Chapter 15: Compassion and Passion
A/N: Bit longer than I wanted for the update but the crowd asked for Nafoumi X Raphtalia and that is what shall be delivered and shall be proceeding from the start.
Naofumi felt the secondary presence in the room, the air was filled with a ripe stench that was unfamiliar too him but the shudders that rolled off from the person standing beside his bed was almost overwhelming, he'd been trying to go to sleep but the castle was being assailed by loud roars and shaking with the occasional scream of which he could point to a person and a crazed beast that wore the skin a human were obvious.
Yet as rest did not come to him… clearly someone else had. " Mah… Masta… Master" The voice spoke tepidly through heavy breaths.
"Raphtalia!?" The Hero wasn't sure of what he could do in the situation but as he turned to address her he saw that something was off. The Tanuki that he had raised was standing there, face flushed, eyes trembling, hands holding onto her body as if to keep herself from falling apart. One hand slipped between the thin nightgown she wore holding the area just above her waist.
She jumped for him, her arms wrapping around her master as her legs locked on either side of his. The rough touch of her knuckles and dragging of her nails through his hair made him wince but he didn't attempt to throw her off him as he could hear the deep panting of her mouth, his ear could feel the wetness of her air along with the heavy need it gave off.
He wanted to push away any such feeling of desire as just a non-matter but the old words of the Mage who was probably half the cause for the situation sprang into his mind. 'All creatures are sensitive to their Queen, even if they don't know it. They all feel what she feels, her magical presence dominates them whether she wants it too or not.'
"Hey," He spoke calmly, bringing his hands up to ever so gently touch his Tanuki but she tensed up at the moment of contact. "Shh, it's okay. You can take a few breaths. You're just feeling Chise's aura okay."
Her grip tightened around him, "I… I know. But, But I- I want you master!" Pushing her weight forwards she fell atop Naofumi who was caught off guard and while he could overpower her he was still a little weak, the use of blood sacrifice was still affecting him even after all this time. Her heavy panting continued as she moved to his neck and she licked at the exposed skin.
"You… you didn't see me as… a more than a child Mas-Master." Her tongue was replaced with some small nips at his skin. Her hands moved from his head to his shirt, her nails digging into the shirt and began to tear it open.
"Raphtalia!" He shouted and almost panicked as he pushed her up and away from him, "Raphtalia! Calm down this isn't you!" The Shield Hero could feel himself stirring in a way he did not like, she was his ward in his mind. A child that had grown up quickly but still but a child, one that he had a responsibility to protect and care for. This-! This situation was not what he wanted.
The raccoon girl felt her eyes tearing up as she held onto his shirt, her body shaking all over as rolling emotions came and went. "I know! I know it isn't me!" She shouted her head falling down as she felt tears forming at the edges of her eyes. "You think I don't realize that, that I can't figure out that it's all because Chise and Elias are currently being intimate right now isn't making me go crazy?" She took in a breath as her body still shuddered, "I'm not a little girl… and I feel all of the love and desire that Chise is experiencing and I want that too." Her head lifted up, her face completely red. There were so many feelings going in and out of her she couldn't picture which one's she was feeling. Her heart was beating in her chest, her body was tingling, and her eyes were watering, nothing about how she was supposed to feel made sense, except who she could trust these feelings with.
Who could reciprocate and understand her better than Chise?
It was the man who had saved her, raised her, and loved her when no one else would. Naofumi just had to understand it knowing that her feelings were hers and hers alone. "Please… Don't push me away right now. I've been through so much… Please just let me share this night with you, even if you don't feel the same about me. Tonight I just want to feel, I just want to be loved by just you!" Her head dipped forwards, shocking Naofum and catching his lips. It was just wet pressure, the act of sharing something so close with another person.
He remained on his back still stunned as his Tanuki kept her lips atop his. No movement, just the tingle of joined skin. But she stopped and pulled back and as she did tears rolled down her cheeks and onto his own face. "Don't push me away… please master Naofumi."
"But… But I raised you, cared for you like a daughter. I- I shouldn't be doing anything like this with you and…" He wanted to open up further to explain about when he was able to leave, when he returned back to his own world. What would that do to her, if he shared this moment with her how would it be when he was gone forever from her life?
Yet Raphtalia came back again, more desperate and weakening the resolve of Naofumi who felt the touch of erect nipples through her nightgown against his ripped shirt. The musk of an aroused woman atop him, a beautiful woman who did care for him and one that he loved -but not in this sort of situation- like a parent or brother. But she persisted and then her tongue moved forwards and flcked against his closed mouth. Tempting… taunting… teasing? Eyes squeezed shut with her breath almost being held completely in as she asked for his answer.
She felt the trail of his fingers run alongside her head and cup her cheek rubbing alongside her face as if to console her. His lips parted and Raphtalia pushed their lips tighter, her tongue shooting into his mouth to take advantage and caressed his tongue with her own.
Perhaps he wanted to protest, maybe to yell or shout, yet as she sought to ravish his mouth. The Hero was but still a man, with a beautiful demi-human, one eager to please and be pleased by him. Not out of control, but out of her desire… So he damned both of them and his hand wove through her auburn hair and pulled her tightly to him. Theri chests pressed together as his other hand held to her back.
Inexperienced and clumsy, their tongues waltzed together, sometimes they broke apart still panting only to begin hungrily kissing each other again in deep earnest. She moaned into his mouth as she tore away at his shirt, he pulled down the straps to her nightgown which was flung to the edge of the bed. Her ears tweaked as Naofumi grasped herhips and with a little pressure rolled her over onto her back, "Master…" She breathed her mouth smiling eagerly as he overtook her.
His head moved to breathe in the smell of her hair and then he divulged a small fetish or perhaps desire and his nose breathed warm air over her ears making the Demi-human shiver as they were sensitive, but he took it one step further and softly took it in his teeth. She squeaked but covered her mouth with one hand as the other grabbed at her master's back. The slow drag of coarse teeth and a tickle of his wet tongue was a whole unique situation to her.
"Did you like that?"
"Mhnmm," She nodded earnestly, holding back her moans and cries with her deep red face.
He gave her a smile, "Don't be ashamed, and pulled away her hand from her mouth and repeated the same on her other ear. A gasp came as she held herself from moaning as he teased her sensitive ears. Her tail thrashing between her legs and upwards into his thighs as he stimulated what he had once guessed would be a weakness of hers.
Her legs tried to kick and push but it was only a half hearted gesture as her eyes closed and she cried out, legs locking up and hips arching into the air. Everything seemed to seize up as she screamed and Naofumi felt the dampness spreading against his boxers before she collapsed back onto the bed in a heap.
Leaving a light kiss on her ears he moved to kiss her again, sharing a soft swap of their tongues as he didn't wish to rush things, the mental image of him being like Elias and the crazy story he had told him and how he shared his first time with Chise was just- No, No. He didn't need that and he somewhat hoped that this might be enough to have Raphtalia calm down and maybe rethink things… But they still were kissing each other tenderly for several minutes until she smiled into his mouth. "I think," she planted a small peck against him, "I have." another, "A good treat." More, "For you." She pushed him onto his back and straddled him, her hands gently resting against his chest while her moist thighs rocked against his boxers which were showing an obvious strain and their own dark wet spot.
"Raphtalia… you don't-" She put a finger to his lips.
"Shh, let me show you how much I love you Naofumi… my master." She told him one hand pulling down his boxers but instead of her hand following she wrapped her tail around his cock and ever so gently stroked it between a sea of soft hair sweeping up and down the very sensitive Hero.
A light and firm pressure ran up and down his body as he experienced something that he had no word to describe. Each one of the smooth hairs rolled up his body and as he did he felt something else. It wasn't just hair but there was oil perhaps mixed into her tailcoat. It was almost wet in a way that made him groan, but Raphtalia brought one of her hands back as she sat atop his chest straddling him, her hand also added into the mix of pulling at the crown of his manhood and working her fingers all over that rigid skin, her nails dragging ever gently along each curve and veing making him hiss as it hurt so good.
It didn't take long, before his jaw clenched and his eyes snapped shut. Raphtalia's hand was completely shot with several thick gouts of his seed all over her hand, yet the demi human smiled and kept pumping forcing a few more rivulets to come out covering her fingers in sticky trails and her tail to be speckled as well.
"Shit…" Naofumi cursed, feeling the quick afterglow of his first climax ebb off and leave him feeling pleased but also mildly disgusted with himself. He had let his girl do this to him and he shouldn't have. Looking up at her glowing eyes though made him bite his tongue, she was head over heels for him now and if he rejected this going further it would crush her… 'but I shouldn't… but maybe this will be just my burden. SHe wants this, she wants me even though I know it's wrong…' She leaned back down to kiss him, her tongue taking the lead in a vigorous swap of saliva between the two of them. Her tail unwound itself from him and remained to softly swish overtop his thighs.
"I love you…" She whispered, "I need you…" She said her voice grew even more desperate and it tore at the Hero's heart. He loved her as well, but he didn't want it to go this far. He cared for her and raised her like she was family. Yet now she wanted to be his lover. She moved back grinding her pelvis down against his flaccid state, the view of his own dick slipping between her cunt and rubbing against her clit made the demi-human pant faster, her bottom lip held tightly in her own mouth.
Rocking for several long moments until Naofumi's flesh quickly re-hardened. As he took in the sight of Raphtalia's beauty and the waves of pleasure coming down his body as she moved her fingers along his upper chest and down around his navel. Lifting her hips upwards she then found and guided his erection right back into her tender nether lips, letting the head split her open as she was ready to claim his and her own fists with one another.
His hands were frozen, grasping Raphtalia's hips. Fighting for self control was painful, his body wanted it while his mind wished to reject it leaving his heart to protest both of them. But as she smiled and slowly lowered herself down his entire voice vanished as he felt the tear of her hymen and the smell of rich iron as a dosage of blood fell from her nether lips staining his body with her first time.
Her body winced and clenched together tightly leaving Naofumi almost choking as her muscles squeezed him. The pain was there but compared to the past few months this was nothing, she would be sore but she grit her teeth and went further and pushed herself down until her hips met with her master's. A face flush with desire and emotion leaned forward to capture Naoufmi's lips letting him enjoy the many contractions of her cunt which pressed and squeezed him still adjusting to the pole that reached so deep inside of her.
Their bodies remained quiet, until Raphtalia felt Naofumi's grip upon her hips change lifting her up. Maybe he wanted to have her stop but she rose upwards coming up halfway only to drop her hips back down. The more direct force sent a jolt of electricity through her as she felt the very tip push up to her cervix and kiss her womb. It felt great and Naofumi followed her, slow at first, but with each rise and fall they grew hotter, their bodies becoming ever closer.
Naofumi lost his willpower to say no, the sensations of her wet walls gripping him in such a manner he succumbed to the ecstasy of a woman. He could almost hear the laughter of Elias as he did not fight back, he lifted her up and dropped her, his own hips rocking and rising to match her own movements. A desire to reach deeper to hear more of the squeaks and moans of pleasure as Raphtalia stopped wincing and tensing to more fluid sensual acts.
"It's good-! So good master!" She exclaimed her body growing ever more used to the act as she lifted and dropped her hips in a steady rhythm the pain was numbed by the pleasure she felt now. "Ah! Ah so deep!" She cried out relishing every time their bodies hit together perfectly as she felt him find that one right spot. The bed creaked and groaned with every bounce of her hips driving the Hero almost mad as moved with her, the tempo matching up with one another as they cried out with each movement.
Lost in the every act of her body, the way her hair rose and fell, the sway of her breasts, the light in her eyes and the glowing expression painted across her lips was too much and Naofumi reached up and wrapped his arms around her back pulling her down tightly to him. He didn't care about anything else other than her right now.
The kingdom, the princess, the Pope, and his entire situation none of it mattered right now. He pulled her tightly to him, slowing the force of her hips but both of them locked their lips with each other again. Her hands planted by his shoulders as she rocked her hips faster and faster, pausing to mash their groins together and gyrate her hips in order to find that sweet spot as he could not reach as deep as before.
Still both of them were fervent lovers and as she felt the swelling of Naofumi's cock within her she knew it wouldn't be longer and she was close as well. Both becoming more frantic as they sought their own climax as Raphtalia's head popped up letting out a wail as her body reached its peak, her own orgasm soiling the Hero's thighs and balls as she continued to gyrate on her lover's staff trying to prolong each moment of this glorious high.
THe tightening of her walls and squeals of pleasure were too much as he buried his own face in her chest hugging her tightly as his own rod pushed as deep as he could before filling the Tanuki's insides with his seed.
Holding onto her even as she collapsed onto him, their heavy panting filling the air as both parties remained in the afterglow of the moment. With his body softening and his own seed leaking out from her channel the Hero was stuck in the moment. This couldn't be undone, he and Raphtalia had been intimate… 'And I don't mind.' His hand moved to softly touch her hair as she just laid atop him, the soft pillow of her breasts against chest was comforting as was the gentle tickle of her warm breath over his neck.
Both just remained in silence, Raphtalia closing her eyes even as she felt tears of joy ready to start springing forth she held them back. Naofumi just held her close and laid with her until the morning came. Both far too caught up in the moment and able to pass ths the noise still being brought about by Pilum Moralis.
[***]
Those inside and near the castle all struggled to awake on time the following day, with the exception of Elias who was already alert and fully awake moving to find the cooks and kick them into gear for Chise's breakfast.
But as Raphtalia still lay with her master the bustle of the doors to his room were thrown open as a jubilant young girl shouted good morning and lept towards the bed. Both of the bed's occupants barely managed to avoid being landed on by the Filolial girl who hit the spot that once shared both of them as they split from each other upon her arrival. "Good morning master! Good morning Raphtalia!" SHe sang now sitting back on her legs.
"F-Filo? You're up early?" That wasn't true but it was all that he had coming to him.
"It's not early, it's almost afternoon and it was so awesome, last night me and Mel snuck out to go play in the forests with other Filolial's it was so amazing, everyone was so happy for some reason and we just played all night until we all just collapsed it was so much fun master!" While admitting to sneaking out it was simply far too much fun for her to not gush about, all of the creatures were more active but no one seemed to know why.
The Hero was about to open his mouth to ask why she had taken off with Melty but reconsidered it as there was nothing to really gain from getting further involved with it and if she wasn't here last night that means she wasn't under the same affliction that had probably overtaken every other creature and demi human in the area.
Fortunately enough but- "Hey how come you and Raphtalia are naked?" Filo said, noting the obvious as the gathered up sheets and Naofumi's clear lack of a sleeping shirt.
"Ee- We… Well it was just hot in the castle last night Filo." The Tanuki said quickly, offering as an answer as she casually wondered just where her evening gown had gone.
She cocked her head in response. "It didn't feel all that hot last night, but I guess you don't have nice comfy feathers like I do." Filo partially accepted the answer but with a kind form of deliverance the skull face of Elias appeared in the doorway in his hand holding a tray of what could be barely considered in his own taste an adequate English breakfast for his exhausted lover.
"Good morning to you all." The Mage's tone was a far bit chipper than his usual reserved speaking voice. Taking a short step inside and letting his eyes take in the sight of the room, not that the room was rank with the smell of sex but he did not bother revealing he knew though the look on both Naofumi's and Raphtalia's faces screamed of what had occurred even without him. "I am also here to remind you that you are expected to be in the throne room within the hour for the beginning of all the festivities."
'Shit!' Naofumi had completely forgotten about it, his incredible night with Raphtalia had taken away his stress and thinking about it entirely. Of course the Magus had to just come and bring that whole scenario back into focus. "It'll be a few minutes but then I'll get ready to come and join you…" The teen looked at Elias who remained expressionless as usual. "Will Chise be joining us?"
The mage released a hearty chuckle, "She will I restored most of her mana last night and while her stamina is depleted some food can help revitalize the body. But I assure you her spirits will not be higher. Now excuse me, my bride requires this paltry meal…" He turned to leave his mind wondering how well Silver would be handling the separation. Her cooking was extraordinary and her care and concern of Chise was why he favored her over most anyone else for his bride's well being. 'But that shall come to pass soon once I am able to study this country's magic in earnest following this charade of justice.'
Walking out with nothing but the heavy clack of his shoes across the floor echoing as he moved leaving the Hero's party alone and to gather themselves before the wheels of royal justice came to a head.
It was later but the other Heroes were already gathered inside none of them were aware of what was to play out, perhaps a gamble on the Queen's part to deliver the most shock value and for them to realize that in fact the Shield Hero was not their enemy or adversary to be feared anymore. Or it was because she didn't trust them to do the right thing considering what they had already been fed by the hand that was once feeding them.
The Queen and a slightly tired Melty stood beside her, the slight rings around her eyes showed she hadn't gotten much sleep but as the Queen also did not look picture perfect herself and most of the other attendees… Elias's business had obviously kept the entire capital awake.
As they entered a herald announced their entrance and slightly to the surprise of the other three cardinal Heroes Elias strode in, his face unchanged although the red veil covered his face it was hard not to see the gnarled brown horns currently sticking out from his skull head. Chise was beside him holding Elias's hand as she seemed to have a slight limp or was in pain. Yet Naofumi, Raphtalia, and Filo were ordained in their usual garb and were not as surprising.
"Good, it seems that all of the parties here are gathered." The Queen said, tapping her chair with two of her nails.
"Your majesty you still haven't exactly explained what this is all for?" Itsuki asked not finding the comforting presence of Pilum Moralis all too kind as he strode up towards them. Motoyasu and Ren also gave similar looks to one another as they observed Ainsworth walking towards them.
Murmurs among those gathered also spoke of the devil made manifest showing that even after the end of the Three Hero's church its influence still had some measure of a grip on the general populace and those in the castle itself.
Her majesty still sat upon the throne, her entire form rigid and the look in her eyes was still a heavy arresting presence to behold. Her hand threw forwards, "For all of those gathered here, and those who will be viewing from the outside know this. Melramarc is a country that requires all of its citizens and nobility to work together and to uphold the laws and see to it that we thrive as a singular people. It is why that All members are held to accountability and that no one seeks to put themselves above the justice that rules our great country." She rose up from her chair looking squarely ahead, the projection devices installed inside the castle giving all citizens inside the capital and in the other major cities a full view of her and the room. "It is why I must stand here before you now, I have disbanded the cult known as the Three Hero's Church, they sought to corrupt our great country and use illegal magics to summon forth beings from another world without our knowledge and the consent of every other nation which has been long decreed by all." Her hand slowly swung outward and gestured to Chise and Elias who stood off to the side of the throne. "These two beings, one whom was declared to be a saint and the other a devil. I am here to tell all of my people that this is not true, both of them are powerful mages and simply a human and rare demi-human." It was not the whole truth in regards to the ancient magus. He was simply unlike anything else she had ever seen or read about.
"So I am here to tell you, my people, that they are not threats and while they are exceptional there is no reason to fear or worship both of them…" She then drew her hands back to her stomach, "But that is not even the beginning of why I am all here. Guards bring them in!"
The clack of metal echoed in the room as the great doors to the throne room were opened up. Flanked on either side by four guards each were the King and Second Princess, both of them having their hands locked up in shackles which wound down to their feet in other steel locks. Perhaps as a measure of distinguishing them or humiliating them as they still wore their royal attire.
Malty was the first to react, "Motoyasu!" Her desperate plea calling out for him as the man who had fought and worked with all of her plans up until now.
"Myne?" The spear Hero was a bit shocked, his eyes looking at the situation in front of him and trying to understand just what they were seeing for a moment. Confusion was replaced with outrage as he turned back towards the Queen, "What the hell is going on? Why have you put her in shackles?"
"The King too?" Itsuki said quieter as Ren remained tight-lipped, unsure of what to offer. He was equally unsure as to what was going on.
Naofumi remained silent, he knew this was coming, but still why was there some pull at his chest as both of the royal traitors were dragged before two small wooden podiums and stood before those gathered around them. Was this what he wanted?
The red head standing beside Elias grabbed onto his cloak, she wasn't entirely sure what was playing out. She knew they were royalty and had seen the second princess a single time and briefly as well.
The King looked furious but his anger and rage were contained, he did not lash out though his tightly balled fists were quite clear for all of those who viewed him. Being degraded and humiliated took willpower to wholly hold himself back. His blood however…
"Motoyasu please help me!" The older daughter pleaded with her Hero. Her eyes filled with tears as she gave a convincing plea for his help.
"Your majesty, please release Myne she had nothing to do with this I assure you!"
'You really don't have a clue what's going on do you?' The Shield Hero thought deciding to just cross his arms over his chest but Raphtalia sought him out, her hands grasping one of his own. She didn't look at him as she held his hand, perhaps attempting to distract him or comfort him.
"There will be a chance for you to speak later Sir Motoaysu," The Queen said, moving to sit back down upon her throne. "For now the trial of the King and second princess of Melramarc shall begin under the charges of dereliction of duty, subversion, regicide, and abuse of authority."
Those not with the Shield Hero were shocked by the accusation, "But my Queen I have done no such thing! Everything I did was for the betterment of our Country!" Finally Aultcray broke out of his silence, looking to his wife for some type of understanding that he had done this for them, not for personal reasons.
"Your words are noted King Aultcray but as the Queen of Melromarc I have a duty to uphold this country's laws… and not even my own family are allowed to stand above its rules." Her eyes gave him a harsh glare.
"Mother! Mother I would never do anything like this please I'm your own daughter!" Malty begged keeping the waterworks going as she grasped onto the sides of the wooden podium.
"It is precisely that you are my daughter that this trial is even going forward in the first place and as Queen I shall be observing the judge and sentencing of this based on what is presented and your responses. But first." The Queen motioned to the side and one of her attendants walked forwards holding a small bowl filled with purple liquid, brush, and ceremonial knife. "There shall be no lies or deception here." Picking up the knife she slit the side of her finger allowing a few drops of royal blood to splash into the bowl. "Each of you shall be given a slave crest for this trial, any attempt to lie or decieve shall be met with a harsh punishment."
"Your majesty, this is unnecessary! Please I know your daughter would never do anything like this please!" Motoaysu begged as the princess and King were restrained and branded with slave crests. The seal's now bonding themselves to the Queen's will.
"Any act of deception shall be met with pain, the most severe and clear proof of your lies." The Queen had her finger treated as she remained composed upon her throne looking down at both of them. "There will be no hiding from your crimes, the entire country has suffered due to your acts and inaction and as ruler there is hiding such a crime. But before you I have the three who have been the cause of much consternation and harm due your acts." Her majesty addressed the nation giving introductions to each, The Shield Hero Naofumi, the stolen girl Chise Hatori, and the Ancient Magus from another world Elias Ainsworth. "How do you respond to charges of working with the Three Hero's church and conspiring to kill the shield Hero?"
"I didn't conspire with the church to kill any- Gahhh!" Malty's body was wracked with sharp jolts of pain, the slave crest upon her body not allowing her to speak lies with any of the guile and cunning she had mastered. But she managed to not fall over despite the wracking pain although everyone who saw could tell that she had lied. Slave crests had quite the visible activation. "I.." Her breathing labored, "I didn't conspire with the church to kill The Shield!"
Mirellia watched and nodded her head, she then looked to her husband.
"I didn't work with them to kill anyone." He said stone faced and the Queen had her first argument over but it was far from the end of her interrogation.
The mother looked at her Eldest once again, "Did you attempt to have your sister murdered?"
"Of course not Melty is- AHHHH-!" Her body was shocked with even more painful bursts. The intensity increasing for the severity of the lie.
It was a shock for the King, "No, Malty! Malty tell me you did not-" "I promise I didn't try- RAHHH!" Her body was shot up even further causing her legs to go limp and for her to fall backwards onto the ground.
"Oh sister…" Melty spoke in a whisper as she listened to the undeniable truth in front of her. There was always some hope within her that her older sister wouldn't really go forward with a plan to have her killed despite all of the evidence to the contrary. Maybe believing that there was some type of third party orchestrating her sister's actions and keeping her out of true control. Yet the evidence was on display for all to witness.
Everything continued to snowball, Naofumi was being further exonerated at every twist and turn to the point that even Motoyasu was confronted by the growing realization that his once beloved and trusted party members was actually nothing like who he had come to picture in his own mind.
"Was the assault a lie too?" Ren spoke shaking his head in disgust as Princess Malty's screams echoed throughout the hall as her mother asked her the simple question of whether or not she had been sexually assaulted by Naofumi also tore down even more of the noble's reputation.
Itsuki just kept his own convictions inside as he had wholly believed everything he had been told, only to be pushed right in front of a metaphorical train that hit him with the realization that he had just been used, for all his grandstanding he had been on the wrong side of justice. That all of his preaching had been for naught and his anger leveled against Naofumi was just a fabrication and that he should be deeply ashamed of what he had done.
"You shall have a moment Princess, I hope you start speaking the truth for your own well-being." The Queen's focus now turned to her husband, "King Aultcray what say you to the charges of abandonment of your responsibilities and working alongside the three Hero's church to slay Naofumi the Shield Hero?"
The noble lord only remained defiant, "I did everything in my power to protect this country! I refused to stand by and let the Devil of the Shield take my family from me and use his brainwashing powers to destroy everything that I love!" There was no violent reaction, no spark or jolt that had been wracking the second princess.
"So you do not deny attempting to have the Shield Hero killed?" Mirellia kept her icy cold glare cast down upon her spouse.
"I did only what I had to do and I accept all of the responsibility for my actions!" He shouted even in the face of his wife, he wholly accepted what he had done. He did not shirk, lie, or attempt to deceive her.
It was then did Elias Ainsworth step forward into the spectacle. His veil still covering his face he continued marching forwards until he stood in front of the King himself. Even for nobility and a man of great stature he was still a fair few inches shorter than the Mage. "I would like to speak your Majesty."
The gathered crowd went silent as everyone watched the Magus take full front and center stage.
Both sides looked at one another but Elias kept his face hidden by the Veil as he looked down at the now disgraced royal. It was a short staredown, "I would ask you one question." He moved his head lower, placing both of his gloved palms on the wooden podium and moved within inches of his face. "Are you responsible for what happened to me and Chise?" For a human he didn't show fear of him, he actually kept his composure and did not balk at him.
"I don't know what you mean Demi." The King's curt reply was not answered with any pain or shock from the slave crest that compelled him to tell the truth. But there was a small correction that needed to be made.
"I believe you do know," Elias spoke in a low tone, "However there is something you must be made aware of." His hand moved up to his red veil and slowly drew away the thin mask. "I am not a Demi-Human." His skull face was exposed along with his burning red eyes. "You also don't recognize me as the man who stood before you not too long ago, in your own arrogance you welcomed my human form of Lindel into your own personal quarters."
There was a slight pause as Aultcray took in the appearance of the man in front of him, recognizing the voice and the posture of everything about him. It only made the grayed King snarl, "SO I let another Devil into my own home and let you poison many of those I care about… have you spread your vile taint so far already you damn monster-!"
"STOP!" The voice of the Queen called out as the royal looked to swing at Elias, perhaps thinking him to be the true Devil that he believed the Shield Hero to be another form of. His body felt the shocking pain that once coursed through his eldest daughter as the mage looked down upon him yet further.
"Die…" Was all Elias said before turning away from him and walking back towards Chise. As he approached she took his hand.
"What was that about Elias?" Not following why he had bothered to go forward and ask a question like that. "You kind of already knew they were involved."
"It is true I did Chise but I wanted to understand his intent or reasoning instead all I get is more human vitriol. I doubt I will ever understand why humans do things to others that have done nothing to them." Elias spoke almost with a sigh. His other hand coming to clasp over Chise's own. "But don't worry I plan on getting us home once this little event is over with as quickly as possible."
For some reason she wasn't entirely sure she wanted to see that happen with such haste as Elias wanted while she had listened to everything that had transpired while she had been tucked away serving as a proxy for the Three Hero's Church.
Chise had seen good in people and other beings around her, even if they were misguided they aren't inherently evil or bad because of it. The church itself did exploit people but they at least gave something back, they allowed Chise to heal the sick and bring comfort to people. 'A lot of them are just poor peasants, they probably just want to get through the day but they have to live with the waves of catastrophe… it's hard for me to imagine there being any sort of comfort for a lot of people.' Still Chise remained quiet by Elias's side as the Queen continued the trial, even if their presumption was going to be guilty given everything laid at their feet and from what she heard it seemed a bit harsh for this to keep going on like this. Of course that wasn't until the sentence was given.
"As Queen Mirellia of Melromarc I hereby find both of you guilty!" The crowd gathered all expected, "As for punishment there is no greater crime than abandoning one's own people and country so it shall be DEATH! The sentence will be carried out immediately!" The Queen threw her hands forward. "Take them to the gallows!" The guards grabbed the King who looked angry but did not fight or protest too hard but was led away. Her other child screamed and begged, the four guards each having to grab ahold of a limb and almost drag her from the room as she asked for anyone to save her. Looking to the Spear Hero who had his entire world view of her completely shattered turned away from her in disgust.
"Death? Isn't that too harsh?" Chise asked aloud, opening up the question that most of those within the Shield Hero's party. They should be punished, but is killing them the answer? Isn't that what they wanted to have happen to others?
Perhaps in her own mind Chise was being a bit hypocritical from her situation. She had wanted to commit suicide not too long ago. Throwing herself from the ledge of her school so that she might be passed around, unwanted, and unloved by everyone that she knew. She was envious of death and thought that it was her own solution to her problems.
Even after her purchase by Elias she still felt a longing for death and wouldn't have minded her life being ended should be discarded by him… It took a long time for her to come to grips with her own wants and desires. Being selfless and selfish whenever she wanted, not asking for much but then asking for everything. It had taken her long conversations with the dragon Neven and the many connections she had made since being bought.
When she thought her life held no value and just wanting to have a place for herself became like a flower and bloomed into a life she wished to hold onto, and despite her short life expectancy she began to enjoy the world. Taking more and more from Elias and giving just as much back to him. Remembering what love was and how it felt after years of neglect and abandonment had been filled with everything she had forgotten.
'This… this is wrong.' Chise said, looking towards the Queen whose figure had disappeared.
"Chise?" Elias asked, bringing a hand to her shoulder. There was that spark in her green eyes, that determined look. "What are you thinking of doing?" It was not his ward's decision on what happened to these humans, their fates were not their concern or involvement.
Without waiting the redhead turned and ran off towards where the crowds were heading.
Elias called out for her before following in her wake, leaving the three members of Naofumi's party standing together. "Master?" Filo asked, grabbing onto his shirt. "What exactly is going on?"
'I honestly wish I knew the answer.' The conflict within himself. Seek Revenge and Justice for what had been done to him or… His eyes looked in the direction of Elias's form that disappeared. The Shield Hero looked towards Raphtalia who looked at him and smiled.
"I support whatever you choose." The former slave understood the dilemma he was facing.
But even for Naofumi, his trials were hard and were nothing like what she had been put through by Rabier… 'Damn this guilty conscience of mine.' "Let's go." He said taking Filo by the hand and following in the path of the other two.
The scene was already unfolding quickly as Chise arrived, Malty and Aultcray were already being led up to the scaffolding. The wooden blocks are set up to hold the lower portion and have the heads secured by another wooden block to be placed overtop of the person's neck. If the thought of a beheading wasn't clear enough, the addition of a nice wicker basket to catch the noble's heads were placed just below the stockades.
The princess continued to cry and beg for someone to help save her but the crowd's jeers and taunts drowned out such pleas as they all had been stirred up into a frenzy by the trial. Seeing a chance for retribution for all of those who had lost loved ones due to the waves and had someone to place the blame either directly or indirectly. In the minds of the people they were simply corrupt nobility getting their just desserts.
The Queen herself stood at her podium, at a distance she appeared in control but up close she was shaking, her heart was beating out of control and the forming of sweat around her crown. The mother inside of her didn't want this, the wife wished for her to stop this but the proud Queen did not let herself succumb to emotion. This was just, this was right, she couldn't let such offenses go without a harsh punishment. Still it hurt even to begin speaking. "Lock them in place!" Her voice shouting to the guards who forced both of them into position. The King and Princess's head were firmly locked into the stocks for their heads as on either side stood a headsman, both of them carrying an obscenely large and heavy ax, the sharpened edge and and weight enough to cleave through a full grown tree if swung properly but more than an intimidating match for a simple human neck.
Yet as the Queen held out her hand she hesitated looking down upon the faces of her family and silently prayed for… 'A miracle'
"Your majesty stop!" Chise shouted as she burst forth from an archway very close to the stage holding the sentenced and executioners. "Please this is not the way! Their death's don't serve any purpose other than spilling more blood."
"Your words are noted young Chise Hatori… While you are not a true saint you are a kind soul and have worked to save the lives of my people and heal many. Perhaps the Hero's are second to your selflessness even if you were forced into your role and I doubt there are many here who would not see you in the same light." Her tone shifted to other authoritative one, her trial voice returning. "But I must ask you why they should be spared?" She could not be the one to say it. Another force had… had to do something for her.
Chise had the figure of Elias stand behind her, his face still hidden behind a veil but remained at her side. "I know it's wrong of me to ask this, I am not one of your people. But you all should be given a chance. Anyone can be led astray and be lost in the world, no matter their acts they should be at least given a second chance to redeem themselves, writing off someone as deserving of death can not be done without even a single opportunity. They deserve that if just before such a sentence be given."
"Yes! Yes, listen to her! Listen to her mother!" Malty half laughed and cried as she saw the girl who proclaimed herself not a saint to be acting in the most noble and saintly fashion.
The King did not speak, he closed his eyes, he did not reject what he had done, he had done everything and would do it again to protect and save his family even if they did not understand it.
"Their crimes are not simple acts, countless deaths are placed at their hands and the possible subversion of an entire country. While reformation is possible when one acts without care or concern for their great responsibilities it requires decisive action."
"Anyone can act out, anyone can be fooled… I've seen it many times before how others use and make others suffer only for the sake of suffering." Elias's hands rested on her shoulders as she continued to speak. The faces and words of Cartaphelius were still ever present. What he did to Matthew, Mina, Ruth and Isabelle, Abigail, and Renfred. It was a fact that had been carved into her being. "I was given a chance to become who I am now, even if I haven't always taken full advantage of it, so please at least give them some chance to redeem themselves."
The crowd murmured and looked around towards one another, neither sure what to say in the situation. Not all of them wholly disagreed with Chise but there was still bitterness, they wanted something done.
Naofumi then strode forwards up to Chise and Elias, flanked behind by Raphtalia and Filo. "Look if anyone here has an opinion on this matter it would be me." He said giving a large gesture with both arms as he turned around looking towards all members of the crowd. Moving up the steps of the gallows to stand before the Queen and in front of the King and second princess. He looked to Melty who wanted to cheer for him but she was visibly restraining herself, but the Hero could see it. The desire to protect her sibling and gave her a wink directed towards her. "Perhaps they do need a second chance like Chise is asking for, but perhaps they need an actual punishment that might remind them of their failure."
The Queen's posture seemed to relax for a moment, then snapping back. "And what punishment would you give to the Shield Hero?"
"Well first how about some names that fit them, like this King is Trash and your daughter is a Bitch and a Whore, so why not make their names that?"
"Naofumi!" Chise said, looking up at him with a look of disbelief. "That isn't helping!"
He couldn't help but laugh, "Come on, considering all of the hell we've been put through. Me in particular couldn't we agree the names are appropriate? Or maybe…" He looked back to the two royals still locked in the stocks. "You guys can have your heads roll, would you prefer that?"
The King did not open his mouth to begin throwing insults at the Devil of the Shield, he was in no position to do anything right now, but he would take this humiliation if it meant having a chance-albeit not a certain one- to save his family from the two monsters currently in his midst. What would his pride matter at this point? His daughter also kept her mouth shut despite being furious with what was going on. She was being given a momentary reprieve and a chance to keep her head attached to her neck.
"Despite the crass nature of Naofumi's actions I agree that punishment is necessary and humiliation of one's person can often leave long lasting impressions upon the perpetrator." Elias offered, "The names do speak a bit childish but I would have nothing to offer in regards to a name." He looked down at Chise who still didn't feel particularly right with how Naofumi had taken things.
"Hmph, very well by your words Shield Hero the King shall be named Trash, and the second princess shall be named Bitch and her party name Whore." After giving her decree without the outbreak of a small riot in her capitol a rush of relief came over her as she stepped backwards and almost fell into her chair.
"Mother?" Melty asked, coming up to her side, some relief showing on her face as well as worry as her Queen seemingly collapsed. "Are you alright?"
Mirellia nodded her head giving her child a reassuring smile, "Yes, yes I am. Now please set about preparations for this evening, I will have a meeting to gather between the Heroes and hopefully put more of this animosity behind us… In addition to showing that
Mage our magic as the final stipulation of our bargain."
"I see, it will be done mother." The princess bowed but felt a hand touch her head in praise. It almost made her jump but her composure kept her from reacting. Her mother stroked her head several times and softly whispered, 'I got my miracle…'
[***]
"Elias… are you sure you do not wish to attend the party the Queen has gathered?" Chise asked, sitting in one of the chairs occupying the main library of the castle. Elias himself was busy pulling out books and tomes that were now within reach and delving into the spells that controlled the very magics that might have summoned them to this world.
It was quite interesting for him to keep reading through all of the books and discovering the core principles of this country's magical theories and spells. His gloved hand held up a much older tome that was the base conjuration spell for the summoning. Of course while he was engrossed with reading he did not ignore his apprentice. "Yes I am, I feel that our presence is beginning to outlive much of its welcome, I feel that most of the humans here are forced to kneel themselves due to the authority of the Royal in charge but given the reaction of most to my presence that it is time that we returned home. I also am unaware of how the passage of time works within this realm, the length of days as well, if we remain here how long is that for our own world? Has time progressed since leaving, what will happen upon returning to our home?" There were quite a few questions that he was concerned about answering. "It is why I feel we should be making our trip home our priority for now."
Admittedly she didn't have a response to that, and internally while she did enjoy Filo, Melty, Raphtalia, and Naofumi's company. She did miss her home, friends, and the small family she had with Elias.
All of that was something she had been missing, but when things were turning around they had to go back home. Perhaps she was just being selfish, "Alright… But don't you want to get something to eat?"
Elias waved off that concern, "I'll merely ensure the orderlies that live here do what I ask of them and make sure that your meals are prepared as they were this morning." He remarked as he brought one of his fingers down along the pages… "Troubling." He spoke under his breath."
"I wonder how everyone is doing over there?" Chise said just letting her legs kick freely underneath the chair.
The mage didn't react, "I believe there is a great deal of awkwardness as the Queen wished to convene all of the Heroes together to… to borrow a human phrase; Hash things out. While I suspect the actual purpose of the meeting is the exchange of information." He had his ward's full attention as he looked over one of his shoulders. 'She simply does not understand I suppose.' "All of the Heroes in this world, with the exception of Naofumi, are very weak within this world. They are not remarkable, each of them are not physically capable of defending this world."
"What does that mean?"
Setting down the tome on the table Elias walked over towards Chise grabbing a chair and sitting down in front of her, his large gloved hands taking her smaller ones in his own. "It is unfortunate but the human Heroes lack clear direction or focus. Each one of them has their own particular goal that they are working towards, but however each of them conflicts with what they were specifically brought here for." He took her hand, "For example your hand is a representation of the Heroes collective strength, each one is one of your primary fingers an individual. They are currently spread out, each one seperated away from them." He spread her palm and fingers wide. " I can easily manipulate and push around one of your fingers just like a Hero, and in fact it is exactly what happened to them. However the Church managed to use three of the Heroes in an effort to dominate one of them." He used her three primary fingers to try and grasp which the country would see as the smallest and weakest of the group. "But since he was forced to fight alone and pushed around so much he would not want to work with them… but since the scheme has unraveled all of the Heroes are once again without a guiding purpose."
"But the Heroes are supposed to stop the waves of catastrophe, so why wouldn't they work together now that they know the truth?" It made Elias chuckle.
His other hand gently patted the top of her head, "Humans are selfish creatures Chise, especially considering the group brought here all come from a much different view than you. Each one wishes to fight their own way which in turn leads us back to the original problem." His thumb pulled apart Chise's fingers. "A strike with such a blow like this could hurt yes… but there is very few situations where they would win. When the Heroes each," He began drawing in each of her fingers. "Of them begin," He formed a fist while rolling over her hand to align the thumb alongside the fingers. "Fighting as one, they become a focused weapon and much more dangerous."
Chise looked at her hand and up at Elias. "You could've just said picture it, you didn't have to manipulate my hand you know."
"But then I would deny myself the privilege of touching you," And he moved to nuzzle the side of her head. "And you know how much I enjoy having you in my hands."
She could only shake her head and sigh at him but it didn't stop her from smiling. "Oh how I know that you do." Chise gave a light peck on the side of his face as appreciation.`
Although the mage could see the problem involving the Heroes, that very problem was being stared down as the four Heroes and the Queen sat in a round table discussion that was progressing nowhere. Ren, Itsuki, Motoyasu, and Naofumi all of them were still not thrilled with sharing each one's company. Their bitterness towards one another still showing and having been bested in combat by one another at different times did not allow for the smoothest of talking points.
No one wanted to be the first to speak up, the awkwardness continued as all sides just looked at one another until her Highness had given enough time for the Heroes to quit behaving like children. "I see that this meeting is bearing fruit." Her words were obviously sarcastic even though her tone did not reflect it. Pulling up her hand fan she covered her lips, "I would like to remind you Heroes that you should be cooperating with one another should you look to succeed in the next battle in the waves of catastrophe."
"What would be the point? None of us have really been getting along from the start, what are we going to actually change should we start now?" Ren said his arms crossed over his chest with one leg up on the edge of the chair.
Neither of the other Heroes opened up their mouths to add anything further. The Queen slowly lowered her eyes, still keeping her fan in front of her face. "Let me rephrase then… should the four of you not begin working together… then by the next wave the only one who will still be alive shall be Naofumi."
R&R