered outside the window.

“Now, you’d better return quickly, Margrave! The negotiations have broken down!!”
“Well, what are you planning to do about that monster, General? Do you think you can defeat it by yourself?”
“That goes without saying. I know all too well how terrifying he is.”
“Apologise right now! And then…”
“I will not bow my head to someone who insults my friend!”
“…ugh.”
“If I have to do something like that, I would rather lose my life to the monsters! If you understand, then disappear!! Now!!”

　Raizenga cried.
　For a while, Margrave Garua glared back at the general, but…

“… is completely different. How did this happen…”

　──he muttered and ran out of the room.

　After a while, outside the window, I see the Margrave and his soldiers leaving.
　I think he’ll return to the Empire now.
　It will take some time for the Emperor to make any moves after reporting to him.
　Let’s report this to His Majesty the Demon King and await his decision── that was what Raizenga was thinking when he started to think──

“…Father.”
“Agnis? Sorry, I broke the window. I was trying to get some fresh air in, but it seems I overdid it.”

　Raizenga turned around at the voice he heard.
　Agnis was standing at the entrance to the room.

“What on earth happened, Father?”
“It’s nothing you need to worry about.”
“Father!”
“…An envoy from the Empire has insulted Thor-dono.”
“Okay. Just… go after him… and burn him.”

　Agnis reflexively tried to run.
　The pendant on her chest glowed, and the five elements of physical strengthening were activated.

“Wait! Agnis!!”
“Anyone who insults Thor-sama is an enemy of Agnis!”
“I feel the same way! But can’t you see that I’m desperately trying to hold back my anger!?”

　Raizenga cried.
　Agnis turned around and saw flames rising from her father’s hair.
　The temperature in the room also rose, and the air appeared to shimmer with the heat.
　Even Raizenga, who could control the magical power of fire, was unable to contain the flames due to his rage.

“…Agnis. You’d better get revenge. But how do you intend to tell Thor-dono about it?”
“……Ah”
“Are you going to say that Agnis took revenge because the royal nobles insulted you? But if Thor-dono knew the true feelings of the nobles of the empire, he would be hurt. Also, the Demon King’s territory and the empire would be in trouble because of that. If war were to happen, wouldn’t that person be in a bad mood?

　Hearing her father’s words, Agnis, who had started running, stopped in her tracks.

　Using her enhanced physical abilities, she kicked the wall and used the momentum to jump.
　Just like that, she landed in front of Raizenga.

“…I understand. Agnis doesn’t want Thor-sama to get hurt.”
“…It seems that the Empire considers Thor-dono to be a hostage of the Demon King’s territory, or something they can use freely. However, I don’t think Thor-dono knows that. If he did know… there’s no way he could remain so calm.”
“Agnis thinks so too. Thor-sama is a kind man.”
“You understand. Therefore… let’s keep this matter a secret from Thor-dono.”

　Raizenga and Agnis stood side by side, gazing out the window.
　The Imperial soldiers were no longer to be seen.
　Raizenga hoped that they would quickly leave the territory.

　Because it was making him want to chase them and burn them.

　”Maybe I should have given up my title as general after all,” he muttered silently.

　If you were just a commoner, you could make friends. If you set fire to something you’ve done, you would only be the one who had to take responsibility for it. No one else would be affected.
　However, Raizenga was a general of the Demon King’s territory.

　If he let his anger get the better of him and attacked the Margrave, it would become a problem for both the Demon King and the Empire.

“First, I must report to His Majesty the Demon King that the negotiations have broken down.”

　Raizenga sighed.

“I will send a letter to the Demon Castle. All the blame for this incident lies with me, Raizenga. If His Majesty the Demon King is angry, I will give up my position as general and my territory. I intend to start over as a newcomer.”
“Father…”
“Yes. In that case, Agnis… will become Thor Regus-dono’s maid. You have sworn, ‘in the name of the Primordial Flame,’ to belong to him. It seems you have no complaints… I don’t need to say it. I can tell by looking at your face.”
“…It’s embarrassing.”

　Thus, the negotiations between the Raizenga territory and the Margrave broke down.

“It seems that the Margrave has insulted a friend of His Excellency the General!”
“If that’s the case, it can’t be helped if the negotiations should break down!!”
“We’ll defeat the monsters in the mines by ourselves!!”

　──There was not a single complaint from the soldiers under his command.

　Afterwards, Raizenga sent a letter to the Demon King Luquier, reporting everything.
　A few days later, the reply came.

『I have read the report. It was the right decision after listening to Margrave Garua’s proposal. In the name of the Demon King, Luquier, I record here that you are innocent.

　Also, around the same time as your report, a letter arrived from the Emperor of the Empire.
　Apparently, this was an arbitrary decision made by Margrave Garua or some such, and even the Emperor was unaware of it.
　Those involved will likely be dealt with in the name of the Emperor.

　There was also a new proposal regarding the subjugation of demon beasts.
　The Empire side will be sending out soldiers to subjugate the demonic beasts as planned.
　Since this was also an apology, no compensation was required.

　However, it seems that the third princess, a holy sword user, will be coming from the empire.
　If the Emperor’s family were coming to subjugation, I too would have to give a proper welcome.

　Therefore, I decided to personally lead the troops and go to subjugate the demon beasts.
　I have ordered Flame General Raizenga to prepare for the Demon King’s personal expedition.』

“Her Majesty, Demon King Luquier Evargard, is going for her first expedition!!”

　After reading the letter, General Raizenga addressed his subordinates.

“It is a great honour to accompany him. Everyone, prepare yourself! Make clothes suitable for Agnis to welcome His Majesty! ! ”

     That was how General Raizenga and his subordinates started preparing to welcome the Demon King.