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 51

Episode 51: “Demon King Luquier Becomes Friends with the Winged Fairies”

　The Demon King Luquier arrived in the back garden of the castle.
　This place was hard to see from inside the castle, so guards patrol it regularly.
　Sometimes it is also used by the people in the castle for a secret break.

　Since everyone had been cleared away, there was no one there except for Luquier.
　This was because the demon king, Luquier, was supposed to talk to the winged fairies (pixies) here.

“I can’t see you, but you’re there, right? Winged fairies (pixies).”

　Demon King Luquier said this while sitting down on a nearby stone.
　There were many trees in the backyard.
　She looked around but couldn’t see the winged fairies. It seemed they were hiding very well.

“I am the Demon King, Luquier Evargard. Winged fairies, please show yourself to me.”

　Luquier called out to the winged fairies in a soft voice.
　She could use magic to find their location, but she didn’t feel like doing that.
　This was a private meeting that Luquier wanted.

“…Well, asking to show yourself unilaterally is a bit selfish.”

　Demon King Luquier said, as she touched the mask and robe of 『Recognition Inhibition』.

“Let’s check one thing. Winged fairy (pixie). Are you friends with Thor?”

　Luquier asked, stroking her mask.
　There was a brief pause, and then the branches of a nearby tree shook.

“…All the winged fairies are subordinates of alchemist-sama.”
“…The Demon King is the master of the alchemist-sama, and therefore the master of the winged fairies.”

“I see. In that case, will you keep this a secret?”

　In response to Luquier’s question, a small 『yes』 came from their mouth.
　After confirming that, Luquier took off her 『Recognition Inhibition』 mask and robe.

(Lately… I’ve become less resistant to taking off my mask and robe.)

　Luquier muttered silently as she placed the mask on the stone.

　The reason Luquier hid her true identity was because she looked young and weak.
　There were many in the Demon King’s territory who valued power, such as General Raizenga.
　In order not to be looked down upon by such people, she hid her true identity, but…

(And Raizenga… has really started to respect Thor recently.)

　Thor, who had no power to fight, saved Agnis and continued to create powerful magic items. Seeing this, Raizenga seemed to have changed his way of thinking.
　That Raizenga, who looked down on Luquier when he found out she was a delicate girl.

　On top of that, in the 『Demon Beast Gargarossa Subjugation Battle』, Luquier instantly killed the small spider and the demon beast itself.
　This was done with the help of the 『Laser Pointer』 that Thor had created, but there was no doubt that Luquier’s dark magic had incinerated her enemies.
　Her power was already well known to the people of the Demon King’s territory.

　With such experiences continuing, Luquier had recently begun to feel less resistant to removing her mask.
　At least to those who believed in Thor as much as she did.

“I have reasons to hide my true identity. This is my true face.”

　With her blonde hair fluttering in the wind, Luquier called out to the winged fairies.

“It would be selfish of me to ask you shy people to show yourself, while continuing to hide my true identity. So I have decided to reveal my true face. So, will you guys please show yourself as well?”

“Thank you for your kindness.”
“……Demon King-sama”

　A voice came.
　A small blue-haired girl and a yellow-haired girl appeared from behind a tree trunk.
　A water-attribute winged fairy and an earth-attribute winged fairy.

“On behalf of the winged fairies, I came to the front of the Demon King-sama.”
“……Nice to meet you.”

“Yes. I’m glad you showed up.”

　Luquier spoke to the winged fairies.
　The winged fairies before her were surprisingly dignified.
　They appeared to be proud of their new outfits as they spun around, spreading out their skirts and twirling the ribbon around their waists.
　They still seemed a little embarrassed, though, so they kept their eyes downcast.

“Are those clothes you’re wearing given to you by Thor?”

“Yes.”
“…We decided who would receive it by drawing lots.”

“It suits you well. It’s simple and looks easy to move around in. The ones who made the clothes were Mabel and Agnis, right? They both have great skills.”

“Yes. We’re also grateful to Mabel-sama and Agnis-sama.”
“…The Demon King-sama’s subordinates are all good people.”

　The winged fairies bowed to the Demon King Luquier while holding hands.

“First, could you please tell me how you met Thor?”

　Luquier said.

“Also, he said he wants to conduct an experiment to counter light magic. I assume you winged fairies will help with that? I’d like to hear how that came about.”

“I got it.”
“…I’ll tell you.”

　The two winged fairies bowed again.

“If it’s about the alchemist, I know it well.”
“…I can sleep well in his pocket.”

“Really… how did that happen?”

　As Luquier tilted her head to the side, the two winged fairies began to speak.
　The reason why Thor met the dark-winged fairy René and what happened afterwards.

“I see. When the area near the forest became a potential site for Thor’s workshop, the winged fairy learnt of his existence. Thor also had a favour to ask of a winged fairy who could use light-element magic, so he headed to the winged fairy forest. So that’s how you met…”

　After hearing the story, Luquier nodded in understanding.
　Thor learnt that the light-attribute winged fairy was sickly, and so he offered her a 『Foot Bath』 and the 『Magical Woven Fabric’s clothes』.
　The winged fairies felt grateful and helped Thor find a workshop.
　So, as a token of gratitude, Thor decided to give the winged fairies some clothes.

　So the winged fairies came to deliver a letter to the Demon King’s castle as Thor’s messengers.
　By the way, it seemed that in addition to the two of them, there were also other winged fairies wearing clothes made from leaves accompanying them.
　They were apparently away from the castle, waiting for their friends to return.

“I wonder why… I can almost see the interaction between Thor and the winged fairies (pixies).”

　Luquier covered her mouth and laughed.
　Because now she understood why the shy, winged fairies had come all the way to the Demon King’s castle.

　Winged fairies were loyal.
　When someone helped their friend, and they even received clothes from them, they couldn’t help but return the favour.
　Moreover, Thor planned to give more of the winged fairies clothes.
　When the winged fairies found out about this, they all swore loyalty to Thor.

“These clothes… are really comfortable.”
“…Flying is easy and feels good.”

　The earth-attribute winged fairy and the water-attribute winged fairy laughed.
　As if to show off their pure white outfit, they spun their small bodies around.
　Then, the two of them looked at Luquier,

“Your Majesty the Demon King. We have a request.”
“…We want you to see us fly.”

“”We would like to show the master of the alchemist-sama what we can do with the new clothes we have been given.””

　The winged fairies said it in unison.

“Okay. Let me see it.”

　Luquier nodded, as she also wanted to see the winged fairies fly.
　She had heard those winged fairies dance gracefully through the air.
　Now they were wearing pure white clothing.
　She was sure the skirt would flutter like feathers and look very beautiful.

“You won’t be seen in this backyard. Feel free to fly around to your heart’s content.”
“”We understand…””

　Immediately afterwards, the two winged fairies flew into the air at high speed.

“……Eh”

　That was fast.
　When Luquier looked up, the winged fairies had already reached the top of the tree.
　Their skirts were flared out and spread out like wings, almost like auxiliary wings.

“”Ready, go!””

　The winged fairies flew right next to her.
　As expected, it was fast. All she could do was follow their movements with her eyes.
　Upon closer inspection, the surfaces of their clothes were wavy.
　It was just like a fish twisting its body to swim, or so Luquier thought.
　The dresses read the air currents and changed shape to help them fly.

“Did the magic woven fabric’s clothes really have that much power…?!”

　Luquier remembered the words in Thor’s letter.

　──Magic woven fabric allows magical power to pass through.
　──By wearing clothes made from magic woven fabric, the winged fairies can make the clothes a part of their bodies.
　──That will help the winged fairies. That’s why I want to give them some magic woven fabric’s clothes.

“Yes, it was definitely written there! That was completely unexpected, Thor!”

　As Luquier watched, the winged fairies flew around the air at high speed.
　Eventually, they reached the edge of the backyard──

“”We’re changing direction.””

　The winged fairies spread their skirts like sails and slowed down.
　Then, they smoothly stretched the ribbon around their waists.

　The stretched ribbon got tangled around the tree branches.
　Using that as a fulcrum, the winged fairies spun around, slowing down and coming back towards Luquier.
　And then they came to a sudden halt in front of Luquier.

“”What do you think, Demon King?!””

　The winged fairies looked at Luquier with sparkling eyes.

“With these clothes, we can all be of service to the Demon King-sama.”
“… We can work together with the people of the Demon King’s territory.”

“”Comfortable clothes allow you to work comfortably!””

“Is this a question about comfort or ease of wear…?”

　Luquier was dumbfoundedly looking at the winged fairies.
　They puffed out their chests and waited for Luquier’s thoughts.

“…Indeed, the clothes and flying abilities are wonderful.”

　After thinking for a while, Luquier spoke.

“There are very few people in the Demon King’s territory who have flying speeds as fast as you guys. That was amazing. Hmm.”
“”Thank you very much! Demon King-sama!!””

　The winged fairies were clapping their hands in joy.
　Surely there was no better outfit than this.
　The girls had already made the magic-woven fabric’s clothes a part of their bodies.
　They could expand and contract it, use the ribbon to change direction──it certainly would be comfortable.

　Even the Demon King, Luquier, was happy that the people were happy, however──

(Thor! You are going to change the way the winged fairies do things──!!)

　Luquier silently butted in.

　The magical woven fabric made by Thor would change the way the winged fairies lived their lives.
　This would undoubtedly have a major impact on the Demon King’s territory, ruled by Demon King Luquier.

　The same was true of the upcoming mining development.
　The high-speed flying winged fairies would come in handy for exploring narrow tunnels and delivering instructions from the Demon King’s castle to the mines.
　Even the winged fairies themselves wish to work for the Demon King’s territory.
　There was absolutely no problem.
　Except for the Demon King and the Chancellor, who were troubled by the unexpected effects.

“…Thor. Seriously.”

　Luquier instinctively clutched her forehead.

　The Chancellor Kelve was probably looking over the Magic Item Promotion Application right now, wondering whether to grant permission or not, but there was no point in doing that now.
　Considering the Demon King’s territory and the winged fairies, he had no choice but to give permission.

“Demon King-sama. What happened?”
“…Does your head hurt?”

“Don’t worry about it.”

“Is that so?”
“…That’s right. Demon King-sama is laughing.”

“…I am laughing, really?”

　After hearing that, Luquier noticed the expression on her face.
　The winged fairies were right. Luquier was laughing.

“That’s right. It seems that the extra things have become more enjoyable.”

　Luquier said.

“When I thought about how the Demon King’s territory will change from now on, I got excited.”

“We understand your feelings, Demon King.”
“…The winged fairies are all excited about it too.”

“I see. We’re friends now.”
“We’re friends.”

　The winged fairies flew around Luquier happily.

(Really, he, the alchemist, is going to take everyone to an unexpected place.)

　Looking at this, Luquier held down her pounding heart.

(Well… I will remember the next time we meet, Thor. I’m going to complain all night about the things that surprised me.)

　After inwardly declaring to Thor, who was not there, Demon King Luquier took a deep breath.

“Now, then… about the matter of providing clothing to the winged fairies…”
“”…………gulp.””
“I agree.”

　Luquier declared it firmly.

“There may be some who are opposed to it, but I will try to persuade them.”
“”Is that true?! Demon King-sama!!””

　The two winged fairies’ eyes widened at her words.
　Luquier nodded.

“Chancellor Kelve is stubborn, but he does care about the Demon King’s territory. I’m sure he’ll understand that the magic woven fabric’s clothes are important to the winged fairies. It may take some time for him to accept it, though.”
“”Understood!””

　The two winged fairies closed their wings and descended to the ground.
　Then, bowing deeply,

“On behalf of the winged fairies, I would like to express our gratitude to Her Majesty the Demon King for her kind words.”
“……Thank you”

“Hmm. Also, I will be borrowing the power of the light-winged fairy to conduct some item experiments…”

　Luquier was also curious about the 『UV-cut Parasol』.
　She, too, had seen the power of Princess Liana’s holy sword.
　If there was a holy sword of light or an item that could defend against light attack magic, she would love to see it with her own eyes.

“That will be after the matter of the clothes is settled. Tell Thor that I will send him a formal reply in writing later.”
“”Understood!””
“By the way, what kind of offensive magic can the light-winged fairy use?”
“”Soleil can use 『Vivid Light Strike』!””
“…Intermediate-level light attack magic, huh? Perfect for an experiment.”

　Although it was several ranks below the ultimate light magic, 『Ultimate Vivid Light』, it would be sufficient for experiments.
　Luquier also easily gave permission.
　Luquier decided to reply to Thor’s letter immediately.

“Well, that’s it. The complicated part is over now.”
“”Yes””
“The rest… that’s right. Now that you’ve come all the way here, you should have a cup of tea.”

　The Demon King Luquier said that and once again wore the mask and robe of 『Recognition Inhibition』.
　Then she lifted up the hem of the robe.

“If you are embarrassed to be seen, then you can enter this robe. The effect of 『Recognition Impairment』 will hide your appearance as well.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“…Sorry to bother you.”

“Then let me show you to your room. Let’s have a cup of tea and talk about Thor. I’m sure you have many interesting things to tell me.”

“Thor-sama has confirmed that the light-winged fairy Soleil is taking the bath.”
“…20 winged fairies embraced Thor-sama. It was a wonderful hug.”

“I see, I see. I must hear more about that matter! Hmm.”

　Feeling something stuck in her heart, Luquier began walking towards the castle.
　She opened the side door and entered the castle.

“Have you finished your meeting with the winged fairies, Your Majesty?”

　──In the hallway in front of her, stood the Chancellor Kelve.

“I was told the backyard was cleared, so I decided to wait here.”
“What’s the matter, Kelve? Is it about the application?”
“…I have accepted my fate and signed the contract. This is a report on another matter.
“Another matter?”
“A message from the border guards. There has been some movement in the Dorgalia Empire.”

　The Chancellor, Kelve, spoke in a tense voice.

“Apparently, an envoy from the other side left a letter in front of a forest near the border. A flag was planted, on the ground and the letter was tied to the handle.”
“That’s the official procedure for the Empire to contact us.”

　Demon King Luquier nodded.

　They had just recently conducted a joint operation with the Empire to subjugate the 『Demon Beast Gargarossa』.
　Although most of the demon beasts were defeated by Demon King Luquier, it didn’t change the fact that they cooperated.
　A letter of friendship would be fine, but──thinking that, Luquier asked.

“Should we keep the contents of this a secret? If so, I’ll hear about it when we return to the throne room.”
“No, I think we should rather make it available to the public and warn them.”
“All right. Then let me hear it.”
“I will read.”

　 Chancellor Kelve read aloud from the parchment in his hand.

“『During the recent battle to subjugate the demon beasts, some of the soldiers were not well trained and fell behind the beasts. As a result of this reflection, we have decided to conduct military training.』”
“……what?”
“『I hope all of you from the Demon King’s Territory will come to the border area. Let us show you the light magic that the Dorgalian Empire is so proud of.』”

　Kelve then read out the military training schedule at the end of the letter.
　The date was about 20 days from now. That was quite a long way off.

“Who’s the sender?”
“It bears the signature of the Imperial Emperor, but the letter was written by the Minister of Military Affairs, Zagran-dono.”
“──That person?”

　Luquier looked at the winged fairies in the robes.
　The two people with earth and water attributes nodded with serious looks on their faces.
　It seemed that they too felt something unpleasant about the letter from the Empire.
　Hopefully it was just her imagination… With this thought in mind, Luquier gave instructions to Chancellor Kelve.

“It looks like we still have time. But before that, I should meet with Thor and talk with him. We should also come up with some countermeasures against light magic… just to be on the safe side.”

　Luquier stroked his 『Recognition Impairment』 robe.

“Kelve, give me the 『Magic Item Promotion Application Form』. I’ll sign it and send it to Thor right away. Also, prepare a carriage for the Raizenga territory. I’ll send the cloths material and a dressmaker to make clothes for the winged fairies. I want to ask those who wear them to do reconnaissance near the border area.”
“Understood, Your Majesty!”

“It was well received.”
“…The Demon King’s orders are the same as the Alchemist-sama’s orders.”

　The winged fairies answered in a low voice, overlapping with Chancellor Kelve’s voice.
　Luquier continued.

“Finally, I will allow my alchemist Thor Kanan to conduct his『Light Magic Countermeasure Experiment』. As soon as the winged fairy Soleil is in good condition, the experiment will be carried out. I will be present. That’s all.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“I would like to believe in the Empire, but after what happened last time, we should be vigilant.”
“Then I will proceed with the arrangements as soon as possible. If you will excuse me.”

　Saying this, Chancellor Kelve bowed.
　After that, Chancellor Kelve handed Luquier the 『Magic Item Promotion Application Form』 with his signature on it and ran off to his office.

“…The Dorgalia Empire, huh? I don’t know much about that country.”

　Demon King Luquier said, still wearing her mask.

“What are the Emperor and the Imperial Prince and Princess thinking?”

“…If it’s alright with you.”
“…Shall we take a look?

“Don’t do that. Thor would be sad if anything were to happen to you two.”

　Whispering to the winged fairies in her robe, Luquier headed towards the room.

　Afterwards──
　Luquier signed the 『Magic Item Promotion Application Form』 while watching the winged fairies munching on baked goods.
　Once the fairies had finished eating the sweets, they were supposed to deliver them to Thor.

“If the Empire is only conducting military training… there won’t be a problem.”

　She would rather watch the training and learn from it.
　Everything about the formations and fighting methods used by humans.
　The Demon King’s Territory had no intention of opposing the Empire. Rather, they intended to learn from them and develop their territory.

“I’m sure there are people in the Empire who understand that.”

　Thor was an exception, as he was on a completely different level.
　Surely, there were people who would listen and choose to coexist.

　With these thoughts in mind, Luquier continued her tea time with the winged fairies.