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 38

Episode 38: “Making the Letter Public”

　──Thor’s point of view──

　A while had passed since Luquier contacted me to inform me that the demon-beast subjugation had been completed.
　The unit led by Agnis, Mabel, and I was moving near the location of the demon beast’s nest.
　To search for any surviving spiders and Imperial soldiers.

“Thor-sama, you could have stayed in the main camp in the rear, right?”

　Next to me, Agnis, in armour, said.
　As always, she wore the helmet on her head.
　It seemed she still felt embarrassed about showing her face in front of the soldiers.

“Agnis and the others will take care of the work.”
“That’s not possible. I’m a member of the corps, after all.”
“But… there’s a chance we might encounter Imperial soldiers.”

　Mabel called out worriedly.

“I think Thor-sama might not be too keen on meeting someone from that country.”
“It’s okay. I’m wearing a new robe.”

　I pulled down the hood of my robe.
　As the sun went down and it got cooler, I changed out of the 『Wind Magic Woven Fabric』 robe into another robe.
　There were shades of trees here and there, and I could at least hide.

“Besides, we may find the material of alchemy.”
“Thor-sama…”
“It would be nice if we had small spider legs or something. If we could understand the strength of their bodies, it might be useful for creating a magic sword that surpasses holy swords.”

　I saw the princess wield the holy sword in the battle against the 『Demon Beast Gargarossa』.
　The holy sword stretched out the blade of light and cut off the small spiders of the ambush.
　Because of that, the power was attenuated, and it could not able to deal lot of damage to demon beast.

　In other words, if I understood the strength of the little spider’s body, I should be able to understand the power of the holy sword’s 『Photon Blade』.
　I thought it would be a useful reference for making magic swords.

“Thor-sama.”
“What is it, Mabel?”
“I believe that Lady Luquier would be more pleased that Thor-sama is safe than receiving the magic sword.”
“…Agnis also agrees.”

　Agnis nodded enthusiastically next to Mabel.

“Now, because the Empire has arbitrarily initiated combat with the demon beasts, everyone is wary of the people of the Empire. If Thor-sama were to encounter these people and something were to happen…”
“If necessary, Agnis can defeat the enemy with the 『Health Promotion Pendant』, but…”
“We don’t want you to get hurt, Thor-sama.”
“Okay then, I’ll be back in a bit.”

　I didn’t want to make Mabel or Agnis worry.
　But… they’re wary of the people of the Empire, aren’t they?

　I understood. Mabel and Agnis both thought that I was no longer a citizen of the Empire.
　Thor Regus was not the child of an Imperial nobleman but a citizen of the Demon King’s territory.
　…Somehow, I felt really happy.

“Imperial soldiers spotted!!”

　Suddenly, a soldier’s voice rang out.

“”Thor-sama, this way!””

　Mabel and Agnis took my hand and led me into the shade of the trees.
　I didn’t think there was any need to hide.
　Well, I couldn’t make them worry.

　I honestly moved to the shade of a tree.
　While I was there, I took off my hood and poured magic into my clothes.
　The robe I was wearing now was made from 『Dark Magic Woven Fabric』. When magical power was poured into it, it absorbed light and turned pitch black.
　It was just dusk.
　If I wore this and hid in the shadows, my figure would blend into the darkness.

“Please leave the dealings with the Imperial soldiers to Agnis.”

　Agnis, clad in armour, stepped forward.

“Father has asked me to take command of the troops while he is away.”
“I will protect you, Thor-sama. Absolutely.”

　Mabel declared, swaying the skirt of her maid’s uniform.

　The Imperial soldiers hadn’t reached us yet.
　The voices of Agnis’s men could be heard from afar.

“──We don’t do anything. We just want to keep you safe.
“──Later, I will take you back to the Imperial Guard.”
“──So I want you to follow me with peace of mind.”

　Soon, a soldier in leather armour appeared from behind the trees.
　A middle-aged man with a sword on his back.
　The soldier was surrounded by Agnis’ subordinates──men who were subordinates to the flame giant. He was resting his hands on a tree and trying to catch his breath. He seemed nervous.
　It was dusk.
　The light was coming from behind me from where I was, so I couldn’t see the soldier’s face very well.

“…Help me. I was impatient for merit and attacked the herd of 『Demon Beasts Gargarossa』… and fled… and got lost.”

　The Imperial soldier said.

　Come to think of it, I received a message from Luquier just now.
　Apparently, 『Certain Soldiers』 of the Empire attacked the horde of demon beasts before the battle.
　They then fled to the Empire’s camp, which resulted in the Empire’s troops having to fight a horde of 『Demon Beasts Gargarossa』.’
　──Although Luquier didn’t believe that either, I feel the same way.

“I’m open to disarmament. Find out if I have anything dangerous. So… me to the Imperial military…”
“It seems like you’ve had a hard time…”

　Agnis called out to the Imperial soldiers.

“I am Agnis, the daughter of Flame General Raizenga Freyzad. Once I receive permission from His Majesty, the Demon King, I will return you to the Imperial Army. Please rest assured.”
“Oh! You are Agnis-sama.”

　The Imperial soldier stepped forward.
　The face was clearly visible. It looked familiar.
　He was the captain of the guard for the Duke of Regus and a trusted subordinate of Duke Balga Regus.
　He was also the man who listed my crimes and incompetence when I was expelled.
　…Why is he here?

“…Thor-sama?”
“I have a bad feeling about this. Mabel… give this to Agnis.”
“For Agnis-sama… wait, is this a cushion?”
“Yeah. No matter how you look at it, it’s a cushion.”

　I took out the cushion from the 『Ultra-compact Simple Warehouse』 and handed it to Mabel.

“The Imperial soldiers seem to be tired. Besides, it would be troublesome if they complained later that 『you made a proud Imperial soldier sit on the ground』. That’s why… you should put it on that rock. I think it would make a good chair.”
“Y-Yes. Understood.”

　Mabel grabbed the cushion and ran towards Agnis.
　As she explained the situation, a soldier from Raizenga’s army placed a cushion on top of the rock.
　The Imperial soldier—perhaps tired—obediently sat down on top of it.

“…Do you know that soldier, Thor-sama?”
“Yes. He was the captain of the guard for my family, the Duke of Regus.”
“Huh!?”

　Mabel opened her eyes and looked over.

“Were you on good terms with him, maybe?”
“No, not at all.”

　I shook my head.

“In fact, when I was banished from the Empire, he insulted me for my lack of fighting skills. He said I was 『not even worthy of being considered a nobleman』.”
“I would like permission to use offensive magic.”
“Hang on”

　I grabbed Mabel’s hand as she tried to jump out and stopped her.

“More than that, I’m curious about his purpose. Isn’t it strange that the captain of the Duke’s guard would be away from my father, Balga Regus, and be in a place like this?”
“Indeed”
“He says he was fleeing from the 『Demon Beast Gargarossa』, but there’s no way that Imperial soldiers would act so uncontrollably. That country is a military powerhouse. They would definitely be checking how many people are in their unit.”

　I believed that the Empire’s military forces intentionally lured the 『Demon Beast Gargarossa』 away.
　If the Captain of the Guard was one of them, there was no way the military leaders would just leave him alone.
　Unless there was a purpose.

“Hand over your weapon to me. You have no choice.”

　At Agnis’s command, the captain of the guard removed his sword from his belt.
　Then he took out a rolled up letter from his pocket.

“I have a request for Agnis Freyzad.”
“……Huh?”
“May I please give this to my lord, Thor Regus?”

『My Lord…Thor Regus』…?
　No, I didn’t remember him calling me my lord.

“Due to the Margrave’s evil plan, Lord Balga Regus tried to do something wrong to Lord Thor Regus. This document contains an apology and a new proposal.”
“You are… to the father of Thor-sama?”
“I am a subordinate and a trusted confidant of Lord Thor Regus.”

　No, no, I didn’t have any trusted subordinates. At least not in the Empire.

“Mabel, lend me your ear for a second.”
“…Yes, Thor-sama.”

　I whispered the plan to Mabel.
　Then Mabel stepped forward towards the soldier and

“I apologise for interrupting you. I am Lord Thor’s subordinate, Mabel Refrain.”
“──What!?”

　The Guards Captain of the Regus family’s eyes widened.
　I guess he never thought he’d meet someone related to me here.

“Well, I see. So you serve Lord Thor Regus just like me, then.”
“I don’t know if we’re the same, but you said earlier that you were Lord Thor’s trusted subordinate.”
“Y-yes.”
“In that case, could you tell me about Lord Thor’s favourite things?”
“……Eh?”
“What hobbies does Lord Thor have? Which is his favourite colour? Do you know what his favourite food is?”
“Wh, what…?”
“If Thor-sama trusts you, you should know that much, right? Could you please answer my question so that I may serve you better?”
“Agnis is also…interested.”

　Agnis, clad in armour, stepped forward.

“As his trusted subordinate… you must know what type of woman Thor-sama prefers, right?”
“Uh… Ah.”

　The captain of the guard was confused.
　That was true. I barely even talked to that guy.
　He was also a swordsman. He had no interest in me because I had no fighting skills.
　He probably had no idea what kind of person I was.

“I can’t reveal my master’s secrets without permission.”

　The captain of the guard looked to the side.
　Mabel thought for a moment,

“I see. Then you only need Lord Thor’s permission.”

　──She turned towards me and bowed.

“I ask for your permission, Thor-sama.”
“Very well. You can talk about me, Captain of the Duke’s Guard.”

　It was time to move on.
　I took off the 『Darkness Magic Woven Fabric Robe』and went out of the shade.

“What!? Thor Regus…”
“I didn’t know that I had a confidant in the Duke’s family. I’d love to hear what you thought of me.”
“N-no… well…”
“Huh?”
“Lord Thor, you are mistaken. The Regus family is no longer a duke family but an earl family.”
“……Is it so?”

　Oh, that reminded me, the Duke of Regus family was going to be punished by the Emperor.
　So that was how the dukedom became an earldom. Right.

“Um, well. That much time has passed between us. The Thor I know may be different from the Thor of today. We mustn’t say anything careless and cause disrespect.”
“Well, that’s fine then.”
“…Why are you in a place like this?”

　The captain of the guards just glared at me.
　He had a look on his face like he couldn’t believe I was here.

“It doesn’t really matter. I only came to see the holy sword and the demon beast.”
“That can’t be true! Why are you being protected by soldiers… all the way to the front lines… Why are you so trusted by the people of the Demon King’s territory?! How could that be!?”
“──As I thought, I can’t communicate with you.”

　This man was a trusted subordinate of Balga Regus.
　So, his personality was really similar to his. That was probably why we couldn’t communicate.

“Then, please hand over the letter.”
“…grrr.”
“If it’s a letter for me, surely there’s no problem in handing it over here and now?”

　The captain of the guard glared at me, but… he handed me the letter he was holding.

“This is a letter from Earl Regus. Please read it carefully when you are alone.”
“Lady Agnis, Mabel, please open this letter and read its contents so that everyone can understand its contents.”
“…Right?!”

　I received the letter and left the captain of the guard.
　I handed the letter to Agnis and asked her to read it with Mabel.

　It was a letter from Balga Regus.
　There was a possibility that it was written about a strange strategy to trap the Demon King’s territory. To be honest, it was probably nothing good.
　If I got Agnis and the others to read it here, it should prove that I wasn’t involved.

“Wait a moment! It is unthinkable that the son of a nobleman would openly display a letter from the Earl in front of demons and demi-humans! If he is an aristocrat, he should sit upright in his own room and read it as if the Earl were present──”

　The captain of the guard was yelling, but it didn’t matter.
　Actually, when I imagined Balga Regus standing in front of me, I felt like tearing up the letter.

“I, I understand.”
“I’ll read it, Thor-sama.”

　Mabel and Agnis slowly read the letter.
　The contents were──

────────────────────

　My son, Thor.
　Your father was deceived by the Margrave’s words and made a huge mistake.
　Now I just regret it.
　By way of reparation, I would like to offer you some suggestions.

　First of all, please tell me about your recent situation. How is your life in the Demon King’s territory?
　What kind of person is His Excellency the General who is indebted to you? How many soldiers does he command?
　In order to start over, I think it’s necessary for parent and child to exchange information.

　Once a month, on the day of the new moon, a messenger is sent out in the forest on the boundary with the Demon King territory.
　If you hand over the letter to that person, he can safely deliver it to the empire.
　When the time is right, I will be able to return you to the Empire.

　At that time, bring someone close to you from the Demon King’s territory.
　How about someone like Agnis Freyzad?

　I have already spoken to the high-ranking officials of the Empire.
　If you wish, I would like to show you around the Imperial City with Lord Agnis Freyzad.
　If that happens, we will once again welcome you into the Regus household.

　This is what your father, Balga Regus, thinks.
　Please, please answer me.

────────────────────

“W-w-what do you think? I understand what you are thinking, Balga Regus.”
“…Ah, I understand.”

　This letter was a pretty nasty trap.
　The words were decoration, but here was what he was saying:

『Give me information about the Demon King’s territory.』
『Find out the military strength of General Raizenga, whose territory is closest to the Empire, and let me know.』
『Go and collect the letter on the new moon day.』
『When you return to the Empire, bring Agnis with you (probably as a hostage).』
『For your achievements, I will return you to the earldom.』

　──That was all.

　Moreover, this was probably not a sentence that Balga Regus would have thought up.
　The handwriting was that man’s, but the phrasing and context were someone else’s.
　Perhaps… the higher-ups in the Empire had this letter written.

“…Thor-sama.”
“…The contents of this letter are…”

　Mabel and Agnis looked worried.
　I guess they understood what was written in the letter.
　They both know my situation.
　Even if Balga Regus were to say they would welcome me now, there was no way I’d believe it.

“Well, what do you think, Lord Thor Regus?”

　The captain of the guard’s voice trembled.
　I guess he didn’t think I’d make the letter public in front of everyone.
　He had his hands together on his lap.
　It seemed like he was praying that I would give him the answer he expected.

“Well, if you don’t mind, I will convey your answer to Lord Balga Regus after I return to the Empire. I believe it is fate that we have met here. Please respond.”
“Understood”

　I turned my back to the captain of the guards.
　 I shouted at Mabel, Agnis, and the soldiers under General Raizenga.

“Announce to the soldiers of the Demon King’s territory!”

　I was so sick of the Regus family’s ways.
　So was the Empire. This letter likely involved the will of the upper echelons of the Empire.
　Otherwise, there would be no way that the captain of the guards from the Earl Regus family would be there at a time convenient for the subjugation of the demonic beasts.
　If so, this was a good opportunity.
　Just like my parents abandoned me, I will abandon my home in front of everyone.

“My father, Balga Regus, sent me a letter with extremely rude intentions hidden within. Although the words were embellished, the contents were leaking information about the Demon King’s territory, and asking me to bring Agnis-sama to the Empire. I didn’t want to see such a letter…”
“…Thor-sama.”
“…I understand your feelings, so.”

　Both Mabel and Agnis looked like they were about to cry.
　They read that letter. I guess it’s understandable. I did something wrong. I’m sorry.

“I don’t think that the person who sent me this letter is my father. Whether it’s the Duke’s or the Earl’s house, the name of the house that hurts and makes the people I care about sad will be abandoned from today. From now on, I will live my life using my late mother’s surname.”

　I declared this to Mabel, Agnis, and the General’s soldiers.

“From today on, my name is Thor Kanan. I will never again use the family name Regus. I am simply an alchemist, Thor Kanan, who came to the Demon King’s territory from the Empire. Please call me that.”

　From now on, letters addressed to Thor Regas would be opened by the people at Demon King’s Castle.
　If a letter were to arrive addressed to Thor Kanan, it would mean that they would officially acknowledge that I was no longer a member of the Regus family. My ties with my family would be completely severed.

　Anyway, the official records of the Empire stated that I was a 『hostage and sacrifice』.
　No matter what family name that person claimed, there was no reason for anyone to complain.
　The offerings placed on the altar didn’t need names.

　Even if I changed my name in the Demon King’s territory, there shouldn’t be any problem.
　I didn’t know how to handle being an Imperial envoy and guest, but I would discuss that with Luquier.
　I might end up causing trouble again. In return, I had to serve her well and repay her kindness.
　I was an alchemist directly under His Majesty the Demon King.

“I understand your feelings. From now on, I will call you Lord Thor Kanan.”

　Mabel kneeled down in front of me.

“…It’s unfortunate that this name, which was a secret between me and Her Majesty, has now become everyone’s…”
“Sorry, Mabel.”
“But I’m happy that I can now call you by your preferred name whenever I want! I, Mabel Refrain, will serve you more than ever before as your subordinate, Lord Thor Kanan.”
“Same for Agnis Freyzad!”

　Agnis took my hand.

“Family name and such are irrelevant. Thor-sama is… Agnis’s benefactor… and is someone I would like to serve forever. I look forward to continuing to serve you in the future. I look forward to working with you in the future. Thor Kanan-sama.”

“””Oooooooohhhh!!”””

　Cheers went up from the soldiers.

“──I understand your feelings, Lord Thor Kanan!”
“No matter what kind of letter comes from the Empire, our trust will not waver!”
“──He has revealed the letter to us. If we don’t respond to that trust, the name of the Flame Giant will be ruined.!!”

　Excellent.
　It seemed the soldiers had accepted my new name.

“I can’t believe that he would reveal a letter from your father in front of the people of the Demon King’s territory… I can’t believe it!!”

　Suddenly, the captain of the guard shouted.

“And on top of that, you are abandoning your family name! Have you forgotten the proper manners of an aristocrat and your pride as an Imperial noble?!”
“I don’t want or need that.”

　I said.

“I am Thor Kanan of the Demon King’s territory. When you return, tell your master that Thor Regus is no more. Just as he has decided that he no longer needs his son, I have also decided that I no longer need him.”
“…Grrr!”
“Also, there’s something I want to ask you.”

　I asked, changing my tone.

“Does the princess of the empire know about this letter? Also, how was it possible for you to leave the empire’s military and come here? Please tell me. I think the leaders of Demon King’s territory will be interested as well.”
“…Na?!”

　The captain of the guards looked left and right.
　It seemed he noticed.
　For a while now, I had heard the sound of many footsteps approaching.

“…That’s impossible. Even if the people of the Empire… wouldn’t make a letter from a noble public. To think they had that much trust. I was sure you would take it back to your room… My plans… are ruined. Ah! I shall excuse myself now!”

　The captain of the guard grabbed his sword and tried to stand up.
　But he couldn’t move.
　He was sitting on a cushion on a rock and was unable to get up.

“Wh, what is this… I, I can’t stand up!?”

　He kicked his legs.
　However, his body remained wrapped in the cushion and didn’t move.

   The 『Trap Cushion』, which was made based on a 『Body Pillow』, worked well.
　I made it to catch the demon beast alive, but it seemed that it could be used for humans as well.

──────────────────────────

“Trap Cushion” (Rare: ★★★☆)
(Attribute: Earth)

　A cushion made from the earth attribute 『Magic Woven Fabric』 and the 『Surara Bean Shell』 that gives the earth attribute.
　It is large in size and gently wraps around your body.

　In its normal state, it is just a 『comfortable cushion to sit on』.
　However, when the magical power from the human body or the magical beast is sensed, the 『Bean Shells』 inside gather and become hard, and the shape is fixed while still enclosing the body of a human or a demonic beast.
　This makes it impossible for the body to escape.

　When this is placed on top of a rock or other object, the magical power of the person sitting on it causes the underside of the seat to softly wrap around the rock and become fixed in place.
　This means the cushion won’t slip off the rocks.
　As a result, the person sitting on the rock ends up stuck to the rock with the cushion between them.

　It has the earth attribute, making it very durable.
　The only way to escape is to destroy the cushion with a blade.

　Physical Destruction Resistance: ★★☆ (with fire resistance)
　Service life: 1 year
　Note: You can reuse the bean shells inside by drilling a hole in the fabric.

──────────────────────────

“Th-This is. That’s stupid! I’m the captain of the Regus family guards, and I’ve lost my waist!? Th-This is… disgraceful!”

　The captain of the guard struggled to free himself from the cushion.

“You must be tired. Take it easy.”
“…Th-That’s not possible!?”

　He seemed to think it was because he couldn’t use his body’s strength.
　This cushion was surprisingly useful.
    It was not an item from the 『Mail Order Catalogue』, so its abilities were quite low, but it seemed like it might be useful.

　To be honest, if the letter’s contents were decent, the captain of the guard would have been just released… but this letter certainly wasn’t good.
　I needed to get Luquier and Chancellor Kelve to meet and have them listen to what he had to say.

　After a while, the main force of the Demon King’s army appeared.
　It seemed they had finished cleaning up in the battle zone and had come to check on the demon beats’ nests.

“We have been waiting for you, Your Majesty the Demon King.”

　I knelt on the ground.
　Mabel, Agnis, and the other soldiers all did the same.

　The Demon King Luquier appeared with a confused look on her face.
　Well, I guess it would be a bit surprising to see some Imperial soldiers thrashing around while sitting on a rock. Sorry.

“Everyone. Thank you for your hard work.”

　Luquier looked around at me and the soldiers and spoke.

“I’m relieved that there are no remnants of the demon beasts. I also ordered them to search for any Imperial soldiers who might have wandered away… What is this?”

　She was looking straight at me.
　Her Majesty seemed to realise my work in an instant.

“Imperial soldier.”
“That’s right. Why is he struggling?”
“Because he is attached to the rock with a cushion.”
“Why the cushion… Ah, well, never mind. I’ll have a talk with you later. I want to know the details of this Imperial soldier.”

　With that, Luquier looked at Chancellor Kelve and General Raizenga.

“We will protect this Imperial soldier here. I will listen to his details, including his circumstances and duties.”
“Understood, Your Majesty.”

　Chancellor Kelve nodded.
　Then, in a low voice so the Imperial soldiers couldn’t hear,

“What will you do after that?”
“It would be troublesome if the Demon King’s territory disposed of the Empire’s soldiers. The Empire said they would come here to search for the missing soldiers. When they arrive, it would be best to hand this guy over.”
“I understand.”
“Until then, we will listen to what this person has to say.”

　The Chancellor and the General walked towards the Captain of the Guard.
　I told Agnis how to deactivate the 『Trap Cushion』. Agnis nodded and walked towards the General. This would free the captain of the guard.

“The demon-beast subjugation is over. Thank you everyone for your hard work.”

　Luquier said to the soldiers.

“We will return to the plains and camp there for the night. We have brought some alcohol from the castle. This banquet belongs to everyone. Well then. Enjoy yourself to the fullest.”
“””Oooooohhhh!!”””

　The soldiers cheered at her words.
　Then we formed up and started walking towards the camp.
　In the middle of that, Luquier suddenly called out to me,

“I have something to tell you, Thor. Come to my tent later.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Mabel, accompany me. It seems like there are various things going on with the Empire. Let’s have a talk.”

　──And so it turned out.