"There was something suspicious about that story. For one, it was highly unlikely that both the regent and his heir would be missing. It was also unlikely that there would be no survivors, especially considering that the Seatto territory was considered a safe haven for Demi-humans. Furthermore, the regent was a capable soldier and a veteran from the war with Siltvelt."

The sun was just beginning to shine over the walls as it enveloped the castle in a soft light. Purple flags displaying the symbol of Melromarc flew proudly above the towers. As Glenn returned to the castle, he was saluted by the soldiers stationed here. They were young, he realized. Ever since the wave, the army had been recruiting additional soldiers from the local villages. Images flashed in his mind of the start of the great war when the army had included faces that were either too young or too old.

The trip to Lute had taken a week at most. The royal army had been receiving reports that monsters were approaching some of the fields near the village. It was a relatively small place despite its proximity to the capital. Helping one village may not have been that important to the country, but to these people it was their lives. Without the food from these fields, the people would starve.

After examining the situation, he organized the local militia to clear out the monsters. Aside from a few trampled crops, there were no casualties. However, what was left of the monsters had taken residence in a nearby mining shaft. There were no shortage of hiding places inside and he was hesitant to lead such an inexperienced force to deal with them. He could have handled the situation himself, but it would have taken several days to clear out.

If possible, he would consider sending a group of soldiers to ensure the safety of the mine. Failing that, the village could hire adventurers on behalf of the crown. If these were normal circumstances, then the militia should have been enough to handle the monsters. Unfortunately, more than half of them had been drafted into the army to prepare for the wave of catastrophe.

What bothered him more was that the situation should never have devolved to this point. They had been receiving reports from Lute for several days, and yet his commander had decided to ignore them. It was only when he reminded him that his commander decided to send him instead of a team of soldiers. He had probably meant it as an insult, but at the time Glenn didn't care. He didn't mind such work, but the circumstances for why he was assigned this role were not lost on him.

It had been a month since the queen left. With the regent dead and the wave of catastrophe spreading across Melromarc, it was only a matter of time before the rest of the army would be called to suppress them. Official reports indicated that the entire regent's territory had been destroyed. There were no survivors, but apparently a group of bandits had surfaced in the remains of that land. They were responsible for attacking several cities in the northern region in addition to the monsters from the wave.

There was something suspicious about that story. For one, it was highly unlikely that both the regent and his heir would be missing. It was also unlikely that there would be no survivors, especially considering that the Seatto territory was considered a safe haven for Demi-humans. Furthermore, the regent was a capable soldier and a veteran from the war with Siltvelt.

When he was still a commander, he had urged the army to take action and investigate. But to his surprise, or lack thereof, king Aultcray refused his request. His majesty had always hated demi-humans and Seatto for supporting them. While Glenn believed that a leader should not let their personal feelings influence them, the king didn't seem to care under what circumstances the regent was killed.

He frowned when he heard shouting from the courtyard. The distinct sound of metal clashing on metal could be heard. A moment later, there was a loud explosion as he could see smoke begin to rise in the air. After confirming that his sword was on him, he set out for the disturbance.

When he arrived, there were two people fighting each other. One of them was a boy with brown hair. Glenn recalled that he used to be part of the militia in Lute before transferring to the royal army. There were a few things about his stance that he would like to point out. He had a tendency to raise his shield too high which obscured his vision. The grip on his sword should have been more relaxed as it affected his stamina. None of it really detracted from the growing look of horror on his face as his opponent drove him back.

When they shifted angles, Glenn knew he should have recognized the other person sooner. Red hair and an expression equally as fierce. For some reason she looked distracted, as though a part of her wasn't completely focused on the battle. That didn't stop her from slamming her sword into the recruit's armour. Nor did it stop her from driving a fist into his stomach when he managed to dodge her strike.

By the time Glenn arrived, it was already over. The young soldier lay collapsed on his back. There was a boot planted on his chest and a sword aimed at his throat.

"Yield."

"I … I yield." The boy looked exhausted. "Was it really necessary to throw a fireball at me? I thought I was going to die!"

"Yes." The woman tilted her head. "It is important to use every advantage you have in battle. If you do not have magic, then you should assume that your opponent does. Your enemy isn't going to play by the same rules."

"I guess that's true." He looked skeptical, but he decided not to push the issue as he got back on his feet. "That was a good fight, your highness."

"Excellent." She smiled. "Let's go again."

"Again?" His face paled.

"Is there a problem?"

"I …" He hesitated. A small frown appeared on her face when he didn't respond. When he saw Glenn, his eyes widened.

"Sir!"

"Ake." He spoke dryly. "Is there a reason you're skipping curfew?"

"I wanted to train sir."

Glenn sighed. "While that is admirable, there is a reason we impose the curfew Ake. I don't have an issue with you wanting to become stronger, but if it's going to interfere with your tasks during the day then it needs to stop. Understood?"

Ake swallowed. "Of course."

Glenn quickly turned his attention to the other figure as she crossed her arms.

"Commander Glenn." There was a small glint in her eyes when she said his name.

"Your highness."

"How have you been? It's been a while since I last saw you. Is father giving you too much work?"

"His majesty has always been busy considering the death of the regent and the wave of catastrophe."

"Ah, I suppose that makes sense." Malty frowned. "That does seem to be the trend as of late."

Glenn nodded. "And how are you, your highness? Is there a reason you're picking on my soldiers?"

"How dare you." She gasped in mock horror. "I will let you know that this was a fair and honest duel. My intentions were nothing but noble."

"Right." He tried not to roll his eyes. "Well, now that this is over, I am officially putting an end to this."

"Um … it's okay sir, really." Ake spoke up. "It was my decision to train. Her highness was only trying to help me."

Malty nodded. "I wouldn't say my actions weren't without reason. After all, he's young and inexperienced. Exactly how did someone like him manage to join the royal guard?"

Ake flinched.

"I'm sure you know that with the waves, restrictions have relaxed." Glenn explained. "Regardless, Ake was a part of the militia in Lute. He has more experience fighting monsters compared to human opponents."

"Right …" The princess shrugged. "I suppose that's the only thing he has going for him."

"Thanks." Ake mumbled.

Malty raised an eyebrow. "I'm not criticizing - okay I am definitely criticizing you." She rolled her eyes. "Regardless, did I say anything wrong? I wouldn't trust my life to you, but I expect you to be stronger than this. You may not want to be a soldier, but this is who you are now."

"I … no you're right. I am a soldier in the royal army. Regardless of what happened before, this is the choice that I have made." His eyes looked firm. "I promise to do my best to protect you, your highness."

Malty smiled. "I think I'd like to see that.

To be frank, it was rare to see the princess act this way. Malty S Melromarc was not known for her kindness, especially among the staff in the castle. Although the princess was rude, she was acting more reasonably than he expected toward someone that might as well have been a complete stranger.

"Say Glenn, I command you to be my opponent. "

"Unfortunately, I am afraid my schedule does not give me that freedom, your highness."

"Is that so?" Malty smirked. "Well then, I'll make sure to ask you again another day."

Glenn suppressed the urge to sigh. Judging from that look, he would have to make time in his schedule.

If it had been anyone else, the princess would have already yelled at them for talking back. Their relationship was different from what most people would expect. When he was the royal commander, he was under no obligation to follow her orders because he answered directly to Mirelia. And when Mirelia explicitly told him not to follow her orders, the princess became very upset. The days that followed were both stressful and frustrating as the princess sought every way to make his life a miserable hell.

Over time though, the princess did stop some of her actions. She never fully dropped the attitude, but he supposed this was better than how she treated some people in the castle. He always wondered why that was the case. They may not have been that close, but they had an understanding.

"If you're really so busy then why are you here?"

That didn't stop the princess from fixing him with an annoyed look as though he was the source of all her problems.

"It is in regards to your latest requisitions from the armoury."

"Oh. What requisitions?"

Glenn sighed. The princess might have looked serious but there was no mistaking the way her lips turned upward. "There were no requisitions because you never registered the equipment in the first place."

"And so? Just because I borrowed a few weapons doesn't make it a problem. There was already more than enough there."

"Those items are for the army, your highness." He felt his throat become more dry. "With the threat of the waves, it is imperative that most of it remains intact."

Malty crossed her arms. The barest traces of a smile were on her face. "If I recall that equipment was provided by the funds of the royal family. In fact, everything from your armor to your weapons was supplied by the castle armory, so technically … it's mine."

There was a moment of silence.

"Really?" Ake asked.

"Yes." Malty turned her smile onto the boy. "If and when you damage your armour, do remember to pay me directly."

Glenn coughed. "Be that as it may … I would appreciate it if you registered your requests beforehand."

While he didn't mind talking (arguing) with the princess this much, he was starting to lose his patience. Malty must have noticed it too because she stopped smiling. "Alright, I'll be sure to register it next time. Happy?"

"Thank you." Glenn said, even as he made a mental note to check the inventory later.

"That being said, I did have a good reason to take those items." The princess twirled a lock of hair around her finger. "After all, those items are for the shield hero."

Glenn frowned before sighing. "Please refrain from making such jokes, your highness. I am already aware that Melromarc is attending an international conference to summon the cardinal heroes."

"I'm not joking, it's the truth. My father has summoned the cardinal heroes."

Glenn paused. If there was any time for the princess to be pulling his leg, now would be the time. However, Malty looked annoyed that he didn't believe him.

"I heard about that too." Ake said. "His majesty announced it in court today."

Like a rusty wheel, Glenn felt his head turn. "Why wasn't I informed about this?"

"You didn't know?" Ake looked startled. "I mean, I wasn't informed either until his majesty announced it."

"Judging from that look on your face I take it you weren't told?" Malty asked, her eyes looked sympathetic. "My father only told me yesterday. Apparently, he's worried that the conference will take too long to summon the cardinal heroes."

"I …" Glenn took a deep breath. "I'm just surprised. Very very surprised that something like this would be happening." He shook his head. "Please tell me that this is all a dream."

"You're not dreaming." Malty frowned. "It's not like you to lose your composure Glenn."

"Is … everything alright sir?"

"I can assure you that everything will be fine once I drink myself under the table." He held his head as he felt a massive headache. "You're telling me that the cardinal heroes were summoned this morning, at a time when her majesty and the crown princess were attending a conference about this issue?"

"I uh …" Malty winced. "I am well aware of the political fallout of this situation, but regardless that is my father's problem, not mine."

Glenn sighed. He knew his majesty was called the king of wisdom for good reason, but even this seemed radical. If the news was announced today, then it wouldn't be long before the other countries heard about this. For a moment, he wondered if this was part of Mirelia's plan. He might not have agreed with their decision, but he would have appreciated being told in advance. However, like most things recently, it was outside of his control.

"Did you say you needed those items for the shield hero?"

"Yes." Malty placed a hand on her hip. "My father wants me to support the shield hero as an expression of goodwill on behalf of the royal family." Her face twisted a little. "As part of this request, he has given me permission to take whatever I need to prepare myself."

"I see …" He was surprised to hear that the king was offering his own daughter to the shield hero especially considering his own thoughts on the matter.

"Is there anything else that you might need, your highness?"

"I thought you might ask." She smiled. "There is a list of items that I have yet to acquire. I was going to get them myself, but since you're offering …"

"If it is within reason, I'll have it ready by the end of the day." He sighed.

"Thank you." Malty beamed.

Despite her sincerity, Glenn noticed that Malty had a habit in which she would play with one of the strands of her hair whenever she was nervous.

"Is everything alright?"

"I'm … a little worried about the shield hero. He seems like a regular person, a little too regular if you ask me." She hesitated. "I mean, he probably has some special skill that makes him worthy of his title, but what about his personality?"

"What do you mean?"

Her eyes darted left and right before she leaned forward and whispered. "What if he turns out to be some kind of asshole? There are so many stories about him that I can't tell what's real or what's fake."

"I highly doubt that one of the cardinal heroes would have that kind of personality, your highness." Glenn replied deadpanned.

"I mean what if this guy is a real creep? What if he tries to spike my drink? What if he assaults me?!"

"Malty Melromarc, I can assure you that despite what you think you might have heard, you are exaggerating." Glenn sighed as he placed a hand on her shoulder. "The Shield Hero isn't that kind of monster, and even if he was, you are more than capable of handling anything he tries to do to you. Not to mention that if he does try anything, then your father will ensure that there is no safe place in this land for him."

"I guess that's true." The princess looked to have calmed down a little. "Why couldn't they have summoned only three heroes?"

"You're asking the wrong person." Glenn shrugged. "History indicates that the ritual has always been used to summon all four cardinal heroes, not three."

"Then they should change it." She groaned. "It will only be for a few days. Just a few days until my father can find someone or something to help him. Then I'll be gone and it will be like I never existed."

"I wouldn't worry too much about what you can't change. Besides, if anything should happen, then you will be protected. The cardinal heroes start at level one, they won't be able to hurt you."

"I guess you're right." She looked sheepish. "It makes you wonder why we even call them cardinal heroes."

"And at the very least, I would encourage you not to say these things directly to the shield hero."

"I'm not so stupid as to casually admit this in public." She rolled her eyes. Her gaze turned to Ake causing him to flinch. "You will keep any details of this conversation to yourself, right?"

"Of course!" The boy said, any ideas of remembering what he had just heard were quickly thrown out the window.

"Good." Malty looked satisfied. Her gaze shifted to Glenn as her expression tensed slightly. "I would have thought that you would know more about the summoning considering you are the royal commander."

"I'm not the royal commander."

"Oh." She blinked. "Wait what?"

"Is that true sir?" Ake looked concerned.

"Unfortunately, yes. I am a captain now, not a commander. Despite my title, I still retain most of my duties as the former royal commander."

"Just what in the world happened for you to lose your position? I can't imagine why you would be demoted at a time like this."

When he didn't answer, the princess glared. "Answer me."

"It was a difference of opinion." Glenn said reluctantly. Providing an explanation now would have been better than letting her assume the worst. "After the wave struck the regent's territory, I suggested that the army should mobilize to suppress the monsters."

"That's it?" The princess looked skeptical.

"Are you saying that the army didn't mobilize sir?" Ake asked.

Glenn shook his head. "They did, but not to the regent's territory. There have been some additions to the territories surrounding the regent's, but to my understanding they were meant to contain the wave rather than suppress it."

Malty looked horrified. "Are you saying that my father sacrificed the regent's territory in order to prepare against the wave?"

"It is what it is, your highness."

She glared. "That doesn't make it better. Everyone knows that the wave of catastrophe is the primary threat. Knowing that my father deliberately withheld support doesn't make it any better."

"From a logical standpoint, the Seatto territory was already overrun. Establishing a perimeter against the wave was the more prudent decision."

"Are you seriously trying to justify your demotion?" Malty looked incredulous.

Glenn sighed. "I am only trying to provide some reasoning for his majesty's actions."

"Well that doesn't make it any better." Malty stomped on the courtyard, her eyes looked frustrated. After a moment, she hesitated.

"That still doesn't explain why you were demoted. Was there something wrong with the wave?*

"Only if you read the official reports." He shook his head before sighing. "Forget it, I shouldn't be involving you in this, your highness."

"I'll be involved whether you care or not." She crossed her arms. "Just what is my father thinking?"

Ake continued to look confused, but it was clear he was frustrated. "This isn't right sir. I … we can speak up for you."

"I appreciate the thought, but it's outside of your control." He held up a hand. "Only the royal family has the power to reinstate me, and with her majesty gone, that power falls to the regent, or rather the royal consort."

"But sir …"

"That is enough Ake. I still retain enough of my duties as the former commander. It's just my position that's changed."

"For what it's worth, I hope you get your job back." Malty sighed. "If lord Seaetto didn't get himself killed, none of this would be happening."

That was the question. If lord Seaetto had lived, then his majesty would not have seized power and the cardinal heroes would never have been summoned. Maybe the king of wisdom did have some hidden plan, but to him it was beginning to look like madness.

"If I may ask your highness, I think you should speak with your father."

Malty suddenly looked very very annoyed. "Why?"

"There are only a few more weeks until the next wave hits Melromarc." Glenn explained. "With the death of the regent and the monsters spreading across the country, Melromarc's position has never been more precarious. I know it is not my place to say this, but with everything that has been happening recently, it would be prudent to ensure-"

"Isn't that my mother's problem?" Malty looked distressed. "I'm a princess, Glenn, not the crown princess. You of all people should know this."

Glenn paused. Malty may not have had a good relationship with her family, but if there was one person she was close to it would have been her father.

"If his majesty will listen to anyone, it will be you." Glenn fell to one knee. "Please."

He heard the sharp intake of breath, followed by boots stamping the pavement. He didn't need to look up to notice the frustration on her highness's face.

Malty glared. "If it was anyone else Glenn I wouldn't listen to them." She sighed. "I'll speak to my father, and about your demotion. I don't expect it will accomplish much, so don't complain to me when it fails."

"Your highness." Glenn stood up giving the princess a respectful nod. "Thank you."