Biggest thanks for Ace-Triad for fixing my SPAG problems, and Angel Wraith for beta-reading the chapter and providing feed backs.
As always, I will blabber some more in my end note.
The Shield Hero simply stares down at the prostrating phoenix prince. His blank face makes it hard to determine what he is feeling. After a long enough pause to make Malty, and probably his self-proclaimed Siltvelt subjects feel uncomfortable, he finally opens his lips. "Stand up. There's no need for more killing and death. Too many died already with this senseless mess."
"As you wish, my king. Your compassion truly has no bound." Kael'Thas slowly pushes himself up from the ground, dust and sand sticking to his elaborate, luxury crimson battle robe. There are rumors about the bird type of beastman bathing themselves with grains of sand similar to a baby filorial, but Malty doubts they would do it while wearing their overly decorated cloth. Kael'Thas who can be as snobbish as some of the scions from the most ancient and noble families especially don't come off as the slovenly type to the princess. But in this case, he doesn't show any sign of disgust at the mess he forced himself into. He looks honestly relieved that the Shield Hero isn't faulting him any further. "It's still not safe for you to linger in the land of the heathens, my king. Please, allow us to take you back to Siltvelt where you will be safe."
Malty is well aware that as the first born princess of (not so) Glorious Melromarc it should have been her own duty to defend her own nation's honor. But she's still a bit shocked at how much, and how quickly things happened since a certain reincarnate caught up to them. So Iris ends up taking over what should have been her role, as the now freed House Amelia heiress steps up.
"This land of the heathens had a lot of people who were proven to be willing to come to Lord Shield Hero's aid in his time of need. Even to the detriment of their own." Iris casts one look over at where two of her henchmen died, brushes back a hair that has come undone in front of her face as she turns back to look at Kael'Thas. The daughter of the finance minister, and Lord Paramount of Golden Coast didn't glare. She is clearly too graceful and well-bred for such a plebeian expression of discontent. But her expression still made her displeasure known to the arrived Siltvelt army and their commanders.
Malty wasn't sure where her borderline haughty confidence came from. With almost everyone exhausted fighting the Three Heroes' Church and Pope Balmus, it's clear that Kael'Thas could slaughter them all with his fresh army of superior numbers. Especially since Pridelander of Siltvelt was well known for being unmatched in the open plain... at least till they were defeated by Faubley fielding a large number of advanced muskets during the end of The Great Wars. A luxury they most certainly do not have right now. Perhaps the presence of a great dragon lord Gaelion as their allies is what made the difference?
Chapter 128: End of an Era
"You think having some small fries animal lead by a wannabe elf groveling down to you makes you some hot shot, you stupid loser?! HA! Your doom flag has already been planted, and I'll come on top in the end! Just you wait! Because in the end, everything in this world would revolve around me- GAH!" Almost like a clock, a certain insane incarnate begins to sprout more arrogant nonsense. Thankfully, Keith is vigilant on this matter. One of his mud golems immediately slammed its earth fist into the fool's head. Silencing the idiot and dragging it away by the head. Even better, nobody seemed to pay the stupid boy any attention so it didn't become an even bigger incident than it already was.
"Siltvelt on the other hand, is known to have imprisoned and nearly turned their supposed king into a tool for their own conquest in the last Wave of Catastrophe sixty years ago. Your people have a reputation of lacking faith and only respect strength. I think Lord Shield Hero is safer in our presence, now that the greatest threat to him in Melromarc had already been neutralized." Iris doesn't back down regardless of the reason as she throws insults disguised as fact directly in Prince Kael'Thas' face. It's no doubt doubly biting to the phoenix prince, considering the one she is levying her accusation was considered the greatest shame of his own clan to the point they don't even speak his name.
Needless to say, Prince Kael'thas didn't appreciate the input from Iris. The phoenixian turns his face and regards the Amelia heiress from the corner of his eyes. Malty can easily see the way his eyes grow narrow. But the phoenix prince didn't say anything to directly dispute Malty's childhood playmate. What Siltvelt did in the last Wave of Catastrophe is widely known. "My people have worked hard to redeem ourselves for the failure of a single, over ambitious, faithless monster. While your people openly antagonized, and harmed our king at every corner, every moment since his summoning. You faithless Mon-keighs can not be trusted with the safety of my king."
"Do I have no say in what I want to do? Because a 'monkey' is standing in front of you right now. Thank you very much." Naofumi crosses his arms. His face is still carefully impassive, but both his tone and the sarcastic way he addressed himself is on the nose enough to make Kael'thas instantly fall on his knees again. "I'm not going to blame you for talking shit. I'm pretty angry at what I went through after the Third Wave myself. But at least keep the racist remarks to a minimum? In case you forgot, I'm one of the 'monkeys' in your own tongue. And no, this emerald embedded trash can on my arm doesn't make me different from the other humans."
"I'm truly sorry for my belligerent behavior, my king. Rest assured, I have no personal qualm with who, or what you are. My distaste only comes from certain people's undutiful behaviors." Kael'thas throws another biting glance over to Iris' direction before facing Naofumi once again. "Regardless of your decisions, my king, you can not be left to these... Medean people again without a strong and loyal detachment for your own safety. They have proven that they can, and will go to extreme lengths to do you harm. I would once again recommend you come to Siltvelt with us, but if you want to demand reparation from this nation personally... Please, take these Pridelander raiders with you. I guarantee you that they will protect you and everything you own with their lives."
"I object. We can not allow an entire Siltvelt army into the gate of our nation." Once again, Iris takes a single step forward, and puts her feet down. Consider her being a dainty damsel light on her feet, the click she made was surprisingly loud. "Even if you are as loyal to Lord Shield Hero as you say, the same adoration clearly doesn't extend to the people of your nation. You have already openly declared your intention of bringing war to our people once again. And Prideland raiders especially have the reputation of conducting raids on our people every year from the northern border. Do you take the people of Melromarc as some spineless slaves you can kill and take from without any resistance?"
"Do not dare to put the blame on us! The Great War was started by the butcher of a tearful night. The one who massacred adults, elderly, and children alike. The one you call your own queen!" Once again, Prince Kael'thas narrows his eyes at Iris for her accusation. "We are loyal to the will of our only rightful king. We will behave ourselves if that's what our king wishes. We... The raiders have... magical inks for their prisoners. If my king does not trust my word alone, we will gladly allow him to place seals of servitude on us all. Give him the ability to kill us by uttering a single word to ensure we follow his directions to the letter."
The princess immediately turns her head towards Naofumi to see his reaction. She wonders if he would instantly shoot down the offer considering his previous thoughts towards slavery. The Shield Hero's brow twists together, but he relent and gives a slight nod. Or perhaps the bigger surprise is she didn't see the Bow Hero, who were previously obsessed with the ideal of justice voice any objection. It seemed like harsh reality had finally drilled into their heads that purely optimistic idealism can not survive in their world. "Granted. But don't force anyone into slavery against their will. I only accept volunteers, and you will be granted freedom after this is over."
"I will offer myself, of course." Malty raises one of her eyebrows at Kael'Thas' enthusiasm. It seems like for all his arrogant haughtiness, the phoenix prince is at least serious about serving the Shield Hero. Considering those from Siltvelt's four great families often consider themselves uncrowned royalty above the rest, it's not an easy task for them to willingly accept the marking of a slave.
One of the raiders pets his great wolf on the head, and walks towards Kael'Thas. At first, Malty thought he was a wolf tribesman, but she quickly realizes he simply wears a hood made out of a skinned direwolf. A Siltvelt shaman, it seems. The shaman raider takes out the vial of enchanted ink and a brush as Prince Kael'Thas opens up the top of his cloth, and the deed is quickly done. The shaman looks up at the phoenix prince while in the middle of preparing different herbs into the little bowl to make the magical binding concoction. "We have enough supply for about five hundred, Prince Kael'Thas."
"Very well. The rest will have to camp here at the border. To make sure the Melromarc people know there will be consequences for antagonizing our king any further." Kael'Thas nods his head to the shaman first before turning towards the rest of the raiders. "Which one of you will volunteer at escorting our king?"
There is some shuffling around the raiders. It seems like not all of the Prideland raiders are keen on the idea of the bind of slavery. Considering they are the barbarians who are mostly responsible for bringing slaves to Siltvelt, it's not hard to imagine that they don't consider being in slavery themselves is no great honor. Even if it's only a measure to serve the Shield Hero, their supposed venerated god king. But not too long after, a large beastman pushes through the crowd and moves forward with a group behind him. "All of you are unloyal cowards! If none of you take your sworn duty seriously, I will!"
As he walks closer to Naofumi, Malty notices the great tusks coming out of his mouth. A boar tribe just like the shaman before him. He also wears a hood fashioned out of the fur from a dire wolf's head. His strides are long and powerful, and he bodily throws himself in front of Naofumi as his followers kneel down behind him. "Nazgrel of the Frostwolf tribe. My tribesman and I shall treat you as our heart and gut, serve as your personal bodyguard till you reunite with your Five Hundred Guards as per ancient tradition, my king. It'll be my greatest honor."
"Your Highness." Malty slowly turns around, and realizes Iris had stopped arguing with Prince Kael'thas and walked up to her, and is speaking to her with a voice loud enough to let most people hear her voice. The princess can't find any sign of sadness on the same of the Amelia heiress, in spite of her recently losing two of her closest henchmen. But if she looks closer... she can see the signs of tears near Iris' eyes. The daughter of Duke Amelia is a well educated scion. She would not let her personal grief over take her duty to her family. In this case, being the representative of House Amelia in The Game. "We have stopped the attempted coup launched by the Three Heroes' Church, vanquished their leadership, and surrendered their forces. But right now, our nation, and our capital is still in the hands of the Three Heroes' Church. Her majesty Queen Mirellia is still at Cal Mira Island. Her regent king is in the hands of the conspirators. Princess Melty is in exile in the city of Stormwind. As the eldermost of the royal family, it's your duty to lead the force to reclaim the capital, rescue your father, and protect your younger sister. House Amelia is yours to command."
"I'll also help ! Mal- Your Highness, I mean." Katarina nearly lets go of Malty's arm and jumps away. Clearly, the serious way Iris addressed the princess reminded Katarina that she isn't speaking to her childhood playmate, but the eldermost member of the royal family. The princess wanted to stand on her own two feet, to not make light of this otherwise solemn and serious situation and the topic of their discussion. But she nearly falls down once again, her knees and more importantly, her heart still feels too weak to support herself. Katarina ends up having to quickly grab Malty's shoulder to stop the princess from falling down.
Malty tastes bitterness in her mouth. This is the time all the pretense finally comes down. She wonders how Naofumi will see her now that he knows she had been lying to him the whole time. The princess turns to look at him, and realizes he is also looking in her direction. He should have already heard what people referred to her as during the battle against Pope Balmus and his men. But now... there's not any more room left for interpretation and more importantly, not a supreme leader, and the strongest fighter of the Three Heroes' Church taking away his immediate attention. Naofumi looks ready to say something, but his attention is quickly grabbed by Prince Kael'thas figuratively, and literally. "Please come with us so we can better protect you and your companions, my king. We can not entrust your safety to these Melromarc people who have been harming you since after the Third Wave."
"WAIT! What about my-" Naofumi's protest didn't manage to deter the zealousness of the Siltvelt people, and he quickly disappeared among his newly acquired bodyguards as they dragged him away screaming and kicking. Not the most promising way to start their relationship, but probably harmless since no beastman had dropped dead from their slave seal yet. The princess looks around, and sees Yatsuhashi, Naofumi's sworn shield, quickly disappearing into the crowd of the Prideland raiders. Firo is still being unconsciously carried in his arms.
Raphtalia runs over in front of Malty. The secret princess is carrying three familiar, bouncing spheres in her hands. It's been so long since the princess saw them, she almost forgot about these little monsters. All three look tired in Raphtalia's tiny hand, with their eyes half closed rather than opening wide in angry glares. Their rubbery bodies are covered in dirt, and some visible looking scratches on their otherwise smooth body. It seems like they too were busy in the messy battle between the heroes and the Three Heroes' Church force that was loyal to Balmus. Raphtalia's eyes linger on Malty for a few seconds before her head drops down. Before she follows Naofumi and disappears among the Siltvelt raiders, she gives Malty a single response. "I'll look after Master Naofumi for you."
The princess didn't manage to leave Raphtalia with a reply before her body got swallowed up by the massive horde of dire wolves and muscular beastman. She is grateful that Naofumi has someone who is utterly loyal to him before he returns to Melromarc. Malty doesn't know what compels him to return. Perhaps it's a sense of duty to see his own actions carried through to the end. Or maybe he wants to see the rebellious officials of the church pay for their crimes. It could be that he wants to see the innocent people who were ravaged by this senseless start of a misguided crusade saved. Either way... she doesn't foresee things going well for him. Not with the way Firo killed Jaune. The princess can't do anything now... or perhaps she's not willing to do anything because she would want someone to act as her own accomplice and share the blame that would no doubt fall on her head once the dust settles.
She turns around to both Iris and Katarina. Both of their brothers have joined them. The sword wand of Keith has a thick column of stone covering its blade, and the adopted son of Duke Luigi is using it as a walking stick. The limb he is walking with doesn't need much explanation. Barn looks even worse. The son of Duke Louise De Amelia is well known for constantly having his head stuck in the cloud with romantic fantasy. But now after what has to be his first experience with an actual battlefield, his eyes are unfocused for an obviously different reason. His whole body is being supported by a knight wearing the tattered tabard of a Faubley emblem. As for how Malty knew it was a Faubley family emblem despite her not recognizing it... it has a stylized pegasus. Using an animal as family emblem is fiercely looked down upon among Melromarc nobility due to their disgust, and sense of superiority towards beastman and their descendants. Such prejudice is slightly less pronounced in Faubley considering their 'barbaric' origin. As always, it's Iris who acts as their leader and speaker despite her likely leaving the matters of military to her younger brother... whenever he recovers from his shock. "House Amelia... and House Claes are yours to command, Your Highness."
Malty obviously can no longer remain silent. Not when she was already pushed onto the role of their official (in the sense that she's their figure head. She doesn't believe either Keith, or Barn would listen to whatever she commands if their respective sisters disagree with her) leader. But once again, before she even has a chance to open her mouth, her attention is drawn elsewhere. Two more Faubley nobles, the one around or perhaps slightly older than Naofumi, chases after the other shorter, younger, and slightly lumpier boy. She remembers the boy being chased was the same one who had that outburst and coated his sword in flame during the battle against Balmus' children. "Neville, Neville! Come over here! Tell me what happened!"
"Control yourself, Edward! This is not the best time!" An equally young man with long blonde hair, dressed as a cleric knight with the holy cross of four heroes is visibly holding the dark haired young man back. His eyes wander around the faces all around him, to the Siltvelt Prideland raiders, to those who stood with the four heroes just like them, and finally settled on Malty's face. "What happened should be between you and Neville. Not in such polite company."
For a brief moment, the young, immature and equally impatient Faubley prince looks convinced by his blonde cleric friend. Prince Edward doesn't look happy, as he huffs a few deep breaths out. But he doesn't look ready to interrogate his friends about what happened to his younger brother, or cousin. Until the knight Barn is leaning on for support opens his mouth and starts to mutter to himself. "What Lady Arya said about Neville is- MURPH!"
Despite not even being able to stand on his own, Barn's hand immediately shoots up to cover his friend's mouth. But the wounded House Amelia scion is already too late. Edward's sights fall on both the knight, and the little brother of Iris faster than lightning. "You both knew? Barn, Dorson? Don't tell me you too, Van?! Am I the only one who doesn't know what Grandmother said to my own cousin?!"
"Look, I know you are upset, Edward. But what Lady Arya said really shouldn't be repeated among polite company. And there's a reason why we didn't want to let you know..." The blonde cleric tries to grab his short tempered friend, but he only grasps empty air as the Faubley prince had already bolted forward in front of his other two 'friends'. Prince Edward closes both of his hands around the knight, Dorson's neck to throttle his supposed friend. Completely ignoring how he threw Barn onto the ground. "Tell me. NOW!"
"Control yourself, Edward! You represent both Noble Faubley, and House Tarsmaria. One of the three most ancient and noble princely houses!" Van runs after his friend, trying to pry Edward off the much better built knight Dorson. Even Barn, who was violently thrown onto the ground tries his best to flip around, and pulls at the heel of the House Tarsmaria prince trying to stop the ongoing show. But Prince Edward seems completely unmovable in his rage. Malty can't even decide if what they are playing is a well choreographed comedy, tragedy... or the simple and sad everyday life of Faubley 'nobility'. Both Iris and Katarina seemed to be completely stumped at this display as they silently watched the ensuing scene with mouths gaped open besides the princess. One larger than the other.
Malty feels like she should do something. Having some actual Faubley nobility hurt fighting a failed coup attempt by Three Heroes' Church is bad. Having them hurt each other due to an argument is worse... probably. The feeling intensifies imminently when she notices the Siltvelt raiders looking at the unfolding farce with equal disgust and mirth. She's about to turn to Keith and have the young man conjuring another golem to break their fight when she hears a low, jumpy voice from someone who can't be much, if any older than the Sword and the Bow Heroes. "Lady Arya told me to get a good raping while I travel with you to Melromarc. It'll either finally awaken my House Tarsmaria heritage, or show I'm nothing more than another whore spawned from my mudblood mother."
The princess feels her ears bleed, as well as herself being thrown into a lake of ice. She can't exactly say her own mother was the pinnacle of maternal instincts. As the head of their own respective great houses, both Mother, and Lady Arya would be both duty bound to prioritize the well being and glory of their respective family before their own children. But to openly spew such vitriol towards one of her descendents (not given birth by herself, granted), and seemingly to other people, one of them being a Melromarc scion. One would think this poor boy was a malborn, and not simply because his mother was a common born. Yes, the princess was aware that Faubley nobility, perhaps in their effort to shed the stigma of their descent from the Germanian 'barbarians' placed much greater emphasis on bloodline than even her own nation. But she didn't think they would sacrifice decorum and the appearance of unity within the family to do it. Either she doesn't know their 'sister' nation that well and has to learn more about them (she was supposed to be their queen after all), or this Lady Arya was a special case.
Prince Edward's hands release his 'friend' and open his mouth. But his voice clearly fails him as only a gasping noise comes out. After being nailed on his feet for a few moments, the immature and impatient Faubley prince runs over to his family, kneels down and wraps his arms around Neville. "I'm sorry, Neville. I didn't know Grandma- Lady Arya is being this cruel to you. I have failed you as your elder brother."
"It's okay, Ed. I didn't want you to know. Lady Arya wasn't nice to you either." Neville lets his head hang low. Malty managed to catch a glimpse of him trying hard to hold tears in his eyes, which the younger boy wasn't fully successful with. She silently wonders what the boy is more ashamed of. The words his supposed grandmother said to him, the fact it got out in such a public manner (in front of some of their most ancient enemies no less), or his brother is clearly hurt by his mistreatment.
"We are not returning to Faubley anymore. Certainly not back to Lady Arya's estate." Edward slowly releases his brother. His body is still violently shaking as he slowly stands back up to full height. There is more than wrath in his eyes, as incandescent resentment flashes for a brief second. "Family is important. That's why someone who treats her family worse than their enemies, worse than bugs, is no family of ours."
"What about Yuri? If you don't return to Faubley, who'll make sure she doesn't get mistreated." Neville's question makes his elder brother's tremble suddenly seize up. From the way they acted and talked, Malty can almost guess what their story is despite the full details not being released. They are likely talking about some common born... or even bastard of a low-rank noble girl (or boy, if that's what Prince Edward fancies) who is being shielded from the harshest... critique of the noble society thanks to Edward's family connections.
"Edward. Neville is right, you know? Now that he awakened his magic, (Fire Magic of House Tarsmaria, no less). Lady Arya has no reason to look down on him because of his commonborn mother- GAH!" Barn once again displays his inability to read the room, and not realizing what made people so angry about it. As a result, he is promptly punched in the face by the person he was leaning on. The Faubley knight named Dorson. Despite the fact that a knight just acted violently above his own station and punched a noble scion, the princess feels like congratulating Dorson for his swift action. Some people, nobility or not, deserve to be punched.
"Then we'll go back to attend Hero Academy. But we aren't going back to one of the House Tarsmaria estates. I still have my trust fund vault neither Lady Arya, nor mother have any right to manage. I can get a small house for us to live in, maybe even open a business with it..."
"You wouldn't know how to run a business, Edward. Your education covers finance on a general term, not how to run a small shop. You would likely lose all your investment within the first year." Barn struggles to claw his way back up Dorson's side. It seems the tenacity of Iris' younger brother is at least commendable, despite his tendency to get his head stuck in the cloud, and lack of manners to say the right thing at the right time.
"Then I'll hire someone who knows how to run a small business!"
"You do not need to look anywhere else. Prince Edward. House Amelia is happy to provide you with all the staff you need to start a successful business... so long as nothing illegal was in your mind." Everyone turns their head to look at Amelia heiress. Some with surprise, others with shock... and Sister Amelia is glaring at Iris with ice melting hatred in her eyes. Of course, it's just like Iris to always look for an opportunity to expand the influence of her own family. Faubley's market is saturated and stone walled by merchants connected to its native noble families, which would be the largest obstacle for House Amelia to get access to unless they go through a Faubley middle man. But with a Faubley prince acting as the venture's figure head, she would face much less resistance. Even taken account of the possible wrath from Lady Arya. "My younger brother Barn is your good friend. Practically your brother. Surely, it makes most sense to find help among those you trust, especially with our family's reputation."
"I will forever be in your debt if you do that, Heiress Amelia. I don't know if I can ever repay you, but I will do my best if you ensure Neville doesn't have to face prejudice from our own family." The Faubley prince turns around to look at Iris. He looks ready to kneel in front of her and to profess his eternal, undying adoration for Iris' manipulation.
"You think she's doing this for your own well being? Don't make me laugh! The 'Golden Heiress' of House Amelia is using you to get her feet into Faubley's market and high society, you stupid pretty boy- MURPH!" Sister Amelia begins to flail wildly in the arm of the mud golem. Thankfully, Keith shows initiation this time by letting his magical creation cover her mouth.
"What you are doing for your younger sibling is beyond kind. It's my honor to help a fellow noble scion as kind as yourself." Iris' reply isn't exactly a lie, or a baseless compliment to play on Edward's ego. While siblings among nobility tend to play up the front of family unity to not show weakness to their political enemies, actual love within a great house, even under the same branch tends to be strained and thin at best. A sibling's misfortune tends to give more chances for inheritance to one's self after all. Someone who is willing to throw away his own pampered life for the mistreatment of a brother, or cousin is not the usual behavior for noble scions.
"Neville's parents helped raise me after my father passed away. Aunt Alice was the only mother I ever had." The Faubley prince sits down besides his cousin, a hand resting on the slightly lumpy boy's back to comfort him. "Now they are both gone. It's my sacred duty to look after Neville."
"Are you just going to sit here and let your fiance fraternize with some other pretty boy?" The princess turns around, and sees the Bow Hero limping his way over to Spear Hero with the help of his female companions. "You aren't worried about some NTR playing here?"
Malty isn't too sure what Itsuki is talking about, but the context is enough to make her realize the incineration of Motoyasu being cuckolded by the Faubley prince. Who granted, is being showered by more attention than Iris is usually willing to give to a male noble their age. The Spear Hero's reply completely buffles herself, and the Bow Hero judging by his facial expression. "Iris is free to find someone she likes better. I mean... yeah, I proposed to her. Because that's the responsible thing to do after what happened in Balafon. But she's still her own free person, not a slave. If she likes another man better, I'll send them away together and tailor a suit and wedding dress for them."
"There's... there's so many things wrong with what you said, I don't even know where to begin addressing them." The Bow Hero failed to push his gape opened mouth shut. After a while, he simply shakes his head and leaves his fellow hero behind as Motoyasu watches Iris talking with Edward about his budding business plan.
The aftermath of their battle against Balmus and his forces didn't require Malty's direct interference. It's still a responsibility that first falls on the male members of Melromarc nobles even if as a princess of the royal family without any male heir, she is expected to be able to lead. Both Barn, and Keith both demonstrate that they were at least capable, and competent in this field. Keith uses his golem to clean after the battlefield, digging a massive hole for the bodies of the dead to bury them. Barn began to organize riders and messengers back to Stormwind, and nobles reside near the border to assemble a proper host to protect the two royal princesses on their triumphant return back to the capital. Carriages, and carts are brought alone both for the living... and the dead. The bodies of Jaune, Roger of Ajax, and Balmus (same would have applied to Tirion Fordring... but they can't find enough left over after Naofumi was done with him) can't be treated the same as the rest of the dead who will be buried on site.
It took another half a day to finish organizing their host, and clean up the battlefield and ensure Stormwind is well defended. Afterwards, they begin their return trip towards Melromarc land proper. Melty safely protected in a carriage surrounded by Motoyasu's little bird army and the most elite of House Amelia swore swords and their paid sellswords. Malty herself rides at the front of their host alongside the heroes, and her fellow noble scion. Of course, she didn't get another chance to look at Naofumi and his companions with the Siltvelt raiders giving him the same 'protection' as Melty received from Melromarc host.
The wall of Fort Wolf's Mouth begins to take shape as their combined army slowly marches towards its gate. It nestled between the peak of two blade-like, nearly unscalable mountains like the maw of its namesake ready to devour anyone who dares to cross over the border into glorious Melromarc without an invitation. Its magically enchanted walls blend into the natural barrier around it, and its high towers filled with archers and defensive siege engines are the fangs of the beast ready to tear invaders apart. But before the faces on top of the fortification become clear, a strong stench of death assaults Malty's nose. A fierce battle had taken place here and left many deaths in its wake. The princess vaguely remembers hearing a few passing remarks about the Bow Hero and his companions helping its defense against the Siltvelt invaders while everyone was busy getting their current host ready. This must have been the result.
Dried up blood coated the ground, rocks, and what remained of the foliage in a dark shade of red. Remnants of arrows, bolts, rocks and logs launched out of defensive engines, broken traps and barricades, and occasional rotting body parts still litter the road suggesting the ferocity of the battle taking place. A group of fighters of around five hundred or so men are clustered beside the road. Every single one of them have hastily bandaged up, or visible wounds on them, some of them missing limbs. This must be what remained of the Siltvelt army that attacked Fort Wolf's Mouth in an effort to get to Naofumi.
"My prince, I have failed my task. I could not overtake the fortress, and what remained of my army was shattered this morning when a group of riders with the banners of the man animals' heretic cult charged out of their gate." A large gorilla walks out of the group of the remnant force, bows his head low and kneels in front of Prince Kael'thas. His gray fur is turning dull from advanced age, his head is balding, and one of his arms is badly bandaged in a sling. "I could not break through my enemy defenses, and my army was shattered. Please, allow me to regain my honor through death."
"Request denied." The phoenix prince answers without missing a beat. "I, too, did not fulfill my duty. Our king's life was saved by his fellow heroes by the time I gathered my forces. But our king forgives us for our less than ideal performance. All of us shall continue to serve him with our lives to get through the crisis we are currently facing."
"As you wish, my prince. One day, I shall wash away my dishonor through a glorious death." The gorilla slowly stands up to his full height, and joins the Siltvelt host with his remaining forces.
With this small distraction taken care of, their combined host marches up to the gate of Fort Wolf's Mouth. Barn leaves the rest of their army to ride ahead, and begin shouting up at the garrison. "I am Barn Tashi Amelia. Son of the most ancient and noble house of Amelia, grandson of General Dias Gazelle Anderson. Our hosts are bringing Princess Melty, and Princess Malty back to the capital to stop this current rebellion by the Three Heroes' Church. Open up the gate!"
"We received a letter, yes. But the secret code is sadly missing." Instead of the enchanted gate opening, countless arrows and crossbow bolts point out from the wall and towers at them. A man who sounds middle aged, but has an immaculately young looking face with long, straight black hair covering half of his face pushes through the gathered defenders to look down at them. From the large overcoat reminded Malty of what Genesis Rhapsodos wore, she knows this must be Fredrick Wilhuff Nietzsche. The second-in-command of General Anderson. "I'm afraid I would not let you pass, Lord Barn. If you truly are who you claim to be."
"Trick question. Grandfather never bothered with any secret code in his letters." While Barn is looking like a stunned baby bird, Iris rides out behind her younger brother. The narrowed stare she gives to the commander is... interesting. "You on the other hand, have over twelve different secret codes, and equally as many ways to mark your letters to ensure spies wouldn't get the better of you. That's why I never bother to write any letter to you."
"Ah. Heiress Iris. A pleasure to meet you again." Commander Fredrick raises one of his hands, and all the armed weapons pull away around him. A few moments later, the gate began to rise slowly. From his almost mocking smirk, the Germanian is clearly not sorry at all for fucking with the mind of the grandchildren of his lord. "Do forgive me for being careful. You have Siltvelt people alongside you after all. And they are well known for employing shapeshifters among them."
"I will not fault you for taking security seriously. But where is my grandfather? We have both heirs to the throne among us, and we'll need the best protection as we return." Iris gives another glance over to Prince Kael'thas and his beastman host. "I think everyone will rest easier if Grandfather is to lead us."
"I'm afraid that is very much impossible at the moment, heiress Iris. General Anderson is a bit indisposed of right now. But rest assured, I will ensure no suspicious characters get through the gate and let into the soil of glorious Melromarc." Malty also narrows her eyes at the commander's reply. The general is indisposed of? Yes, Iris' grandfather is getting a little older. But he was also a frontline general throughout his career who charged at the front of his army in every battle. He isn't someone who would easily get confined to bed.
Which raises the question. Where is General Anderson if he is not stationed right at the fort that's being besieged by a Siltvelt army?
End Note:
As this chapter show, Balmus wins philosphically even if he dies in the fight. Naofumi is forced to go against his previous rigid principle, and accept sometimes lesser evil need to be committed.
For anyone who might be interested, Nazgrel's line of treating Naofumi as his heart and gut is paraphrased from Confucius philosophy (even though he is an orc, therefore based of Mongolians) first said by its second most influential philosopher Meng Ke. His original speech was (abridged translation by yours truly): A lord sees his people as his hand and feet, his people will see him as their heart and gut. A lord sees his people as dogs and horses, his people will see him as a stranger. A lord sees his people as grass, his people will see him as a hated enemy.
Nevile isn't having a good time to say the least. His canon grandmother is overly strict, and by contrast his grandmother Arya here is flat out abusive. Well, at least he has a loving brother who treats him well and is willing to turn his back against his own family. Honestly, I'm not even bashing Arya from ̶S̶h̶i̶l̶l̶i̶n̶g̶ ̶o̶f̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶A̶u̶t̶h̶o̶r̶'̶s̶ ̶P̶e̶t̶ Achievement of the Duke's Daughter. Her distaste towards Yuri is retroactively justified for Yuri being a manipulative (BEEP). But all her hatred towards Yuri was solely based on her being a bastard of a low rank noble. So no, just like Queen Safespace from the Rising of the Shield Hero isn't this just, brilliant good queen, Queen Arya from S̶h̶i̶l̶l̶i̶n̶g̶ ̶o̶f̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶A̶u̶t̶h̶o̶r̶'̶s̶ ̶P̶e̶t̶ Achievement of the Duke's Daughter is also just a massive cunt who is retroactively justified by the story's plot.