Demon Prince 15

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Chapter 15. Let’s Explore the Capital 2

We leave Sylvie's shop and have lunch.

This time it's at a place recommended by Sebasto.

"The fish here is delicious."

"Then I'll order the fish."

"Me too."

"Yeah, I recommend this one."

Yuu and I order what Sebasto recommends.

Sebasto orders the same thing.

Sebas and Noella have the daily lunch special.

""Delicious""

"Right? This sauce is something else."

Sebasto's recommendation is fried white fish with vegetable sauce.

Sebas and Noella's daily lunch special is braised fish.

"After we finish eating, let's go to the magic tool shop and Stefania's shop."

Sebas and Sebasto suddenly stop as if you could hear a "stop" sound effect.

Noella furrows her brows.

Why do they dislike it so much?

"Ahem. Jun-sama. Stefania's shop is both a blacksmith and a magic tool shop. Both are top-notch."

"I see. Then let's go to Stefania's shop."

We leave the restaurant and head to Stefania's shop with Noella leading the way.

After walking for a bit, we arrive at a shop that... feels strangely out of place.

It's very pink.

I know this is the blacksmith and magic tool shop.

That's why we were guided here, and the sign says so too.

But without those, it looks like a completely different kind of shop.

"This is it..."

"Yes... this is Stefania's shop."

I thought so.

Anyway, standing in front of the shop won't get us anywhere.

"Well, let's go in."

""" "Okay..." """

I think I understand why the three of them seem a bit reluctant after seeing this shop.

Yuu seem to have a sense of it too.

"Welcome~"

"Hello."

We are greeted by a dwarf girl as we enter.

Even though she looks young, dwarves are a long-lived race.

She might not be as young as she looks.

Is this Stefania?

If so, she just looks like a regular girl.

"Hello, Domini. Is Stef... I mean, Stefania here?"

"Oh, Sebas, it's you. Hello. Master is in the back."

This girl, Domini, seems to be Stefania's apprentice.

She seems to know Sebas too.

"Sebasto and Noella are here too. Long time no see."

"Yeah."

"Long time no see, Domini."

"Since you're with these three, who are they?"

"This is Jun-sama and Yuu-sama."

"Nice to meet you. I'm Domini, an apprentice of Stefania, the shop owner."

"Nice to meet you, Domini."

"Nice to meet you."

"So, what brings you here today?"

"Today, we came to introduce Jun-sama and look at some magic tools for when he might need weapons or magic tools in the future."

"I see, I see. If it's for the future Demon King, Master will be delighted. I'll call her."

Domini goes to the back, and then...

"Seba~~~su~~~nnnn!!!!!"

"It's been a while, Stefania..."

Wow... Sebas, who usually maintains a calm demeanor, shows an unusually troubled expression.

Or maybe he can't hide it.

"Sebasto~~~ it's been a while!!!"

"Yes, it's been a while."

Wow, Sebasto is using polite language.

He's backing away to keep some distance.

"Noella, you're as beautiful as ever. Long time no see."

"Long time no see, Stefania."

Noella seems to handle it better than the other two.

She's interacting normally with Stefania.

"And who are these lovely two?"

"This is Jun-sama and Yuu-sama, the sons of the Demon King."

"I'm Jun. Nice to meet you."

"I'm Yuu. Nice to meet you..."

Yuu seem a bit scared.

He's hiding behind me.

"Oh? There's no need to be afraid. I won't bite."

Stefania winks at us.

Yes, Stefania is what's commonly known as an okama.

A dwarf man with a long, magnificent beard.

His white hair is slicked back and braided with a pink ribbon.

He's wearing red lipstick and eyeshadow.

And probably false eyelashes too.

It doesn't suit him at all.

I wonder if it gets in the way of his work.

"Despite his appearance, Master is very skilled. He's the best in this country and one of the top five among all dwarves. Especially in magic infusion."

"Despite his appearance is unnecessary, Domini. You're a rude apprentice."

Magic infusion is the skill of imbuing swords and spears with magic to create magic weapons.

Magic tools are made by infusing tools with magic.

It's also possible to infuse armor with magic.

"So, what brings you here today?"

"Today, we came to introduce ourselves and see some magic tools that we might need for our future weapons and armor."

"I see, I see. I'll be happy to work my magic for the future Demon King and give you special service. I can't refuse Aslad's children."

"What kind of relationship do you have with our father?"

"Aslad was an adventurer before he became the Demon King of this country."

"Really?"

I knew some people made a living as adventurers, but it's the first time I've heard that my father was one of them.

"Yes. He often accompanied me on quests for rare ores and magical beast materials. He saved my life several times. I'm not good at fighting, you see. I can only swing a hammer with all my might. It's scary."

Stefania, saying this with a swish, has Sebas and Sebasto firmly in her grasp. The two of them seem to have given up on trying to escape.

With arms that thick, swinging a hammer should solve most problems, I think.

"So, can we see the magic tools?"

"Of course. Feel free to look around. Domini, stay with them. I'll make some tea."

"Yes, Master."

Even though she says she'll make tea, she drags Sebas and Sebasto to the back with a firm grip.

Noella stays behind.

It seems Stefania prefers Sebas and Sebasto.

That's why those two didn't want to come.

"She's not a bad person, and she's kind, so don't be scared."

"Yes, I'm fine."

In Japan, I was taken to okama bars a few times for socializing.

Maybe because of that experience, I wasn't too shocked.

Though I've never seen a dwarf okama even in games or manga... maybe shaving the beard would help.

"Dwarf men grow their beards back in a day, even if they shave."

"I see..."

Plus, they keep their hair thick until they die.

Women have thick hair too.

They might upset people with hair troubles.

Anyway, let's look at the magic tools.

There are ones whose function is obvious from their appearance and others you wouldn't know without asking.

"This is a lighter. There's a flashlight too. And this... glasses?"

"Those are magic tools that let you see things that are normally invisible. You can see spirits or find people hidden by magic. It's a substitute for magic eyes."

We leave Sylvie’s shop and have lunch.

This time it's at a place Sebasto recommends.

“The fish here is great.”

“Then let’s order fish.”

“Me too.”

“Sure. This is my recommendation.”

Yuu and I order Sebasto’s recommendation.

Sebasto orders the same thing.

Sebasun and Noela go for the daily lunch special.

““Delicious!””

“Right? The sauce is amazing, isn’t it?”

Sebasto’s recommendation is fried white fish with a vegetable sauce.

Sebasun and Noela’s daily special is fish stew.

“After we eat, shall we go to the magic tool shop and Stefania’s shop?”

Sebasun and Sebasto stop abruptly, almost with a sound effect.

Noela furrows her brow.

Why do they dislike it so much?

“Uh, ahem. Jun-sama. Stefania’s shop is both a blacksmith and a magic tool shop. Both are top-notch.”

“Okay. Let’s go to Stefania’s shop then.”

We leave the restaurant and head towards Stefania’s shop, with Noela leading the way.

After a short walk, we arrive at the shop... something feels very off.

It’s incredibly pink.

I know it’s a blacksmith and a magic tool shop.

That’s why we were directed here, and the sign confirms it.

But without that, it looks like a completely different kind of store.

“This is…”

“Yes… this is Stefania’s shop.”

I see.

Standing outside the shop won’t do us any good.

“Well, let’s go in anyway.”

““Yes…””

Seeing the shop, I understand why the three of them look reluctant.

Yuu seem to have picked up on it too.

“Welcome!”

“Hello.”

We are greeted by a dwarf girl as we enter.

Though she looks young, dwarves live long lives.

She probably isn’t as young as she appears.

Is this Stefania?

If so, she just looks like a normal girl.

“Hello, Dominie. Is Stef… I mean, Stefania here?”

“Oh, Sebasun, hi. She’s in the back.”

It seems Dominie is Stefania’s apprentice and knows Sebasun.

“Sebasto and Noela are here too. Long time no see.”

“Hey.”

“It’s been a while, Dominie.”

“Since you’re with them, these must be…?”

“Yes. Jun-sama and Yuu-sama.”

“I see. Nice to meet you. I’m Dominie, the apprentice of Stefania, the shop owner.”

“Nice to meet you, Dominie.”

“Nice to meet you.”

“So, what brings you here today?”

“Jun-sama wanted to introduce himself and see the magic tools for when he needs weapons or tools made in the future.”

“I see, I see. If the future Demon King is going to patronize us, my master will be delighted. I’ll go get her.”

Dominie goes to the back and soon a loud noise follows…

“Sebasun-chaaaaaaaan!”

“Long time no see, Stefania…”

Wow… Sebasun, who usually remains composed, looks genuinely distressed.

Or rather, unable to hide it.

“Sebasto-chan, it’s been a while!”

“Yes, it’s been a while.”

Wow, Sebasto is using polite language.

He’s subtly backing away.

“Noela, you’re as beautiful as ever. Long time no see.”

“Long time no see, Stefania.”

Noela seems to handle Stefania better than the other two.

“So, who are these cute ones?”

“They are Jun-sama and Yuu-sama, the Demon King’s children.”

“I’m Jun. Nice to meet you.”

“I-I’m Yuu. Nice to meet you…”

Yuu seem slightly scared.

He hides behind me.

“Oh, don’t be scared. I won’t eat you up.”

Stefania winks dramatically.

Yes, Stefania is what you’d call an okama.

As a dwarf man, he has a long, grand beard.

White hair slicked back and braided at the back.

Wearing a pink ribbon, red lipstick, and eyeshadow.

Maybe even false eyelashes.

It doesn’t suit him at all.

Doesn’t it interfere with his work?

“Despite appearances, my master’s skills are top-notch. He’s the best in this country and among the top five among all dwarves. His magic enhancement skills are exceptional.”

“Despite appearances? That’s rude, Dominie.”

Magic enhancement is the technique of imbuing weapons like swords and spears with magic to create magic swords or spears.

The same can be done with armor.

“So, what brings you here today?”

“We wanted to introduce ourselves and look at the magic tools for future weapons and armor.”

“Oh, I see. If it’s for you two, I’ll do my best and give you a special deal. I can’t refuse Aslad’s children.”

“What’s your relationship with my father?”

“Aslad used to be an adventurer before becoming the Demon King and taking over this country.”

“Really? I didn’t know that.”

I knew there were adventurers, but I didn’t know my father was one.

“Yes. He used to help me gather rare ores and monster materials. He saved my life several times. I’m not strong, you see. I can only swing a hammer hard. It’s scary.”

As Stefania speaks, she clings tightly to Sebasun and Sebasto, who seem resigned.

With those thick arms, swinging a hammer should be enough, though.

“Can we see the magic tools?”

“Of course. Feel free to look around. Dominie, guide them. I’ll make tea.”

“Yes, master.”

Despite saying she’ll make tea, Stefania drags Sebasun and Sebasto to the back.

Noela stays with us.

Stefania seems to favor those two.

No wonder they were reluctant.

“Despite appearances, she’s kind and not a bad person. Don’t be scared.”

“I’m fine.”

I’ve been to okama bars a few times in Japan.

Maybe that’s why I’m not too shocked.

But a dwarf okama… never seen that in games or manga.

He’d look better without the beard.

“Dwarves’ beards grow back in a day even if shaved.”

“I see…”

And they never go bald, apparently.

Even women have thick hair.

It could annoy people with hair problems.

Anyway, let’s look at the magic tools.

There are obvious ones and some not-so-obvious ones.

“This is a lighter. And a flashlight. And these… glasses?”

“They let you see things you normally can’t, like spirits or hidden people. It’s like having magic eyes.”

Magic eyes are a natural talent in this world, different from crests.

They let you see through illusions, walls, or far distances.

These glasses replicate those abilities.

“They’re not as strong as real magic eyes, but those who have them are rare. Oh, and we have regular glasses too.”

Regular glasses also have magic to correct vision for near or far-sighted people.

There are monocles too.

“Do you have appraisal glasses?”

“Yes, this monocle here.”

Appraisal eyes reveal details about what they see.

They can detect poison in food or show how to use tools.

But they can’t see through concealment spells.

“They’d be useful for identifying edible plants, mushrooms, and herbs.”

“Indeed.”

“But they’re quite expensive. Five gold coins.”

About 500,000 yen.

That is expensive.

I glance at Sebasun, who has returned.

“That’s fine. It’s not dangerous, so it’s okay to buy it.”

“Great. We can buy it, Yuu.”

“Yay!”

We were just going to look today, but since Sebasun has money, we might as well use it.

But 500,000 yen isn’t an issue? Impressive, Demon King.

I wonder how much he gave.

Let’s see what else is here.

“Is this broom for flying?”

“Haha, funny idea. It’s for automatic cleaning, used with this dustpan.”

Well, a broom for cleaning makes sense.

“Flying tools exist, but they’re hard to control and dangerous if you fall. Training is needed, and they’re very expensive.”

“I see.”

I can fly with magic now.

I can also fly with my fallen angel wings, but magic is faster.

Using both is faster but tiring.

Flying with wings is also conspicuous.

Normally, I keep them hidden.

They’re not physical wings but light-like, slightly transparent wings.

They can be touched and can lift my body, though.

“Do you have magic bags with space expansion and preservation magic?”

“No?”

Really?

“You don’t?”

“They’d be convenient, but few can use space magic, and fewer can enchant with it. We have preservation magic bags, but they’re usually for warehouses or food storage. The magic doesn’t last forever; you need to replenish magic stones. When they run out, the contents burst out.”

I see…

“What’s this about?”

Stefania joins the conversation.

After explaining, she looks apologetic.

“Dominie’s right. I can’t make those. Using large magic stones can help, but I’m sorry.”

“No need to apologize, Stefania.”

I propose an idea.

“Can you teach me how to make magic tools? I can use space magic.”

“Oh, really? Impressive. But it’s not easy.”

“I’ll do my best.”

“Alright. I’ll handle everything except the magic enhancement. Is that okay?”

“Yes, of course. The cost…”

“Leave money matters to the adults. Right, Sebasun?”

“Yes, I’ll handle it, Jun-sama. Aslad will agree.”

“Alright. Let’s start. Follow me.”

“Yes!”

Stefania leads me to the magic tool workshop.

Dominie stays to mind the shop.

“Wait here. I’ll prepare the materials.”

Stefania brings out leather and silver-threaded cloth, likely for armor lining.

She writes on it with special ink.

The script looks like runes from this world, but it’s cursive Latin script.

It reads…

“Become mine, respond to my will, accept my magic, manifest my magic?”

“Amazing! You can read runes at your age!”

Sebasun and the others are also impressed.

“As expected, Jun-sama. Learning runes is impressive.”

“You’re amazing, Jun-sama. I don’t understand any of this.”

“You’re amazing, Jun-sama.”

Their praise is a bit embarrassing.

Yuu puffs his chest proudly for some reason.

“If you understand runes, magic enhancement might be easier for you.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Magic enhancement relies on understanding runes. Let’s start.”

Stefania brings two large, high-purity magic stones.

They come from strong monsters or rare mines and are expensive.

“Are these okay? They’re quite good.”

“Yes, they’re fine. Hold the stones in both hands, place them on the runes, and channel magic through them.”

Following her instructions, the magic stones glow faintly.

“Now, use space expansion magic through the stones into the runes. Also, preservation magic if you can.”

“Yes. I’ll try.”

I use both space expansion and preservation magic.

The magic seems to be absorbed by the runes.

Afterward, the runes glow.

Did it work?

“How is it? Did it succeed?”

“Yes, it did. It’s amazing.”

Stefania looks shocked.

“What’s wrong?”

“You used two high-level magics simultaneously. That’s not something a beginner can do. And you succeeded on the first try. You’re very talented.”

Is it really that amazing?

“Jun-sama, we’ve seen your magic training, but your dual magic use amazed us. It’s talked about in the castle.”

“Using two magics at once is rare, only for highly skilled mages or those with special crests. It’s something to be proud of.”

I see. Maybe I shouldn’t mention I can use three simultaneously.

“Though surprised, I’ll handle the rest. It’ll take time, so come back tomorrow.”

“Okay. Thank you.”

We return to the castle and tell my parents about the magic bag.

“Jun, we’d like several of those magic bags. I’ll cover the cost.”

“Indeed. They’d be useful for the army and travel.”

So, I’ll request more bags tomorrow.

The next day…

“I’d like some too. They’re very convenient. I’ll offer a special price since Jun will enhance them.”

The deal is made smoothly.

In addition to my father’s order, we’ll make some for Stefania’s shop.

I’ll handle the enhancements, and I’ll get 20% of the sales.

Since we can’t produce many and they’re expensive, they won’t sell quickly.

But I’ll earn a good amount.