Chapter Nine: Return to Riyute


"You have done well, and improved immensely this week."

Naofumi and Raphtalia gave a low bow in thanks to Gaelion, who inclined his head.

The dragon hummed, the low rumble echoing through the area, "If I gain a level during this Wave, I should have a shed coming soon. I believe you will benefit greatly from some dragonskin or dragonscale for armour."

Raphtalia bowed again. "Thank you, Gaelion-sensei."

"For now, however..."

Wheels against stone sounded, leading Raphtalia and Naofumi to both alert at the sound. Wyndia was pulling the cart they had brought up at the start of the week, loaded with...

"Dragon scales," Naofumi muttered.

Gaelion laughed, "Not many, only a few. These, you earned. I had to shed these ones after the damage dealt to them. I believe it should provide you with a shield, Naofumi."

The Shield Hero hesitantly pressed his shield arm against the scales, blinking as all of the scales were actually needed by it.

Dragonscale Shield conditions met.

Dragonscale Shield

abilities locked equip bonus: defence 15

equip effect: magic defence up

Dragonscale Tower Shield conditions met. LOCKED LV30

Dragonscale Tower Shield

abilities locked equip bonus: defence 25, ability: dragon skin

equip effect: magic defence up, all resistances (small), agility -10%

Green Dragonscale Shield conditions met.

Green Dragonscale Shield

abilities locked equip bonus: defence 15

equip effect: Poison resistance (large), magic defence (small), dragon scale (large), SP consumption reduction (weak)

Notice: Willingly given materials by monsters can unlock unique variants hidden on Shield Tree.

Naofumi's eyes widened as he took in the new shields. The Dragonscale was a straight improvement on all of his others, the Tower Shield, one he hadn't actually unlocked before, was the tanky shield he had been wanting for a while, but...

"Oh, wow," Raphtalia whispered as he equipped the Green Dragonscale Shield while Gaelion looked on proudly.

It went very well with his overall green colour scheme, Naofumi noted.

"I believe my own provided shield is superior to your others, yes?" the dragon preened.

"Well..." Naofumi started, not wanting his mentor to have an overinflated ego, "Quetzal has one that's level locked until forty, so..."

The couatl hissed his smug laughter in short bursts while Gaelion glowered at the serpent.

"Yes. Well," Gaelion cleared his throat, a puff of green smog escaping, "I thought we would try something a little different for the last fight."

Raphtalia drew her sword, readying herself while Naofumi raised his new shield. Gaelion had started fights without warning on a couple of the evenings, so by now they were ready.

However Gaelion rumbled a laugh, before stepping back.

"No. It is not myself that is your opponent."

The dragons eyes gleamed.

"It is each other."

Naofumi tensed while Raphtalia flinched.

"I- I can't attack Naofumi!"

Gaelion tilted his head.

"Oh? Why not?"

"Because, um... because..."

"If it is the slave restrictions that worry you so," Gaelion interrupted, "then calm your mind. They have all already disabled by Naofumi for some time now."

Naofumi took a step back at Raphtalia's surprised look.

"But still..." She protested weakly.

Gaelion was undeterred, "Naofumi, you have not faced a true competent foe with a blade yet, Wyndia prefers a spear. Raphtalia, you need to know how to fight Naofumi. His strengths, his weaknesses. How can you cover them otherwise? Same with you, Naofumi."

Gaelion took another step back, clearing the area.

"You will fight."

Raphtalia ignored Gaelion and instead looked to Naofumi.

Naofumi straightened, smiling grimly.

"I need someone who would keep me from going too far, Raphtalia," Naofumi said, "that's what I told you."

"You'd listen to me if I told you that you were," Raphtalia retorted.

Naofumi nodded. He would.

But...

"What if I didn't," he stated, "what if I ignored you. What then?"

"You wouldn't-"

"I could!" Naofumi snapped, causing her to flinch. "You know me by now, Raphtalia. I have a temper. I'm not one to let go of a grudge. I'm spiteful."

"You're also good, kind and a Hero!"

Naofumi readied his shield.

"What's there to stop me from just taking what I want? Do you think Fenway, or Baerywn-"

"Queztal would!" Raphtalia hissed, furious.

Naofumi laughed, "This Shield that Gaelion just gave? His venom will do nothing."

The Shield Hero stared down to Raphtalia, trying to get the message across.

"What will you do when I order Baerywn to kill some fools who got in my way? Or maybe if I got sick and tired of one of these damn villagers sneering at demi-humans. I could do it, you know. I might have no attack stat, but there are ways around it."

In his darker moments, he contemplated ways to negate it, to get around the restriction. In his crueller dreams, he killed that Bitch, testing these methods.

"All I need is to pin them down, and keep bashing them bloody for the sheer enjoyment. They'll crack from the pain alone, or maybe their defence is too high, no matter, there's always fire, a cliff, so many other ways if I'm not in it for the EXP. I'm handy with potions too, as you know. I could make such a potent poison, and convince them to drink it. All of the pain to go away, or maybe promise to spare another if they just drink it. It'll be a lie. I dealt no damage, the Shield can't stop me. Fenway couldn't stop me. Queztal wouldn't stop me. Fuck, Baerywn might just help! So what is Raphtalia going to do, huh? Is she going to sit at the side, and do nothing?"

Suddenly she was on him, her blade a whirlwind of movement that he barely blocked.

Naofumi snarled, then threw out a Shield Bash which she slid under, slashing his side.

The cut drew a spurt of blood and Naofumi fell to his knee, hissing.

That actually fucking hurt.

Slowly, he stood up as his HP Regeneration kicked in, clotting the wound and healing.

"Just a few drops of blood, huh?" he grinned behind his helmet. "You'll need to do more than that!"

Then, he charged.

As Raphtalia readied herself he cast Shield Prison.

The ability shattered, he ran in, only to be surprised by her disappearance.

Then his head was ringing as she slashed down from above, blade crashing into his helmet.

She must've clung to the roof of it, Naofumi cursed, reeling from the blow.

Raphtalia pressed her advantage, lunging with blade aimed for the inner, less armoured parts of his arm.

Need to create space!

He switched to the Two Headed Dog Shield to take the hit, before realising what he just did.

Raphtalia's screamed and flinched as the two heads snarled and charged, slashing wildly while backpedalling as fast as possible. Naofumi quickly switched back to the Green Dragonscale Shield, swallowing nervously.

"Low blow, Naofumi," Raphtalia glared.

"A 'low blow' doesn't matter if you're dead," Gaelion rumbled, "Take the advantages you can. Honour means nothing above victory."

"I didn't mean to," Naofumi said.

Raphtalia paused, before giving a slow, acquiescing nod.

"Ready?"

Naofumi brought his shield arm up.

"Naofumi, you need to close the gap, never let your opponents gain space, focus on neutralising the foe," Gaelion advised. "Raphtalia, Naofumi's weakness is only being able to directly counter with abilities. Keep your damage steady and consistent, do not allow his healing to kick in."

Raphtalia nodded sharply, readied her blade and charged.


Naofumi gently poured the Healing Medicine over the light bruises, ignoring Raphtalia's hissed flinch.

He couldn't directly hurt her, but like he had said, there were environmental ways around that restriction.

"Wish I had an ice pack or something," Naofumi muttered.

"I'll be fine. But, what about..." she trailed off, gesturing with her off hand to his blood-splattered armour.

"I don't know how to make something for pain," Naofumi chuckled, "the wounds will heal. We don't need to waste medicine on me."

"They'll scar," Raphtalia said softly, apologetically.

Naofumi shrugged it off.

"What's another scar?" he said rhetorically, avoiding her questioning glance. Subconsciously he rolled his shoulder; sometimes he'd still feel that phantom of the first time he felt true physical pain in this world and the stiffness returned briefly.

He paused as he recapped to vial to wash out later.

"I... I'm sorry. I goaded you."

"You had to. I wouldn't have considered attacking otherwise."

Naofumi nodded, thoughts wondering from the conversation.

"I was surprised, that you removed the... restrictions." Raphtalia said carefully.

"Yeah... so was I."

"When did you do that?"

Naofumi refocused.

"I don't know," he admitted, "it must've been weeks ago, I think. After the Dog."


Raphtalia nodded to herself.

The timeline makes sense. I had proven then that he could trust me, but... the thought still remains.

"So much has changed over a month, huh?" she smiled.

Naofumi gave a small laugh, before the light retreated in his eyes, as did his open cheer.

Normally she would ignore it, but they'd both grown the past week under Gaelion's tutorship. The dragon had taught her much in her one on one lessons. Namely, that Naofumi needed to be told things directly, and while he might get subtlety, she was his blind spot.

"I don't like it when you do that," she stated.

Naofumi flinched, "Do what?"

"That way you look at me," she said simply, "like I'm your-... your sin."

She could practically see the walls already coming up, but refused to budge.

Slowly, she took his hand in hers, ignoring his half-hearted attempt to tug it free.

Carefully. Not forceful contact or touching, not demanding...

The last thing she wanted was him associating her with... her.

"You took me by the hand, Naofumi. Like this," she gave his gloved palm a small squeeze. "Do you remember?"

I had been so small, and terrified. Then the Shield Hero had offered her his hand, and promised to take her away from that awful place with the cages.

Naofumi swallowed, "I... I do."

"You taught me so much. You taught me how to fight. Even then you knew, that behind all this... I could be a warrior."

"I used you. Which you seem to keep forgetting."

Raphtalia nodded, sighing.

"And I have forgiven you," Raphtalia let go of his hand. "When are you going to forgive yourself, Naofumi?"

"The Shield Hero is punishing himself, girl." Gaelion had told her during one of their private one to one sessions... "No matter how you show him, he will be doubtful, unwilling to believe your actions are the truth, unwilling to see them for what they are."

So she had to try to tell him directly.

Naofumi's breath hitched, and she could see the confusion warring behind his eyes.

"You... you can't see me," she told him softly. "You look at me and you can't- you don't see me."

Naofumi looked away.

Raphtalia brought her hand to his cheek, and met his eyes.

"I'm not the girl in the cage, Naofumi," she whispered. "When are you going to realise that?"

Naofumi glanced down, and for a brief moment she had thought he was looking at her breasts.

"You're still in a cage," Naofumi muttered, before suddenly standing and walking away.

Raphtalia sighed deeply.

There was no way around it, in her eyes. Naofumi feared betrayal, and felt the slave crest was the only prevention.

Yet he couldn't trust anything she said because of the thing.

If she asked him to remove it, then he'd see that as confirmation of his worst thoughts, and set them back to the beginning. Or... he'd refuse, afraid of what would happen if he did. And hate himself further for it.

It didn't matter that she really didn't care either way, because she wasn't scared of him, and would always be by his side, crest or not.

She'd told him this already. But he couldn't believe it.

She just have to wait for him to realise it himself, and take that leap of faith.

Raphtalia laughed to herself lowly.

Wait for the man who can't trust others to put his faith in someone? This could take some time...


Naofumi grunted, nearly buckling under Quetzal's weight.

The serpent was now five metres, and as thick as Naofumi's leg. Not to mention...

Quetzal straightened in an attack posture, spreading his massive wings. Naofumi looked up to see his head lazily bobbing, proudly displaying his growth.

"Yeah yeah you're massive," Naofumi gritted his teeth, eyeing the preened feathers. "Any chance of getting off now?"

Quetzal looked down, locked eyes, and shook his head.

Fucking reptile.

A wing lashed out, smacking Naofumi's head in reproach.

"I have to say, I did not expect this... growth," Gaelion said slowly, watching the coautl. "From what I could glean from the Shard, he should be at least a metre smaller, with wings at maximum his current size."

"Yeah, clearly he's went above and beyond," Naofumi rolled his eyes, the sun now blocked out for him by Queztal's six metre wingspan.

"I believe it may have more to do with you than him," Gaelion rumbled. "Regardless, you are keeping a low profile, yes? Well, I have good news for you."

Quetzal shifted and Naofumi straightened up as the serpent glided to the earth, only to rear back and meet his eye level.

"As you know, many creatures in this world can shapeshift."

"Some therianthropes, demi-humans, and monsters right?" Naofumi listed off.

Gaelion nodded, "That also lies in how Quetzal's species maintain a low profile. They are skilled shapeshifters."

Naofumi's eyes darted to the proud serpent, smug under his surprised look.

"Really? So, you mean..."

"Show him."

Smoke emitted from Quetzal, and while Naofumi couldn't see him clearly, he did note his shrinking form.

When it cleared, there was a smaller less colourful snake and no wings.

Lesser Half Blood Python LV 11*

"Lesser Half Blood Python? What's with the level drop too?" Naofumi questioned.

"Appraisal is flawed," Gaelion informed him. "You however know that what you see is not what is truly there."

Naofumi focused on the asterix, nearly flinching as the name glitched:

Quetzal LV 21

"So shapeshifting fools appraisal too?"

"It does, if you do not know what you're seeing is fiction," Gaelion informed as Quetzal scaled Naofumi's leg.

He half expected the serpent to weigh the same, but it seemed he had adopted the properties of the creature's form.

"We have been practicing during our sessions with one of my children," Gaelion explained, "the couatl is adept in this form as well as another of mine children, however to become another will take much practice, especially if it is unlike his own. For example, a bipedal creature, or quadruped."

"Well, at least he will go unnoticed now," Naofumi said as Quetzal burrowed under his armour, something the serpent hadn't been able to do for some time since he'd gotten so big.

"Indeed, additionally..."

Gaelion levelled a judging gaze on Naofumi.

"I understand you will continue with the farce of your 'Beastmaster' persona. However, why are you taking such an unnecessary risk with the Legendary Weapon?"

"What do you mean?"

Gaelion gave a deep sigh.

"Why is it always on your arm?"

"Because I can't exactly take it off, it always goes to the same damn spot."

Gaelion groaned, and Naofumi noticed that Raphtalia's mouth had morphed into an 'o' in realisation of something he clearly wasn't getting. Even Wyndia was judging him!

"Naofumi," Gaelion said patiently. "Son. How do you think the other Heroes sleep? Do they have theirs always in hand?"

"Well, Ren would probably have a sheath."

Gaelion nodded slowly. "And the Bow and Spear Hero? Do they have a Bow sheath and Spear sheath?"

"No," Naofumi snorted, "they have it on... their..."

Gaelion grinned.

"Back," Naofumi mumbled, face burning.

Slowly, he moved the gently glowing shield from his arm to the back of his armour, where it stuck and remained in place, leaving his arms free and the shield hidden under his cloak.

The area was silent for a moment.

Then, Raphtalia giggled, setting off Wyndia, and Gaelion's eyes glimmered with mirth.

"You mean," Raphtalia said between laughs, "that, the slow, brooding, hooded walk Naofumi has been- he's been doing in towns..."

Naofumi wanted to die.

How many fucking nights have I spent with my arm being dead, shuffling through town on windy days, I probably wouldn't have needed a secret identity if I kept it hidden under the cloak on my back!

Naofumi wanted to cry.

He had mentally been calling 'Ren' an edgelord in his head, only to realise that because of a beyond stupid mistake in assuming his back wasn't part of his body, his public identity was now a secretive hooded figure.

"We never speak of this again," Naofumi ordered.

Quetzal sniggered in his stupid snakey bursts under Naofumi's armour.

Raphtalia nodded solemnly with wet eyes, Wyndia shook her head, grinning, and Gaelion just kept looking at him with that stupid look behind his eyes.

"Yes, well..." Gaelion huffed out, "now that that 'elephant in the room' I believe you say, is out of the way, we can discuss a more serious topic. The Wave."

Naofumi tensed.

He wasn't going to...

"As I promised earlier this week, I shall be there to help," The Dragon Emperor continued, not noticing Naofumi's relieved look. "For that, I believe I should join your 'party', yes? Naofumi?"

Naofumi jerked his head, surprised, "What?"

"I will need to join your party." Gaelion repeated. "Obviously with my level, you can disable me from the shared experience gain, but it will allow me to monitor your wellbeing."

Naofumi shakily went through his status magic, finally locating the invite option and sent it.

It was immediately accepted.

Acquired Party Member: Dragon Emperor Gaelion

Naofumi glanced to the top right of his status magic and nearly choked.

Itwani Naofumi LV 25

Raphtalia LV 29

Quetzal LV 21

Dragon Emperor Gaelion LV 103

"Level one hundred and three?!" Raphtalia exclaimed, putting voice to his mental scream.

Gaelion tilted his head, "I am an old dragon. I have been around for quite some time, and had plenty of it devoted to gaining power."

"I didn't even know it was possible to get beyond level one hundred," Naofumi admitted.

"It's a power that cannot be learned normally by your kind. At level forty, you would require a 'class upgrade' to continue I believe, barring some Elder Races and Cardinal Heroes. Beyond level one hundred however..."

Gaelion tapped his snout with a claw.

"It is a secret known as Way of the Dragon Vein. Lesser creatures do not know of it, Greater creatures fear it, and the Elder Races can wield it. Magic of the very world itself."

"Can we learn it?"

Gaelion hummed, "Not yet. But you have potential. When you are stronger, I will teach you. For now, however... Wyndia."

Gaelion's adoptive daughter approached Naofumi with a drawstring pouch.

Naofumi took it hesitantly, shooting an enquiring look to the Dragon Emperor.

"I understand you are a little short to buy this follower's freedom," The dragon explained, as Naofumi opened the pouch, nearly dropping the contents. "Hopefully this will assist. I keep no coins, but that should do well for a trade."

"Naofumi, is that..."

Naofumi carefully handed the pouch to Raphtalia, who withdrew the contents with wide eyes, examining the gems and small pieces of jewellery within.

"Gaelion, this is your hoard," Naofumi said weakly.

The dragon rumbled a laugh.

"Hardly. A mere drop in the ocean, but far more meaningful to you, I hope. And helpful."

Gaelion had told Naofumi before that to most dragons, a hoard was their life. Their wealth, their bed, their worth. A closely guarded accumulation of their being represented physically.

A dragon was an apex predator, and from their enemies took trophies of their wealth, be it the blade, the coins, armour or other such items. They kept what they killed.

Dragons do not believe in gifts.

"We're not going to sell all of this," Raphtalia said firmly. "We will keep what we can, and, and..."

"You can look into enchantments for them, perhaps." The dragon suggested with a small, soft smile.

Naofumi could only nod.

Silence descended, and Naofumi swallowed back the lump in his throat.

"So... this is goodbye."

"For now," Gaelion gently reminded.

"For now," Naofumi repeated.

Raphtalia bowed, "Thank you, Gaelion-sensei. For... everything."

"Yes, thank you for teaching us," Naofumi smiled.

Gaelion inclined his head.

"And my thanks to all three of you, for taking heed."

Gaelion's eyes darted to Naofumi, who nodded minutely.

"The path you walk is not an easy one. But I have faith. As you must in each other. Go, with my blessing. We will see each other again very soon."

Naofumi turned on his heel, hefted his pack and grabbed the cart to drop off in Mirso Village, Raphtalia followed by his side.

He didn't look back, because Gaelion was right.

It was only goodbye for now. They had learned what they could. The last days before the Wave would be them applying his tutelage outside the mountains the dragon called home.

"Where to now, Naofumi?"

Naofumi inhaled the mossy forest air. Eyes watched their departure, but he felt no fear from them. He recognised a few of the creatures even, noting the strange winged komodo dragon looking creature they'd nicknamed 'Fang' following within the tree line.

I'll miss that cheeky little bastard, he thought affectionately, even with his food stealing, he was helpful in those hunts.

"We made a promise to Riyute, didn't we?" Naofumi said. "I think it's time we returned, see how they're doing."

Raphtalia grinned, "Ekil-san has probably been hard at work with all the Light Metal."

Naofumi laughed, "We'll stop by so that the overgrown gossip can catch us up on things."

"Naofumi!"


The village's merchant was pleased that the cart was returned relatively unscathed, having apparently not expected them to return at all.

"Did you bring anything back from, from there?"

Naofumi frowned behind his helmet and looked down at the pudgy, sweaty man, who turned nervous under his eyeless gaze.

"Gems. Do you have any to sell, little man?"

"I-yes, I um, there's an amethyst?"

"Price."

The merchant provided the quote and wiped his hands, then quickly brought out the gem in question for Naofumi to examine. He checked it closely, then gave Raphtalia a brief nod.

She withdrew a handful of similar amethysts from their pouch which the merchant greedily eyed.

"Six gold coins."

The short man flinched.

"Surely not! I- I mean Sir, I have to make a living also, and-"

"Six gold coins," Naofumi repeated lowly. "You would sell your lesser at a clearly inflated price, I offer these better stones at a reduced price."

After some huffing and puffing, they left with the bag slightly lighter and six gold coins up.

"I don't like this village," Raphtalia suddenly said as they left.

Naofumi agreed. He didn't know how to place the feeling of just general wrongness.

"We'll leave, and not come back unless we need to," he reassured. "I wasn't too sure if Riyute would even have the economy to buy the gems, so I wanted it assured before we go back."

Raphtalia shot him an understanding look, and seemed to be contemplating something.

"What's on your mind?" he asked once they passed the village gates.

"Hm? Oh... I just..."

The demi-human trailed off as they walked, Naofumi was content to wait for her to gather her thoughts.

"About Baerywn, and that slave trader..."

"I don't like giving him the money," Naofumi grimaced, "but, Beloukas is who has him, and I'd like to get some information on what's being going on in Castle Town and the other heroes."

"I understand that Naofumi, it's just- I wasn't the only one in my village sold."

"Oh?"

"I... I had friends. Keel. Rifana. Others in the village."

Naofumi nodded slowly.

"You want to find them. Free them, if you can."

Raphtalia nodded, before saying in a voice thick with emotion.

"I know it, it's probably a long shot to find them all, but... If I'm walking free, and they're, in some dungeon or..."

Naofumi let out a deep exhale.

"Do you know what you're asking, Raphtalia?"

"I know it will be expensive, I will work harder-"

"No, not that," Naofumi said, sighing. "Raphtalia... these villagers, you don't see many slaves among common folk, do you? Elder Mirso had several in his household because they're a wealthier village, and you'll see that in other towns. Other nobles. Knights."

She doesn't understand what it entails...

"To get them back, some won't just be sold. They'll keep their prizes, their property. Do you know what we would need to do?"

He thought she would back off then, perhaps say she'd think on it.

Naofumi didn't expect that fierce look in her eyes, tea-red irises which had seen blood spilt by others and her own hands.

"Blackmail. Threats. Even probably smuggling them out, if we can. Or- or... killing the owners, if we need to."

Naofumi stopped.

Raphtalia didn't break eye contact, and stopped by his side.

"You're really not that girl anymore, are you?" he said finally. "Before this week, you'd never have considered, that. What happened to not looting people, those other conditions you said were for me?"

Raphtalia glared at him, "People are not property. Those, vile people, that's different. They're not innocent."

Naofumi glanced around. The road was empty.

He took of his helmet.

"Raphtalia, those men in the woods. That was different. That was kill or be killed once we involved ourselves," Naofumi ran a hand through his hair. "Are you sure about this? If we did find out one of your friends was in some dungeon, are you sure you could plan out the murder of that noble?"

"Yes."

Naofumi admired her resolve.

It put him in direct conflict with what Gaelion had recommended, however.

He could hardly work towards co-operation with the damn royals and the other Heroes if he was killing their nobility.

"We'll speak to Beloukas, see what he can find out. We'll... revisit if we get information."

Raphtalia nodded, and said no more on the subject.


"Great to have you back Sir," Bate grinned, before falling in step with them when they entered.

"Are you good to leave your post?" Naofumi asked, surprised.

"Well, as you noticed, we've upped security."

He had. Rather than the lone guard, there was now two. As they walked the busier street, he noticed more here and there, with noticeably shiny armour.

"Business has improved then."

Bate nodded eagerly, "Oh aye, doing much better. Elder asked me to bring you right to him to talk further."

Naofumi nodded, relaxing.

Being in Riyute felt... familiar. Safe, even.

"How long until the Wave, Bate?"

"A week at most I think, Sir."

They had time to improve then, get what last levels they could and ready for the fight.

Elder Riyute greeted them with a wide smile and wider open arms.

"Sir Beastmaster, Lady Raphtalia! Welcome, welcome."

Naofumi raised an eyebrow behind his helmet.

"Please, take a seat, we have much to discuss."

Elder Riyute gestured to the side, and a vaguely familiar woman stepped forth, bringing a platter of assorted foods to the desk in the Elder's study while Naofumi and Raphtalia took the two seats in front.

"Help yourselves, like I said, there is much to discuss."

Naofumi stiffened, while Raphtalia took a small bite out of one of the apples.

"Ah, yes. Fern, Golt, you may leave. You too Eda, thank you dear. Ambrose."

Naofumi turned to see Ambrose give a brief nod before taking up position by the Elder's side, while the others left.

"That Eda," Raphtalia said when the door closed after a beat of silence, "she looked familiar."

"She should be. She's Byron's mother, who I'm sure you remember."

Byron, the thief boy, of course.

Elder Riyute smiled, "Yes, times are better thanks to you. I can afford to hire her on as household staff now. Byron senior is seeing some improvement."

Naofumi shifted.

Silence fell.

Elder Riyute gestured to the platter.

"Please, eat!"

Naofumi's eyes flickered between the Elder and his guard.

Carefully he extended his gloved right hand, took a small piece of bread and lifted his visor minutely with the other. He bit down, chewed and swallowed.

Elder Riyute hummed.

"Your presence, it suggests your time with the dragon was... productive?"

Naofumi chewed another bite.

"It was."

Elder Riyute nodded.

"Yes, you walk with a confidence now."

"I always feel like when you say something to me, Elder, you mean something else," Naofumi said neutrally.

Elder Riyute's brow furrowed.

"You've done much for us, Sir Beastmaster. Because of you, I have faith that more of my people will survive the coming wave. We are better equipped, better prepared, and training is underway."

The older man leaned forward.

"I trust you understand that I am making a massive leap of faith here also in you, given the rumours."

Rumours?

"Rumours?" Raphtalia asked, echoing his thoughts.

Elder Riyute tapped his desk idly.

"Rumours, yes. Not about Sir Beastmaster, however. I'll admit, I wasn't too sure what to think before you left. I half expected you not to return. But you hold true to your word, don't you?"

"Speak plainly, please."

Elder Riyute clasped his hands.

"You seem a businessman at heart, yes. Very well, let us talk business, Shield Hero."

There was a lull, then several things happened at once.

Naofumi lurched to his feet, chair thrown to the side while Raphtalia had her blade drawn, Ambrose had his own crossed defensively over Elder Riyute who hadn't moved.

"I imagine there's a lot of thoughts going through your heads right now," Elder Riyute said slowly, as if speaking to a frightened animal. "But you don't know how far I've passed my suspicions. You don't know if Lady Raphtalia can beat Ambrose here."

The Elder glanced to the raccoon demi-human.

"Before this week, I'd have said no to the last part. Now, however..."

"Have faith, Lord," Ambrose said.

"Always, my friend, always."

Naofumi had just one question, "How?"

Where had I slipped up? Did he see the shield? Surely that's not enough? Did-

He glanced to Raphtalia who looked just as shocked, but ready to fight in his defence.

-No, she didn't. Then, Ekil? Who...

Elder Riyute sighed deeply, "Many clues that separate to each other meant little, but together painted a picture. I am doubtful if you went to another village or town, they would piece it together now. I am sure Mirso was the same."

The how didn't matter then. Good.

"Then what now?"

"What now, Shield Hero? Or do you prefer was it, ah, 'Itwani'?"

"Itwani is my family name," Naofumi said shortly. "You can call me Naofumi."

The elder had earned that much, at the very least.

"Naofumi," Elder Riyute beamed. "Excellent. Yes. I will be frank in why I shared my suspicions now. I gave little thought to the politics of Castle Town regarding you. I care only for what you have done and can do for my people. The easier we can speak, the better."

"I'm sure the village's wants are truly uninvolved with its market town," Naofumi snorted doubtfully.

"Yes, well I never said that. Merely the politics around you. You see-... could you remove that helmet? I would rather we speak man to man, see each other eye to eye so to speak."

Naofumi carefully removed the barbute, setting it on the desk.

"Excellent. Ekil does such fine work, yes... Now, help yourself to the wine and food. I'm sure it is easier to eat now without that in the way."

Naofumi exhaled, before pulling up the chair and reluctantly sitting, followed by a hesitant Raphtalia. Ambrose sheathed his own blade, but remained ready at his Lord's side.

"Truly, you cut a frightening figure. It is rather awe inspiring to see under the man under the identity," The Elder chuckled.

Naofumi didn't know exactly what to say to that. He was unshaven, true. His hair was wild, uncut. Nothing special.

"Now, where were we? Yes, politics," Elder Riyute wrinkled his nose. "I... have disagreements with the royalty. Truth be told, they gave little in the way of help after the Wave, we have seen nothing in terms of support, physical or financial. Hence why you were such a boon, clearing out the mine so soon after the Wave. I am keen to keep the Shield Hero close to hand, ready to defend my village, regardless of current... controversy. Your character as proven much in opposition to these... unsavoury accusations."

"Is this blackmail?" Naofumi asked.

Elder Riyute chuckled.

"Hardly. You are like the wind, so the knights from last week said. Nobody knows where the Shield Hero disappeared to after the princess was-"

"A lying Bitch, who we're better not talking about," Naofumi hissed, eyes darting to Raphtalia.

She looked to still be tense, fixated on Ambrose.

Probably ready to fight still. Good.

"Ah, yes," Elder Riyute glanced to Raphtalia, eyes contemplative. "Well, regardless. You have done much for us, and I am keen to keep you around. The knowledge of your second identity does not go beyond this room. Ambrose is the only other who knows."

"So, now that we can speak plainly, tell me. How did your audience with the dragon go? Was it fruitful?"

Naofumi stared at the Elder with begrudging respect.

The man was clever, but seemed to not care about who he was beyond what he could do for his village.

Naofumi could understand not caring about anyone else other than your own.

In his darker moments, he contemplated letting this damn world burn. Then he remembered Gaelion, Wyndia, Quetzal.

He remembered Raphtalia.

"The Dragon Emperor, Gaelion," Naofumi said, "he has promised to come and help us fight against the wave."

Elder Riyute gasped, and the ever stoic Ambrose's eyes widened.

"Truly?" The village Lord gaped.

Naofumi nodded.

"He knows that when the Wave comes, and the other Heroes fight it..."

Elder Riyute's eyes narrowed.

"You're worried they will try and kill you, or take you in."

"Gaelion is my insurance against that."

"A dangerous game you're playing, Sir Naofumi."

"What other option is there?" Naofumi retorted bitterly.

Elder Riyute shook his head.

"None that I can see, for now. Anyway, there are other matters to discuss."

They talked at length for the next hour, about Naofumi's plans to expand his party by adding Baerwyn and Fenway, while the Elder advised on the current strength of the guard and their evacuation plans.

"Now that the mine has been cleared and work has resumed," the older man explained, "we have fortified it somewhat. We will learn from the first Wave. Lurolona was wiped off the map even with the adventurers and the Seaotto Lord, and Riyute barely survived itself. We will go to the mine and hold there, where there is only one way in, one way out."

"I presume the guard will escort the people?"

The Elder nodded.

"Your party and some of the guard will remain behind to buy time and hold the village for as long as we can. Past behaviour advises the Wave's monsters seek to kill, not occupy or actively raze, if we have a strong party keeping them occupied, drawing them to one position then that spares the villagers their attentions. If we can hold at chokepoints and in the open, then there will be less to repair. Regardless, homes can be rebuilt. Lives lost are not replaced so easily. I have a runner who will make the journey from Castle Town to us when we have a mere day left. Then, evacuation will begin."

"Make sure the guards you leave behind are trusted," Naofumi warned. "I will be using my abilities. They'll need to know."

"Ambrose will brief them, Bate first and a few of the younger generation."

"Why them?" Raphtalia asked.

"Less religious influence hopefully, preferably not veterans of the War."

In other words, less likely to stab him in the back.

"In the meantime, we will continue as before. What comes after the Wave... we can talk then about next steps."

With all parties in agreement, Naofumi shook his first true human ally's hand.


Naofumi hunched over the desk lit only by candlelight, focused on compounding Nutritional Supplements. Tomorrow, they would be be adding Baerywn to their party, and he needed the therianthrope healthy as quick as possible.

"Elder Riyute seems like a good man," Raphtalia said quietly.

"He cares about his people."

"Exactly."

"He can't be trusted though."

"Why?"

Naofumi sighed, "The man is lying to his king. I mean, yeah. The king is trash. But still..."

He was still expecting royal knights to break down the door at any moment, ready to take him up to the castle in chains. He knew that reasonably if that's the route the man wanted to take, he wouldn't have bothered with the farce of telling Naofumi he knew who he was.

It would've risked spooking him into fleeing, after all. But still, Naofumi remained paranoid.

It's not paranoia if they are out to get you, he thought darkly.

The people of this world couldn't be trusted fully.

"Would it be better to wait for the Queen to return, and reveal ourselves then?" Raphtalia asked.

"I don't know. Maybe. But we don't know how long that could take."

While Elder Riyute didn't care for the Castle Town politics, he was very aware of them.

Naofumi knew that the princess was in the Spear Hero's party, and they were somewhere to the west. Something about a famine. The Sword Hero was often doing guild missions, while the Bow Hero was doing... something. Nobody really had any information on him, the Elder told him he heard stories of the Bow Hero hunting bandits, crime and other such acts.

The king hadn't given up the hunt for Naofumi, either. Knights were scattered across the country in search for him, though rumours had placed Naofumi to supposedly being in the west somewhere.

Good job Fenway.

"Naofumi... we can't hide forever."

"Don't you think I know that?" Naofumi gritted his teeth. "What else is there that we can do, Raphtalia? Do you think the King is just going to shake my hand and let bygones be bygones, eh? What do you think they'll do to you, or Baerywn, or Fenway?! They might not be able to kill me, but he won't let me off the hook! I'll be imprisoned, kept alive in a cell until the Waves are done! Then he'll kill me out of spite! You will go back to the cages, Quetzal will be killed, I-"

Naofumi choked on his words, heaving his breaths as Raphtalia gently put a hand on his shoulder.

"I won't be able to protect you, then. I promised. If they catch us..."

She squeezed his shoulder.

"Who can I trust, Raphtalia? Who?"

"You can trust me, Naofumi," she answered softly.

Of course he can trust her. Because it's impossible for her to betray him.

What if that chain was broken, however? What then? Would she leave him? Tell him what she had really been thinking, all this time? Kill him, for buying a child slave and raising her as a weapon against his enemies?

He didn't know. He couldn't take the risk, either. Not yet.

Naofumi sighed, "If the chance comes, if they'll hear me out... I'll try. I promised Gaelion I'd try."

"If the chance comes," Raphtalia repeated, squeezing his shoulder. "For now, we'll get stronger. I was thinking, about that Byron man... should we help him?"

Naofumi snorted.

"Why bother? The mother called you a liar before, and the kid was a thieving brat. Why help them?"

"They could help us in the future, if that's reason enough for you."

Naofumi closed his eyes and laughed.

"Do you not remember the story I told you, of Urashima Taro? Helping others doesn't mean it'll bring you good fortune. Good deeds don't result in good rewards, nor does bad deed mean being punished. Justice doesn't always prevail."

Raphtalia nodded slowly, "Urashima Taro left his comfort zone, Naofumi. Things wouldn't have been the same regardless of when he returned. Why help them? Because we can, Naofumi. Do we need another reason, or reward?"

Naofumi snorted at that.

"An idealistic way of looking at it, I guess."

Raphtalia gripped his shoulder.

"How is this for idealistic, then? Sometimes ignorance is bliss, and not all knowledge is good."

Naofumi flinched, startling her into removing her hand.

The candle burned, and wind rattled against the window.

Naofumi stared at the melting wax, eyes locked on the flame.

"I know that better than most, Raphtalia. No need to tell me."

"I do, Naofumi. Sometimes you forget there's other people than just us. They're suffering too. Just because we are, doesn't mean we should keep them down too. You say you want co-operation? Then show it. There are those who don't have the money for the medicine, they probably dislike us like Byron, even after. There won't be any thanks, but it will help their lives."

Naofumi glanced at Quetzal dozing on their bed.

"I feel like the stupid snake isn't the only one in my head," the Shield Hero said lightly.

He caught the edge of her smile.

"Somebody who can actually call you out has to be. Otherwise you'd sit around brooding all day."

"I do not brood."

"You do brood, Gaelion-sensei said so, you're like a sulky teenager."

"What would you even know about being a teenager, beensprout? You were barely one!"

Naofumi paused, already regretting his retort and turned away.

Barely had the time to enjoy that time of her life because of me.

"Stop that."

Naofumi flinched.

"Stop- what?"

"Stop, that. We talked about this," Raphtalia scolded.

"I... okay."

Raphtalia sighed.

"It's okay, just... please, stop blaming yourself for everything that's happened, that happens. We need to start looking forward, okay?"

Naofumi nodded hesitantly.

"I'll try."


Itsuki awoke to the pounding of his own heart, thudding like a drum in his chest, the bed soaked with sweat.

Heaving deep breaths, he tried to follow what he had briefly heard helped in these situations.

Five things I can see. The window, the drawers, the candle, my bag and the bedframe.

I can feel the bow on my back, the clothes, the bed wool, uh, the mattress.

I can hear Mald snoring, the bed creaking, someone downstairs in the inn.

The candle smells of lavender, and I can smell the sheets, they're fresh.

Taste... I can, taste still that chicken from earlier.

Slowly, his breathing evened over time. Itsuki choked back a sob.

I hate this.

Why, why did he keep remembering it?! He hated these nightmares, of feeling weak and helpless, dying in the asphalt, he couldn't see the damn truck lights were in his eyes and then there was no light-

Breathe.

He curled up in a ball, hugging the pillow closer.

It didn't matter now, he was a Hero, chosen of the four, he was finally someone important, and immortal too! The game wouldn't let him die, he couldn't die again it was so cold and dark-

Breathe.

He needed to stop thinking and just get back to sleep, tomorrow he can continue with the quest, and hopefully all of this would just go away.

Itsuki rested his head again, eyes focused on the gentle flickering of the candle flame. Not too bright, but not... too dark.