After going around the country helping people and even stopping a plague, Izuku kept going, among other things he helped Lerno village with a plant monster infestation, helping them heal the problems the spear hero caused. Only about a week left until the next wave Izuku finds back near Mirso Village, stopping a monster infestation nearby. After finishing the group heads back to the capital, while on the way they come across a girl who's sitting in a field playing with some Filolials.
Raphtalia stops the cart, causing Midoriya to step out of the cart.
"What's the matter?" He asks.
"That girl." Says Raphtalia, Izuku matches her gaze, seeing a blue haired girl in the field.
"What about her?" Asks Midoriya.
"She's all alone, do you think she might need help?" Asks Raphtalia.
"Why don't we ask?" Answers Midoriya. The two step out of the cart and along with Denki they walk towards her, with Denki accidentally scaring away the filolials.
"Are you lost?" Asks Midoriya.
"Well not exactly." Answers the girl. "I know we're in the east of Melromarc, but I have gotten separated from my envoys."
"Do you need help getting home?" Asks Midoriya.
"I would most certainly appreciate the assistance." She answers. "I'm sure my father can even procure a reward for my safe return if that is a needed incentive."
"I don't think that'll be necessary." Says Raphtalia.
"Where are you going anyway?" Asks Midoriya. "We might be able to drop you off on our way to the capital."
"That's actually where I'm going." Says the girl.
"Great, then you can join us... uhm What's your name?" Asks Midoriya.
"You can call me Melty." She says. "Thank you very much for the assistance."
Over the next 3 days the group heads back to the castle town, stopping every once in a while to help other travelers out and also stopping in small Villages to do the same, they even encounter some demi-humans on the run, which they helped out for the time being.
During this travel time Melty bonds with the group a bit, becoming good friends with Denki, after playing with him a bit.
While they traveled to the capital the representatives of the church assembled, discussing what to do about the stupidity of the 3 heroes and the good name the Shield Hero had acquired recently. They ended up deciding to frame the shield after the next wave, as it'd be the best time to do such a thing and at a point he'd be at his most vulnerable and maybe release shield hero imposters to further ruin his name.
The travels of Saint Deku end for the time being and Melty is returned home, by Denki, while Midoriya and Raphtalia go to the Adventurers' Guild to get some new quests. Denki later returns having been given a bit of money.
"Where did you get that Denki?" Asks Raphtalia.
"Uhm, Melty's father gave it to me as thanks for helping her." Answers Denki. "He said it was for the group's leader, so it's for you Midoriya."
He hands Midoriya the pouch of money, Midoirya opens it and sees 6 gold coins.
"Wow, this is quite a lot." He says.
"Does that mean we can get yummy food?" Asks the gluttonous filolial.
"Next time we're in town I'll get you something very yummy okay?" Asks Midoriya.
"Yay." Says Denki.
They head to the weapons shop, once there Midoriya presents Erhard with his armour and a bunch of new materials.
"What's all this?" Erhard asks, looking at a huge pile of stuff.
"Materials from our travels." Answers Izuku.
"You got all this stuff. Some of this stuff is very rare and very high quality too. You want me to upgrade your equipment or make you some new one?" Asks Erhard.
"What would be the better alternative?" Asks Midoriya.
Erhard thinks it over for a moment and answers "I think a new armour would be better, it'll take me less time to make and likely come out with better quality. Any specifications."
"Yeah." Says Midoriya handing him a list. "I'd also like to ask for a specific item to be made, kinda like gauntlets or gloves."
"Mhh, yeah I can make that. Seems like a very interesting project." Says Erhard. "Anything else?"
"I actually would like to ask for a custom sword and some new equipment too." Says Raphtalia.
"No fair. I don't wanna be left out." Says Denki.
"What do you want then?" Asks Midoriya.
"Claws, claws that transform with me." Answers Denki.
"But you don't usually fight melee." Objects Midoriya.
"Please MIdoriya. Please please please. I promise I'll use them." Pleads the child
"That's a lot of stuff. Not sure how long it's gonna take me to make." Explains the weaponsmith. "By when do you want it all done."
"If Possible before the wave starts. Which is in about a week." Answers Midoriya looking at the countdown in his field of vision.
He turns to Denki and covers his ears. "But I'd like you to prioritize both mine and Raphtalia's equipment." He says. "Denki doesn't need it as much."
"What's happening Midoriya?" Asks Denki, with his ears covered. Midoriya uncovers them and answers. "Not much, we're just talking."
"Oh, Okay." Says the Filolial.
"I do have to say that even with these amazing materials you have for me, it's gonna cost you quite a hefty sum." Erhard explains.
"No worries, we have a big budget to work with. How much do you need?" Asks Midoriya.
"If I can keep all the excess materials I'll just charge ya 12 gold pieces." Says Erhard.
"Quite expensive but alright." Says Midoriya pulling out the money.
They then leave the weapon shop.
"I'm gonna have powerful claws." says Denki happily.
He then turns into his filolial king form and they leave to go do their thing. The next week passes rather quickly. They stop a monster rampage, they stop some bandits and feed a group of refugees, helping them set up a temporary shelter, among other things.
Two days before the next wave Midoriya and company return to the capital.
"Yay. I get something yummy now. Right Midoriya, you promised." Says Denki as they enter town.
"Yeah I did promise. How about we go to the taverns and you can order whatever you want." Says Midoriya.
"Yes. That sounds amazing." Says Denki in response.
They park the carriage and head to the tavern, once they enter they find Ren and Itsuki.
"Hey Midoriya how about sitting with us." Suggests Itsuki as they enter the tavern.
"Mind if I sit with them?" Asks Midoriya.
"Go ahead, we'll be over here." Says Raphtalia. Midoriya grabs a bag filled with enough money and says "Be sure to get Denki whatever he wants. If you need a little more money just ask, but please don't go overboard."
"Understood." Responds Raphtalia.
"Hey guys. Long time no see." Says Midoriya, sitting down at the table with them.
"Yeah, it's been a while." Says Ren.
"Yeah, we haven't seen each other since the misunderstanding in Lute Village." Adds Itsuki.
"So how have you guys been?" Asks Midoriya, before ordering something to eat.
"Pretty well, aside from one thing. I recently overthrew a despot in the country to the north, but the adventurers' guild told me the reward has already been claimed." Explains Itsuki.
"Huh, weird." Comments Ren.
"So that was you." Says Midoriya.
"So you've heard of my justicing then?" Asks Itsuki.
"Yeah these refugees from that country said an adventurer with a bow came to help them, but that things quickly became worse." Explains Midoriya.
"What exactly have you been doing Itsuki?" Asks Ren, accusingly.
"What I just overthrew this tyrannical guy who was overtaxing everyone." Says Itsuki.
"You know that might be because it takes a lot of money to actually run a country." Explains Ren. "Maybe he was overtaxing people because of an economic crisis."
"I didn't really consider that." Comments Itsuki.
"Actions have consequences, so maybe you should consider them before taking said actions." Says Ren.
"So what have you been up to Midoriya?" Asks Itsuki wanting to change the subject.
"Not much to be honest. I've been going around the country helping people out. I've mostly just fixed carriages, defeated bandits and killed monsters that were terrorizing people." Explains Midoriya.
"So I take it you guys have already gone through the class upgrade." Says Ren.
"Yeah... no. We tried a while back, but failed miserably. Apparently the church prohibits anyone associated with the shield hero to class up. So both my party members are level 40 and I'm just at 43." Explains Midoriya.
"If you can't grow that way, then why not add more people to your party?" Asks Itsuki.
"We tried, but anyone we openly approached as the shield hero would turn us down immediately. Those who didn't know would join us for a day or two, but would soon find out and leave us. The only people who were willing to fight with us were these knights, but because of their jobs they can't really join us." Answers Midoriya.
"Why not add a monster to your party?" Asks Ren. "Don't you already have one?"
"That's actually not too bad of an idea." Says Midoriya. "It can improve our capabilities quite a bit."
"It does seem like Melromarc has it out for you." Says Ren, thinking the situation over. "Kind of a miracle you made it this far."
"What about you Ren? What have you done recently?" Asks Midoriya.
"I defeated a dragon, went to Zeltoble and fought there for a while and recently came back for the wave." Answers Ren.
"Oh, in Mirso Village. That actually caused a..." Midoriya manages to say, before being interrupted by one of Itsuki's members who approaches the table and says "We just received another guild request to overthrow a townlord to the north. What do you want to do with this?"
"It's from the guild?" Asks Itsuki.
"Yes. From what I can tell it seems like the local lord is heavily taxing the citizens way beyond the court set limits and he's using that revenue in a vicious campaign to suppress dissenters of any kind and to hire mercenaries." Itsuki's party member explains.
After looking the request over, Itsuki says "Interesting. They need to be taught that with great power comes great responsibility."
"Isn't that the line from that american hero? The one with the strings?" Asks Izuku.
"Who?" Asks Itsuki.
"Oh right, different worlds. I sometimes forget." He says.
"Do you want to join us for this quest?" Asks Itsuki.
"Sure seems like we can do some good here and maybe even have some fun." Says Midoriya.
"What about you Ren? Any interest in joining?" Asks Itsuki.
"No, honestly I have no intention of playing hero. I'm just gonna train a bit more until the wave tomorrow." Answers Ren.
After the Heroes finish eating lunch, they all leave the tavern, intent on going in two different ways, but once they leave they find a Knight waiting for them.
"Pardon me, Sword, Bow and Shield Hero." Says the Knight.
"What is it?" asks Itsuki.
"I've been told to summon the heroes, with an emphasis on calling the Shield Hero." Explains the knight.
"What did you do this time?" Jokes Itsuki.
"Heh, did you rape someone again?" Adds Ren, chuckling a bit at the situation.
"I told you... I didn't do it!" exclaims Midoriya, a bit angry and annoyed that they'd bring something like that up again.
"We're just joking around." says Ren in response
The knight looks at them confused and says "It's nothing of the sort. I've been ordered by the Princess and well the King as well, to take primarily the shield and his party to the castle. But since you two are here as well. I'd request your presence too."
"I'd rather pass." Says Midoriya. "I don't like that woman and have no intention of talking to her."
"If I'm not mistaken you're referring to the first princess Malty. The one summoning you is the second and crowned princess." Clarifies the Knight.
"Wait, the second princess is the crowned princess? Can you please explain the situation here?" Asks Midoriya, confused at the situation.
"The situation is not very clear amongst us Knights, sir hero, but from what we understand she is unstable or something and the queen decided to appoint the second princess as her successor. Regardless I've been instructed to bring you to the castle by any means short of attacking you." Explains the knight.
Midoriya thinks it over for a moment and agrees to at least hear the princess out.
"This might be interesting." Says Ren.
"I agree, I'll tag along." Says Itsuki.
Itsuki instructs his party members to make the preparations to go to the overtaxed territory, going to the castle after.
Once the 3 heroes arrive in the castle they are taken to the throne room.
"I thought Motoyasu was going to be here too." Notes Ren.
"You called me here?" Asks Midoriya, slightly annoyed. "What do you want from me this time."
The king grits his teeth as someone else enters the room.
"The spear hero was called, but he declined the offer, likely the work of my sister." Says a little girl with blue hair and an elaborate dress entering the room.
As she enters the room, her expression slightly changes.
"Hey look it's Melty." Says Denki, pointing at her.
"What a surprise." she states. "I must say I didn't expect Saint Deku to turn out to be the Shield Hero. This may actually prove to be a perfect opportunity."
"Saint Deku?" Asks Itsuki, not recognizing the name.
"Well Deku is my hero name in my world." Explains Izuku. "I used it as an alias here, people started calling me saint after I started helping the sick and the others who needed it."
"So you were saint deku, not surprising." Says Ren, remembering some of the stories he heard.
"So why did you call me here. Your Majesty." Asks Midoriya.
Anger filling him, the king is about to say something, but before he can Melty interrupts him, saying "Before you say something that may damage the situation father, may I remind you what mother has entrusted me to do. You have hurt the country's standing enough as is, so I'd encourage you to choose your words wisely."
"Right, my dear daughter. I do apologize." Says the king in a soft tone, trying to please his daughter.
"Wow, his demeanour is significantly different from the other times I've met him. Melty being here is surely changing the way he's acting." Thinks Midoriya.
"I do have two things to tell you father, before we continue this discussion. First it was the Shield Hero who actually ensured my safe return to the castle." Says Melty in her calm diplomatic tone.
"What impossible I gave that swine..." Says the King before being caught off.
"And second, mother has asked me to warn you about your actions, if things aren't rectified now, then mother will punish you justly when she returns." Says Melty.
"Is there something I'm missing here?" Asks Ren. "I thought the King was in charge."
The two others shrug, not knowing.
"Uhm, excuse me, but what do you mean that your mother will punish the king, when she returns?" Asks Midoriya.
"Well Melromarc is a matrilineal country Sir Hero. The power is held by the queen. My father is just filling the position of ruler while she's away on diplomatic affairs." Explains Melty.
"Wait you're telling us that the King actually married into the royal family?" Asks Itsuki.
"So he's been acting all high and mighty, even though he only holds the authority temporarily?" Asks Ren.
"That's right." Answers Melty.
"So why exactly did you call us here Melty?" Asks Midoriya, wanting to get to the point.
"I am here as the crowned princess to put everything right. I am here to try and reconcile the relationship between the Shield Hero and the King of Melromarc and thus also the Kingdom itself." Explains Melty. "If you and my father remain at odds it may threaten the safety of our entire country, both because of the waves and other more political reasons, will be in danger."
"Reconcile with that swine!" Screams the King in anger, not being able to hold in his anger.
The outburst scared Melty, but it also caused the heroes to put their guard up.
"Oh, sorry my dear, please do not worry my dear. I'm not angry at you." Says the King, while glaring at Midoriya. "It's him I'm angry at."
"What's your problem with me?" Asks Midoriya. "I don't remember doing anything to you."
"It does seem pretty strange." Says Ren.
"Agreed." Adds Itsuki.
"I would also like to know Father, what is your quarrel with the shield hero?" Asks the princes.
"It's just that if he and his demihumans do as they please, I'll lose my family again." Says the King, in a softer, sader tone.
"His Demi-humans? Do you mean raphtalia?" Asks Itsuki.
"I do believe father is referring to Siltvelt." Says Melty.
"Ah, the Demi-human country." Says Midoriya. He thinks the situation over and then says "If what you want to do is safeguard your family, then wouldn't a better strategy have been to try to get in my good graces, by giving me special treatment and then using my favour to procure peace with Siltvelt. That would avoid all future conflicts, am I correct?"
He then descends into mumbling, putting all his facts together and repeating them to himself, while considering all the options.
Trash grits his teeth, with anger and shouts "Silence!" This snaps Midoriya out of it and Melty glares at her father, which causes him to try and calm down a bit.
"You are correct sir Hero." Says Melty, cutting her father off before he can say anything. "It was my mother's wish that all four heroes were treated equally in order for such a relationship as you describe to be created with Siltvelt. However I still hope we can count on you to help us in such an endeavour."
The conversation continues on a bit longer, Midoriya proposing a plan. He and Melty will go to siltvelt after the wave in order to try and de-escalate the tension created by the King and the church.
The King reluctantly agrees to the idea, asking Melty to at least take some guards with her so she'll at least be safe.
"Still want to come help with the territory in the north?" Asks Itsuki as they leave the town.
"Yeah. I just have one thing I want to do first. I'll meet you at the northern gate in an hour, okay?" Asks Midoriya, while leaving.
"Sure. But don't be too late. We'll wait half an hour the longest, we don't have that much time to take care of the situation. With the next wave being tomorrow and all." Says Itsuki.
"Where are we going Midoriya?" Asks Raphtalia.
"We're going to pay a visit to an old friend." Says Midoriya,
"We're going to see the weaponguy again?" Asks Denki.
"Well we have to pass by there first actually, but it's not who I was referring to." Answers Midoriya.
"Oh, so creepy mustache guy." Comments Denki.
They head to the weapon shop, where they pick up the custom orders.
"I had to pull some all-nighters, but I got it ready just in time for you kid." Says Erhard.
"Thanks." Says Midoriya pulling out some money.
"What, but you already paid me." Says the Weaponsmith, confused.
"Consider it a tip, for a job well done." Says Deku as they all leave the shop with their new equipment.
"Welcome, welcome. Yes sir." Says the Slave Merchant as Midoriya and his party enter the tent. "What can I do for you today sir hero? Here for some slaves?"
"No. I doubt I will be here for slaves anytime soon." Answers Midoriya.
"Oh, then a monster I'm guessing." Says Beloukas.
"Actually yes." Says Midoriya.
"This way then." the slave merchant says happily, while urging them to follow. "I must thank you sir hero. Your patronage has increased my business transactions considerably."
"How so?" asks Midoriya.
The slave trader stops in his tracks and explains how Midoriya's companions are an assurance of quality, to which Midoriya sighs, they then resume reaching the middle tent quickly.
"What monster are you in the market for today? Anything in particular? A filolial perhaps? If that were the case I'd be willing to give them to you free of charge." says the salve merchant.
"Knowing you I'd rather pay in cash than with to find out what your ulterior motives are. I'll take an egg from your monster lottery." Says Midoriya.
"Why certainly sir hero." Says Beloukas, ordering his lackeys to go fetch the lottery.
Midoriya pays the man and is given the new egg, placing it inside of an incubator.
They then leave the shop.
"Are you replacing me master?" Asks Denki while looking at the egg, a bit scared.
"No." Answers Midoriya, while ruffling his hair. "I'm just getting you brother or sister. It's someone to help us fight and do other stuff. You're irreplaceable Denki."
Denki smiles at the prospect of having a little brother or sister.
Midoriya and the others then meet Itsuki and his party, heading to the northern territory of melromarc.
They survey the area and ask around, finding out what's happening in the area exactly. They gather enough information to know they're doing the right thing. Using Raphtalia's illusion magic they sneak into the Lord's castle at night, a fight breaks out once they're inside, but having over 10 members to fight, 2 of them being heroes. The Knights give up, leaving the lord on his own, who is swiftly defeated.
Itsuki arrests the man,ordering his "bodyguards" to deliver him to the adventurers' guild.
Itsuki and Midoriya then inspect the castle, looking for the daughter of a nobleman, who was blackmailed into being there. After they find her, they inform her about what just happened, effectively freeing her.
She shows tons of gratitude, to the point she even wants to join one of the heroes on their adventure. Itsuki refuses her request, having a full party already, but encourages her to join Midoriya, which she does.
The next day the group returns to the capital, where they make their final preparations. Midoriya checks his shield's inventory, checking if he still has all the stored potions he's been making over the past week.
The Knights gather around him.
"Uhm. Rishisa." Midoriya says, addressing the newest member of his party.
"Feh." Whimpered rishia. "What is it?"
"I'm sorry to ask this of you, but seeing as you're only level 9 do you mind staying behind for this wave. I promise we'll level you up after, but we didn't have enough time beforehand." Explains Midoriya.
"Alright." Says Rishis slightly disappointed.
"Here." Says Midoriya, handing her the incubator with the new egg.
"Take care of the egg alright? That's your job for now." Says Midoriya with a smile.
"Feh." She whimpered again. "This is too much responsibility."
"I know you can live up to it." Says Midoriya.
Rishia takes the egg and returns to the Inn to keep it safe. In the meantime Midoriya assigns the other Knights to their positions.
"Alright listen up guys. This is gonna be a hard fight." Says Midoriya, trying to pump everyone up. "The wave will be here in less than a minute. Remember the other heroes may be the flashy ones, they will be fighting the main boss, but our jobs are just as important. We're focusing on rescuing people and making sure casualties are at a minimum."
"Right!" Says everyone in response.
Moments later they are all enveloped in a flash of light as they are teleported to the place where the third wave will take place.