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 59

Episode 59: “Listening to the Winged Fairies’ Reports”

　──Thor’s point of view, a few days later──

“── We went on a reconnaissance mission near the border.”
“──We have burned the information into our eyes and ears!”
“──Flying in brand new clothes felt wonderful!”

　The winged fairies (pixies) said this and bowed to us.

　This was my room in the General’s mansion.
　It was located in the corner where I had placed a simple warehouse.

　While Luquier was here, we decided to hold a tea party here, just like we did in the Demon King’s Castle.
　So Luquier, Mabel, and I were sitting at the table, chatting while drinking tea.

　The winged fairies (pixies) were here because they had just returned from a reconnaissance mission near the border.
　They wanted to report as soon as they got back, so I invited them to the tea party.

　I really wanted to relax with everyone, but that was no longer possible.
　A few days ago, we received information that an imperial troop was approaching.
　It was sooner than expected, and on a large scale.

　Luquier, who was supposed to head for the border inspection, ended up waiting at General Raizenga’s mansion.
　Without knowing the movements of the Empire, there was nothing to be done.

　Of course, the General and the Chancellor, Kelve-san, had also sent out reconnaissance troops near the border.
　The winged fairies (pixies) had gone on a reconnaissance mission after hearing this and had brought back information.

“Well then, Soleil. Can you tell us what you saw?”
“Yes. In accordance with the alchemist-sama’s command.”

　Soleil, clad in translucent clothing, stepped forward to the centre of the table.
　She picked up her skirt and bowed.
　Sipping tea from my spoon, she slowly began to speak.

“This time, we winged fairies went on a reconnaissance mission in the border area.”

　Soleil nodded and then continued,

“First, near the highway, we saw many soldiers heading towards the town of Noza. At the front was an imposing warrior, and in the middle of the formation, there was a carriage. It was a magnificent carriage with the emblem of a sword and a flower.”
“A sword and flower emblem…”
“Do you know about this? Thor-sama”
“I believe it’s the emblem for the women of the imperial family’s carriage. It might be that a princess has come from the imperial capital.”
“Could it be the Holy Sword Princess?”

　Mabel asked anxiously.
    I looked at Soleil and asked,

“That’s what got your attention, and that’s why Soleil entered the town of Noza, right?”
“That’s right. Since I’ve recovered my strength, you have to do that much.”

　Soleil puffed out her chest.
　She stood with her legs firmly planted, maintaining a strong pose.
　It seemed she was getting more energetic after soaking in the 『Foot Bath』 every day.

“If it turns out to be the Holy Sword Princess, there might be another uproar in the Demon King’s territory. So, Soleil and the others sneaked close to the building where that person was supposed to be, but…”
“But?”
“She seems like a different person from the Princess of the Holy Sword. The princess Soleil saw had a very strong and distorted light magic power. Such magical power isn’t suited to handle the Holy Sword.”

　Soleil nodded with a serious look on her face.
　I understood.
　Soleil, the light-winged fairy, can sense the magical power of light.

“But, what distorted magic?”
“It was like how Soleil had been before she was cured by the alchemist-sama.”

　Soleil answered my question.

“No. It’s more distorted than that. It’s as if the water that should flow has stagnated, becoming trapped and frozen like ice. It must be really painful to be in that state.”
“Did they really bring someone like that all the way to the border…?”

　It had been the same with me, but I wondered why the Empire did such reckless things.
　It was almost as if they were trying to discard useless people in a distant place.

“Soleil. Do you have any other information about that princess?”

　Luquier asked Soleil.
　Soleil had listened to the other fairies’ stories and compiled their testimony.

“It seemed that the people at the mansion called the princess 『Sophia-sama』.”
“Sophia… that’s the princess’s name.”

　Luquier then looked at me.

“Do you recognise the princess’s name? Thor.”
“No, I don’t. I think she is probably a princess who does not have the right to inherit the throne.”

　The names of princes and princesses are made public to the nobility.
　What remains undisclosed are the names of princes and princesses who do not have a claim to the throne.

　That seemed to be the way those born as children of the emperor but without the power to fight were treated.
　They rarely appeared on the public stage and were often used in political marriages.

“Soleil was able to hear a little bit of what the princess had to say.”
“What did she say?”
“Um… she said, 『I want a smartphone』”
“A 『Smartphone』?! That legendary item?!”

　I couldn’t help but exclaim.
　Luquier and Mabel seemed just as surprised, their eyes wide open.

“…She’s a fearsome princess.”
“…The 『Smartphone』 was said to be an all-purpose item that exists in the world of heroes.”

　No wonder the two were surprised.
    The 『Smartphone』 was the item that the heroes placed the most importance on.
　These people, who came from another world, always wanted to use smartphones.

　There was no record of them using smartphones in this world.
　The prevailing theory was that they either could not bring it with them or that it was sealed when they were summoned.

　According to the heroes’ accounts, the 『Smartphone』 was said to have had the following abilities:

• It allowed one to view the ground from a high, bird’s-eye perspective.
• It could connect to spaces where various emotions swirled.
• It could facilitate communication with those who were far away.
• As long as a price was paid, it could draw virtually anything from around the world to one’s fingertips.

　The abilities were extensive.
　Even when I read the heroes’ records, I also thought, “This ability must be a joke.”

“Can you create a 『Smartphone』, Thor?”

　Luquier asked, trembling slightly as she looked at me.
　I shook my head.

“Unfortunately, that’s not possible. I don’t know its shape, structure, or specific abilities.”
“Isn’t it listed in the 『Mail Order Catalogue』?”
“There are listings of smartphone cases and accessories. However, the 『Smartphone』 itself is not featured.”

   The 『Mail Order Catalogue』 didn’t contain any photos of the 『Smartphone』 itself.
　So I couldn’t be sure what it was.

　To begin with, I had no idea how to create such a versatile item.
　I didn’t know the required materials or attributes.
　 It was truly a dream item, beyond my current skills.

“…That’s right. It’s an item that heroes would desire.”

　Luquier sighed.

“But I’m curious. Thor, what do you think of that thing?”
“I believe it is a key item used in large-scale magical rituals.”

　It was impossible for a single item to possess so many abilities.
　Perhaps there were many wish-granting magical rituals in the hero’s world.
    I thought of the 『Smartphone』 as being central to these rituals.

“When I look at the pictures in the 『Mail Order Catalogue 』, the size of the smartphone case is about the size of a palm. I can’t imagine such a small item could enable communication with distant people or procure items from around the world. So…”
“I thought it might be a key item used in a wish-granting ritual.”
“Maybe it would be used in some manner, such as placing it at the centre of a magic circle or on an altar to be revered.”

　I couldn’t create a 『Smartphone』 right now.
　But someday, I would replicate it using 『Creative Alchemy』.
　That would also serve as proof that I have surpassed the world of heroes.

“Sorry Soleil. I got off track. Did the princess say anything else?”

　I asked Soleil.
　Soleil thought for a moment,

“Now that I think of it… she said, 『I have no intention of opposing the Demon King’s territory. I have no intention of starting a war or involving the people.』”
“『No intention of opposing the Demon King’s Territory』…?”

　Luquier had a strange look on her face.
　Mabel tilted her head to the side as well. I probably had the same expression on my face.

　That was because the actions of the Empire’s troops were the exact opposite.

　We looked at the map on the table.
　It was a map of the border region and the surrounding area up to the town of Noza in Imperial territory.

　The white stones placed on the map indicated the positions of the Empire’s troops.
　They were positioned based on information from the Demon King’s scouts and the winged fairies.

“Here is the town of Noza. To the west of it is a plain. The soldiers have confirmed that the Empire’s troops are conducting magical test firings in that plain.”
“There’s a road near the plain.”
“As I said before, the Demon King’s Territory trades with villages in the Empire. This is one of the trade routes.”

　Luquier’s slender fingers traced the path from the highway to the village.
　This helped me understand the Empire’s likely intentions.

“If Empire’s troops are turning this plain into a military training ground… it’s probably meant as a provocation.”
“It’s a troublesome situation.”

　Luquier moved the white stone closer to the road leading to the village.
　Then picked up the black stone and moved it towards the village from the Demon King’s territory.
　If that stone was a merchant caravan from the Demon King’s territory, then they would be passing right next to the Empire’s military training area.

　Indeed, it was a troublesome position.

　If the Empire’s troops were stationed there, they could monitor the cargo carts coming from the Demon King’s territory.
　If military training was conducted during their transit, there was a chance they might be hit by magic spells or arrows.
　In such a case, it would be impossible to conduct trade calmly.
　It must be difficult for the people in the human village, too.

“Trade between the Demon King’s territory and villages in the Empire isn’t prohibited, right?”
“It’s currently being tacitly allowed by the Empire.”

　Mabel answered my question.

“There are people who want the speciality products of the Demon King’s territory. There are things that are hard to obtain in the Demon King’s territory but are readily available in the Empire. That’s why we’ve been trading in secrecy, little by little.”
“Maybe the Imperial soldiers found out about this and come to cause trouble…?”

　Luquier made a disgusted face.

“However, Princess Sophia said, 『She had no intention of opposing the Demon King’s territory.』 That was probably her true feeling. She didn’t even notice the presence of the winged fairies (pixies), so she has no reason to lie.”
“Even if she had noticed, it would be strange to explicitly state 『no intention of opposing』.”
“…That’s right.”

　Mabel and I nodded in agreement with Luquier.

“If you look at the movements of the Imperial soldiers, you can tell if they are malicious or not.”
“If that’s the case, then the Princess’s will and the soldiers’ movements are at odds. That’s quite concerning…”

“Shall we go and listen?”

　Suddenly, Soleil spoke up.

“Winged fairies (pixies) will go and enquire!”
“If I speak with burning passion, I’m sure to reach her heart!”
“I’ll use my warm and fuzzy charm to extract the truth!”

　The other winged fairies (pixies) also nodded enthusiastically.

“I appreciate the sentiment, but the risks are too great.”

　But Luquier shook her head.

“There will be guards around the princess. If you make multiple trips, you’re more likely to be discovered. If that happens, your safety would be at risk.”
「「「「What do you think, alchemist-sama!?」」」」

　Soleil and the others looked at me pleadingly.

“I agree with Luquier-sama. I don’t want to put everyone in danger. I know you, winged fairies, are good at hiding, but it doesn’t guarantee you won’t be found.”

　I replied.

　There would be some magic and martial arts practitioners among the Imperial soldiers.
　Some might be able to detect the presence and appearance of the winged fairies.
　I didn’t want to risk having them put in danger. It would be better to think of another way to investigate the princess’s situation…

“──I’d like to be of help.”
“──I’ll try not to let anyone know I’m a winged fairy!”
“──Alchemist-sama. Please, could you lend us your strength?”

　The earth and fire attribute fairies, along with Soleil, bowed their heads to me.
　The wind-attribute winged fairy continued to eat sweets at her own pace.
　The reason she was looking at me… perhaps because her mouth was covered in crumbs. I understood. I would wipe it for her, so she should stay still.

　But… 『Not to be found out as a winged fairy』.
　Certainly, that would be less dangerous. For example… disguising as an animal.

“Luquier-sama. May I ask you something?”

　I wiped the winged fairy’s mouth and then looked towards Luquier.

“What is the most inconspicuous creature in the town of Noza?”
“An inconspicuous creature? Well… I’ve heard that there are a lot of owls and cats in that town.”
“An owl and a cat?”
“Yes. The townspeople keep them to avoid pests like mice.”
“So, if the owl approaches the princess’s room and delivers the letter…”
“Certainly, it would be inconspicuous, but that’s not feasible.”

　Luquier shrugged.

“A bird cannot perform such a complex task. It would need to avoid the soldiers’ eyes and wait until the princess is there to make contact.”
“What if the winged fairy transformed into an owl or a cat?”

　I said.
　Luquier looked confused.
　Mabel… was covering her mouth as if she had realised something.
　It seemed like she realised what I wanted to say.

“Thor-sama, are you planning to make an item like a 『Body Pillow』?”

　Mabel said, staring right at me.

“Previously created 『Body Pillows』 were items that transformed pillows using magic power. Are you planning to apply that technology to create a magic item that can transform the user into a different form?”
“Yeah. Mabel’s right.”

　I opened the 『Mail Order Catalogue』.
　I had already found some items that might be useful.
It was on a page close to 『Body Pillow』 so I found it right away.

────────────────────

『Cosplay Pyjama Set』

　Transform your family into adorable creatures!
　Dogs, cats, and birds.
　Transform into animals and enter a dream world.
　Even children who have trouble falling asleep will eagerly go to bed with these pyjamas.

　Adult sizes are also available.
　When parents wear pyjamas, your home will become a wonderland of animals!
　Return to the wild and strengthen your bond.

※ Penguin, panda, and zebra designs are limited in quantity.
※ Other animals are made on orders. Please feel free to contact us.

────────────────────

“No matter how you look at it, it’s a transformation item.”
“I think so too.Your Majesty.”

    As I read out the contents of the 『Mail Order Catalogue』, Luquier and Mabel nodded.

“With this item, it seems possible to transform into an owl or a cat.”
“If one takes the form of an owl, it won’t attract attention. I think winged fairies could use this to deliver a letter to the princess.”
“Whether it can be used for reconnaissance will depend on confirming its safety… but there’s no doubt it’s useful.”
“It can also be used to hide one’s identity and transport the waggon to the village.”

　Both of them were looking at the 『Mail Order Catalogue』 with shining eyes.
　The same goes for winged fairies (pixies).
　If magic woven fabric was used as the material, the winged fairies could fly while wearing their 『Cosplay Pyjama Set』.
　If they transformed into a common animal, they shouldn’t be recognised as messengers from the Demon King’s territory.
　The problem was──

“The question is whether I can make this item or not.”

　I said.
　I could tell my voice lacked conviction.

“What’s the matter, Thor? You look so troubled. Normally, you’d have already started making the item by now?”

　Luquier peered into my face.

“I feel like there’s something missing… for me to make this item.”

　I said.

“Luquier-sama. Also, Mabel, do you remember the 『Body Pillow』 I made for you a while ago?”
“I remember. It turned into a form resembling Mabel… Thor.”
“I didn’t see it take my form, but during the experiment, it definitely resembled Mabel. In terms of appearance, that is.”

　Luquier and I looked at Mabel.
　Mabel herself was blushing bright red, as if she were remembering that incident.

“But that 『Body Pillow』 didn’t capture Mabel’s charm at all.”

　I think it was only able to express about 10% of Mabel’s charm.
　I didn’t sense any of Mabel’s charm or vibrant vitality from that 『Body Pillow』.
　It had breath and warmth, but that was all.

　──That was what I explained to everyone.

“To ensure the safety of the the winged fairies, these 『Cosplay Pyjamas』 need to be able to transform them into exactly like real birds and cats. But── I don’t yet have the confidence to recreate things like vitality and realism.”

　I could kind of understand the cause.
　Probably──because I hadn’t interacted much with people.

　When I was living at home, I was pretty much neglected by my family.
　I had no memory of being picked up by my parents or any other family members.

　At work, I did interact with people, but most of the time, I was managing items.

　There was little time to interact with people or get close to them.
　That was why I didn’t fully understand things like the vitality of living things.
　I think that was why I couldn’t add vibrant vitality to items.

“So, I have a favour to ask of you, Mabel.”
“Yes. What is it, Thor-sama?”
“Could you please let me hold you for a little while?”

　I said.
　Mabel stiffened while holding a teacup.
　As her eyes widened in surprise, I continued.

“Of course, I won’t do anything inappropriate. I just want to feel Mabel’s body temperature and heartbeat. You know, how artists get inspired by touching masterpieces? It’s the same concept. In my entire life, the greatest sense of divine beauty I’ve ever felt has been from Mabel and Luquier, so I thought maybe, by experiencing their beautiful life force, my alchemy skills might further awaken.──”
“Please wait, Thor-sama. Please give me a moment… to make up my mind…”

　Mabel said, clutching her chest and taking a deep breath.
　Then, she looked at me with a serious face,

“…Yes. I’m ready. Please continue, Thor-sama.”

　Mabel nodded.
　So, I decided to thoroughly explain to her—so that Luquier and the other winged fairies could understand—why I wanted to embrace Mabel.