I need to get some things out of the way before we start this chapter. A lot of people have been shouting at me for trying to turn this story into a harem fanfic. I understand that it's not everyone's cup of tea, but there are some things that I've read that I need to address:

Firstly, I was accused of "misleading" you guys into thinking if was a regular romance story. Couple things here: If FanFiction had a haram tag for their stories, I WOULD have used it since I had been thinking and writing ahead of where we are now. Additionally, it's not as out-of-nowhere as people claim it; Kardia has a strange way of showing affection while Rifana openly admitted to wanting to marry one of the Cardinal Heroes when she was smaller as well as a case of rescue romance. Merlay was the most blatant foreshadow as, even in the chapter where Chazon and Rino officially became a couple, she showed signs of loving the Spear Hero and was only keeping it to herself out of courtesy for Rino. I was mostly on-the-nose with Kekal, though Chazon remained wary of her even after he learned of her biology.

Secondly, Chazon's going to be just as resistant to the concept as you guys until a later point. Change doesn't happen overnight and until around this point, he was still in the mindset of "Two People Marriages Only" that he carried from his world. He's going to be carrying that tradition against his harem's wishes for some time.

Lastly, I'm playing this off what's officially known in the base series. I mentioned Faubrey before and I believe the mindset in that world is "Legendary Heroes are strong, therefore they must be capable of bearing/siring stronger-than-normal children" and put said heroes into harems in an attempt to have the next generation bear at least SOME of their hero's strength. I don't know if that's actually the canonical case, but I'd imagine that's the thought process(How else did Faubray become the most powerful nation besides better technology? Even if it wasn't true, the influence said children had must have had plenty of weight for the tradition to stand). Plus, I get the feeling some people in that world more-than-likely won't look kindly to a Legendary Hero only taking one spouse without good reason(That'll be a plot point later as a minor spoiler alert.)

Hopefully my explanations here are good enough. I do read reviews, but unless it's something I can change without overly affecting my vision, I'll be unable to apply it and I apologize for it.

After the four heroes went into the Queen's tent for a meeting that morning, the parties under them all began to mingle while they waited for the meeting to end. Some of the party members ended up grouped with people of similar roles to chat or practice.

One such group consisted of all the mages found between the four heroes. They include Kardia, Merlay, Rishia, Welst, Welt, Farrie, and Melty. Rishia was still just as nervous as ever. "Fuehhh, I-I feel so o-out of place h-here."

Welst sighed. "Rishia-san, what about your time spent in one of Faubrey's educational institutions? I'm sure you have plenty you know over the rest of us."

Kardia nodded at that. "I've only started casting spells after Chazon-sama brought me up from a slave on her deathbed. All my spell knowledge comes from a grimoire that Merlay's Grandmother gave my party."

"I'm glad Grandmother's gift has been serving you well. But am I correct in the fact that it only has spells up to Zweite, which is the intermediate class of regular Ritual Magic?" Merlay got a nod from Kardia. "There's one more class above Zweite that isn't in that grimoire. Drifa class spells."

Melty thought for a moment. "I've heard about it myself, but I haven't gotten to that point in my own magic studies. Not after the political fallout of summoning the Four Cardinal Heroes to Melromarc."

"On that subject, is… it bad that I'm grateful that Melromarc did summon all four heroes?" Kardia noted in a slightly pained voice. "Even if just Chazon-sama were summoned here… I feel like things would have been different enough that I would have died due to illness… and a myriad of other things that could have happened."

Farrie nodded. "If I never joined Ren-sama, I wouldn't have been able to fight for my demi-human friends."

"And I would continue to be blind to the church's lies…" Welst admitted with a solemn look. "I was so willing to accept how things were due to blind faith. But my time with Itsuki-sama has shown me just how corrupt that religion is." He gives Kardia a soft look. "I may never be forgiven for my discrimination against your kind, but I hope I can start making amends by helping in the battle against my former religion."

"As long as you are willing to change, then you'll find forgiveness."

Merlay let out an awkward cough. "So now we come back to our original problem: there isn't a single Drifa spell caster amongst any of us."

"Drifa level spells are said to be very difficult to learn." Welt noted with a distant look in his eyes. "Even if you do learn a Drifa spell, it's a very costly class of magic to cast. Especially so when you try to cast one without a class up. Additionally, It almost always requires a full-length chant to use, since it's hard to short-cut it due to complexity."

"Guess I'm not missing out on much." Kardia admitted. "Both Chazon-sama's and Naofumi-sama's parties have been prevented from classing up this entire time. Even though we all hit level 40 before or during the last wave…" Welst winced at that.

"I'll admit, I'm curious about this "trait" that Merlay-san brought up about you, Kardia-chan." Farrie smiled at the kitsune. "Something about Multicast?"

"Ah, right. Allow me to demonstrate." Because they were nearby the magic training grounds of the encampment, Kardia simply entered it and began casting multiple spells without chants or even calling the names out.

Rishia was amazed by that. "I-I think that Multicast w-was the trait unique t-to a demi-human legend I read about in Faubrey known as N-Nine-Tails. T-the ability to cast every affinity at once without vocal commands."

Welt looked astonished. "In a mage vs mage duel, you'd have the upper hand no matter how you slice it. Anti-magic requires knowing exactly what your opponent is using. Most mages prefer to use their opponents chants as a way of knowing what spell is being used. By never vocalizing your spells, they can't use anti-magic without intimate knowledge on every single spell. The ability to cast multiple spells at once is just the icing on top."

Melty noted something from Kardia's recent demonstration, but Rishia was able to say it first. "Fuehhh… K-Kardia-chan, aren't y-your spells a lot weaker when you c-cast without chanting or even just saying the name?"

"That does seem to be the downside of Multicast. As far as MP vs damage efficiency is concerned, it's the worst way to cast spells." Merlay smiled regardless. "But Kardia-chan has caster gloves from her predecessors that allows her to use spell combinations. I feel like that is what allows Multicast to develop its own distinction from regular casting. It's adaptable to any situation and it evolves with the user's knowledge."

"Fuehhh?! I-is that why I-I was wanted?"

Welst patted the poor green-haired girl on the back comfortingly. "Well… that and to make sure you felt included in any chats that's been going on. Itsuki-sama wouldn't want you to be an out-cast even amongst the other heroes parties."

"Ah, Princes Melty. You wished for this Drifa spell grimoire?" A soldier had approached with a rather heavy-looking book in his possession.

"Yes, thank you. I'm amazed we had this on hand at the encampment." Melty takes the book and looks at her fellow mages with sparkles in her eyes. "Shall we study this? Even if each of us learns just one Drifa spell, then it'll help us gain an edge against the church in the up-coming battles."

Merlay smiled at that. "While Kardia-chan and I can't use Drifa spells dedicatedly yet, it'll be nice to have one on each of us in case of emergencies."

"I'll help with teaching everyone how to cast them as well." The soldier saluted before the group. "I may not look like it right now, but I come from a line of mages who served the royal family for many years. I know a Drifta spell myself and can assist in providing knowledge!"

"Thank you! Shall we get started?" Welst brings up one of the outside tables for the book to rest on as the others decide who should start first. Welt was volunteered to be the first one as he began reading.

Farrie thought of something and looked at Kardia curiously as she waited her turn. "Kardia-chan, were you on death's door at one point?"

"Yes, because I contracted a disease that specifically targets kitsune demi-humans. If it wasn't for Chazon-sama going out of his way to cure me, I probably would have died."

Merlay remembered something else. "You mentioned that you were once from Siltvelt. Yet, with all of my interactions with you, I had never gotten that impression since you never actively hate humans or heroes besides the Shield Hero."

"That's because… Chazon-sama's kindness had reached deep into my heart. It probably helps that, from what little I can remember of my family, we were more conservative amongst Siltvelt demi-humans." Kardia sighed. "But I'll never forget… the day the Spear Hero chose to take me in, a sick and dying slave. And I'll never forget the kindness in his eyes as he gave me my new name after curing me. Kardia… meaning "heart" in another language." Melty smiled brightly at that.

Farrie wanted to personally meet and talk with the Spear Hero now more than ever. But then again, none of the Cardinal Heroes seem prejudiced towards demi-humans, even with the church having their ears in the beginning. I guess we got lucky summoning heroes who'd save anyone regardless of race.

Rishia had allowed herself a small smile. "J-just like when I-Itsuki-sama s-saved me from i-imprisonment."

In another section of the encampment, the rest of the party members were gathered. Their numbers included Raphtalia, Rino, Rifana, Kekal, Wyndia, Bakta, Terisa, and Alay. Mald refused to join on account of the demi-humans present.

Raphtalia and Rino were sparring since the both of them wanted to keep in fighting form for the trials ahead. However, Raphtalia quickly discovered that, while her attack was far greater than Rino's, Rino's agility and weapon training greatly surpassed hers. The red-head looked like a graceful battle-dancer crossed with a ninja.

Raphtalia held up a hand signaling her surrender. "I suppose… my basic training will be insufficient going forward if I'm fighting more humanoid opponents."

Rino nodded as she lowered her training weapons. "Don't be too disheartened, Raphtalia-chan. I doubt you'll find many enemies with a focus on speed like me. But it never hurts to get proper training and technique for your weapon of choice."

"Rino-san, how about we spar next after you've rested?" Terisa grinned as she punched the palm of her hand. She was a bare-handed fighter and seeing an opponent with a focus on attack speed like herself ignited a competitive flame inside her. Rino nodded in affirmation at the request.

The declaration made Alay sweatdrop at the sight. "I'm normally proud of my own attack speed thanks to using daggers and throwing knives, but Rino-san makes me feel inadequate…"

"No point in comparing when your fighting styles are different." Wyndia crossed her arms as Rino took a drink of water. "Rino-san has to use magic for ranged attacks while you have a good throwing arm. If you were caught in a situation where magic is uncastable, you would still have a ranged attack. Plus, using a single hand leaves your other hand free to do other things."

"True. Even so, I'd like to learn some of her tricks."

Kekal grinned widely. "I can handle myself in a close-ranged situation if the need arises. I've practiced with my bow enough to make point-blank shots accurately."

Wyndia raised an eyebrow at the vampire. "Even if it's someone as fast attacking as Rino-san?"

"Er… okay fine, there are exceptions. Smarter opponents can out-maneuver my aim in close-range, but otherwise I'll be fine!" Wyndia rolled her eyes at that.

"Wyndia-chan, perhaps we can spar together next?" Raphtalia had finished taking her own drink of water. "Even if I won't be getting proper sword skills any time soon, I like to spar against as many opponents as possible."

"Can't argue with that logic. We will be fighting against many human opponents in the near future, so getting used to it now is a good idea." Wyndia noted Tersia and Rino taking positions in front of each other. "Let's observe this match first."

As soon as the soldier shouted to start, the two girls turned into a flurry. Tersia was able to keep up with Rino thanks to her higher levels and similar focus on agility, but Rino was able to keep up thanks to her training. While Rino's disadvantage was clear, the end result was both girls constantly dodging each other's attacks while never letting the other breathe, with the red-head getting some welts for misdodges.

Eventually the two stopped. Terisa breathed heavily from the exercise, clearly not expecting it. "Are… you sure… you're not a class up fighter?"

"Pretty sure… since my party and I… have been blocked from… classing up."

Alay deadpanned at that. "If this is how you are pre-class up, I'm almost afraid of how you'll perform once you do so. What has the Spear Hero been feeding you?"

"Honestly, I don't know. I just know that my growth has been higher than normal ever since I joined Chazon-kun." Rino wiped the sweat off her forehead before thinking a bit more. "And I doubt it's the power of love… even if we're a couple now…"

"Oh? You and the Spear Hero are a couple? I'd love to hear what you two have been doing together while you rest." Alay smiled mischievously as Rino recoiled. "Being the girlfriend to a Cardinal Hero, I'm certain you'd get a lot of attention because of that."

"Er… not really since it's not public knowledge yet. We only recently became a couple." The red-head was now sporting a full-on blush as she sat down. "Besides, it's not something I like to flaunt."

Tersia grinned at that. "I suppose not, but you certainly got lucky! Have you two done… anything naughty with each other yet?"

"T-Tersia-san!" Rino was now as red as her hair in embarrassment. Wyndia facepalmed at the whole thing.

Raphtalia frowned a bit. Hopefully Chazon-sama and Rino-chan haven't kissed too much. If Rino-chan gets pregnant, that's going to force the two apart for the waves. Shaking her head, she motions towards Wyndia. "Ready whenever you are."

"Then let's begin." The tanuki and nue demi-humans move to the center and draw their practice weapons. Moments later, the two were clashing. Since they were more similar stat-wise, they were matching blow for blow.

Rifana and Bakta were "swapping notes'' on their respective tanking styles as the weasel looked after the incubator with Chazon's filolial egg. Rifana had a focus on mobility over physically attacking while Bakta did things the more "traditional" way. As in, a focus on attack and defences at the severe cost in agility.

Bakta folded his arms in contemplation. "Mimicking the Shield Hero's way of defending, huh? I can't really judge how well that defender's style works since I've never done it, but I can see mobility being more useful in certain situations.

Rifana nodded at that. "Being able to quickly reposition without losing defensive power can be a boon. Especially when you're the only dedicated defender in a large party. However, at the same time, there are times when my lack-luster physical attack will prove insufficient in situations where I can't cast magic."

"Very true. Even so, you have reliable party members to compensate for your lack of an attack stat. Just like how I have party members that can compensate for my lack of agility." Bakta thought for a minute. "Out of curiosity, what made you follow in the Shield Hero's footsteps stat and class-wise?"

"Well… the village I lived in reviered the Shield Hero as most demi-humans do before it was destroyed both by the waves and the knights that came after." Bakta grimaced at that; he had a feeling the church was behind it based on what he read in the church archives. "But more than that, I wanted to be Chazon-sama's shield so that he's not always trying to defend everyone by himself."

"Makes sense. To be honest, the Spear Hero allowing demi-humans like yourself to join is unprecedented, but not unwelcome by my standards. Though I must ask, what is being his slave like?"

Rifana had to think for a moment before realizing that she was TECHNICALLY Chazon's slave still. "Honestly, I forgot I was his slave. I think his parameters on our slave crests are so low, they're non-existent."

"So he's been treating you more like an outright party member."

"More than that. He treats me like family. He treats everyone in his party like family." Bakta smiled at that. Growing up, he had heard tales of the various heroes except the Shield Hero. The Spear Hero was said to be someone who deeply values bonds and hearing that the current Spear Hero is doing just that was heartwarming.

"So you guys are one big happy family, then?" Alay had wandered over to the two now that Rino was being embarrassed by Tersia and the other two demi-humans were still sparring. "While my party has a ways to go in that regard, I'm rooting for a certain party member of mine to help soften Itsuki-sama's edge a bit."

Rifana raised an eyebrow. "You don't have any feelings for the Bow Hero?"

"A bit too young for me, plus we see each other as good friends at best. The one I'm rooting for is Rishia-chan, since she has an actual crush on him. Plus, even with his problems with her personality, I can tell he cares about her."

Rifana gave Alay a questioning look. "Problems with her personality?" Sounds like Chazon-sama isn't the only one dealing with a personality he doesn't like.

"Well… I was able to find the reason why out of Itsuki-sama a day before we were found by Chazon-sama. Turns out Rishia-chan's personality reminds him too much of how he used to be during painful days in his old world." Alay crossed her arms with a frown. "I'm a bit more willing to forgive it since he's very much trying his best to treat her well, but… it's a bit of a weak reason to dislike someone's personality."

"Don't be so quick to judge. It's an easy trap to fall in." Bakta sighed. "This old man has done the same thing in the past for similar reasons. I still feel guilty over it today."

Kekal was overhearing the conversation and she remembered back to what Chazon told her yesterday. I suppose it's in sapient nature to bunch people with similar natures with each other and hate the whole group rather than on an individual basis. The most important part is learning to overcome it.

Alay noted Kekal's face and raised an eyebrow. "Kekal-san, you've dealt with it yourself?" Rino had started listening in with rapt interest, much to Tersia's disappointment.

"Yeah… and I've learned Chazon-kun's reason why he hates my outward personality." Rifana widened her eyes at that. "Turns out he was manipulated by someone who had a more extreme variant of my personality. He told me about it when we were going towards your party, Alay-san." She smiles a bit. "I'm just glad he trusts me a bit more now, enough to at least tell me that."

So that's why Chazon-sama was trying to treat her better after he got back. Rifana and Rino realized at the same time. Rino walked over and patted Kekal on the shoulder comfortingly. "I'm sure you'll one day have no regrets about marking Chazon-kun as your partner-for-life."

There was dead silence as everyone, save Rifana, stared in complete confusion. Even Raphtalia and Wyndia stopped mid-spar to incredulously look at Rino. Kekal slowly spoke up. "But… Rino-chan, you're not concerned about me stealing your boyfriend?"

"Because of the hero's privileges, I'm confident that we can share Chazon-kun!" Looking around, Rino realized that everyone was baffled. "I suppose it's not exactly common knowledge. I was told of this by her majesty, the Queen. Turns out that heroes, especially the Cardinal Heroes, can take multiple spouses."

"That… makes some logistical sense, I suppose." Bakta folded his arms in a thoughtful posture. "No matter how they were when they were first summoned, it makes sense to have successful heroes spread their genetics as much as possible. Heck, it's how the nation of Faubrey managed to become powerful."

Rino noted the look on Kekal's face and nodded. "You weren't with us when we were told this. Heck, Chazon-kun himself… might not know it yet himself."

Alay realized something and nudged Rifana with a smirk. "So does that mean you ALSO love Chazon-sama, Rifana-san?" All Rifana could do in response was try and shrink in embarrassment, despite her fierce blush and her rapidly wagging tail. You could literally hear the steam coming off her head. "Guess I'm right!"

Raphtalia, meanwhile, was making her own conclusions with a heavy blush of her own but all it was doing was making her extremely confused. Wyndia was sporting her own blush, but it was more slight as she sighed. "How did we get to this conversation? It doesn't seem appropriate given the current circumstances."

Tersia looked at Wyndia for a moment before her face grew into a very big, mischievous smile. "Perhaps I can marry Ren-sama as well. I'm sure you won't have to worry about me stealing him from you thanks to this new information, Wyndia-chan!"

"W-w-w-what are you blabbing about?!" Wyndia got her own fierce blush as she started chasing Tersia around, trying to hit the fighter who was now laughing loudly. "I-I don't have those kinds of feelings towards him, IDIOT!"

Bakta watched his two party members running around for a bit. "To explain, we had one scuffle with a particularly nasty boss monster. Ren-sama opted to lure it away from the rest of us so that we could deal with the small fry. When we arrived to help him, he had gotten a nasty wound and we had to save him, which made the poor girl despondent. Ever since then, Wyndia-chan refused to leave his side even under his orders."

Rino sighed at that. "I can't blame her, honestly. Chazon-kun can be very reckless like that as well and I worry about him."

"Here's the thing, Wyndia-chan started being Ren-sama's keeper after that. Despite her rather neutral face, she kept fussing over him with the smallest things." Bakta looked back at the nue, who was losing steam in chasing a still laughing Tersia around. "That boy is young and… a tad bit dense at times. I've been doing my best to be something of a father figure for him without being too blatant. Sadly, there are things I can't help with."

"I'm sure Wyndia-chan will be able to reach Ren-sama one day." Rifana frowned a bit. "But was Tersia-san joking when she mentioned marrying Ren-sama as well?"

Kekal laughed a bit. "My intuition as a Vampire Lord tells me she wasn't despite her tone!" She noticed the doubtful looks she was getting and she huffed. "Don't believe me? Ask her directly!"

"Ask me what now?" Tersia had rejoined the group now that Wyndia was too winded to chase her; the nue was being helped to a resting spot by Raphtalia.

Rino hesitated a bit. "Were you joking when you mentioned marrying Ren-sama?"

"Hmm… while saying I love him now would be overstating it, I am genuinely curious about that boy's growth. Bakta, I'm sure with your guidance, he'll turn into a fine young man, one that I'll have no qualms with marrying!" Tersia winks at that.

"You and your playful nature, Tersia-chan. There's a reason why people are always inquiring about if you're serious or not."

"Good! I like to keep people on their toes!" Everyone rolled their eyes at that.

"Mama! Rifana-neesama!" Amber rushed over with a huge smile on her face. Obsidian was close by alongside Filo with Naofumi's filolial egg.

"M-Mama?!" That was the first time Amber had called Rino Mama and she was back to looking like a tomato with a bad sunburn.

Tersia had a laugh at that. "Who's the father?"

"Chazon-sama, actually. He raised Amber-chan and Obsidian-kun from eggs." Rifana explained. "They like to call Kardia-chan and I something along the lines of "big sister" most of the time."

"Oh ho? Looks like Rino-san is closer to being his wife than I thought!" Tersia grinned while Rino buried her face in her hands, earning a confused look from Amber.

"Obsidian-kun called me "Kekal-nee" as well!"

Obsidian hugged Kekal. "Because I accept you as part of our family, Kekal-nee!" The vampire giggled joyfully as she hugged him back. Rino forgot her embarrassment and smiled at that

"Looks like everyone is gathering here now." Everyone looked over and saw Kardia approaching with the other mages. "I hope you weren't too idle while we're still waiting for the four heroes to finish their meeting."

Tersia laughed a bit. "Not at all. I've discovered that Rino-san can match a class up fighter like myself in raw speed despite being capped at level 40. The Spear and Shield Heroes' parties are something else!"

"Fuehhh… I-I hope we c-can keep up."

"You can definitely keep up! I guarantee it as the Vampire Lord!" Kekal stated boisterously as she patted the fueh girl on the back, earning an embarrassed squeak from her.

Merlay rolled her eyes. "We haven't been idle either. All of us magic users learned at least one Drifa class spell, even if some of us can't take full advantage of it yet."

"Mel-chan, you got much stronger? That's amazing!" Filo ran over and started hugging Melty with her egg in tow. The blue-haired princess smiled at the contact.

Wyndia crossed her arms with a small frown. Drifa class, huh? I wonder… would Father be fine with me using the magic he blessed me with? Dragon Vein magic…

"Wyndia-chan, are you alright?" Farrie looked at the nue in concern.

"I'm alright, but thank you for the concern." She looks at the entire group. "Everyone has been updated on current events, correct?"

Raphtalia nodded. "The Church of Three Heroes has taken over Castle Town and may have sent an army here to try and kill Naofumi-sama and Chazon-sama. Currently, they assume that Ren-sama and Itsuki-sama are dead. Queen Mirellia wanted to discuss what to do with the four heroes in the meeting, correct?"

Bakta folded his arms. "I think there was more to that meeting, but it's something specific to the heroes, so nothing for it." He looks at Raphtalia. "Did you want to learn some more sword techniques for now? I'm not the most skilled swordsman, but I can help develop your form."

"That would be greatly appreciated, Bakta-san. I could barely keep up with Wyndia-chan while sparring thanks to her own technique with a sword."

"Then let's get started if you're rested enough." Bakta picks up the training sword Wyndia was using and walks over to the training area with Raphtalia.

Rino frowned a bit. "Chazon-kun still needs to train his spear skills. The only reason why we haven't bothered is because we were being cautious with the church's shadow hanging over us."

"I'm sure the Queen's army has at least one soldier or knight who can teach him." Welt put a hand on his mouth. "I wonder… is Ren-sama also getting proper sword skills?"

"He's shown more interest in it ever since Wyndia joined our party. I'm not sure why he had a change of heart then." Tersia suddenly smiled mischievously again. "Maybe he subconsciously wants to show off to our party's favorite demi-human?"

"Tersia, I swear on my father's title as Dragon Emperor, you're going to get memory loss from me hitting you so hard if I get my hands on you…" Wyndia clenched her fists, wishing she could catch the fast human.

"Why so coy, Wyndia-san?" Now Kardia was smiling mischievously. "If you really didn't hold any affection towards Ren-sama, you wouldn't be so intent on trying to deny it!" Wyndia's tail bushed in indignation.

Melty sighed before realizing something. "Amber-chan, Filo-chan, did you two want to learn a Drifa class spell as well? I heard you're also something of a magic user as well, Amber-chan, so I figured I would make sure. I know Filo-chan can use magic just fine as well."

"I use my scales more than normal spells in fights. Even so, if it will allow me to help Papa even more, then I'll learn!" Amber rushed over to Melty, humming happily.

"I'll join as well!" Filo piped up as she balanced the incubator on one hand and her other rested on her chest proudly. "I pride myself on being both a physical attacker and a magic attacker!"

Welst watched the three younger girls go back to the mage training spot before noticing that Alay was staring at him intently. "What is it?"

"Were you treating Kardia-san fairly, Welst-kun?"

That got a flinch out of the former Three Heroes Faith disciple. "I have! At least I've been trying to. Old habits really do die hard…"

Kardia decided to be nice to the pink-haired man. "He slipped a few times, but always apologized for it. Change doesn't happen overnight and I can tell he hasn't had much of a chance to interact with friendly demi-humans before now. I'm willing to forgive." Welst breathed a sigh of relief at that with a grateful nod.

"Fuehhh… if o-only Mald-san would d-do the same…"

Kekal's face twisted at the mention of Mald. "I care very little for that man."

Alay crossed her arms with a frown. "I don't get him. He claims to have renounced his faith in the Three Heroes Church, yet he's still acting bigoted and raciest towards demi-humans."

"We'll just have to deal with him when the time comes." Everyone jumped at Ren's voice as he approached. "Our meeting just concluded and we decided on a course of action. Naofumi and I will be infiltrating Castle Town and retaking it from the inside. Naofumi is taking Raphtalia, Filo, and Melty." Ren looks at Obsidian. "Chazon requested that you come along with us as well, Obsidian."

While it hurt a bit to be separated from his Daddy, Obsidian nodded. "If that's what Daddy wants, then I'll do my best for you, Uncle Ren!"

Uncle? Ren shook his head at that before nodding to the Filolial King. "I'm counting on you." He turns to his party. "To keep our group as small as possible, only two others may accompany us. The rest will join Chazon and Itsuki in fighting with the Queen's main force."

"I'll go with you, Ren-sama. Someone has to keep you from going in over your head." Wyndia didn't even hesitate. That remark earned a confused look from the Sword Hero.

Tersia had to bite down the urge to laugh. "I'll go as well. Since stealth is necessary, having quick, fast hitters will be essential."

Farrie nodded at that. "Then the rest of us will follow the other heroes' lead. Just be careful out there. Who knows what you'll find in Castle Town now."

"There's something I need to discuss as well." Itsuki joined the conversation. "We decided that I would make a small team for hit-and-run tactics, since I'm presumed dead by the church." He looks at Rishia. "I know you don't like fighting other people, Rishia, so I want you to support the main army with support and healing spells. Can you do that for me?"

"Fuehhh, I-I'll do my best!"

Itsuki nods at that before looking at Rino and Kekal. "Chazon suggested that both of you join my team. Rino, you're a fast-attacking person so you'd be amazing at doing lots of damage in short periods of time. Kekal, your range and debilitation magic will help us fight and keep pursuers from chasing us down. Are you two okay with that?"

"I won't let you down, Itsuki-sama."

"As long as that dunderhead Mald doesn't join us, then I'm more than happy to lend the support of a Vampire Lord!" Kekal grinned at those words.

"I doubt Mald will be any good with the team's mission statement anyways considering how slow he can be." Itsuki looked around at the rest of his party. "I'll need you all to come with me so that I can strategize with you. What to expect from our roles in the upcoming conflict, so to speak."

"Once Raphtalia is done being trained by Bakta and Princess Melty gets back, we'll get together with Naofumi to discuss with the Queen on how we're infiltrating Castle Town." Ren added. "Until then, make any preparations you feel is necessary. This conflict will be draining on a physical and mental level."

"Way to be overly dramatic, Ren." Chazon had joined the group with a small smirk. "I take it everyone has been apprised of the situation?"

Ren bit back a snarky comeback and nodded. "Bakta, Mald, Melty, Amber, Filo, and Raphtalia are the only ones who haven't been updated."

"Great! We'll be sure to inform them when the time comes. I don't fancy having to work with Mald anymore than I have to, but life can be unfair like that." Chazon looks at his party members. "You guys ready for this?"

Rino nodded. "While I would like to fight by your side, Chazon-kun, I understand that I would be a boon to Itsuki-sama's group." Kekal nods in agreement.

"I'll be sure to spend some more time with you all after everything is said and done." Chazon smiled warmly. "With everything that's been going on, the trip to the hot spring town feels like it happened an eternity ago."

"Don't worry too much, Chazon-sama." Merlay piped up. "I'm sure we'll be able to relax more once we've dismantled the church!"

"Here's hoping." Chazon puts his hand on his mouth for a bit before nodding. "Kekal, Merlay? If we find the time, we'd like to get you two more acquainted with Lerno Village. It was Rino's home village before I was summoned as the Spear Hero and it's our "base" of sorts."

Kekal grinned. "I must see this base of yours to see if it passes muster! I have a very critical eye for things!" That got eyerolls out of everyone present, but no further comments.

Itsuki hummed a bit. "Having a "base" to return to… honestly sounds nice. A place where you're always welcome."

"Itsuki-sama, wouldn't Rishia's village serve our purposes fine?" Alay thought for a moment. "After all, everyone there respects and appreciates you and it's not like it's wanting for resources."

"Fuehhh?!"

Ignoring Rishia's surprised verbal tic, Itsuki nodded. "You're right. Chazon, perhaps you could spare me an Aetheryte Crystal once everything blows over? While I can teleport there any time with my Dragon Era Bow, I feel like it would make it feel a little more like home is close. Plus, even though Return has a long cooldown like the Dragon Era Bow, Teleport is more convenient in allowing you to go at any point at the cost of money."

I suppose Aetheryte Crystals would have that effect. Chazon nods at that. "While I need Aetherytical Magic Crystals to create them, I know of one place that I can potentially mine them from. Ren, did you want one as well?"

Ren thought about it before nodding. "One in Dragon Village sounds nice for the same reasons Itsuki mentioned."

Itsuki gave him an odd look. "Didn't you say the people of Dragon Village still treat you less than a hero?"

"I honestly prefer it that way. It was my mistake that-"

"Ren-sama, that's quite enough from that line of thought." Wyndia stopped the Sword Hero from self-deprecating any more than he already has.

Rino felt an instant connection with the demi-human. You're just like me trying to keep Chazon-kun from self-depreciating. He hasn't been doing it as much lately, but I like to keep it from happening period.

Ren sighed at that before giving Wyndia a pat on the head. "You're right. Time spent feeling down on yourself could be better spent on more productive things." Wyndia was doing her best not to blush and wag her tail at the contact, but couldn't help it. Tersia and Kardia both smiled mischievously at the sight.

Some time later, Chazon was relaxing inside of his tent that he set up. The Queen said that he was allowed to set it up by hers since he was a Cardinal Hero and there wasn't much room elsewhere besides on the outskirts. Which is a bit more dangerous with the threat of the church looming overhead.

He had searched for a soldier who could teach him more advanced spear combat. Sadly he found out that, outside of filling a few holes in his current techniques, nobody present had mastered the spear. Mirellia mentioned that she could finagle something for him once the capital was retaken.

Since he couldn't refine his spear technique, he decided to read up on the help guide page on Gunlances. Apparently the shells can do more than just fire out of the barrel. They can also be used to enhance certain skills with more explosive force. An example given to him was combining Explosive Mortar Rounds with Fire Spear to create an even bigger blast of fire on impact. The downsides are that movement is limited with Gunlances, throwing skills are disabled, and movement skills are impossible to use.

Definitely a spear type meant for either front-line tanking or long-range artillery support.

He also made sure to check over his Spear Web now that he's unlocked Ren and Itsuki's strengthening methods. He noted that he had already built up mastery with a good chunk of weapons he used consistently in the past like the Cyclops Mauler Claw Glave. He converted their mastery into energy and awakened some of his spears, including the Soul Eater's Glave and Stone Golem Spear, while increasing the rarity of them. After using the ores he could on them, he started equipping various other ores for stat increases..

Soul Eater Glave +6 (5/30) (Awakened) UC, Mastery 1%

Equip Bonus: ATK bonus (high), MAG bonus (medium), AGI bonus (medium), Dark resist bonus (low), SP-drain resist bonus (low), 'Double Spear'

Special effect: ATK up (high), MAG up (high), Soul-drain attack (low), Null drain

Item Enchantment +3, Enchantment effect: ATK bonus (very low), Human attack bonus (3%), Dark damage bonus (5%)

While Chazon hadn't used his Soul Eater Glave much, he did note a substantial increase to its stats alongside the enhanced Special effects. Double Spear is interesting, considering it makes the next skill used go off twice in succession.

His Stone Golem Spear which he had been using since the very beginning on the other hand:

Stone Golem Spear +8 (10/15) (Awakened) R, Mastery 100%

Equip Bonus: ATK bonus (medium), DEF bonus (high), MDEF bonus (high)

Special effect: ATK up (low), DEF up (high), MDEF up (high), AGI penalty (high), 'Spear Drive', Guard up

Item Enchantment +4, Enchantment effect: DEF bonus (very low), MDEF bonus (very low), Pierce Resistance bonus (7%) Beast attack bonus (6%), Fire resist bonus (2%)

Guard up, huh? I'm willing to bet that means I can block more powerful attacks with the spear's shaft guard.

Chimera Dragon Spear +5 (5/30) (Awakened) UC, Mastery 45%

Equip bonus: ATK bonus (low), MAG bonus (high), MDEF bonus (medium), Fire resist bonus (medium), 'Fire Spear', Dragon attack up (low)

Special effect: MAG up (medium), MDEF up (medium), AGI penalty (high), Fire-aspected attack (medium)

Item Enchantment +2, Enchantment effect: AGI up (very low), Healing potency bonus (low), Water resist bonus (3%)

After converting some of his items and some more mastery in other, unused spears into energy, he was able to eke out one stat bonus with Bonus Status Levels, focusing on magic for the time being.

Magic Job Level: 5/5

Job Level up! Magic +1

Magic Job Level 2

To say Chazon was disappointed with the result was underselling it considering what he had used up to achieve it. He figured he would try to increase it again to see if the gains were exponential like Itsuki said, but saw that the system was on cooldown like he warned. Opting to look into it another time, he converted mastery and other items he didn't need into energy for future use.

With this… I'm even more powerful than before. Yet all this does is worry me if I'm expected to have such power.

"Chazon-kun?" Chazon looks up and sees Rino entering the tent. "Are you feeling alright?"

"For the most part. Sucks that I'm unable to develop my techniques, but I'm even more worried about the conflict ahead. Between Naofumi and Ren infiltrating enemy territory without any other backup and our fight with the church's main army, it's going to be tough going forward."

"Mhm." Rino sits down and cuddles up to Chazon. "I just hope that we can come out of it unscathed for the most part…"

"Indeed…" Chazon remembered something he wanted to discuss with her. "Could I ask you something, Rino?"

"Yes?"

"Do you… how do I word this. Do you know anything about vampire demi-humans?"

"If you're talking about the fact that they mark their mates by biting their necks, yes." Rino leaned her head into Chazon. "And before you say anything, I was willing even then to let Kekal in."

"Why? Did you learn something about her?"

"Well… not just about her, but about your… privileges as a hero."

That got a sigh out of the Spear Hero. "Are you talking about my… privilege of taking multiple wives?"

Rino looked at him in surprise. "When did you find out?"

"Fitoria told me the other day when she mentioned that I should… "get my love life in order" or something like that. Even so, you're oddly accepting of that despite us becoming a couple before either of us found out about it."

There was a long silence before Rino sighed. "Because I know you, Chazon-kun. You're willing to give out all your love and expect nothing in return. And that's not even getting into how you sometimes think down on yourself." She gives him a solemn look. "I was with you when despair was tearing you apart after the duel. And I never want you to go down that path ever again. That's why… the more people who genuinely love you, the more I can prove that you'll never be alone."

It was Rino who unlocked Love's Javelin back then. If I somehow formed a Spirit Bond with all of my party members, then would she be affected by that the same way Amber is affected by the Spear of Hope? If so… I guess it would explain why she's so readily accepting on matters of love…

"Even if you have to… for lack of better terms, "share" me with them?"

"Yes." There was no hesitation on Rino's part. "And I know that everyone else loves you dearly as well. When we learned of your privileges from Queen Mirellia, we all agreed to always love you, no matter what."

That made Chazon blush and he rubbed the back of his head. "How am I supposed to respond to that? I feel like trying to be a good spouse to EVERYONE would stretch me thin. And that's not even getting into the values I carried with me from my other world."

"Values?"

"In my world, harems and polygamies are heavily frowned upon in most cultures, including my old one. They always tried to emphasize the value and sanctity of two-person marriages. Even with me knowing I can marry you all, I can't just accept it right aways." Chazon squeezes his eyes shut. "Then there's also the fact that I see Rifana and Kardia as my daughters, Merlay as a very good friend, and Kekal as someone I'm slowly warming up to. Just because I have this new information doesn't mean I'm going to accept it as our new arrangement. I apologize, but I'm not going to change my mind anytime soon..."

Rino cuddled up to Chazon's chest. "Even then, I won't give up on changing your mind, even with your obstinate attitude. I have no doubt that everyone won't give up on loving you like I do and I'll support them as well. I don't care how long it takes, we'll all become the family you love in more ways than one."

There was silence before Chazon huffed with a mixture of irritation and tiredness. The whole situation was of great annoyance to him, yet he couldn't get up in arms over it with Rino. "I can't win against you, can I?" I wonder if it was like this for my father, discounting the different societal values.

"Not as long as I need to be by your side." Rino gave him a knowing smile.

"Honestly… I wouldn't mind you being by my side all the time." That got Rino blushing as Chazon gave her a small smirk. He quickly noted a large shadow behind the flaps of his tent and cleared his throat. "Probably would be better than snooping in on other people's conversations. AM I RIGHT, GIRLS?!"

A bunch of surprised cries rang out as Rifana, Kardia, Merlay, and Kekal all tumbled through, their presence exposed. Kardia grinned nervously. "Perhaps we can explain?"

"Perhaps, provided you explain why you're eavesdropping on our conversation. How long have you girls been doing that?"

Rifana managed to get up first. "Ever since Rino-chan mentioned how you give out all your love and expect none in return."

"Rifana-chan!" Kekal pouted at that.

"As for why we're eavesdropping… well not only was it Kardia's idea, but… we wanted to know if… well, you knew about your privileges." Merlay continued for Rifana.

Kardia looked exasperated at being exposed like that before sighing. "Okay… I'll admit it. Though I am surprised at hearing the fact that you see me and Rifana-chan as your daughters."

"I'm not as forward about it as I am with Amber and Obsidian. I also now know why you all, sans Kekal, were being overly affectionate with me before despite Rino and I being an official couple." Chazon let out a sigh. "And you girls also know that it's going to be a severe uphill battle for me to willingly accept it."

"We know that, but we'd like to try regardless!" Kardia was done being exasperated. "Besides, love is never without its difficulties. Through fire and ice, we'll do our best to weather it all! Rifana and I will prove that we can be more than just daughters to you!" She and Rifana weren't disheartened by the fact that Chazon saw them in that way. If anything, it made the both of them even more determined to overcome that wall.

Merlay was initially disheartened upon hearing that she was seen as just a good friend, but seeing Kardia's determination made her perk up as well. "I might be seen as a friend for now, but I'll reach you as a lover someday as well!"

That got a small grimace out of Chazon. They don't look like they're going to give up on their course… I need to find a way to convince them otherwise somehow...

Rino smiled at their declarations and thought for a moment. "Perhaps some ground rules regarding this going forward would be succinct?"

Kekal nods at that with a wide smile. "But of course. Otherwise it would probably devolve into chaos."

Chazon lets out a few exasperated noises at the whole situation, very clearly irritated now. I hate where this is going, yet I can't even get mad at the girls for it because I can tell they genuinely love me. I swear, I'm going to find whoever told them and SCREAM at them for it.

Merlay thought for a moment. "Let's at least lay them out if only to avoid confrontations. To start, rule number 1 could be to never interrupt another girl's time with Chazon-sama? Even if he doesn't see all of us as lovers, it still wouldn't be fair if one person was hogging all of the attention."

Kardia nodded before she got an idea. "Rule number 2: simple actions like cuddling are only allowed if Chazon-sama's time isn't already preoccupied by another girl. That way, we can still get some affection even if it's not quite yet our turn for his attention."

"That could lead nicely into rule number 3!" Kekal of all people said. "No fighting for affection! Rifana-chan was just updating me on something and I realized that if we want to share Chazon-kun, we have to love each other as well!" Kekal was already aware of her own up-hill battle, but she wasn't about to back down. She marked Chazon for a reason and she wasn't about to abandon her feelings on the matter.

Chazon exasperation at the girls making decisions without his input was sky-high, though he was slightly surprised at Kekal. I really did underestimate Kekal… I would have brought it up myself, but she beat me to the punch. Maybe vampires are secretly savvy to things like this?

Rifana gave Kekal an astonished look. "I never thought of it that way because I thought we all got along pretty well even before this."

Wait… thinking on it, Rifana has a point. How did we get this far without any severe internal conflicts?

Kardia clears her throat. "Since we're going to be adapting to this together, it would still be prudent to keep those three rules in mind. After this conflict with the church is settled, we can stop worrying about the more serious stuff."

Chazon rubbed his forehead tiredly. "Honestly… I'd like for things to go back how they were before this whole thing began…" He gives the girls a hard stare. "For the record, just because I know my "privilages" and you girls are making little rules, without my input I may add, I'm not going to be changing my mind. I'm sorry, but that's how it is."

Regardless of the absurdity of it all and my annoyance over it, I wonder how things will go on this front. Even if they all know they can share me, will someone start wanting a bigger piece of the pie than the others? Only time will tell.

The girls saw Chazon relapse into thinking of them as regular party members again and all of them mentally sighed. They definitely had their work cut out for them, unlike what Queen Mirellia thought would happen.