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 42

Episode 42: “A Visit to General Raizenga’s Mansion”

　──Thor’s point of view──

　The day after subjugating the 『Demon Beast Gargarossa』…

“Thor, I’ll give you the 『Alchemy Permit』 to the Lord.”

　Lucie gave me a parchment with her signature.
　The parchment read, 『In the name of the Demon King Luquier Evargard, I grant permission to the alchemist Thor Kanan to use his alchemy in all places of the Demon King’s territory.』

　This meant I could practice alchemy anywhere in the Demon King’s territory.
　Although it was abbreviated, it even depicted the Demon King’s emblem. Amazing.

“This is just a temporary thing, but please use it.”

　Luquier nodded in satisfaction at the workmanship of the permit.

“The official document will be created and delivered after we return to the Demon King Castle.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty!”

　I fell to my knees in front of Luquier and bowed once.
　I never thought she would give it to me the next day after I asked for it.
　Luquier was truly amazing.

“However, it seems that Kelve has a request regarding that permit.”
“Yes, Thor-dono.”

　Following Luquier’s words, Prime Minister Kelve-san stepped forward.

“This is a prime minister’s request, but I would like to ask you to get permission beforehand if you wish to distribute items made through alchemy to many people.”
“Permission?”
“Of course, I don’t mind giving it to one or two people.”

　Prime Minister Kelve nodded.

“However, if Thor-dono’s items were to be spread among many people and become widespread, it could have a major impact on the entire Demon King’s territory. Therefore, if you wish to do something like that, please be sure to get permission beforehand.”
“I understand. I will follow your decision, Prime Minister.”

　If the magic items of the Hero’s World were to be spread indiscriminately, it would cause a lot of trouble.

“That’s why I’ve prepared a 『Magic Item Promotion Application』.”

　When the Prime Minister gave a signal, a soldier accompanied him and brought a stack of parchment.
　This seemed to be a 『Magic Item Promotion Application Form』.

　On the front, write the name of the magic item, its abilities, and a column to write the person I wanted to pass it to.
　When I wanted to promote an item, all I had to do was write the necessary information on this.

“Should I just fill out all the fields and send it to the Demon King Castle?”
“That’s right. After that, His Majesty and I will check it over and send it back to Lord Thor. You can distribute the item after that.”
“I got it.”

　Furthermore, the Prime Minister continued his explanation.
　Once I had filled out the paperwork, I could hand it over to General Raizenga or one of his retainers.
　After that, it would be delivered to the Demon King’s castle.

“If there’s anything you don’t understand, ask Raizenga.”

    After I received the 『Magic Item Promotion Application Form』, Luquier said to me.

“Of course, you can send a letter to the Demon King’s Castle to inquire. Just add a note to the application form. Then it will reach me. Right, Kelve?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”

　Kelve-san nodded.

“Anyway, it would be much appreciated if you could keep in contact with me frequently. If there is anything I need to confirm, I will visit you, Thor. Anyway, please keep in touch and report back to me.”
“I understand, Your Majesty. Thank you, Prime Minister.”

　I bowed to Luquier and the Prime Minister, Kelve-san.

“Thank you for all your consideration. I would like to see and experience many things in the General’s territory and bring what I have gained back to the Demon King Castle.”
“You’re a serious man, Thor.”
“Is that so?”
“This is also a holiday I’m giving you. You’ve made a tremendous contribution to the recent demon beasts subjugation. If I don’t give as much reward as I can, my name will be ruined.

　With her mask on, Luquier smiled with just the corners of her mouth.

“So, enjoy your vacation and travels in the Raizenga territory to the fullest. Of course, you are welcome to use that experience to improve your alchemy.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

　I once again bowed to Luquier.
　Then I turned to Prime Minister Kelve.

“Thank you, Your Excellency, for your application.”
“Yes, please use it in moderation.”
“It must have been hard work to prepare 20 pieces in one night. I would like to do my best in my research into alchemy so that I can live up to your expectations.”
“I gave you more than enough! You don’t have to use it all up, you know!?”
“…I understand.”

　Let’s keep it at about half that.
　It was also difficult to send a letter from the General’s territory to the Demon King’s castle.

　After talking for a while, it was time to leave.
　The Demon King’s troops began to form a formation, and the door of the carriage Luquier was about to board opened.

“Raizenga, Agnis, and Mabel. Please take good care of Thor.”

　Luquier said as she looked at the three of them.

“Please teach Thor about things outside the Demon King’s castle. I hope everyone in the Demon King’s territory will treat Thor as a distinguished guest.”

　General Raizenga, Agnis, and Mabel bowed their heads at her words.

　I was a bit worried too, as this was my first time living outside the Demon King castle… but as long as Mabel, General Raizenga, and Agnis were with me, I thought it would be fine.
　Besides, I wouldn’t be wandering around the territory anytime soon.
　There was something I’d like to make as soon as I get to the General’s mansion.

“Well, then, everyone. Have a good ride.”
“Yes. Your Majesty, please be careful on your way.”

　Mabel, Agnis, General Raizenga, and I—along with the General’s soldiers—looked on as the carriage carrying Luquier and the Demon King’s army departed.
　We watched the procession go by until it was out of sight.

“Well then, Thor-dono. Let’s go to my mansion!”

　After Luquier’s carriage was out of sight, General Raizenga said.

“When we get to the mansion, we’ll have a meal first… No, Thor-dono, would it be better if I showed you a map of the territory? Or, the blue print of the mine that will be developed in the future…”
“Father, if you tell him too much at once, Thor-sama will be confused…”
“Oh, oh. That’s right.”

　When Agnis told him, General Raizenga scratched his head as if he were embarrassed.

“It’s rare for me to have friends over to the mansion. I seem to have gotten carried away. My apologies.”
“No, don’t worry about it.”
“That’s not possible. Thor-dono, if there’s anything you want to say to me, just tell me. It can be a wish or something you want. Don’t be shy.”
“……I agree”

　By the way, there was one thing I wanted to confirm.
　Since this was related to alchemy research, I think it was best to talk about it sooner rather than later.

“The truth is, there is something I would like to ask the General. It’s a bit of a complicated matter, though.”
“Is this going to be a long story?”
“Just a little.”
“Well, I’ll come and see you when we get back to the mansion. We’ll be there shortly. It’d be best to talk in a calm place.”

　The general laughed loudly and said,

“It’s a rule that troublesome matters should be discussed over food and drinks. Now, let’s get started.”

　So Mabel and I decided to head to the mansion with the General.

“General, do you know anyone with light-element offensive skills?”

　This was General Raizenga’s mansion.
　While drinking hot tea, I asked General Raizenga.

　The food prepared by the General was lined up on the table.
　Grilled meat and bubbling soup.
　There seems to be a lot of hot food, as it is the mansion of a General who had the bl00d of the Glame Giant.
　It was delicious, but it made both Mabel and I sweat.

　It would be better to make clothes and underwear of 『Wind Magic Woven Fabric』 while we were in the General’s territory.
　That fabric was breathable and dried sweat quickly.

“The alchemy research I’m about to begin will involve light-element attacks.”

　I continued speaking.

“I would prefer a light-element offensive spell, but a weapon-strengthening ability would be fine too. If there is anyone out there who could help me with my research, I would like you to help me out.”
“A light-based attack, huh…?”

　The General had his arms crossed and a serious look on his face.

“There may be some, but Thor-dono, why is it a light attribute?”
“To study the Empire’s holy sword.”

　I straightened up and addressed the general.

“You’ve seen it, General, haven’t you? The Holy Sword and the 『Photon Blade』 used by the Empire’s princess.”
“Yup. That was amazing.”

　The General nodded as if remembering something.

“I’ve seen it closer than Thor-dono, so I know better. The holy sword produced a huge blade of light and cut down the small spiders under the command of “The 『Demon Beast Gargarossa』 one after another. Even the threads of the spiders couldn’t entangle that blade. To be honest, I didn’t want to fight that holy sword.”
“I understand how you feel.”

　I nodded.

“That 『Photon Blade』 is not only powerful, it also seems to last a long time…”

　That holy sword likely creates a 『Photon Blade』 through the user’s magical light energy.
　The princess had created a blade several dozen metres long, but she should be able to adjust the output.
　If the blade had been shorter, she might have been able to use the 『Photon Blade』 for a longer period of time.

　It was unclear whether the Princess was frightened by the little spider and turned the power up to full or whether she was unable to adjust it.
　Either way, it was a pretty powerful ability.

“Is your Excellency, the General capable of fighting a holy sword that can suddenly shoot out a 『Photon Blade』 over ten metres long?”
“It’s impossible. I can’t read the distance.”
“That’s right…”
“Looking at your attention to detail, I wonder if Lord Thor wants to create something like a holy sword.”
“I want to make it, but I can’t do it right now.”

　To do that, I need to do more research on the other-worldly items in the 『Mail Order Catalogue』.
　I also needed to study the magical power of each attribute and discover how to use them efficiently.
　There was still a long way to go.

“So before that, I want to do some research to see if I can create an item that can defend against the 『Photon Blade』.”
“So that’s why you need a light-element attack.”

　The General nodded and said, “I see.”
　It seemed like he understood.

“Yes. If I can’t defend against light-element offensive magic, then it’s impossible to defend against the 『Photon Blade』. I’ll first try an experiment to counter weaker 『Light offensive magic』, and then I’ll think of a way to surpass the holy sword.”

　What I wanted to create was a magic sword that surpassed holy swords.
　To achieve that, I first needed to start by blocking the attacks of the holy sword.
　Surely in a 『Mail Order Catalogue』 from another world, there will be items that can compete with light.

“You’re very enthusiastic about your research. Thor-dono.”

　General Raizenga chuckled.

“His Majesty gave you a vacation as a reward, right? You should take it easy.”
“I know. But I want to start researching while the image of the holy sword is still fresh in my mind…”
“There’s no need to apologise. I appreciate that about you. Right, Agnis?”
“Y-Yes. Father?”

　Agnis, who was eating next to me, spoke in a nervous voice.
　Of course, she was not wearing the armour.
　She was wearing a red dress. It suited her well. Kawaii.

“Y-Yes. I was listening. It’s about the light attribute, right?”
“That’s right. Agnis-sama, do you know anyone who can use light offensive magic?”
“That’s right…”

　Agnis shook her red hair and thought for a moment. Then,

“The Demon King’s territory has generally weak light magic, so there must be someone out there somewhere who can use light offensive magic… hmm. I’m sure there are some out there… I’ll look into it.”
“There’s no need to rush. We’ll start the experiment after we create a defence item against the light attribute.”
“When will you start creating items, Thor-sama?”
“I plan to get started on it today or tomorrow.”
“Well, Agnis will immediately check with her acquaintances.”

　Agnis looked at me and said that.

“There are rare species within the forests of our territory. There may even be some who can use light-element magic.”
“Excuse me. Please.”
“No, no. Thor-sama was very kind to me.”

　Saying this, Agnis closed her eyes and clutched the 『Health Improvement Pendant』 on her chest.
　The light from the pendant spilled out from between her fingers.
　Of course, Agnis didn’t emit flames, and her beautiful dress didn’t catch fire.

“I’m glad to see that the 『Health Improvement Pendant』 is working fine.”
“Yes, thanks to Thor, I can now wear cute clothes.”

　Agnis lightly picked up the skirt of her dress.

“Flames will no longer occur against Agnis’ will. I can now wear my clothes in peace.”

　Then Agnis saw the waiter and maid standing by the wall,

“…But it seems like the people around me are still worried…”
“Some people seem to get uneasy when they see Agnis without armour.”

　General Raizenga took over Agnis’ words.

“Neither I nor Agnis doubt the effectiveness of Thor-dono’s 『Health Improvement Pendant』. But others do not. Some are surprised and confused when they see Agnis wearing normal clothes.”
“Are they afraid of Agnis’ flames?”
“No, the fire giant’s relatives are resistant to fire. No one is afraid of fire. Instead, they are worried that Agnis’s clothes will catch fire.”
“…That kind of thing happened a lot when Agnis was a child.”

　Agnis said this with a troubled look on her face.

“I think everyone at the mansion… remembers what happened.”
“All my relatives are like family. They also know about the past.”
“I see. I get it.”
“Well, I’m sure everyone will calm down with time. It’s nothing for you to worry about, Thor-dono.”
“No. This is also part of 『user support』.”

　And I was prepared.

“Well then, Mabel. Give me that souvenir.”
“Yes, Thor-sama.”

　Mabel, sitting next to me, took out a 『Ultra-compact Simple Warehouse』 from the pocket of her maid outfit.

“Thor-sama. Will this be a private transfer? Or will it be widespread?
“It’s okay. I wrote something about 『Earth Magic Woven Fabric』 on the 『Magic Item Promotion Application Form』 I received it from the Prime Minister and got his signature so that it wouldn’t matter.”

　I took out the application form with the Prime Minister’s signature on it.
　I have already received permission to distribute this within General Raizenga’s territory.

“If I hadn’t gotten permission, I would have bought it as a souvenir. No problem.”
“Understood. Then──”

　Suddenly, Mabel took out the item she had put in her 『storage』.
　A pure white cloth was folded many times.
　I had prepared the 『Earth Magic Woven Fabric』 of such things.

“Thor-sama…?” “Thor-dono, what is this?”
“It’s a new material, 『Magic Woven Fabric』 that I made recently.”
“『Magic Woven Fabric』 — is that the one used for the tents?”
“Yes. That was the 『Wind Magic Woven Fabric』 which prioritised breathability, and the 『Light Magic Woven Fabric』 which allowed you to see what was inside. This is the 『Earth Magic Woven Fabric』 which is fire-resistant.”
“I have permission from His Majesty and His Excellency Prime Minister to give this to Agnis-sama.”

　Mabel held out the magic cloth she was holding towards Agnis.
　When I decided to stay in the General’s territory this time, I made the necessary preparations.
　The flame-resistant 『Earth Magic Woven Fabric』 was perfect for Agnis’ clothes.

“Furthermore, any surplus is to be used within the General’s territory. Please give it to the children in the Flame Giant family who can’t control the flame yet.”

　Mabel spoke the words she had prepared beforehand.
　But her face had a mischievous smile on it.
　Mabel also seemed happy to be able to help Agnis, since they were childhood friends.

“That’s right. I’ll be in your care for a while, so I brought it as a souvenir.”

　I said this to the General and Agnis, who looked at me dumbfounded.

“I think it would be a good idea to have everyone in the mansion confirm in front of you that this 『Magic Woven Fabric』 is fire-resistant. After that, if you make clothes for Agnis out of this 『Earth Magic Woven Fabric』, I think everyone will feel at ease.”
“Thor-sama… you… would you go that far…?”
“This is also part of 『User Support』.”

　I was the one who gave Agnis the 『Health Promotion Pendant』.
　So I thought I should give her some support so that she could live her life with peace of mind even after she took off her armour.

“…Thank you, Thor-sama.”

　It was sudden.
　Agnis stood up and got on her knees in front of me.

“I will never forget this kindness. Agnis Freyzadd… will do my best to be of service to you, Thor-sama…”
“No, you don’t have to go that far…”
“First, I will search for someone within the territory who can use 『Light Magic』!”
“Yes. Thank you very much.”

   Countermeasures against the 『Light attribute』 were necessary for research into creating magic swords.
　I didn’t hesitate to ask for that.

“Please allow me to thank you as well, Thor-dono.”
“Even the General… it’s fine. It’s just a souvenir.”
“What you bring is so unexpected.”
“From now on, I will be staying at the General’s mansion.”

　I would be living in General Raizenga’s mansion for a while and looking around the Demon King’s territory.
　I would probably ask Agnis to guide me, and perhaps even the General to lend me a hand.
　That was right; I was going to have my workshop and house built near the mine.
　This trip was also intended as a preliminary investigation.

“I’m the one who owes the General a lot of favours. So please let me do this much.”
“Understood”

　General Raizenga nodded.

“I am grateful for your kindness.”
“I’m glad”
“I have prepared the largest room in the mansion, in the corner of the second floor, so that Thor-dono can work on his alchemy without any worries. It will be fine if you make a little noise. I have spoken to the people of the mansion, so please work to your heart’s content.”
“Thank you, Your Excellency the General.”
“What are you going to do, Lady Mabel? Isn’t there an empty room next to Agnis’?”
“I am here as Thor-sama’s maid.”

　Mabel stood up, picked up the skirt of her maid’s uniform, and bowed.

“If possible, I would like to borrow the room closest to Thor-sama’s.”
“Hmm. Understood.”
“I’ll have Mabel’s room ready by the time we finish eating.”

　When the matter was settled, General Raizenga clapped his hands.
　A waiter came over and poured the General some sake.

　I didn’t like alcohol, so I would order tea instead.
　Mabel was at work, so Agnis made tea for us.

　Then General Raizenga raised his glass.

“Toast to the arrival of my friend, Lord Thor Kanan, and his maid, Lady Mabel!”
“””Cheers!!”””

　After that, the four of us enjoyed tea and chatted for a while.
　After a reasonable amount of time had passed, Mabel and I returned to our room.

　──After Thor and the others returned to their room──

“Agnis. Father has to apologise to you.”

　Raizenga muttered, abruptly putting down his glass.

“Your father may not be able to support your love.”
“What are you suddenly saying, Father?”

　Agnis cried out in surprise at what her father said.
　However, Raizenga looked distressed.

“I can’t go into details, but I can no longer unilaterally support your love life. This is because I have sworn loyalty to Her Majesty the Demon King.”
“Her Majesty?”
“So I can’t give you any details.”
“Could it be that Her Majesty the Demon King also wants Thor?”
“I’m not sure, but it feels that way… No, that’s why I said I couln’t say.”

　Agnis thought that was the same as what he was saying.

　Agnis also knew that her father swore loyalty to Her Majesty the Demon King, Luquier Evargard, 『In the name of the primordial flame』.
　This meant that something must have happened between Her Majesty the Demon King and Thor.

　Agnis also swore her loyalty to Thor, 『In the name of the primordial flame』.
　Although her father’s loyalty and Agnis’ loyalty were slightly different.

“It’s not something you should be worried about, Father.”
“…Agnis.”
“Well… you see. Agnis simply wants to serve Thor-sama with her body and soul.”
“Is that not the same as loving Thor-dono?”

　Raizenga muttered curiously.

“You kept glancing at Thor-dono throughout the meal. When I called out to you, you seemed surprised. Were you just nervous?”
“That’s because… I don’t really know myself…”

　Her face turned red.
　It could be seen that the 『Health Promotion Pendant』 she was wearing on her chest was reacting.
　Agnis couldn’t help but look up towards the room where Thor and Mabel were.

“Agnis has been wearing armour and gazing at the world through the gaps in the helmet. That’s why the thoughts of admiring Thor-sama are the same as the thoughts of ordinary girls admiring someone… well, I don’t know.
“Is it so……?”
“Maybe… though.”
“Sorry, Agnis…”

　Raizenga sighed.

“If your mother were alive, she would have been able to understand your feelings better.”
“Father has helped Agnis well enough.”

　Agnis scolded his father.

“Besides, if my mother were alive, I don’t think she would have forgiven my father for trying to kidnap Thor-sama, who was Agnis’s benefactor. She probably wouldn’t have spoken to you for five years…”
“That’s troubling! If she says something like that to me, I won’t be able to live!”
“So… this is fine.”
“But you have sworn to Thor-dono 『In the name of the Primordial Flame』…”
“Yes, that’s true. There is not a single lie. But, I’ve received so many things from Thor-sama…”

　Agnis muttered softly.

“Love and things like that… I want to think about such things after I have given back to Thor-sama, even more than what he has given me. Agnis wants to grow more and become someone who is needed by Thor-sama…”
“……Really”
“So for now, I want to help him as much as I can while he is in my territory.”

　Agnis embraced the 『Earth Magic Woven Fabric』 that Thor and the others had left behind.
　This was a fire-resistant fabric that would be made into clothes.
　Thor even made something like this with ease.

　But Thor still didn’t seem satisfied.
　What he wanted to create was probably an item that transcended the world of heroes.

　Thor was probably looking far into the future.
　Agnis wanted to go along with it.
　She wanted to see the same things as Thor and be able to help him.

“So Agnis… first of all, I want to help Thor-sama… and see for myself what Thor-sama is aiming for. That is my goal right now…”
“You’ve grown, Agnis.”

“Yes. Once I was able to take my armour off, my body felt lighter… and I started thinking about a lot of different things…”
“I owe this all to Thor-dono. I can only imagine how happy my wife would have been if she were still alive…”
“Come on… Father.”
“If that’s what you’re thinking, Agnis, then I have nothing more to say.”

　Raizenga said, downing his glass of liquor.

“What I can do is… well, I guess I’ll just talk to Thor-dono over drinks. I wouldn’t mind asking him about the type of woman he likes. Does he prefer a woman who is as calm as the dark night or one who is as passionate as a flame? Agnis, why are you glaring at me?
　Oh, the 『Health Promotion Pendant』 is shining. Eh? Don’t talk about anything unnecessary? No, but, as a father, it’s natural to worry about your daughter… Hey, why are you grabbing my arm!?
　Stop it, Agnis. Your body is strengthened by the 『Health Promotion Pendant』. Your father was able to resist…huh? Where are you going? Huh? Sitting upright? Want me to talk to you at length? Wh-Why are you making such a scary face? Wait, Agnis, calm down───”

　The first night after Thor arrived…
　The sounds of a quarrel between father and daughter echoed throughout General Raizenga’s mansion.