I'm back! I apologize for that hiatus, I was very busy during the month of May. The store I work at went through new management and policy changes so we were very busy for that period of time, but now things are going back to normal.
I haven't kept up with the anime of Shield Hero, so I need to watch it. However, I will still stick to the manga for following the story.
Anyways, I hope you guys enjoy this chapter, and don't forget to rate and review if you can.
Aldwyn kept his head low as he scowled, keeping his eyes on the road and away from the girl besides him. Mel had moved up next to him while he was guiding the way for Filo and began to talk with the Filolial Queen. Their constant talking made him slightly irritated, but he decided against doing anything about it. She would be off when they reached their destination, as Naofumi said to him, and chose to deal with it for the time being.
The Gladiator let out an annoyed sigh, causing the guest to stop talking and turn her head over to him.
"Is something wrong, Sir?" Mel asked, tilting her head. He looked down at her and rolled his eyes, shrugging.
"No. Nothings wrong. Just uh...Tired, is all." He answered. There was a brief silence up front, making Aldwyn believe the constant talk was over. However, that wasn't the case.
"I apologize if you feel left out of the conversation. I'm sorry." Mel bowed her head slightly. "It also seems I don't know you're name."
"No, you don't." Aldwyn replied, turning his attention back towards the road.
"If it isn't too much, might I ask for you're name, sir?" Mel pushed. She was persistent, he gave her that much.
"Aldwyn."
"Do you have a last name?" Mel asked another question. Aldwyn shook his head and sighed again.
"Not anymore." He said assertively. Mel frowned, turning back to the road in front of them. It wasn't long before Mel and Filo began to talk again. Raphtalia swapped places with Aldwyn not long after, allowing him a short nap.
Soon after, the sun began to set, and the group had stopped to set up camp. Aldwyn set up a fire and tended to it while Naofumi set up dinner. Filo and Mel had gone off to play, and Raphtalia just finished setting up the rest of the camp before heading over to the fire and sitting down next to Aldwyn.
"Aldwyn, you seemed to be having a hard time driving up there. Are you alright?" Raphtalia asked, dusting herself off.
"I'm fine. Those two are just annoying." Aldwyn turned his head towards the two children. "That, and I'm still a bit concerned about why this buckler was in that house, and who that person with the bow was. It all seems a bit too coincidental."
"That is a little suspicious…" Raphtalia nodded in agreeance with him. Naofumi had just then came up to them, holding a tray of food.
"Dinners ready!" Naofumi sat down by the fire and got himself some food, and the other's followed. The five of them sat around the campfire, enjoying their meals. Naofumi and Raphtalia spoke among themselves, as did Filo and Mel, leaving Aldwyn to eat his food in peace. Just as he took his helmet off however…
Mel looked up to Aldwyn. When she did, she let out a gasp and stared at him. This prompted everyone to look at her.
"...What?" Aldwyn asked after swallowing a bite of meat.
"Y-You're hair! Part of its white! That means-" Aldwyn covered the girls mouth. This made everyone besides Naofumi confused.
"Excuse us…" Aldwyn muttered before dragging Mel into the tree line and uncovering her mouth.
"You're Requidan Royalty!" Mel finished.
"Can you keep quiet!?" Aldwyn whispered, putting a finger in her face.
"Why? It's not like-"
"Just please keep quiet about it. Please." Aldwyn said to her.
"Fine. But who are you? I've met the royalty of Requidas before, and they all have that white streak in their hair. A trait passed down generations from what they told me." Mel asked, putting her hands on her hips.
Aldwyn sighed, shaking his head. "My name is Leonhard Mactier. The lost son of Maxim Mactier." Mel's eyes went wide.
"Oh my goodness, I found the son of Archon Maxim! I can't believe it!" Mel paced around. "Do you know what this means?! You can go back, you can help change things! We can-"
"Change things? What do you mean?" Aldwyn asked, his eyes squinting.
"W-Well, the country kind...Went downhill after you and your mother disappeared. The Archon went into a Great Depression, and his negligence of taking care of his country lead to his brother, Diem, taking up the mantle as Archon. He's been imposing totalitarian laws and turning the place into a dystopia for the people who live there." Mel explained. Aldwyn paused and looked away.
"How…?" He let out a snarl. "God damn it!" He turned back to Mel. "I can't go back. Not yet. I have to figure out who the people that kidnapped me were and where my mother is."
"She's alive?!"
"Quiet!"
"Oh, sorry." Mel apologized. "That means you and her can go there, and one of you can be made Archon, returning Requidas to its former glory."
"And you think I'll just be able to walk into the palace and take the throne? No! The people who kidnapped me and killed my Uncle's wife and children have a hold on him and are the true ones in power." Aldwyn explained. It was easy to connect the dots. "I'll just get assassinated the moment I get there and announce who I am! If I'm going to do any of that, I need my mother and Naofumi's help. Besides, I'm his slave, so I can't just run off and start a coup."
"Wait, you're a slave?" Mel asked. Aldwyn lifted his chest plate armor and revealed the curse marking.
"Yeah. But it's something I've grown to accept, being one since 10. Besides, I'd rather stay with those guys right now." Aldwyn said to her, putting the armor back.
"I see...So you're a Slave Prince."
"Slave Prince?"
"Yeah. Your a Prince, and your a slave. Slave Prince." Mel said with a quirky smile.
"Uh...Yeah, sure, okay. Whatever. Just don't go around telling everyone this. Only Naofumi knows." Aldwyn put a finger to his lips. Mel mimicked him, meaning she understood. They both returned to the camp, dodging any questions that the other two slaves asked.
Once everyone ate, they started to prepare for bed. When Aldwyn, Naofumi and Raphtalia set up their spots, they looked around, not finding Mel anywhere, and Filo in her bird form, sleeping soundly.
"Um, where did Mel go?" Raphtalia asked, looking around. The three saw Mel's clothes scattered around the sleeping Filolial.
"She wouldn't." The three said in unison. "Filo!" Filo opened her eyes groggily.
"Huh…?" She let out a tired yawn and stretched her wings. She then let out a small burp.
"Almighty Carthus…" Aldwyn put his hands over his face and groaned. "I can't...Why would, oh, euhh." He grit his teeth in disgust. "I've seen some messed up shit, but eating another person…"
Naofumi rushes up to her. "Where's Mel?! I know you can be a pig sometimes but…Don't tell me you actually...Maybe we can cover this up."
"Mr. Naofumi!" Raphtalia wen to scold her master.
"It wouldn't be too hard. I can grab a spare weapon from the carriage, and rip up her clothes to make it look like a bandit attack. The fruits we have have red juice we could use as blood…" Aldwyn rubbed his chin in thought.
"ALDWYN!" Raphtalia punched the Gladiator on the shoulder, who groaned in response and rubbing the spot he was hit in.
"It's so…" They heard rustling coming from Filo. Then, suddenly out popped Mel from Filo's feathers, her hair down. "You're so noisy…" Raphtalia, Naofumi and Aldwyn all had deadpanned looks as they stared at Mel. "Hmm…?"
"Wh...Wh...What are you doing?!" Naofumi shouted at her. "H-How did you even get in there?!" Raphtalia approached Filo and shoved her hand into Filo's feathers, her whole arm sinking in. Naofumi's jaw hung open and Aldwyn's eye twitched.
"Wow, you can reach really deep." Raphtalia said. "And it's so warm…"
"Raphtalia!" Naofumi shouted.
"So, let me get this straight, and tell me if I'm right. It got too hot, so you took your clothes off in there?" Naofumi asked, with Aldwyn returning to a deadpan.
"Yeah! It's so warm and fluffy! It feels great!" Mel exclaimed.
"I worry too much…" Naofumi muttered.
"I'm going to bed." Aldwyn said plainly.
"Thank you for all of your help." Mel bowed to them. "I really appreciate it."
It wasn't a long ride back to the city after the night before, and there wasn't any trouble along the way. They stood at the city gates, with people going by them.
"No problem!" Raphtalia replied, smiling and doing her own bow.
"Filo, take her home and make sure to get payment." Naofumi ordered.
"Okay!" Filo ran off with Mel, who thanked them again.
"Well, what do we do first?" Naofumi asked. They remained silent.
"...Blacksmith?"
"Blacksmith."
"Thanks for your business! You also want to upgrade that Barbarian Armor? Two days should be enough time before you come to pick it back up." Erhard offered. They had bought Raphtalia some new equipment, and Aldwyn got an upgraded short sword and chest plate, alongside a red plume ponytail that went down the back of his helmet.
"Mr, Naofumi, are you sure you want to spend this much money on my equipment?" Raphtalia asked as she looked down at her new armor.
"I'd rather spend more to get you guys the best stuff." Naofumi said.
"Don't forget kid, it'll cost her a bit to heal her up too." Erhard reminded the Shield Hero. "You're off to get holy water next, right?"
"Sure am." Naofumi replied. "Also, I hope you don't mind if I leave my carriage here." Before they left, Naofumi stopped and turned. "And also, do you know what a Star next to someone's level means? It's next to ours…"
"Oh, that's means your ready for a class-up!"
"Class up?" The trio asked.
"It means breaking through the level cap to keep growing. The country has to approve you for a Class-Up." Erhard answered. "They do it at the Dragon Hourglass."
"I see." Naofumi muttered. "So if we don't Class-Up…"
"Then you can't level up any further." Erhard finished for him.
Naofumi nodded. "We'll talk about it when Filo gets back. Thanks again Erhard."
"No problem, kid! Come back any time! Oh, before I forget. Aldwyn, you got those schematics for me?" Erhard held out a hand. The Gladiator pulled several rolls of paper from a satchel and handed them to Erhard.
"Requidan weapon designs, as promised." The two shook hands before the group finally left.
"The Shield Hero…"
"The Shield Hero is here?"
The attendees of the church muttered to themselves as they walked past them.
"What's the matter? Don't you want me around?" Naofumi asked, messing with the hands.
"And what business do you have with our church today?" A voice came from down the main hall. Ahead of them stood a man who worse elegant robes and glasses.
"The High Priest…" Aldwyn muttered.
"I've come to ask for some holy water." Naofumi said to him.
"Then we will require a donation." The Head Priest replied.
"Okay, how much?" Naofumi asked. "We need the most powerful holy water you have to heal my friends curse."
"That will be one gold piece." The High Priest responded.
"A gold piece? God damn…" Aldwyn said as he crossed his arms.
"Fine."
A priestess brought over a tray with a vial of holy water sitting in the middle of it. Naofumi examined it, and noticed something.
"You know, I actually have quite a few skills now. And that does not look like holy water worth a gold piece." Naofumi crosses his arms and sent a look of suspicion at the two priests.
"Why did you bring a bad vial?" The High Priest asked. The Priestess began to stumble with her words. "God is merciful. If you've acted this way to appease to your own sense of justice, then you must repent immediately." The Priestess looked to be in a panic as he spoke to her and she started to sweat. He then turned back to the trio. "I apologize for her behavior."
"As long as I get what I came for." Naofumi replied.
"I appreciate your understanding. This should be what you seek." The High Priest pulled out an elegant vial of holy water. The real deal. "Give thanks for the Lord's guidance. All is due to his mercy."
As they walked out of the church, Naofumi sighed. "They always have to act like I'm a criminal and that I owe them something." He grit his teeth.
Aldwyn shook his head. "I like churches in Requidas better."
"Why's that?" Raphtalia asked.
"Well, for one, not everyone inside acts like a pompous asshole. That and they follow my own religion, but that's not to the fault of this church." Aldwyn replied.
"What religion do you follow?" Raphtalia hadn't heard of other religions before now.
"Carthism. It's a religion following God and his chosen Prophet and Son, Carthus. Carthus first established the capital of Requidas, and gathered warriors from across the land to form Requidas' first military. He later created the Templar Order."
"Templar's, eh?" Naofumi raised an eyebrow. Just like in his world. Kind of. "You clearly care a lot about it then…" Noafumi raised an eyebrow at the mention of a Templar Order. "Templar Order, I-"
"Wait." Aldwyn heard the heavy thumping of footsteps and looked to his left. He saw a city guard running towards them. "Uh, guys! There's a guard running to us!" He announced. Just as he did, the guard pointed at them.
"It's the Shield Hero!" This causes them to go into a panic.
"Soldiers! Run!" Before listening to anything the soldier had to say, the three booked it away from them.
"Why are they chasing us?! We haven't done anything!" Raphtalia shouted to them as they ran.
"Who knows, but I'm not going to be put in another damn cell! I'd rather die!" Aldwyn replied as they followed Naofumi.
"I know, we've never done anything wrong!" Naofumi shouted to the two as they ran their way through the city streets. "Okay, split up! Raphtalia, find Filo and bring her to the shop! Aldwyn, come with me in case things get drastic!" The two slaves nodded. When a fork in the road came, Raphtalia broke left, while Aldwyn and Naofumi broke right.
The two ran down an ally and finally came to a stop, breathing heavily. "Did we lose them…?" Naofumi asked.
"God I hope so…" Aldwyn muttered as he had both hands on his knees.
"I found you!"
"Oh come on!"
Motoyasu shoved his way past some people and over to Naofumi and Aldwyn. He pulled out his spear and began to ran at them, diving for them. They both dodged out of the way, the spear hitting the ground.
"What are you doing?!" Naofumi was startled as he backed away from Motoyasu.
"Are you a psycho?! You could have killed someone!" Aldwyn berated the Spear Hero.
"Shut it!" Motoyasu snapped at Aldwyn. "And you! You'll let her go you slave-trading 'Hero'!"
"Who are you talking about?! Raphtalia?!" Naofumi was confused, and getting frustrated.
"I know all about it. You have a new slave! Just like Fleon of the Magical Lands!" Motoyasu pointed his spear at Naofumi, then Aldwyn, then back at Naofumi.
Aldwyn and Naofumi stared at Motoyasu for a moment. And in unison, said, "What?"
"I…" Motoyasu blushed. "I have a thing for angels…"
Aldwyn deadpanned before facepalming his helmet. "Oh you've got to be fucking kidding me."
"He must be talking about Filo." Naofumi said, slumping over. "You'd go for any kind of girl, wouldn't you?"
"No! I'll save her from you!" Motoyasu lunged for Naofumi, however, Aldwyn hopped in front of them, the spear colliding with the Recluse Buckler, with Motoyasu pushing it to try and knock Aldwyn over. Naofumi turned to the crowd behind him.
"Why don't you guys help stop this guy?!" That's when he saw her. Malty. Naofumi sneered as he saw her snicker and grin. Aldwyn pushes Motoyasu back and readied his trident for a fight. Suddenly, the soldier from before leapt in between them and protected the Shield Hero and his companion.
"Spear Hero! Please stop!" He shouted.
"Who the hell are you?!" Motoyasu asked, preparing for another attack.
"Where do you think you are right now?!" The guard shot back. "You're in the middle of a residential area! You must put your weapons away."
"No!" Malty intervened and pulled out a scroll with the royal seal on it. "This is an official duel! I have the authority to declare it so! Do you know what will happen if you interfere?" Malty asked with a smug look. Naofumi and Aldwyn sneered and prepared to defend themselves. However, the soldier went on.
"Even still, it's my job to protect civilians. And I do not think the Shield Hero should be challenged, as he cannot fight for himself." The soldier went on. Aldwyn had to admit, this soldier had some balls.
"You fool! You cannot ignore the commands of the crown!" Malty snarled. "And besides, the Shield Hero has that slave there to fight for him."
"I do not approve of any personal duels between the Hero's." A familiar voice pulled everyone's attention to a newcomer. Mel. "Spear Hero, please understand." Malty looked like she wanted to explode.
"Wh-What are you doing here?!" Malty asked frantically.
"It's been too long...Sister!" Mel pulled a scroll similar to Malty's from her pocket. "I hereby void my sisters authority in the matter and declare this duel illegal. Disband immediately."
Aldwyn and Naofumi looked on in surprise. Aldwyn thought back to their conversation the previous night. "So that's how she knew so much about me…"
"Sister? Certainly you've gone too far this time." Mel said with a sense of authority.
"You don't seem to realize. I'm simply fulfilling my duty as the hero's assistant." Malty tried to cover for herself.
"And an assistants duty is to encourage violence on crowded city streets?" Mel shot back.
"Oh?" Malty began to sweat. "Melty, I promise, this won't get too violent…" Malty seemed to be backing down.
"Mr. Naofumi!" Naofumi and Aldwyn turned to see Raphtalia and Filo running towards them.
"Raphtalia, you brought her here?" Naofumi asked, referencing Malty.
"Yes, but I don't understand what's going on." Raphtalia replied, Filo coming up to her side.
"Motoyasu was, again, under the impression that I-"
"My lady!" Motoyasu was quick to run over and grab Filo's hands. "What's your name?"
"It's Filo! I like to pull carriages!" Filo answered gleefully. Motoyasu let out a gasp.
"That sounds so bad..." Aldwyn hissed. Motoyasu swung his spear around and aimed it at the other three.
"I knew you've been getting a fat bird to do a lot of work, but to think you've been getting little Filo to do this...I can't forgive you!"
"I told you not to fight here!" Melty shouted at Motoyasu.
"You better get out of here! He's really dangerous!" Motoyasu seemed to completely ignore Melty. Filo stood in front of the trio, as if wanting to protect them.
"Filo, get out of the way! I have to get rid of him!" Motoyasu tried to reason. However, Filo glared at him.
"You called me a fat bird." She said angrily. "And you laughed at me last time we met."
"W-What? Naofumi, what have you been telling this poor girl?" Motoyasu went to blame. "I've never met this girl before!"
"I wouldn't be too sure about that pal." Aldwyn started to snicker. A bright light filled the area, and when it died down, Filo was in her bird form.
"Spear Guy! I hate you!" Filo began to move her leg back.
"I...I uh...Your that...That bird?" Motoyasu sputtered our before Filo sent her leg flying into Motoyasu's groin, sending him flying into the air. When he hit the ground, Malty rushed to his side. Meanwhile, Aldwyn was laughing at the sight, and Raphtalia smirked a bit. Not long after, Naofumi broke out laughing as well. The Shield Hero went up to Filo and began to pet her.
"You did good, Filo! Do that every time we meet him from now on, Okay?" He praised the Filolial, who seemed prideful in her work.
"Mr. Naofumi!" Raphtalia tried to catch his attention. :What are you trying to teach her?!" Once everything died down, Melty approached them.
"Holy Saint. No, Shield Hero." Naofumi turned to meet her. "Could we...Find a place to talk?"
"And...Why here?" Erhard asked with a groan.
"We don't know any other place around here." Was Raphtalia's reply.
"First off, what's your real name?" Naofumi asked Melty. He crossed his arms and looked down on her.
"Let me introduce myself officially." She cleared her throat. "I am the first in line to inherit the Melromarc Throne. I am the second princess. My name is Melty Melromarc."
"First in line for the second princess?" Aldwyn spoke up, leaning against a counter with his arms crossed. "My politics may have gotten a bit rusty, but unless the first born is either dead or has done something…"
"My sister has certain personality flaws that have caused problems in the past. Because of that, I have been given priority for inheritance." Melty finished, giving Aldwyn a slight smile, which he returned.
"You are no longer permitted to play with this girl." Naofumi Suddenly said to Filo, which prompted a look of surprise from them both. "I should have noticed something was up earlier. Why would a young girl be alone in a place like that?" He crossed his arms. "You were just trying to get close to me!"
Melty looked confused. "Wait, no! You've misunderstood! Besides, I thought you were the Holy Saint…"
"People in the village knew. You must have known too." Naofumi accused. "Then you used Filo to get close to us. You sure thought it through, tricking us like that…"
"Wait, please just listen to me!" Melty pleaded. Naofumi wasn't having it.
"I get it! You want Filo! Your in leagues with Motoyasu!" Naofumi kept going with the accusations. "I listened to your sister and your father, and look where that got me. No offense, but I've had enough of trusting that bloodline."
"Naofumi, stop." It wasn't often Aldwyn used his name instead of Captain. "You may be new to the politics and royal family thing, but I'm not. I've learned a lot, even from only ten years of being in one."
"Aldwyn…?" Raphtalia became confused, as did Filo and Erhard.
"None of your business yet. Anyways, just listen. Politics within family are complicated, and they can be very split about it. Things aren't always as they seem, Naofumi. I wouldn't turn your back on her just yet." Before Naofumi could reply, the doors to the shop were thrown open, and a squad of guards walked in.
"Ms. Melty, is this where you've been? The king requests a meeting." Melty then looked defeated. For once, Aldwyn felt bad.
"Very well...See you later Filo!" Melty's mood changed as she waved to Filo, who said her own goodbye and waved back, which prompted Naofumi to berate her. As they left, it left time for Raphtalia to speak up
"Mr, Naofumi, shouldn't you have listened to what she had to say?"
"Yeah, kid, that wasn't very polite." Erhard commented. Before Naofumi could defend himself, the door opened again, and the soldier from before walked in.
"Excuse me. Mr. Shield Hero?" The young soldier put a hand to his chest. However, Naofumi seemed to panic and yell at the soldier.
"No! I won't leave!" The soldier said firmly. "I was doing my rounds when I saw you. We all decided we need to speak to you, so I'm not leaving!"
"Fine Fine…" Naofumi our his hands up in defense. "I'll listen. Talk." The soldier's eyes lit up and he smiled.
"Thank you so much! Actually, we wanted to talk to you about the waves. Some other soldiers and I would like to fight by your side!"
This left the party of four surprised.
"We all saw how you fought in the last wave and we were impressed. There are other soldiers who think the same! We want to help!"
"That's very kind, but working with another hero would probably be better for your career and reputation." Naofumi shrugged.
"You see...I'm from Riyute. I know we need to fight the waves. But as a soldier who fights for his country, I believe that our priority should be the protection of the citizens! And that's something we've noticed the other hero's neglected to do the first time!" The soldier seemed stalwart in his stance. He wasn't going to give up. Aldwyn liked this guy.
"I see…" Naofumi closed his eyes in thought for a moment. He then pulled a necklace out of his satchel. It was a cross that he made himself.
"150 Silver Pieces."
"What?!" The other four shouted.
"If you buy this for 150 Silver Pieces, I'll consider it." Naofumi said it as if nothing was wrong about it. The soldier seemed hesitant at first, not wanting to pay that much for the trust of the Shield Hero. However, he boy didn't pay.
"Very well the-"
"I'll go secure the funds right now!" The young soldier replied before rushing out of the shop to get some money together.
"Well, time to head out." Naofumi said with a shrug as he went to walk out with the soldier no longer there.
"Wait! What happens if the kid comes back?!" Erhard asked, a bit annoyed from the way Naofumi was acting.
"If he comes back, have him wait for me. We'll be back." Naofumi answered as he walked out the door, his companions following him.
"What?! 50 Gold Pieces for a Class-Up?!" Naofumi was infuriated. Why was it so expensive for something as simple as a Class-Up?
"Yes. For one person, it is 50 Gold Pieces." The Priestess in front of them responded. Naofumi swore he could see her grinning.
"Is that a lot?" Filo asked, tilting her head.
"Yes! Obviously!" Raphtalia turned to Filo, yelling at the small child.
"Fine." Naofumi announced to the priestess. "Raphtalia will be first. Then Aldwyn later once we get the funds. After that, Filo will get her's."
"W-Well, um…" The Priestess' voice shook before she reached behind her and pulled a scroll from her back, reading it. "The Shield Hero is prohibited from a Class-Up!"
"What?!" Naofumi grit his teeth. Maybe if the High Priest was around…
"The Shield Hero and his followers have no permission for a Class-Up. It's a Royal Order." The Priestess began to grin again.
"Isn't That a bit counterproductive?" Aldwyn spoke up, making the Priestess address him.
"Well, it's a Royal Order, so-"
"Even still, it's counterproductive. Preventing one of the Hero's from a Class-Up will make things harder for us. Not only that, we won't be as effective at protecting people." The Priestess began to sweat. "More destruction and chaos would reign, and its all because you followed royal orders like a lapdog."
"Why you-"
"I'm done wasting my time here." Naofumi said aloud. "Come on you guys. We're leaving." Naofumi left the Dragon Hourglass and the Church with his companions. He knew someone who had more answers for him than most. The Slave Trader. He made his way to the little man's shop to ask his questions.
"If it isn't the Shield Hero. How can I help you today? In the market for a new slave? Or perhaps another monster egg?" The little man asked, peddling like he usually did.
"Actually, I came to ask something. Do you know anything about the Class-Up Ceremony?" Naofumi asked, placing a hand on his hip. "You had a slave here that was over level 40 before. Am I supposed to believe they'd grant a slave a Class-Up but not me?"
"So that's what you mean...Unfortunately, I don't know." Was the little man's answer.
"Damn it. What should I do…?"
"You could always go to another country to do it." Aldwyn spoke up again. Everyone looked to him curiously.
"He's right. Just visit another Dragon Hourglass in another country!" The Slave Trader put his hands behind his back after adjusting his glasses.
"In another country?" Raphtalia asked curiously.
"You mean there's more than one Hourglass? Why didn't you tell us this before?" Naofumi asked his Gladiator companion.
"You think I know that much about the whole thing? You must remember, I was still young when I became a slave. I wasn't taught everything." Aldwyn replied. "I only know that there's one in every country."
"But you would have to earn their trust as well." The Slave Trader explained. "They won't let you use it willy nilly."
"That'll take a lot of time...There's no way we could do it before the next wave." Naofumi sighed and shook his head.
"Yes...Ah, is that all you came here for?" The Slave Trader asked.
The clattering of Filo's new weapons wasn't too loud, but it was still noticeable. She had gotten Wyvern Claws to adorn her own to make her strikes more powerful.
"So there's an Hourglass in Requidas too, right?" Naofumi asked as they made their way back to Erhard's shop.
"Yes. Although going there would be a long and stressful journey. Arcadis is located far north of the country, surrounded by mountains and snowy forests ." Aldwyn answered, remembering his home well.
"I see…" Naofumi nodded. "Would that be the closest country?"
"No. The closest from here would be Silt Velt to the East. Requidas is to the Northwest."
"Well, that just means we won't have to stay in this wretched place anymore." Naofumi was glad there was more than just Melromarc with an Hourglass. As they made their way into the blacksmiths, they noticed voices inside of it. As Naofumi opened the door, he was greeted by a crowd of soldiers.
"Mr. Shield Hero!" The soldier from before rushed up to him. "We brought the money!" He presented a bag of coin. "We went around the dorms, collecting everything we could spare! 150 Silver, as promised! Will you trust us now?"
"I like this kid, Captain. Not many people would go to this length for something like this." Aldwyn praises the young soldier. Naofumi groaned.
"Fine." However, he pushed the bag of money back to the young soldier. He was confused as Naofumi brought up a menu. "Do you mind being the leader of the group?" A menu popped up in front of the soldier, that said he would be squad commander for that team if the Shield Hero's party.
"Hero…?" The Soldier smiled. It seemed he wasn't prepared for this.
"If you poor kids would give me this much money, you must really believe in me. Keep the necklace as proof of the squads loyalty." Naofumi said to them as he gave them the necklace.
"Ah! He was just testing them!" Erhard figured out from behind his counter.
"Understood, sir!"
"I still don't completely trust you. If you betray me, well…" Naofumi nodded his head over to Aldwyn, who placed a hand on his trident threateningly. "You understand."
"Y-Yes! Yes sir!" All the soldier's replied in unison.
Raphtalia's skin began to sizzle a bit under to cooling touch of the holy water, the curse now gone from her body. They had rented a room for the night in the city, even though Naofumi would rather have camped outside.
"You okay?" Naofumi asked, placing the vial on the counter.
"I'm fine. Hey, did you notice the Demi-Human in that soldiers party?" Raphtalia asked. Naofumi thought back, and remembered a Demi-Human girl in some witch get up.
"Yeah. Why are you asking?"
"For a Demi-Human to join this country's military...There must be a reason. I believe you can trust them." Raphtalia seemed adamant about it. Naofumi nodded to her.
"I don't distrust them. I just had to make sure." Naofumi answered. As Naofumi began to wrap up Raphtalia's curse wounds to heal faster, the door opened, and Aldwyn stumbled in.
"Aldwyn? You okay?" Raphtalia asked as The Gladiator nearly lost his footing.
"Yeah yeah, I-I'm Fine, I just…" Aldwyn's back hit the wall, and he slid down it.
"Aldwyn!" Raphtalia went to stand up, but Naofumi pushed her down.
"Aldwyn, how many?"
"Just a pint, I swear!" Aldwyn answered. He tried to get up, but fell over again.
"Aldwyn…"
"Okay...More than a pint...But it's okay! I didn't break nothin'!" Aldwyn hiccuped. "M-Mostly because Erhard forced me up here…"
Naofumi sighed and shook his head. "Just get some sleep, please."
"Yessir Captain Sir! Private Leo-WAIT! Private ALDWYN is on the case!" Aldwyn stood up and stumbled his way over to the rooms closet and opened it, stumbling in and closing the door. It wasn't even a minute that went by before they heard him fall to the floor.
"Uh, Mr. Naofumi, what's wrong with him?" Raphtalia asked. Right. She's still technically a kid.
"Well, he drank too much alcohol and got drunk. Don't ever get like that, okay?" Naofumi didn't want her touching the stuff until she was older.
"Yeah, I don't think I want to."
"Good."
