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 52

Episode 52: “Events in Imperial Territory (5)”

　──In the imperial capital of the Dorgalia Empire──

“Are you telling me to go to the border town, Zagran?”

　The day after Princess Liana visited the villa.
　Liana’s older sister, Sophia, was summoned to the court.

　Sophia met the emperor and was told that he had a special order.
　He told her to ask Zagran for more details and led her straight to the Minister of Military Affairs’ office.

“And… participate in military training near the border and use light magic…?”
“Yes. We would like to see Her Highness Sophia demonstrate her power to both demons and demi-humans.”

　Minister of Military Affairs Zagran said from across the table.

“After that, His Highness will be stationed in the border town for three years.”
“……Eh”
“Of course, we will make sure you have no inconveniences. We will provide you with a mansion. You will also be provided with a caretaker who will be directly under Zagran.”
“Three years in a border town?! Can’t I return to the imperial capital during that time?”
“This is something that His Majesty the Emperor has approved. His Majesty said that he wanted Her Highness Sophia to fulfil her role as an Imperial Princess.”

　Zagran placed an order written in the Emperor’s own handwriting on the table.
　The words were written there exactly as he said them.

『Princess Sophia will spend three years in a town on the northern border, doing her utmost to protect the border.
　During this time, she will take part in military training and use 『light attack magic』 on the spot.

　After three years, Sophia will return to the imperial capital and be allowed to rest and study freely without having to leave the city.
　This is a special, preferential treatment for those who do not have the power to fight.』

　──And.

“I’ve visited Her Highness Liana… and I heard that Her Highness Sophia is interested in magic to make life more comfortable.”

　Suddenly, Minister of Military Affairs Zagran changed the topic.

“Do you invite researchers in from time to time to hold discussions?”
“Yes. I’m interested in what kind of effect it would have if magical power and magic were used to improve people’s lives.”

　Princess Sophia nodded.

“I want to find a technology that will allow someone like me to live a comfortable life. It should also be of use to the Empire. The Empire values ​​power, but I believe there is value in raising the standard of living for the nobles and commoners alike.”
“I know. It seems that His Majesty is aware of that as well.”

　Zagran raised his hand to stop Sophia from speaking.

“And so, His Majesty has said that once you have completed your duties for three years and returned to the Imperial capital, you will be allowed to conduct your research freely. He said that it would be best for Princess Sophia to continue her research at Princess Liana’s side.”
“…Father, he said something like that.”
“Yes. That’s exactly what he said.”

　Zagran said in a calm voice.
　Sophia stared intently at the order from the Emperor.
　Then, as if making up her mind, she looked at Zagran.

“I understand the orders. I am also an Imperial Princess. If it is an order from His Majesty the Emperor, I will risk my life to fulfil my duties.”
“Very impressive. As expected from Her Highness Sophia.”
“However, before I move to the border town, I have a few requests.”
“Let me hear it.”
“It’s about my twin sister, Liana.”

　Sophia looked straight into Zagran’s eyes and told him.

“The child has great strength, but she is still mentally immature. She needs someone to support her. So… could I have the opportunity to see her a few times a year?
“I understand. I will convey this to His Majesty.”
“Can we exchange letters?”
“Of course. We are planning to tighten security at the border from now on. We will be sending out many messengers. At that time, we will also deliver a letter from Princess Sophia to Princess Liana.”

　Zagran replied indifferently.

“Is there anything else?”
“…As Liana’s tutor, you have been guiding her up until now.”

　Sophia suddenly stood up from her seat.
　After that, she pinched the hem of the dress and bowed as a lady.

“The truth is, as her twin sister, I should have been the one to set an example for her. However, I was physically weak and couldn’t do that. I’m grateful that you took my place. Zagran.”
“Those are unkind words.”

　Zagran kneeled on the floor.
　Looking down at his white hair, Sophia continued.

“So please make an oath. Zagran. I trust that you will continue to do your best to make Liana happy.”

　Sophia could hear her voice trembling.
　Her breathing was also rough.
　She seemed to have exhausted her physical strength because she had been nervous since she came to the court.

(In the Hero’s world, a body like this is called 『piece of junk』. Why am I always like this… at such crucial moments…?)

　Clenching her fists in frustration, Sophia continued speaking haltingly.

“As Minister of Military Affairs ── as one who has served the Emperor for a long time,── swear to me that you will raise my sister, Liana, to be a good person. Swear to me ── you will guide her in the right direction.”
“I swear to you.”

　Zagran dropped to his knees and bowed his head.
　The announcement was made in a reverent tone, as if this were a stage.

“I, Zagran, will risk my life to guide Her Highness Liana, to become a worthy princess of the Dorgalian Empire. I hope that from now on, Princess Sophia will no longer have to worry about her sister.”
“…Absolutely, right.”
“I don’t understand why you’re so suspicious. You must be tired.”

　Minister of Military Affairs Zagran said this and rang a bell on the table.
　It was a signal to call his subordinates.
　He must have noticed that Sophia wasn’t feeling well.

(…I know, Zagran. The Imperial soldiers you led… were saved by the people of the Demon King’s Territory. And that… that this is your loss…)

　Sophia remembered the information she had heard before.

　Liana had said this before when she came to the villa.
『This time, I made a small mistake.』

　Sophia was intrigued by her words and gathered rumours about the aristocrats.
　The result was that during the 『Demon Beast Gargarossa Subjugation Battle』, Liana failed to defeat the beast and was saved by the people of the Demon King’s territory.
　The Emperor also recorded this as a loss for Liana and Zagran.

　In order to eliminate the loss, a corresponding achievement was required.
　To achieve this, Zagran might use Princess Liana as a tool.
　Being a perfectionist, Zagran would have no qualms about doing something like that.

　But there was nothing Sophia could do.
　The Emperor’s orders had already been given.
　All she could do was make Zagran promise this way.

(…If only I had more stamina… I could protect Liana…)

　Thinking about this, Sophia sat weakly in her chair.
　Soon, Zagran’s female adjutant entered the room.
　Supported by her, Sophia left the palace and got into a carriage.

“…I will accomplish my mission, Father.”

　Throwing herself back in her seat, Sophia looked over the order from the Emperor.

“I will achieve good results… so I hope that your daughter, Sophia, can return to the Imperial Capital in less than three years.”

　She was leaving the day after tomorrow, which probably wouldn’t give her time to go and see Liana.
　So she decided to write a letter.
　Zagran said he would deliver it to Liana. She was sure he would keep a promise like that.

　Thinking about such things, Princess Sophia closed her eyes.

“I see. Her Highness returned to the villa safely.”

　Zagran muttered in the room after Princess Sophia had left.
　Standing next to him was his deputy.
　The female adjutant reported that she had placed Princess Sophia in a carriage and taken her to the villa.

　Then Zagran looked at his lieutenant,

“Princess Sophia is a very regrettable person. Isn’t she?”
“Regrettable, if you say so.”

　Then Zagran looked at his lieutenant,

“If Her Highness Sophia was in good health, she could have become the Empire’s first female empress. Her light magical powers, and intelligence are invaluable. Am I wrong?”
“I don’t know.”

　The female adjutant answered with her eyes lowered.

“All I know is that Her Highness Liana is worried about her sister.”
“I suppose so. It would be troubling if that wasn’t the case.”

　Zagran nodded.

“I intend to tell Her Highness Liana 『The more result Your Highness achieves, the sooner Her Highness Sophia will be able to return to the Imperial Capital』. Her Highness Liana will think of Her Highness Sophia and will work hard.”
“And so, Her Highness Liana is heading off to subjugate demon beasts.”
“Only after Her Highness’s house arrest is lifted.”
“I understand. My subordinates have already begun preparations.”
“…Originally, I wanted to leave the matter of Her Highness Liana to someone else and be present at the plan to use Sophia myself.”

　Minister of Military Affairs Zagran put his hands on the table and spoke in an irritated tone.

“I cannot be present for this plan. I must leave it to the person selected by the High Officials Council. That is His Majesty’s decision.”

　At a meeting of high-ranking officials after the subjugation of the demon beasts, Zagran was ordered to come up with a plan to prevent the Demon King’s territory from getting too carried away.
　So, together with another person in charge, they came up with a plan.
　However, Zagran would not be able to take part in the operation itself, as the actual operation would be carried out by another person.
　That was the decision of a high-ranking council held in the presence of the Emperor.

“I can’t command the operation myself, and if it fails, I have to take responsibility. This is the first time I’ve had to operate under such unfavourable conditions…”
“I understand your point.”
“That is why I have decided to send you to be the nominal representative of this Zagran. Mariella.”

　Zagran called his adjutant’s name.

“You will be keeping an eye on the local commander. He’s strong, but I’m not sure he’ll do as instructed. Be careful not to let him get out of control, and report any abnormalities immediately.”
“I understand.”
“The magic of him and Her Highness Sophia is powerful. If they combine their powers, they may be able to rival the power of the Demon King. However, for now, don’t mess with the Demon King’s territory. It’s important not to move.”

　Zagran spoke to his adjutant, Mariella.

“What we’re doing in the border town is regular military training. All we have to do is keep an eye on the people of the Demon King’s territory so they don’t come south. If we follow the plan, we should be able to intimidate the demons and demi-humans.”

　The reason Sophia was sent near the border was to demonstrate the strength of the empire to the people of the Demon King’s territory.
　That was what military training and light magic were for.

　While they would suppress the people of the Demon King’s territory, Zagran would use Liana to make great achievements and eliminate his losses.

　The Empire was not so generous as to tolerate a second failure.
　So Zagran came up with a plan that couldn’t fail.
　Princess Sophia was placed in a border town and would regularly use light magic to keep an eye on the Demon King’s territory.
　That was the plan. There was no way it could fail.

“Mariella. I will be recalling you to the Imperial Capital in a year. Until then, you will be acting as Zagran’s representative and keeping an eye on the local commander. He is strong, but… there are times when you can’t tell what he’s thinking.”
“I understand. May I ask a question, Your Excellency?”
“Allow.”
“Princess Sophia will be back in three years, right?”
“If the situation permits.”
“The situation…?”
“If Her Highness Liana achieves the feat as planned and the Demon King’s territory is subdued as planned, Her Highness Sophia’s role will be over. Until then, she will be of use to the Empire. That’s all.”
“……understood.”
“I have told His Majesty many times that Princess Liana and Princess Sophia should be kept apart.”

　Minister of Military Affairs Zagran chuckled.

“If that happens, they will be able to use even more power than they are capable of in order to protect each other. This plan is also intended to demonstrate that. Then His Majesty will be able to confirm that Zagran’s opinion is correct—and reaffirm my worth.”

　Then Zagran gave a stack of parchment to his adjutant, Mariella.
　It outlined how Princess Sophia would be used for the next three years.
　After instructing that content were never to be shown to Sophia and the local commander, Zagran left his adjutant behind and left the room.

“Now then, how will the Demon King’s Territory react to this? If they won’t think, 『The empire is fearsome』, then this plan will be meaningless. I wish Her Highness Sophia would use the ultimate light attribute attack magic…”

　With this in mind, Minister of Military Affairs Zagran left the palace and began to walk away.
　His destination was the palace, where the prince and princess live.

　And then, about ten minutes later.
　Princess Liana was informed that her older sister Sophia had voluntarily headed to a border town to make up for her younger sister’s loss.

Translator Note:- Adjutant, Aide, Diputy and Lieutenant are similar in military ranking.