I'm back! Sorry, I have a lot on my plate ever since the first chapter. Was fishing around the internet until I found inspiration to continue this particular work. To be honest, it may not be the best time to come back considering the Isekai outbreak at the moment but whatever. If I procrastinate any longer, this will probably sit in the dust forever... maybe that's for the best. But it's too late, and I hope this is an enjoyable piece of work for all ye people.

Note: I have been studying english literature for quite some time, so I have to point out that I'm removing the japanese suffix like -sama. -san and others for the sake of my writing.

This had to be worst idea ever. Sighing for the umpteenth time, I buried my face in my arms as I laid back on the luxurious sofa in this room. Apart from me, the only other occupant in this room was Elena, the brunette sitting there, an atmosphere of complete tension about her. We were currently waiting in a room that screamed wealth with the attention to detail on the carvings on its marble walls and double wooden doors, and if that was not enough, there were beautifully modelled wooden furniture complete with silk laden cushions covered with incredible patterns that screamed "Wealth and Power" out at anybody who looked at it.

This was going to be one hell of a landslide, with what I plan to propose involves going against a king, and not just any old king over any small little matter. No, I am going against a king over a marriage proposal made by his eldest and probably most influential daughter.

Yeah, this would probably go well.

Tangling against royalty aside, I found myself extremely curious with how this world works. A fantasy world with all the atmosphere that reality has to offer, but somehow having game interfaces and mechanics within. Frowning at the game menu that popped up as I tapped it, I could only think up a multiple number of ways that would actually make sense.

This feels extremely familiar, like a Virtual Reality (VR) that had existed in my world. However, the details on everything where I far exceeds what the VR from my world has to offer. And there was another issue: the VR experience that my world has to offer does not appeal to my sense of touch in any way. However, I could not completely disregard the possibility of me being stuck in a virtual world, there were plenty of fictional stories where the protagonist was trapped in a virtual environment, and while I do not know of any organizations spearheading the Virtual Environment technology, I cannot ignore the chance that there was a chance of a singular organization around.

Damn, just thinking about the fact that this was all some weird science experiment sent shivers down my spine. There was quite as little things that I value as much as free will, the very thought that I was but a plaything in the hands of another being was rather terrifying.

Nevertheless, there was something that I could not quite understand. Before I woke up as this 'Kitamura Motoyasu', there was a voice that spoke to me and that was thing I could not quite get. I could still remember the events quite clearly, and honestly speaking, I was quite spooked by the entire experience. All that mumbo jumbo about souls and replacing a vital piece of this world was far too dramatic for any sane person. If it were up to me, I would have just dumped myself into this world without any of those drama, to reduce the chances of anybody having an existential crisis and realise that they but a pawn in my whole grand scheme of things.

And there was the other issue, I sighed again as I looked at a nearby golden flask, its surface polished to a bright sheen that reflected a face that was both familiar yet strange to me at the same time.

There was one of the few things that I could have a solid conclusion in the few hours since I woke up. The fact that I could remember barely anything of my previous life save for some few and hopefully valuable knowledge and the fact that responding to the name 'Motoyasu' was almost second-nature to me now, as though it was instinctive; I could decisively say that I had almost surely taken over the persona of 'Motoyasu Kitamura'. However, what nagged at me was the problem that I had definitely retained my personality from my previous life, if not my name… or at least I think it was mine and not Motoyasu's.

"This was getting way too complicated for my liking." I groaned painfully as I rubbed my aching forehead. So this was what it meant to have an existential crisis, and the sooner I leave it behind me, the better. Especially with a forced marriage arrangement coming around the corner.

Why do all bad things come in bundles?

"THAT'S MY LIIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNEEEEEEEEE!"

I jumped slightly as that extremely loud and vocal sentence echoed about the room. Considering that the throne room was where it came from, and especially considering how loud it was when it thundered to this room, I actually fear for the safety of those people who was in the same room as the person who shouted. Especially their eardrums.

"It appears that the king would be in a bad mood today." Elena muttered unhelpfully. It took quite a bit of effort on my part to not snap out a 'thank you, Captain Obvious' at her. It would not do if I were to be on bad terms with my only ally at the moment.

Approximately thirty-eight minutes after the outburst from the Throne room, the double wooden burst open to reveal a red-faced old man decked in what were probably the finest clothes one could ask for. To be honest, he doesn't really need the crown atop his head to let me know that this is probably Malty's father, the king of Melromarc, Alt… Aur…

I'm going to have to ask Elena for a refresher lesson later.

The king barely registered our presence, hardly acknowledging our greetings as he quickly strode over to a small table with a tall silver jug on it. Lifting the jug, he drank from it deeply as Elena and I watched in silence. The man had just came back from what could only be a shouting match, it would probably be for the best that we did not interact with him before he cooled down.

Letting out a sigh of contentment as he lifted the container from his lips, the king wiped the residue of the wine from his beard, looking nowhere as angry as he was a few seconds ago. Turning faster than I would have given him credit for, he looked at us with eyes far sharper than anybody his age should rightly have, as though he was registering us for the first time.

'Well, at least he mellowed down quicker than expected.' It was a good sign, considering that we would not want to broach this subject with an angry monarch if we wanted to solve without any repercussions at all.

"Well, Motoyasu-dono, Elena-san," the king smiled, as though I was the sight he needed to wash all of his sorrows away. "I'm sorry for keeping you waiting. I had some pressing issues that warrants dealing with."

"It was nothing, your majesty," Elena smiled, though she did gazed at me most weirdly. I was in the midst of pondering what she was doing when she sighed and jerked her head towards the King.

Oh.

"W- We were not troubled by it, Your majesty." I bowed quickly. 'Definitely not used to this though.'

"Oh please don't do that." The king chortled as he hurried to pull me up. "It would be too much for me to ask to have one of the three heroes who defend my realm to bow to me."

To say that I was stunned was an understatement. From what I had seen from Malty, I had expected her father to be a rotten, conniving bastard that sought to manipulate me to suit his needs.

Maybe she took after her mother more?

"Thanks, your majesty."

"Oh please, no more of that 'majesty' thing, Motoyasu-dono." The king laughed as he gave me a reassuring pat on the back, "you may just refer to me as Aultcray, or King Meromarc."

"Understood, Melromarc."

"And stop being so formal! You're practically family now!"

"Uhhhh…"

Thankfully, Elena seemed to notice my conundrum as she quickly stepped in. "Please forgive Motoyasu if he failed to act like he used to, Lord Melromarc. He have a loss of me-"

"Yes, yes. A loss of memory, I heard from Malty." Aultcray waved a hand dismissively at her, keeping his eyes trained on me. It was a good thing, considering that it made him missed the dark look that flashed across Elena's features when she was dismissed. "It was no doubt the work of the Shield Demon. I'm sure of it!"

I frowned at that statement. It was very curious that almost every misfortune in this world was attributed to the Shield Hero. Was he truly that evil that he had to be ostracized at first glance? Maybe, maybe not. However, I was inclined to believe what the masses say for now. There was far too little evidence to make a conclusive statement as of yet.

"- as such, I will not be acceding to her request now."

Crap, I had completely phased out of the conversation! And it seemed to be important, giving the fact that Elena seemed to have be stunned by the request. Wait, that was an understatement, the woman can almost be likened to a statue with how still she was right now.

"Your Ma- I mean, Lord Melromarc" I stuttered, unsure of how to phrase my words. It was rather rude to not be listening when someone else was speaking, and even more likely to invite the death sentence if that person is a monarch. In the end, I settled for the blunt approach. "Could you please repeat yourself?"

He gave me one of the most weird look as soon as I said that, though it lasted a few seconds, it felt as though I could be hauled off to a guillotine.

"I said, as you are currently suffering from amnesia, I would not be agreeing to Malty's request to marry the two of you."

Relief unlike any other I had ever experienced before washed over me in such great waves that I would have been revelling in ecstasy if I had not been in the presence of a monarch. However, that was when a thought struck me.

This was a monarch I am dealing with. Furthermore, I was supposed to be an esteemed hero of the land. That means, whether I like it or not, I am now a part of their politics. And in the game of politics, there is always a catch. There must be a reason why he did not want me to marry his daughter immediately.

"Understood, Lord Melromarc." As I bowed, I quickly ran through multiple ways I could turn this events into my favor. I may be at a disadvanta-

"However, there is a more important matter that I need you to deal with." Walking over to the table, the King poured out a glass of red liquid for himself. Taking a long draught from it, he continued. "I do not know how he did it, but the Shield Demon had somehow stolen your powers and your memory to defeat the wave. As such, your reputation has taken a new hit and faith in the demon himself has been rising, something that will no doubt spell disaster for us. To tell the truth, even I am slightly wavered by your ability to keep us safe, especially with the loss of your memories."

"Yes, Lord Melromarc." It was easy to agree with him, considering the fact that I barely knew this Naofumi person. That aside, the rest of his points seem valid enough that it warrants my agreement.

"So, I will be needing you to restore faith in yourself across the land." Aultcray smiled proudly. For me, I kept quiet in order to assuage his ego. Kings need their pride, after all, especially when they were revealing their master plan for whatever they want done. "There was word of necromancy happening in a town up north that has been terrorizing the people there, I will be happy if you could restore my faith in you if you would deal with that problem."

I blinked. This was the best case scenario that I could have hoped for! Not only was the marriage abolished, but I have an excuse to get away from not only the eyes of the public and also get to know this world better!

I like this guy.

I hate this world.

The king had the decency to pass us quite a big sum of gold pieces to help us on our journey, about a hundred all told. To my infinite puzzlement and relief, I was only to be accompanied by Elena, while Malty and her companion were asked to stay by command of royal order.

I had a strong suspicion that she was behind that order, but it was weird move considering how she had been scheming to force a marriage unto me from the start. Nevertheless, it was quite a blessing, especially considering how she had given me the creeps from the start.

Of course she had divided the budget equally , saying that there was no need for us to carry that many gold pieces with us now that the travelling number was lower. While I suspect that she probably wanted to use those pieces for her own benefit, it was a problem that I have no issue with, considering that Elena had told me that a single gold piece was quite a sum in it of itself.

It would have been quite peachy, if not for the fact that there was literally nothing to spend it on. Well, almost nothing. Paying for supplies barely made a dent in our financial sum, even inclusive of the various potions that o brought along in anticipation of the journey.

How much was a gold coin actually worth for a dozen loaves of bread to cost less than a tenth of its value? If the King could so casually pass out a hundred pieces as though it was no big deal, how skewed is the division between a noble and a peasant?!

Well, hopefully the sum would deplete substantially after I paid a visit to the blacksmith. Regardless of worlds, metalworking should remain quite an expensive and tedious art. So if this place follow that logic, I fully expect to be walking out of the store carrying at least less than half of what I have in my haversack now.

I hope so, for the sake of my sanity. I sighed again, though it out of the corner of my eye I could see Elena shoot me a concerned look.

"Sir Motoyasu, are you alright?"

"Yes, sorry about that. Probably just a little concerned with my current equipment." It was not a hundred percent false statement either, I thought as I looked down at my clothing. I was decked in a a white tunic and black pants that I heavily suspect to be made of silk with how smooth the textures were, complete with fine leather boots. It was a nice set of clothes, except that it was ill suited for any form of combat. Unfortunately, my armour had been quite beaten up ever since the 'wave' and was sent for repairs, work that would not be finished by the time I was asked to leave.

"We should stop by the tailor later." I said aloud, realising that we were probably going to need some traveling clothes. Those were a definite necessity when going on a journey. And tents too, those will definitely help.

This totally feels like a camping trip already.

"We're here." Elena spoke up as she pointed out a storefront on the side of the streets. It had only a single sign with an anvil and some gibberish written on it as an indication of what it was.

Note to self, learn this world's language.

The inside of the shop was as one would imagine how a weapons store would look like. Swords, spears, axes and maces lay neatly on racks while shields of various shapes and sizes hung off hooks driven into the wall. Even the counter was manned by a stereotypical blacksmith, huge and burly with a scar across an eye and with the look of a man with a single deadly mission.

"Welcome!" He barked, "what may I do- Spear hero?!"

Now that was a mood swing if I had ever seen one. However, it seemed to be a turn for the worse when the man drew himself up to his full height, his casual gaze replaced with one full of wariness and caution.

"How may I help you, hero?"

Well, that's one meeting going sour with every passing minute, have I, as in Motoyasu, did something to this guy before? I grimaced as I mentally cursed the lack of memories. It would be so much easier to smooth this meeting over if I knew what I, as in Motoyasu had done to garner this reaction from him. Well, one can't have everything in life.

"Er, well, the king had a mission for us…" I quickly outlined the details of the mission given by King Melromarc and highlighted our current situation for him.

"So you need a new suit of armour for yourself?" The burly man asked, eyebrow furrowing as he lapsed into thought.

"Something light, if possible. Mister eerr.."

"Elhart. The name's Elhart." The giant of a man said as he stomped to the back of the store and began rummaging through the cupboards there. It took him a while before he returned, a shirt of chainmail in his hands. For some reason, Elena seemed to recognise the item, though I was a bit too focused on it to give her actions much thought.

"Lightest one I could find," he rumbled, eyeing me as a farmer would a customer trying to purchase his prized lettuce, "well made and almost brand new."

I could taste the emphasis he put on the word 'almost'.

Washing my gaze over the mail, I could definitely see the truth in his words. The chains were well polished, and the gaps between each of them were almost invisible to the naked eye.

"May I?" I asked as I held out my hand. Elhart met my gaze evenly before nodding, without hesitation, I donned the armour. It was slight loose at the arms and the waist but was otherwise a perfect fit.

Turning back to Elhart, who for some reason held a look of complete surprise on his face, I quickly fished out a pouch from my haversack.

"How much does this cost?"

Somewhere at the castle of the Melromarc's, King Aultcray Melromarc III looked down on his city from one of the structure's many balconies, a goblet of wine in his hand. Somewhere down there, his latest conquest was running around, intent on preserving their reputation.

"Father," a voice, Malty's, to be specific all but wailed behind him. "Why didn't you approve of the marriage between me and Motoyasu?"

Turning around, Aultcray looked upon his beloved daughter. She was not looking worse for the wear, nor does she seem particularly distressed, if anything, she seemed almost livid. However, Aultcray knew that somewhere within her, she was surely sad that she did not have her dream realised.

"Malty, Motoyasu have lost his memories," he reasoned, "whatever love he has for you was lost with it an-"

"He said he loved me before the final battle!" Malty screamed angrily. Though no tears accompanied that, the king was sure that she was merely holding them back. His daughters were born strong, if only both of them had held an intense hatred for the Shield Demon as he did.

"If he truly loved you, he would have definitely regained his memories at the sight of you." Aultcray mused. "But he did not, so until he regains them, or rekindles the spark between the both of you I will not approve of any marriage between the both of you."

"But who cares! He can help you get rid of the stupid Shield!"

Aultcray felt a mixture of emotions at that statement. First was a rush of furious rage as he thought back to the earlier argument he had with the Shield Hero. The second was a wave of gratitude that his daughter would want to help him so. He truly was blessed. However...

"It's not as though I do not want his help." Aultcray tightened his grip on his chalice as he imagined doing the same to the neck of a particular armored figure with a shield on his arm. "But right now, the shield is getting popular among the people while Motoyasu's strength is questioned by them. We can't risk him facing off the Shield Demon as it stands right now. It would be much better if they settle it once Motoyasu had proven to the public that he is indeed the hero we deserve."

Malty opened her mouth as if to argue, only to close it again as recognition flirted across her face. Aultcray felt a surge of pride at that, it shows that his daughter was learning, and learning quickly.

"Don't worry, if the situation is right, I will gladly approve of your engagement so long as Motoyasu is willing." Malty only let out a disinterested snort at that. Though it pains Aultcray that he had to deny his daughter so, it was something necessary, for the sake of her happiness.

"By the way, where is your sister, Melty?"

"I don't know, I'm not her babysitter."

Aultcray let out a grunt of disappointment. Melty had always been the more sensible of his two daughters, and the more innocent one too. While he do not doubt her ability to take care of herself, a parent could not help but worry if someone would take advantage of his daughter's pure heart.

No matter, Melty would definitely be safe. After all, her bodyguards had been among the elites of the Church, a constant ally to his family. If anybody would prevent anything happening to his beloved daughter, it would definitely be them.

The trip to the blacksmith turned out to not be a total disaster. After I had worn the chainmail, Mister Elhart's mood took a considerable turn for the better. In fact, he even took the time to write a letter and asked me to deliver it to a friend of his in the town we were going to, even going as far as to recommend that person's services.

The trip to the weavers had been slightly less exciting, except for the slight incident when my spear transformed into a small needle upon touching one of the tailor's equipment that I had used to hold my ponytail down. It was mightily convenient now that I do not need to lug a weapon about my person, though I did also entertain the thought about learning how to sew. Perhaps one day I would pick it up as a sub-class?

Well, now we were quite prepared. With a week's worth of supplies, we should be able to make it to the town of…

"What's the name of the place we're going again?" I asked Elena, who for some reason was lugging about a bag that was three times as large as the one I remembered giving her. Hell, it was about as large as mine, and I deliberately gave her the lighter one as a gentlemanly act.

So much for that, I suppose.

"Exel. It's the town of Exel."

Nice name, I suppose. Hopefully it's one of those cozy towns that has a vibrant community. I scoffed at the thought, if only it would be that perfect. Chances are that the town would happen to be a place where I may uncover more than a few unpleasant secrets if I looked hard enough.

Sure it was quite far fetched, but then again I'm in a fantasy world so who could say for certain?

"Right," I gazed down at myself and Elena. I had replaced my fancy clothes for an actual set of green travelling clothes, with the new chainmail worn over it and a brown travelling cloak to complete the set. Elena was garbed similarly, and was actually looking rather nervous about the whole ordeal. I should probably say something to lighten her mood. "You know, I'm actually kind of glad that Malty isn't here, if only so that I can't hear her complain about wearing this."

Elena actually let out a giggle at that, breaking my image of her as the stoic swordswoman who saw smiling as a sin. Now that I had raised the morale of my group, it's time to move out. Except that there seemed to be something I was forgetting about...

"Motoyasu."

I stopped and turned about. "Yes?"

"Are we walking all the way?"

"Yes?"

"Motoyasu, We can always hire a wagon to bring us there."

Dead silence rang between us as Elena let the sentence sink in.

"Elena?"

"Yes, Motoyasu?"

"Thank you for helping me."

Criticism are not compulsory but encouraged. 3 u all!