Disclaimer: I don't own Rising Of The Shield Hero!

Hoho, my take on a female Naofumi! Just a chappterrrr, of feels you know? Not really something serious. I was just vibing. Hope you enjoy!

Chapter 1: Of Hidden Intentions

Iwatani Nao

I was never one to dwell on those who wronged me. With the little of humanity that I interacted with, an endless well of kindness always bubbled forth. Forgiveness. Anger never came easy.

But I never claimed to be above surprise.

And being summoned to another world through reading a book, I was surprised.

…...

My eyes adjusted to the darkened room, multiple guys in robes all panting heavily, a glance to my left told me three other men were also there, just as confused as me. All with different weapons.

I blankly looked at the shield attached to my arm.

Ha?

"Please, brave heroes, save our world!" The four of us looked on at these strangely robed people.

"We may as well follow the plot, huh?" Bow guy glanced at the rest of us.

I let out a soft huff, face blank but mind racing. The book fresh on my mind.

Four heroes… a sword, a spear, a bow, and a…

I glanced down at the small light metal shield attached to my arm.

And a shield.

I shook my head, following behind the other heroes as we were led out of the 'summoning room'.

"The breeze is nice." I mutter to myself. The air smells fresh, like a country breeze.

"Never get out of Japan much?" The blonde spear wielder asked, smirking. Handsome, in a douchebag kind of way.

"Never get out."

"Oh."

Silence.

"You don't talk much, do you?" Bow person mused.

"I don't like talking." Especially to snobs like you. Stupid, intitled, arrogant. My limited social interactions let me read them like an open book. As a petty young 16 year old shut in gamer girl, reading the intentions and personalities of others, especially men, was a necessity.

I sighed, moving along the tower stairs. Eventually, we reached the king's throne room.

A white, elderly beady eyed man sat atop a fancy throne. He looked down at us, and I could practically feel his… something.

Akin to incompetence, but close to spite. His eyes tracked everyone but me. My eyes narrowed, and I let out a soft huff of surprise as a status screen opened in the left part of my vision.

Nao Iwatani Lv: 1

Level 1, huh? We were summoned for a reason. Somehow I doubt a Level 1 could help with that reason.

What's going on here? Did the others really expect this to be like a game?

"Heroes, welcome, to our world." He gestured to the throne room. "My name is Aultcray Melromarc the XXXII, king of Melromarc."

"Motoyasu, University student, 21 years old." The blonde guy smirked, holding his spear.

"Ren. Highschool student, 16 years old." He looked disinterested with everything around him, in an obnoxious aloof way.

"Itsuki, 17 years old."

"Nao-"

"Motoyasu, Itsuki, and Ren, correct?" The king cut me off, just addressing the three other heroes.

I raised an eyebrow, but said nothing. If he didn't want me to speak, then I wouldn't.

Not out of respect for him, but myself.

Someone from the mage court stepped up. "Heroes! Please confirm your statuses so we may proceed."

The looks of confusion on the other's faces set off an explosive sigh from Ren. "You guys haven't figured it out? Check the bottom left corner of your vision." He seemed annoyed.

I glanced at my status screen again, taking a glance at my title.

[Shield Hero]

Nao Iwatani Lv: 1

Well, that confirms that I'm the shield hero, then. I sighed. As if it wasn't already a dead give away.

Motoyasu grinned excitedly. "Ah, you're right! It says here that I'm the Spear Hero." He laughed.

"We all have our respective title, but it's our levels that concern me." I stated quietly.

"We ask that you each power your legendary weapons, before the next wave hits. The fate of the world is at stake, noble heroes." The mage from before pleaded, like he was worshiping us.

Weapons, huh?

Not me then, but them.

An uneasy feeling settled in my chest.

"About these Waves of Calamity we've been hearing about. You haven't even explained why we're here, I hope you don't take us for fools." Ren spoke coldly.

"I hope you aren't expecting us to work for free." Motoyasu agreed, assuming a hostile stance.

Isuki looked on, silently agreeing with them.

"So the two of you would happily go back to your ordinary lives, and give up being the Spear and Sword hero?" I raised an eyebrow. "Cause that's what I feel like you're saying."

The Spear and Sword exchanged nervous glances. "Well-that's not it, we're just being-"

"Greedy." I rolled my eyes, before glancing up over to the king. "But the thought brings up a concern. We have no currency here, no money to our name. If you pulled us from our lives, then please take accountability." I said politely.

"Indeed, you heroes will be provided money to each wave." The king said, a flash of disdain only I could see directed at me. "And coin to start with, along with companions. But talk more about this later, night is upon us. Rest, beds and food will be provided for you."

I gave him one last glance, before following my fellow heroes.

I need to stay sharp. Letting my guard down isn't something I feel like I should do in this situation. I thought, looking out over the balcony.

My eyes caught a shadowy figure across the rooftops, and let out a soft noise of surprise.

I blinked, and they were gone.

A ninja of some sort? Or maybe… an assassin.

All the more reason to keep my guard up.

"Hey, Shield Hero!" Motoyasu called out to me. I gave him a glance across the balcony. "What do you think, maybe? Perhaps we should partner up?" He smirked.

I turned my gaze back to the city streets. "No thanks. I'm not into entitled men." I let out a soft huff. "Or playboys."

Itsuki chuckled at Motoyasu's misfortune. "Still, maybe you'd partner up with one of us? A shield is no good without a weapon to back it up, and, don't misunderstand, but…"

"The Shield is a joke class back where I'm from." Ren butted in, blunt as ever.

I raised an eyebrow at him. "Do you think this is a game?"

"Isn't that what this is?" Motoyasu questioned. "Don't you think it's a lot like Emerald Online?"

"What? No, like that one VRMMO I used to play." Ren mused, messing with his weapon.

"You're both wrong. This must be that new AI manipulated game, that one that came out recently." Itsuki argued.

"I read a book." I put in quietly.

We all stewed on that for a bit.

"So, what then? We all just-picked up different games with the same plot-and ended up here?" Motoyasu frowned, looking confused.

"The more logical conclusion… is that we are all from different worlds." Ren glared at the floor in thought.

"It'd make sense." I wondered softly. "I've never heard of any AI manipulated games. Our experience must be completely different then. All of ours."

"Different worlds." Itsuki muttered to himself.

I took a moment to look at all of them.

"This isn't a game, though." I started. "We die here, we're dead. These people, they need our help. I don't… even if I'm not paid, I'm still sticking around to help them."

Motoyasu barley hid a scoff. "With what? You can't exactly attack with that shield."

"A shield is supposed to protect people, right? I'll be the immovable object that shields them from danger, and let their own strength judge what they'll accomplish." I sigh, moving to my bed. "I suppose that'll all depend on my party then. I refuse to be a burden." I mumble, getting comfortable in my soft bed.

At the very least, these beds make up for the sudden trip.

Little did I know what I'd be getting into.

...

We all met up in the throne room, a number of different people caught my eye. All different, and varied.

My party members, huh?

"Today, is the start of your adventures, noble heroes." The king started. "I had handpicked the finest adventurers for you each to go forth with. Now, each companion pick your hero!"

I stared as the followers lined up behind each of the three respective heroes, not a single glance my way.

"Hey, king." I spoke up.

His almightyness graced my presence with his all powerful gaze.

Prick.

"I believe something is wrong with this picture." I raised an eyebrow.

"Ah, perhaps they heard about some rumors spreading about the castle. How each hero is of in depth knowledge with our world, while the Shield hero is not. Perhaps it is also due that the Shield curries little favor…"

"Not that." My eyes narrowed at the subtle slight against me. "A shield is useless without someone to protect. I can't wield a sword. Without someone I'm nothing but a cripple."

"Nah, we can't force anyone to join you Nao." Motoyasu smirked obnoxiously.

I rolled my eyes. "As much as it pains me to say it, perhaps then I should join one of your parties instead." I tried to ignore Motoyasu's leer. Ugh, men.

"Not possible." The king immediately cut in. "The legendary weapons repel one another. This is why I've set up companions to aid you in your journey, heroes."

"Then what will you have me do? I have no companions, would you have me sit on my ass as the three stop calamity? The Shield lives to serve the people, protect those I deem fit to extend my protection. I will not sit idly by as people would die around me." A flicker of anger lit my voice.

"Patience, Lady Shield." The king spoke. A dark feeling shown in his eye, subtle as someone creeping up behind you.

But I could see it. See the resentment that I was sure he was trying not to show, all directed at me-no. What I represented.

What's your game? I pondered.

"I propose a higher pay then. With no companions at my back I'd need it." I reasoned.

"Very well. A plus half more pay than what you would have got. Farewell on your journey heroes, and good luck." He seemed glad to be done with me. Jackass.

Knights came up and delivered our coin, and I walked out the throne room, feeling someone's eyes on me.

An uneasy feeling started festering, but I kept on walking.

On the streets I noticed a few things here or there. Guards giving me looks, the hustle and bustle of the marketplace. I came across a nice shop with a shield and a sword on the front. A bald smith greeted me as I walked in.

"And what could I do for you lass? Armor, swords?"

I blushed, coughing into my hand slightly. He was very well built…

"Armor, if you could." I said quietly. "I can't use a sword."

He laughed, pulling something from under his desk. "Well how about a nice shield? Judging from the thing attached to your arm, you can use that."

I gave him a nice smile, deciding to humor him. "What do you have?"

He pulled the cover off the object he pulled out, revealing a beautifully crafted shadowed white shield with darkened gold colored plating forming a cross from the centerpiece.

I let out a small gasp. "That's…"

"It's one of my best works so far, lass."

"Is this an Aspis shield?"

"Aspis?"

"A Hoplon." I touched the edge carefully. It was beautiful craftsmanship. "It's a Greek shield, an ancient society from my homeland."

"... would that mean you'd pay extra?"

I gave him an amused glance. "Better shields' been designed with the passage of time, money snatcher. If anything it should be cheaper." I bargained, giving a small smirk.

He laughed, grinning. "That so?"

"It is."

"At least 250 silvers. This is some of my best work."

"I could whip up better designs in my sleep." I countered.

"Tell you what then. You throw in some better designs and I'll lower the price to 150."

"A craftsman's art doesn't come cheap, blacksmith. Think long term. 50 silvers."

He tsked. "Deal." The shield was handed to me.

I grinned at the man happily, before a thought had me cursing.

"What?"

"I… can't use any other shields but this." I gestured to the shield on my arm. I got too caught up in haggling to remember.

The man gave a laugh, and I blushed embarrassed.

"Still," I mused. "I've never seen a shield this wellmade." I ran my hand over the center.

And the gem on my shield lit up green.

[Shield Unlocked!]

[Aspis Shield(MasterCraft)]

Def: 50

Equip

[Yes] [No]

I let out a surprised noise, before hesitantly pressing yes.

My shield let out a green light, and when the light faded, there was a copy of the shield that was in my hands, only with a green gem in the middle.

I let out a soft chuckle. "Who would have thought? I guess I didn't waste money after all. Here, blacksmith." I put the money on the counter, along with the shield.

But he shook his head. "You paid for that shield, I can't accept that money. Actually… if I could pay you for those better shield designs…"

I grinned at him.

"Of course." My eyes caught a small hammer made for blacksmithing, and I had a absolutely fantastic idea. "Let me try something first."

[Hammer Shield Unlocked!]

Defense: 5

Attack: 10

[Skill Blacksmithing(III) Unlocked!]

After everything was said and done(with me agreeing to pay for the hammer my shield ate) I blushed as a thought came to me, but the clinging sensation of no one wanting me… had me asking.

"Erhard."

He looked at me. "Hm?"

"Do you… um, know where any brothels are in town?"

He blinked, before laughing. "I didn't take you for that kind of lady."

"Shut up!" I hissed, my embarrassed face betraying my anger.

"Hey I won't judge. If you want the company of a man tonight, then who am I to look down on you?"

I shook my head quietly. "I don't want the company of a man."

He blinked again. "Oh."

...

I felt weird, kind of awkward stepping into a place like this. My normal expressionless personality taking a vacation.

A tall, brown haired beauty locked eyes with me, and came over my way. I felt my face turn a deeper red as she smiled at me. "Did you need something? Rather… someone?"

I nodded, not able to look her in the eye.

"I have many men here, if-"

"Not… men." I tried to get out awkwardly.

She looked surprised. "Oh? Truly? My, I've heard there were women who…but I didn't think…"

"I-I think I should-"

"No." She put a hand on my shoulder. "Gender isn't an issue here, my girls don't care."

I nodded, charged with awkward tension.

"Cassy?" She called out.

A beautiful redhead came up to us, and when she caught my eyes she smiled.

"Please accompany this fine young maiden to one of the rooms." She brought her attention back to me. "25 silvers a night, lady Shield."

I let out a surprised gasp. "How did you-"

"The Shield on your arm. We're all familiar with the tales, but I happen to know of its actual appearance."

"O-oh…"

"Have a nice night."

The redhead led us to a room, and she gave me a gentle smile. "How would you like to do this?"

"I…" I bit my lip. "I'm not looking for intercourse." I pulled her down onto the bed, facing me. "I just…"

Her gaze took on a hard edge. "Don't tell me you're looking to 'save' me…"

"No! I know what you do is your choice, I just… I've never been held." I finally get out, barely a whisper. "I'm alone in the world I came from, and I think I would have always been alone. Company like this, if you could just humor me-if I could just be held like this…"

She brushed some hair out of my face. "What's your name, thy Shield?"

"Nao." I say softly.

"Hello Nao."

"Hello."

"Do you, like girls like this?"

"... would it be a problem?"

"People like me, it doesn't matter to most of us. But we all have preferences, it's nothing to be ashamed of."

"Do many women come here? Seeking… female company?"

"No."

"As I thought…"

"You won't be alone forever, dear Shield."

"How do you know?"

"Because by far you're the best customer I've ever had, and we won't even be laying together, in the less literal sense."

I hummed, giving a small short kiss to her neck. "Thanks for this… for holding me."

"My pleasure."

And with that I fell asleep. More relaxed than I had ever been.

...

Nao

I woke up more relaxed than I've ever been, sleeping next to someone I only knew by name, and by her understanding.

I softly got up and put on my boots. I had a long day ahead of me, and I couldn't dwell on my loneliness.

A knock sounded out on the door.

"Come in."

A familiar brunette came in, eying me curiously. "Did you… have a good time?"

I blushed profusely. "Not in the way you're thinking."

Cassy, the woman in my company, groaned. She stirred, looking at us lethargically. "Good morning Lady Shield. Matron."

The Matron nodded. "Cassy. I take it you enjoyed her company?"

Cassy grinned mischievously. "Oh yes, I very much had enjoyed her company."

My face felt like it was on fire. "I just needed to be held, don't make it out to be something it isn't." Cassy seemed to take pleasure from my embarrassment.

"Oh?" The Matron asks curiously.

"I've never been loved before, in my world, no one ever showed interest. Women who like the same gender are even less in number in this world, then they are in mine. Something yesterday reminded me of how I was alone, and would probably always be alone… so I came here." I finished awkwardly.

I'd never have done something like this back in my world. I closed myself off from a world that didn't love me, and as a consequence I've never been held by another. And when you're alone, when someone holds you close, it feels like you really matter.

Pathetic, yes. A person so alone as to derive comfort from such an establishment, I feel sad for myself.

The Matron pulled me into a hug. "Aw, you poor thing." Her eyes lit up. "Cassy."

"Yes?"

"Thy Shield Hero was the best lover you've ever had, an absolute beast in bed."

I blinked.

Cassy's eyes lit up as well. "Oh yes, she ravaged me." She agreed slyly. "Not like any lover I've ever had, no man has ever done that to me."

I flustered in embarrassment and confusion. "But I never-"

The Matron grinned. "Thank you for your patronage, Lady Shield." The Matron led me to the door. "Ja ne." Then she closed the door behind me.

I blinked in confusion.

What just happened?

Shaking my head I headed off to Erhard's shop, hoping to come up with even more shield designs to boost my arsenal.

A hand on my shoulder roughly stopped me.

I look behind me, at a parade of soldiers looking at me with open disgust and hostility.

I glared back at them coldly, sizing them up. "What?"

"You're coming with us, Shield Hero."

People on the street stop to watch us, turning into a growing crowd.

"Ha?" I raised an eyebrow. "And why would I do that?"

Their faces twisted in anger and the leader roughly grasped my arm. "Don't play dumb, you've known what you've done!"

"What?" My brows furrow.

"You sick rapist!"

My blood freezes. "What?" I repeat, eyes wide. "No-I… that was consensual." I respond, growling. Did… did Cassy pull the guards on me? After telling me those things… how I could find someone…

That liar.

"You liar!"

"Fuck you!" I respond, beyond pissed.

"Forcing yourself on a woman, you sick freak!"

I flushed red in anger and shame. "Who I sleep with is none of your concern, and I hired that woman you pig headed bastard."

"You will present yourself to the king and face the accusation of rape!"

"I didn't know brothels were illegal ye bastard, I just arrived here!" I hissed, trying to tug my arm out of his grasp.

Muttering started worsening at that, some people protesting me getting hauled off. Others looking mildly worried.

You see, even if inherently bad, when something like this is made illegal many complain. Like if shoes were made illegal, or social media.

So as I was dragged off word spread across the whole kingdom by the hour that scratching an itch was now a high offence.

Goodness knows the local brothels were pissed, and if anyone could pose a threat to the king, It'd be the shadow rulers of the common people. The seeded underbelly of a kingdom more just than the rulers themselves.

...

I was dragged into the throne room, and greeted by the disgusted and angry faces of the Heroes, and everyone else.

A somewhat familiar redhead saw me, and cowered behind Motoyasu.

By this time I had calmed down, and just flatly stared at the people gathered around me.

"What's going on here?"

Ren glared at me. "Don't play coy with us."

Motoyasu snarled at me. "Rapist!"

I tch'd. "Don't be stupid. I have coin, I paid for her services. Ask the Matron!"

The king turned red in anger, a ugly scowl on his face. "You dare?!"

"Ha?"

"Don't play dumb, we know what you did to Malty!"

I blinked. "Malty? Who? Do you mean Cassy?"

Motoyasu blinked. "Who?"

We both took a moment to stare at each other in confusion.

"Are we… talking about the same person?"

"Don't… don't act like you didn't do it!" The redhead that was previously cowering behind Motoyasu screeched at me.

I blinked back at her, slowly. "Who the fuck are you?"

"Enough!" The king waved his hand out in front of him dramatically. "For forcing yourself on Malty you'll be thrown in the dungeons!"

It clicked.

"Hold on now." I called out calmly. "Malty's that redhead right?"

"You fiend, to not even remember her-"

"Shut your trap Motoyatsu."

He did.

"Like I was saying, you're taking her word against mine, but I can tell you I'm being framed." I scowled. "I have an alibi for the entire night."

Ren narrowed his eyes. "How?"

My anger dwindled a bit, replaced with insecurity, my face turning red. "... I… no one wanted me as a companion yesterday, so last night I went out and… went to a brothel."

Everyone stared at me.

"Don't judge me!" I hissed out, embarrassed.

Itsuki frowned, stepping closer to me. "But earlier, you said that you paid for her-... oh."

"I prefer the company of women." I confirm.

Silence.

"The act could have still happened during the day." Motoyasu protested.

My eyes narrowed, and a plan formed in my head. I kept my face straight as to not give it away.

"I don't have an alibi between 5-7 Pm."

Malty stepped out from behind Motoyasu, snarling. "That's when she did it, around 6 PM!"

Fuck you you bitch! I let a small smirk form on my face, even as I hissed at her in my head. "Yeah? Well guess what, I lied. I was working out design plans with a blacksmith between 5-7PM, at a store with a big shield and sword in the front of their workshop. Confirm it with him, whore."

The face she made was almost worth all the trouble she tried to get me in.

Almost.

Members of the court whispered among themselves, as well as guards.

And then the day went from great, to fucking amazing.

One noble suddenly gasped. "Hey, I know you. Aren't you the one who-"

"Yeah, she tried to force us into signing those papers, that entitled skank at the market a year back."

"Hey, she ordered me to give her my family heirloom. I told her to go to shove it up her ass!" Another person spoke up.

Soon the whole throne room lit up with their various encounters with Malty, said person looking increasingly panicked as more people spoke up.

My eyes locked with the king.

Checkmate, asshole.

Of course I knew he was planning something. I knew it would be soon.

He couldn't pin something on someone that was always accounted for, and even in a world like this, if everyone was against what you said, your word meant nothing while in authority.

King's word is law, only to the convenience of the people. And I had him cornered.

Throw me in jail, and you'll have a revolt. If the common people get suppressed without a fight, the higher ups like the matrons and other businesses would overthrow the king. If I was killed, you had a martyred. I made it so that the only option he had was to let me go.

And when his eyes caught mine I knew that he knew that I knew.

And it was glorious.

Aultcray's face flushed in anger, growling darkly to himself. "Halt now, the Shield Hero will be let go! I will drop the accusations!"

Motoyasu glared at me with disgust. "But we must not let this conniving woman loose-"

"Silence!" The king bellowed. "This will not be continued any further."

I knew this wasn't the last I heard of him. Or that illiterate Malty.

But I knew how to play their game, and I knew how to play their game better than them.

Bunch of idiots, this whole lot. At least the people are on my side.

Little did I know that the people were more than just on my side. Word spread quickly about the accusations the Spear hero and some woman threw at the Shield hero, most taking it as an attack on my sexuality. Rumors ranged from Motoyasu trying to close down the brothels, to Malty being salty about my sexual prowess.

Cassy and the matron spreading word of said prowess certainly didn't help things.

...

It's been a few days since then.

Erhard and I were almost done with the experimental shield design, with my new knowledge of blacksmithing and metalworking.

But a particular problem came up.

Nao Iwatani Lv: 6

I was leveling too slow. Without a party, I wasn't going at it with my full potential.

And for some reason, that really pissed me off.

Before coming to this world I was a shut in gamer girl, who liked the outdoors and had a taste for books. Shy but intelligent, sad but kind.

That side of me was put in the shadows as I had to put up a hard front to shield me from those that wished me harm. The liars, the corrupt, hiding malice with honeyed words.

I changed through experience, and I had grown from those that have lied to me to know…

"Hey there, you're the Shield Hero-sama, yes?"

The ones that lied the less were the ones that didn't cover how corrupt they were. Those that were less than squeaky clean, and owned up to it.

"What's it to you?"

The short fat man gave me a creepy grin. "Yes! That face! Those eyes. I just love people like you."

I blankly stared at him.

"I've heard you have a problem finding followers…" He continued.

"I care not for those that don't get to the point."

"Ho ho!" He laughed, before turning serious. "Follow me."

...

"This is my business, Shield Hero-sama."

Caged monsters greeted my eyes. The floor dirty and light dim.

Slaves. He's a slave merchant.

"You're looking for loyalty, something that wouldn't disobey you, or betray you. You'll find that here."

My eyes caught their varying levels, but I… something pulled at the back of my head.

The color of deep red tea.

"Now, come along over here-"

"You know I can't buy whatever it is you're gonna show me, spare the dramatics." I said distractedly.

What is, this feeling?

I headed deeper into the tent, the buzzing in my head getting more frantic.

Until I came upon a single cage, dirty brown hair and bony body greeting me.

Lv: 1

She looked weak, sick. Ready to collapse with a single shove, almost dead. Someone not suited for the grueling task of being in combat-

Her red eyes caught mine in fear.

-but then again neither was I.

"She's sick and weak." The slave merchant explained. "I'd say she'd be dead within the week."

"I'll take her."

He grinned like a sleezey merchant, which he was. "2 silvers."

I threw him the coins, with one extra.

"Now, about the slave seal-"

"Don't bother." I said nonchalantly.

"Ah, but-"

"It's a coin grab." I stared through him. "For those that don't feel secure in their own strength, and are pathologically against disloyalty."

"Ah."

"Come along now." I muttered.

The small thing flinched, but hurried along.

...

Raphtalia

I grew up on the stories my mother and father spoke of, the ones about the Shield Hero. A merciful savior who brought joy and strength to even the darkest hearts. It was my promise to be… to stand side by side with such a person.

The woman in front of me was cold. Her dark hair was long, and her eyes as uncaring as her demeanor, but intelligence made the green sharp.

It made me swallow in fright, behind the cover of my hair.

"What's your name?" The smooth of her voice sent a shiver down my spine. I knew from experience that the ones that didn't seem overtly hostile were the ones with the greatest temper. I knew, from the wasted away state of myself.

"You'll be my sword." She glared out into the forest. "Not my slave. I don't know why I… but you will not falter. Someone as weak as you won't be of any use to me."

I felt fear creeping up my back. When I wasn't useful to someone, that usually meant…

"So I'll make you strong." Green eyes glared at me.

...

"Eat."

I stared at the hot meal in front of me.

Then back at her.

"You'll be no use to me if you die of starvation." She rolled her eyes.

...

The dog, it was-

"NO!" I screeched, gasping and shaking in the bed.

A cold hand was put gently on my arm. I flinched, before breaking out into sobs.

She held me as I cried into her arms.

...

Whispers follow her as we walk down the street. My ears twitch as I overhear their conversations.

"Isn't she-"

"I heard-"

"Who's that young girl next to her?"

"She prefers women in her bed-"

"It's said she could turn any woman-"

My ears turned red and I rushed, hurrying along next to my master.

...

"I-I can't!"

The massive wolf dug deeper into her shoulder, and she gave a yelp, growling in pain. Blood dripped from her shoulder.

"T-that's fine." Her voice came out strained, but soothing. "I-I'll be fine. Go."

No…

I… mama, papa…

"I won't… I won't leave again!"

My blade went through it's back cleanly. The wolf let go of master in favor of howling as I tore into it's back.

Before it died.

We both panted, exhausted.

Cold dread ran down my back. "Master, I-eep!" Her warm hand rubbed my head softly. I leaned into it.

She chuckled lowly. "You've always been so jumpy, Raphtalia."

"Master Naofumi…" I sniffed. "You're hurt."

"I'll be fine Raphtalia. Your life is more important."

I blushed, smiling shyly.

"You did good." She praised.

"Thank you, master Naofumi."

...

Naofumi Iwatani

Raphtalia and I were growing fast, our levels soaring.

And with levels, came better equipment.

Erhard looked at Raphtalia, smirking. "Hey, Nao, who's the nice young lady?"

Raphtalia blushed, looking away shyly.

I glared at him. "This is Raphtalia, leer at her again and I'll kill you."

He put his hands up, laughing. "Hey, hey, can't blame a guy."

I rolled my eyes, pulling Raphtalia into my arms.

"M-master Naofumi!" She yelped, turning a deeper red. I held her close, glaring at Erhard.

"Hands off Erhard."

His smirk turned amused and knowing. "Ho? You're the one who can't seem to keep your hands off her. Or any of the other girls in town." He snickered.

I hummed, resting my chin on Raphtalia's head. "Raphtalia's special."

Indeed. At first I didn't know what compelled me to take her in, but over the course of my time with her she really started to feel like…

My kid.

He laughed. "How's that new shield coming along?"

I gave him a soft grin at that. "Better than I could ever hope for. It's defence stats are so high, I don't even need armor."

"Don't say that master Naofumi." Raphtalia glared. "Just because it's hard to break through your skin doesn't mean you need to make it easier for others."

"She's right you know." Erhard mused. "I'll see what I can do."

"Right then."

Honestly. What was it with people worrying about me? I could take care of myself.

"Neh." I glared at him.

Some would say cutely, but I'd rip their eyes out.

I knew I was short. A young woman my age had every right to be.

But did it have to make the armor look too big on me?

I blamed Erhard.

I looked like some smol bandit girl you'd recruit in one of those online RPG games.

Grr.

I still had my signature green, but with a light metal chest piece peeking out of the cloak. Dark pants lined with armor, pale skin bringing out my dark hair.

Erhard smirked amusedly at me, even as Raphtalia ooh'd and looked on in awe at my wardrobe change.

"You have a funny sense of humor Erhard." I deadpanned.

He barked out a laugh, shrugging his shoulders. "Well you were already a dashing rogue, why not look the part?"

I put a hand on my hip, cocking an eyebrow at him. "Ah, well… it was free." I muttered to myself. "Fine, Erhard. Not like I have much of a choice, all things considered."

He nodded. "That's right, the waves are coming up, huh?"

My eyes widened in shock. "Oh?"

He blinked confusedly. "You didn't know? But I thought every…"

I gritted my teeth, keeping a tight leash on my anger.

That bastard.

"The king neglected to tell me." I hedged, frowning off in the direction of the castle. "Is there a place where I could check?"

"Yeah, I'll show you on the town map…"

...

Raphtalia

I spared a glance at master Naofumi.

She seemed in a particularly bad mood.

Which was never good, I learned. Usually heads rolled when she got like this, and that alone made me nervous.

The other half curious.

What business did she have with the king to tell her about The Waves of Calamity? Come to think of it I didn't know much about master Naofumi. Only that she was brave, and smart, and pretty-

I blushed, hiding my face.

It didn't help that my hearing picked up whispers on the streets.

Master Naofumi herself…

She walked with confidence, somehow looking prettier by the minute. A cold glare was the initial response anytime someone first approached her, and the one you got if made an enemy, but otherwise she exuded sauve. It made curious women swoon, and guys jealous.

I knew of the… rumors, about her. And(cough) often fantasised about them when she was out training or running an errand.

And often stewed in anger as she treated me like her kid.

But I knew little else about her, and it made me curious.

"Master Naofumi?"

"Hm?"

Quick, before you lose your nerve! "Were you born in the capital?"

She frowned, taking a moment to respond, if she responded at all.

"... no."

"Oh."

Quick, think! "Um-!"

"Naofumi!" A blonde pretty boy strolled up to us, along with two other gorgeous looking men.

We attracted looks on the street.

Master Naofumi's frown became real. "Itsuki. Ren." Her eyes narrowed further. "Motoyasu."

The tall blonde scowled. "Naofumi."

"Come to accuse me of something else?" She jabbed, and I instantly knew they had history.

"No, Naofumi." He growled irritably, before stalking away.

Master Naofumi's eyes glanced at the other two. "Well?"

"We came to wish you luck, on the upcoming raid." Spoke the tall black haired one.

Naofumi easied up, if just slightly. "Thank you then, Ren. I hope the two of you have been training right?"

They both nodded.

"Good. Don't let previous experience affect you. This is real life afterall, don't get yourselves killed."

Which was basically her version of worrying over someone.

I pouted.

She didn't worry over me like that.

Oh wait, she did.

Still, who were these two?

Ren sighed. "Right Naofumi. See you later."

"Hn."

And then they left, and master Naofumi and I were left alone to walk again.

I glanced at her while we did.

"Master Naofumi?"

"Hm?"

"Who were those people?"

"Oh? Those were the Spear, Bow, and Sword heroes."

I froze, completely in shock. "O-oh. And, um, how do you know them?"

She glanced back at me, still walking.

"I'm the Shield Hero."

Weird of me, I know. But it felt right in the moment to make Nao have problems.

Hoped you liked it! Want more check out the sister series I made called Worm Tails, I'll be uploading pretty often, but a also got other works I need to work on soo... yep.

Hope you enjoyed, bye!