Rise of the Sword and Shield Chapter 19: The Party
Lyall the Werewolf: You know what's coming after the party. And now it's in its proper place. However, we need to proceed through the party first.
I worked tirelessly to write this long chapter. Luckily, I had most of this written ages ago, and would have appeared in the original version of the story, but... obvious!
Please enjoy the show.
(I don't own Senran Kagura or Shield Hero)
"Heroes! Congratulations on a job well done! Compared to our encounter with the First Wave, there were far fewer damages and casualties! Even I can't contain my excitement! Tonight we celebrate!"
Following the passing of the Second Wave of Catastrophe, Castle-Town was in a celebratory mood for surviving the onslaught.
That night at the castle, King Aultcray hosted a party in honor of the Cardinal Heroes besting the Second Wave. All of the Cardinal Heroes were in attendance, even if two out of the four Heroes didn't want to be there.
Talented musicians deliver soothing music through their instruments. The finest dishes and wine spread across huge tables. And high-class nobility there to enjoy every bit of it. Needless to say, it was a ritzy party.
Motoyasu, Itsuki, and Asuka stood beside the King at the top of the ballroom's staircase. Naofumi was down by the windows, out of sight. No one would entertain the idea of the Shield Hero receiving praise from the King, so why should he?
"And we must especially celebrate the return of the Sword Hero, Asuka-dono, who had gone missing shortly after she was summoned to defend our land! Admirably, she came back to face the Second Wave with her fellow Heroes!" Aultcray announced as Asuka was made to stand beside him and Pope Balmus. Ever since she returned from the battlefield as reported by the knights, Aultcray and Balmus insisted that she stay where they could keep an eye on her. This was to ensure she would not disappear again.
"Has our prodigal Sword Hero have a few words to share with the audience?" asked Balmus as he motioned for Asuka to step forward.
Reluctantly, Asuka stepped up and said, "I'm sure you heard rumors about an argument I and fellow Heroes had three weeks ago at the Adventurer's Guild. Sadly yes, we did argue over some… disagreements. As a result, I fled the guild and did not attempt to appear in public. My selfish actions have caused unnecessary worry. For that, I humbly apologize. From now on, I'll continue to do my best for the safety of Melromarc."
Soon after, Asuka bowed her head to the nobility in the ballroom. The nobles give applause for her humble and eloquent speech.
"Bullshit…" Naofumi thought. They both knew almost none of what she said was true. It wasn't mere disagreements. They were making fun of her. That bastard King was aware of it. Otherwise, he wouldn't have yelled at those two idiots for laughing her out of the guild. They must be making her take the blame for them to save face, despite everyone knowing what really happened.
"And Motoyasu-kun and Itsuki-kun, I'm sorry for my immature actions at the guild," Asuka said as she bowed apologetically to her fellow Heroes.
"That's okay, Asuka-chan. Cute girls always have mood swings." Motoyasu said cheerfully. It seemed a little forced.
"Next time, please heed our advice without reacting poorly," said Itsuki. There was an air of condescension in his voice.
"Now, with that out of the way, let us feast to our heart's content!" King Aultcray announced as he raised a goblet to commence the celebration.
The party was in full swing immediately, with all the guests enjoying the delectable food and engaging in casual conversation.
Meanwhile, the Three Heroes were also chatting.
"So, uh… you'll be returning to the guild for sure now, right?" Motoyasu asked. Again, his cheeriness seemed forced. He was also keeping a respectable distance.
"I'm afraid not. My decision on that is firm." Asuka replied, to Motoyasu's dismay.
"So, what I heard about you choosing mercenary work is true. It is a shame you will not return to the Adventurer's Guild," said Aultcray.
"I take it you approve of Asuka-san's decision?" asked Itsuki.
"Of course. So long as it is of great service to our country, Asuka-dono may do as she sees fit. Within certain reason, of course."
"I wouldn't say it's to serve the country. I'm mainly in it to support myself, my partner Rino-chan, and anyone else who may join my party." Asuka explained.
"Well, I still think it's a bad idea! You never know who's going to take advantage of you." Motoyasu said.
"I'm a good judge of character, so stop worrying already!" Asuka demanded.
"B-But…"
"Motoyasu-dono, did I not instruct you to respect Asuka-dono's wishes?" Aultcray asked sternly.
"Y-Yes, but…"
"I trust Asuka-dono has good instincts. They served her well in the battle with Chimera." Aultcray said.
"I don't think using tools like smoke bombs is very heroic." Itsuki refuted.
"No. Such pragmatic ingenuity must be respected, not frowned upon. Ending the battle quickly also deserves adulation." Aultcray rebuffed, "Of course, I am curious if she were to use them in the duel…"
All eyes fell on the Sword Hero.
"I'll fight fair and square. No smoke bombs." Asuka calmly confirmed.
"You still have your cheating ability," Itsuki remarked.
"Speaking of the duel…" Asuka said while ignoring Itsuki, to his chagrin. "When are we going to go through with it? Later on, tonight?"
"Have patience, Asuka-dono. The night is still young. We'll have plenty of time before such events." Aultcray said nonchalantly.
"That's reassuring. Especially with Naofumi-kun nearby." Asuka thought. Before the festivities began, Asuka asked Rino to watch over Naofumi and Raphtalia in case something happened, and she could alert the Sword Hero.
Aultcray turned to the Spear and Bow Heroes, "Motoyasu-dono, Itsuki-dono, why don't you two go enjoy yourselves? I have some things I want to discuss with Asuka-dono."
Motoyasu and Itsuki looked reluctant but complied.
Itsuki went on to eat up all the praise for helping to defeat the Chimera boss monster of the Second Wave. Meanwhile, Motoyasu was enjoying the company of the pretty ladies while Myne was at his side shooing them away.
For Naofumi, being at the castle dredged up bad memories of the last time he was there. It also greatly annoyed him that the nobles were having a swell time while ignoring his presence. The only reason he was at the party at all was the free food and getting paid for his "services" during the Second Wave. That trashy King promised to provide the Four Heroes funds each month, so it would be foolish not to take advantage of it.
Instead of indulging in the party, Naofumi was scrolling through his HUD's info tab. He was bored and curious and wanted to see what could have been done to improve the Second Wave's fight, especially if the Waves spawned in places the knights couldn't reach.
One message came up that sparked Naofumi's interest.
"So, if they register to the Dragon Hourglass, they could be teleported to the Waves as well? I'm surprised Asuka didn't even know this. The same could be said of those two idiots. Then again, Asuka made a valid point about the knights not listening to her. Wait… what about that subcommander? He seemed like he was serious about his duties. Another knight stuck out too, but he was on the young side. Probably Asuka's age."
Those two knights and a handful of others helped Naofumi and Raphtalia defend Lute Village during the Second Wave. That pompous mustachioed commander left them to aid the Three Heroes against the boss. Naofumi had sincere doubts he was any help to them. Otherwise, Asuka would have acknowledged his contribution.
"Naofumi-sama!" Raphtalia called to her master. He turned to her and there she was, holding a plate of various foods.
"Looks like you're enjoying yourself." Naofumi teased.
"W-Well, I've never seen so much food before. I couldn't help myself." Raphtalia sheepishly said.
"If you wanna eat, eat as much as you want," said Naofumi.
"Eh? But…"
"It's fine. You worked hard, so you deserve to enjoy yourself."
"O-Okay… by the way, Naofumi-sama…" Raphtalia looked embarrassed, "Do you prefer tall, stout women or small, slender women? Particularly women with a large bust...?"
"Huh? Why are you asking me that?" Naofumi asked. He could have sworn Raphtalia muttered something about a large bust.
"I-I'm just asking out of curiosity…" Raphtalia mumbled with red cheeks.
"It's still a strange question." Naofumi thought, "A woman's looks don't matter to me. Getting a little fat won't hurt you in battle."
"I told you, I'm not fat! I'm grown up!" Raphtalia pouted.
"I didn't say you weren't. And why ask if I like small women and large busts?" Naofumi asked.
"Um… you and Asuka-san seem kind of… close…" Raphtalia trailed off. She knew that her master and the Sword Hero knew each other before she came into the picture. It made her think there was more than simple friendship going on. Asuka was young, very pretty, and had a bosom that would make any suitor happy. She'd be the perfect lover.
"Close?"
"N-Never mind! I'm going to check out more tables!" Raphtalia stormed away to the banquet.
"What the heck was that about?" Naofumi wondered. After pondering for a bit, he wondered what his relationship with Asuka truly was.
Of the Three Heroes, she was the kindest to him. She stood up for him every time there was inequity between him and the other Heroes. She tried to prove that he was innocent of the false charges placed on him by Myne, and when Asuka failed in the end, he repaid her kindness with spite. Despite all of that, she had her own problems to deal with.
She was still willing to help him, despite everything. She freely gave him materials from not just Cerberus but also Chimera. Both unlocked incredibly useful shields. That was especially the case for the latter. The Chimera Viper Shield gave him a skill called Change Shield. This shield let him change shields without going to the HOD. The only caveat was that he wasn't at a high enough level to use it. Hopefully, by the next Wave, he'd be able to use it to its full potential.
At any rate, even with these kind gestures, what relationship could Naofumi salvage with Asuka?
Speaking of problems, it looked like Asuka was still dealing with that trashy King's endless hollow praise. By the look of things, she didn't seem to be enjoying herself either.
Meanwhile, her partner was hovering nearby, not too far from Asuka, but too close to Naofumi.
"Is she spying on me or something?" Naofumi wondered.
[-Meanwhile: Asuka and Aultcray-]
"Asuka-dono, I trust you're enjoying the party?" asked the King.
"It's fine," Asuka answered with disinterest. She thought a lot of money must have gone into this party. That money could have been used to help villages hit by the Second Wave. The former Shinobi understood why one of the Hebijo girls, Yomi, hated these kinds of rich people. They live the good life with their money and status, while second or low-class citizens suffer from poverty. It didn't help that most of Melromarc's nobility were morally bankrupt. To her, Ikaruga was the prime example of good nobility. Dignified and smart, willing to engage with the common folk, and would have been a great Shinobi helping those with less fortune. Now that she was dead, that dream died with her.
And now Asuka was talking to one of the most deplorable examples of royalty.
"This celebration is for the Three Heroes' success, so even if you're pretending to have fun, I'm relieved that you are attending it," said Aultcray.
"Like I have a choice. You guys are the ones making me attend." an irritated Asuka mentally groaned, "What about Naofumi-kun? Shouldn't he get some praise too?"
"Pardon? What might you be referring to?" Aultcray frowned.
"Please don't play dumb. Naofumi-kun fought to protect one of your country's villages. I know because I was with him, helping him fight before going to face Chimera. You should at least thank him for helping to save lives." Asuka frowned.
"Why should I? He couldn't be bothered to fight Chimera. Choosing instead to hide in that village like a coward." Aultcray growled.
"You hate Naofumi-kun so much that you're willing to delude yourself? Big surprise." Asuka thought.
"Whereas you, Motoyasu-dono, and Itsuki-dono were more than willing to face Chimera and prevailed. The Three Heroes are truly exemplary. You most of all, for your strategic thinking that ended the battle swiftly! On top of that, you saved my daughter when she was in peril, despite everything. You are truly a remarkable Hero. I promise you will be properly rewarded for your deed!"
"If you say so." Asuka shrugged, dismissive of Aultcray's promise.
"By the way, now that you are among us again, I would like to hear of your activities leading up to the Second Wave. Particularly when you were briefly in town before your disappearance."
Asuka kept silent. She knew what he was referring to, so she needn't bother replying.
"I've heard that you have an abhorrence for demi-human slavery in our fair country. Some of the nobility don't approve of this stance you have on the matter." Aultcray said.
"Abhorrence is an understatement. In my world, slavery is seen as barbaric and frowned upon, forbidden by law." Asuka spoke, "Granted, I've come to understand the slavery of demi-humans is legal in this world. That doesn't mean I have to just accept it. Unless I can convince you to lift it…"
"Impossible. Demi-human slavery has been a part of our laws since ancient times. Even if I wanted, no one would readily accept slavery being abolished." Aultcray explained.
"That's what I thought." Asuka sighed.
Aultcray nodded in approval, "At least you understand that much. You see, our country of Melromarc has been at war with the demi-human nation named Siltvelt for ages."
"I already know about that."
"Naturally, we come to despise demi-humans for the deeds they committed during the war. Enslaving demi-humans and admonishing their beliefs is also given, don't you think?"
"No. I'd opt to reach a peaceful accord if possible." Asuka refuted.
"How do you mean?" Aultcray skeptically asked.
"Before I was summoned here, I learned something important. Light and darkness can't exist without one another. Real peace can be achieved without perpetuating needless hate and bloodshed."
Aultcray bore a scowl at hearing this, "Are you suggesting that I offer a hand of friendship to demi-humans?"
"Something as simple as going out to eat together can go a long way in reaching an understanding. That is if you're willing to extend that sort of kindness."
"Impossible. We have tried that before, and it ended miserably. It is their fault that…" Aultcray paused and grimaced. It looked like he was remembering something unpleasant.
"Come to think of it, I came across a failed peace treaty with Siltvelt during my investigation. I haven't gotten all the facts yet, but I suspect a certain redhead was responsible."
The female knight being imprisoned and that demi-human village being demolished weren't the only things she gleaned from her infiltration. There was more, but she had to sort out the relevant information from the irrelevant for numerous reasons.
"And you speak as if demi-humans are darkness. If they are darkness, then it follows that demi-humans are the root of evil!"
"And now he's twisting my words into a false truth…" Asuka thought with a frown. She predicted Aultcray would do something like that. It didn't hurt to try sharing her own views with him, but his stubborn refusal to see reason was unshakable. How tight was Myne's grip on him? Or was there something deeper than his daughter's manipulation?
"They've taken everything from me! That is why I intend to give them their just deserts."
"By taking your blind hatred out on those who had nothing to do with your misfortune?"
"Hmph… this is quite the dreary conversation, isn't it?" Aultcray asked calmly, "That is to be expected. We did part on tumultuous terms in our last meeting."
"That's your fault, not mine. In fact, I have even less reason to trust you after discovering what you've done behind the scenes. And there's your plan to enslave me too."
"Let's change the subject: Tell me, what have you been up to since your disappearance?" Aultcray asked.
Asuka decided to play along since nothing productive will come from provoking him further.
"Preparing for the Second Wave, obviously. I needed peace and quiet to concentrate on training for it. That's part of why I left the guild. Not to mention my dual with Motoyasu-kun later." Asuka said.
That technically wasn't a lie, but she had to be careful not to tip the foolish King off about her real activities. Among the information she uncovered during her castle infiltration, the former Shinobi learned that Aultcray was a tactician during the wars with Siltvelt. He was also one of the Seven Star Heroes, once holding the Vassal Staff, which he used to great effect in the war. Asuka deemed it irrelevant information because she didn't know what the Seven Star Heroes or Vassal Weapons were yet, thus they warranted further investigation later once she learned how to read this world's language. Or better yet, contact someone who knows of the Seven Star Heroes, like perhaps Queen Mirellia.
The former Shinobi thought about absorbing more books to gain knowledge, but she wouldn't know where to find good reference material. For the time being, she decided to sit on this piece of information.
"I see. Is there anything else I should be aware of?" Aultcray asked with a raised eyebrow. As Aultcray is now, he was no longer worthy of the Vassal Staff. That didn't mean a sliver of his prior intellect couldn't resurface when needed. Asuka knew this and needed to be extra careful not to let her other activities slip.
"I defeated Cerberus, the First Wave Boss near Callma Village," replied Asuka. She thought her defeat of Cerberus would be sufficient to detour any suspicion from Aultcray, and it seemed to have worked.
"Ahh! I am aware of that! Only a true Cardinal Hero could have performed such a feat. It brings me great joy to know that you have committed yourself to our service, Asuka-dono!" Aultcray praised.
"I only did what was required of me as a Cardinal Hero. I heard rumors of Cerberus in that area, so I dealt with it." Asuka said, "And I'm sure the knights could have taken care of it too. High numbers and careful strategy could have brought it down, though not unscathed. And yet you gave them and other slavers permission to demolish Lurolona Village of the Seaetto region instead. A completely idiotic decision."
"And for that, you have all of Melromarc's gratitude for purging Cerberus of this world." Aultcray said before wearing a frown, "That reminds me. Have you spoken to the lord of that region?"
"If you mean Ricardo Vento, yes. He offered to support me in gratitude for slaying Cerberus." Asuka answered.
"I see." Aultcray nodded, "Vento and I are old colleagues believe it or not. Sadly, we haven't spoken in some time."
"Probably because you're not such a great person to be around." Asuka sarcastically thought.
"One more thing... I was told that you gave away the majority of Cerberus's materials to the Shield Hero while you only gave one part to Motoyasu-dono and Itsuki-dono. Additionally, you took one of the heads from Chimera and gave that to him as well. What is your thought process behind these actions?"
Myne must have informed him after the Second Wave ended. It didn't matter.
"Naofumi-kun was under-prepared, while Motoyasu-kun, Itsuki-kun, and myself had more than enough skills to get us through the Second Wave. It makes sense that I'd want to help my friend get a decent advantage for future battles." Asuka explained. Aultcray was displeased by this.
"To consider the Shield Hero your friend after what he's done…"
"He's innocent, and you know it."
"I know I did what needed to be done! Surely you would understand if you open your eyes to his evil!" the spiteful King shouted.
"I understand that you're blind to your irrational hatred." Asuka thought.
Aultcray calmed down a moment later, "I also heard that you wanted to hold a strategy meeting with all of the Heroes, including the Shield Hero, in attendance without my consent. Why?"
"Fighting Cerberus alone made me realize how crucial it is for us to work together. That's why I wanted to hold a strategy meeting. I wasn't going to waste any more time getting your approval and getting turned down. Unfortunately, in the end, it didn't go as well as I'd hoped." Asuka sighed in frustration.
"I see. Next time you want to strategize, you should really consult me first. I may not look it now, but I was quite the tactician in the war effort against Siltvelt." Aultcray bragged.
"I'm already aware of that too."
"But then again, a strategy meeting would be pointless now that the Three Heroes are united. And together, the three of you will-"
"Four of us!" Asuka cut off, "When I said work together, I meant all four of us, Naofumi-kun included. I don't think that's so difficult to grasp."
"Now I see why you didn't come to me first. You still persist with such foolishness?" Aultcray asked incredulously, "You did just fine without him, so why bother including the Shield Hero?"
"It isn't foolishness! You're the one who summoned us and the one who asked us to fight the Waves of Catastrophe. Yet, instead of encouraging us to work as a functioning unit, you and your daughter succeeded in driving a wedge between the four of us with that stupid trial!"
"The Shield Hero laid his filthy hands on my daughter! What father wouldn't do anything to protect his family?!"
"You are so clueless…" Asuka muttered. If the King had any semblance of rationality, he'd realize that his eldest daughter had no love for him at all. She'd use his position as King to protect herself from the law to commit terrible crimes. But that will only last so long until the country's true ruler returns. Sadly, that seemed like a very long time before that could happen.
"What was that?" Aultcray growled.
"Nothing," Asuka replied, shaking her head. She glanced down at the crowd below. She instantly spotted Rino silently signaling her that trouble was brewing. Asuka's gaze fell to Motoyasu marching away from Myne after she whispered something in his ear. His destination was where Naofumi and Raphtalia were.
"What troubles you, Asuka-dono?" Aultcray asked.
"I'm feeling hungry, and my partner is waiting on me. I don't want to keep her waiting." Asuka answered. She stepped away from King Aultcray and prepared to go down the staircase.
"Don't bother," Aultcray said coldly, making Asuka stop in her tracks, "No matter what you do, you can't stop the inevitable."
Asuka paused, letting those words sink in. He knew right from the start she would interfere when another plot against Naofumi would rear its ugly head. He was merely keeping her distracted. However, Asuka was undeterred. She raced down the steps after hearing Motoyasu call out to Naofumi.
However, guards step in front of her.
"Let me through!"
"Apologizes, Sword Hero-sama! The King has instructed us to not let you leave his side." One of the guards spoke.
The Sword Hero glared back at Aultcray, who bore a smug grin.
[-Meanwhile: Naofumi and Motoyasu -]
The two rival Heroes stared daggers at each other.
"What did you say?" Naofumi growled.
"I said fight me! In a duel, right now!" Motoyasu demanded. Myne stood behind him, grinning with glee that her plans have gone smoothly. Now she was waiting for the Sword Bimbo to arrive. By then, the Shield Hero's dirty little secret should be out.
"Why should I?" an annoyed Naofumi asked.
"I heard that you've made Raphtalia-chan your slave!" Motoyasu said, causing a stir among the guests.
Raphtalia was silent, but her worry showed on her face. She wondered how the Spear Hero learned of her slave status until she saw Myne standing behind him. She remembered what Asuka and Rino told her about Myne framing Naofumi for a crime he didn't commit. Judging by that evil smirk she was wearing, that woman must have known of Raphtalia being a slave and decided to tell the Spear Hero to stir up trouble again.
"What's it to you?" asked Naofumi. It wasn't as if he kept Raphtalia's slave status a secret. He just never saw the need to tell anyone. Except for Asuka, who wasn't a fan of slavery either. But Asuka figured it out anyway and she promised she wouldn't tell anyone. It was unlikely she would spill the beans. However, Itsuki knew, and he gave Naofumi very little reason to trust him to his word.
"Watch your tone!"
"Yeah, Raphtalia's my slave. I don't see why that's a problem."
Infuriated, Motoyasu snapped back, "Listen here! You can't be serious about owning a slave, can you?!"
"Slavery is legal in this country. There's nothing I can do about it." Naofumi shrugged.
"But we're Heroes in this world! Owning a slave isn't right, and you know it!" Motoyasu retorted.
"You have a right to your opinion. I just so happen to disagree." Naofumi said.
From what Naofumi could see, Motoyasu reacted to Raphtalia's slave status as any morally sound person would. However, the Shield Hero quickly guessed the real reason Motoyasu was confronting him. He was mad that Naofumi had a pretty girl as his slave. And with that knowledge, the Spear Hero decided to challenge him to a duel so he could win and get Raphtalia to join his party. He went so far as to paint Naofumi as the villain by loudly announcing Raphtalia's slave status to turn everyone against him. And how convenient that he forgot about his duel with Asuka. It was a ridiculous idea, and Naofumi wanted no part in it. He was about to get up and walk away, only to be stopped by Motoyasu pointing his spear at him.
"Don't think you can just walk out of here!"
"Son of a bitch…" Naofumi cursed.
"P-Please wait, Spear Hero! This is unnecessary! Naofumi-sama has been good to me!" Raphtalia pleaded.
Motoyasu looked at her sympathetically.
"I know how slave crests work. They make you obey any command given to you, and they force you to do and say anything to please your master. That's why you aren't allowed to say anything your master doesn't agree with. Myne told me so."
Myne smirked as if to confirm her involvement. She could see many of the guests whispering disparagingly about the Shield Hero and his demi-human slave girl. It was only a matter of time before a certain bimbo came storming in.
"We're going have this duel! And if I win, you're going to set Raphtalia-chan free!" Motoyasu declared as he raised his spear to Naofumi.
"Alright, and what happens if I win?" Naofumi calmly asked.
"That won't happen! But on the off chance it does, nothing changes…" Motoyasu replied.
"Ridiculous!" Naofumi scoffed, "There's no benefit for me to fight you. And aren't you forgetting you have a duel with Asuka?"
"I-I haven't! It's just that Raphtalia-chan's situation is more pressing!" Motoyasu said.
"More pressing than saving me from a drug?!"
Naofumi, Motoyasu, Raphtalia, and Myne turn to see Asuka pushing through the crowd. Some guards were even attempting to hold back but to no avail. She pushed and shoved them out of the way with ease.
The scene caused quite a stir, as even Itsuki noticed and shook his head in disapproval. All three of them were fools for letting their emotions cloud their judgment in a public gathering.
"Are you not going to step, Itsuki-sama?" asked Welt. He and the other members of Itsuki's party were with him.
"I think it's better to let them settle their differences," Itsuki answered.
"But surely even you can't ignore that something isn't right about what the Spear Hero is doing."
"Yes, I can see that, but getting involved isn't worth the hassle. I'll let things play out for now." Itsuki shrugged. An opportunity may come if he waited long enough.
"You heard Itsuki-sama. Don't question his judgment!" Mald said sternly.
Welt grimaced and obeyed.
Meanwhile, Asuka confronted Motoyasu after shoving the last of the guards off.
"You have some nerve, thinking you can back out of our duel." Asuka said venomously to Motoyasu, "Have no you no sense of honor at all, Motoyasu-kun?"
Motoyasu looked nervous, but he stayed strong. Meanwhile, Naofumi looked conflicted about letting Asuka intervene again. Raphtalia was relieved to see Asuka. She thought she might clear up this situation.
"A-Asuka-chan, listen… I haven't forgotten we were promised to fight first, but I can't let Raphtalia-chan suffer like this!"
"What part of her looks like she's suffering? She looks content to be with Naofumi-kun to me." Asuka said, to Motoyasu's ire.
"How can you say that?! I know you hate slavery too! Tons of people have talked about it!"
"Yeah, but that's not the real issue here. You and I arranged a duel first. You can't back out whenever it suits you!"
"You're only saying that because the drug is warping your senses!" Motoyasu retorted.
"No. Asuka just has better sense than you do. And just so you know, I never gave Asuka any mind-altering drug." Naofumi said.
"Stay out of this!" barked Motoyasu at Naofumi. He turned back to Asuka and said, "I promised to save you, and I will, but I have to rescue Raphtalia-chan first!"
Asuka sighed after hearing yet another stupid declaration, "Okay, fine. But what're you going to do after she's rescued? Demi-humans are discriminated against in Melromarc. Even if you erase the slave crest, Raphtalia-chan won't be safe anywhere in this country."
Naofumi saw the point Asuka was making. He saw a few times that Raphtalia had gotten picked on for being a demi-human. A group of kids tried to steal her ball when she was younger, but Naofumi scared them off. Even if Raphtalia could defend herself now, she still had no rights as a demi-human in Melromarc beyond manual work and adventuring. She was better off under someone's legal protection. Naofumi would be damned if Motoyasu were to take Raphtalia away and let her be sold to some racist noble because he was too stupid to know better. And if he ever found her previous master, he would have some words.
Meanwhile, Motoyasu failed to see that point. Instead, he would rather stick to his own scenario.
"That's not true. She'll be safe with me because I'll protect Raphtalia-chan! I'll make sure she doesn't fight again! Cute girls deserve to be free!" Motoyasu declared proudly.
To Asuka, that sounded like an empty promise. And rightfully so.
"And the minute you take your eyes off her, then what…?" Asuka's eyes narrowed to Myne. She hadn't forgotten what Myne did to Rino. And she was definitely still scheming something. Judging by how smug she looked, everything must be falling into place for her.
"I just told you, nothing will happen to her!" Motoyasu said while turning to the raccoon girl, "You have nothing to worry about with me around, Raphtalia-chan."
"Please stop this! I'm not- Hm?!" before Raphtalia could protest any further, some knights wrapped a cloth over her mouth and tied her arms back.
The first to become indigent was Naofumi, "Hey!"
"It has been brought to my attention that you, the criminal Shield Hero, have been using a demi-human slave to fight for you!" Aultcray announced. The crowd of onlookers made way for the King while his bodyguards protected him.
Naofumi's hostile gaze shifted to that trashy King, who glared back in kind.
"You have violated our customs! And that is reprehensible!" the King declared.
Meanwhile, Raphtalia struggled to get free from the knights. She was angered by the accusation that her master was a criminal.
"Get your damn hands off of her!" Naofumi demanded. The knights in front of him held their weapons up to keep him from getting to her as well.
In the crowd, Rino was ready to spring into action to help Asuka and Naofumi, but a nobleman quickly stopped her. She instantly recognized him.
"Vento-san?"
Richter Vento was one of many nobles in attendance at the celebration, though he would rather be anywhere else right now.
"This is between them and the King. Intervening now would cause further problems…" the trader whispered to her. The blonde swordswoman hesitantly heeded her benefactor's advice and stood down. Vento glanced at King Aultcray and shook his head in disappointment. He used to be better than this. Now he was just sad to look at. Vento's gaze fell on Raphtalia. It was a strange twist of fate that things would happen like this.
"You poor thing." Aultcray said, feigning kindness to the demi-human, "You've been branded with a curse that forbids you from acting on your own. But fear not. Once Motoyasu-dono wins, you will be released from that curse!"
"No, Naofumi-sama would never allow that! He would never abuse me either!" was what Raphtalia wanted to say, but her being restrained prevented her from doing so.
"You bastard! Let her go!" Naofumi demanded, causing the knights to draw their swords to keep him in line.
"Hear this, Shield Hero! You will fight Motoyasu-dono for this girl's freedom! Obey my order, or we will take her by force." Aultcray declared.
"You're not getting out of this one, you coward!" Motoyasu said smugly to Naofumi.
"You're complete scum, Motoyasu! I will win this and get Raphtalia back!" Naofumi roared at the Spear Hero. He wore an expression of absolute rage that made Motoyasu somewhat nervous.
"And how will you do that when you only have a shield for a weapon? The Sword Bimbo certainly can't help reminding us of that fact." Myne sneered with a grin, followed by condescending chuckles thrown Naofumi's way. This only served to fuel his anger. But he wasn't the only one.
"Naofumi-kun, calm down." Asuka said calmly.
"What?! How can you tell me to…?" Naofumi paused when he glanced toward Asuka. Despite how calm she looked, he could feel an intense anger emanating from the Sword Hero.
She calmly turned to Aultcray.
"What is the meaning of this, Your Majesty? First Motoyasu-kun, and now you? Why are you postponing the duel you promised us? And why are you trying to set Raphtalia-chan free?" asked Asuka.
"Have you so forgotten our conversation just now, Asuka-dono? You suggested that I offer a hand of friendship to demi-humans. I am merely following up on that advice by setting this girl free." Aultcray boasted.
"She what…?" Naofumi muttered. Did that mean she made the suggestion to that trash King to take Raphtalia away from him? No. Asuka has made it clear she had no love for this royal asshat multiple times. She wouldn't put this idea into his thick skull.
"Don't twist what I said to fit your false narrative! This is not what I had in mind!" Asuka asked.
"It seems you do not see the vileness of the Shield Hero owning a slave." Aultcray scoffed.
"I think it's viler for a King to stoop so low as to kidnap a slave!" Asuka said, "Also, have you forgotten you promised me a duel with Motoyasu-kun as well?"
"No, I have not." Aultcray said irritably, "But this demi-human girl's freedom takes priority! How dare you prioritize your personal feelings over this poor girl's rights!"
"That's rich coming from you." Asuka thought. The trial proved his personal feelings mattered more to him than actually assuring the safety of his country, and he was willing to abuse his laws for his own satisfaction.
"It's just like I told you, Your Majesty. The drug Naofumi forced her to take is making Asuka-chan like this!" Motoyasu stated.
Naofumi growled at the Spear Hero for the false accusation. It was groan-inducingly sad at this point.
"Hmm. Perhaps what you're saying has a grain of truth, Motoyasu-dono. Why else would she fight desperately for the Shield Hero's sake?"
"You lying piece of trash!" Naofumi barked.
"I was not speaking to you, Shield Hero!" Aultcray retorted to Naofumi.
"He has a point, Your Majesty. Why are you encouraging Motoyasu-kun's belief in a fake drug?" an annoyed Asuka asked. This foolish King's hypocrisy could not get any worse.
"Because, whether or not you're drugged, you have no moral high ground to stand on." the haughty voice of Myne.
Asuka scowled upon seeing Myne strutting over to her. The confidence on her face indicated that everything was going in her nefarious favor.
"What do you mean I don't have moral high ground to stand on?" Asuka asked.
"You seem to think I'm stupid, but guess what! I know you have a few nasty secrets tucked away yourself. That's why you can't be trusted!" Myne smirked.
"What's that mean, Myne?" Motoyasu asked.
"The Sword Bimbo was aware from the start that the Shield Hero had a demi-human slave," Myne answered.
"What?!" Motoyasu gasped. The guests were shocked to hear this as well.
"Tch…" Naofumi gritted his teeth. That ruled out Asuka ratting him out. Obviously, Asuka and Myne hated each other more than Naofumi hated the latter. There was no way they'd work together willingly.
Raphtalia's worries grew. She saw the looks of contempt levied at Asuka and Naofumi. She couldn't understand why the guests despised these two when they were some of the kindest people she had ever known.
Itsuki shook his head in disappointment. She could have saved her reputation if she revealed what she knew about Naofumi's activities. Her desire to defend a failure of a Cardinal Hero was only hurting her.
"Is this true, Asuka-dono?" Aultcray asked Asuka sternly.
Asuka sighed, knowing where this was going. She could already feel more awful rumors going around. There was no way Myne could have known that Asuka knew of Raphtalia's slave status. Unless she was making it as she went. Anything to steer the argument in her favor.
"What if I did? It changes nothing about this situation." Asuka replied.
"It changes more than you think. You let a demi-human suffer as a slave. I expected better from you, Asuka-dono. You even stated your world considers slavery illegal." Aultcray said in disappointment.
"That's irrelevant." Asuka grimaced, "And by the way, the duel between Motoyasu-kun and me was Myne-san's idea, and you approved it. Won't canceling in favor of a duel with Naofumi-kun look bad for you both?"
"As long as I dispense justice, my reputation doesn't matter. And if my daughter feels freeing one innocent life from the clutches of evil to be important, I'll do everything in my power to aid her." Aultcray declared.
"Daughter?!" Naofumi gasped.
"Ah, it seems you haven't been made aware, have you Shield Hero? The woman you carelessly assaulted is my daughter, Malty S Melromarc." Aultcray announced smugly. Myne stood beside her father with an equally smug grin.
Now that he looked closely, they did share some resemblance. So Myne was that bastard King's daughter. No wonder she got away with framing him. They were plotting that trial from the beginning. The Princess framed the Shield Hero to gain the trust of her favorite Hero. And her father twisted the facts to please his dear daughter. And now she was making him look like a heinous villain and Asuka look like a fool.
Naofumi gritted his teeth. Being framed by a princess of all things naturally drew more anger and hate from him toward Trash and his bitch of a daughter.
Raphtalia was angered by this as well. She tried to get free so could strangle those two for framing her master and shaming Asuka, but she was held back by the knights keeping her hostage.
"And now you make your slave angry enough to lash out, Shield Hero? Your disgraceful behavior knows no-" Aultcray's attempt to frame Naofumi again was cut short by another voice.
"ENOUGH!" Asuka suddenly yelled, grabbing everyone's attention. "I don't care about your petty games or stalling tactics! I won't be denied what was promised to me! Am I going to duel Motoyasu-kun or not?!"
"Did everyone hear that? The Sword Bimbo is putting her selfish desires above the freedom of a demi-human! How terrible!" Myne cried tauntingly.
A vein nearly popped in Asuka's head from hearing the redhead's voice. Impulsively, she whipped her sword out and sliced apart the knights' spears holding Naofumi back. The knights instinctively stood back.
"C'mon, Asuka! Do you even realize you're playing into their hands when you react like that?" Naofumi thought. By now, he knew how manipulative these walking pieces of trash were. And it looked like whatever they were plotting was succeeding because of this.
"I just said I'm through with these games. If you really want Raphtalia-chan to go free, then let me fight in Naofumi-kun's place." Asuka demanded. She knew exactly what Aultcray and Myne were doing, and it was vexing. Moreso, because was falling into it again. She knew they'd plot something and they'd use her protectiveness of her only friend against her to do it. It was frustrating.
"A-Asuka-chan, calm down! I know the drug's making you do this, but you're stronger than it! Don't let it influence you!" Motoyasu pleaded. This earned him an angry glare from Asuka.
Despite being terrified, Motoyasu stood his ground, "E-Even you should recognize the problem, Asuka-chan!" Motoyasu yelled as he stamped his spear down, "Naofumi is making Raphtalia-chan fight, right? No one should be forced to fight battles they want no part in!"
"You have no right to say that. You're forcing someone who can only defend into a one-sided fight. What kind of Hero does that?" an appalled Asuka asked. It didn't surprise her that Motoyasu lacked self-awareness of his hypocritical statements.
"B-But, I can't let Raphtalia-chan suffer like this!"
"Then if you want her freed, fight me instead of Naofumi-kun. At least then, you won't look like a coward!"
"W-What?!"
"Don't listen to what she's saying, Motoyasu-sama." Myne said as she came over to embrace him, "After all, the poor wretch isn't in her right frame of mind. Everything she says and does is part of a delusion created by the drug, remember? And now it's making her more aggressive because it wants her to protect the Shield Hero."
"Y-Yeah, you're right. It pains me to say it, but Asuka-chan's words can't be trusted as long as Naofumi has control over her." Motoyasu grimaced.
"Stop believing every damn thing she tells you!" Asuka yelled. She lost his patience with the drug excuse and how easily Motoyasu could fall for her shameless lies. She was starting to think that maybe smashing his face in would get the message across.
"There's more reason she can't be trusted than just her being drugged and allowing a slave to suffer in silence too," Myne added.
This gained Motoyasu's curious gaze, "There's more?"
"Indeed! Do you recall the maid we brought with us to Callma Village?"
She kept calm, but Asuka began sweating at the mention of her Felecia disguise. She realized why Myne was so confident now. She was waiting to reveal what happened in Callma Village. Specifically, how she tricked Myne and Motoyasu.
"Felecia-chan? Of course, I wouldn't forget her! Come to think of it, I haven't seen her around at the castle since then. She's not even at the party." Motoyasu lamented, "Wait, what does she have to do with this situation?"
"Think, Motoyasu-sama! Do you notice a certain resemblance to that maid and the Sword Bimbo?" asked Myne.
It took a moment for the gears in Motoyasu's brain to turn as he looked at Asuka. Now that he had a close look, Asuka and Felecia did resemble each other quite a bit. Especially in the breast department. There was no mistaking how warm and soft they were against his stomach. That's when it hit him.
After a loud gasp, Motoyasu cried, "Asuka-chan and Felecia-chan are the same person?!"
Asuka stayed composed as she met Motoyasu's distress and more contempt from the party guests.
"Are you saying Asuka-chan pretended to be Felecia-chan to ride with us to Callma Village?"
"Indeed, Motoyasu-sama!" Myne smiled, "She infiltrated the castle, pretended to be a maid, and conned her way into our party to take her to that miserable little village."
Vento took immediate offense to that but refrained from speaking.
"But why…? She said she had family said in Callma Village…"
"An obvious lie she used to trick you into letting her aboard. If I had to venture a guess, I'd say she stowed away on our carriage because she planned to sabotage our efforts to get to the Giant Scorpion King prowling near the village. It was a desperate ploy to gain the upper hand in the duel. Thankfully she never succeeded, but it must be shocking to hear one of the Three Heroes attempting such a sneaky tactic." Myne explained as she motioned to the nobles.
Que more disgruntled whispers from the onlookers.
"So that's what she was doing while she was out of the public eye. Well, if anyone does deserve to get sabotaged, it's them." Naofumi thought gleefully. Still, Asuka's plan was pretty reckless. Infiltrating the castle was one thing, but disguising herself as a maid and tricking Motoyasu and Myne was a ballsy move. The only sad part was that she failed her sabotage attempt.
Rino was feeling guilty. It was partly her fault that Asuka couldn't stop Motoyasu from getting to the Giant Scorpion King. Asuka may have succeeded if she hadn't decided to save her from her enslavement and Cerberus' attack.
She felt a reassuring hand from Vento, silently telling her not to blame herself for Asuka's decision.
"For someone raving about being dishonored during our fair trial against the Shield Hero, you don't seem to have a problem committing dishonorable acts of your own accord, do you, Sword Bimbo? So much for your duel with Motoyasu-sama." Myne mocked.
Even under the suspicious gazes of the guests, Asuka remained composed. Any hint of emotion could give her away. She could reveal Myne's involvement in what nearly happened to Rino, but no one would believe a Fake Hero. It was best to try to divert attention away from her misguided adventure and back on the duel.
"First, you falsely accuse Naofumi-kun of assaulting you, and now you make up a wild story about me trying to sabotage Motoyasu-kun. How low will you go to get attention?"
Without warning, Myne slapped Asuka across the cheek, to the shock of the onlookers. Naofumi and Raphtalia were outraged at seeing this.
"You have no right to speak, you despicable, hypocritical liar!" Myne shouted. Even after being slapped, Asuka remained composed.
"Myne, how could you do that?!" Motoyasu yelled.
"It's punishment for deceiving our party. She is one of the Three Heroes, so a mere slap is the least I can do. And now that everyone here is aware of her duplicitous nature, it's only right the Sword Bimbo backs away from the duel and allows Motoyasu-sama to rescue that poor demi-human from the Shield Hero!" Myne declared.
At this point, Naofumi started to understand what was truly going on.
"I get it now… You wanna look like a hero for rescuing a demi-human from the evil Shield Hero…" a disgusted Naofumi thought. Myne was just like that Red-Haired Princess from the storybook he read before he was summoned to this world. She sowed chaos among the Four Cardinal Heroes and enjoyed every minute of it. And now she wanted to be a legend for defeating the evil fallen Shield Hero and rescuing a girl from slavery.
Asuka could also see Myne's intentions and glared defiantly at her nemesis for the suggestion.
"Don't think you can intimidate me like last time with glares or violent actions. This entire hall of nobles is against you now." Myne scoffed.
"Do I look like I care?" Asuka asked as her intense gaze glanced at the nobles. They look away. What else was to be expected from those who didn't care for the truth?
"I do!" Motoyasu said, "Asuka-chan only did that because of the drug! Naofumi made her do it!"
"Are you kidding! I haven't spoken to her since the trial! And that was until before the Second Wave!" yelled Naofumi.
"And who would believe that?" Myne asked with a sinister grin.
Naofumi growled with bitter hatred for that bitch.
"B-But not everything was a lie, right Asuka-chan?" Motoyasu asked the Sword Hero, "I know what you did was fishy, but you had fun with us right? You made that meal for us with love. I know it!"
Asuka gave Motoyasu another gaze that had no love whatsoever, much to his despair.
She didn't say a word, but her thoughts were clear as day, "Do you really think I would enjoy spending three days dealing with your antics? Do you think I smiled and acted like an adoring fan girl for kicks while enduring all the chores and mockery of your untrained, undisciplined party because I like you?!"
Motoyasu desperately searched for a way to prove Asuka was an honest girl at heart.
"T-Then at least tell that story you told me was true… the one about your friends dying in the First Wave!"
Asuka's eyes diluted when he mentioned that. It was still a bitter pill to swallow that she revealed part of her tragic backstory to him.
This revelation also shocked the crowd to know she would even make up a story about her friends dying.
"You're too naïve for your own good, Motoyasu-sama. To believe such a fictitious sob story like that…"
"N-No! The tears in her eyes when she remembered her friends were real! No cute girl would lie about the fond memories she had or traumatic experiences like that!"
"Except for the one right next to you, dumbass!" Naofumi would have said if not for being a supposed sexual assault convict no one likes. But this revelation did confirm something for the Shield Hero. Asuka had been through way more than any of the male Heroes had expected. Herself and her friends dying was a traumatic memory for Asuka, just as the raids on her hometown were for Raphtalia.
"I know! It was in her old world! Me, Itsuki, and Asuka-chan died in our original worlds and were summoned to this world. Itsuki and I revealed our deaths to her and Naofumi, but Asuka-chan refused to share." Motoyasu revealed.
Some nobles and members of his party turn to Itsuki, who nonchalantly nodded in confirmation. Of course, he wouldn't be revealing any of the details of his embarrassing death at this stage of the game.
"G-Goodness, and yet you treat a traumatic event like that so casually." said a concerned Myne.
"Well, I've been living the good life in this world, so I don't need to dwell on it," Motoyasu said happily.
"I see… But, now that we know this, it lends credence to it a possible truth from the Sword Bimbo." Myne said before turning to Asuka with an evil grin, "So, Sword Bimbo? Is it true that your little friends are deceased?"
Asuka took a long pause. A mixture of anger, sadness, and regret filled her expression. This one secret she kept to herself was being used against her, as she feared. The reality of it all stuck with her, and so did the memory of her phantom friends berating her for failing so miserably to defeat Orochi and avenge them.
Still, she had to be resolute.
"I don't see why that concerns you. What happened to me or my friends in my world has little to do with what's happening now." Asuka said.
"Surely you jest. Right now, everyone believes you to be a liar with violent outbursts. Don't you at least want to prove them wrong with an honest statement?" Myne asked.
"If you want me to admit I fooled your party and tried to sabotage Motoyasu-kun, then I admit it. My levels are lower than Motoyasu-kun's, so I had to be pragmatic about how I win the duel." Asuka answered. Levels didn't really matter. What mattered was real combat experience, and Asuka had the most experience compared to the other Cardinal Heroes, both in her old life as a Shinobi student and in this world as the Sword Hero. "But anything personal about myself is irrelevant."
"Oh? Are you saying your friends are irrelevant?" Myne asked.
"I… didn't say that…" Asuka growled.
"I thought so. It doesn't sound like you to cast aside friends." Myne smirked, "Then give us an answer. You already know about the supposed deaths of Motoyasu-sama and Itsuki-sama, and you're always talking about the unity of the Cardinal Heroes. Surely, you should share your own experience with death as well for the sake of that unity."
Asuka felt cornered. It was despairing knowing that Myne was using her own words and beliefs against her. Flashes of her friends' deaths came and went in her mind. As did the whispers of their specters. They wore Asuka's spirit down.
"It's true… before I was summoned to Melromarc, they all died…" Asuka uttered in defeat. She was fighting tears of frustration and despair. There was no point in denying reality now. Even if they were relegated to nightmares and hallucinations, her failure to protect Ikaruga, Katsuragi, Yagyū, and Hibari and save Homura and the other Hebijo girls from Orochi would never go away, no matter what she did.
"I knew it! Asuka-chan wasn't lying about it!" Motoyasu proudly said. He failed to notice some of the appalled faces at his insensitivity.
Naofumi was especially disgusted. If Motoyasu had half a brain cell, he'd know not to bring that conversation up in public or brag about being right about Asuka's past.
Even Itsuki face palmed at Motoyasu's idiocy.
"Oh, I see. That's so sad." Myne said in feigned sympathy for Asuka, "It must have been a cruel twist of fate that you alone were revived while your friends perished."
"What's your point…?" Asuka muttered.
Myne casually approached Asuka and leaned in to whisper, "I'm just saying, you're a sad, pathetic wretch who probably let her equally pathetic friends die."
"Don't speak a word about them!" Asuka growled venomously.
"Why so upset? I'm merely hinting that they died miserably because you weren't the strong Hero you project yourself to be." Myne said as she backed away, "I can't begin to fathom how disappointed they must be for you to live with the shame of being a weak little girl who can't protect anyone. Not the Shield Hero, not demi-humans, and certainly not the unfortunate dregs who surely regret ever associating with someone worthless like you. Ohohoho!"
Asuka fell silent. Myne's words sunk in deeply, as did the memory of Orochi killing her allies and finally ending her as well. The disdain from the people of Melromarc and the other Heroes' lack of care for her also came to mind. It was just like the hallucinations said. The phantoms of her friends called her a failure. Homura said she wouldn't amount to anything, whether it would be her grandfather's legacy or as a Cardinal Hero. And Malty S Melromarc proclaimed she was worthless because she wanted to be pitied.
The fiery light in Asuka's eyes fell dim as the world around her turned gray. Yes, she trained to ensure the emotion suppression effect of the Sloth Sword wouldn't take hold of her when she used it, but one slip-up will allow the Curse's possession to take effect regardless. One could say shutting down her emotions would make a defense mechanism against the cold, cruel reality.
"You bitch!" Naofumi roared, "Shut your fucking mouth right now before I make you!"
The Shield Hero tried to force his way out of the knights holding him back. Screw the duel. He'd take this whole castle on to protect Asuka and get Raphtalia back.
"Eek! Motoyasu-sama, save me!" Myne cowered behind the Spear Hero. However, he didn't do or say anything. He was more focused on Asuka. The detached look on her face didn't sit well with him. Myne shouldn't have said what she did. Asuka wasn't the only one who failed. His two girlfriends, Momiji and Ikuyo went insane with love because he couldn't choose between them. It was what led to his violent death.
Motoyasu wasn't the only one who disapproved of Myne's disrespectful taunts.
"Malty S Melromarc!" King Aultcray suddenly bellowed, shocking everyone in earshot.
Myne was faced with the stern gaze of her father, something she rarely saw because he always doted on her and excused her poor behavior. Though he shot a cold glare at the Shield Hero for his threat, the King focused on his eldest daughter first.
"I let you do and say as you pleased thus far, but I won't tolerate you speaking ill of the dead. Is that clear?" Aultcray sternly asked.
"Y-Yes, Papa…" Myne never liked being told what to do, but even she couldn't refuse her father's demands.
Besides his anger at the royal pair of trash, Naofumi felt sympathy for Asuka after the emotional torture Myne put her through.
Certainly, this damn ploy was to make him look like the villain for owning a slave and Asuka untrustworthy for the sabotage attempt and her supposed drugged state. If Myne's plan succeed, she'd looked like the real Hero and take all the glory for herself. But after hearing of the tragedy in Asuka's life, that sadistic bitch couldn't resist taunting her with it. But talking smack about dead people probably didn't do that bitch any favors. Her father seemed to have some standards. He's still trash, though.
Were he still blinded by rage, Naofumi may have ended up in a much darker place than before. And it looked like Asuka was heading there as well.
Meanwhile, Aultcray turned to the dead silent Asuka with empathy in his eyes, "Asuka-dono, you have my sympathies for the fate of your friends. Believe me, I know what it feels like to lose loved ones."
Asuka didn't respond, save for thinly veiled revulsion at being pitied by the worst King alive. First, he denies her suggestion of a peaceful accord with demi-humans, then he uses it to twist a nonsensical narrative to make trouble with Naofumi, and now he thinks he had the right to sympathize with her. What a joke.
"However, while I applaud your handling of Cerberus and Chimera and acknowledge your pragmatic move to tip the scales in your favor in the sacred duel, it doesn't excuse deceiving not just your fellow Cardinal Hero but also a member of the Royal family. As one of the Three Heroes, you should know better."
"Three Heroes…? Is that all I am here? One of the Three Heroes?"
"Yes, you are the Sword Hero, one of our treasured Three Heroes." Aultcray nodded, "As such, you should consider yourself fortunate your heroic deeds in defending Melromarc outweigh your underhanded tactics. Take care never to dishonor your title as a Cardinal Hero again, or else your punishment may be more severe than a slap on the wrist."
"Fortunate…? Haha… when have I ever considered myself fortunate? I've been enduring punishment this entire time!" Asuka collapsed to the floor on her hands and knees. She started to laugh hysterically while tears poured from her eyes. After enduring it for so long, she couldn't hold it back anymore. Not even the Curse of Sloth could suppress the despair.
Many were shocked to see this.
"I suffer frequent horrific nightmares, seeing everyone I care about die and I couldn't do anything! No one here sees me as a real person! They call me a Fake Hero for having different beliefs and trying to stick up for a wrongly accused friend! I almost got mauled to death by the First Wave Boss because I had no party I could trust! And the only people I can relate to don't care about me at all! They either don't trust me or hate me for some stupid reason! And worse, one of them is a thoughtless pervert who thinks I need saving and won't leave me alone! I never wanted this! Being summoned to this god-forsaken world is the worst thing that's ever happened to me!"
Asuka's anguished screams echoed throughout the grand hall. No one expected the Sword Hero to suddenly fall to her knees and bellow out her insecurities. She was not a dignified Cardinal Hero or a Good Shinobi, but a sad girl pouring her heart out.
"The afterlife is preferable to this… at least then I wouldn't be alone…" Asuka sobbed.
Naofumi was torn. He realized he had an unintended hand in Asuka's breakdown. While he was wrapped up in his own anger over the betrayal, he failed to realize just how much Asuka was hurting. No, maybe he knew she was hurting deeper than himself and the other two from the beginning, but ignored it due to excitement from being called a Hero, which he would regret three days later because of the trial.
Raphtalia looked like she was about to cry as well. The person who taught her to never give up and be strong was at her lowest point. She could sympathize. Her home was destroyed by the First Wave, and her parents were killed in front of her. She kept trying to keep her spirits up while enslaved to her former masters but eventually fell into despair.
She wasn't the only one to feel some sympathy for the Sword Hero. The feeling of worthlessness and loneliness were not lost on Itsuki, but he wouldn't let his past haunt him. After all, he was the best Hero here. He couldn't show weakness like Asuka was doing.
Rino and Vento could only look with empathy that Asuka was being put in this mortifying situation. Rino swore she would make that vile Princess pay for humiliating her partner.
Meanwhile, Myne enjoyed the show and didn't shy away from it, "Finally, the Sword Bimbo is broken. Now she won't stand in my way any longer. Now that's she like this, enslaving her won't be a problem."
Motoyasu was beside himself to see a cute girl in so much pain. He never liked seeing sad tears on girls. But as a Hero, it was his duty to see to it that Asuka was happy again. The Spear Hero swore to right the wrongs Naofumi did to Asuka and Raphtalia and assure them of his reliability. Besides, he was partly to blame for her sadness too.
"Asuka-chan…" Motoyasu said as he approached the depressed Asuka. He kneeled before her and said, "I know things are tough on you now, but I swore I- Ghk?!"
The Spear Hero couldn't finish his sentence as his throat was throttled. Before he could get another word in, Asuka wrapped her hand around his neck and choked him.
"Fufufu… But you know… I can grin and bear it. Why? Because there are people truly deserving of punishment." Asuka's voice was no longer cheerful. It was filled with sinister glee.
She rose her head to face Motoyasu, revealing glowing eerie blue eyes. She slowly stood up to her feet, picking Motoyasu up with her off the ground. Her grip on his neck was strong like a vice. So strong he started to turn pale.
This foolish Spear Hero had no true understanding of the anguish Asuka felt. All he cared about was stroking his ego and satisfying his lust. Unless he knew exactly what his misguided intentions do to others, he'd no doubt continue with his ways. There was only one way to teach his folly. And that was by letting go of all restraint.
Sadness and misery gave way to rage and a desire for vengeance. Rightful revenge for this new life being turned upside down. Her wrath knew no bounds.
|Requirements Met: Curse Series: Wrath Unlocked! Wrath Sword Obtained!|
Asuka's Legendary Sword also underwent a change. The small sword turned from simplistic yet refined silver and gold to demonic black and red. The blue jewel piece turned crimson red.
The crowd was shocked to see this. After all that crying, the Sword Hero seemed to have changed again. She wasn't herself anymore. She was mad with rage. The Legendary Sword also seemed corrupted.
"No. A lesson needs to be taught. A long overdue lesson. Wouldn't you agree, Motoyasu-kun?" Asuka sinisterly asked. She dropped the cowering Motoyasu on his rear end. She then bent forward to meet him at eye level.
"A-Asuka-chan…" the Spear Hero broke out in an uncontrollable cold sweat as he gasped for air. He never saw this side of Asuka before. Not even when she slapped him after the trial. But, it was familiar. She was in a violent, unstable state like Momiji and Ikuyo. No, this might actually be worse. When they stabbed him to death, Momiji and Ikuyo had equal parts love and resentment in their eyes. Asuka had only hatred in her eyes.
"You really want to save me and Raphtalia-chan that badly? Then just fight me. I don't mind if you run away, but then I'd have to chase after you, drag you back here, and make you fight the duel. I don't think either of us wants that, now do we?" Asuka asked with an eerie smile.
That smile made Motoyasu urinate himself.
"Aw, what's wrong? Afraid you'll lose?" Asuka mockingly asked, "That must be the real reason why you want to fight Naofumi-kun and rescue Raphtalia-chan so badly. You saw what I did to Chimera, so now you know you don't have a chance against me. A weaker opponent without any offensive skills is much easier to fight. As I said before, you're a coward."
"I-I…"
"Motoyasu-sama!" Myne cried as she rushed to her Hero's side, "You miserable wretch! How dare you treat him this way?! He wanted to show you and that demi-human compassion and repay him with violence?! For shame!"
Asuka's glowing eyes radiated with more hatred when she saw Myne, who trembled almost immediately. Myne was the source of all of Asuka's problems. If not for the little self-restraint still present, Asuka would have given Myne her just deserts on the spot.
The Sword Hero turned to an unnerved Aultcray and calmly asked, "Are we holding the duel now or what?"
Seeing that the Sword Hero was in no mood to argue, Aultcray sighed heavily and spoke firmly, "If you're so dead set on fighting the duel in Shield Hero's stead, there isn't much we can do to dissuade you."
"P-Papa!" Myne cried while Motoyasu continued to shiver.
"I'm sorry Malty, but I have no choice. As she is now, Asuka-dono may become more violent than she already is. Thus I decree that Asuka-dono will fight the sacred duel in place of the Shield Hero, as we promised now that the Second Wave has passed. However, because the Shield Hero's crimes are so numerous, we can only allow for one alternative should she win the duel!"
"Meaning I have to choose if I want the false charges on Naofumi-kun to be dropped, or if I want Raphtalia-chan returned to him?" Asuka asked. Her wicked smile never faded.
"Exactly. We cannot have both options open." Aultcray replied.
Naofumi wasn't surprised that this Trash King would go this route. He didn't want anything good in Naofumi's life. If Trash couldn't have both the criminal charges falsely placed on him and his loyal slave taken away, he'd force Asuka to choose one over the other. But would she choose, even after her sanity took a nosedive?
"Fine! When I win, Raphtalia-chan is returned safely to Naofumi-kun as his slave." Asuka announced.
The irony wasn't lost on anyone, especially not Myne, who wanted to relish the Sword Bimbo's moral dilemma. Many wondered just how far gone her sanity was.
Asuka was aware of the hypocrisy in her choice since she disapproved of demi-human slavery. But even in her current state of mind, Asuka believed she made the right decision. She wanted to help her only friend in any way she could. Naofumi's companionship with Raphtalia was more important than his reputation. It also gave her an excuse to teach Motoyasu, Myne, and her father a lesson.
"Very well. If you win, the demi-human girl will remain as the Shield Hero's slave. But if Motoyasu-sama wins, the girl is freed while you will fully commit yourself to the Royal Family's services! Reneging on this promise won't be tolerated!"
"Haha, that's rich coming from you! You were about to renege on what we agreed upon before this day ever came, not to mention the theft of someone's property. Or, in this case, kidnapping an innocent person for an idiotic plot against your least favorite Cardinal Hero. I know I said this before, but not a good look for a King, don't you think?" Asuka scoffed.
Aultcray dared not say anything lest he agitate her further. He faced his wife's anger before, but nothing of this magnitude. He knew it was best to give in to her demands for now.
The announcement caused a stir among the nobles in the hall. King Aultcray was truly going to allow the clearly insane Sword Hero to fight a sacred duel against the Spear Hero for the sake of a demi-human?
"This is not good…" Vento muttered.
"V-Vento-san, what should we do?" a concerned Rino asked.
"I'm afraid there's nothing we can do. We'll have to hope Asuka knows what she's doing." Vento said.
It didn't assure Rino at all, but she had to believe Asuka will be alright. She pulled through during the fight with Cerberus. Surely, she can do it again.
"But I understand perfectly. We'll see who will dispense justice." Asuka declared.
"Then it's settled." Aultcray conceded.
"I won't allow it!" Myne yelled, "An insane Cardinal Hero who lies and uses dirty tactics shouldn't be allowed to fight a Sacred Duel!"
Within the blink of an eye, Asuka disappeared and appeared directly behind Myne.
Myne jumped in shock as she turned to face the Sword Hero.
"You know, I'm a really straightforward person. I know you hate me, and the feeling is mutual. But instead of trying to undermine me with petty tricks and mind games, why don't you come at me for real? At least that way, you'd probably have a better shot."
"W-Why you! Trying to give me orders again?!" Myne swung her palm as hard as she could to slap the Sword Bimbo again.
As quickly as a frog catches a fly with its tongue, Asuka easily caught Myne's wrist. Her gaze was fixed on her prey like a snake's stare.
"L-Let go!" Myne tried to tear free while Asuka ignored her demands.
"There, that wasn't so hard. But now I see why you won't fight me directly. You're weak and pathetic." Asuka taunted sinisterly, "When you slapped me early, I barely felt it. It was like a feather tickling my cheek."
"S-Shut up!" Myne kicked and shoved to get free, but Asuka wouldn't budge.
"Maybe I should have let Chimera's tail kill you. It would have done us all a favor."
Aultcray rushed over to the two girls and also tried to pry Myne's wrist away from the mad Sword Hero.
"Asuka-dono, release my daughter immediately! What has come over you?!"
Instead of answering, Asuka released Myne, causing her and her father to fall to the floor. She turned on her heel and walked away.
She gave one last look to the terrified crowd and bowed her head.
"Please look forward to the show." Asuka sweetly smiled. It was alarming, to say the least.
With those parting words, Asuka made her exit and left for the courtyard.
"Malty, are you alright?" Aultcray asked in concern for his daughter.
"Bruises…" Myne muttered. She check her arm through her armor and discovered discolorations from where the Sword Bimbo grabbed her. It was a complete outrage for the vile princess. "She left bruises on my flawless skin!"
"C-Calm down, Malty! We can use healing magic to repair the damage to your skin." Aultcray assured his daughter. She didn't seem to hear him.
"This won't go unpunished!" Myne furiously yelled. That wretch would pay dearly for this upfront. For that to happen, Motoyasu had to win. She would make sure of it. "Motoyasu-sama! You will avenge this act of defiance by beating the Sword Bimbo in the duel, right?!"
"N-No…" Motoyasu replied shakily.
"What did you just say?!" Myne came up to the cowering Spear Hero and grabbed him by the scruff of his neck, "What do you mean NO?!"
"Are you hesitant to fight Asuka-dono again?" Aultcray asked, no less irritated by Motoyasu's refusal to fight.
"I just can't… not while she's like that…" Motoyasu shakily replied.
"Yes, Asuka-dono's current state of mind is troubling. I haven't known her for long, but this is wildly out of character. Could she have snapped under the pressure of being the Sword Hero?" Aultcray wondered.
"It's obviously the drug the Shield Hero forced down her throat! It will eventually drive you insane like that! Now you have no excuse to refuse to fight! You have to defeat her to save her, remember?!" Myne yelled in desperation.
"It's not the drug!" Motoyasu yelled back, taking everyone, Myne included by surprise. He actually admitted that Asuka's insanity wasn't induced by a drug. Things were taking a serious turn if he was willing to accept reality.
"Have you gone insane as well? Even after we told you the drug doesn't exist, you still believed in it! Why change your mind now?" Aultcray asked.
"Did you not see the look in her eyes?! Girls don't go crazy like that from a drug! It's because of strong emotions, like obsessive love! Or… Or absolute hate…" Motoyasu uttered in unabashed terror. He clutched his head and began muttering to himself, "She's gonna kill me, I know it… she'll skewer me worse than Momiji-chan and Ikuyo-chan… But it shouldn't be my fault! I did everything I could to make her happy so why does she hate me…? Maybe I screwed up somehow…? Was it something I said…? How can I get her to forgive me…?"
Myne was thrown through a loop. She had Motoyasu wrapped around her finger with that drug excuse. She even did research in case she needed to prove it exists. There was an alchemist who came up with a love potion, but her mother banned it when the major problematic side effect made anyone under its control go mad with obsession and began killing anyone associated with the object of the victim's affection. The alchemist was even executed to prevent further production of the love potion. That love potion would have been the basis of the drug the Shield Hero made the Sword Bimbo take. Only Motoyasu would fall for it, but as he was now, he likely wouldn't believe it.
Turning to Naofumi, Myne bellowed to the Shield Hero, "Don't get cocky just because the Sword Bimbo got her way! She'll taste defeat if it's the last thing I do!"
In contrast to what the evil redhead thought, Naofumi wasn't cocky. Normally he would be happy to see Motoyasu so terrified and about to get what was coming to him. However, he was more worried about Asuka after seeing her like that.
She must have been holding that rage in for a long time. He'd know, because he was the same way not too long ago.
His little brother back in his old world was the same as well. The pressure from their parents' expectations made him lash out and act like a delinquent around their parents. If Naofumi hadn't introduced him to that dating simulator and helped him relax, it probably would have gotten worse. Not to the point of violent insanity, of course.
The way Asuka was acting was as if she were possessed. Her sword changed form at the same time, too. Was it this new sword's doing? Did it have some possession power or something?
Naofumi looked at Raphtalia as she was being taken by the knights. She gave him a concerned look as well. He wished he could reassure her, but even he had no idea what would happen.
"I would have thought you'd be happiest to see Motoyasu-san panic," Itsuki said as he approached Naofumi.
"I'm not sympathizing with him if that's what you think." Naofumi scoffed.
"Did you see the way Asuka-san turned?" Itsuki asked, "Clearly, she didn't have what it took to be a Cardinal Hero if she could snap like that."
Naofumi's eyes narrowed, "She did. She's a hell of a lot better at being a Hero than any of us, but she's had way harder. However indirect, it's partially our fault she ended up like that, Itsuki."
"I don't know what you mean. All I've ever done was try to steer her down the righteous path of the Hero, but she insists on doing whatever she wants. Whether it be defying the expectations of the people, or using that cheating ability of hers."
"Cheating ability? So, he thinks Asuka's a cheater, huh?" Naofumi thought. It wasn't hard to fault him for thinking that. Asuka showed superhuman strength and agility during the Second Wave. In some ways, she was cheating. Why did that matter to Itsuki? She was arguably doing this country a favor with her abilities in the Waves of Catastrophe. If only these people weren't so ungrateful.
"However, if you insist on otherwise, why don't we make this more interesting?" Itsuki asked with a confident grin. He turned to King Aultcray. "Your Majesty, if I may make a modest suggestion…"
"What might that be Itsuki-dono?" Aultcray asked. He had an idea of what Itsuki was about to suggest.
"Oh, brother… I think I know where this is going." Naofumi thought.
Lyall the Werewolf: Yes, it is going in that direction. Instead of a straight fight between Asuka and Motoyasu, it'll be Asuka and Naofumi vs Motoyasu and Itsuki. I thought it would be boring to recycle the original fight this time around. Of course, this allows Asuka and Naofumi to teach Motoyasu and Itsuki a lesson.
This also means it'll be more work for me, but as long as we reach a satisfying conclusion, it's all good.
As yes, Asuka unlocks Wrath of the Curse Series, including the Vengeance Sword. I did say she would unlock it as Wrath in the original story. She won't be getting the Vengeance King Armor yet, though. I think she would need to be at a higher level to get a costume change, and boy do I have plans for costume changes.
That's all from me. I'm gonna go sleep.