Over 300 follows and 250 favorites. You guys really are good to me. Certainly while my story will never be on par with other stories like Hope of the Shield Hero in terms of quality, I'm grateful to every one of you who felt that my story was worth reading. Here's to another chapter!
Chazon stirred from his sleep and became aware of someone breathing on his chest. When he opened his eyes, he saw Rino's auburn hair in his vision. That's right… I let her sleep with me last night.
He knew it was his fault for worrying her so much. The day he let his hatred take over was the day he took a human life for the first time. Even with him feeling less trusting and hard towards the world, he never once felt right about it.
He looks down at her sleeping face as best as he could. When he moved a little bit away from her, she moved close again with a small whimper. That hurt his heart a bit and made him hug her close, making her more at ease. Perhaps… I'll stay like this for a while longer.
After some time, he began to wonder what to feel about his current situation. He didn't know if Rino loved him romantically or platonically… or if what she said when she brought him out of his despair was just something she said to help him. Even now, he had let her sleep with him because he thought it would ease her heart if she could be close to him.
But… how do I feel about her? I've never loved anyone romantically in my old world, nor have I been loved in that way. Yet she became my first party member not by being forced to, but because she genuinely wanted to. We've already been through so much together…
I… actually do hold feelings of love towards her...
He decided to once again hold off final judgement on that subject. He remembered that he wanted to let her confirm if she loved him or not as to avoid awkward scenarios. He waited a bit longer before nudging Rino awake. "Rino, we should probably get up now."
"Hmm? Chazon-kun…" She opened her eyes and saw his soft blue ones looking at her. While she was slightly embarrassed to be sleeping in the same bed with a man, she wanted to just be with him; to know that he wasn't slipping away from her. "Time to get up now?"
"Yeah. We need to check on how Kardia is doing as well and make sure she's okay from having her magic going out of control for some reason." He got up slowly, making sure not to disturb her too much.
As he moved to exit the tent, she grabbed his hand and got his attention. "Thank you… for letting me sleep with you."
Chazon could see that she was a lot more at ease now, which warmed his heart as he smiled at her. "Anytime."
As he went over to the tent Kardia was in, he was suddenly struck with one thought that he cursed himself for thinking. I'm glad nobody in my party likes to sleep in their underwear… or in the nude for that matter. Waking them up would be awkward as hell if that were the case.
Shaking his head, he looked in on Kardia, who was still sleeping peacefully. He moved to check her forehead to see if she still had a fever. The movement accidentally woke her up. "Chazon-sama… what happened?"
"From what I was told, you suddenly collapsed with a very high fever yesterday afternoon. We brought an apothecary to determine what happened and he figured your condition was magical in nature. When I tried to use my spear to calm your magic, we wound up forming a Spirit Bond which in turn removed your fever."
"Ah… so that's what happened." She gets up and gives him a soft smile. "Regardless of what happened, I thank you for doing your best to cure me… without wasting the Drought on me."
"I already got an earful from you once, I didn't need another one so soon." She giggled at that. "Besides that, do you feel okay now?"
"I feel fine now, though my tail feels weird for some reason." She throws the cover off her tail, only for both of them to stare in shock.
After a bit Chazon shakily inhaled to ask, "Kardia… why do you have two tails?"
Kardia had somehow grown a second tail overnight and it had moved the other one to the side a bit. The second tail had an indigo tip while the first one maintained its pure maroon coloring. "I… I don't know why."
"Chazon-kun, Kardia-chan? What's wrong?" Rino entered the tent, only to be just as shocked as the other two at the sight.
Thankfully her clothes didn't rip to accommodate the new appendage. Rifana, Obsidian, and Amber all marveled at her two tails as she wagged them all around, getting used to having a second one. "For some reason, my magic feels… more potent somehow."
I wonder… is she going to grow 7 more tails for a total of 9? "Kardia, do you know anything regarding kitsunes with multiple tails?"
"None, even though I was kidnapped from Siltvelt. Before it happened I never really was given any real explanations on how my race worked."
Rifana frowned at that. "I never grew up with any kitsunes myself, so I can't help either."
Rino had started flicking through the Monster Encyclopedia when Chazon asked his question; due to the author of the book being from Melromarc, anything regarding demi-humans would have been put in there. Her search turned up nothing. "Guess we'll have to go right to Siltvelt if we want confirmation on what is happening to you, Kardia-chan."
"I would highly recommend against it." Kardia grimaced at those words. "As much as I would like to look for my family, Siltvelt is incredibly hostile to humans; basically a reverse of what's going on in Melromarc. Even if I tried to pass you off as my slaves, they would see Chazon as the Spear Hero and try to have him killed."
"Yeesh, even though the death of a Cardinal Hero would make the waves stronger?" Chazon couldn't wrap his head around how fanatics' minds work. Then again, something tells me I don't want to know…
"Ah, I was told I would find you here, Chazon-sama." He looks over and sees Elena approaching his campsite. "I'm glad I caught you before you left for parts unknown."
"What's up?" Chazon made a conscious effort to not sound bland, like he wanted nothing to do with her.
"I need to give you a warning." Chazon stiffened at that, his party members started listening intently, and she let out a sigh. "Ever since I returned to the capital, I've been keeping an ear on the grapevine to hear about what's going on around Melromarc. Recently, one rumor made its way to me that has shaken me." She looks at Chazon with a grimace. "The church… is beginning to consider you a "false hero" of sorts."
I should have known as much considering we were attacked by them, but hearing it makes it no less chilling. He crosses his arms in contemplation. "So much for that class up we'll need soon… Thank you for the heads up. We'll steer clear of the capital and any villages that practice their teachings for the time being."
"That will be a good idea. However, I'd recommend going to a different country for class ups after the wave just in case. You never know what religious zealots will pull when they feel their values are stepped on."
Rino approached with a concerned look. "What do you propose we do until then? Everyone is almost to the class up level, yet if we can't level up anymore for the wave…"
Elena thought for a moment. "My advice is to seek the Shield Hero. Last I heard he went towards Dragon Village to deal with a plague that started in the area. Perhaps you should start your search there."
Chazon thought for a moment before nodding. "Sounds like a good idea. If Naofumi is in the same boat as us, there's no point in worrying about our exp being cut off. Safety in numbers is more important right now.
"I agree. If the church really considers you a fake hero already, then being subtle about your relationship with his party no longer matters. With that, I bid you good luck." Elena bows and heads back towards her caravan, grateful that she could at least warn the Spear Hero. Calling him fake for his choice of party members… what a joke…
Rifana shuddered with subtle anger after the conversation was over. "They call you a fake? Just because you never bent over backwards and put their values over yours?"
"That's how a lot of religions work, sadly. We'll pack up and head east AROUND Castle Town and head towards Dragon Village straight from the capital. If we miss Naofumi on the way, we'll just have to follow his trail."
During the pack-up, many villagers expressed thanks to Chazon's party for their help, offering some food items and promises to misguide the church should they come looking for them. Amber was able to spread some more joy into their hearts before Obsidian started running south to circumvent the capital and head east.
Along the way, Chazon noted that both Rino and himself had already reached level 40. Everyone else was also relatively close, presumably because of the confrontation with the mercs the other day. Rino gained a star next to her level and stopped getting exp as he was told the other day. Chazon made sure to give ALL exp earned to his non-human party members so that everyone would be level 40 when they joined up with Naofumi.
Whenever they went to sleep for the night, Rino had taken to sleeping with Chazon rather than alternating between Rifana, Kardia, and the two kids. Instead, Amber or Obsidian would take turns sleeping with the two, reducing how awkward it was to have a male and a female of similar ages sleeping together. The other would sleep with "big sisters" Rifana and Kardia.
Kardia quickly proved that her second tail was more than just a cosmetic change. Her spells gained noticeable power behind them. Not too much but, like Chazon said before, anything helps in this world.
By the time they saw Dragon village in the distance, Everyone had leveled to 40, while the overflow had begun to go right to Chazon and put him at level 41. Rifana sighed. "Kind of a shame we can't get much stronger than this outside of upgrading our armor and weapons."
Chazon nodded at that. "I'm making due with the monster souls I've been getting, but they're still spread pretty thin for my tastes." What made him worried was the fact that all he could do by himself was strengthen his own weapon-forms. Outside of enhancing his tanking spears, there wasn't a way to directly strengthen his party members.
Kardia was sitting up front with Chazon as she sighed. "Here's hoping Naofumi-sama is willing to craft us enchanted accessories before the wave. If we can't get stronger with levels, then things like that will be our only way of getting stronger."
If only I could use Refinement on my party member's gear…
When they were still some distance away from the village, they spotted a familiar white-pink filolial on the road. "I think we got lucky. Naofumi!"
Naofumi was startled at Chazon's voice, which quickly turned into a smile after having to listen to Melty and Filo chat endlessly. Finally, someone I can talk to while Raphtalia is dealing with her motion sickness!
Melty saw the black filolial that was approaching them and widened her eyes. "Can it be? Another filolial that looks like Filo-chan?"
Filo was exceptionally happy as she rushed forward. "Kuro-kun!"
"Oi, Filo! You're killing Raphtalia back here!" Raphtalia made some sickly noises in the back of the carriage at that. "I'm just as happy to see Chazon's party as you are, but slow down!"
Obsidian heard Filo and became very happy. "Filo-chan!" He rushed forward, which caught everyone on his carriage off guard.
After stopping and disembarking, Chazon and Naofumi bumped fists with each other. "Good to see you again, even though it hasn't been that long."
"Jeeze, couldn't go too long without seeing me or something, Chazon?" Naofumi asked with a smirk.
"Oi, you looked just as happy to see me!" Melty would have noted the banter between the two heroes if she wasn't too busy going nuts over Obsidian. Rino, Rifana, Raphtalia, and Kardia were busy catching up while Amber joined Obsidian with Melty and Filo.
Chazon motioned towards the blue-haired girl. "Who's that?"
"Her name is Melty, a noble in Melromarc, and… well... apparently she's a bigger fan of filolials than you. She got separated from her guards because she stopped to interact with a small herd of wild filolials."
"Really? Sounds like a flimsy excuse no matter how much she likes them." Chazon stated flatly. "Besides, her guards must be very incompetent if they never noticed that she detached from them."
"Agreed. I'm only giving her a ride to Castle Town because I was promised a reward." Naofumi noted that Chazon's voice had something of an edge to it now. I wonder what happened between now and our last meeting?
"Hate to be a bother, but care for us to join you?"
That made Naofumi do a double-take. "Wait why? You know you won't get EXP if we're together right?"
"Well… everyone in my party is due for a class up… but certain events and bits of information have made me wary of entering Castle Town with just us."
Naofumi was informed of the Church of Three Heroes, as well as the rumor that they are considering branding Chazon as a fake hero for fraternizing with demi-humans. "Figures that Melromarc would be full of scum like that. I never realized there was an entire religion set against me…"
"You've definitely had it harder than I have, though I'm wondering why they left you alone outside of malicious slandering." Chazon shook his head. "That's why I decided that we should stick together for now. Because the church is already in the process of declaring me a fake, there's no point in keeping each other at arm's length while in Melromarc."
"Agreed. However… I desperately need pure holy water and I was told that major churches are the only ones who carry them."
That got an odd look from Chazon. "Why do you need holy water?" Naofumi grimaced as he looked at Raphtalia. Chazon followed the Shield Hero's gaze to see who he was looking at. That's when he noted some black marks underneath her bandages. "Raphtalia was cursed?"
"Yeah… I'd rather not talk about it." I don't know what Chazon will think of me if he found out I hurt her… I just wish I knew what was going on.
The Spear Hero noted his fellow hero's face and closed his eyes. I guess we both have our baggage this time… Shaking his head, he asks, "You don't want to try using the Drought?"
"I don't doubt it'll cure her of that curse… but I'm guessing it'll remove her slave brand as well and it's important to her. So I want a more controlled way of dispelling her curse. However… if what you said is true, then I might not get the water I need anyways."
"A dilemma indeed…" Chazon looks at everyone in both of their parties. Despite her cursed status, Raphtalia was still being as cheery as possible.
Naofumi observed until his eyes fell on Melty, which gave him an idea. "Perhaps… my charge will be able to help me here." Chazon gave him an odd look, which made him clarify. "I'm bringing her to Castle Town because she promised to reward me for doing so. If I can get her to agree to the reward being some pure holy water, then that'll solve our dilemma regarding Raphtalia's curse."
That got a small smirk out of Chazon. "Never thought of doing that. Perhaps we won't even have to enter Castle Town if we do it like that."
"My party still has to, but we ironically have more freedom of movement than your party does thanks to these "fake hero" alligations directed at you. Let's not delay the trip anymore than we have to." Naofumi turns to everyone. "Listen up! We're burning daylight hours, so let's decide who's traveling in which carriage before we take off."
Melty had decided to go with Kardia, Amber, and Obsidian due to her wanting to know "Kuro-kun" more. Chazon, Rino, and Rifana went with Naofumi and Raphtalia on Filo's carriage; Chazon and Naofumi wanted to discuss some things, Rino wanted to be close to Chazon and talk to Filo, and Rifana wanted to help Raphtalia with her motion sickness.
They had made many pit stops along the way. Chazon made sure to dump as many of the materials he had gathered from Lute onto Naofumi as possible for his accessory crafting. He even helped with the crafting and enchanting process where he could. As a result, Naofumi had more than enough materials to make a bunch of accessories for Chazon's party members, having already started making some for his own. Since the need was great, he was able to teach Chazon how to craft and enchant his own accessories to better equip his party members.
During one such stop, Chazon decided to demonstrate his new "mini-bombs" on some hapless monsters. The flashbang worked as expected; it exploded into a bright light with a deafening sound that was great for stunning enemies. Naofumi made sure to complain about getting slightly flashed without warning. The Shield Hero did concede that it was a good item to have on hand as a support option, though he noted the small blast radius. Chazon mentioned that it was an intentional design flaw so that it could be used as crowd control should allies be nearby without stunning them as well.
Chazon attempted to show off his grenades, but the one he threw fell as a dud, which caused the Legendary Weapon Rule Violation to pop up. He sighed at that. "Who wants to volunteer to throw one instead of me?" After a pause, Rifana raised her hand and approached with curiosity. "All you have to do is pull the pin to prime it and throw as hard as you can. Just for future reference, never pull the pin unless you know for certain you're gonna throw… or do a run-by drop."
Rifana pulled the pin and threw as hard as she could. It actually went a bit further than Chazon's throw which disappointed him, but what didn't was the resulting explosion. Everyone recoiled at the explosive force on display. Naofumi chuckled after the noise died down. "You just HAD to make grenades and flashbangs in this world, huh?"
"Any port in a storm, Naofumi."
"I agree fully. If you want power, then be greedy about it as I always say." Raphtalia facepalmed at that as he grinned.
The rest of the trip panned out normally, between Chazon abusing loopholes to increase the quality of fish caught by others, to shenanigans from Amber and Kardia trying to liven up the place. Chazon never really fully trusted Melty because of her status as a noble. That one fat prick ruined all nobles for me…
Amber revealed a new weakness of hers after Filo and Obsidian caught a bunch of fish: she had a severe fear of fish and any aquatic monster. She didn't even like eating them. Naofumi noted that it might have something to do with her being a bug-like monster and bugs are typically eaten by fish.
Monsters did still occasionally attack and because of the proximity between Naofumi and Chazon, no exp was gained. Because everyone in their parties was already level 40, there wasn't much concern over the lost exp.
While Melty was gaga over both filolials, she adored Amber's wings and personality a lot. The four of them played whenever they could and it warmed the hearts of everyone, including Chazon who couldn't help it.
Eventually, the group reached the capital once again, though Naofumi told Chazon's party not to go much further out of caution. "I have no idea what will happen if you guys enter with us like this, so I'd rather not risk having everyone join us. However, should we be too long, decide among yourselves who should come in after us in case we get held up." With that, the four of them entered the city.
Kardia thought for a moment before nodding. "Chazon-sama and Rino-sama have the best chances of going in and being inconspicuous despite their status. I'll hide the entire carriage with All Hide Mirage while you two are gone."
Chazon thought for a moment before sighing. "As much as I don't want to, it really is the best plan. As long as I hide my spear properly, we should avoid being detected."
Rifana thought for a moment. "Couldn't you change your spear's form to something less conspicuous? Like a bracelet you can hide?"
Chazon frowned at that before attempting to will his weapon into such a form. To everyone's surprise, it worked and it turned into a silver bracelet with the red jewel engraved into it. "Well what do you know? I could have avoided quite a bit of trouble if I knew that. Oh well, better late than never."
After some time, everyone started to grow worried about the shield hero's party. "Guess we're going in after them. Kardia, make sure you're ready before we depart."
"Ready and willing, Chazon-sama. We have plenty of MP potions thanks to Naofumi-sama's skills in apothecary, so we should be good at hiding for a while." After Chazon and Rino disembarked, she chanted, "As the source of thy power, I the Spear Hero's companion command thee. Decipher the laws of nature and hide everyone around me from sight. All Hide Mirage!" With that, the entire carriage disappears.
"Let's go, Rino. We'd best make sure Naofumi didn't get caught up in anything." She nods at that and they both rush in.
After some time, they come across a bustling marketplace with no sign of Naofumi as Chazon sighed. "I really hope they didn't fall into a trap of some sort. I wouldn't put it past some people."
"At least you haven't been recognized." Rino reassured before her eyes widened. "There he is!"
Sure enough, he had stopped in the middle of the marketplace, out of breath. The duo quickly rushed up to him. "Naofumi, what happened?"
He took a second to catch his breath. "I was chased by a knight, presumably trying to arrest me or something. I told Raphtalia to get Filo and regroup by the carriage."
"Lovely. We'll head back out and see if she isn't-"
"SHIELD HERO!" All three jump away from a random strike from the air. When the person who attacked landed, it was none other than Glone wielding some kind of special looking spear.
"Tch, you again?" Was all Naofumi got out before he was forced to switch from his book to one of his shields to block another strike as civilians around them cried out in surprise and panic.
"Don't "you again" me! I know you still hold that girl as a slave and you've even enslaved a younger one!" He brought up his spear which looked suspiciously familiar. "Not to mention that fat bird of yours! Have you no shame?!"
Am I missing something here? Mentally sighing, Chazon turns to Rino. "Get as many civilians out of here as possible. I don't see this ending well." Rino nodded and rushed off to herd people away from the commotion. Most of them quickly complied.
"And don't think I didn't recognize you, Spear Hero!" Glone suddenly shouted at Chazon. "You're actually fraternizing with the Shield Hero when you aren't supposed to!"
"Great, my cover's blown." Chazon morphs his spear from bracelet form into the Stone Golem Spear for a more tactful look. "Besides what's it to you, Mr. KnightMcFailure? Don't you realize that this is a public place?"
"Like I care at this moment! I've suffered enough humiliation because of you two! Air Strike Javelin!" His spear lights up and he throws it at Naofumi, who deflects it into the ground nearby.
That shocked Chazon severely. "Wait, that's one of MY skills! What the hell?!" Before Glone could launch another attack and cause even more damage to public property, he quickly switched to his Ultralight Metal Lance and engaged the knight in a spear-lock. "Seriously! What kind of knight goes around endangering the public?"
"Just shut up!" Glone was clearly beyond reasoning at this point, so Chazon had to settle for overpowering him.
Just as he was about to strike Chazon after a harsh landing, a young knight suddenly jumped in front of him. "Please stop, Glone-sama!"
Glone deflected the attack himself before jumping away. "Ake! What is the meaning of this?!"
"Why are you doing this? Don't you remember our creed as knights?!" Ake asked Glone in exasperation with a pained face. "What kind of knight endangers the people he's supposed to protect by having such an unofficial dual in a public place?"
"It's official now!" Everyone saw Malty had arrived with an entourage of knights, which made Naofumi growl. "By the authority invested into me by the crown, this has now become an official duel between the Shield Hero… and the Spear Hero!"
Chazon realized what she was saying and snarled. "Are you trying to pull this bullshit again?!" Black veins creeped into his vision again, which made him grimace and tried to mentally calm down as best as he could. Can't… lose… control… now…
Naofumi saw the jewel on Chazon's weapon flash pitch black for a moment before it faded away as Chazon grimaced, which made the Shield Hero blanch. Chazon… not you too...
Back at Chazon's carriage, Kardia's breathing became haphazard which greatly concerned Rifana. "Kardia-chan, are you alright?!"
"Y-yes… sorry, something just came over me." She managed to calm her breathing down. What was that? It felt like… hatred was seeping into my soul…
Malty gave Chazon a haughty look. "What, are you going to go against royal decree and brand yourself a traitor to the crown?"
He sighed at that before deciding to play that up. "Sure, go ahead! Not like your precious church was going to brand me a fake hero or anything anyways!" Malty recoiled as the crowd began to murmur.
"Brand the Spear Hero as a fake?"
"Didn't he work so hard to save lives in the last wave?"
"I don't think fake heroes could give inspirational speeches like he did…"
"What is the church doing?"
Naofumi realized what Chazon did; turned something to his advantage and made people suddenly doubt the church. Whether or not you did that intentionally, that was a clever ploy.
"R-regardless, if you refuse to comply, then we'll have to declare you as a traitor to the crown all the same!" Malty apparently wasn't expecting to have the public turned on her secret allies like that and was doing her best to save face.
"Lower your weapons." A young, yet authoritative voice rang out across the scene. All of the knights, save for Glone and the commander, bowed as a certain blue-haired girl appeared. "I will not condone forcing two heroes to fight each other when they are already on the same side."
Malty looked like she'd seen a ghost. "Y-you… what are you doing here already?"
"It's been a while… sister." Melty stated it in a very flat tone, as if she was reluctant to call her a sister.
That shocked the trio as Chazon and Rino regrouped with Naofumi. "Sister? So she's actually...?"
"And don't think your privileges will be able to cover up what you did here. Glone… take a look around you. Do you think a royal knight like yourself should truly put the people he's supposed to protect in harm's way? Should someone of your stature really be blinded by the need to have revenge?"
Glone flinched at that as he lowered his weapon entirely. "Urk…" He really didn't have anything to say for himself.
Melty looked at her sister. "Malty, your fun and games have always been taken too far, but this time really takes the cake."
"What are you talking about, dear sister? I'm simply doing my job as the aid of my chosen knight, since I was unable to properly join a hero's party." She leered at Chazon at that, which he returned appropriately.
"Is forcing him to throw away his knight's oath and attack haphazardly in a public place really being his aid?"
"You know little about what's going on. And yet you dare defy me, your older sister?"
Melty leered at that. "I'll inform mother about this if the need truly arises." That made Malty grimace with her teeth gritted.
Chazon crossed his arms as Melty went around apologizing for the trouble. If Malty's a Princess of Melomarc and Melty is her sister, Melty's obviously the second princess. That means Melty was going to inform her mother, the Queen, about what her older sister has been up to… and considering the Queen has far more power than the King, I can see where that would end up.
Naofumi changed his shield back to its book form as Chazon turned his spear into bracelet form. "Naofumi-sama, Chazon-sama, Rino-chan!" Raphtalia approached with Filo in tow. "What happened here?"
Chazon shook his head in disdain. "Just Glone. That's all you need to know."
"Don't think you two will get away with this…" Glone got out through clenched teeth. "You and that fat bird of yours will get what's coming!"
Chazon bit down the urge to snort as veins bulged on Filo's head. She suddenly transformed in front of him with the angriest look on her face. "I hate you too, stupid knight!"
That caught Glone completely off guard. "Wha- y-you're that very same-" He never got to finish his sentence as she kicked him in the family jewels and sent him flying.
"Fore!" Chazon said between chuckles as he gave Filo a golf clap, who transformed back with the proudest look on her face.
"I agree. Good work Filo." Naofumi pats Filo on the head as she giggles happily. Both Raphtalia and Rino could only look on in exasperation at their respective heroes.
"Savior of the Heavenly Fowl… no, Sir Shield Hero." Melty had approached the group. "And you as well, Sir Spear Hero. We need to talk, but this isn't the place to do so."
Naofumi wanted to turn her down, but he knew he hadn't gotten the holy water he needed from her so he complied for now. "Let's meet up at Erhard's place. His shop is usually pretty quiet."
Melty nodded at that before turning to Chazon. "I've heard about the allegations the church is trying to condemn you with, Chazon-sama. Rest assured, I'll grant you and your party succor as long as you're in Castle Town. If you wish to summon the rest of your party, that would be greatly appreciated."
He nodded at that, noting the look in her eyes as both him and Rino quickly left to gather their party members. The other four were surprised to learn that they can enter Castle Town freely now and agreed to accompany the duo to Erhard's place.
Erhard was understandably exasperated at his shop being used as a meeting place. "Could the both of you explain to me what's going on?"
Chazon sighed at that. "Apologies, but we figured this was the best place to chat without the risk of being overheard. I have some additional business with you anyways, so you'll get compensation." Erhard nodded at that, somewhat satisfied.
Naofumi looked at Melty in impatience. "So… care to properly explain who you are?"
To her credit, Melty did look a bit guilty. "Apologies for hiding my true identity. I am the Crown Princess of the kingdom of Melromarc, Second Princess Melty Melromarc." That threw Erhard for a loop.
Seeing the children of the group acting confused, Kardia quickly said, "she means she's next in line to rule this country if her parents die or step down."
Both Rifana and Raphtalia looked at each other. "You mean you're ahead of your older sister despite being born later?"
"Indeed, for my older sister has always been a problem child with a rather… unsavory personality."
This time Naofumi and Chazon looked at each other. "You can say that again…"
Melty looked at the two heroes. "I'll confess, while I knew Chazon-sama was the Spear Hero immediately, I did not know Naofumi-sama was the Shield Hero. As such, this is the perfect time to talk to you two about-"
Naofumi interrupted her by getting up. "Sorry, but we're done here. I can't trust anything you-" it was his turn to get interrupted by Chazon, who softly shook his head. Naofumi was about to voice his objection when he remembered something vital. I guess if you saw no deceit in her eyes, then… I suppose I'll listen to her.
When Chazon locked eyes with her back at the marketplace, he could see many things, but nothing that would lead to her betraying or deceiving them. Even now, those feelings in her eyes hadn't changed. As much as he wanted to distrust her with his entire being, it wouldn't be fair to her without allowing her to explain herself. "Continue, Crown Princess."
Melty couldn't express how happy she was that the Spear Hero allowed her to make her case when it seemed like the Shield Hero would just deny her. However, before she could even speak, she was called away by one of her knights. "I apologize, but it seems I'll have to make my case later. However, I thank you for at least giving me the opportunity to speak, Chazon-sama." She bowed and was about to leave when she remembered something. "Naofumi-sama, here is your reward for escorting me back to Castle Town." She procures a bottle of pure holy water and gives it to him.
Naofumi regards the holy water before putting it in his inventory. "Thank you. It seems you're needed elsewhere, so you'd better make your case properly later."
She nodded at that and left the building, remembering that her mother sent her home to admonish her father for his unfair treatment of the Shield Hero. Here's hoping I can reach him next time…
Naofumi was checking his status magic when Raphtalia asked, "Were you going to deny her a chance to speak?"
"Yes… though I trust Chazon's judgement on matters like this, hence why I didn't object to him interrupting me."
Chazon let out a sigh at that. "Believe me, Naofumi, I wanted to distrust her as much as you… but I figured I would give her at least one chance in order to be fair."
Kardia, remembering that she heard about everything that happened in the past, closed her eyes somberly. "I suppose when too many members of a family have wronged you, you feel the need to judge all other family members the same way…" Naofumi clenched a nearby curtain in frustration.
Obsidian pulled on Naofumi's cloak which got his attention. "Uncle Naofumi… if you ever need to talk about it, we're always here for you." Amber had joined him in giving him concerned looks.
Naofumi, once again, didn't have Chazon's passive ability but he saw the sincerity behind Obsidian's words and Amber's eyes. That made him ease his posture and gave them both pats on the head with a small smile. Chazon really has raised these kids well…
"Excuse us." Everyone looked at the entrance of the shop and saw the knight named Ake and a small group behind him.
Naofumi narrowed his eyes. "It's you again… care to explain what you want with me?"
Ake stuttered a bit before everyone bowed to Naofumi. "W-we want to join your party for the wave!" That caught everyone off guard as he continued. "We were deeply moved both by your actions during the last wave and Chazon-sama's words of inspiration after the fact. Because of that… everyone with me wants to support your efforts!"
Naofumi sighed at that. "Is that why you were chasing after me?" That whole scenario was a waste of time and energy…
"Yes! We decided to ask you the next time you entered the capital! We would have asked Chazon-sama, but he left far too quickly for us to find him."
That made Chazon shake his head as he regarded the group… only to deadpan when he saw one person in particular. "Merlay, is that you?"
The mage girl nodded with a small smile. "It's been a while, Chazon-sama. I'm glad to see you're doing well. Even if current events have seen the church trying to brand you as a fake hero."
Chazon looked at her for a bit before a small smile creeped onto his face. "So you've decided to fight the waves after all?"
That made Merlay wince a bit. "I… I know that I'm tarnishing your kindness by going back on my decision, but-"
"Don't worry about it. You didn't want to fight the waves back then, so if you're fully willing to fight the waves now then that's not tarnishing my kindness." Merlay's face lit up as he chuckled. Rino smiled at Chazon for those words.
"Very well." Naofumi had apparently made up his mind. "But before I can fully accept…" He brings out one of the accessories he had recently made. "Buy this off me for 150 silver. If you can do so, then I'll consider your request."
Rifana gave Naofumi an odd look. "Why are you treating them like a mercenary band?"
"Just my way of saying they'll earn my trust if they can buy this." That made Rifana and Raphtalia exasperated, but Kardia could see where Naofumi was going with his "offer" and smiled.
"Understood! We'll go gather the money right now!"
Merlay nodded at Chazon. "I have my own decision that I wish to tell you, but I'll help Ake and the rest to get enough money first. I'll be ready to tell you my full answer by then, Chazon-sama." Chazon nodded at that as the group of young knights and mages left the building.
What followed was Chazon and Naofumi getting various pieces of armor fixed and updated by Erhard. Raphtalia and Rino were still pretty set with their ultralight metal armor while Rifana simply wanted a light metal shield, which Chazon once again supplied materials for. He even gave back his own custom armor along with the Heavensward Mauler fur, the ultralight metal ore that Naofumi refused, and some silver ore to update his custom armor.
Raphtalia got a new magic silver sword and Rino had given her dual blades to Erhard to be reforged into magic gold dual blades thanks to Chazon still having a good amount of gold ore and two gems suitable for turning the metal magic. Erhard made sure to get the materials and money for mage-armor suitable for Kardia; she couldn't go around in just regular robes forever and mage armor actually helps mages focus a bit more mid-combat.
Naofumi made sure to confirm with Erhard that class ups could only be done at the Dragon Hourglass. The blacksmith was disheartened when he learned that both heroes were sort-of locked out of their party member's class ups due to the church's beliefs.
The two heroes wound up at Beloukas' main tent to discuss other options. While he informed the two that he couldn't offer such a service, he did point them towards other countries that also had Dragon Hourglasses, including Zeltoble, Siltvelt, and Shieldfreeden.
Kardia made sure to shoot down Siltvelt if the two heroes were going to travel together to get class ups due to Chazon being at risk in the country. Beloukas agreed and stated that Shieldfreeden would be the better option. Despite it being a demi-human nation, they were very friendly to humans. Chazon frowned at the information. "The only problem is that, no matter what nation we choose, we won't make it back in time for the wave."
Beloukas clasped his hands together. "Indeed… perhaps the two of you would like to equip your Filolial Queen and King with new weapons instead?" Said weapons were wyvern talons, which cost 5 gold pieces per set. Chazon was secretly thankful he was able to sell a good amount of his materials at one of the villages they had stopped at before arriving in Castle Town; he could barely afford it after what Erhard charged him. "Sadly, I have nothing the little Solar Empress can use to strengthen herself, but I doubt she'd have any use for physical weapons anyways."
A thought came to his mind and, as loathe he is to rely on a slave trader for information, Chazon reluctantly asked, "Do you happen to know anything about kitsune's with multiple tails?"
Beloukas knew instantly why he asked. "It's your kitsune party member, correct? I'll confess, I myself have never seen a kitsune with more than one tail, but… considering what I'm about to tell you is second hand and unreliable, I'll tell it free of charge."
He cleared his throat as Kardia listened. "Turns out that in Siltvelt, while kitsunes are considered one of the higher class demi-humans, multi-tailed kitsune are considered on the path of becoming more akin to monsters. As such, while I haven't heard anything from my demi-human slave traders in Siltvelt about this subject, I would hazard to assume that your companion will face just as much discrimination as a human would."
Figures… hopefully Shieldfreeden will be more understanding. If push comes to shove, we'll have to go to Zeltoble for our class ups if the situation in Melromarc doesn't improve. He noted the incredibly sad look on Kardia's face and hugged her. "Don't worry, you won't become a monster no matter what anyone says, I promise."
Kardia smiled as she hugged him back with tears of gratitude. "Chazon-sama… thank you."
Beloukas thought of something. "If you like, we could look at her affinities again. I have a hunch regarding her second tail." Kardia tentatively did so and he grinned widely. "What was the kitsune's affinity before?"
Rifana thought for a moment. "Fire, though everyone beforehand said there was something off about it."
"Then my intuition is correct! She now has both fire AND water affinities thanks to her second tail!" Everyone looked stunned at that. Kardia was truly turning into someone special.
"So that's what's happening back home…"
Mirellia Q. Melromarc was in her room at the Faubrey embassy and had just been talking with one of her Shadows.
"Indeed, your majesty. I daresay, princess Melty had encountered the Shield Hero unknowingly and had traveled with him back to Castle Town. When her identity was revealed to him, he was about to shut her out, just as you thought but hoped wouldn't happen." The shadow was perched on a windowsill outside of the queen's room.
"You said "about to." Care to elaborate?"
"Certainly. As it turns out, after some traveling, they had met up with the Spear Hero's party and traveled together, since both parties couldn't level up due to the need for class ups. I daresay, the Spear Hero himself was present when the Shield Hero was about to shut her out, but didn't follow through at his fellow hero's council."
Mirellia hid a smile of relief behind her fan. "Full glad to know that the Spear Hero is as wise as we had hoped. Certainly, while business matters prevented my daughter from properly speaking to them, I'm glad she was at least given a chance by both heroes."
She had figured that the wounds of the heart caused to the shield hero by her foolish husband and elder daughter would lead to Melty being shunned by the Shield Hero. She was even more disheartened when she learned that the Spear Hero wasn't immune to those wounds. She found out he had succumbed to despair at being unable to save his friend from a rigged duel.
As soon as the shadow gave her the report that he had regained his hopes and had even adopted two demi-human children, her heart became both lighter and heavier in different areas. Lighter in the knowledge that he would not discriminate against who he saves, but heavier in knowing that the corrupt church of her home would try to brand him as a fake. Though I must commend the Sword and Bow Heroes for doing their best as well. Even if they made mistakes, they did their best to correct them and make sure that the people will recover. It seems the Spear Hero really is the heart of the four heroes.
"Continue to monitor them as closely as possible and try to take moves that will subtly prevent the church from completely shutting out the Spear Hero. Even if both heroes travel together, they may take action against them right before the wave."
"As you command, your majesty." The Shadow disappears in a puff of darkness.
Mirellia looked out the window, fan hiding her discontented frown. "To think my husband was so foolish to think he could take out his rage and hatred on the Shield Hero and expected to not have any consequences over it. Hopefully Melty will be able to set him straight, but I fear I can't hold my breath over it…"