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 37

Episode 37: “Demon King Luquier Meets With the Empire’s Third Princess”

　──One hour later──

　The Demon King’s army and the Empire’s army set up tents separately and went to rest.
　No one in the Demon King’s territory was injured in this battle.
　General Raizenga and the Minotaur complained that they had no chance to appear.

　On the other hand, the Empire’s troops suffered no fatalities, but many were injured.
　Some were kicked when they were stuck on a spider’s web, while others were bitten by a small spider.
　The seriously injured were those who had fought against the main body of the 『Demon Beast Gargarossa』.
　They were receiving treatment in the back.

　The meeting between the representatives of the Demon King’s Territory and the Empire was to take place halfway between the two camps.
　Those attending from the Demon King’s side were Demon King Luquier, Chancellor Kelve, and General Raizenga.
　On the Imperial side were the third princess, Liana, Minister of Military Affairs Zagran, and their guards.

“…I am Liana Dorgalia, the third princess of the Dorgalia Empire.”

　Princess Liana was the first to speak.
　She did not had a holy sword. The only weapon she was wearing was her armour. The armour was still covered with the bl00d of 『Demon Beast Gargarossa』. Although they managed to wipe it off, it seemed they were unable to completely clean it off.

“Thank you for saving me from danger this time.”

　Princess Liana was pale and trembling as she bowed slightly to Luquier and the others.

“The strength of the magic of everyone in the Demon King’s territory and the Demon King, Luquier Evargard… has been clearly demonstrated to me. This Liana has been made to realise how weak she is… Seriously… To think you would be able to defeat the 『Demon Beast Gargarossa』 without even wielding the sword…”

(You seem scared. Well, that’s understandable.)

　Luquier nodded without saying a word.

　It was understandable why Princess Lianna was frightened.
　Even though she was a princess, she faced off against the 『Demon Beast Gargarossa』 and failed.
　Afterwards, she was nearly killed but was saved by a magical attack from the Demon King’s territory.
　Furthermore, the magic spells of the Demon King’s territory easily annihilated the demonic beast and its subordinates, which even the holy sword could not defeat.
　It was no wonder that one would be left in a daze after witnessing such a scene.

(…Though, we’re pretty surprised too. Thor… when we meet up, we’ll have a detailed talk about the power of the 『Laser Pointer』. There’s still some 『User Support』 left, after all. Prepare yourself, Thor…)

　While thinking about such things, Luquier looked at Princess Liana.
　She waited for her to finish speaking, then

“Thank you for your kind greeting. I am the king of the Demon King’s territory, Luquier Evargard.”

　Luquier returned the greeting, still wearing her mask.

“There is no shame in defeat. No matter how brave a warrior is, they can fall behind to a demon beast. The bl00d of the demon beast that clung to Her Highness is the proof she fought bravely. In fact, I think it’s something to be proud of.”
“…Oh, thank you… very much.”

　It must have been the limit.
　Princess Liana was at a loss for words and covered her mouth.

“Thank you very much for your kind words. Her Highness is deeply moved and at a loss for words.”

　Minister of Military Affairs Zagran stepped forward in place of Princess Liana.
　He bent his tall body and bowed to Luquier, Chancellor Kelve, and General Raizenga.

“I’m Zagran, the person in charge of military affairs in the Dorgalian Empire.”
“Minister of Military Affairs, thank you very much.”

　Chancellor Kelve spoke up in place of Luquier.
　If the other party was a vassal of the Empire and not an Imperial Princess, then it would behove a vassal to reply.

“I am Kelve, a servant of His Majesty the Demon King. This is General Raizenga.”
“They are the swords of His Majesty the Demon King. These people are great people.”

　Minister of War Zagran lowered his eyes and continued.

“Thank you for saving Her Highness Liana from peril. I am also pleased that we were able to successfully subjugate the demon beast.”
“…That’s true.”
“The victory… of the Empire… and the Demon King’s territory… will be a great achievement for everyone to talk about. It’s also a wonderful thing for the friendship between our two countries.”

　With his eyes lowered and without seeing the reaction of the Demon King’s people, Minister of Military Affairs Zagran spoke.

(So, it’s a victory for ​​both the Empire and the Demon King’s Territory.)

　That was a tricky thing to say.
　Kelve and Raizenga likely thought the same way.
　Raizenga clenched his fists in anger.
　And the Chancellor, Kelve,

“I would like to ask the Minister of Military Affairs. This operation was supposed to be carried out after our Demon King’s army and the Empire’s army had joined forces. However, in reality, the Empire’s side did not join forces and instead attacked the 『Demon Beast Gargarossa』. Could you please tell us the reason for this?”

　──He spoke the lines that had been prearranged before the meeting.

“Keep it off. Kelve. After the battle…”
“Your Majesty, this is an important matter. If we don’t hear it, the soldiers will not be convinced.”

　Luquier and Raizenga have the conversation as planned.
   This was to convey that 『This question is not a personal one for Chancellor Kelve, but the general consensus of the soldiers of the Demon King’s territory.』

“The demon beasts have never descended onto the open rocky plane before. The only thing we can think of is that the Empire has made some kind of move. If that is the case, then the people who have destroyed the operation should be held responsible for explaining it.”

　Princess Liana clenched her lip as Kelve pointed out the Empire’s mistakes.
　It must have been frustrating for her to be asked such a question right after she had lost a battle.

“It’s because of… that person’s item that there was no damage here. Without it, there may have been casualties both in the Demon King’s territory and on the Empire’s side. Therefore, we need to confirm the Empire’s true intentions.”
“I understand the soldiers’ feelings. Then, I, Luquier Evargard, will ask the Third Princess, Her Highness Liana.”

　Luquier looked straight at Princess Liana and asked.

“Why did the Empire start the battle first despite proposing a joint operation? Wasn’t it the Empire’s plan that caused the swarm of 『Demonic Beast Gargarossa』 to move to the Empire’s camp?”
“…………Uh.”
“If this was a plan, then the Empire’s soldiers would have invaded the Demon King’s territory without permission. What if there were civilians nearby? What if the provoked beasts lost their minds in anger and attacked the people? The idea was to subjugate the demonic beasts to avoid casualties, but that would be pointless.”
“…………Demon King.”
“I don’t mean to blame you, Princess Liana.”

　Luquier softened her tone and asked Princess Liana.

“I want to know your true intentions. Whether the Empire is trustworthy or not. If we were to engage in a similar joint operation in the future, how much can I trust them?”
“…Demon King, Luquier Evargard.”

　Princess Liana straightened her posture and looked at Luquier.
　She clutched her armoured chest and took a slow, deep breath.
　And then, she──

“──Actually.”
“I will explain. This time, due to the rampage of the soldiers who were impatient for merit, it ended up like this. I will dispose of them at once, so could you please forgive us?”

　Minister of Martial Affairs Zagran interrupted Princess Liana and said.
　He stepped forward to shield Princess Liana, blocking her view.

“In the convention of the empire as a means of punishment, the nobles who committed crimes and their subordinates are brought into subjugation or military action. This is to allow them to perform feats on the battlefield in order to lighten the punishment for their crimes. That’s why they were impatient to earn merits and launched an attack on the nest of a demonic beast.”
“──That means.”
“Is that not the consensus of the Empire?”

　Chancellor Kelve took over the words of Demon King Luquier.

“Then how can you explain the beasts arriving at the Empire’s camp?!”
“Those 『Certain Soldiers』 attacked the beast’s nest, but they realised they couldn’t win. They shamelessly fled back to our camp.”

　Zagran speaks bitterly, as if they were victims too.

“Princess Liana did not abandon such people. She ordered us to save her soldiers. And so the elite soldiers of the Empire fought the hordes of demon beasts, while Princess Liana faced off against the 『Demon Beast Gargarossa』 herself, like this.”
“…Zagran.”
“Look! Her Highness, who bravely fought against the demon beast still covered in its bl00d!”

　Minister of Military Affairs Zagran grabbed Princess Liana by the shoulder and pulled her in front of Luquier and the others.
　She could feel his fingers digging into Lianna’s shoulders.
　As if sensing this, the princess spoke in a trembling voice:

“──Old man Zagran… No, it’s just as Zagran said. Please forgive us for not having had time to contact the Demon King’s Territory due to that urgency…”

　──She averted her gaze from Luquier and the others looked and said so.

(……Despicable things)

　Perhaps Princess Liana was trying to tell the truth earlier.
　However, Minister of Military Affairs Zagran put a stop to it.

   ──The fact that the Empire outwitted the Demon King’s Territory while proposing a joint operation.
　──Even after doing all that, they failed to defeat the demonic beast and were saved by the Demon King’s territory.

　Zagran, an Imperial politician, would never be able to accept that.

　So, that’s why the Imperial Soldiers were caught off guard because of the rampage of some soldiers.
　This was also why Princess Lianna was unable to defeat the 『Demon Beast Gargarossa』.

　She nearly died fighting the 『Demon Beast Gargarossa』 because of a group of 『some soldiers』 who acted on their own accord.
　The reason she left the beast’s bl00d on her body was probably to portray her desperation.

　And──the reason why the Imperial soldiers were saved by the Demon King’s territory was because they were caught off guard by the demonic beast, not because the Imperial soldiers were weak.

　The Empire wanted to leave it at that.

“…Where are these 『Certain Soldiers』?”
“We’ve caught them and tied them up.”
“Can we hear from them?”
“There are many injured. They are not in a condition to show themselves to the people of the Demon King’s Territory.”
“…What if, upon hearing their story, they told a different story than what the Minister of Military Affairs told us?”
“People will say anything to get away with their crimes. Your Excellency, the Chancellor.”

　Minister of Military Affairs Zagran quickly responded to Chancellor Kelve’s words.

“However, it is true that our Imperial Army was saved by the people of the Demon King’s Territory in this battle against the demon beasts. I have prepared a letter of thanks, signed jointly by Princess Liana and myself, Minister of Military Affairs Zagran. You will receive a formal letter of gratitude and a token of appreciation from His Majesty the Emperor later. Please accept it.”

　When Minister of Military Affairs Zagran gave the signal, the soldiers who had been waiting offered him parchment.

　Indeed, written on it was a message of gratitude to the Demon King Luquier Evargard, signed jointly by the Third Princess Liana and the Minister of Martial Affairs Zagran.
　A list of rewards was also included.

　It seemed that they intended to present some of the provisions and the precious metals that Zagran personally owned to the Demon King’s territory.

(In order to keep this incident close, they will do whatever it takes.)

　The fact that they proposed a joint operation but then went off on their own, and were then helped by the Demon King’s territory was something the Empire could not accept.

　Therefore, they had fallen into an unexpected crisis due to the rampage of 『Certain Soldiers』.
　It seemed that was how it was going to be.

“I’d like a few minutes of your time.”

　The Demon King Luquier spoke to Princess Liana.

“I would like some time to decide whether what you are saying is true or not.”

　Princess Liana nodded at her words.
　Luquier and the others decided to leave the place.

“I think we should accept their proposal, Your Majesty.”

　Luquier and the others distanced themselves from the princesses.
　In this state, Chancellor Kelve whispered to Luquier.

“The Empire will never admit that they unilaterally initiated combat with the demon beasts. So, I think we should focus on practical gains.”
“Should we be satisfied with receiving a letter of gratitude and a few gifts from the Empire?”
“That’s what I think.”
“Indeed. The purpose of this time is to strengthen friendship with the empire. The Empire was the one that suffered the most damage from the solo attack. Thanks to that, we were able to subjugate the 『Demon Beast Gargarossa』 in safety. I understand that, but…”
“What do you think about the Empire breaking its promise, Chancellor?”

　General Raizenga exclaimed.

“Whatever the outcome, it’s still a breach of promise. It would be unreasonable to not reprimand them for that!”
“The General is right to be angry.”

　Chancellor Kelve bowed his head.

“Through this incident, I have also come to understand the methods of the upper echelons of the Empire. The 『Certain Soldiers』 the Minister of Military Affairs was talking about are probably people who can be disposed of.”
“Is that why they’re bringing in criminals?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I believe that is the plan the Empire’s Minister of Military Affairs is using.”

　It was a possible scenario.
　If Luquier and the others forced those 『Certain Soldiers』 to be handed over and disposed of, it would mean that they had been 『Disposed of by the people of the Demon King’s Territory.』 The people of the Empire would bear a grudge against them.
　That too could be the Minister of Military Affairs’s plan.

“Okay. Let’s end this here for now.”

　Demon King Luquier nodded.

“There are some things I don’t agree with, but… that’s all for now. The Demon King’s territory has practical benefits. The demon beast has been subjugated. We will receive a document stating that we have rescued the princess, as well as a gift of gratitude from the other side. Let’s take that as our achievement in subjugating the demon beast.”
“I think that’s a good idea, Your Majesty.”
“If that’s the case, then there’s nothing we can do.”

　Chancellor Kelve replied, and General Raizenga nodded.

“In this battle, I was just standing in the background. I have no intention of forcing my opinion on you.”
“Sorry. Raizenga that’s…”
“No. Thanks to Lord Thor’s magic item, no one was hurt. Let’s leave it at that.”
“That can only be used in places without obstacles. In complex areas, the General’s power will be needed as always. Be mindful of that. Raizenga.”
“I understand.”
“…Also, I have a favour to ask of Raizenga.”

　The Demon King Luquier lowered her voice.

“When the meeting is over, I want the soldiers to search the vicinity of the monster’s nest. There may be some survivors of the Little Spider. And… there may still be some of the 『Certain Soldiers』 that the Empire’s Minister of Military Affairs mentioned.”
“I see… so we’re going to find that person and listen to what he has to say.”
“Yes. We may be able to find out about the Empire’s plans from that person.”
“As your will! Leave it to this, Raizenga.”

　General Raizenga pounded his chest and declared.
　And so, Luquier and the others returned to the meeting place.

　Afterwards, Luquier and the others conveyed the Demon King’s territory answer to Princess Liana and Minister of Military Affairs Zagran.
　Princess Lianna, as the representative of the Empire, accepted the answer.
　The Demon King’s Territory officially received a letter of gratitude from the Empire as a token of appreciation for saving the Princess.

　It was an official letter expressing the Empire’s gratitude to the Demon King’s Territory, and it was also the first time that a symbol of friendship had been exchanged between the two countries.

　And with that letter, the Demon King’s territory became the Empire; it was now officially confirmed that they had saved the princess of the country that was built by heroes.

“May I ask you one last question?”

　After Demon King Luquier received the letter, she began making arrangements to receive the gift──
　Suddenly, Princess Liana turned to Luquier and asked.

“The people of the Demon King’s territory have been using magic with an incredibly long range. Also, it seems that Demon King Luquier Evargard can freely control the magic he has cast once… Is that the power of the demons?”
“…Umm.”

　Luquier was suddenly at a loss for words.
　She was in trouble.
　There was no way she could say, 『It’s all thanks to the laser pointer created by an alchemist from the Empire.』
　In fact, even if she said it, it would only confuse the other person.
　Having said that, saying something inappropriate would only make the Empire wary.

　Since there was no other way, Luquier,

“I just borrowed the wisdom of a certain alchemist.”

　She simply responded.

　And then──

“An alchemist?”

　Princess Liana opened her eyes wide and looked at Demon King Luquier and the others.

“Could that possibly be a wandering alchemist?”
“A wanderer? Well, it’s true, he kind of wandered to the Demon King’s territory.”
“What race is that person? Could it be that he is a human from the Empire?”
“What if?”
“Could you please introduce me to this alchemist? Perhaps this alchemist is the one who repaired my magic sword. I don’t think there is anyone else with such skill.”
“…What do you mean by introducing him?”
“I would like to express my gratitude. If possible, I would like to keep him by my side.”

　Princess Liana said this while placing her hand on her chest.

“Although alchemists are of low rank… if they are able to use their skills effectively, I don’t mind having them by my side. I would like him to dedicate himself to being an alchemist who lives for the empire by creating and strengthening items as ordered by the imperial family.
“…Dedicate himself… then.”
“An alchemist with no fighting power can contribute to the empire. That would be the most honourable honour.”

　Princess Liana’s eyes were shining.
　Minister of Military Affairs Zagran also nodded in satisfaction at her words.

　However, when Luquier heard the princess’s words, she felt as if her heart had frozen.

(Just now… what did this princess say?)
(An alchemist… to create items as the imperial family desires… Did you say that you would have him dedicate himself? That’s how you treat a person called an alchemist.)

　After that, her heart cooled down, and a strong anger welled up inside her.
　There was only one thing that Luquier realised.

(…I wouldn’t hand Thor over to the Empire.)

　She would not let someone sacrifice themselves for the Emperor.
　Thor would be free in the Demon King’s territory and live the way he wanted.
　That was what was most fitting for Luquier’s friend, Thor Kanan.

(…What do you mean, 『Wandering Alchemist』?!)

　If it was about Thor, she should have looked into it while he was still in the Empire.
　She was too much of a fool to ask as she recalled seeing his 『Laser Pointer』 capability without doing anything of the sort.

　No, in the first place, if she were an Imperial Princess, she should at least have had a talk with the person who was sent to another country as a hostage.
　That way, Princess Liana would have had the opportunity to learn that Thor was a talented alchemist.
　They could have even kept him in the Empire.

(And yet, this guy doesn’t even know that the Empire has sent someone with the 『Alchemy』 skill to the Demon King’s Territory.)
(You don’t know anything about Thor… about the man you sent as a hostage?)

　She wondered what Thor was thinking when he came to the Demon King’s territory.
　How kind he was and how he thought about Luquier and the others.
　His powers were world-changing, yet he only thought about creating useful items.
　As soon as he found out about Luquier’s secret, he also confided in her his own.
　When she thought of him, her heart felt warm, and she felt kind.

　Liana, the imperial princess, knew nothing.
　She was just now finding out about Thor’s abilities and was intrigued by them.
　She had no interest in who he was or what he thought.

“–I’m sorry, but I can’t answer that.”

　Demon King Luquier said.
　Her voice was so cold, it even surprised her.

“The Demon King’s Territory is home to many different races and people with many different circumstances. There may be some who have come from the Empire. However, once they become subordinates of the Demon King, Luquier Evargard, they are my people. I can’t leak their information to other countries.”
“Do-don’t say things like that…”
“That person is the one chosen by me, the Demon King, Luquier Evargard. And he is the one who was not chosen by the Dorgalian Empire. That is all I can say. The Empire did not choose that person, and decided that he was unnecessary. Therefore, they should take responsibility for that choice!!”

　Without realising it, the Demon King Lucie had put her hand on the mask that covered half of her face.
　She shifted it slightly and glared at Princess Liana with her crimson eyes.

“Even if he is the alchemist you desire, I cannot hand him over to you.”
“──Demon King, Luquier-sama.”
“I’ll make him happy in this land! Just like that person did, I will heal his heart, and we’ll live together. He’ll always be by my side! I won’t hand it over to you!!”

　Demon King Luquier clutched her chest and cried out.

“This time, both the Demon King’s territory and the Empire have won, so it’s fine. However, that person is a different matter. We have no intention of sharing him with the Empire! Remember that!!”
“…Your Majesty.”
“…Your Majesty the Demon King.”
“……Ah”

　When she looked to her side, she saw Chancellor Kelve and Flame General Raizenga with blank looks on their faces.
　Demon King Luquier realised what she had said and turned bright red. She quickly put her 『Recognition Inhibition』 mask back on.
　She resumed her position as the Demon King and said one word.

“That’s all. I’m grateful for your cooperation in subjugating the demonic beasts. I hope that peace will continue to exist between our two countries. Is that alright, Princess Liana?”
“…Y-Yes.”

　Princess Liana replied in a husky voice.
　While fearing Luquier’s fierce anger, she simply continued to nod.

“On behalf of Her Highness the Princess, I would like to apologise for upsetting His Majesty the Demon King.”

　Minister of Military Affairs Zagran straightened his posture and bowed to Demon King Luquier.

“This is Princess Liana’s first battle. I hope you understand that she was in high spirits after the battle.”

　After hearing those words, Demon King Luquier looked at Chancellor Kelve and Raizenga and nodded.
　The negotiations were over. From here on out, it was off-record.
　It wouldn’t be a problem if the Demon King spoke directly.

“I understand. I also yelled out loud. My apologies.”
“No. His Majesty, the Demon King, is a strong man. You have that right.”
“…What’s that?”
“That black flame magic was magnificent. It was a moving flame strong enough to incinerate the 『Demon Beast Gargarossa』 and all its subordinates. That is something that our country does not have.”

　The Minister of Military Affairs spoke in a tone that was almost too polite.

“That power is frightening for the Empire… but showing respect to the strong is another matter entirely. As a strong person, I believe that His Majesty the Demon King has the right to yell at us.”
“No, I’m not a strong person.”

　Luquier shook her head.

“The strong is my precious one—my weakest one. With their help and what we learned from them, I and my army were able to easily defeat the monsters.”
“…I am sorry. I am unable to understand what His Majesty the Demon King is saying.”
“I said that it was those who did not have the strength to fight who gave me the strength to fight.”

　Demon King Luquier said with a grin.

“If you don’t understand, that’s fine. However, I think it’s important to learn. I’m Zagran, Minister of Military Affairs of the Empire.”
“…..just as you say.”

　Minister of Military Affairs Zagran muttered as Demon King Luquier turned her back on him.
　And so, the meeting between Demon King Luquier and the Imperial Princess came to an end.
　Luquier, Kelve, and Raizenga began walking towards the Demon King’s army camp.