After a four days journey from Zeltburg, they arrived back at the village. From afar they saw Sadina waving at them.

"Welcome back! I've arrived earlier!" said Sadina.

"She's here already?" said Naofumi while he steered the wagon.

"She's a fast swimmer, Master Naofumi." said Raphtalia.

"You're right. I wonder how long she's been waiting for us?"

Naofumi then stopped the wagon near the manor. There, he saw Eclair waiting for them near the entrance.

"You've returned. I have a mountain of things to report that I'm starting to get impatient." said Eclair.

"Do you have anything about the Black Prior?" said Marius.

"We have people going around the country to find out about any illegal mining operations."

"Any luck?"

"Nothing so far. Also, Sir Naofumi. You have visitors. They're waiting inside."

"Why did you leave even though Filo told you I will be coming over soon!" Princess Melty yelled at Naofumi.

"Oh yeah, I completely forgot about it." said Naofumi.

"When I came to the village, you already left and Filo wasn't here either!"

"My bad, my bad. So when are you leaving?"

"Asking me when I'm going home after making me waited here for so long!"

"Seriously, how do you deal with her?" said Naofumi to Hanzo.

"I got used to it." said Hanzo

"Don't talk with someone else when I'm talking to you! Listen, I was sent here by the queen's order to help out with your land management. My task was to learn to manage settlements for the sake of the future." said Melty.

"Alright, just go and play with Filo already."

"Didn't you hear what I just said!"

Filo ran towards Melty and dragged her out, "Let's play, Melty."

"Wait! I haven't finished talking with-"

"Finally, peace and quite... Aren't you suppose to go with her?"

"She's in safe hands. Now, I heard about the presence of another Blackstone knight."

"Yeah. You got anything?"

"No, but we've sent someone to investigate the campsite."

"Any news?" said Marius.

"Nothing, yet."

"Sir Naofumi." said Eclair, "There is another matter we need to discuss. I think you should follow me for this one."

"It's about Taniko and Rato, isn't it?" said Naofumi.

"Not entirely, but it's something that required your attention."

"Fine." Naofumi then followed Eclair outside.

"Hanzo. It's very important that we find Vortiger as soon as possible." said Marius.

"I want this matter to be done sooner as much as you do. Last thing we need is another disaster before the next wave."

"Indeed."

After taking care of his legion, Marius decided to take a stroll around the village. Then he saw Naofumi carrying a large egg on his back.

"What?" said Naofumi, sounded really irritated.

"Nothing... Couldn't help but to noticed you're carrying a large egg on your back." said Marius.

"You want to laugh, do you?"

"Almost."

Then they heard Melty laughing as she pointed at Naofumi while on Filo's back.

"Shut it, second princess!" said Naofumi.

"You promised me not to call me that!" said Melty.

"Then don't laugh then!"

"You look... Peculiar, Master Naofumi." said Raphtalia.

"If you don't do this, you won't be able to imprint yourself as the parent. And it may ignore your commands later." said Rato.

"How long am I gonna do this?" said Naofumi.

"Two or three days. After that, it should hatch."

"Master, are you carrying an egg?" said Filo.

"Yeah. I have to do this because it's a dragon." said Naofumi.

"Can Filo warm it?"

"No, you can't. You're a filolial." said Rato.

Filo stuck her tongue out at Rato.

"How about we all go peddling together, just us." said Naofumi.

"Really?"

"Yeah, really. You're with us, Marius?"

"All my duties are done, so I guess I can go with you." said Marius.

"It's been awhile since we went out peddling with just us four." said Raphtalia.

"As long as you take good care of the egg. Bring it along if you have to." said Rato.

"I'll just leave it in the wagon." said Naofumi.

"No. You must carry it with all the time."

"I get it, I get it.

"I love to join, but I have to stay here and do my job." said Melty as she climbed down from Filo, "We'll play later okay, Filo?"

"Okay." said Filo.

"Alright, get the wagon. We're moving right now." said Naofumi.

The nexy day, after they've finished selling their goods, the Shield Hero and his party moved through the town looking for a place to stay for the night. It was then that Naofumi saw someone familiar walking away.

"Filo, stop." said Naofumi.

"What's the matter, master?" said Filo.

Naofumi covered his head with his hoodie and observed the figure, who was standing in the shade of a building and looking out onto the main street.

"Is that him? The Spearman?" said Marius.

"No doubt. Raphtalia, can you use your concealing magic on us?" said Naofumi.

Raphtalia nodded. She activated her magic and it concealed them from the naked eye.

"What should I do? I hope this doesn't ended up like with Elena." said Motoyasu, not noticing that he was being watched. He looked around and saw Bitch talking to Ren.

"It's Ren and Bitch." said Naofumi. "Let's get closer."

"Princess Malty! I'm so glad I've found you!" said Motoyasu, but Bitch moved closer to Ren and started to shed tears. Crocodile tears.

"Stay away from me! You rapist!" Bitch cried.

"W-What are you talking about?"

"You're no different than the Shield! Forcing me down to sate your lustful hunger!"

"No, it's not true! I would never do that! Please, come back to me!" Motoyasu stepped in for Bitch and Ren stopped him.

"She told me everything." said Ren.

"Oh, Ren." Bitch embraced Ren, "Losing your comrades must have been very heart-breaking. The whole world may call you a criminal, but I know deep down that you are the true hero."

"She's making me sick." said Naofumi.

"She's lying!" said Motoyasu.

"You're just as bad or even worse than Naofumi." said Ren.

"I have enough of this. Marius, go get Motoyasu and don't let him escape." said Naofumi.

"With pleasure." said Marius.

Naofumi and Marius approached them quietly. After they got closer, Naofumi grasped Bitch's shoulder.

"Enough with your lies, Bitch!" said Naofumi.

"S-Shield!" Bitch blurted.

Motoyasu was then grabbed by Marius and he pinned him down on the ground.

"You keep your hands off Malty!" Ren drew his sword and was ready to attack Naofumi.

"You know if you call her that, her punishment will only increase."

"Shut your mouth! Unhand her right now!" Ren unleashed a blinding light from his sword and it blinded Naofumi. He quickly grabbed Bitch before both of them teleported away.

"Dammit! You can't get away like this!" said Naofumi. He turned his head and looked at Motoyasu, who was still pinned by Marius and wasn't struggling, "Get him up!"

Marius got up and pulled Motoyasu off the ground to his feet.

"You're under arrest, Motoyasu."

"I understand... Just do whatever you want with me..." said Motoyasu, his gazed lowered in defeat.

"Never seen you given up this easily."

"I... I searched everywhere for them... But they all turned their backs at me..."

"What happened to you, you deserved it. Many lost their lives when the Spirit Turtle attacked. They're blood is on your hands, Spearman. You and the rest of the heroes." said Marius.

"You're right... I don't even care anymore..."

"Marius, you can let him go now." said Naofumi.

And with that, Marius let go of Motoyasu.

"We'll be taking you to the queen for your crimes. But for now we'll find a place to stay the night here."

Motoyasu nodded. Filo approached and poked the depressed hero.

"Should we tie him up? Incase he tried to escape." said Marius.

"That won't be necessary. Doesn't look like he'll be going anywhere."

"Very well. But I'll keep my eyes on him."

"Yeah, you should do that. Come on, let's go find an inn."

They entered the inn they choosed to stayed in. Motoyasu rushed over to the counter and ordered some alcohol. After he got his order, he immediately chugged it down to drown his sorrow. Marius sat not far from him, ordering a glass of wine while keeping his eye on Motoyasu.

Then, a beautiful woman approached Motoyasu, "Hey, handsome. Why the long face?"

"Go away." said Motoyasu.

The woman was upset and went to Marius instead, "You look very strong. How about we-"

Marius waved the woman away and she stormed off while Marius kept his eyes on Motoyasu. After Filo finished eating her food, she begin to sing along with the bards. Everyone, including Marius, watched the little queen sang her heart out. Except for Motoyasu.

The whole bar was shaken by the cheers of the patrons. A few people call for an encore but Filo shouted no after she got bored. Many people gave her gifts from flowers to food, which she took without hesitation.

Filo then went to Motoyasu, "What's wrong? You're not very energetic like usual."

Motoyasu ignored Filo, even giving her an annoyed glance.

"Just leave him be." said Marius, thinking that Motoyasu will finally leave Filo alone.

"How about a song?" Filo than headed back to the bards and started singing again, this time the music was more upbeat and she even danced to it.

After the songs ends, Filo went back to Motoyasu.

"Please... Just leave me alone..." said Motoyasu.

Filo then rummaged throught her gifts took out some sweets and flowers, then she gave them to Motoyasu. Motoyasu gathered all the gifts on his hands, and tears started to formed on his eyes.

"Spearguy? What's wrong?" said Filo.

Motoyasu suddenly clings to Filo, "Filo-chan!"

The surprised Filo cried out and tried to get out of his grasp, but the more she struggled the more he hold her tighter. Marius put Motoyasu in a chokehold while he pulled him away from Filo. After loosingconsciousness, Marius threw Motoyasu on the floor and turned to Filo.

"I told you to leave him be!" said Marius.

"I didn't know he's gonna act like that!" said Filo.

"He's like that because you offered your kindness to him." said Naofumi, "Now you have to look after him."

"No!"

"Ugly bastard..." Motoyasu slowly got up.

Marius turned around and Motoyasu punched him straight in the face.

Marius felt his nose bleeding, "Malaka!"

The two started fistfighting, with Marius getting the upper hand. After he knocked Motoyasu out, he carried him like trash that threw him out of the inn. Marius than walked towards Filo and glared at her.

"You and I... we need to talk." Marius said, in a tone he never used on Filo before.

"You should have leave him be like I told you! But no! You have to show kindness to you and now he'll bothered you and the rest of us!" Marius scolded Filo.

"I've never seen Marius like before." said Raphtalia.

"But those two did fought before, right?" said Naofumi.

"Yeah, but those were just small fights. Not like this."

"H-He was sad! J-Just like the little slaves when we took them! So I want cheer him up!" said Filo on the verge of tears.

"After all he has done, you came to him with open arms! You sould have leave him alone!" Marius shouted.

"Hey! Weren't evil before?"

"Stay out of this one, Naofumi!"

Naofumi was taken aback.

Filo stood up, "What about you! You let those other girls flirting you!"

"You're the one who thought they were flirting with me! So you will not use that argument against me!"

"You're just being a big meanie! You're just very stup-" Filo face was slapped by Marius, who lost control of his temper. Her mouth quivered and tears started flowing out of her eyes. She placed her hand where the Marius left a mark.

"Filo..." Marius realized what he'd done. He tried to reached for her but Filo moved away from him.

Marius then turned and stormed out of their room, and Raphtalia quickly ran to Filo to comfort her.

"He..." Filo sobs, "He changed... He said he won't changed..."

Raphtalia wanted to say something to Filo but couldn't find a word of comfort for her so she turned to Naofumi, "What are we gonna do with him?"

"... He can sleep in the wagon if he wants to." Naofumi closed and locked the door before heading to his bed. The room went silent, safe for Filo's sobbing.

It was already nighttime, but Marius couldn't sleep. He looked at the hand that hurted Filo, his love. Whom he promised never to hurt. He wondered if it's all Motoyasu's fault, who he threw in a garbage pile after he walked out of the inn. Or was it his fault, for he had lost control of himself.

What will he say tomorrow? Will Filo forgive him? Or will their love end? And what will Queen Fitoria do if she founds out about this?

The feeling of sorrow slowly turned to angered, and Marius punched the wooden interior of the wagon in frustration.

Morning came. All three already woke up and were prepared to depart. Yet, it wasn't a happy morning after what happened last night.

"Master Naofumi." Raphtalia whispered.

Naofumi looked at Filo, who's eyes were puffy after crying herself to sleep and her usual morning smile have completely gone, "Let's hope he didn't ran away with the wagon."

Naofumi went and opened the door, only to be greeted by an unpleasant sight.

"Good morning, father-in-law!" said Motoyasu, with a few missing teeth and smelling like garbage.

Naofumi slammed the door shut, "Motoyasu's here."

"Master, I want to leave now!" said Filo, shivering in fear.

Motoyasu waited patiently outside for the love of his life, but he didn't noticed Marius was closing on him. And by the time he realized he was knocked out with a single punch.

Naofumi could here someone falling to the floor. It was then followed by a knock on the door. Naofumi slowly opened the door to see Marius, and Motoyasu on the floor with a stupid smile.

"The wagon is ready." said Marius.

"Okay... We still need to take Motoyasu to the queen." said Naofumi.

"I'll do it... Naofumi..."

"Yes?"

"I need to apologize to her..."

Naofumi stepped aside to let Marius in. He approaches Filo who was backing away from him.

"Filo..." Marius tried to reached out to Filo but she ran to Raphtalia instead.

Filo turned her head and Marius could see the marked he left when he slapped her last night and his heart shattered.

"I'm sorry..."

"Y-you've change... Get away from me..." Filo hugged Raphtalia closer.

"I think you should go." said Naofumi.

"... Right." Marius slowly turned and walked to the exit, and Naofumi slammed the door behind him.

Marius sighed, holding back tears. He looked back Motoyasu who was still on the floor mumbling.

Motoyasu slowly opened his eyes and sees the ground moving. He shook his head and realized he's on top of an ordinary filolial. He looked up to see who was steering and saw Marius.

"Ugly bastard!" Motoyasu blurted.

The sudden noise scared the filolial and it looses control. Marius and Motoyasu fell from the bird and it ran away.

"Malaka!" Marius slammed his fist on the ground. He turned his head and saw Motoyasu trying to get up with his hands and feet tied to his spear.

"Filo, I'm coming for you!" Motoyasu tried to crawled until Marius kicked him in the stomach.

Marius drew his gladius and pointed at Motoyasu's throat, "You have caused me enough problems! If you weren't so important I would have cut your head off!"

"You get your disgusting hands off me! And also get your disgusting, filthy, perverted hands off my Fi-"

Marius stuffed Motoyasu's mouth with a piece of cloth. He got up on his feet and watched the sky as it turns to dusk. Marius grabbed Motoyasu's legs and dragged him along the road.

Motoyasu, still tied up to his spear on the ground, stared at Marius who paid him no attention and instead was fixated by the campfire. Then, Marius heard noises coming from the woods. He looked closer and saw lights amongs the tree. He turned and quickly doused the campfire.

"You stay here!" Marius said to Motoyasu, and he went to the forest to investigate.

Hiding behind the bushes in the cover of darkness, Marius saw five hooded men escorting a cart pulled by a horse. The content of the cart was covered with a sheet. With the light of their lanterns, Marius could see the steel mask of the hooded men covering the upper part of their faces.

Marius followed them until they reached a large cave. Marius waited until the men and a horse got out of the cave. After they disappeared in the night, Marius looked at his surroundings and quite ran to the cave.

With a makeshift torch, Marius lighted his way into the deep cave. His new fear of cave slowly creeped in as he went deeper but he soldiered on. After what felt like forever, Marius reached the end of the cave and saw ores and ingots being stored inside, and even more weapons and armors. He looked through all of them and noticed a familiar symbol stamped on the armor.

"Black Prior." Marius muttered.

"You!" a voice shouted at Marius.

Marius turned around and saw one of the hooded men with his sword drawn. He charged at Marius but he fell to the ground with a crossbow bolt sticking out of his nape. Marius looked up and saw a hooded woman with her crossbow aimed.

"That was close." the woman shouldered her crossbow and approached Marius, "Honored to finally meet you, Masked Hero."

"Who are you?"

"I'm not suppose to give my name. Even to a famed hero."

"Well, who sent you then?"

"The Order sent me. You heard about them, don't you?"

"So you're the one they sent." Marius turned and glanced around the cave, "This don't look like a mine."

"It's not. This is where they stored their war supplies."

"By the gods... Are there more?"

"This is the first. I'm not sure if there's more than one of them. And they're not very easy to track."

"Vortiger's tactic. It won't take long until they emerged with full strength... So what will you do with them?"

"I will report my findings to the queen and we'll have everything confiscated."

"Anything on their leader?"

"I've found nothing so far. Now, if you don't mind, I have a job to do."

"Very well." Marius turned and walked out of the cave.

After arriving to the camping spot, Marius noticed Motoyasu was missing. The only thing left was some rope on the ground where Motoyasu was tied.

"Malaka!"