Author Note: Wow, i'm surprise to see this story get so many favorites and likes in just couple of weeks! And for that, here's the new chapter for you!
The Heroines were led into white marble throne room, a red carpet leading up to a platform where two ornate golden thrones with red plush seating sat. On the right side of the throne was the king they had seen earlier in the painting outside, and the left side throne was oddly empty, as the owner of the seat they assumed was the queen was nowhere to be seen.
"S-so, you six are... the ancient heroes of legend?" Asked the king with a bright red face, who stared wide-eyed at the group of heroines. "You all... had an appearance i couldn't imagine."
That was all the king could say, and truly described the scene before him. Even the advisors, a groups nobles, and the knights that standing in room, were having the same thought and expression when they finally laid their eyes on their supposed "heroes".
Earlier, it had come to their attention that the summoned party was now making their way towards the throne room. The news had come along with rumors faster than any runner or even horse could have hoped to achieve; and that is how they summoned a beautiful female heroes instead of a male heroes, and how did 6 of them appear at once, which something that really didn't happen in their history record.
But the thing that most occupants of the room focus on... is what those Heroines was "wearing".
"I bet the Mages or the Priest is having a dirty thought when summoning them." Whispered one of the noble mens to his peers, as the latters nodding in agreement while ogling the Heroines appearance.
The noble womens, however, have different opinion than their noble males peers. "Are they summoning a whores or something?" One of them inquire while staring at the Heroines with twitchy eyes or frowned look.
They always thought that Legendary heroes wore noble armor, which would withstand any attack thrown by their enemies. The heroes who marched into the battlefield with stout bodies as they fought against the forces of darkness. A hero who helps the weak to the point of sacrificing his body if needed.
Instead, what they saw was a bunch of skimpy swimsuit girls who looked like they came from the beach... or they were prostitutes trying their luck to become heroes.
The king returned to his demeanor, though it was hard not to focus too much on the appearance of the heroine group. "A-anyway! I welcome you heroes to my land Melromarc, and also as ruler of this kingdom, Aultcray Melromarc XXXII." He introduce himself while slightly bowed his head. "It was nice to meet you all, Legendary Heroes!"
"The pleasure it's mine and my friends too, your majesty." Rias replied while slightly bowed too, followed by the rest of her teammates. The very action causing their breast to bounce. "Though i was hoping that our meeting has different circumstances than this."
The king, Aultcray Melromarc, let out a fake cough to try to focus on the situation. He tried his best not to ogling on those shapely Heroines. "P-pardon me for asking this, but..." He stuttered while pointing to the group's appearance. "What made all of you wear... that kind of appearance?"
Hearing that question, the Heroine's group (save for Nami) tried to cover their almost naked bodies who were currently only wearing their bikinis. It didn't help either since most of the occupants in the room were dominated by males, as they looking at them with perverted gazes.
"Well, that's because YOUR friends summoned us while we were enjoying our free time on the beach, perverts!" Answered Mai in annoyance with reddened cheeks.
"I-i was about to change my clothes after a photo shoot at the beach, a-and then this bright light su-suddenly enveloped me and I was here." Sonico said while shyly trying to cover her exposed body from the lecherous gaze of the occupants of the large room. "Oohh, this is so embarrassing!"
Nami just shrugging her shoulder in nonchalantly. "I don't know about you gals, but i don't see any problem with my attire here." She said while striking seductive pose, which making her large breast jiggling, to occupants of the large room. "In fact, i will gladly charges anyone 100,000 Berry to each person for seeing me like this!"
As on cue, one of the Noble mens came forward with a perverted smile. "I don't know why you need so many berries, but if I could see that beautiful body of yours, I would gladly give everything!" He exclaimed. "Gold, jewel, clothes, anything you want! Hell, i can take you home and I'll give you the lavish service like Queen Mirelia herself!"
BONK!!
He was silenced by his angry wife, by hitting his head until it bumped like those scene in anime, and was knocked out instantly.
Ignoring such comical commotion, the king continued. "I-i truly apologize for my impudence in ordering my Mage and Priest while summoning you... at an inopportune time." He said with slight embarrassment. "However, the matter of the urgent and dire catastrophe that will soon befall our world leaves me with no other choice but to summon you, legendary heroes."
King Aultcray explained that this world was in danger of some catastrophic phenomena called "the Waves of Calamity", when extradimensional tears open up, letting legions of demonic creatures invade and kill everyone. Their best defenders barely were able to fend off the first of them because they weren't prepared. Heck, they thought the Dragon Sand Hourglass, a device that marked the time between the Waves of Calamity, was just playing a trick on them, and it cost a lot.
And due to the escalating nature of the Waves, they decided to summon the Cardinal Heroes, the only ones with the power necessary to repel, and possibly eradicate the Waves once and for all from their world. At least, that was what legends say.
After the explanation of what they would be dealing with later had ended, King Aultcray noticed that the Heroines had different reactions in their faces while falling silent. "Is there a problem, lady Heroes?" The king asked.
Rias then stepped up to the king. "Forgive me for saying this, your majesty. But I think there are a few things that I'm sure my teammates and I here have the same thoughts on." She said with regal and calm tone. "Even though we understand about your problem, there is the fact that we were basically conscripted by some foreign power to deal with something more appropriate for the army such as your kingdom."
Before king Aultcray could spoke, he was quickly cut off by Rias. "Not only that, kidnapping is usually considered a crime in most countries and even other world. And given that royalty such myself and my other teammates was involved in this, well..." She slightly pause, giving the king a serious glint eyes. "Let just say that our family wouldn't take that kindly. I can't imagine what would happen if they could find us here like this."
Celia stepped forward too. "Since we were brought against our will to an unknown country by a sovereign we did not recognize, we're not obliged to give loyalty to you or anyone of this world for that matter. Not until we can fully trust you and knowing more about this world first." She said while giving the king a steeled gaze. "So aside from the fear of death and civilian casualties, why should we stand by you?"
Everyone who had been awkward seeing the heroines appearance in the room exploded with panicked worried voices, terrified of their savior refusing to save them from the destruction of their world. Then all the restlessness was stopped thanks to a signal from the king of Aultcray who raised his right hand to silence them.
"I… understand." King Aultcray began, solemnly staring at the party. "Being forced into a strange world to fight for it must not be easy. The truth is, we also have no control of the summoning ritual... For that, i'm truly apologize." He bowed his head. "We also in the desperate time too, as war may also break out from both the chaos and old grudges reaching a breaking point. Our people is still suffering from the effects of the first Wave and it will become even more difficult to repair damages. So please, i beg all of you..."
To the surprise of everyone, King Aultcray, while clenched his fist, bowed deeply to the Heroines. "PLEASE! I implore you, O mighty ladies heroes, save our world!"
Like other occupants in the room, few of the Heroines also genuinely surprise by the king's pleading attitude. This Waves of Calamity must've been a serious threat if these people were desperate to summon those from different worlds to help them. Seeing this, some of them began to be moved to help, even though some of them had limitations in their abilities.
However, some of their members, like Rias, wasn't really affected by the atmosphere situations. There was something odd that struck the long crimson haired girl's mind after listening to the king's explanation, which she signaled to her other teammates to gather around.
"Before we begin, does anyone have a thought about this?" Rias whispered to other girls. Being unofficial leader of this new teams, it was important to hear about the members opinion first before delve into the matter. Something she always applies in her world when she does a missions with her "Occult club'" members.
"I think we should help them first." Aki respond with pity softened face. "I'd love to return home but... I'd feel guilty if I left these people to their fate."
"Yeah, i feel bad if just let an innocent people to die. It's really sickening and wrong to let them like that." Said Mai agreement. Though her face told otherwise, as she having conflicted feeling. "Still, there is this one thing that bugging me after that king tell that story..."
"He was lying." Nami bluntly stated, making some of the girls staring at her in bewilderment. "Actually, not all of the things he said are lies, but I can see from his attitude and explanation that he seems to be hiding some important things from us." She said while slightly glanced towards King Aultcray. "Though I admit it affected me, but in my line of work, I can't accept something without a deeper knowledge of what it is."
"H-how'd you know he was lying, Nami-san?" Asked Sonico curiously. The spear (or staff, as Nami told her and other) wielder woman really reminded her of her masked manager who had a sharp intuition for judging things.
"Well, remember earlier when I told you girls that my crew and I met two nice nobles?" She asked to her teammates, which the group nodded. "Let's just say that those two noble families were the only ones my comrade and I could meet, while the others... weren't very nice. And most of them almost killed me and my crewmates if only one of us didn't see their trick." She explained with frowned look. "So believe me when I say that you should be wary of accepting a job from a stranger, no matter how good they are in front of your eyes."
"Yet you were so excited when you wanted to get paid earlier." Retorted Mai with deadpan look at Nami, making the latter scratching her left cheek and grinning sheepishly.
Sighing wearily, Rias then said, "I think i have to agree with Nami here. We know nothing about this world, especially its geography, customs, or policy." With squinted eyes, she take a glance to the king and other that associate with him. "They could either subtly manipulate us through ignorance... or just make us submit through numbers alone."
"Right. Despite all that explanation, we're still in the dark." Said Celia while nodded. "If i had to suggest, until we have a proper plan, we have to compromise and follow their game for a while."
After discussing quietly with each other for a few minutes, the Heroines finally nodded in agreement with one another. Knowing that they had someone they could trust watching after their back while they were trapped in this world, was a grace they would not waste.
"Your Majesty," Rias addressed, while she and her teammates turning around to face the king. "After discussing it with my companions, we–" She stopped when she saw something strange in the king. "Ehh... Your Majesty?"
King Aultcray quickly composed himself to his regal demeanor when he was being called. Though, to Rias and her other teammates disgust, they can clearly see the king was ogling at her and her teammates a second ago.
"Y-yes, lady Bow Hero? Is there anything you and your fellow heroes need to accept our request?" Asked King Aultcray with slight blush, clearly trying to hide his embarrassment after staring the Heroines bikini-clad body.
With a sigh, and while trying to ignore the ruler perverse nature, Rias then spoke her and teammates wants. "Well, after discussing it with my companions, we decided to help you world problem. Though we have some conditions about it."
"Of course, If you would." Replied King Aultcray, seemingly completely prepared for this situation. Beside him, his advisor pulling out a paper and ink quill as he also preparing to take some note of the Heroines demands.
"Alright, the first is information." Said Rias with calm posture, while crossing her arms under he boobs, causing them to be more pronounced. "We have no idea about this world, so we would want to know more about it before we can take this Wave problem, and taking us back to each of our home after this crisis was solved."
"Well, according to legends and its records, the Legendary Weapons will transport everyone to their world of origin once the Waves are stopped." Answered King Aultcray. "Though if you want more information, you'll have to ask the Church. Even I don't have the authority necessary to access their records without permission." He then quickly added. "But i will gladly offer you my royal library for you research. However, there are sections you're not permitted to be. Nothing personal. It's just a matter of national security."
Rias raising her eyebrows in suspicious at hearing the last part. As Nami predicted, the ruler is obviously hiding something that is definitely important things, and he seemingly wanted to keep it that way in order to control her and others.
Still, she playing it along as she began to inquire again. "Next, What support can we expect from your kingdom?"
"We have assembled adventurers in order to assist you in whatever you need. You'll also receive a mensual, as well as an initial sum, for any expenses. You'll also have free authorization to accept any Guild quest." King Aultcray answered with genuinely smile, which Rias found it suspicious. "And by royal decree, you'll be permitted to seize any asset as long as it's within reason, like an emergency. And during the Waves, you'll have support from our armed forces."
"Now that's a damn lot of help, king!" Nami spoke up in amazement, with glimmering wide smile in her face. "I really like when you mentioned that payment part. That making me wanted to take this job more seriously."
"Mind telling me why we have someone like her in our team?" Asked Mai with flat look, which making the other girls like Aki and Sonico chuckled awkwardly, while calm one like Celia shaking her head in dismay.
"Anything for my kingdom, lady Spear Hero." King Aultcray responded with heartful laugh. "So, anything else to add, milady heroes?"
Rias turned to the others to confirm the king said, but she didn't see her teammates making any more apparent questions. "No, we're just good." She said with small nod. "I think we can sort this out from here, your majesty."
"Very well. Then please take this time to reaffirm your status!" King Aultcray motioned the party to show their games status system, which they already find out about it.
"Oh, you mean our status level?" Said Rias with knowing smile. "We have seen and learned about it, thanks to the help of one of your servants who summoned us to your world earlier."
"Oh, ehh... I think it's time for you to inform us of your names instead, O mighty lady heroes!" King Aultcray gestured for the party to introduce themselves instead, while covering up the awkwardness just now.
One by one the girls introduce themselves to the king and the audience in the room. Although the awkwardness was still felt due to the appearance worn by that group of Heroines.
As the introductory session reached Mai, Rias then notice something odd with the king gaze when he laid his eyes at the former, especially towards the Shield the girl wear. It may have been minuscule and short, but for crimson haired girl, who's used fighting a cunning opponents, it didn't escape her notice.
After some small word from King Aultcray, the ruler finally let them into the room that had been reserved for their arrival.
"Congratulations, my Lord. We have all–" The adviser stopped in his words as he stared at what his king was doing. "Umm... my lord?"
"Uhh, Y-yes? You have something to say, Morris?" Said the embarrassment king Aultcray, as he wiping out his nosebleed with a cloth after his meeting with those scantily-clad heroines.
Minutes after summoned Heroines and most of the court exited the throne room, Aultcray finally letting out his embarrassing "lust side" that he had been holding back. He had never felt such sexual desire since the days he had won his wife's heart and wanted... sex with her.
Never in his life he thought so shameful like that.
"W-well, i wish to congratulate you on the success of your plan, my lord." The adviser, Morris, praised King Aultcray while trying to ignore the awkward sight. "We have all the Heroes, or should i say Heroines, in our hands. We can proceed with our next step!"
"I wouldn't be so sure, Morris." King Aultcray said with slight wary tone. "These... Heroines are not what we expected from the record."
So far those Heroines had shown themselves to be unlike anything anyone could have expected. King Aultcray original plan had been to have the four, if two other odd extra can be included, to his right. Of course, the damned Shield bearer (despite how good looking she is) would be fourth place, as far from him as possible without appearing to be a further snub. That plan was thrown out the window following the Spear Heroine, Rias Gremory, display intelligent of making deal with him, and who seemed to be in league with the shield wielder and her other party members.
"Indeed, my lord. Aside from their... shameful garments they only wear when they were summoned here, i think those Heroines are unlike anything I've seen before." Spoke Morris in agreement, while still imagining the appearance of the female heroes that made him have a red tinge on his cheeks. "They're not naive warriors that could be easily swayed with nice promises. They may have been caught surprised and misinformed from the situation, but most of them acted with experience."
"Yes, especially the Bow Heroine, Rias Gremory..." Said King Aultcray in deep contemplate. "If what she said its true of her and the Sword Heroine being a noble, then that mean they have also experienced the same thing and handled it as expertly as before."
As someone who is trained by the best combat teacher, and once went to war against Siltvelt as the Staff Hero, Aultcray learned how to feel the battle presence of his opponents, and to lesser degree, monster aura. So it wasn't surprising for him to be able to clearly see the fighting prowess and aura that each of these swimsuit heroines possessed.
While most of these heroines have the same level as typical guild adventures parties, only two out of the six of them possessed the battle presence and immense aura that make Aultcray himself had to admit was stunned; Rias Gremory who wields the legendary bow, and Mai Kawakami... the wielder of the damned shield.
'That Shield demon...' Thought Aultcray in disgust and hatred, while gripping his throne armrest. But like her combat power and aura that could be clearly seen by him, the king had to admit that the girl wielding the Shield had a beautiful figure to look at. Her yellow bikini she was wearing also adding the perfection on her curvaceous body.
... It was good thing his wife was not here to witness what he had done. Not only he will get scolding, but also a terrifying wrath from her for carrying out the ritual summoning of the Cardinal Heroes without her and from the other kingdoms' consent... And also summoned girls with revealing clothes that looked like prostitutes from urban slums.
"Ugh, Let's hope my dear Mirelia doesn't find this and kill me." King Aultcray said while sighing wearily. "This summoning wasn't dictated in any international treaty, so I may have given her a lot of work to avoid war." He added. "At the very least, this will give us more time for a grand plan of using those female heroes for our next use."
Morris nodded in agreement of his king idea. "Yes, we even have the Church to support in this plan, your Majesty." The advisor stated. "So don't worry if the Shield Demon tries something suspicious, we have the Shield under surveillance, so any crimes she may commit will be recorded so she won't escape her due punishment!"
"Please, don't bring those fanatic into this." Replied King Aultcray while pinching his nose. Even though he and "the Church" in question had the same views towards shield wielders and one of the countries the despised the most, the latter demanded less than expected but at the same time, more. "We both may hate the damned Shield and the demi-humans races, but the zeal they demonstrate its... Too much for my taste."
"I-indeed, not even Faubrey country was that fanatic." Morris shuddered. "They also have been pestering us to give them more power than we could giving them."
"That is why we should try not to involve them too much in our plans. I would hate it if I saw them jeopardize the plans we had been built for so long before the summoning." King Aultcray said while getting up from his throne seat. "Now if you excuse me, i will have some long nice eyes shut in my bed for my upcoming event for those Heroines tomorrow."
Before King Aultcray could take another step into his bedroom, he suddenly stopped and turned to his adviser with a blushing face. "And Lastly... Have some of our servants to fetch some clothes for those Heroines. I'm still wondering if any of our Priests or Mages have such dirty thoughts that the ladies are dressed like that."
Unbeknownst to both the king and the adviser, and even the knights that guarding them in that throne room, a mysterious figure was secretly observing them from behind in a dark corner of the room.
"... Time to get this news to others." The figure spoke with feminine voice, as it sulk back into the darkness behind it.
One of the knights in the room swore seeing a glimpse of crimson thing in one corner of the room, but then he dismissed it as a trick of his eyes and continued his work.
TO BE CONTINUED...
Author Note: Ugh! Do you know how hard it was for me to write this story with one hand?! Not only my brain that's overheated thinking about the storyline, but I have to go back and forth to the bathroom to calm myself down and change my wet pants!?
... Lol! Just kidding~ (I guess XD)
Anyway, i will going to stop the story here and using this as my reference (or just copy-paste some of its paragraph) for my other ROTSH crossover project. Again, afterall, this is just my experiment story to see how good it is for me to make ROTSH crossover story.
But you guys don't have to worry about this story not getting another Chapter or dead, or something like that. I will try to keep this story continued, as i see this one getting many likes and favorites from you all. Though, don't expect for a fast update since, AGAIN, this is just experiment story.
Please, leave review and critics~! :)