Ambition of the Red Princess

by Qinlongfei

Malty S Melromarc, the selfish and scheming first princess of Melromarc suddenly finds herself at a loss when her father summoned all four Legendary Heroes. Following father and the Church's plan to frame the Shield Hero is easy and comfortable, but will it fulfill her life long ambition to become the next queen?

10. 09: Freedom

I do not own Rising of the Shield Hero

I want to once again give my biggest thanks to Comrade Broseph for betareading and final edit this chapter, sorry I made you crunch once again!

Also thanks to Fluffball13 for reading my first draft and keep bouncing ideas with me. The lizard man using smell and a third eye to substitute his sight is her idea.

Author's Note at the end for people who want to see me blabber more.

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The undercover princess nervously shuffles her feet. Getting slaves as additional party member seemed like such a good idea at the time, but now the rather belated thought does cross her mind that it may have not been as simple as she thought. Especially considering that she's standing inside a filthy and decrepit warehouse with a dozen armed thugs around her, after a long and grueling day that was already full of encounters that could have easily turned violent.

Especially since the only one here she could trust her back too was someone with no true offensive capability of his own when it comes down to it.

Sure, the attitude of the 'host' of this establishment is cordial enough for now. Yet Mein is still painfully aware of the fact that the only thing between herself and a brutal and bloody death is the goodwill of an annoyingly jovial slave trader. He could have simply been playing along with them so far to gather as much information as possible before he decides to turn on them. Or rather turn them in…

A sudden hissing sound causes her to shiver. She casts a glance in the direction she thinks that it came from, towards the cages lining the walls opposite those where the demi-humans and beastmen are kept. Each one of these contains some sort of exotic looking beast or monster, their gluttonous and greedy eyes seem to glow in the dimly light warehouse.

She picks up her pace as hurries to catch up with the fat slave trader and Naofumi, as they head off in the direction of the 'girl' that the werewolf mentioned.

Chapter 9: Fighting for Freedom

As the fat merchant stops there are three metal cages line up side by side at the far wall facing him. Each one contains a different demi-human inside. Each one has its own unique disgusting stink. Mein notices even the Siltvelt rats scrunch up their noses, and it's easy to see why. Or maybe smell it.

Yes, while the smell is less than tolerable in literally any part of the slums, especially in this dilapidated part of the semi-abandoned warehouse, the lingering stench of death seems to hang over these cages like a dark cloud. Considering her refined royal senses not swooning is a serious challenge. She presses the cloth stuffed with herbs that Naofumi made for her closer to her nose and tries to breathe through it. Honestly it barely helps.

The first cage has a rabbit man. One of his arms is twisted and bent at a rather disturbing to look angle.

The rabbit-men of Ivalice forest are highly accomplished skirmishers in the service of Siltvelt's army. Their eye sight may be poor compare to avian races such as hawk-men, but they make up for it with their acute hearing. It's said the best rabbit-man sharpshooters can hit a target at 1000 paces away from them. In fact, it is said their long ears can make them hear the sound of the spirits. They are often great magic users in addition to being bowmen. Their bodies are weaker built than those of humans, but they are great fencers with their natural nimbleness.

Best way to face them: Disengage immediately if you are caught in the forest. Try to lure them into open plain to blitz through and crush them with overwhelming force, preferably from the strong back of a charging Knight Dragon to close down to melee from bow range as fast as you can.

"This one is a level 5. It's arm is not an injury but a birth defect. Otherwise it's in perfect health. And it could be yours for the low, low price of 25 silver, Master Shield Hero!" The merchant brushes his fingers through his thin mustache above his crooked grin.

"Rabbit-men are most well known for their archery. This one can't use a bow with one arm." Mein says as she frowns and throws Beloukas an accusing look.

"Ah, yes. Very astute observation, as expected from my lady." The balloon like man bobs his head up and down, his smile never disappearing from his face. "If this one had use of both its arms the price would have been at least twice as high. Even so his one arm is still good to use for a rapier or a short-sword and rabbit man are well known for their magic affinity besides."

"Rabbit features, good with bow, magic and fencing, huh..." Naofumi crouches low to stare into the rabbit man's grim face. "Sounds like Viera of Ivalice."

Mein quickly turns her head to Naofumi. It seems that the holy text that transported the young man to their world does contain some accurate information if it has both specific locations and historical figures in it. It definitely adds more credit to her theory of the book being a sub branch of his world's faith of Four.

The demi-human's long ears perk up and he raises his head from staring at the mold growing on the cracked wall to look Naofumi up and down. "You heard of Lady Viera? The companion of the Great Unifier?"

When the long eared demi-human finally notices the legendary Shield on Naofumi's arm his eyes widen in recognition and he drawn in a sharp breath. "The Shield… I see that you heard one of our Legends, Master Shield Hero. Lady Viera of the Rabbit tribe was one of our first king's most faithful companions. She was said to be willing to shoot down the moon for him. I have the honor of being of her tribe."

Naofumi blinks his eyes at the rabbit man's enthusiasm, looking somewhat taken aback at the sudden torrent of words. To be fair to the demihuman, Mein supposes that even an animal would have the capacity to feel some pride for belonging to the same pack as a renowned companion of a former Hero. Doubly so when it's the Shield Hero himself that bring this companion up.

After all, legacy and heritage are important no matter what your position in this world may be.

"R-right. I'll get back to you later." The Shield Hero nods his head with a forced smile. He turns to inspect the second cage.

A bony looking girl just over ten years old lie inside with cloudy eyes. She has a pair of round ears with dry fur sticking around like withered grass. This is clearly the brat that the wolf beastman was talking about.

The raccoon dogs of Shee Kok mountain. Master tricksters with an affinity for illusion magic. They aren't well known for their military role in Siltvelt's society, but are great merchants with the instinctual ability to misdirect people in order to close favorable deals at other's expense.

The irony of someone that's supposed to be an inborn master trickster and merchant being reduced to a merchandise doesn't escape Mein. The princess in disguise frowns as the young Hero kneels down beside the cage to get a better look at the girl.

The girl shivers and twitches while mumbling something incoherent. That disfigured albino woman wasn't lying when she announced the girl's rapid deteriorating health it seems. All Mein manages to pick up from her ramble are a few short words. Coincidentally 'Shield Hero' being the most prominent one, although Mein doesn't think the girl is lucid enough to realize that the object of her rambling is currently right before her.

A sickly and dying girl is useless to a party of adventurers. Even if she was healed she obviously can't fight anything other than the most low level monsters until enough experience is accumulated that she can grow into an adult. Which might take up to several weeks if not months.

By extension this child would be useless as a meat shield as bigger monster will simply tear through her like a piece of rotten parchment. And given her frail body, her utility as servant that could carry her belongings and perform chores is also limited.

"Yes, I am the Shield Hero… and I'm here to take you out of this place. Everything's going to be okay." The young man from another world doesn't seem to mind the prospect of wasting his money on what's clearly just a dead-weight. He extends an arm into the cage, picking up and holding onto the girl's hand while whispering something that's clearly intended to be soothing into her ears.

By contrast the girl doesn't seem to even acknowledge him, her fever clearly putting her beyond the ability to recognize her surroundings.

"Now, this one here is who you asked me to show to you. To be honest she is a bit of a dozy to say the least. She is a level 1 raccoon dog suffering from flu and night terror. She had a few masters before ending up in my hands. Guess they either messed her up good and broke her, or otherwise couldn't stand her... difficulties, if she came to them already damaged. Given the circumstances for the cheap price of 30 silvers, I'm more than willing to pass her into your care, Master Shield Hero." The balloon like man reaches into the cage to play with the girl's ear, tugging on it. This actually seems to be the first thing that actually gets through to her, as she recoils back with terrified look and scurries back into the furthest corner of the cage where she begins shacking while rocking back and forth.

It's as pitiful an image as anything Mein had ever seen prior, really.

"She's lower level than the rabbit-man, dying from illness, but costs more?" Naofumi gives the slave trader a look of disgust mixed with anger and confusion.

"You have to realize, Master Shield Hero. The fact is that most people willing to buy slaves on the black market do it for two reasons. That is either for use as brute muscle, or for more… carnal reasons. Naturally due to the demand female slaves cost more than male ones, especially if they are as young as this one. If this raccoon girl was in good health and without any of her current… complications… she'd be worth at least half as much as the former gladiator you've chatted with earlier. In fact, the female demi-humans of the raccoon tribe are considered to be an inferior product compared to some of the others. If she was a fox girl she could have been sold at same price as the werewolf even with all of her current predicaments."

"Please, stop. I know what you are talking about but I'd rather not have to hear it. This is getting into seriously messed up territory." Naofumi inches away from Beloukas with his face twisted. He closes his eyes and squeezes the bridge of his nose with his hand as he frowns.

The Shield Hero opens them after several seconds to give a look overflowing with compassion and pity to the raccoon girl still shaking in a fetal position in the corner of her cage. After a while the young hero tears his eyes away from the dying demi-human child and turns to the last cage, fists clenched.

Inside there sits a large hunched man covered in scales, that somehow manages to give the impression of glaring at Naofumi, despite the fact that his glassy and pale eyes are clearly blind. Even in the darkness Mein can make out eerie marking on its face, specifically its forehead.

The lizard men of Mal Gobi desert are outcasts among even other beastmen. They dwell on the fringes of the known world and are most known for their insatiable thirst for bloodshed and battle. Their vicious nature and willingness to do anything in the name of victory are unparalleled. They use curved blades that can cut through a knight's heavy plate armor with ease, or get around a shield's defense to strike down their enemies. It is advisable to retreat immediately when faced in pitched battle against them unless your thirst for victory is stronger.

"He looks more like that Farkas guy then the other two. Not that there is anything wolf-like about him, just that… he's less humanoid?" Naofumi tilts his head from one side to the other. It's hard to guess if he's trying to get a better angle to look at the specimen, or if it's unconscious movement to go with him musing out loud.

"Indeed. This one is also a beastman much more aligned with his primal animal form than any ordinary demihuman. Unfortunately he's blind. Fortunately that hardly diminishes his combat ability if that's what you need. His kind have a sense of smell keen enough that by simply tasting the air they can know their whereabouts. That marking on his forehead is also something like a third 'eye'." The slave merchant nods as he replies to Naofumi's quarry.

Naofumi lets out a skeptical hum at this reply. He steps closer to the cage, waving his hand in front of the lizard's face while calling out.

"Uh, hey there. Can you see me?" After a while of nothing but silence from the lizardman Naofumi frowns again. "I thought he Shield is supposed to translate everything I say?" He looks back at Mein and she can't do anything but shrug her shoulders at his inquisitive look. He turns back to the lizardman. "I'm the Shield Hero by the way. If you can understand me then you should realize you have no reason to be afraid."

At these words a downright creepy grin stretches across the lizardman's face, revealing several rows of razor sharp teeth.

"Oh I am not afraid. I know what you really are... Yes, I could smell it on you the moment you came here... the scent of my Goddess lingers on you like a blanket." He speaks with something that's not quite an accent, but rather an eerie distortion of sound, most likely due to his inhuman shape of his mouth and throat.

"I was waiting, as was the Goddess's divine will... Though, you really took your time didn't you? Heh." His grin stretches further, contorting his disgusting features. "Yet, the divine will of my Goddess is indisputable! No matter how the Fate of this world twisted and turned, one way or another you were led here as was preordained! Now get me out of this cage! My future and yours, She has seen fit that in this world they must be intertwined so that I may fulfill the task She has assigned me with! Yes, both you and I, we have our paths laid out ahead of us by Her will! Hehehe..."

The lizard man begin to ramble and laugh manically.

Mein exchange a quick glance with Naofumi as the Shield Hero slowly steps back from the cage. It appears the reptile man's word unnerved Naofumi as much as they did the undercover princess. And why should they have not? This one is clearly a lunatic!

"We should be careful with this one, Master Naofumi. There seems to be something deeply unsettling about him. Maybe... we should not free him right away?" Or ever, really. Mein thinks that she's likely to have trouble sleeping at night even with this mad beast under a slave seal, nevermind with him being without one.

Naofumi opens his mouth to let out a small sigh and turns his eyes down.

"Agreed." Naofumi eventually lets out, the word barely audible as he says it under his breath. Well, thankfully for all his idealism he at least didn't argue with her here. Naofumi turns to look at the slave trader again. "How much for him?"

"He is a level 8 and quite formidable even so. I will gladly pass him to your care for measly 40 silver coins. Exotic ones like lizard men usually go for much higher, but he is a half-breed and... a rather exotic case even for his kind. He makes all my customers nervous. That makes doing business quite hard." The plump man shrugs his shoulders as he smirks, his thick lenses seemingly twinkle despite the lack of an obvious light source.

"Master Shield Hero, I highly recommend you take him into your service, even if the Mara tribe is well known to be rather... zealous." The female rat steps up to whisper into Naofumi's ears. Mein grits her teeth at the vermin daring to stand in such proximity to her Naofumi. "Their tribe is known for their ferociousness in battle. The Carthus Company, a group of sellswords made up entirely of Mara tribesmen is widely known as the best mercenary company in the world. Once they have even been able to take down an army ten times their size."

Naofumi turns to look at Mein once again, clearly asking for her input on this topic, rather than going merely going off the words of the Siltvelt rat, amusingly enough making the spy grit her teeth in frustration. Phah! As if the lowly vermin ever stood a chance!

Well, Mein is happy to oblige her Naofumi's curiosity!

"I heard of them, Master Naofumi. The Carthus Company existed for a long, long time. Their greatest military achievement was during the previous time the Waves of Calamity struck. The rebels, backed by Siltvelt and the former Shield Hero, had hired the Carthus Company to fight on their side. In pitched battle they slaughtered an elite army of Q'ten Lo Honor Guards that numbered ten times their size... and then that same day proceeded to butcher everyone in the city that the Honor Guard marched out to protect, with not even the Shield Hero being able to rein in their frenzy as the lizardmen feasted on the bodies of women and children… Or so the story goes, anyway. Everywhere in the world it's widely known you don't pick an open fight with the Great Lizard of Mal Gobi, unless you have incredibly overwhelming odds stacked in your favor, and even then it is no guarantee of victory.

"I see... well, he certainly does seem a bit unstable." Naofumi stands up and throws another glimpse towards the mumbling reptile. "You were right. We should probably keep him under constant supervision, at least till we are sure he's not going to hurt anyone, or himself. It'd be problematic if we let him go too early and he did something terrible."

"Actually, Master Naofumi, if you intend to acquire him after all, I was thinking we should keep him on a leash permanently." Naofumi immediately spins on his heel to stare at Mein when she expresses her concern. Lucky for the undercover princess this time, she already prepared the follow up statement. "It is not a matter of this beastman acclimating to freedom. It's simply in the very nature of his tribe to go into a frenzy at the prospect of bloodshed. Not to mention that he is a half-breed… If you wish to prevent suffering then it may be unwise to treat him like you would even a demi-human that is only savage because of their barbaric traditions or upbringing. Half-breeds are known to be less than stable in their own right, even if you forget the fact that he is of the Mara tribe… It's only a matter of time until he acts as is in his nature and goes on a rampage because 'his goddess' told him too. I'm sorry to be so blunt, but his case is just not the same as with any other demihuman you saw."

Naofumi clenches his teeth and frowns at her explanation.

"So you are saying that he has no capacity for free will? That maybe he was born to be a slave?" That's a loaded question if ever Mein heard one.

"We are all born slaves to Her will!" The lizard man chimes in helpfully, causing Naofumi to briefly throw him a dirty look before meeting Mein's eyes again. Actually, a thought occurs to Mein - if Naofumi stands in opposition to systematic slavery to the point where he is willing to be obstinate then perhaps she should reframe her position? Yes, perhaps it's best to switch the vector from which she is approaching this issue.

"Master Naofumi, I am not saying that it is right for him to be a slave. I am saying that it may be the lesser evil over setting him free in a human kingdom specifically." She meets his gaze. Several seconds pass during which Mein would like to think that Naofumi is coming to terms over what she told him.

Before Naofumi can give a reply the female rat buts in again however.

"Regarding what your companion said, Master Shield Hero... much as I hate to agree with her statement, perhaps keeping this one around with a magical slave seal on his body is for the best. Indeed it would be prudent to consider this not as enslavement, but as a safety measure for someone who is not capable of taking care of himself."

The incognito princess is rather surprised at one of the Siltvelt animals fully taking her side but she isn't about to complain.

"...I don't think I would be able to forgive myself if he ends up hurting our rightful king." And that sliver of gratitude is gone as the rat once again leans close to her Naofumi while whispering in a quiet murmur. "They are vicious in battle, but also cunning to the extreme and aren't above using every dirty trick in the book in order to triumph. They care not for principles or honor, only for achieving victory. They take that mentality into everything they do. And given what he himself said, I fear what would happen if this one decides that the wishes of this goddess go contrary to yours."

Naofumi remains silent as the troubled look on his face grows. He's clearly in a dilemma, where his promise to free all slaves is put up against the harsh reality of this world. His features are a clear indicator that it's tearing him apart to be brought short so soon after he made his proclamation.

Seeing her Naofumi like this makes the princess in disguise take a deep breath to steel herself once again. For a moment, she wants to simply tell the young man that maybe, just maybe they'll simply release the lizard man after he serves his purpose. Yet she knows better than to feed such naiveté in her future husband and king.

After all, what if this rattled reptile rascal returns to hurt them? It won't matter how well they treat him as he is clearly insane. No, right now she needs to put her foot down and steel her Naofumi into a worthy future ruler at her side. This is for the best not just for herself, but also a valuable lesson for her Naofumi as well.

Eventually Naofumi closes his eyes and releases a loud sigh.

"You two are right. I shouldn't have let my optimism get so out of hand, ignoring the wellbeing of the people around me just to live in my ideals." The young Hero takes a deep breath. He manages to reel in his emotions and lets his hands drop to his sides. "I'll just have to think of this as being the guardian of an individual with mental problems, rather than a slave owner. There is no reason I have to treat him as a slave besides keeping him from trouble, it can just be like he is on permanent probation or…" Suddenly he pauses and blinks, then raises a hand to scratch the back of his head as he looks at the patiently waiting slave merchant.

"How does illegal slavery work in this country anyways? Mein talked about state slavery as punishment for criminals, but how exactly does the under the table crime operate? Do slave owners just walk around with their slaves in the open or is there some way of covering it up?"

"Ah, normally I would charge extra for such questions. But I suppose given the great public service that Master Shield Hero is rendering on behalf of the entire kingdom by fighting the Waves, why don't I throw in a little freebie just for you?" Once again the balloon man makes it sounds like he is being especially considerate and generous, but really it's obvious that there is no sense in having money if there is nothing left to purchase with it. The fat slave merchant is just practical enough to realize that.

"Alright, I get it, you are oh so very generous. So tell me how things work here." Naofumi's tone is completely deadpan. He looks at each one of the slaves, each still in their cage, as he drawls the words.

"Well then. Listen to your followers and don't free your slaves too easily, Master Shield Hero. You may think it's the right choice... and morally speaking that may be the case. But morality and legislation are two very different things." The portly short man strides around with comically large steps as he shakes his finger. "You probably already know this country harbors a hatred for beastmen and demi-humans, but you don't know just HOW much they are hated!" He takes a dramatic pause as he twirls his mustache.

"In fact, unless you are in a fiefdom of one of the more openly demi-human sympathizing lords, the number of which may be counted on the fingers of a single hand, the demi-humans are considered to be not much more than monsters. While personal endeavors of slave capturing and trading are made illegal by legislation, there's certainly no law protecting free demi-humans from being hunted down for experience by prospecting adventurers." Naofumi's eyes widen considerably at this.

"Indeed. There is no punishment for killing a demihuman or a beastman in this kingdom. You may do anything to them really, so long as you don't openly keep them around with a slave seal. And that only because the high lords and dukes worry that someone might assemble an army of them given the chance, an event not without standing precedent." Naofumi's eyes get as wide as saucers, but the slave trader isn't done yet.

"However! There is a catch. The taking and selling of slaves may be illegal, with quite severe and most often lethal repercussions for those that are condemned of such… Yet there are many lee ways for someone to own a private slave. Yes, the law states that all slaves are to work for the kingdom. But how to interpret what that actually means is up to individual people. For instance, you as one of the Legendary Heroes summoned by this kingdom are technically a significant agent of the crown, all of that Three Heroes hogwash aside! This is indeed how some of the nobility use their positions at court to bypass the restrictions on slavery. Your slaves are technically to be treated as the kingdom's slaves until such a time as their status is contradicted by the ruling monarch or her regent. Thus, if you keep your slaves under a seal it may give pause to those that would wish to abuse or slay them were they free... unless they wish to face the repercussions for damaging royal property."

Yes, Mein thinks that about sums it up. Unless father specifically goes out of his way to deprive Naofumi of them, any slaves that her Naofumi acquires are much more secure than they'd be otherwise. Doing so would be the equivalent of sabotaging her as well however. And really, what are the chances that her daddy would do something like that, all for the sake of taking something away from the Shield Hero?

"You have got to be kidding me. I understand this country would hate them for the war, but to see them nothing more than animals? No, even animal hunting would have restrictions placed on it! This is just…" Naofumi is looking as outraged as Mein had ever seen him. Yes, the culture shock from his own world must be severe indeed.

"I suppose you can find some backwater town to drop your former slaves off in, if you really want to go the extra distance for them. Smaller communities without strategic importance and far from the border weren't really hit by Siltvelt's occupation force. It's possible some of them are willing to shelter demi-humans." The balloon like slave trader says as he shrugs his shoulder, slightly wrinkling his almost impeccable tailor made suit.

An illumination spell seems to figuratively light up in the Shield Hero's head and Naofumi quickly turns to look at her expectedly. "Mein, you said you come from a small town that keeps mostly to itself and is far away from the capital, right? Surely the demi-humans can live a quiet new life there."

Unfortunately the undercover princess does not know what the actual town of Samphor is like, having never been there in person. From what she read in the royal records, the sleepy little town is a quiet place barely even visited by adventurers or traders most of the time, much like the rest of Ascarot county. That was the primary reason why Malty S Melromarc chose Mein of Samphor as her fake adventurer persona.

She didn't expect the first question that the Shield Hero would ask her would be related to the level of tolerance that the locals have for demi-humans, but some rumors she overheard a while back while pretending to be a commoner provide her with an answer.

From what she overheard back then, apparently the younger of the lord's daughters is suspected to have the blood of a white tiger demi-human in her, due to her natural born white hair. The princess isn't sure how dirty commoners from the boonies would react about such besmirching of their ruling family, but whether the rumor is true or false, it's not hard to imagine their opinion of demi-humans is not favorable.

"Mein! Are you still with us?" A gentle shake of her shoulder brings Mein right back into the present. The novice adventurer realizes she'd got lost in her thoughts once again. Naofumi's face look a bit strange, not fully frowning but concern is definitely shining in his eyes. Maybe her face gave some clues about her true identity away while she was thinking back on how to answer the Shield Hero's question? That's definitely something she'll need to be careful of in the future.

"I'm sorry to have worried you, Master Naofumi. I was just reminded of some... very scandalous rumors about our lord's family that also relate to demi-humans. I... I really don't want to talk about it, Master Naofumi. But the people of Samphor... we aren't very welcoming of the demi-humans because of it. Our lords, the Ascarots are good to the people and anything that besmirches their honor is intolerable to us." The last wisp of hope extinguishes in Naofumi's eyes. For a moment, Mein wanted to throw her arms around the naive young man. Partly to comfort him, but also to seek some comfort for herself.

She is mostly stopped by the grim reminder of what happened back in the inn. He may not look it, but even now the Shield Hero is carrying several of the ravenous spherical demons beneath his cloak, be they damned to the four pits of hell!

"I... I was being selfish once again. Wasn't I? Sorry I made you remember something you don't want to talk about." Naofumi looks away from her while keeping his hand firmly on her shoulder. Mein thinks that she can somehow feel the faint warmth of his palm even through her thick traveling clothes and leather pauldron.

"Such is life, such is life." The portly slave trader slowly claps his hands together to draw the Shield Hero's attention back to him. "My recommendation: don't make them freemen, at least till they hit late 10s with their levels if not much higher. Even so they'd be better getting out of this kingdom as soon as you set them free. Even at high level they won't be able to protect themselves from the sheer numbers of those that would wish to hunt them down here. And if they can't protect themselves, then the best case scenario is they end up right back where they've started, here with me."

"Still, won't I have trouble with the guards? There is a difference between being an agent of the crown on a technicality and being backed by the crown in actual fact. And you may know that the whole 'Three Real Heroes One Shield Demon' thing is bullshit, but apparently the royal family disagrees with you." Naofumi simply turns his head towards the pudgy skin trader with his eyebrows slightly raised.

"Oh, my dear customer. You truly seem to have no idea the powerful position you are in." Beloukas clicks his heels together and slashes his finger forward to point at Naofumi. "You are ONE of the four Legendary Heroes. No matter what the Church of the Three Heroes or its followers say and no matter what people whisper behind your back! Your status is backed by documents that can not be overturned for the simple fact that they are the very foundation of this kingdom and the system above which the royal family presides! In short, that means you are entitled to at least the noble rank of a Duke in Melromarc by default."

The young man from another world stays completely quiet and motionless for a few seconds before he points at his own chest. It seems the Shield Hero is having a hard time processing such information. "ME? A Duke!?"

The overweight slave trader puts his hands onto his back as he stride around the area like an Alpha Filorial. It almost looks fitting in a way, considering his girth and feather decorated top hat. "Indeed! Of course, where you'll carve out your territory is still debatable, but since I'm not the queen that's not my problem to worry about."

Malty can't help but find her Naofumi's reaction to finding out his technical legal status to be beyond simply amusing, though she tries not to show it.

"Master Naofumi, this man speaks the truth. The entire caste system of Melromarc is founded on the idea that the high nobility and the royalty are given their status for being descended from former Heroes. Heroes that are naturally superior not only for their weapons but for their blood. Condemning you as a demon as the bearer of the Shield is one thing, but questioning your status and your right to rule would open a pit of monsters for them, as it would bring to question whether they themselves are fit to rule for simply having other-worlder blood in their veins. They would have to frame you for a significant crime and sabotage your reputation first to get away with that."

Of course, usually glorious Melromarc would only have one Hero to contend with and hence one duchy to establish or give away. With all Four of them brought forth by dear father and three of them being quite the 'exotic' cases... Even if Naofumi is to become king that still leaves three duchies that need to be handed out… The undercover princess honestly has no idea how mother will sort them out after the Waves.

Actually, with a shiver Malty realizes that there is a chance that mother might offload that responsibility on to her as the next queen. Provided that Malty succeeds in establishing herself as such… Sure, mother potentially making the Three Cardinal Clowns her problem would be an extremely roundabout way of getting back at her for ruining her mother's plans of replacing her as heir with Melty, but it's honestly something that Malty can see the Queen doing, if only to spite her eldest daughter.

The overweight slave trader continues his speech in the meantime as Mein is trying to sort things out in her head.

"Your companion has the gist of it. Quite knowledgeable for a common country girl eh? But yes, for you to have your title and right revoked you first need to be established as a serious criminal in action and deed, not only in local religious doctrine. Yes, there are some rumors about you in particular, Sir Shield Hero. But you have never been officially condemned by law, therefore it is in fact, completely lawful for you to own demi-human slaves."

"This is... it's like someone wrote the law to actually encourage slavery in any way, while also making themselves look like the good guys despite the fact. I need to sit down." Naofumi's eyes becomes a bit distant as he begin to drop to the floor like a rock. Mein quickly holds him up by his arm while the female rat grabs his other side. The two of them bare their teeth towards each other while Naofumi is busy trying to reel his mind back in place and ignoring them. "I won't argue that it's a convenient loophole for me right now, didn't anyone try to stop this? Not even one of the Heroes?"

"Some did try, or so the records wrote. None of them were successful in the end, they either lost interest trying to rewrite the old laws, gave up when they encountered too many difficulties, or the slavery laws came right back with a vengeance after said Hero's passing. It's been around since the ancient times, hard to fight something people are so used to by now with so many benefit from it. That's like telling the clowns sitting on their thrones to not summon a Hero to shovel their shit for them whenever a Wave hits." The portly skin trader shrugs his shoulder as he pulls a stool and walks to Naofumi's back. He slides the stool right under the young man before waving a hand at Mein and the rat to let Naofumi sit down. "Or maybe Master Shield Hero was talking about people trying to crash the party of the 'illegal' slave trade? Oh, that happens too, once in a while. Usually whenever some hot head guard captain thinks they are the next best thing to happen to the concept of Justice since the first Bow Hero."

"Both, I guess. But do go on. I need to know all I can about this skin trade business." The Shield Hero takes his water bag out and dumps the last mouthful down his throat. He waves his wrist a little as the empty water bag dangles in his hand, letting a few drops of glitter fall on the dusty floor and create a few dark muddy spots on the rotting wood.

"You see, Master Shield Hero. Most manhunters are also registered adventurers from the Adventurers Guild. Their employers, the big slave traders on the other hand have the right connections. The corrupted guardsmen that let it slide are paid by the nobles who compose the primary clients in this business. As soon as manhunters bring in their next big hunt, said guardsmen make some fake criminal records. So even if some hotheaded and incorruptibly righteous guard captain orders a big raid on the slums, all they'll end up finding is some 'criminals' brought in by adventurers getting ready to be transported into state custody to work off their sentence. And it's easy to sign a few papers, and transfer those 'criminals' from the system right back into the market."

"Essentially, everything is stacked against free demi-humans in this country. Nobody can be bothered to write their names down as registered citizens to be afforded protection, but they are more than willing to put their names down on fabricated criminal records to be hunted down even when they are wrongfully accused."

"Ah, that is how the law goes, I'm afraid. At the end of the day, it's people wielding power that decide how it's to be used." The impressive mustache twitches a little on the balloon like man. He looks back to the cages in the back. "Who shall I bring out to serve the great Shield Hero? Personally, I'd recommend the lizard man. For all his issues he has no problems that stop him from being able to fight for you.

The Shield Hero is as rigid as a statue for a moment. His almost adorably lost expression begins to harden as he suddenly narrows his eyes and grits his teeth.

"All of them. If I'm forced to play by the rules of this country, I'll be damn sure to play them well and use them to help the people they should be protecting. It's not right for the people with all the power to simply walk over the weak like this."

Mein feels her heart flutter as Naofumi waves his arm almost like he's trying to encompass all the unfortunate and downtrodden of glorious Melromarc.

It's a slight shame he's spending so much of his effort trying to understand and help the commoners rather than the important people he should be paying more attention to, but it still fills the incognito princess with a sense of pride to see the Hero she decided to risk everything for taking steps to learn how to play this game and become a leader. With time, and hopefully with him growing more trusting in her there is chance to make him see the bigger picture yet.

"Ah, very well. You heard the Shield Hero, people. Open the cages and let our tenants out. They'll likely all become a Hero's companion today." The portly skin trader stops playing with his mustache and claps his hands. The patrolling thugs follows his orders and lets the slaves out.

The lizard man is the first to step out of his confinement and stretches his lanky limbs while cracking his neck. He strides forward confidently, either due to misplaced faith in whatever the 'goddess' he rambles about, or his proud Carthus heritage.

The little girl still shivers and twitches on top of the dry hay pile that serves as her bed. The rabbit man gives a blank look towards her and crawls inside her cage. He wraps his remaining good arm around her and manages to pull her out with some effort.

"I have some cold medicine, it should help her." Naofumi almost jumps up from the stool to run over. The Shield Hero wraps his arms around the little raccoon's shoulder and legs and heaves her up, carrying her over and sits her down on the stool with his arm holding against her back. He begin to rummage through his traveling pouch and soon fishes out one thin flask. He pries out the cork and slowly moves it to her lips. "Drink it, it'll help you."

The feverish girl is as oblivious as ever. The long eared slave kneels down on the little girl's other side. He gently presses one finger on each side of her mouth to open her lips up. Naofumi begins to slowly pour the contents into her mouth. For a few moments the little beast stays still, till she pukes the potion right with a loud blench.

"She spilled the whole shot." The rabbit man seems to have a knack for stating the obvious with the most deadpan delivery and bland expression, beating out even her Naofumi at his most sarcastic. He looks down at the muddy puddle in front of the little girl. It's hard to guess what's going on in his mind like this.

"I'll get another one, I have a few more. Mein, give me a hand." The undercover princess quickly kneels down behind the little raccoon and holds down both of her shoulders to stop her from falling back over. Trying to mimic how the maids when they help the royal family put down their traditional regalia. This whole farce is simply beneath her of course. Pity or not she does not want to touch the filthy little thing nor does she want to get her traveling clothes any dirtier than they already are by kneeling on the dusty floor.

But this is a good chance to show Naofumi that the adventurer Mein from the backwater town of Samphor is both helpful and kind. Yes, she's even willing to help a demi-human slave while her fellow townsfolk do not take kindly to them.

"It's okay, everything will be okay. But you'll have to drink this medicine. They say the bitter medicines are the best for disease. I'll take you to a good restaurant and get you something sweet to wash out the taste, okay?" Sadly, her Naofumi seems to be completely oblivious to really appreciate the indignity she's suffering for him at the present time. He's too busy trying to get another vial of what to the raccoon brat is literally life saving medicine down her throat without chocking the girl or letting her spill it… Whispering comforting words into the filthy little cub's ear, completely ignoring the fact he's supposed to be her master and have her serve him, not the other way around…

"It's so bitter... it hurts." The little raccoon's mewling for once is both coherent and lucid enough to get her point across, yet that just makes it even more annoying in Mein's opinion. Even she as a royal princess was not so spoiled that she'd waste a life saving potion like this when someone was giving it to her out of the goodness of their heart.

In a sudden bout of enlightened thought the undercover primness concludes that she simply does not like small children in general, not just her bratty younger sister. Unlike adults who can be persuaded by profit or scared into line by fear, little children are simply unreasonable in the way they behave. Not to mention they make a mess everywhere, like the little animal just did when she spilled her medicine.

"If you'd allow me, My lord?" A familiar voice booms in Mein's ear like the sound of nail on a crystal surface, or the snap of a flute's string. She looks up and her breath stills for a short beat from the looming shadow over Naofumi's shoulders.

The lizard demi-human, with his almost unnatural lanky body towers over them all. His dull glassy eyes seem to shine sickly yellow in the dim light of the warehouse. Coupled with his much more reptilian feature the thing makes the novice adventurer feel like she's being stared down by a dragon about to eat her, not a malnourished slave in rags. His outstretched claws makes Mein's throat tight as she vividly picture how he'll close it around her neck to either crush it, or cut it open with his sharp nails.

A short and abrupt 'wah' is all the eloquent reply the Shield Hero manages to get out before the reptile snatches the vial of medicine out of Naofumi's grasp. The lizardman first holds the girls nose such that she can't breathe without opening her mouth and once she does so pops open the cork and shoves the thin bottle through her lips. He squeezes his other claw around the girl's mouth, holding her lips tightly shut so she can't puke the potion right back out like the first time. After a few tense moment of silence, he simply pulls the now empty vial out of the girl's mouth and carelessly tosses it behind his shoulder. "There, problem solved. You may now continue with buying us."

Naofumi's left eye twitches, but he refrains from putting the upstart slave in his place. Whether out of his conviction or because he wants to get all of this done and over with Mein doesn't know.

"Wonderful!" Beloukas closes his palms together in front of his chest, his mustache twitches and hands rub together. "Now line up right in front of the Shield Hero, and I'll get my men to bring out the paperwork and ink to finalize the purchase. I don't want my valuable customer to get into problems with the law, of course."

Naofumi wordlessly keeps his gaze fixed on the lizard man as he walks back to stand in attention a few paces away. The rabbit man slowly gets up from his crouch and extends his good hand towards the girl. Naofumi intercept the long eared demi-human with his hand and a shake of his head. "Let her rest with Mein for now. She can use it."

Mein wisely chooses to keep her comment about how the hare can keep the raccoon cub to herself. She simply picks up the girl and sits down on the stool.

It has been both a long and very trying day even by the new standard of Mein of Samphor the commoner adventurer. She'd usually bulk at being relegated to the role of a glorified handmaid, or nanny who have to take care of a dirty little commoner brat - a demi-human brat no less! But much like her Naofumi she just wants to be done with the mess at this point and it's really not that hard to just hold the girl. Considering just how light she is.

Actually, as she rests the as of yet unnamed demi-human girl on her lap, all she can think about is just how unnaturally light the girl feels on her aching legs. Do young commoner girls usually weigh next to nothing?

There used to be a time from before when while the elder princess would often be in her room reading… to be specific when she was usually enjoying some new edition of some spicy romance novel series… her spoiled younger sister would simply waltz into her room whenever she pleased and plop down on her lap as if she was entitled to do so. And even though in the First Princess' memories her sister was a few years younger than this girl, compared to the raccoon brat Melty was like a boulder dropping onto her!

Mein brushes a strand of hair away from the little raccoon's face. The girl looks as light as she feels, with her skin seeming to cling onto her bones rather than meat. It's definitely far cry from the younger princess of glorious Melromarc.

Didn't her Naofumi mention something about taking the girl to a good restaurant after this... this sordid affair is done? Yes, she should remind him if he forgets the promise after the tiresome day they've had. Or at least get some of their smoked meat to the girl after she wakes up. Put some meat on her bone so to speak. Literally.

If they are going to be stuck with a child for a companion, she's going to have to be able to pull her own weight. And for that she first needs to first gain some weight of her own to pull, or so Mein rationally decides.

Meanwhile Naofumi's gaze is still lingering on the lizard man standing with arms crossed in front of him. The reptile lightly taps his claws on the wooden floor without saying anything. The Shield Hero moves closer to the rabbit man that is still standing near him and whispers into one of his long ears. "Even after all that's been said I have to ask, is that guy always this intense?"

"Lautrec? The last couple of years he lived in the same town as I. Never asked where he came from. Seen him couple of times moving crates here and there around town. Quiet dock worker who mostly kept to himself, from what I know. Guess being enslaved hit him hard." The rabbit man says with his usual deadpan tone with a nonchalant shrug.

"I see... wait. You said his name is Lautrec?" Naofumi is simply nodding along before his head suddenly whips back to stare at the rabbit demi-human.

The rabbit man slightly tilts his head up as he observes the young Hero's reaction to Lautrec's name. "Not a typical Mara Tribe name for sure. Maybe his mother wanted him to fit in among the demi-humans in Melromarc?"

"Is that so. And what's your name?" The Shield Hero hold his gaze on the rabbit man for a few seconds too long before he asks with a sigh.

"Kyubey." Naofumi suddenly becomes completely still at the mention of the rabbit man's name. His body posture seems to become more rigid as he slowly but surely begins to shift his weight away from Kyubey, as if wanting to distance himself to get a full picture of him.

That is definitely not the normal reaction when learning someone's name. Even if the rabbit man has a very unusual name for his tribe. Now that incognito princess thinks about it, her Naofumi's reaction upon learning the lizard's name is also very strange. Her Naofumi said that he knew little of their world beyond the basics, yet maybe he was intentionally withholding the extent of his knowledge from her? But for what reason would he do so? It made no sense!

…Unless somehow back then he himself didn't realize that he knew things of her world?

Regardless, it would serve her well if he is less inclined to trust in those two animal slaves and keep them at an arm's length and his reaction to learning their identity clearly hinted at that course.

"...Carry on." Eventually Naofumi simply gives Kyubey a nod of acknowledgment. The rabbit man slowly walks his way to stand besides Lautrec the lizard demi-human. Some of the fat slave merchants helpers are scurrying here and there getting the supplies to transferring slave ownership ready, both the paperwork and the magical ritual components.

The young hero looks left and right at these two demi-human slaves before showing them the Shield on his arm.

"As you two already know, I am the Shield Hero summoned to help save the world from the latest set of Waves. I have no attack power, so I need to rely on my companions to fight for me. Many in this country hate me because of the things done by the Shield Heroes of past. Especially those in power. So I can't easily trust anyone who joins my party." Naofumi establishes all of the basics surrounding his current position to catch up his newly purchased followers. Although Mein thinks that so much should be known already even by them, it's best to never underestimate the potential stupidity of others. The current Spear Hero is a sterling example.

"And that's why you came seeking slaves like us. You can hold our lives in the palm of your hand so that we'll never be able to betray you." Lautrec snorts with his serpentine nose at Naofumi's speech while uncrossing his arms and resting his clawed hands on his waist. "Hehe…Works for me. I can't serve my goddess if I stay in this cage, and serving my goddess means coming with you either way. Unfortunately you dallied in coming here while time is of the essence for my mission, but that can't be helped right now…"

Mein wonders why this slave seem to deliberately antagonizing his future master, when he is aware of the fact that a master can kill a slave with literal snap of their fingers. Is he trying to gauge what kind of a master her Naofumi will be before the Shield Hero completes the ritual and gains absolute power over him? That seems to be an awfully unreasonable gamble. Perfectly in line with her assumption of the beastman being insane.

Naofumi's eye twitches again, yet he still does not reprimand the lizardman for his insolence. Instead he continuous his speech.

"You don't have to worship me, respect me, or even like me for being the Shield Hero. No, I insist that you don't treat me any different for my titles. I will do my best to earn your trust and goodwill through my actions. The same applies to you. I will not see you as slaves, or as property, but as individuals. At the end of all this, when you are strong enough to look after yourselves I sincerely want you to be free. To that end you will help me fight back the Waves, as it will also be the fastest method for you to gain that required strength, while helping me save this world from catastrophe. If we all can agree to work towards these parallel goals then I won't order you to do anything else that does not contribute towards them. If you agree then you'll be pretty much free in all but name immediately..."

Mein's hand travels back and forth through the little girl's dry and rough hair. She is mildly disappointed by the fact that Naofumi is still seemingly harboring naive hopes in regards to freeing the lizardman despite everything said, but she tries to rationalize to herself that it may just be him not being entirely forthcoming with the beastman rather than hopelessly optimistic.

Indeed, from historical record there are two patterns of behavior that tend to apply for a summoned Hero when he becomes a high lord, a duke, or a king of a country. He would either be unbelievably humble, most famous example being Duke Claes (who adopted a traditional Melromarc last name) the Saint of the Spear, summoned during the reign of Queen Evangeline first of the Melromarc dynasty.

Alternatively, he would become unbelievably egotistic and brutal enough that he'll even make all local tyrants of the world shudder, treating this entire world as a spoiled child would a play pen and the people as toys. The most infamous case being the last Siltvelt King… Mika-something or other…. The exact name of the tyrant escapes Mein, as in Melromarc he is usually simply called the Shield Devil or the King of Rape. The barbarians in Siltvelt supposedly granted him the titles of 'The Great' and 'The King of Conquerors.' Honestly, that sort of praise from the animal barbarians is as much evidence to his reign of terror as anything could be.

Anyway it's very evident which side of the scale her Naofumi falls under. And while the undercover princess does not personally agree with his kind sentimentality and may silently grumble and complain about it to herself on occasion, she actually does not terribly mind the Shield Hero being humble. After all, it'll give her the chance of being the more prominent figure during her reign, rather than staying in the Hero-King's shadow, unlike some of her predecessors.

At this point Naofumi pauses his ongoing speech to give the newly acquired demi-humans, sans the little raccoon girl, a hard look before speaking in a harsh tone."...Unless you give me any reason to think that you'll cause trouble when no longer under my control. If you do then I'll have to reconsider to which degree I'll let you act freely."

"You are willing to make us freemen again." One of Kyubey's long standing ears seems to droop down a little at the tip, his voice remain bland as a piece of wax. It's hard to tell if he's simply confirming what the Shield Hero said, or if he's questioning it due to the lack of emotion behind his words. Really, after his initial show of emotion at having realized that the Shield Hero had come for him, the rabbit-man had been extremely subdued and unexpressive.

"Yes, that is what I'm willing to grant you in exchange for your service. And of course, I will do my best to take care of your wellbeing and protect you while you fight for me. Sure, there's always risk since you'll be fighting the Waves, so I'll leave the decision to you if you want to come with me or... stay here, I guess." Naofumi makes a show of looking around the dust filled warehouse with numerous caged monsters and rough looking thugs patrolling the area.

At these words the rabbit man nods silently. His face seems serious and focused somehow, even if there is a lack of expression. The sentiment behind Naofumi's words apparently having been reached and accepted by him after all. "I do not mind being your slave. With Lord Seatto gone, there's no safe haven in Melromarc for people like us. Being the slave of a Legendary Hero at least gave us some security."

"Security? Hehe. Of course you plant eating prey would think of that first, wouldn't you?" The rabbit-man's face is still blank, yet Mein can see him suppress a shudder at the lizardman's booming distorted words coming from right next to one of his long ears. "I'm on a mission from the Goddess! Her will is my only concern." The lizard man snorts through his serpentine nose.

At this the rabbit-man simply gives Lautrec a tastelessly bland side glance. "Hmm. But I eat meat."

The lizardman crosses his arms in front of his chest once again. "State how you want us to behave, Shield Hero. It's better we know the specific rules up front than you make them up as you go. My Goddess is not to be delayed by the imposition of new senseless restrictions on the go!"

Naofumi takes a pause and lets out tense breath, and when he speaks again it's in slightly less harsh voice than previously. "The rules aren't harsh. Don't steal, don't kill innocent people, don't rape. And finally do not threaten anyone with any of the above even if only as a bluff!"

Mein wonders if the reason her Naofumi emphasized the last point is due to his traumatizing trial back in the palace. She should definitely give him more hugs for that... preferably after getting rid of those orange creatures of nightmare crawling all over him, of course.

Naofumi takes another dramatic pause for the purpose of ensuring that his words can properly sink in. This time no verbal objection is raised even by Lautrec, even though he still looks dismissive and has a threatening aura around him... Mein can't help but think if it's truly an indicator of his attitude or just the way he naturally is. It's hard for people to get an accurate reading on the reptilian kind of beastman.

Naofumi's gaze does linger on his disconcerting blind cloudy eyes. The lizardman's smirk stretches into a grin. Somehow Mein gets the impression that the slave knows that he is in the process of a stare-off and can somehow see without seeing... After a few seconds Naofumi continues speaking with their gazes still locked. "I don't know much about your beliefs, but I'm sure your goddess won't object to these rules, right? Unless she demands regular human sacrifices or something, in which case you best spill about that now. "

The lizard man suddenly drops his leering grin and his face reverts to what must be the closest thing to what Mein assumes to be an insulted expression for his species. "No. My goddess has no demand of such things. Your fear is simply founded on paranoia."

"That's settled then, I will take all three of them." The Shield Hero turns to the pudgy skin trader.

"Yes, of course my favored customer. Your total transaction shall be... ninety five silver pieces please." The jovial slave trader pushes his glasses up, the thick lenses twinkle under the dim lantern.

"Here, all of this should be enough." Naofumi takes out one of his coin pouches and tosses the entire bag into the waiting hand of the pudgy man.

The slave trader quickly empties the contents of the bag and begin counting coins. He turns up to look at Naofumi with one of his grins again. "Ah, I see you are giving me five pieces of extra silver, Master Shield Hero."

Mein gives a puzzled look to Naofumi, as he gives a tired smile at the balloon like man. "See them as a service fee for all the necessary paperwork to tie up all the loose ends legally."

"Why, yes, very, yes… I can see all the fatigue and shock did not reduce your acute business sense, Master Shield Hero! We'll get along fabulously! I always like making smart business acquaintances." Beloukas turns to one of his men that just arrived carrying large amounts of chalk and ink. "You there, get everything ready for my new favorite customer! Make it snappy!"

The rough looking man quickly puts down all of the reagents he was carrying on a nearby old wooden table and picks up a vase covered in runes that one of the others had already brought. He scurries up to Naofumi and quietly starts to instruct him on the slave binding ritual.

"Branding on the skin... you can't get more dehumanizing than this." Naofumi mumbles to himself while another of Beloukas' helpers, the woman who is possibly a white tiger demi-human, takes the raccoon girl from Mein's arms and carries her over to where a ritual circle was being quickly drawn on the floor.

The burly woman holds the still barely conscious girl like a woman holding her own child as the ritual is carried out. All in all it doesn't take more than a few minutes.

"Congratulations, Master Shield Hero. They are now yours to command and care for." The balloon-like man claps his hands in front of Naofumi. The young man narrows his eyes at Beloukas and gives a quick nod. He scratches his chin and looks thoughtful for a second before taking a balloon out of his cloak.

Mein immediately jumps back a step. Her hand aches with lingering phantom pain from half a week ago. The orange manifestation of nightmare somehow immediately spots her and gives a growl clearly directed at her alone. Mein can't help but swallow, even as she barely restrains herself from taking another dozen steps back from the eldritch abomination. The damned Siltvelt rats see her discomfort and snicker. Oh she swears that by the end of the day their blood will be spilled alright… Just a few choice words to be passed along to her father through one of the captains in the royal guard and nevermind Siltvelt, these two won't be going anywhere else besides the castle dungeons…

"Can you also put a seal on this little guy?" The young man simply thrusts the lump of congealed calamity and death right in front of Beloukas with a blank face. "Or rather three of them." Naofumi moves his cloak to reveal more of the horrendous hell-spawn attached to him.

For the first time since they met, the slave merchant is seemingly caught speechless. He pushes his glasses up as if trying to see things better before asking. "Yes, we can also do monster seals. But it's easier to buy a monster egg and raise them from a hatchling. Pray tell, why does Master Shield Hero want to brand a weak little balloon even children can kill?"

Sure, that's what it wants you to think you fool! Mein suppresses another shudder as the unholy abomination opens its bottomless maw to release another growl.

"…It's kind of cute isn't it?" The male rat offers conversationally to his partner, who only shrugs in response.

How can they be so blind!? It's gaping maw is LITERALLY bottomless! Like, you should be able to see the insides of the sphere at least, given how tiny the disguise of the eldritch horror appears to be! Yet as if defying physics and even reality itself, the pitch dark well of emptiness beyond the cruel and jagged fangs just stretches on forever… Once you gaze into the abyss you see naught but oppressive darkness… of the abyss staring back at you….

Another growl and another shiver making its way through Mein's spine. She feels cold sweat on her skin.

"My attack rating is too low to fight serious opponents and I can't use another weapon besides this Shield. Having companions to fight for me is great, but they can't do anything if they aren't near me when I'm attacked. These balloons are small enough to hide in my cloak, so I can use them as concealed weapons." Naofumi waves his arm around to illustrate the point with the accursed creature still biting down hard on it. "But they get in the way and bite my allies, it'll be better if I can train them. Plus, I can raise their level and make them stronger that way."

"Why, yes. I can see how that's quite the conundrum for the Shield Hero. As for your request, I can easily arrange that for you, Master Shield Hero. I AM the resident problem fixer after all. The sly grin is back on Beloukas' face. His thick lenses somehow twinkle together in tandem with his chuckles. "But the catch is, it'll cost you a lot. The standard service fee for branding a monster is one hundred silver pieces, and it doesn't matter if the monster in question is an annoying balloon, or a magnificent dragon hatchling. Well, unless you are trying to brand a high level adult dragon, in which case you'll need a much MUCH more complex seal at extra cost. The required reagents get progressively more expensive with the monster's level after all."

Naofumi's face scrunches up again, as if he feels physical pain at the prospect of having to part with so much money.

"Forget it. I'm not paying you three hundred silvers. I'll need them to buy equipment for my new companions. I'll just have to find another way to fight for myself." Naofumi places his other hand around the spherical incarnation of orange doom as he gets ready to pop it, much to Mein's glee. He's promptly stopped by Beloukas as the fat slave trader raises a hand up. Curses!

"Ah, but don't be so hasty, Master Shield Hero. You didn't let me finish. I am willing to give you a three in one deal. How does one hundred for all your balloons sound?"

Mein is surprised at the deal Beloukas is willing to offer. She exchanges a look with Naofumi that seems to be as baffled as her.

"What's the catch? I doubt you are doing this to be a nice guy. Not that I don't appreciate it of course, but I doubt you'd still be in business if you constantly sold things at a loss." The Shield Hero squints his eyes together in suspicion.

Mein gives a quick look around them. The armed goons are milling around the place while clearing the remnants of the slave binding ritual. The raccoon girl's head is still rolling to the side in the white tiger demi-human's arms. The rabbit man is still wearing his deadpan expression. The lizard man is back to mumbling under his breath about some goddess who loves him. The annoying and soon to be disposed of Siltvelt rats are carrying on a whispered conversation that she can't quite overhear. And the boy that was serving as their guide through the slums…

Actually, where is their guide? Even when he was with them he was so silent that Mein didn't even notice him leaving for how little difference it made. She hopes he didn't ditch them here. They'll still have to make their way out of the Dust District after this and Mein hardly remembered the path they took.

…No, the weasel is probably just waiting in the main part of the warehouse. Seeing how things were unfolding he must have had the sense to get out of the way of the important happenings and scurried aboveground to wait for their return.

"Why, your words wound me, Master Shield Hero. I did say you are my favorite customer. Is it truly so unnatural that I'd want to entice you with discounts until you are a regular? You think I have some other motive?" The slave trader holds his chest in an act of theatrics, his grin never leaving his face. "In that case you are right again, of course! I'm in a cutthroat business in a dog eat dog world. I don't give deals out without taking something in return."

The Shield Hero nods his head with a knowing smile.

"You can't gain anything without sacrificing something in return. To gain, something equal in value must first be given. The law of equivalent exchange."

"Righto you are! Equivalent exchange indeed Master Shield Hero." Beloukas clicks his heels together and shuffles his feet once again. The balloon like man looks positively giddy by now. "You see, Master Shield Hero. As a dealer of exotic goods I have money and clout in this little slice of heaven. I don't even lack good company when the snow starts to settle, despite my obvious... short comings." The slave trader makes a gesture to illustrate his more than modest height while at the same time taking off his elongated top head to show off his bold head. The Shield Hero simply scoff at his antics. Beloukas doesn't seem to mind as he plops the hat back on his smooth scalp with the same grin.

"But does Master Shield Hero know what my family and I will never have if things remain as they are? Real respect like all other men born under the sun outside the slums! The noble houses all require my unique service, but they never bother to hide their disdain when they visit my humble adobe. Why, I'm willing to bet even Master Shield Hero yourself thought of me as nothing more than a measly skin merchant, even though the slave trade is honestly just one of my side gigs... Can't do without that I'm afraid, if I want to position myself as the resident problem fixer."

"You are looking for their approval?" Naofumi frowns as he looks the skin trader up and down, which doesn't take much time due to his short coming.

"You've mistaken my stance, Master Shield Hero. I do not care what my customers think of me personally as long as they bring me commerce and thus help this world keep turning. That does not mean I don't want me and my family..." The short pudgy man waves his arms around, as if he's trying to encompass all the thugs in the warehouse. "...To be able to walk proudly down the new Street of Silver with our heads held high, rather than be holed up in this dingy broken building in the Dust District, like we're some pantry vermin."

The balloon like man stomps his foot down dramatically, and a small puff of dust cloud rises up from his foot and the ancient floor actually cracks a little. "As you can see, Master Shield Hero. THIS. This is what passes for luxury in the Dust District. Would you not want to have your family move to somewhere better?"

The Shield Hero covers his mouth with a hand and lets out a light cough. "Alright, I get it. You don't want the adoration of the masses, you just want prestige. Enough so that you'll be accepted enough by the local elite to live among them. But you know, you can always drop the slave trade. Maybe become a legitimate businessman. I'm sure you are rich enough to do it."

"But of course, Master Shield Hero. However, the slave trade is not what's blocking my path upwards in this world. It's not something that I do or am, but rather something that I lack. To be more specific, I have money and connections, yes. But they mainly work here in the underbelly of the kingdoms. My lineage is rather undistinguished you see, which carries with it a certain lack of social status and connections. If I try to change hat and run a legitimate business, the trader's union can slap enough rules to ruin me. After all, some of my businesses have been cutting into their profits for a long time now. And if there's one thing old money can't abide its fair competition!"

Naofumi looks at the short man intently, he drops his hand to his side again. He narrows his eyes. "You want them to come to you. Maybe even beg you to join them."

"Very astute guess! As expected of the Shield Hero of this cycle." The Balloon like man's lens positively begin to glitter. His grin seems to also take on a malicious glee. "And to do that, I'll need a new business that's both legal and unique. Something the Trader's Union will be dying to have a slice of the pie of and willing to ignore all the bad blood from before for. I believe Master Shield Hero is going to present me this opportunity." Naofumi raises one eyebrow and indicates for the portly man to continue.

"You see, monster trading exists already, but the trader's union and Adventurer's Guild deal almost exclusively with exotic monsters that are hard to catch even for high level adventurers. It is only natural that be the case, as the monster seals available to them require many rare and expensive reagents. It'd be foolish to waste them on weaklings. Hence to compete I also have to invest in the acquisition of such rare specimen." Naofumi nods his head indicating his understanding of what's been said so far as the fat merchant talks.

"But if I can find a way to figuratively turn even the most common garden variety monster into gold... well, I believe the prospect speaks for itself. And wouldn't you know it, recently it came to my attention that with a specific modification done to the sealing ritual when applied to weak monsters specifically, a lot of money could be saved on some of the more prohibitively expensive reagents. And this specific seal has the potential to retain its effectiveness even if the monster grows. Now the only thing I need is proof that weakling monster pests such as balloons have the potential to increase their strength with their level.

The Shield Hero closes his eyes and scratches his chin. He thinks for a short while before opening his eyes to look at Beloukas. "I don't know what you need me for. As you said, these balloons are just your typical pest low leveled monsters. You can easily have a few of your goons catch them and experiment yourself."

"Yes, I can. My family may not look much to Master Shield Hero, but they have to be strong enough to keep the rowdy rabbles out of my estate." The skin merchant puffs out his chest with pride. He pats the arm of the burly bald man besides him with affection. "But it's an investment of time and thus money for something that may end up being a dead end. The stories tell of Legendary Weapons having the ability to draw out any species' latent potential, and that includes monsters. If not even the Shield Hero can raise these little buggers to be strong, I will know it's a dead-end and look for something else."

Naofumi looks down at the orange avatar of mayhem still biting down hard on his hand. He frowns in realization and turns to give the plump trader a sharp glare. "You want me to do your work for you, while PAYING you for it."

"Only the base cost. As I said, Master Shield Hero. I like you. I think you will go places. Why, I won't be surprised if you can turn a single copper into a mountain of gold."

Naofumi begins walking around in a small circle. After a minute he stops in front of Beloukas and balls his free hand into a tight fist.

"I want something in return. If I help you find this new market, you WILL stop trading slaves. None of the doing a legitimate business as a front and profiting from slavery under the table bullshit. This disgusting business has gone too long. I can't do anything about it now, but once I'm strong enough I WILL put a stop to slavery if that's the last thing I do in this world as the Shield Hero."

Mein draws in a sharp breath, ignoring the rancid smell in the air. Somehow at this moment, illuminated by the dim torchlight of the old and decrepit underground warehouse Naofumi Iwatani truly looks like a Hero of Legend.

"Agreed." Beloukas says without dropping his grin as he stretches out his pudgy hand. The Shield Hero does not shake it yet however.

"That's not all. You will also give me information. If I'm going to stop the slave trade I'll need to know all the details that only someone who helped run it from the inside can give me. People, places, legal technicalities, everything that I'll need you'll provide."

Now at this the fat merchants grin seems to finally slip from his features. He retrieves his extended hand and rubs his chin, humming in thought.

"Master Shield Hero is certainly asking for a lot. It could cost me my head if word gets out among the other families in the business that I am running my mouth. And if that happens I won't be safe even if I run all the way to Faubley. I'll need some sort of guarantee." Beloukas slowly drawls out the last part as he squints his eyes at Naofumi.

The Shield Hero stays silent and expressionless. After several painfully long seconds even the fat merchant lets his impatience slip and start to tap his foot while waiting for a reply. Eventually Naofumi gives him one. He kneels down until he is on the same eye level as the pudgy short man.

"Go along with my offer now and when I bring my wrath down on everyone that ever took part in this degenerate practice I'll remember your services and show you mercy."

A pin dropping would have sounded like a clap of thunder in the silence that followed.

All of the tension that built up and ebbed away throughout the long day is back with a vengeance. Frantically darting her eyes around herself Mein can see that everyone had frozen in place and is getting ready to reach for their weapon. The white tiger demihuman woman helper already has hers half drawn and is scowling at Naofumi. Damn it, they were so close to getting through the day without any of their significant encounters resulting in a battle! Why did Naofumi have to go and mouth off at the man who had them at his mercy!?

The silence is ended by a sudden bark of noise. Confusion runs through Mein. If she didn't know any better she'd think that someone was uproariously laughing. She looks back at Naofumi and Beloukas. The short pudgy man is shaking, each jolt of his body sending the layers of fat beneath his almost nonexistent chin wobbling. It's building in pitch and volume both until eventually the man is clutching at his belly with both of his hands and almost doubling over laughing like a lunatic.

Naofumi himself has a wry smirk on his face as he too starts chuckling, exponentially getting louder by the second, as if he had caught the same sudden affliction to have struck Beloukas, although he manages to keep himself from full on braying laughter like the other.

"Ha-You'll-haha- show me- ha- mercy?" The fat man seems to barely be able to squeak out, face red from laughter.

"I'll consider it. If I'm in a good mood. Maybe." Naofumi responds while chuckling at the situation which only him and Beloukas seem to have found amusing and that to everyone else aligned with the Shield Hero, from the Siltvelt spies, to the newly acquired slaves and to Mein herself, was pants-wettingly terrifying.

"H-How-ha-generous of you!" The short and fat merchant seems to finally regain some control over himself and slowly straightens up, attempting to fix his suit the best of his ability while laughing off the last of the mania that had so bizarrely affected him out of nowhere.

"What can I say? I guess I really don't like slavery." Naofumi likewise stood back up to his much more considerable full high and was now grinning down at Beloukas.

"Ha-Well, in that case I have no choice but to stack the odds of surviving your impeding righteous wrath in my favor by staying on your good side!" With a final laugh Beloukas shouts his words loud enough so that all of his thugs in the warehouse could hear.

For the third time in the day the tension permeating the air is released as suddenly as it came. People's hands move away from their blades and their postures relax. Some exchange nervous smiles while others share confused looks with each other. The most conflicted expression seems to be on the face of that same disfigured white tiger demihuman. She is gripping the handle of her half drawn blade tight enough that her knuckles are as white as her hair. Should she draw it fully who knows what could happen?

"Stand down Kristy! Or did you not hear? Master Shield Hero in his infinite wisdom and generosity has made me an offer I simply can't refuse! It would be incredibly rude to repay this extended hand of friendship with hostility and violence, would it not?"

Extended hand of friendship…? What the hell?

Naofumi just threatened this illegal goods dealer in his very own lair! How is that supposed to be an extended hand of friendship!?

"But…" the white tiger seems to want to say something. Beloukas interrupts her however.

"I said stand down Kristy! I appreciate your concern and I am gratefully that you worry for me so, truly. But there is nothing to fear. Yes, in fact I believe that we may have reached an agreement with the potential for simply unprecedented profit!" The tiger woman finally fully sheathes her weapon and lowers her hand, though she does not seem pleased about it. She seemingly tries to make up for her inability to poke Naofumi full of holes with her blade by shooting daggers at him with her eyes.

Beloukas also turns back to Naofumi. He extends his hand once again.

"How truly, wonderfully, delightfully generous you are Master Shield Hero. Alright! I'll give you all you need to end the slave trade and those that are involved! In return please do as you've offered and dispose of ALL of my rivals, would you? It'd be truly unfortunate if at the end of it all some were left to try to take vengeance."

"Don't worry. Provide me all the info I need and I'll make sure that all of those motherfuckers are going down, every last one of them. You sure that you're ready to be the last man standing in your business though?"

Wait. What.

"Well, when I'm so kindly being offered a monopoly on the trade of an entire kingdom, how could I refuse? Hmmm… Beloukas East Melromarc Trade Company has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?"

"With that ominous name I'm wondering if I should add another condition about keeping drugs out of it…" Naofumi closes his eyes for a brief moment as he ruefully shakes his head. "But we'll cross that bridge when we get there I suppose. Slavery's got to go first."

Mein's eyes widen until she feels as if they are about to pop out of her head and her mouth is likewise hanging open.

That, was… When… how is… did Naofumi…

Naofumi catches the offering hand of Beloukas in his free hand and gives a firm shake.

"Oh, Master Shield Hero, I'm so looking forward to our new business partnership!"

"You scratch my back I scratch yours."

"Equivalent exchange." Both say the words at the same time as they shake on them.

---

End Note:

I wonder if I'll be the only writer who mostly follow canon plot beat, but doesn't have Naofumi and tanuki share a dialogue even after 90k words.

Sarcastic remark aside, I'm not exactly happy with how a heavy subject like slavery is used in canon. I hate when pop culture use slavery as a narrative shorthand to demonize an entire species where you can start an extinction level genocide against them, and still talk from a moral high horse going "These XXX (Batarians from Mass Effect *cough cough*) deserved it wholesale!"

On the other hand, I feel shield bro went too far the other direction (at least Web Novel version, maybe Light Novel dramatically improved on that aspect which I don't know since I don't read it) to the point it glamorized slavery as something that's cool when Naofumi became a slave lord on the second 2/3rd of the story, and he never really have to face any sort of moral or practical comeuppance on perpetuating a cruel system, and the impact of his action gets completely brushed aside... which I'm sure it won't be abused by power hungry dickwades when you are in a fantasy world which literally have magical seal to kill the slave in question by a snap of your finger!

I want to treat this side of canon with a bit more weighty and give it a more concrete impact on Naofumi as a character than an easy exploit for him to get around his not able to fight and summoned into a country that hates him problem.

Of course, I'm not sure if I'm successful in my goal or went full edge lord with this chapter, but I do want to show how while Naofumi is complacent in the practice for now, it's also weighing very heavily on his soul when he realized just HOW cruel the world this world is compared to his modern world sensibilities.

Some highlight response to guest reviews:

While broken Dark Naofumi is definitely the most perceptive due to his extreme cynicism. I think it's a dice toss between Ren and pure Naofumi on who is the more perceptive one. I think Ren has better PER rating, but Naofumi has better WIS due to him having better common sense. So having him coming to a 'logical' conclusion on both the King and Queen is in together for a four heroes summoning conspiracy feels rather in character.

XD

Although sadly I can't take credit on coming up with it, since Comrade Broseph added it in on post-production. He's just a much more logical person than I am, and I'm definitely the more feeling and emotion guide my action kind of guy.

Regarding Malty, she's definitely learning more as she goes or else there's no point on making her the main character. As for where she'll end up... well, I suppose everyone will just have to tune in my story to find out.

XD

To Wolf:

Obviously a spoiler, but there will definitely be more Farkas in future chapter. As to what extend, everyone will have to find out later.

To Grimson:

Sadly to my best knowledge, the joke for that segment is Naofumi is completely overestimating both the King and the Queen's intelligence. Unless this get retcon-ed by the anime version or something.