AU NOTES.

Hello everyone, Ryujin here. I have some ideas cooking up so look forward to it.

On other news.

Gentlemen, do thee know of such magnificent game named [Harem Hotel]? No? Yes?

Free advertisement for it, I swear I'm not being paid to speak about it. I downloaded the game recently and...well.. let's say that it truly is a gentleman's game.

Enough with my blabbering, let's get into the chapter. Very sorry about the extreme delay in posting chapters, however I was going through some drought in terms of creative thinking for another chapter.

Well, better late than never, right?!

"Naofumi! Release the princess! Justice is ours!" Motoyasu, in his ever so pompous mood, shouted at the Shielder, pointing his right finger at him. The Shield Hero creased his brows, slightly craning his neck to the side. He was hoping to not have to deal with these morons, but luck was not on his side today.

"Are you sure you are allowed to spout bullshit like that? Last time you exclaimed justice, you almost fed an entire village to a plant-type monster and also almost out taxed everyone in Ryute Village!" Naofumi's words made the Spear Hero flinch. It was quick, seeing as he composed himself and waved it off. "I have no idea of what you are talking about!" Fucking bullshit, you don't!

Itsuki lifted his bow once more and drew the string, one arrow firmly nocked. "Naofumi! I won't repeat myself! Release the princess this instant!" The Bow Hero shouted; his expression settled in a serious face. The Shielder scoffed at the young boy.

"Does it look like I'm keeping her as a prisonn–..." Naofumi's sentence was cut-off as Ren advanced together with Itsuki, both slowly making their way to the front of their parties. They cut off Naofumi as they spotted the blue dressed princess, smiles already blooming on their lips as they assumed that Melty would run at them as if fleeing from a monster.

"Princess!" Ren lightly exclaimed.

"Second princess! How wonderful it is that you are safe!"

Their catering failed, however, seeing as Melty never left his side. The girl took a few steps, only enough to be in front of the Shield Hero and loudly called the two out.

"Heroes! By who's authority do you attack Shield Hero Naofumi?! What is this nonsense about releasing me when I have never been locked up against my will?! Bow Hero, your attack against Naofumi was the only direct form of attack I was put under these following hours! The Shield Hero has done nothing, but save my life so far!" The words made all the present, except Naofumi's party, to take on serious expressions.

Something was wrong here. The princess looked healthy and safe. There were no chains or binding on her person. Was the information they had received fake somehow?

Ren was the first to wonder this as he lowered his sword. He was still in an attacking position, but he eased his stance.

"Alright then, it seems that something is not right here. You lot, lower your weapons." Ren told his group, sheathing his blade on his hip. His party was somewhat confused with his command, but seeing the Sword Hero sheathe his weapon made them follow his orders.

"Oi, Ren! You can't be serious now!? It's Naofumi we are talking about here!" Motoyasu complained to his fellow hero, still holding his spear high against the Shielder.

Ren shook his head sideways, his face displaying that the hero had many ideas running in his head. "It doesn't make sense for Naofumi to do something so foolish. He gains nothing from this supposed kidnapping; the entire kingdom of Melromark would be hunting him down like a dog. Why would he kidnap a princess when he knows this?" Ren stated out loud, making Naofumi release a somewhat relieved sigh.

Itsuki followed suit, lowering his bow, but still maintaining full attention towards Naofumi.

"Come on, guys! You can't be really falling for this!?" Motoyasu complained, his attention focused his fellow heroes.

Naofumi took the time to observe his surroundings and hand-sign instructions to his team. A fight here would be troublesome for them, the possibility of stray attacks hitting one of the girls larger than what the hero deemed acceptable. He glanced to his group. Raphtalia looked ready for any action he chose, Shadow also was slowly drawing more and more of her Metal Thread Wire, no doubt preparing a trap to help them escape. Firo did her best menacing frown, the action looking more like angry pouting. Dera was hidden among the tree tops, positioning herself at the best spot for an ambush, while Felicia seemed content merely observing the foolish actions of the heroes.

"It is the reality of the situation, Kitamura-sama. I believe that all of this has to be some sort of conspiracy against Naofumi-sama. I kindly ask that you lower your weapon and–..." Before Melty could speak anything else, Malty appeared in front of the group.

"Poor Melty. How much must you be suffering, having to say those accursed words against your free will due to this brainwashing villain." The redhead finished her statement by wiping a false tear from the corner of her eye. She then turned to face the other heroes and spoke to the them as if teaching common sense. "Heroes, do not forget about the information that the church has shared with us. That villain is using his shield to brainwash the kingdom's subjects; there would be no way for the common folk to be defending him if that were not the case!"

Raphtalia shouted over, her sword being pointed at the First Princess. "How ridiculous! Naofumi-sama would never have such power!"

Felicia, on the rear, tilted her head aside and pondered by herself the benefits of having such a magic shield.

Thankfully, Naofumi's current train of thoughts followed Raphtalia's. This fucking bitch! As if I could have such a convenient power! What do you think I am? Some generic Isekai protagonist? The hero made sure that his distance from Melty was enough that he could rush to her aid without seeming suspicious before he spoke. "That seems to be a rather convenient ability, huh? I wonder why I would not use that to make life ten times easier? Oh, that's right! Because such fucking bullshit doesn't fucking exists, you idiots! Besides, if I had such a convenient ability, wouldn't you three also same something similar?" Naofumi could see Ren milling over the arguments. Itsuki also seemed to be doing his share of pondering.

"Don't let yourselves be fooled, noble heroes! He has been disguising himself as a merchant and using his vile power to desecrate our lands and dirty the minds of the people." Malty smugly declared, crossing her arms and looking over at Naofumi as if she was somehow superior to him. The look almost made the hero call for an attack from Shadow, yet he managed to calm the simmering anger that was boiling over the pit of his stomach.

Naofumi once more eyed the many people surrounding his party. He was sure that even with their higher levels, he and his group could surpass them in terms of raw skill. The Shield and his companions had diligently been training their abilities and skills, never relying on the false sense of strength that the status screen showed. If you confused the things and mistook this reality for a game, sooner or later you'd found on some ditch, dead. The Shielder clenched his hands tightly. "If you idiots can guarantee that you can protect the Second Princess, I'll gladly give her to you!"

Melty looked back at him in surprise, yet Naofumi continued focused on Ren and Itsuki. The two had been pains in his ass, but they were the two who Naofumi was somewhat confident would not be so easily manipulated. Then again, the two were siding with Motoyasu and Bitch, and stupidity seemed to be contagious in this world. For now, the Shield Bearer waited for the Sword and Bow to reach the conclusion of their silent conversation,

The duo spent some time merely staring at each other and communicating through stares and eyebrow moves. Their respective parties waited on their leaders, the mood being one of nervousness. Any unnecessary shift or sudden move would break the stalemate. After a few tense minutes, the Sword and Bow hero both nodded to one another and Ren spoke.

"Alright, Naofumi. We take your deal. But you will have to come with us to verify everything. Come, Second Princess, we shall escort you safely to the capital." Ren spoke, extending one hand to the girl dressed in blue.

Melty's vision shook at the sight, her eyes watering. She lowered her head, trying to pull back the tears. As she looked back up, she saw something that made the dam break and Melty finally acted her age.

There was Malty. The redhead was extending one of her hands towards the girl, the other close to her chest so as to display the usual fake set of emotions. "Come, Melty. Your safety is my priority, follow the heroes!"

Naofumi himself was sick to his stomach, seeing the bitch pretend to be worried about family. He would never fall for the disgusting act, neither the poisonous words laced with fake honey. The Shield looked at the girl in front of him then noticed that she had seemingly lost all her resolution, lowering her head and trying to hide the trembling of her hands from sight by holding them close to her dress.

"I'm going to be killed..." Her voice was a mere whisper.

The Shield Hero could be rough and sarcastic, but seeing the girl on such a state brought him unpleasant memories. The time when he was recently summoned to this world, given a fake hope and a most brutal wake-up call. Humiliated and brought down to his lowest point. All that Naofumi could see right now was a child being betrayed the same way he was, except she did not have the same rage and wrath as he did. If she were to be left alone, she surely would be killed. Royalties back on Earth had killed family members for less excusable reasons, being heir to the throne of Melromark Matriarchy seemed as good as any reason.

The Shield Hero released a loud sigh, calling all attention to himself. "I really am a dumbass. Thinking for even a second I could trust you idiots!" His statement brought confusion to the other heroes and their parties. "If you want a job well done, you better leave it to a professional or do it yourself."

"Naofumi! What do you mean?!" Ren shouted, hand hovering closer to his weapon.

"Naofumi-kun, are we that unworthy of trust to you? You know that you are about to commit a grave error, right?" Itsuki spoke in his usual soft tone, a degree of edge becoming apparent in his voice.

"Yeah, right!" The Shielder shouted, bringing his hand up and signaling to Dera. The loud hiss of the hydra made all present began searching for the source of the noise, but all that they got was a face-full of noxious purple gas, the plumes being expelled by all four heads of the enormous serpent. Dera quickly slithered her way towards Naofumi and his group, taking the chance to smack away as many people as she could with her tail.

"I knew you were up to no-good, Naofumi!" Motoyasu shouted, using her spear to block a glancing blow and a hail of knives thrown his way. The Spear Hero began spinning his spear over his head, the circular motion resembling a fan. "Turbulent Thrust!" Another shout and Motoyasu used a skill to almost instantly get rid of the poisonous smog.

As the purple cloud of gas dispersed, the heroes once more spotted Naofumi. The Shield Hero was riding Firo, the entirety of his party also on the Filorial Queen Candidate.

"You really think that you can escape from us?" Malty was the one to ask the question, her smug face and tone showing that she was unbothered by the all the poison that had engulfed the group. Poison-resistant gear? Maybe some sort of skill or magic.

Naofumi clicked his teeth in annoyance. He glanced and Shadow, the rouge/assassin nodding to his silent question.

"I'd love to stay and discuss how retarded you all are, but I can't really waste my time like that. Gotta a country to flee from, you know!" The hero laid it thick with his sarcasm. He turned to ride. "Firo, get us the fuck out of here right now!"

"Yes, master!" The big bird happily chirped her response, even in spite of the dire situation. She turned around and began rushing to flee.

"As if I'd ever let you do that!" Motoyasu was the first to jump into action, chains hanging from his off-hand. Naofumi looked at the chain with suspicion filling his mind, his instincts telling him that the metal work was dangerous. His suspicion was confirmed when the blonde hero threw the chains towards then, the locking mechanism flying with overwhelming precision until it locked around Firo's legs.

For a few seconds nothing happened and it made the Shield wonder if the magic item had failed. However, Firo's bird form was suddenly dispelled as she forcefully returned to her human-child form. That meant that the entire group on her back was thrown off.

Naofumi extended his hand and managed to grab Melty in the air, landing on the ground with surprisingly little trouble for someone who looked rather bulky. Probably the effects of the [Spy Master Shield]. In any way, the hero managed a smooth landing, Melty less so as she was still under his arms, resembling more holding bag or rucksack than a proper princess.

Raphtalia and Shadow were naturally nimble fingers, the Tanker having no reason to worry about their state. He still glanced their way to check on their well-being, momentary relief washing over him as he confirmed they were indeed fine. Even more so as he found Felicia over on Shadow's shoulders. The sight of her well-dressed butt might have gathered more attention from the hero, were they not in their current situation.

Dera seemed well enough too, although she was stunned from the sudden stop, having collided with a tree.

The Shield Hero searched around for Firo, his eyes catching the moment Motoyasu jumped to embrace the blonde loli. Overwhelming wrath filled his insides and for one moment Naofumi could swear his [Shield of Wrath II (Wrath Shield II)] had become active, but before Motoyasu could truly touch Firo, he was suddenly jerked back midair, falling on the ground a few paces away from the blonde.

"Motoyasu-sama!" Bitch's grating voice expressed her supposed worried state for the hero. Naofumi personally almost burst out laughing at the sight of Motoyasu being literally being clotheslined. Shadow had thrown out two knives with a line of Metal Thread Wire tied in between the weapons, the action saving Firo from being molested by the blond idiot.

Still, the Shielder was worried for her. A quick glance at her Status Screen showed that her power was currently being suppressed by a magical tool, most likely the chain wrapped around on her feet. Motoyasu rose from the ground and wiped his clothes, trying to maintain the cool-air he never had.

"Firo-chan! Don't try to take that off. I had the alchemists of the palace craft that to keep you from turning into that horrible bird form. That way, you can't use that scary strength of yours!" Naofumi had shivers run down his spine at the disgusting tone that Motoyasu used. His disgust turned into anger as the Spear Hero once more tried to approach Firo. "Don't be mean to me, Firo-chan! Keep looking like an angel foverer! I love your moe!"

Even when the two other heroes were currently against Naofumi, they certainly were not going to approach Kitamura anytime soon. It wasn't a surprise that the Spear Hero was found of the female body, but the creepy way he went about it made the vision that the Sword and Bow had of the Spear take a dive down.

Naofumi was about to take action against the fool, his anger being sparked rather continuously. His efforts, however, had to be put into holding Melty down. The Second Princess' small stature helped her squirm out of his grasp before he could hold her again.

Freed from the Shielder, Melty rose her hands and aimed them at the Spear Hero. "Motoyasu-sama! Release Firo-chan right now!" Her shout made the hero turn his attention to her, even as he still inched his way towards Firo.

Laughing in his usual confident way, Motoyasu spoke. "Feisty, huh? I love myself a dominant woman! You just have to join us, Second Princess!" The Spear Hero used his winner smile, confident that Melty would immediately swoon and become his. All the girls did it, the mere line of I'm the Spear Hero Kitamura Motoyasu and I'm going to save the world was enough to score him any date with any girl he wanted.

Pity that his efforts resulted on the contrary, the child princess becoming even more distressed.

"I command thee, oh law of nature, to gather around my palm and become the blade that cuts down my enemies. Zweite Aqua Slash!" Magic shone around Melty's frame, water accumulating around her hands and being compressed, before shooting towards Motoyasu. The water blade curved slightly upwards, missing the hero by a few inches. It might have been magic cast by a child, but the tree that was cleanly cut in the middle proved that it packed enough power to be lethal.

All those present were shocked at the capabilities of the Second Princess. So young and already being able to cast second-tier magic, even when most adventurers never managed to get past the first stage, it showed the talent and skill that the royal line of Melromark had.

"W-wait a bit, Second P-princess!" Motoyasu's speech came out in stutters as the hero could picture in his mind what would happen should he be hit by such an attack.

Melty cared not to wait, already readying a second attack. "I said: release Firo-chan already!" The girl shouted, her eyes closing for a moment.

"ZWEITE HELLFIRE!" The temperature around the forest immediately increased as an enormous fireball was making its way towards Melty, the flames surely being capable of reducing her into ash. Melty's eyes widened open as she stared at the swirling inferno of orange fire coming to take her life. The girl could not take her eyes away from her incoming death, even as her skin became wet with sweat and her body screamed for her to get away from it.

Her earlier statement came back to haunt her with full force.

"I'm going to die..."

""Second Princess, watch out!"" both Ren and Itsuki shouted their worried warning, surprise clearly painted on their faces and they watched the fire that was sure to erase Melty from existence in a painful way. How could someone target the Second Princess right under their noses.

"Law of Space and Time, bend thy knee. This witch has read, recognized and understood your principles and now she commands your obedience. Protect my target from harm and maintain its state as it is. All Dritte Fall, Dimensional Shift!" Felicia's magically enhanced words echoed as she closed her eyes in concentration, magic shining powerfully from the smoking pipe she had on her plush lips.

Melty felt magic wash over her entire frame, something much too powerful for her to resist or interfere with. Not that she had any intention of it in the first place, anything that she had would be too short even to assist magic cast by the Spacial Rend Witch. Time and space seemed to stop around Melty, the illusion of blanket made out of the cosmos wrapped itself over her as the laws of physics were bent to protect her from the incoming fire.

Not that the princess was paying attention to the protective layer of magic. Her eyes were glued on the back of the one that was standing right before her, shield tanking the magical flames and preventing them from ever reaching her. With nary a thought, Naofumi swiped his shield and extinguished the flames, his dark smile enough to send shivers down the spines of those looking at him.

Considering that all eyes were focused on the flaming attack, Naofumi was in eyesight of everyone present there.

"Finally acting the part, aren't you?" His statement brought everyone out of their funk. Many complaints and shouts were directed at Malty, whose face was colored in barely concealed anger. "Isn't this the time that you reveal your big plans to kill the princess and claim the throne to yourself? Or you left that part out when you explained your shitty plans to these fucking idiots?"

Ren immediately drew his sword out, the sound of the metal spurring his party to do the same. "That attack was overly aggressive, Malty-san! Did you truly intent to kill your sister?" The Sword Hero asked, the edge in his voice not leaving space for falseness.

Itsuki also drew his bowstring, but he kept his weapon lowered. "Let all of us calm ourselves down. Naofumi! What do you mean?!"

Malty immediately shouted. "Do not let the lies that the Shield spouts affect your judgement! He clearly manipulated my sister into attacking Motoyasu-sama! I couldn't let such thing happen without responding!"

Ren narrowed his brows, his sword humming as magic filled it ready for a skill. "No matter! Such a response..." The Sword lowered his tone and cast his eyes down. What the hell is going on? Was Naofumi telling the truth?

"What? Weren't you aware? The country is a matriarchy, and the queen has chosen the Second Princess here to be the heir to the throne. I believe that I don't need to spell out the rest for you, do I?" The statement from the hero made the others stop in thought. If the Shield was speaking the truth, the entire situation was much more complicated than it seemed at first.

"Scum that only knows how to lie! Heroes, listen do not listen to his nonsense. Our knights surely heard our little spar and are on their way here. Soon, all this will be solved." Malty declared with confidence on her voice, making the hero scowl hard at her.

That bitch is too sure that things will float her way. Even when she has backing from that shit-king, this type of confidence is too much. Naofumi thought to himself, discreetly looking at Shadow. The rogue quickly used sign-language to convey her message.

Master, the church's shadows are approaching us fast. We must flee immediately!

The hero furrowed his brows, his mind working in overdrive to design a plan that would aid their escape. He hated to admit, but the other heroes had power-leveled pretty hard, considering that his [Appraisal] skill displayed that everyone here was high level. Ranging from the lowest Lv71 to the highest being Ren, the Sword Hero stacking an overwhelming Lv85, while Naofumi and his party had been forced to stay level capped at lv40.

"If my dear sister will be manipulated by this devil, then I prefer that..." Malty spoke to the heroes, but that was all the confirmation that the Shield Hero needed. Naofumi glanced back at his party one more time, the girls understanding what he was about to do. He grabbed Melty's shoulder and made the girl stay behind him.

The other heroes and their groups became alert as to the actions the Shield Hero would take. Tension began growing as Naofumi put his right hand over the gem of his shield, the words that left his mouth making the groups tense up and worry.

"[Shield of Wrath II (Wrath Shield II)]!" Naofumi shouted, his armor shifting and becoming rugged. Black cursed flames sprouted around him, the hero gaining a dark and ominous expression as his magic seemed to taint even the air around him. Black greaves stepped forward and made the other parties back a few steps away from the cursed flames. "Come on, weren't you the ones that wanted to rescue the princess?! Wasn't I the villain? Bring it on, retards!"

"NAOFUMI! Are you crazy?!" Ren shouted, his sword ready to strike.

The Shielder would respond were he not so busy trying to stay sane. The moment his Wrath Shield was summoned and the Hero set his sight on the Sword Hero, a profound hatred nested inside Naofumi. Not fleeting anger, but overwhelming rage. It was impressive that the entirety of the clearing wasn't consumed by his cursed flames.

SWORD BASTARD!

PAY! REPENT WITH YOUR LIFE!

SACRIFICE! DEMMAND SACRIFICE!

LIFE! GIVE!

Naofumi took a few more steps closer to the heroes, their parties hoping to avoid approaching the demonic looking Shielder. The crazy and deranged expression that Naofumi had wasn't helpinng his case, an evil smirk fixed on his lips as he held his shield with both hands and pointed it at the group.

"What is wrong? Are the Heroes' companions just a bunch of cowards that are all talk? have expected that." Naofumi's words were laced with sarcasm, taunting all. Ren grit his teeth, the situation long running out of his control, unlike what he expected at first.

His companions got rather angry at the remark from the Shielder, their wish to prove themselves to the hero getting the best of them. It seemed that Itsuki also had the same problem as his followers drew their weapons and together, the two groups rushed to attack the Shield Hero.

"No! You can't attack him close-quarters!" Ren tried to warn everyone, but his words fell on deaf ears. Naofumi seemed to be having a blast, fixed stance ready to take in the attacks.

CLANG!

Many swords, staffs and daggers were repelled, the attackers immediately regretting their decision as they were engulfed in cursed flames. Counterattack hit like a mini-explosion, [Self-immolation Curse] doing a fantastic job of punishing all who dared approach the Shielder.

Great, that will hold them still for a while, Naofumi pondered to himself, ordering the cursed flames to burn the ground around him. The pursuers would have to go around or find another way to follow him, which would allow him more time to plan out. As things stood, Naofumi was mostly reacting to the situation unfolding around him; it was time the hero did things on his terms.

Before he and his party could retreat, the hero heard something approaching him. Quickly ducking under his shield, Naofumi felt an impact hit his shield before an arrow fell uselessly on the ground close to his feet. He glanced at the direction that the arrow came from, spotting a great deal of Melromark knights approaching the clearing, arrows knotted on the bowstrings and ready to fire once more.

"There is the Demon Shield!"

"Protect Princess Malty!"

"Kill the Demon"

"Honor the kingdom!"

Ren tried intervening, to tell the order to stand down and allow the heroes to settle the discord, yet the men seemed hell bent on furiously attacking Naofumi. A salvo of arrows was sent once more against the hero and his companions without any regard for the safety of the Second Princess. Ren had wide eyes as the arrows flew towards the Shield Hero's group.

Naofumi held Melty close to himself, raising his shield high as a makeshift umbrella. Raphtalia and Shadow were masterfully using their weapons to deflect any projectile that risked approaching them. Felicia lazily blew out more smoke from her pipe, the arrows straying off-course as soon as they got close to her. Firo and Dera hid behind the cover of nearby trees.

"How secure must the princess be feeling, huh, Ren?" Naofumi spat out, his eyes full of an intense flame of hatred. Melty had been hugging his leg, her lips quivering at the sight of the ground littered with arrows. Arrows meant to pierce her flesh and end her life.

The Sword Hero was stunned in silence.

"I'll end this right now! Naofumi, prepare yourself!" Motoyasu declared, preparing another charge. Raphtalia quickly approached Naofumi and touched Melty's shoulder.

"Melty-san, back away from the fight. We are about to escape." The raccoon girl whispered to the blue-dressed princess, bringing her away from the fight.

"Come, you fucking prick! About time I gave you what you deserve too!" Naofumi declared. The women close to the Spear Hero began casting many supporting spells on the blond hero.

"Motoyasu, stop! There is something wrong happening here!" Ren woke from his stupor, calling out the hero. "Itsuki, say something too." The attempts at calling the Bow Hero failed, the younger hero also had his face frozen in deep thought at the current situation.

Before the other two heroes could say or do anything else, Motoyasu sprang into action.

"I'll free the princess and Firo-chan from your evil clutches, Naofumi!" The declaration was followed by the charging point of his weapon being ingulfed in vermillion flames, Malty being the last one to cast the offensive buff on the holy weapon. "[Combo Skill: Crimson Crash]! You are done, Naofumi!"

The Shield Hero dug his heels deeper on the ground, preparing himself to be on the receiving end of the flaming charge. Come then, you piece of shit! I'll end you! The ravenous idea lit a dark flame of joy inside Naofumi's heart, the hero gathering his strongest cursed flames and wreathing himself into it. He would meet Motoyasu's strongest attack head-on and when counterattack activated, the hero would practically defeat the Spear wielder with just the debuff from his curse. Then, as the others would be too stunned to react, Naofumi would try to flee once more. This was a half-assed idea at best, but the Shield was getting desperate.

The two weapons approached, encouragement from the knight order and his personal harem spurring Motoyasu to believe his victory was already decided. He continued his mad rush, his flaming weapon cutting a straight line on the ground as the tip of the spear finally met the shield, the surrounding temperature rising quickly and then smoke covered the vision of those staring at the battle, waiting the outcome.

The smoke settled soon enough and with it, the image of Naofumi's Shield was still visible, standing proud. Motoyasu's eyes almost jumped out of their sockets as the Spear Hero fixed eye contact with the Shield Hero.

Naofumi had a few soot marks on his face, yet he looked no worse for wear than at the beginning of the fight. He quickly checked his status, his HP bar having been only slightly shaved by the attack. Fixing eye-contact with the blond hero, Naofumi smirked.

"Click-click boom, bitch!" Naofumi exclaimed, sparks of cursed flame igniting as Motoyasu realized his mistake. He tried to back off, but an explosion of black fire did the job for him, pushing the hero away in cursed fire, as well as the arrows that were flying towards Naofumi.

The Shield Hero was feeling hatred, but also something warm at the sight of Motoyasu being pushed around like the idiot that he was. Seeing Ren being stunned into silence, the difference between the usual arrogant façade of the Sword Hero as a know-it-all and the current face being delightful to the Shielder; seeing the justice-freak Itsuki having a conflicted look on his pretty-boy face, seeing his idea of justice being challenged and the idea that he might be wrong. Oh, that brought dark glee to the shield hero.

"I read thy laws of nature and deciphered your meaning! Bend, oh space, and allow me to move beyond the sight of my enemies. All Dritte Fall, Dimensional Step." Felicia's words brought Naofumi out of his own stupor, the hero felling Metal Thread Wire wrapped around his right hand, currently protected by black gauntlets, and tugging him. Much like before, something akin to the starry night sky surrounded the Shield Hero and his party, this time instead it felt like they were being engulfed in darkness.

Naofumi glanced at Felicia and nodded to the witch in acknowledgement, silently thanking her. The witch lightly smiled, although her face looked pale and sweat ran on down it. The hero took the chance and gave one last look at the heroes and their parties. One last look at Ren, making the Sword Hero shiver on the spot.

"Use your head, Ren. Don't be manipulated." Those were the parting words that Naofumi left to Ren, as his frame literally shifted out of existence.

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"How are you doing?" Naofumi checked the state of the Spacial Rend Witch, the woman seemingly too tired to even smoke out of her pipe.

"Could be better for sure. Dimensional Step is a mana-intensive magic, so I'm running empty for the time being." Felicia answered, leaning on Shadow as Raphtlia held Melty. The hero was sure that the girl was tired, having to teleport a party of seven would take a toll on anyone, even more so as the woman was using high-level magic with no assistance of high-grade magical tools, only her talent and her skills making the jump possible. "We've not gone that far, so I suggest you start moving again."

"Master, this one has found the presence of a nearby agent of the queen. Your orders?" Shadow asked, having no difficulty holding the slender body of the witch. Naofumi sighed, releasing some tension from his frame.

Not even a moment of peace in this goddammed country. The hero thought to himself, now sensing the presence of said agent himself. [Spy Master Shield] was quickly becoming one of Naofumi's favorites as the hero stared directly at the tree that the queen's shadow was hidden at.

"Out already, don't get me started." The hero stated, calling the attention of Melty and Raphtalia. A moment later, an old lady left the cover of the tree. The elder tried approaching, but the furrowed brows of the Shield Hero told the idea was not welcomed. "Drop the illusion already. You are starting to piss me off."

"Naofumi-sama, calm down, please." Raphtalia walked to his side and held his hand. The hero took a deep breath and willed his shield to change into its default state.

The old lady nodded gratefully to the racoon girl, but Raphtalia hardened her gaze. "What do you want?"

This time it was melty that took the initiative. "Shadow, you can drop the illusion. Shield Hero Naofumi is an ally."

The old lady dipped her head in a bow, the illusion over her dispelling to reveal an individual dressed almost exactly like Shadow, the only difference being the hair color and the weapons this one carried.

"Princess, your safety makes this one glad." The agent's tone made the statement difficult to believe, but Naofumi had plenty experience due to dealing with Shadow. "Shield Hero-dono, it is a pleasure to work with you."

"Master needs not your fake words or your useless pleasantries. State the purpose of your mission of this one shall make sure that you will never be deployed on the field again." Shadow, even in monotone, could convey that her words were not empty threats. Melty seemed surprised that the rogue/assassin even spoke, but the stress of the situation must be getting even to her, or so the princess wondered.

The agent became silent for a few moments, enough time that Naofumi needed to cough out loud to gather attention once more.

"Care to explain why is the princess running through all these dangers when she could be safe under your guard?" Naofumi was straight to the point, seeing no use in dancing around the issue.

"That cannot be answered by me." The agent spoke, making Shadow deliberately make sound when drawing her dagger from its sheath.

"Incompetence much?" Sarcasm was dripping from the words of the hero. "You do know that if it wasn't for me, she would have kicked the bucket, right?

"Yet, she is safe and sound. A most amazing job done by you, Shield Hero Naofumi-dono." The female agent's words made a small growl leave the hero, the noise making the hero's mood known to all. "Apologies. I have been given the mission to point you and Princess Melty towards the Queen Mirelia. Your cooperation is overly required, Shield Hero-dono; so much so that Queen Mirelia decide to trust you with the safety of her daughter in hopes that you will assist us in this mission."

Naofumi scoffed. "Yeah, right. More like she pushed her fucking daughter on my chest and asked me to play babysitter. I could not give two shits about you, this country or your fucking queen. It seems like you have been following us for a while, letting she get in danger needlessly." The hero pointed to Melty, the girl lowering her head and holding her dress. "Give me a good reason, a really good reason, so that I don't order Shadow to kill you."

"The Church of the Three Heroes has been losing much of its following, the recent failings of the Sword, Bow and Spear Heroes, as well as your good deeds, have been the deciding factor of this happening. With the church weakening in power and influence, they have decided to spread false rumors of your supposed brain-washing power to try and stop their decline. We have seen to the opportunity to uproot the hold on power that the church has over our country. Once more I ask, Shield Hero-dono, please assist our cause and help Queen Mirelia."

Naofumi listened to the agent and pondered to himself for a while. Help the country that screwed him or simply mind his business and fuck off. There wasn't really much to be weigh on the balance.

"Melty." He called the attention of the Second Princess, the girl raising her head to look at him. "You have your shadow here escort you back to your mom. I will kindly fuck off from your country, best regards and good luck on your endeavors." Naofumi said, his words stunning the duo. Raphtalia looked like she wanted to speak something, but Shadow touched her on the shoulder and shook her head sideways.

"W-wait a minute, Shield Hero! You can't be serious! You are telling me that you won't help us?" Melty's voice increased in pitch, the girl no doubt stressed out and on the verge of crying. Not that he cared, it wasn't his business.

"Look, your shitty dad is trying his best to fuck with me and your bitch of a sister is no different. I rescued and helped you to the best of my abilities, but now it is time that you go back to your comfort. I wasn't summoned here to save your kingdom, I was summoned to save the world. Countries come and go, so long as there are people about, they can reconstruct and rebuild." Naofumi said, waving a goodbye to the girl and the stunned agent.

That said, Naofumi organized his party and left, not uttering a word to the princess and making their way away from the duo.

Melty was still in place, shook. She expected Naofumi to at least want some form of revenge on the Heroes or the country, the church too now that he knew why he was being persecuted. So why had he left her there.

The Second princess could not understand why he could not trust her. What had her father done that made the Hero of the Shield hate royalty so much that he was willing to let a country burn to the ground, so long as he did not get caught in the cross-fire? Was Naofumi a coward? The princess wanted answers, and she was going to get answers.

"Shadow!" The sharp voice of the girl called the attention of the Queen's agent. "You are to tell me right now everything you know about the Shield Hero Naofumi! Spare no detail, I want the full report right now was to why he is in such a hostile mood against Melromark and the royal family." The female secret operative of the queen found herself on a tight spot.

First, the Shield Hero, their leading hope, had truly given up on assisting the kingdom. Who was she kidding? The Shielder never had any intention of helping the kingdom, the current king had done much to bother and harm the hero, never fully understanding the weight of the consequences of his actions. Queen Mirelia was busy negotiating with the other countries, and thus unable to stop the advances of the Church of Three Heroes or the foolish actions of her husband. Now she was busy stopping a war from happening, yet the foolish king continued acting harshly, contrary to his moniker of Wise Hero of the Staff.

The only hope of leverage that they had was the apparent wish for revenge of the hero and if luck be told, the Shadow unit he had accompanying him. When both these failed, the agent was sure that Melromark was doomed. While not fully incompetent, the three heroes were easily manipulated or influenced by outside factors, and that was excluding the fact that they treated the fate of this world as if it was a game.

Countless reports were given to Queen Mirelia, her Shadow Guard organization being the responsible for the reports, stated that the three offensive heroes were truly of the believe that this world was some sort of game or momentary distraction. When they were gathered on pubs or the like, the three would compare their actions and achievements as one compares chess matches or a game of Gwent.

Now, the Second Princess wanted to know the full details of the happening in the country, and the agent had no choice, but to obey. Queen Mirelia was a careful and cunning woman, with a silver tongue capable of turning many situations around; her children were no exception, being smart and cunning from their young age. However, as Malty used her smarts and beauty to extort and her selfish benefit, being spoiled rotten by her father, Melty spent more of her time around her mother and thus was groomed to take actions with the interest of the country in her mind.

The agent saw no other option, but to explain the true scope of the situation to the second princess.

"Very well. Let us keep following Shield Hero-dono. I shall tell you everything on the way. We must hurry, the trail may grow cold, and the Shielder's Shadow may also trouble us if he wishes for it." The agent told Melty.

When Melty once more found Naofumi, the hero had set a campfire on the outskirts of the forest, her visage and countenance was dark. The girl avoided looking at the hero, shame written all over her face

"What do you want?" Naofumi asked, dividing the food portions to his party.

Melty tried meeting his eyes, her own orbs wet and her voice cracking.

"N-n-naofumi...I'm sorry."