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 54

Episode 54: “Attending a Party”

　The welcome party for Demon King Luquier began at exactly noon.

“To the people of the Raizenga’s territory: I, Demon King, Luquier Evargard. I will be in your care for a few days.”

　When Demon King Luquier greeted the crowd, the great hall erupted in applause.
　Everyone in the Raizenga territory was staring at Luquier with emotion.

“──I can’t believe I can see His Majesty Luqier Evargard so close.”
“──I participated in the 『Demon Beast Gargarossa Subjugation Battle』, after all. I have seen His Majesty’s dark magic up close.”
“──Yeah. Apparently, he used the flames of darkness to wipe out the demon beast and its spider subordinates.”
“──It seems he used a powerful item called a 『Laser Pointer』.”
“──This item was created by Thor Kanan himself, an honoured guest of the General!”

　Well.

　The attendees all looked at me at once.

　No, you don’t have to look at me.
　Her Majesty the Demon King is still giving her greetings.
　Don’t worry about me.

『The Strongest Alchemist』 or. 『The one who takes magical skills to the heights』or. 『The creator of destructive items』, I wasn’t that kind of person.
　The main things I made were health products and body pillows.

“His Majesty, the Demon King, looks even more attractive today.”

　Next to me, Mabel muttered.
　As if drawn by this, the people around me turned to look at Luquier. Thank you, Mabel.

　Today, Luquier removed her 『Recognition Inhibition』 robe.
　The magic item she was wearing looked like a mask.
　Perhaps because of that, the effect of 『Recognition  Inhibition』 was weaker than usual.
　That was why I could see the black dress and her blonde hair. It was mysterious and very beautiful.

“I came to this place to conduct an experiment on a certain item and to investigate the movements of the Empire.”

　The Demon King Luquier’s story continued.

“I will refrain from going into details about the item, but what’s important is the Empire’s movements. They say they’re only conducting military training near the border, but there’s always the chance of something happening. That’s why I decided to take a look around the border.”
“I don’t think there’s any immediate danger.”

　The Chancellor’s Kelve-san took over the words of Luquier.

“However, we may need to ask for the help of the people of the Raizenga Territory. Please keep that in mind.”
“””Understood!!”””

　The attendees, including the General, all shouted in unison.
　After that, Luquier softened her tone and said,

“By the way, it seems that the winged fairies (pixies) have been seen more often in Raizenga’s territory recently. I wonder if anyone noticed.”

　── Suddenly, she changed the topic.

“The reason why the shy winged fairies (pixies) have started appearing. It is all thanks to my alchemist, Thor Kanan. He gave the winged fairies special clothing that allowed them to appear in public.”
“””Thor Kanan-dono…?”””

　The people around me looked at me again.

　Furthermore, the people who had gathered in the hall started to move towards the walls.
　It would open the way to Luquier.

　Luquier was staring at me. Next to me, the Chancellor-san was beckoning me.
　I guessed I had to go for this.

　Suddenly, I noticed the dark winged fairy René in the corner of the hall. She was wearing black magic woven fabric’s clothes.
　Just when I thought she might be joining in secret, René flew straight over to where Luquier was.
　She was looking at me from the chair behind Luquier. It seemed like she was calling out to me too.
　……It seemed like I had no choice.

“I’m off, Mabel.”
“Y-Yes. Thor-sama.”

　I headed towards Luquier.
　Since the shy René was out there, there was no way I would hide.

“Some of you may know. This is Thor Kanan, an alchemist under His Majesty the Demon King. With his powers, we were able to annihilate the 『Demon Beast Gargarossa』 and its minions without any casualties.”

　Saying that, Chancellor-san started introducing me.

　That I was a guest from the Empire.
　However, I was trustworthy and an ally of the Demon King’s territory.

　The powerful 『Laser Pointer』.
　The magic-woven fabric’s clothes worn by Agnis and the winged fairies.
　Thanks to the magic-woven fabric’s clothes, the winged fairies were now able to work together with the people of the Demon King’s territory.

　I was an alchemist who was passionate about research.
　The pace of creating items was fast.
　The pillars of the Demon Castle have been damaged since I arrived──huh? What did that mean? Did it have anything to do with me? Luquier was nodding.

　Anyway, the Chancellor introduced me enthusiastically.
　He was serious and very polite about what I had been doing since I got here. He especially emphasised how surprised he was during the 『Demon Beast Gargarossa Subjugation Battle』.

　──And that was how I was introduced.

“──I see! With Thor Kanan by our side, even demon beasts are nothing to be afraid of!”
“──To be able to trouble His Excellency the Chancellor, what incredible power he has.”
“──Has there ever been such a powerful alchemist──”

　…For some reason, everyone thought I was really strong.
　It was okay. They were not mistaking me for someone with combat skills, were they?
　The people of the Demon King’s territory probably wouldn’t suddenly launch a mock battle like the nobles of the Empire, but…

　Then I gave a brief introduction to myself.
　My name, my job, and how happy I was to be in the Demon King’s territory.
　I was grateful to have become His Majesty the Demon King’s subordinate.
　I concluded by saying, “I look forward to your continued support.”

　It was a little simpler than Chancellor Kelve-san’s introduction, but the General, Agnis, and the people of the Raizenga territory applauded. Of course, Mabel and René also applauded.

　That was the end of the formal and painful greetings.
　I bowed to Demon King Luquier and Chancellor Kelve-san, and then returned to my original place.

　Afterwards, Luquier sat in a chair set up in the hall, and while she watched over everyone, they were free to enjoy the party.

“That was a splendid greeting, Thor Kanan-sama.”
“No, I was so nervous, I don’t really remember what I said.”

　I answered Agnis.

“But it was worth coming to the party. I got to see Agnis-sama in a dress.”

　Yeah. That alone made the party worth it.

　In front of me was Agnis, wearing a dress.
　It was a dress made of yellow-dyed magic-woven fabric. It suited you very well.
　Agnis looked embarrassed but was smiling.

　Agnis’s dress was decorated with flame-inspired ribbons and frills.
　There was a space on the chest to hold the 『Health Promotion Pendant』. There was also a ribbon around it. In fact, it seemed that the pendant was designed to be part of the dress.

　The dress brought out Agnis’s charm, and even magic items were being used to adorn her.
　The clothes craftsmen at Demon King’s Castle were really amazing.

“It’s beautiful, Agnis-sama.”
“…Ugh. After all, it’s still embarrassing.”

　Agnis was holding the 『Health Promotion Pendant』 in both hands.
　The pendant light was leaking from the gap between her fingers.
    The 『Health Promotion Pendant』 still appeared to be functioning properly.

“I want you to praise Mabel rather than Agnis. I had her wear Agnis’s mother dress, and it fits Mabel perfectly, so…”
“Eh, what!?”

　Mabel cried out in surprise at Agnis’ words.
　Then, looking at me,

“Wh-what do you think, Thor-sama?”
“Yeah. It suits you very much.”

　Mabel’s dress had a similar design to Agnis’s.
　The only difference was the size and colour. Agnis’s was yellow, while Mabel’s was sky blue.
　The ribbons and frills were said to be inspired by flowing water.
　It was perfect for Mabel, an elf with water attributes.

　However, when I looked at Mabel… I unconsciously remembered the 『Water Magic Woven Dress』 she was wearing just a moment ago.
　It was also a beautiful sky blue and suited Mabel well.
　I couldn’t help but look for the differences between this dress and that one.

　What Mabel was wearing now was a dress that adjusted to fit her body.
　However, the dress she was wearing earlier was tailored to make the clothes fit her body, so the impression was quite different. Both Mabels were beautiful, but the emphasis was on different things──

“…Thor-sama. Uh, if you stare at me like that… it’s embarrassing.”
“S-sorry.”

　My face involuntarily got hot.
　Mabel seemed to be doing the same, as she was holding her cheeks with both hands.
　Because she had white skin, it was really easy to tell she was embarrassed.

“I’m going to get some fresh air and calm down. See you later.”

　I grabbed the cup of tea and left.

　Anyway, I was fully able to enjoy the appearance of Luquier, Agnis, and Mabel in their dresses.
　I thought the beauty of God’s and nature’s creations was amazing.

　Even more amazing was the power of the clothing craftsmen. They made the normally beautiful Mabel and the other girls even prettier. The power of design was important after all.
　When I created an item, I had to consider not only its practicality but also its design.

　And so, having thoroughly enjoyed the party──
　──I decided to take a look at the space of the winged fairies (pixies) .

“Alchemist-sama.”
“Welcome!”
“…Please, have a seat.”
“Please take it easy and relax.”

“Okay. Well, I’ll just come in for a bit.

　I sat down and poured tea from the pot into a cup.
　Winged fairies (pixies) space was located near the window and was separated from the surrounding area by ornamental plants and a screen. The entrance was in a gap in the wall, making it difficult to see from the main hall.

　But the window was left wide open.
　The entrance for the winged fairies was over there.

“… Somehow, it’s really calming.”

　Afternoon sunlight filtered through the window.
　The party was still going on, but the voices felt very far away.
　It’s felt nice. A place like this was like a hideout.

“Do you like the tea, Alchemist-sama?”

　When I noticed it, the winged fairies were gathering around me.
　Everyone was sitting flat on the table and looking over here.

　There was a small pot for the winged fairies on the table, but everyone’s eyes were on my cup.
　Maybe they weren’t used to brewing tea.

“Would you like a drink?”

　I scooped up some tea with a spoon, blew on it to cool it, and handed it to them.
　Then, one of the winged fairies approached me.

“Thank you very much, Alchemist-sama.”

　She stuck her little mouth around my spoon.

　Nod, nod, nod.

　The winged fairy drank the tea as it was.

“””Zzz”””

　I suddenly noticed that the other winged fairies were also staring at me.
　They kneeled on the table and clasped their hands as if praying… they seemed to be expecting something.

“Would the rest of you like a drink?”

　When I asked, the fairies all nodded in unison.

“Well then, I’ll have the tea rebrewed in the winged fairy’s cup… Wait?”

　Buzz buzz, buzz.

　This time, the winged fairies simultaneously shook their heads all at once.
　It seemed to be different from what I was expecting.

　Once again, I scooped up some tea with the spoon… and this time they nodded their heads vigorously.
　It seemed like they wanted the same thing as the first child.

　It appeared I had no choice left.
　In fact, before I knew it, the winged fairies were lining up.

　They bowed, clutched their chests, and flapped their wings.
　I didn’t know how the winged fairies expressed their emotions, but they seemed to have expectations.

“Okay, one spoon for each person.”
“””Thank you”””

　The winged fairies bowed their heads.

　I gave each of the winged fairies some tea in turn.
　I scooped up some tea with a spoon, blew on it to cool it, and then brought it to the winged fairies’ mouths.
　Repeated that.

　A winged fairy, after finishing her tea, trembled her wings and then let out a contented sigh.

“You can leave some if it’s too much. I don’t think you’re used to drinking tea, so don’t overdo it.”
“No, no, no. It’s okay.”

　When I said that, the winged fairy patted her stomach.
　Her complexion was good, and the wings on her back were shiny. He looked satisfied.
　Ok, then next time I would give her a cookie.

“Ah… but wouldn’t it be bad if food got on your clothes? After all, the clothes were made by a tailor.”

　…Slurp.

　As I said this, the winged fairies began to untie the belts on their clothes.
　No, wait. You didn’t have to take it off.

　Wasn’t the winged fairy a shy person? I asked her, and she replied, 『Alchemist-sama is different. 』”

“The materials for our clothes were given to us by the alchemist-sama. Therefore, it is as if we are being embraced by the alchemist-sama.”
“That’s what René said before. Is that way of thinking permeating the winged fairies?”

　When I asked, they answered, 「「「Yes」」」.
　Really. It was spreading. Well, I guessed there was nothing I could do about it.
　But I couldn’t let them take off their clothes here…

　I took out a handkerchief from my pocket and put it in my palm.
　Placed a cookie on it and crushed it into a size that the winged fairies could eat in one bite.
　This way, they wouldn’t spill food.

　As I said, the fairies all gathered around, picked up the cookies, and began eating them.

“…Well, thinking about it, there was no point in putting it on the palm of my hand. If I had just put a handkerchief on the table or crushed the cookies, it would have been the same thing──”

“No, it’s the same!”
“……It’s not!!”
“It’s totally different! It’s completely different with all my heart and soul!”
“When you eat it like this, it’s so warm and fuzzy…”

　The winged fairies all shook their heads in unison.
　Apparently, there was a crucial difference between taking it from my hand and taking it from the table.

“So, I look forward to working with you, Alchemist-sama.”

　── Just as I was thinking that, a black-haired winged fairy (pixie) landed in front of me.
　René also came.
　Oh well. I would stick with them until everyone was satisfied.

　And so I decided to enjoy tea time with the winged fairies, however──

────────────────────

“…You see, Mabel.”
“…What’s wrong? Agnis-sama”
“…Can Mabel go in there?”
“…It’s impossible. Thor-sama and the winged fairies have created a strange atmosphere…”
“…I can’t destroy that atmosphere.”
“…That’s right. It’s impossible.”
“…All we can do is watch like this.”
“…But Thor-sama looks like he’s having fun.”
“…No matter how you look at it, it doesn’t seem like an atmosphere where I can disturb them…”
“”Your Majesty, why have you been going back and forth around here for so long?””
“You’re just imagining it.”

　Agnis, Mabel, and the Demon King Luquier were listening intently to the voices coming from the winged fairy space.
　The other guests were also listening to the conversation between Thor and the winged fairies.

“Thor Kanan-dono seems to getting attached to the winged fairies (pixies)…”
“He’s an incredible person. Even though he makes weapons like 『Laser Pointer』, he still manages to gain the trust of the winged fairies. He sure has both strength and kindness in common.”
“Once again, I would like to introduce you to Thor Kanan-dono.”
“That’s right. Your Excellency, the Chancellor, are you on good terms with Thor Kanan-dono?”
“Indeed. Chancellor Kelve-dono gave us an enthusiastic introduction to the alchemist-dono earlier!”
“Please tell us about him.”
“As the head of the civil service, you must know the details, right?”
“Everything you know…huh? What’s wrong, Your Excellency? You’re staring at the pillar in the hall. Ah, um. Your Excellency? Where are you going…?”

　──It would be quite some time before I got to know that everyone had been watching over us in that way.

　And so, the party ended safely.
　Soon after, we decided to start experimenting with the 『UV-cut Parasol』.