One Punch Man belongs to One.
Rising of The Shield Hero belongs to Aneko Yusagi.
I own neither of them.
| Dancing With The Dragon |
Part I: Soothing Souls
Suiryu was on his way to Lute hamlet after his reunion with the other heroes right after that Wave. As he enjoyed his peaceful walk on a dirt road leading to the settlements, he let his mind to ponder about the previous events. To meet once again with those kids somewhat bothered him.
'I wonder what those kids were doing before the Wave.' The monk-fighter mused as he glanced at the trees on the sides of the road. 'Maybe I'm overthinking this, but I saw they're almost level 40. If I fight them, can I beat them? They're not monsters after all. And they're heroes, unlike the guys I fought at the palace and those two assassins.'
The martial artist assessed his current state after his meeting with the other heroes. He still maintained his confidence should he face them, but there was a speck of doubt which blemished it. He had proved that he could pulverize monsters above his level, yet things possibly would not go the same if his opponents were the three boys.
'If only I have a chance to see how they fight, I guess I can figure out about how I should deal with them.' Suiryu thought about the most possible solution to overcome the problem. 'I guess I must find a way to peek into their training. This might be risky, but since they could not recognize me, I have a chance to see how they engage their enemies.'
Since there was no ability which allowed each hero to check their fellow's stats, Suiryu became wary that those boys might possibly overwhelm him in a match. If only he knew that those heroes capability did not exceed B Class hero, he would surely curse himself for minding them and letting his time went in vain for such inquiry.
When the sun's ray turned golden as it sped towards its setting place, Suiryu saw the gate of the hamlet. Several meters away from it, his disciples had been waiting while chatting before a stone pillar which seemed to be some sort of monument. Probably they talked about how they completed his task to clear the forest.
"Oh, Lord Suiryu! Welcome back." Rifana greeted him as she smiled while waving her hand.
"Welcome back, Lord Suiryu. We expect you had a very fantastic fight with the monsters." Raphtalia exclaimed as she smiled really wide.
"Oh… Hello, Rifana, Raphtalia. Good to see you again." The shield hero chuckled. "And yeah, the battle was kinda… fun. It really brushed up my skills. Ahaha..."
His focus was distracted at an unthinkable sight. A sight which really blew his mind and likely had disturbed him more than the thought of facing the other heroes. His disciples had grown into full-fledged ladies in mere hours after the Wave! Once again, he should bring them to a clothing store, unless he wanted them to get ravaged by men's eyes.
During his rampage against the undeads, he had both girls to fight in the forest surrounding Lute. His order was simple: fight the monsters and meet again at the hamlet. It was simple and as usual, they rushed without any question.
Letting some students wandered unobserved to fight enemies would be a totally reckless deed of a master. However, Suiryu was no ordinary master because he knew about his disciples' capability like his own palm. He realized that they had adequate fighting experience, decent teamwork and they knew when to fallback if they faced a danger. Besides, he could calculate the general situation of the battlefield, so he was not stupid in letting Rifana and Raphtalia to deal with the monsters.
When he and his disciples battled separately, his HUD kept updating their status. Their EXP bar kept running and by the time he slew Chimera, they had grew to level 18. A really sweet achievement since his hard work in those passing three weeks paid off!
Their safe return was a proof of his success as a good master, but what he never thought was that their leveling-up affected their physical growth really fast. He knew that their growth-rate was unbelievably absurd, yet just after this Wave, they raised three levels and turned into girls nearly twice their actual age! Suiryu was almost speechless.
"Lord Suiryu, is something the matter?" Rifana asked with a concerned look. "You don't seem well."
On the other side, Raphtalia who looked curiously at the two wanted to giggle, but her sense of friendship stopped her from ruining the bonding attempt. After all, she had vowed to help her friend to win the heart of their master.
"If you are tired, why don't we head to an inn." Raphtalia suggested as she tried to act naturally by smiling. "Our enemies were many and I believe you fought their leader, right?"
The martial artist had gone out with many girls in his old world, yet he still had a decency to not stare at them. Fortunately and unfortunately, his disciples had become so gorgeous that he could not turn his gaze from their being to the point that he felt almost like a pervert! His only way to get out from this was to talk another matter and go straight to the clothing vendor to choose something that was not too flashy for them, provided the shop was still open.
"Hmm… Yes. I fought a monster called Chimera." Suiryu chuckled as he turned his gaze from the girls. "And the fight was pretty challenging. aHahaha..."
The two demi-humans sensed an awkwardness in their master's way of talking, as if he was hiding something. They wanted to pry it, but after they glanced furtively at each other, they dismissed the idea. Their respect towards Suiryu washed away their curiosity. They felt so ungrateful as his disciples if they tried to inquire about his private matter.
"And, how was your fight with the zombie legion? I expect that…" The monk-fighter paused mid-sentence as he tried to recompose himself. "…You didn't get any trouble. I'm very glad to know that."
"Indeed. We managed to do our task as best as we could." Rifana smiled as she looked at her master, gaining his rather uncomfortable nod plus a wide smile.
Raphtalia however, did not agree with her friend. She thought that the difficulty level was below her expectation and she noticed Rifana's dissatisfaction for a challenging battle although she did not show it clearly.
"I think actually it was a trouble." Raphtalia deadpanned as she rubbed her cutlass's handle.
"Oh… How so?" Suiryu raised his eyebrow as he managed to focus himself after regulating his breathing. "Care to elaborate, Raphtalia?"
"Because Rifana needs stronger foes." The raccoon said plainly.
"H-hey! I never said that!" The weasel retorted as her hand balled into a fist.
"Yes, but you swept the skeletons like they were a bunch of grass." Raphtalia crossed her arms.
"Oh. That's true, but you cleaved giant zombies like they were bread!" Rifana argued as she pointed at her pal's cutlasses. "And you razed those skeletons like you're dancing."
"And the one who took down those unreachable flying bugs was you." Raphtalia talked back. "Plus, your kicks were strong enough to blast those giant zombies. Obviously, you need strong foes, Rifana."
At this point, Suiryu did not know whether the girls were mocking or complimenting each other. One thing for sure however, he could discern their new pattern of fighting which would be useful to develop their next pace of training.
"Oh, wow! That's really cool! That means your training really helps you." The martial artist pumped his hand as he spoke encouragingly.
"That's true, Lord Suiryu. Thanks to you, the training really helped us, back then." Rifana smiled cheerfully.
"Indeed. Without your training, maybe we couldn't fight on our own." Raphtalia bowed. "Our sincerest thanks for you, Lord Suiryu."
"Well, please, don't tank me like that." Suiryu chuckled awkwardly. "I believe it's also because of your hard effort in training. I'm only helping you. That's all."
"Still, we owed you so much." Rifana replied as she looked at Suiryu with gleaming eyes.
"And we cannot pay you in return." Raphtalia added as she smiled.
The shield hero who knew that this kind of thanks-and-giving drama would never end raised his hands. "Please. Can you stop exaggerating my doings? Remember, it's a hero's duty to help someone in need. So now, can we end this thing? And to appreciate our achievement today, let's celebrate it. I think the local pub serves delicious foods."
"Oh, that would be great." Rifana smiled as she turned her head to see the hamlet. "Having meal together after working is the best!"
"Sounds nice." Raphtalia added as she smiled. "Nourishment after a hard work is a great pleasure."
"Then, what are we waiting for?" The master asked as he took his pace, only to stop when we heard some shouting and clacking sound of horse hooves. "Wait a second!"
"Eh… Who might that be?" Rifana turned around towards the road to see who was coming.
"LORD SHIELD HERO!"
A horse-drawn carriage was speeding towards Lute as the driver yelled at Suiryu, making him frown. He stood as he waited the cart until it stopped near them, for he did not have any intention to go away. The driver who dressed in a full knight armor swiftly hopped from his place as the back door opened to reveal more of his fellows. Other than him, there were two knights and two witches.
"Lord Shield Hero." The driver bowed respectfully, followed by his friends. "Peace. We mean no harm, Sir."
Suiryu kept narrowing his eyes as he was wondering who were these young knights. He did not catch any ill-intention from them, yet he would never let his guard down. Moreover, his paranoia towards knights was still lingering in him.
Rifana and Raphtalia who knew that their master had a bad blood with Melromarc's national guards put their hands on their respective weapon in anticipation. As his loyal disciples, they would cut down anyone who dared to disturb him.
"What's your business? Are you going to take me to His Majesty peacefully?" Suiryu crossed his arms as he put a bland expression. "If so, I refuse."
"No. We don't have any intention to do that." One of the witches spoke without missing a beat. "We come to see you because we want to have some words with you."
The other witch tapped a baby-faced knight beside her with her wooden staff. "Hey, shouldn't the one who talk is you?"
The said young knight drew his breath to collect his courage. "Lord Shield Hero, I beg you! Please, hear my words!"
Knowing that the innocent boy before him really meant his words, Suiryu raised his brows as he smiled. "Then speak, young knight! I am all ears!"
Rifana and Raphtalia gasped. Their master's change of manner towards the knight surprised them. The young man's peers also shared their exasperation upon seeing the hero's behavior.
"Lord Shield Hero, I, on behalf of scouting team of Melromarc Knight, would like to offer my utmost gratitude to you for protecting this village." The boy spoke tensely as he bowed.
'I'm glad that many people still know how to thank after being helped, but this day feels too much for me.' Suiryu spoke inwardly as he let out a silent sigh. 'First, that boy. Then Rifana and Raphtalia. And now, this lad… Did I do something magnificent? Guess this world never knows heroes in abundance, huh?'
"Take it easy, lad." Suiryu came over to the boy to pat his shoulder as he smiled. "But honestly, isn't it wrong for you to thank a branded criminal like me?"
The boy swallowed a ghost lump in his throat as he looked at Suiryu's calm countenance. Cold sweat trickled down his face as he was thinking about how the hero could say that thing, as if it he had accepted his fate. He lost any idea to respond Suiryu.
"I–I" The young knight stammered.
Fortunately, one of them was smart enough and knew the general situation in their country. Knights were indeed nothing more that the state's tool to enforce the law and maintain security. Still, friction was not uncommon among them when it came to political view.
"Actually, not all the knights of Melromarc believe that you did a mischief against the King. Some people found that although you opposed His Majesty, you had proved your innocence." One of the witches explained as she looked directly at Suiryu's eyes. "As of your last action, we agree that everybody would do that if they were treated unjustly."
Suiryu scratched his nape as he thought about Aultcray's crown. 'Ugh, guess I'm quite a robber, huh? But that time, I was really angry and pissed off! Glad that there are still sane guys among them, other than Erhard.'
"And your valor to stop the monsters from attacking this village is an indisputable proof of your benevolence." One of the knight added with flaring spirit in his tone. "A rogue would never possess such kind of courage!"
Rifana and Raphtalia shared a glance. They just realized that these men would become their master's fanatic. Somewhat, that idea baffled them since Suiryu might gather some followers and sympathizers. Getting more companions was good, but they preferred to move on a small group since they were very mobile. Besides, the bigger the party, the more problem they would face.
"Hmm… Alright. Still, I cannot put my trust on you." Suiryu's expression bore suspicion as he looked at the young men. "There might be probability that you'll report my whereabouts after this meeting, no?"
"In that case, we will form a pact with you." The zealous boy spoke with determination.
"Or, we will make an oath to be precise." The first witch corrected as she nudged the zealous boy.
"An oath?" Raphtalia spoke under her breath as Suiryu scrutinized such idea.
An oath, especially which was spoken by the knight held so much weight. It was a form of a holy attestation and considered as sacred since it reflected a sincere dedication, valor and self-sacrifice of the one who uttered it. Although Suiryu only drew this knowledge from movies, he could infer the meaning and how serious these youths were, as well as the consequences they should face.
On the other hand, despite knowing the risk they might take for their action, the champion would not let this chance fly. Probably his egoistical side dominated him at this point, but he also had little to no plan to clear his notoriety. This golden opportunity was really a God-sent aid for this psywar!
'Can't be helped. Guess this is a very good chance to clear my name from under the shadow.' Suiryu's lips slightly curled up as he set his next reply. 'Confusing enemies with counter-news and hoaxes is the finest part in a war of information.'
In truth, it was one among many devilish strategies employed by Neo Hero Association to topple down its predecessor. As its executive and ambassador, Suiryu had just learned such putrid reality of the organization he worked for. And ironically, now he tried to use the same strategy to fight the people who got in his way.
"Hmm… Alright. Since you are the one who propose this idea, will you accept my demand?" The monk-fighter inquired as he smiled. "And are you ready to take the consequences of your action? Because though I'm a hero, I cannot guarantee your safety. Even I have no power to save myself from the King's wrath."
The group for a moment discussed among them about what should they do. Suiryu was sure that these youths were really determined, but they were also rational enough about their decision. At least they would think carefully before accepting the deal.
The baby-faced knight cleared his throat. "We know about that and we will comply with the condition you would mention, Lord Shield Hero."
"Excellent. Then I'll say this once." Suiryu drew his breath as some of the youths gulped.
"First, spread the word among the people that the one who took the King's crown was not the Shield Hero. You can say that it was the work of an impostor."
The witches gasped as the knights' eyes widened. They never thought that the honorable shield hero would plunge them into trickery. Their honest side wanted to cry and the hero picked their sign of protest.
"I know you're knights. People who are raised to be the resemblance of honesty and justice, just like heroes." The champion spoke as he closed his eyes. "But~… To fight a crooked and deceitful enemy, are you going to swing your blade and kill yourself in the process? Well, of course I won't let you to do that. Still, you're free to choose."
The martial artist put his tact into play. He was aware from the beginning that knights, especially the green ones, still maintained a high idealism and their pride was their soft spot. He noticed how these kids looked conflicted to decide whether they should take the deal and got a brand as liars, or betrayed their pride as a party who was bound by the rule they had agreed upon. He was waiting in this game of resolve with pleasure.
"Very well. Since we are abiding the condition, we will accept your request." Another knight who just kept silent suddenly answered.
"Good. I expect nothing more than that." Suiryu smiled contently as he cast a momentary glance to puzzled Rifana and Raphtalia. "Then, shall we proceed to the next thing?"
"Yes, My Lord Shield Hero." The youths replied in unison.
"Okay. The last thing is…"
The scouting group held their breath as they were waiting for the hero's words. Some of them were even so nervous that their hands shook.
"Don't tell anybody about this meeting and… Please be safe."
"Huh?" The zealous boy dropped his jaw.
"Is… That all?" One of the witches asked, surprised.
"I-I beg your pardon, Lord Shield Hero. But is that the condition you offer?" The baby-faced knight inquired.
"Yeah. What else?" The martial artist said as he shrugged his shoulders. "I'm in a pinch and I really appreciate your help, young knights. And… Forget about the oath. I believe in you. So, let's just call this an agreement."
As Rifana and Raphtalia smiled upon seeing their master's awesomeness, the knights sported a dumbfounded expression. They almost could not believe that the hero of shield was such kind of person. A person they could not perceive due to his mysterious power and attitude. Their astonishment did not stop right there, for he took out a tiny pouch and passed it to one of them.
"Your help is so meaningful and I'm looking forward to it." Suiryu put a very sincere smile as he looked at the boys and girls. "It's not much, but I hope it can cover your expenses."
The knight boy opened the pouch and found that the amount was something which made their monthly salary pale in comparison. His friends also staggered when they saw that.
Some people probably would regard what Suiryu did as a blatant example of bribery. Suiryu himself perhaps could not deny that, but his motivation to give these youths was nothing but an appreciation for their willingness to help. Besides, his earning lately had piled up, so he thought that there was nothing better than using it to make some people happy. Sounds silly, but that's the way he is.
"Seven..." The zealous muttered as he peeked at the content.
"...gold?" The silent one slack-jawed as his eyes caught the glint of the coins.
"S-sir… We-we cannot–"
Suiryu shushed them. "Think of it as the third condition. So, take it and let's meet again one day. I wish you all the best. Now, please let me excuse myself. Goodbye."
Suiryu closed any chance for further question since the day was getting late. He believed that those young knights were fresh and competent, so he could count on them to do the job.
"T-thank you, Sir! We will do our best!" The baby-faced promised in full spirit as he bowed.
"Oh. I'm counting on you." Suiryu smiled as he took his leave. "Let's go, Raphtalia, Rifana."
"Yes, Lord Suiryu!"
As they left the pillar while the knights drove away, the shield hero put a very content smile. He never thought that he would use such dirty trick his organization had utilized. What he did next was waiting until his work could bear the fruit.
'Damn that one-eyed McCoy! I never know I'll use his nasty play. It makes me wonder how the palace would counter the ensuing confusion.' Suiryu thought as his boots stomped the village road. 'Coming from a world with so many wickedness seems to help me in this situation. Well, I do work as a hero, but sometimes it's necessary to use outlaw's way. Especially when dealing with annoying ruler.'
"Lord Suiryu, I'm just wondering. Is it wise to let those knights do your favor?" Raphtalia suddenly asked as she looked at the master.
"That's right. Can we really trust them?" Rifana added as she hurried her walk to match with Suiryu's steps.
The monk-fighter hummed for a moment. "Well. We often should take a risk in our life. It's like a gambling. You take a chance, either you win, or lose. It's hard, but as a human, we should choose while hoping that we gain what we desire. And many times, even if we lose, there must be something we can gain from our loss."
His disciples only nodded in accordance. His wise words, despite he took it from elsewhere – either from books, movies, or his grandfather's sayings– always made his disciples contemplate and reflect about their lives.
Actually he often felt embarrassed for spewing such kind of philosophic things, but he just did how Suicho taught him. Because like the founder of [Void Fist] had said, learning martial arts without gaining wisdom is like giving a stick to a monkey.
"Hmm… Lord Suiryu?" The raccoon-girl asked.
"What is it, Raphtalia?"
"Have you ever made a mistake in your life?" Raphtalia asked curiously as she cast a glace at Rifana who listened attentively. "Because we think that as a hero, you are so very perfect."
The master gasped in surprise before he let out a light, yet constrained chuckle. His cheeks' shade turned red in embarrassment. That day of the second Wave could not go any better after putting him in a distress for his deeds as a role model of an ideal hero. He was totally ashamed to see that his disciples regarded him as a human without flaw. Thus, he felt obliged to correct their thinking.
"Since I'm a human, of course I made so many mistakes." The hero admitted as his face slowly grimaced while his smile turned bitter. "But, actually there was one mistake I would never forgive... No. Calling it a mistake is not enough. It's a sin!"
Both girls slightly widened their eyes. At this point, they did not dare to ask him since his look all of sudden was filled with guilt and sadness. It was an expression they had never seen from their savior before.
"For once, I regarded heroes as nothing but a bunch of people who only sought fame and fortune, with a short and easy way." Suiryu started his story as he put a downtrodden look. "In some sense, maybe that was right. Until one day…"
Suiryu for a moment swiped a glance at the houses around that quiet street. Some of them began to light their lamps since it was getting dark. Rifana and Raphtalia looked at him with so much concern. They became anxious since his stare was so blank, like he was not himself.
In truth, a gloom had clouded his mind. His emotion turned bleak as he reminisced about his past. The pain from the memory even seeped through his countenance, turning it into a melancholic one.
"I fought a strong monster and got busted. I was beaten by him, so bad that I should flee." The martial artist paused as he tried to recollect himself while the vivid image of how Gouketsu brutalized him was playing in his mind. "Yet, there were two heroes whom I had just beaten in a match stood to give me a chance to escape. Despite wounded, they faced the monster without showing any fear. Of course they were slammed aside like rag-dolls, but their bravery and selflessness… Never in my life I found such kind of valor."
Rifana's eyes began to wet as her she imagined the pain her master should endure. Knowing this, Raphtalia held her friend's hand. She noticed that her dearest companion was a very soft-hearted girl who sympathized others very well. Oppositely, she was a strong type, so she took the role to ease her friend who could not bear the sad story of their master.
"Just when I almost escaped from that accursed place, another monster, less powerful but more twisted, pounded me back to the ground." The nightmare called Bakuzan reemerged in his mind as his tongue picked the taste of the phantom blood which still lingered from that torture. "He… Roughed me up while mocking me for all I had achieved, with so much envy. I was powerless and so desperate. I didn't want to die and I really wished that someone would come and save me. Oh, how foolish of me! I'm such an ungrateful idiot who never care about what heroes had sacrificed!"
Suiryu's breath hitched as all the regrets swayed his body. He put his hand to mask his face as tears streamed down from his eyes. He was so carried away and did not realize that both Rifana and Raphtalia sobbed from the mere pressure of his story. It melted their feelings since they could sense his pain and agony from his words.
"No one answered my desperate call and the two heroes could not fight anymore. I thought that it was the end. The monster's foot was ready to step on the laying victims of his carnage, to show me the meaning of a true despair. In that moment, I thought it was the price I should pay for looking down on heroes. To show me that I am weak and useless!" Anger and self-loathing tinted his tone.
"Yet, fate spoke differently. Before his foot could crush the people, the real HERO emerged! His person was so average, but his action… He did what a real HERO does!" Suiryu clenched his right fist very tight until his palm visibly became white. "He answered my call! He came in the nick of time and saved us. I witnessed it all. And he killed, not only that monster, but also another one who initially brought us the doom!"
The monk-fighter sighed after he let out his burden he brought from his own world. "That is why, to atone for my sin, I follow his path to become a hero. Still, I don't feel that I do it the right way. I think I've failed my own goal."
"L-Lord Suiryu…" Rifana hugged Suiryu as she cried. "You are our true hero. There is nothing wrong! Why you should punish yourself!?"
Suiryu widened his eyes as he had just realized that he made the girls cry. The distress he got from the series of events that day seemed to affect his mood. His mental fatigue got the better of him and drove him to subconsciously reveal his past scar to his closest people – to Rifana and Raphtalia, his anchors in this world to whom he could share his feelings.
"Ri-Rifana… I–" Suiryu stuttered.
"Lord Suiryu… Do remember!" Rifana embraced the hero tighter. "You have saved us. You have proved yourself as a hero! Why you must think that way?"
"Rifana is right, Lord Suiryu." Raphtalia added as she sniffed. "Why you should go into the length to torment yourself with such thinking? Isn't it only weaken yourself?"
The shield hero drew his breath. "You know, Rifana, Raphtalia… Actually I'm really scared. I'm afraid that one day, I should face an enemy who possesses an unimaginable might. Someone, or something who can overwhelm me and call me a weakling. It horrifies me!"
Raphtalia held Suiryu's hand as she looked into his eyes while Rifana rubbed his back gently. Their valiant master had offered so much kindness to them. Now, it was their turn to provide a consolation for him. They did not want the hero they loved and respected fell into despair.
"Lord Suiryu, I beg you…" Rifana pleaded as she gazed at his eyes. "Do not let such thought bother you! You are strong. You are a hero. No man can even match your ability. Please remember when you slew a flock of forest beasts in a row. Does anyone able to do that? And do you still remember when you warded off a pack of giant wolves from the cave right after you saved us from the slaver? Can an adventurer do that?"
The shield hero was silent, deep in pondering. He took Rifana's word into his mind. He was still conflicted, yet her words calmed him. Indeed, no enemies could really put him in a serious trouble since his arrival in this world, aside from the kingdom. Life became so easy since he was strong from the beginning. And he wished such easiness would never leave him.
"The future is too vague to foresee, but I believe, we will manage." Raphtalia gave a piece of motivation as she looked at her master. "Until that day comes, please let us stand by your side, Lord Suiryu. And please, let us strive together to make our life easier. Just like what you said."
The champion gasped as his eyes widened. He almost forgot that he ever said such thing to his disciples. It felt like his own words were spat back at him right to his face. As a master, he still really had so many things to learn.
Suiryu in response pulled Raphtalia into his embrace. Nothing could describe his gratefulness to have such wonderful girls he fostered like his own daughters. To see that they had grown to become responsible and kind women who helped him to alleviate his burden, it was a real happiness.
"Thank you… Raphtalia… Rifana…" The monk-fighter muttered softly as he was still holding his disciples… or stepdaughters. "Thank you. You're right. And I'm so sorry. I was such a coward."
"Think nothing of it, Lord Suiryu. You are our hero." Rifana replied as she smiled. "We will do everything to help you."
"Please be at ease, Lord Suiryu. The harder we train, the easier our fight would become. Exerting yourself more before a battle is always be your strategy. And so far, we always manage to deal with our foes." Raphtalia calmed him as he let out a relieved sigh. "Our safe return after this Wave is a proof of our success."
"Well. I guess you are right. Thank you, Rifana, Raphtalia. I'm so grateful to have you at my side."
The next morning, after spending the night to rest at the local inn, Suiryu's party visited a nearby pub before they set off to the capital. There, they enjoyed their breakfast merrily with some adventurers who happened to drop by in Lute. As Suiryu engaged in a conversation with an adventurer, Rifana and Raphtalia who sat together enjoyed their own chat.
"Nothing gladdens me more than to see Lord Suiryu has come back to his usual self." Rifana exclaimed as she smiled while looking at her dear hero who chuckled with a man.
"Oh, you should." Raphtalia replied shortly while smiling as her answer almost choked her friend.
"Ugh–urk– H-hey…!" Rifana coughed as she pinched her throat to clear the clogging. "What do you mean by that!? Oh please, why you always do it!? Snap it out!"
Raphtalia put a very amused look as she bridged her hands before her face. Her eyes seemed to gleam a light of her intellect or – unfortunately– her geeky side. She did not mean to be evil, but she had her own pleasing way for helping her friend whom luckily, was right on her track to realize her dream.
"Oh, come on, Rifana. Why you don't want to be honest to yourself? That's not nice, you know." Raphtalia advised as she took a slice of cabbage. "Although I should admit that your last action was quite bold. I'm so glad to see that."
A shade of red adorned Rifana's cheeks for a moment before it dissolved as she sighed in defeat. "And this again? I know it, but that's what I gonna do if I found you crying. Still, can you please tone it down, Raphtalia? It embarrasses me, you know!"
Raphtalia munched her food and swallowed it. "Oh, sure. As far as you accept your own feeling toward him. That will make it better. Trust me."
Rifana rolled her eyes as she took the last bite of a roasted meat on her plate. Putting aside her friend's suggestion for a moment, she finished her dish. She continued by chugging down a pint of milk. Lately, her appetite grew even more after she leveled-up.
"Phuwahh…!" Rifana smiled contently and rubbed her lips. "Well. Alright. Thanks for your concern and I guess I'll take your words. Just don't mention it too often, okay."
Both girls exchanged a mutual smile. Their friendship had grew even stronger as they overcame obstacles in their life. It rooted a deeper connection at each other as time went by.
When Rifana came back to her business however, Raphtalia's smile slowly wavered as she realized that her friend had become such a busty bombshell. She glanced at her own assets and they were not as generous as Rifana's.
'What a body you develop, Rifana! So that's why some men kept staring at you!' Raphtalia screamed in her thought as she looked at the weasel-girl who were chewing a bread happily before ordering another fill for a milk.'Guess all those foods went into that place. Good grief…!'
Suiryu and his disciples headed to the capital after their breakfast. Luckily, there was a carriage driver who offered them a ride on their way. It appeared that the man was a farmer who brought a bunch of his harvest. Suiryu afterwards bought some carrots, turnips and tomatoes from him as a form of thanks. With that, he did not need to worry about what kind of gift he could pick for Erhard.
When they entered the bustling walled-city, it was still in the middle of morning. They had much free time, so Suiryu decided to take the girls to a clothing shop. Giving them proper outfit came first since they had unexpectedly attracted so many predatory eyes along the road. As a man in which a holy shield had been bestowed upon him, he should protect not only the people, but also his companions' dignity.
For two hours, they loitered around the shop and craftsmen block, only to get a stink eye from the owners. Just because he brought demi-humans in tow, they outright refused to serve him. Even when he offered an additional payment, they kept glaring at him and kicked him out. It was frustrating, yet they were still lucky since none of those cruel people tried to physically harm Rifana and Raphtalia.
When the champion almost gave up and decided to go to Erhard's place, he stumbled across a tailor's shop at the end of the district. It was his last bet and he was at the end of his fuse. As a martial artist, the mental trial he had strained his patience too much. If the owner, or whoever it was, still yelled at him and refused him, he would not hold back his anger and probably blow the place into smithereens with his [Void Shivering Tiger Fist].
After he knocked the door as he adjusted his face to cover his frustration, a young lady who appeared to be around his age opened the door to greet him. The brunette in glasses who looked more like a college girl was surprised, but she did not show any hostility when she laid her eyes on his disciples. Maybe this time he was lucky.
"Oh, welcome, Sir and dear Ladies. Please, come in." The woman let the party entered her shop without any sign of hesitation. "How may I be of service?"
Suiryu was surprised and could not contain his relieved smile from how professional this tailor was. He was still wary that she might be just pretending to be helpful, but he did not find any sign of abhorrence on her countenance. Maybe she genuinely had different view than most people in Melromarc.
"Oh, excuse me. Is there any adventurer outfit for my disciples? The matching one, please." Suiryu asked politely as he smiled. "And the most durable one, if possible."
"Hmm… I see. Quite a preference." The tailor pushed her glasses up her bridge as she looked at both girls from head to toe. "Well, for the moment, I'm afraid that I don't have the right size. But don't worry. I can provide you with something… Just almost the matching ones."
Raphtalia turned to Suiryu and got a nod. "Then, is it okay if we take a look at your collection?"
"Ohohoho~… Of course. Feel free to browse, young ladies." The tailor swiftly dashed to the nearest cupboard and hangers to retrieve the collection. "Here, here… Take a look."
"Thank you." Raphtalia thanked her as she started to look for her choice.
"Wow! They're really beautiful!" Rifana remarked as she compared some blouses. "I wonder which one will suit me."
"Hohoho… I'm glad you really like my works." The tailor responded as she chuckled confidently. "Almost all my collections are custom-made."
'Wow... Quite an energetic and a little narcissistic type, huh?' Suiryu inwardly snorted at the tailor's antics. 'But anyway, finally I can run from those insulting glares. She really saves me.'
As the girls took their time to compare and measure their choice, the martial artist opened a conversation with the tailor. He was intrigued by her thought regarding demi-human.
"Actually, I'm wondering. Why you accept us? Aren't people of Melromarc hate demi-human?"
"The truth is, I don't think like what people think." The tailor hummed for a moment as she tapped her chin with her index finger. "I mean, I don't think that demi-humans are bad. I believe they're just like us."
"Oh, is that so?" Suiryu raised his brow.
"Yeah. You know, when I was a kid, my uncle sometimes took me to Shieldfreeden to buy some garments. There, I found that demi-humans aren't like what the tales of great war said. They're very friendly folks and they live a quite peaceful life. Well, few of them were rude, but I think it's normal because they're just like us. They live, they eat, they make family, and they build houses like what we do." The lady explained her experience as she put a solemn look. "It's so wrong if we hate them just because they're different."
As he had expected from the woman in glasses, she was quite a progressive type who did not want old views to restrain her. An open-minded person who was blessed with a worthy experience to counter the mainstream ideas.
"What about you, dear Sir?" The tailor asked back as she looked at the girls.
"Well. I guess we share same idea." Suiryu replied as he also directed his gaze at his disciples. "I never consider demi-human as a bane."
"So, does that mean they are not–?"
"No. They are my disciples. They are free people." Suiryu interjected before the painful term uttered by the tailor.
"I see… Well, you're a very kind master, huh?" The tailor praised the monk-fighter as she folded some clothes near her.
"Well. I'm still far from that, but I'll take that as a compliment." Suiryu chuckled lightly.
The girls had their choice in hands. Rifana took a pair of black knee-length shorts, a white shirt and a brown leather vest while Raphtalia chose the same with a loose-fitting red jacket in place of the vest.
"Hmm, you sure are very good in matching dress, huh?" The tailor commented as she looked at their choice.
"Well, girls always be the ace in the matter of dress." The martial artist added as he smiled.
"I guess it's something we learn not from you." Raphtalia deadpanned, gaining a chuckle from the master.
"Now, the fitting room is over there." The shop-owner pointed at the corner of the room. "Take your time."
Rifana suddenly looked uncomfortable when she glanced at the vest. She felt that it would not fit although it was the largest in the collection.
"Raphtalia, you go first. I think I'll take a look once again to check a more suitable ones." Rifana spoke as she came back to the bunch of clothes.
"Oh, okay then." Raphtalia swiftly entered the changing room.
Two minutes passed and Raphtalia came out with her new look. Her choice perfectly matched her size and when she made some moves, she felt no discomfort. Plus, her jacket was long enough to conceal her cutlasses. A very excellent choice indeed.
"Wow! That suits you well." Suiryu gave a thumbs up as he smiled really wide. "You look really great in that."
Raphtalia slightly blushed from her master's praise. She actually did not harbor any feeling towards him since she considered him as her father. Besides, as Rifana's only best friend, it did not feel right if she competed with her. However, his praise really made her react like most women would.
"Uhm… Thank you, Lord Suiryu." Raphtalia replied shyly before she turned to her friend.
Raphtalia noticed her friend's slight uneasiness, yet before she could ask, Rifana dashed to the changing room without saying anything. She glanced at her master and he also shared a concerned look.
No more than three minutes later, the weasel-girl came back, yet her face did not bear her usual cheerfulness. The problem was indeed too apparent. The buttoned-up vest could not contain her outstanding feature. It was too small to the point that it squeezed her body and the buttons nearly snapped. The remaining three people could only stare at her with wide eyes and it embarrassed Rifana really much.
"Aw… Seems that this is… Too constricting." Rifana complained as she fidgeted while looking at the tailor with red cheeks.
"Oh, dear… This doesn't look good." The tailor lady muttered as she looked at Rifana with pity.
Suiryu quickly turned his head while Raphtalia kept staring at her friend as she covered her mouth out of shock. The weasel-girl indeed had become so well-endowed that her apparel could not bear her body's generosity. They wanted to help, but it was not a matter they could solve. They only hoped that the shop-owner could deal with that.
"Sorry, but do you have any larger replacement?" Rifana asked timidly as she fiddled with her fingers.
"Rifana, isn't it better if you take another kind of clothe? What about a jacket like mine? They're more comfortable. See..." Raphtalia suggested as she opened her arms to show how easy it was.
"But… I want this vest." The weasel-girl looked down at the floor as her ears drooped in disappointment.
"Huh?" The raccoon-girl slack-jawed upon hearing such answer.
'Okay… She's still a 10-year-old kid. No wonder she's still attached to a particular thing in such a way.' Suiryu mentally nodded as he convinced himself about her look which deceived him. 'No matter how matured her appearance she has, she's still 10! Great. Now that really helps me to stay focus.'
"Hmm… In that case, I can put some straps to replace those buttons. It won't take too long. What do you think?" The tailor professionally offered an option as she examined the vest.
Rifana turned to Suiryu as if she begged for a guidance to decide her choice. The master in response knowingly smiled as he stood.
"Then why don't you take it if you like it, Rifana?" Suiryu gently placed his hand on her shoulder. "Just let she fix it and it will be good."
"And don't worry. It won't take too long." The tailor added as she stood near her trusted sewing machine.
"Alright. Please, fix this." Rifana slowly put off the vest and handed it to the lady.
"Okay. I'll repair this in no time!" The tailor exclaimed as she put the vest onto her work-desk.
Suiryu averted his gaze from his disciple as he reclined to his seat. He almost could not believe that Rifana's appearance had become a new trial for his mental fortitude. Although he had experience under his belt for wild adventures with tons of beautiful ladies from his previous world, his disciple's figure managed to shake him. He did not know why, but there was a possibility that his subconsciousness stored a new found obsession towards girls with animal feature. A very scary thing since he raised her like his own daughter.
As the owner skillfully tweaked the apparel, Rifana and Raphtalia chatted. Suiryu silently listened to their conversation amid the clacking sound of the sewing machine and scissors. Nothing in particular peeked his interest since they only talked about girl's stuff.
Out of curiosity, he cast some momentary glances towards the room to pass the time. He found that it was just standard, nothing was really special in that place. For a moment, his eyes caught a set of male suit with tail-coat and some maid attires, all were black with some white accents like a standard house-servant uniform. Those particular outfits which resided in the farthest display cabinet however, also did not really catch his interest either.
'Playing butler and maid? I guess only those high-school teens who do that.' Suiryu mused as he remembered about the high school near his apartment complex which always held annual cultural festival.
Twenty minutes passed and the tailor lady stood as she raised her work. Her eyeglasses gleamed under the sunlight as she put a proud smile for her work.
"Done. Please try, dear Miss." The tailor handed the modified vest to Rifana.
Rifana wore it and fastened the four straps which replaced the buttons. The tailor intended to let the vest's front part open so that the wearer would not feel any discomfort. And it worked when Rifana tried to move around with it. Other than that, the adornment added the impression that it was a specially designed combat gear.
Upon seeing Rifana's modified outfit, something which came to Suiryu's mind was... Masculinity. He should admit that she became tomboyish with such attire. At the same time, it also accentuated her feature even more in which he ignored to look at, out of decency.
"Wow! Rifana, now you look really like a real adventurer." Raphtalia complimented as she gawked at her friend's new look. "The straps really work. This is awesome! Now I want it too!"
"That's right. Now you look like a real fighter." The monk-fighter added with a smile while trying to look at her for not too long.
"T-thank you… Raphtalia, L-lord Suiryu." Rifana replied as she showed a deep blush, much to the other girl's glee.
'L-lord Suiryu praised me? Do I look really good in this?' Rifana let her thought raced as she turned around to see her image from a nearby mirror. 'Does that mean he really loves me!? I think Raphtalia's right. I should really accept this feeling...'
Rifana's train of thought ceased when her senses came back. The crimson on her cheeks vanished as she realized that there were people around her. Of course she did not want to add more embarrassment to herself.
"Hmm–hmm." The tailor nodded her head in satisfaction. "Nothing beats my work, hohoho~"
The girls chuckled as their master rolled his eyes. Her antics was truly a unique blessing to soothe the souls of this hero's party.
"So, how much it would cost for the clothes and your cool masterpiece?" Suiryu asked as his hand was ready to reach his gold stash.
"Three hundred silver." The tailor mentioned as she raised her three fingers.
"Three hundred silver, huh? What about 500 plus two pairs of boots for them." Suiryu bargained as he glanced at his disciples' boots.
Truth be told, the monk-fighter who started to become an occasional peddler of monster material learned many things in bargaining. Added with his charm and A-Class luck, that activity managed to brought him fortune in only but a short time. His newly gained skill was the answer for how he could deposited 1,000 gold coin on his display. In another word, thanks to his skill, he had become a millionaire although in copper.
"That's right. Our shoes aren't fit anymore." Rifana confirmed as she showed how she could not loop the laces.
"Well, regrettably, I don't provide boots." The tailor sighed. "I guess you should look for them at another shop."
"Can't be helped. We'll see Erhard then." Suiryu said casually with a shrug.
"Wait a second! Did you say Erhard!?" The tailor suddenly widened her eyes upon hearing the smith's name.
"Yeah. I'm kinda acquainted with him."
"Actually not only does Lord Suiryu acquainted with Master Erhard, but Master Erhard also considered him as his son." Raphtalia explained as Rifana nodded her head in confirmation.
"WHAT!? Seriously!?" The tailor lady almost screamed as she slapped her own cheeks in disbelieve.
"Oh, Raphtalia, you're exaggerating it." The master put an awkward smile. "I'm not that close, really."
"Hmm, I see…" The shop owner nodded in understanding. "Then, since you are a friend of Erhard, and a really close one, I think I can cut the price."
"Eh? Really?" Suiryu asked in confusion as the girls blinked.
"Give me 150 and you can take them. Please accept it as a form of our acquaintanceship." The tailor lady smiled sincerely.
Suiryu suddenly saw a good potential for a partnership in the future since clothes were among his many needs. It would save time and energy if he could secure more source for his stuffs. Paying her with money would likely dissolve such golden chance, so he offered her something which would really benefit her – something he got during his wandering through the forest.
"Alright, 150, but I also want you to accept this." Suiryu skillfully retrieved a ball of yarn from his shield storage system, as if he pulled it from under his cape. "Think of it as a form of friendship."
The lady dropped her jaw in exasperation. She switched her stare between the monk-fighter and the item on his hand. She knew really well what it was, yet she did not know how the man could get such fancy thing.
"WHOAH! A literal giant caterpillar silk!" The lady screamed in pure excitement upon seeing the rare and expensive item as her hands slowly, yet maniacally drove their way toward it. "How and where did you get this thing!? Pray tell, dear Sir!"
"We found some caterpillar monsters when we explored the forest. We killed them and we got those thread balls. Actually we still have plenty of them." Rifana answered as her master and friend nodded while smiling.
"So, what do you think?" Suiryu inquired as he was still holding the ball on his palm.
The tailor gulped nervously. "Well. Actually I need around five silk balls to finish some of my works. However lately, the price becomes so expensive. If it is okay, may I buy them from you?"
"Sorry, but I don't plan to sell it." Suiryu's answer made the woman and his disciples gasped in shock.
"WHAH…! WHY!?" The tailor paled as her glasses dropped from their place.
"Lord Suiryu, what do you mean by that!?" Rifana blurted out since she could not accept her hero's decision.
"Just kidding, okay." Suiryu let out a chuckle, making the girls' eye twitch out of such cruel joke while the tailor sighed in relief. "Because you can take them. They're free."
"Huuh… I thought you'll sell them to– WAIT! WHAT!? You want me to take them?" The tailor's eyes widened as she got a nod from the martial artist.
"Yeah. Why not?" Suiryu quickly pulled out four balls from his shield. "I'm just a wanderer and I don't think I can put them into any use. So, why don't I give them to you?"
"Are you serious? Nowadays, they cost around 300 silver, each. I heard that it's because the adventurers recently were occupied by the occurrence of some monsters, so they don't have time to delve into the forest." The tailor explained the grim news as she looked at Suiryu. "Are you really sure you want me to take it? If I were you, I'll sell them."
"Is it that hard for you to take this small gift?" Suiryu asked back as he quipped his brows. "Please, I insist."
"Ahem. Very well. But in return, if you need my service, I won't charge you. And all the goods and service for today is free." The shop owner declared her offer. "Do you agree with that?"
"No objection. Then, it's a deal." Suiryu gave his hand as the tailor lady took it while sporting a professional smile.
As the two made a typical two-party-agreement handshake, the two disciples were left baffled at such display. Their master was indeed a strong and enigmatic man whom they still knew nothing about. They believed that it was the blessing of being a hero, though in truth, it was just a basic skill he should master as the Neo Hero's ambassador. For this part, the credits went to McCoy, at least.
Author's Note
Ahem... No action yet? Yeah, no action yet.
Firstly, exploring Suiryu's mind… Yes. It's just I think that although he had been taking his job seriously, his love for easiness would never leave him. In accordance, it would affect his actions which tend to take any available opportunity without exerting too much energy. He toiled for training and fighting, but for other matter, he would take the easy way. And... His mental trauma still haunts him, sadly. So, that's where Rifana and Raphtalia come to help him.
Hmm… "Monstrous" Rifana? Of course it won't go unnoticed by Raphtalia.
Sure, our beloved raccoon is quite well-endowed, but if she saw her childhood friend had a frame like those of… Let's say, Sword Maiden from Goblin Slayer? Maybe she would undergo Kaguya-sama's mental distress when seeing Chika Fujiwara's bust. XD And it seems I brought it too far when I put the clothing accident and how she would affect Suiryu in the long run. XD
Okay, now, why with this chapter?
Truth be told, I plan to make a compact 12k chapter with the fighting scene included, but suddenly it grows into (the time this note is being written) 16k in length, too bulky in my standard. So I cleaved them into two. :-3
Then, where on earth is the other half!?
Well, it's still underway with some tweaks here and there. Hope I can post it soon, Dear Readers.
As usual, don't forget to leave your comment and suggestion in the review section. Send me PM if you want to talk in detail or say about anything else. ;-)
Hope you enjoy the story and see you in the next chapter. :-D