Chapter 47

"Alright, it's complete. Try it on right away."

I handed the mithril bracelet to Tika and Nate.

The bracelet, engraved with the pattern Yuri created, was not just an accessory but a magical device to which I had just imparted a spell.

"Thank you... Let's put it on right away."

Tika put the bracelet on her wrist, and it immediately vanished.

"It worked."

At Elicia's voice, I nodded.

This bracelet is a magical device imbued with the spell of *Invisibility*. It can hide one's appearance, sound, and presence.

Yuri and I adjusted the size and shape, and finally, we created something that can hide a person. I also plan to make one for the golems.

In any case, with this, everyone can hide even when I'm not around.

I might name it the Shadow Wheel.

At the same time, Tika reappeared.

"It really makes you invisible! With this—kyah!? Wait, Nate!"

Suddenly, Tika cried out. Upon closer inspection, her chest area looked unnatural...

Tika immediately shouted in anger, grabbing something, and Nate, who had been clinging to her from behind, appeared.

"Stop it! Don't fool around in front of Lord Alex!"

"Payback from yesterday."

Elicia directed a sharp gaze at the two of them.

"Do you both understand why you were given this?"

"Alright, Elicia! In any case, it completely hides both appearance and sound. It should be safe as long as no holy magic is used."

Tika hurriedly pulled Nate away and straightened her posture.

"Thank you! With this, various intelligence operations will be much easier!"

"We can also sneak up from behind."

Nate also answered.

Tika and Nate are in charge of intelligence operations. We have also selected a few ratmen and slimes who can perform stealth actions.

Why such a dangerous department is needed is, of course, to detect the movements of the Holy Order and any plots against me.

In the future, I want them to investigate the situation inside and outside the empire and gather information on demons and those with the dark emblem.

I was hesitant about sending them on such missions, but Tika and Nate also want to bring their fellow monks from their former monasteries, so they proposed it themselves.

They are originally demon hunters. Not only do they exorcise demons when information comes in, but they also have the role of protecting those with the dark emblem and bringing them to the temple. Therefore, they are skilled in information gathering... I hope.

Seeing Tika and Nate nudging each other with their elbows, I feel a bit uneasy.

Well, I made the Shadow Wheel to alleviate that unease.

"In any case, the *Invisibility* magical device is complete. It might be good to have a small *Teleport* magical device for emergency evasion. Adding *Dark Wall* for defense is also good. And a *Pandora Box* magical device, though it won't hold much..."

Creating and inventing magical devices is very enjoyable. Since dark magic can't be used by others, I can create new magical devices one after another.

Of course, I'm not the only one; Elicia and the others also combine their specialized magic to create magical devices.

For example, combining fire magic and wind magic to create a warm air fan. Just using regular wind to dry a warmed body would make it cold, but with warm air, both hair and body can be dried without getting cold. It's already being used by noble daughters, and Elicia and the other girls particularly like it.

I would like to keep making them...

A deep sigh escaped my lips.

"...We should go soon."

"Today marks two weeks since we met the imperial envoy. It's about the right time for us to return to the capital by air."

At Elicia's words, I nodded.

"If only there was a spell to turn back time."

Hearing those words, Elicia looked at me with a serious expression.

"I understand your worries, but Lord Alex, no matter what, I will protect you."

"Elicia..."

Since the court's summons two weeks ago, Elicia has been diligently learning etiquette every day after I go to sleep. Not only that, but whenever she has free time, she practices martial arts outside.

Sometimes she even practices all night, and I have scolded her for it.

But, Elicia is thinking of me...

Tika also knelt on one knee.

"We will protect Lord Alex, both in the shadows and in the light!"

"We will protect you 24/7, even in bed and in the bath."

Tika and Nate, who said this, also never stopped training.

Serena, Yuri, and Tia also care about me whenever they can.

Serena and Tia were a bit noisy, but in any case...

I shouldn't be showing any weakness.

"Thank you, everyone. Let's head to the palace."

However, going with too many people might make the Holy Order suspicious.

I will go to the palace with just Elicia.

"Please wait with Tika and Nate's intelligence operations until we have a base. After meeting my father, we will start by finding a base in the capital."

At my words, Tika and Nate replied, "Yes."

Even for intelligence operations, a place to retreat to in an emergency is necessary.

Elicia asked,

"Can't they wait in Lord Alex's room in the palace?"

"My room in the palace is too small, and there are skilled holy magic guards. Therefore, a place outside the palace where we can set up a transfer pillar is better."

"I understand. I will always protect Lord Alex while in the palace."

Elicia answered with a confident face.

Nate muttered,

"Miss Elicia looks a bit happy."

"–What are you talking about!? Anyway, Lord Alex, let's go together!"

Elicia said, as if to erase Nate's words.

"Ah, yes... Let's go to the capital."

And so, Alex and Elicia *Teleported* to the capital.