Special thanks for Angel Wraith, who read the draft of this chapter and provided feedback. And of course, Ace-Triad for editting this chapter through his lingering health issues.
As always, stay behind at the end to watch me blabber some more.
The princess unconsciously takes a step back at seeing the Pope of the Three Heroes' Church in person. Remembering her own private encounter with the man, her first instinct immediately goes towards the possibility of him exposing her identity to the Shield Hero.
"What does the leader of the heretic faith want to do with our king? In private, no less?" Prince Kael'thas immediately steps over the confused looking Shield Hero. His sword was drawn in his right hand, while a ball of fire gathered in his left.
"I'll be the first to admit my faith isn't the most welcoming to the Shield Hero in particular." The Pope's response makes the Phoenix Prince huff in a breach of common etiquette. It's about as severe an understatement as the Shield Hero's earlier assessment on Firo's behavior. "But whatever the opinion of my faith aside, it doesn't have to reflect on my own thoughts. Surely, there's room to talk about it in privacy? You don't want to leave an old, decrepit man out in the cold of the night, do you? Lord Shield Hero?"
"You may not be in your prime anymore, but the Bloody Hand of New Albion is hardly ever decrepit. And you obviously aren't as cunning as the stories made you, if you believe I would let you share a room with my king." Even without looking at Prince Kael'thas' face, Mein can hear him narrowing his eyes with the tone of his voice.
"Let him in." Both Mein and Kael'thas look back at the Shield Hero. His face is stern, but resolute. "If I don't show him courtesy, I'd be no better than the worst of his lackeys."
"Are you sure this is wise, my king?" The Phoenix prince slowly moves his focus back to the Pope of the Three Heroes' Church again. "Not doubting your fighting prowess, but allowing a seasoned veteran fighter who has reached the pinnacle of Prestige Level in close quarters with you is an unnecessary risk."
"Then it's a good thing I have all my companions, and you here to protect me, don't I?" The Shield Hero steps aside the door, in a gesture of invitation. Even if his face is still as stern as before. "Let him in."
Chapter 70: Eye of the Storm
Despite there being no change in their small wooden shack, the air feels different with the Pope's presence. The Siltvelt warriors, posted outside the room, are much more tense. Everyone from the Shield Hero's party regards the supposed holy man with trepidation and they either sit up, or stand around Naofumi's temporary dwelling. Only the even snoring of the dumb bird stays the same.
"You are invited now." Naofumi slowly sits down on the wooden floor, across from where the Pope wrapped his legs in a meditative posture. The Shield Hero's eyes don't leave the leader of the faith that often regards him as a devil figure, for good reason. "Whatever you want to say, speak it now."
"To the point - I can respect that. Very well." Pope Balmus nods at the Shield Hero. His grandfatherly smile gradually changed into a look as serious as his opposition. "I want you to fight on the frontline, against the Boss monster with the rest of your fellow heroes."
A pregnant silence hung over everyone's head, as Naofumi's breath became audibly more heavier. Prince Kael'thas looks at the Shield Hero, and ignites the fire in his left hand again. "I can politely invite him to leave the premises if you like, my king."
"No, it's okay." The Shield Hero holds his hand up at the phoenix prince, his eyes not leaving the Pope of Three Heroes' Church. The young man from another world slowly replies back, spitting out every syllable. "You must think I'm stupid."
"I think you are a very responsible young man, who is wise beyond your age." Pope Balmus' spectacles slowly slid down the bridge of his nose. He pushes it back up with one finger, despite seemingly not needing it with how his eyes seem to remain closed. "Now, I understand your trepidation, Lord Shield Hero. Both my old friend King Aultcray, and many members of my own faith seem fit to antagonize you at every corner. So why should you willingly risk your own wellbeing fighting at the front of a Wave, where you can be surrounded both by wavespawn, and warriors who may seek to do your harm? But I assure you, your presence on the front is more than invaluable to end a Wave as quickly as possible."
"And I assume you'll convince me why I'm so valuable." The Shield Hero's face remains impassive, despite the empty placating words from Pope Balmus. Much like Consevatie's abrasive taunts and chest puffing, honey dipped praise with hidden poison doesn't seem to move him either. "Because what I heard most from other people is how I can't attack for shit, with my lack of ATK rating."
The Shield Hero isn't treating the Pope of Three Heroes Church with the uttermost politeness and respect. Given recent development especially their heated argument, that's something understandable. Mein simply hope it doesn't immediately cause problems.
"And that's where most people would be in the wrong. Then again, I shouldn't dwell on it. It's rather unbecoming of me to speak ill of my countrymen." Despite his more square shaped face and strong jawline, the Pope's smile has a distinct fox like guile to it. If he is feeling indignant of the Shield Hero's lack of courtesy, he's not showing it. "If you don't mind my presumption, Lord Shield Hero. How much had others, your companion or otherwise, told you how an actual Wave would work?"
"I heard some. But tell me with your words anyway." Naofumi doesn't even blink before he throws the question right back at the Three Heroes Church' pope, not giving away anything. He wasn't simply being coy, when he admitted his distrust of Pope Balmus at the beginning of their quest to recover Eclair's family artifact. "It's always better to hear from everyone before I make any decision."
"But of course. As I said, wiser than most of your age…" The Pope trails off for a brief moment before he continues. "As the saying goes: When the sand of Dragon's Hourglass reaches zero, the sky opens up to the red Wave, and monsters pour out to devour all the living. Until a hero kills the Lord of the Wavespawn."
The princess has to wonder where Pope Balmus is going with his current thoughts. It's not like she hasn't used similar reasoning to try and convince the Shield Hero to seek glory during a Wave. Of course, the young man was more devoted to protecting the common people who aren't strong enough to defend themselves.
"Now, I have heard of your exploits during the first Wave the heroes participated in." The Pope nods his head at Naofumi, his face still set in a faint, neutral looking smile that makes his intention hard to decipher. "While the other three heroes went to directly challenge the boss monster of the Wave, you and your companions went to defend the common people of Lute, a nearby farming village."
"If you are going to shame me for 'shirking my duties', don't bother. The king already tried, and I don't feel bad about it." The Shield Hero rolls his eyes at the Pope's possible chastise. "If the social elite- oh, I'm sorry. The 'Nobles' of this world aren't going to defend the little guys, I won't feel bad doing it myself. That's the only thing I'm supposed to be good for, aren't I? Being the Shield Hero of all things."
"Oh, on the contrary, Lord Shield Hero. My old friend might look at you as someone who can't do anything right due to old grudges, but I quite admire your drive and compassion to protect the common people and defend the weak. It's a trait all heroes should have, to be honest." The Pope's smile grows wider. It's a simple gesture, but clearly surprising to the Shield Hero with how his eyebrow once again rises towards his hairline.
"Do you really now?" The Shield Hero narrows his eyes. "What does the most important man, of the most important religion of this nation care for the lives of the common people."
"It's understandable you would make this assumption about me, Lord Shield Hero. Especially with how many brothers and sisters of my own faith acted, and how a lot of the aristocrats acted. But I'm afraid you are doing to me, what my old friend Aultcray has done to you." The Pope's face doesn't look offended, but it does take a more stern shape, and his spectacles seems to reflect the dim light of the room. "Before I became a brother of Three Heroes Church, before I was even picked as a disciple by Master Shirou Emiya, I was but a simple farm boy nibbing grassroots, and stealing bird eggs in the northern mountain village of Flute. I'm not wholly blind to the trials, and tribulations of the common people."
"The village destroyed by Siltvelt army during the Great War." The Shield Hero's gaze whips over to Prince Kael'thas. The phoenix prince stops his preening, and looks away from the Shield Hero's eyes.
"Yes. It was my greatest shame to not have been there, defending my home when it was put to the torches. Perhaps I could have saved my old friend from the pain of losing his beloved wife and daughter." The Pope dips his head and looks down at his coiled up legs, rather than joining the Shield Hero's accusatory glare at the Siltvelt highborn. "Alas… I was at New Albion castle. Breaking young Lord Wales out of the siege. I don't regret saving the life of the last House Arc heir… but sometimes I wonder what would have happened if I have made a different choice."
"You… have my condolences." The Shield Hero looks back at the Pope of Three Heroes Church in mourning. His gaze is softer than before, either forgetting, or not caring as much about how he's still treated as the devil figure by the faith of the old man before him. "If it makes you feel better… I don't condone what Siltvelt did in the war. I can understand them being angry about being invade for no reason, and all the dead children. But it's no excuse for them doing much worse to their enemies."
"It happened long ago for me to make whatever peace, but I appreciate your thoughts and support, Lord Shield Hero." Pope Balmus slowly rises his head to look at Naofumi again. "But return to the topic from before, herein lies the problem. The best way to end a Wave is to kill the Wave boss as soon as possible. Because otherwise, the Wave itself will continue to spew out an endless horde of Wavespawn to eventually overrun any defense."
"Okay, I admit that makes sense." The Shield Hero nods his head along, clearly not so petty to deny a valid point even when it comes from the opposition. "But I still don't see why you need me at the front. I'm not even going to inflict any damage."
"Never underestimate the power of a strong shield. With you on the frontline, defending our strongest warriors, they can focus their attention on the offense to take down the enemy, then worrying about preserving themselves."
"A bad mindset for a warrior to have in war: fully immerse oneself in the offense, and not caring about self-preservation, thinking that they are safe." Everyone's attention turns toward Farkas, who was content to simply lean against the far wall and sulk till this point. "It leaves them open to fatal blows, and the Shield Hero won't always be there to protect them from every attack."
"An astute observation. Definitely something the stronger warriors have to work out and achieve a balance themselves when fighting alongside the Shield Hero." Most surprising to the princess herself, Pope Balmus actually agrees with this beastman warrior rather than dismisses him due to his status. "But it was not the main point I wanted to make. While I wasn't personally there during the Wave near Lute village, I have read battle reports from various captains. And the performance of the three heroes who did participate against the Wave boss was… not great."
The Pope takes a brief pause, to either gather his thoughts, or the attention of his audience. "The three heroes clearly had no training at how to properly handle their respective weapons, and they used their weapons more like magic, or miracle casting catalyst to throwing weapon arts at the monsters from the Wave. Even worse, they made no attempt to coordinate with each other, and tripped over each other more often than helped each other."
"A problem your nation shouldn't have in the first place." Prince Kael'thas narrows his eyes, and finally found a chance to throw a derision in between the Pope's breath. "Considering this nation wasn't supposed to summon all four Cardinal Heroes alone."
"Besides what he pointed out," Naofumi points a finger at the Siltvelt prince, not even giving Kael'Thas the dignity to look at him, "What did you expect me to do about it? I'm not their daddy, teacher, or handler. And I don't even know how to use my shield. Maybe have some actual weapon experts to train them? Aren't your religion supposed to have people good at using those three weapons?"
"While having battle masters experienced with the hero's respective weapon, coaching them is definitely a good suggestion, as you shouldn't underestimate your own influence, Lord Shield Hero." Pope Balmus leans slightly forward, seemingly gazing into the hero's eyes despite not opening his. "I have spoken with all three heroes while you made your journey north. All three of them spoke very highly of you. It's clear they both trust, and respect your ability. I believe having you at the frontline with them, leading them is the best, and fastest way to have all four cardinal heroes work together as a cohesive entity."
The Pope of the Three Heroes' Church is lying! He's trying to dazzle the Shield Hero with pretty words, get Naofumi's guard down and lure the enemy of the three heroes' faith into a trap!
That's the first instinct of the princess in disguise. Except… she knows the Pope is not spreading any falsehoods. It's not like she herself didn't have first-hand experience with Naofumi's charm. And the Shield Hero has certainly shown his peers his ability, determination and kindness to win them over during their journey to recover Eclair's family artifact.
She doesn't know if this makes the situation worse. On how the Pope is speaking the whole truth, and not even half-truths to her Naofumi at this moment. And she can't tell if the supposed holy man is sincere, or if he's using the truth as his ultimate weapon to manipulate the Shield Hero and maneuver him down a pitfall.
The Shield Hero looks to the side, clearly pondering on Pope Balmus' words. The princess hopes he isn't so easily swayed by the older man's words. She finds the situation rather ironic, considering she herself has tried to sway the Shield Hero into fighting on the frontline during the Wave to gain glory, which will help get her closer to the throne she coveted. But with the same action suggested by the supreme leader of the Three Heroes' Church… a trap awaiting the Shield Hero is the most likely explanation. Because the alternative is that Pope Balmus truly does care as much for the common people as he claimed.
"Even if what you said were true, how can I feel safe fighting on the frontline?" After some deliberation, the Shield Hero throws a question back at the Pope. "Whatever I think of you, your church was still behind the death of Lord Seaetto, wasn't it? And for what? His family artifact? Or because he's good to demi-humans and someone decided that he's a heretic? How will I know someone won't decide to stab me in the back, if I'm fighting on the front?"
Of course, the Shield Hero managed to look through the excessive decoration, and pierce the heart of the problem just like usual. Even if Pope Balmus tried to use the truth to convince Naofumi, he can't deny what has happened to Eclair without looking like a liar. But confirming the accusation would leave him look malicious, or unable to reign in his subordinate.
"What happened to Lord Seaetto was a shame." The perpetual faint smile on Pope Balmus' face looked strained as he dipped his head a little lower. "I will not deny the truth of my faith's involvement. As much as I like to proclaim all of us follow the true teachings of past heroes, there are many different sects and factions within the Faith of the Three. Some adopted more extreme ways to honor the Heroes of older generations. I can't perfectly control all of them. But as their supreme leader, I take ultimate responsibility in Lord Seaetto's death."
So, the Pope decided to present himself as a benevolent supreme leader who makes mistakes. Probably the best outcome he could have hoped for, assuming Naofumi takes his words at face value.
"I'm sure Lord Seaetto's only daughter took much solace in your sentiment." Prince Kael'thas turns his nose up at the Pope's show of regret. "Oh, wait. She was imprisoned shortly after her father's death. My bad."
"That's enough!" Naofumi finally turns to look at the insolent phoenix prince, giving him a warning glare that immediately cowers the Vermili prince's bravado. He turns back to regard Pope Balmus once again, eyes narrowed. "I have worked with people of your faith for a few days back. I know not all of you are foaming at mouth radicals and zealots. Be as it may, I have also seen my share of extremists myself, and I hope you don't take offense that I simply don't trust your subordinates as a whole enough to take your words. I may be the Shield Hero who is supposed to take attacks, but I have to look out for myself, and my friends too."
As someone who has spent an excessive amount of time in her parents' court, Mein can easily recognize a stern refusal and an invitation for someone to leave wrapped in one. Clearly, the Pope of the Three Heroes' Church is no longer welcome in the Shield Hero's presence.
"Of course, Lord Shield Hero. I have no right to impose my will on you. And I'd be nothing short of a hypocrite to force you to the stormfront of the Wave when I was not present in the last two Waves." The Pope gracefully stands up, clearly getting the Shield Hero's message and at least not showing any outward disdain at being invited to leave his premises.
The holy man turns around, walks to the door before turning back to the Shield Hero one last time. "I will take a more active role fighting the Wave from this point on, as is my old friend King Aultcray. But I was there during the last Wave sixty years ago as Master Shiro's disciple. I know from experience, that despite rivalry, heroes take suggestions from their fellow peers better than commands from an authority figure. I can't replace your role, Shield Hero. Give my words some thoughts, or sleep on it if you have to. But please, do what you think is best for the common people."
And with these final words said, one of the most powerful men in glorious Melromarc leaves the humble wooden shack that serves as the Shield Hero's temporary abode. Despite what Naofumi said to him, the princess can't help but think Pope Balmus won in the end.
Naofumi may have pierced the heart of the Three Heroes' Church's past actions, but the Pope pierced the Shield Hero's bleeding heart at the end: His desire to protect those weaker than him.
The night passes in a blink and the sound of filorial croaking to the rising sun soon brings the princess back to the land of the waking. She opens her eyes, stays on her bed sheet for a few breaths to regain her bearings before going out of the shack to refresh herself. By the time she returns, the Shield Hero's party, and Kael'thas' own small group of guards are already breaking their fast. "What is your plan onward, my king?"
"I think I'll stay here in Balafon till the next Wave." Naofumi nods his head along as he plans his next move out loud. "Motoyasu set his base here. Ren and Itsuki seem to be staying too. There's safety in numbers, in case the Three Heroes' Church wants to do something shady to me."
"It's well executed prudence, my king." The phoenix prince stays quiet for a few moments, seemingly mulling over his decision before continuing. "I shall leave most of my retinue here to further safeguard you, and only take my personal guards with me south to have my audience with King Aultcray."
"Are you sure?" Naofumi turns his head to glance at prince Kael'thas from the corner of his eyes. Despite Vermili's enthusiasm or perhaps because of it, the Shield Hero is uneasy around him. "The king doesn't like you guys anymore than me. What if he tries to hurt you?"
"You need not worry for me, my king. My personal guards are my wings. Nobody may keep me against my wishes so long as I have them around me." The Phoenix prince speaks with barely contained pride. "I shall petition king Aultcray to let me and my retinue stay, at least for the upcoming Wave. It'll be our honor to defend you with our lives."
The way Naofumi's eyes seem to twitch seems to indicate he doesn't feel any safer for Prince Kael'Thas' proposal. Either because of Farkas' warning, or the Shield Hero's general uneasiness around zealots, even for those on his side. He might even comment something about it, if not for the Spear Hero arriving at their shack.
"Ready for your shopping trip, Naofumi~?" Motoyasu practically kicks the wooden door open as he slides into the room with a singsong voice. He seems to have startled Firo, as she makes another lunge at the Spear Hero. Thankfully, her aggression was stopped when Naofumi once again held her back. "Wow! Easy, girl. I'm not looking for trouble!"
"Let Firo at Spear guy, Master Naofumi! His birds hurt Firo!" The devil bird in a child's body wildly flails her limbs again as she tries to get at the Spear Hero.
"Yeah! Because YOU attacked her in the first place!" Naofumi's helmet is knocked away, clanking on the wooden floor as he wrestles with Firo. "Behave yourself, Firo! Or else I sic Farkas on you, or give you away to Motoyasu for discipline!"
"Don't use me like a tool because you can't control your child, Shield Hero." Farkas rolls his eyes at the struggling Shield Hero, clearly having no intention to get involved in their hijinks now they are no longer in an urgent situation.
"Stop!" Prince Kael'Thas opens his left hand up as he speaks in a commanding voice. An entrancing orb of pink fire dazzles into existence in his palm as he moves it in front of Firo's eyes. The girl visibly stops struggling as she looks into it. "You WILL behave, and listen to the Shield Hero."
"Firo will behave… and listen to the Shield Hero…" Firo's usual lively voice turns into a monotone, as she nods her head along the Phoenix Prince's words.
"Wow!" Both heroes let out a surprised exclamation. Naofumi nearly dropped Firo in the process, and the girl didn't use the chance to break free like the previous day. "You can use Jedi mind tricks?!"
"I am not aware of this 'Jedi'. Are they some kind of cult back from the world of my king?" Prince Kael'thas lets his hand drop down the side of his waist as he asks with curiosity.
"Yeah, Jedis are a group of… warrior monks? Or maybe paladins to you guys? In my-" Naofumi's explanation is cut off by the Spear Hero, who suddenly runs in front of him and starts shaking him like a tree. "OW! STOP THAT! It's annoying!"
"DUDE! JEDI are REAL in your world?!" Motoyasu practically roared in Naofumi's face by this point. Kael'Thas looks like he wants to have some choice words for the Spear Hero's actions, which technically counts as an assault. But he ends up still his tongue, probably remembering his past blunders once again. "And you said you came from the boring Earth!"
Naofumi stomps on Motoyasu's feet, probably trying to stop the Spear Hero from violently shaking him till he throws back out the fast he just broke. It didn't work, due to his almost non-existent ATK of course, ironically his words did. "Jediism is a real world philosophy, or a religion like the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, practiced by real life people, you idiot!"
"Huh…" Motoyasu turns his head away, looking suddenly lost and intrigued at the information. "I didn't know that."
"It's not a mainstream religion, sure." Naofumi looks down at Firo, and tentatively places her back on the floor and pulls his arm back from her. Once again, the devil bird doesn't resist, or try to attack the Spear Hero. Naofumi gives her hair a few ruffles. "I probably wouldn't know, if that group of 'Jedi' foreign exchange students from Tokyo University didn't come to my school to preach their beliefs that one time…"
While the faith, and whatever monks and knightly order from the heroes' world is fascinating, Mein herself is more interested in the magic shown by Kael'thas. The ability to actually calm the bird down and make her listen to command would be very useful to them. "What magic did you use on Firo, Prince Sunstrider? Is it possible to learn it? I too, have an affinity for fire."
Vermilion Sparrow, and its vassal species are known to have very strong fire affinities. Could she herself learn the spell from them? The element of fire is well known for its potential for destruction, but not so much in subterfuge. It would certainly be useful, to expand her tools and her arsenal.
"Not from a human wizard." Judging with how his long brows nearly touch his chin, the Vermilion prince clearly deemed Mein, at least her fake identity beneath his notice. But Farkas' earlier words still have effect, and Kael'Thas explain his magic to Mein with forced patience. "My fire animancy [Rapport] allows me to influence the mind of the weak. And the fortitude of that spoiled child's mind is the definition of weak."
"We are not using mind control to force Firo to behave either!" The Shield Hero immediately shouts at Mein before she even has a time to respond to the phoenix prince. Zylden was right, the Shield Hero really can be a spoilsport. "How long does the effect last? I don't want Firo to suddenly wreck the shop when we go get her magic cloth."
"Manaweave, Master Naofumi." Mein helpfully supplement behind the Shield Hero. "It's called Manaweave, not magic cloth."
"Yeah, that." Naofumi gives her a blank look before turning back to the phoenix prince. He takes off his own traveling cloak and throws it around Firo's shoulders now she's that fully pacified. The devil bird shakes a little with annoyance, but doesn't try to fight it off.
"With the bird's mental fortitude, or lack thereof, it should be good for half a day. Five to six hours, to be more precise." Prince Kael'thas runs his finger on his chin, clearly doing a quick calculation in his head. "It shouldn't take you an hour or two for your bird to churn out enough fibers to make a full set of clothing on her."
"Yeah, it took my birds each an hour to get them the magical glowy fiber." Motoyasu nods his head along. "It'll take the nice lady about a day to weave them into fabric, and then I can take it and make a dress, or as a pair of overalls for your bird."
"Wait, you make the cloth?" Naofumi whips his head to look at the Spear Hero. "Do you even know which side of the needle goes in?"
"HEY! That's not nice!" The Spear Hero looks a little affronted by the accusation. "I was learning from Auntie Haruka how to knit and make clothes before I got summoned here! I'll have you know I planned to become a clothesmaker. And I made the cloth for all my children!"
Now the princess can't help herself, but imagine the Spear Hero in a seamstress' dress, sitting in front of bundles of yearn, fabrics, glowing manaweave and knitting a scarf with a pair of needles. That's… actually not a bad look for him?
"Oooooohhhh~ Master Motoyasu as a seamstress! That's so fitting! And CUTE!" Katarina's cooing sound breaks Mein out of her thoughts. She looks out of their shack, sure enough Katarina and Bertia are both waiting outside on the grass with Katarina's maid standing over them. A blonde boy wearing overalls is running around them, chasing after a butterfly. While a girl that looks similar to Firo, but with flowing pink hair in a one-piece dress is lying on the grass using Bertia's legs as a pillow, gently snoring.
"We shouldn't gossip about Master Motoyasu being a seamstress, he's supposed to become a duke if he stays with us after the Wave. It's… scandalous." The red cloud on Bertia's cheeks indicates that she is most definitely thinking about what the Spear Hero would look like, if he becomes a seamstress.
"Nonsense, Tia. I want to work to support my family, but I still want to be there for you all." The Spear Hero walks over and wraps his arms around the Noches heiress, making her entire head glow red. Bertia was already on the short side, only about a head or a half taller than Zylden. And now with her… width mostly gone, she looks positively tiny in the Spear Hero's embrace. "Making clothes for other people sounds like a really good deal."
"If it makes you feel better, I was talking with Mein about becoming a cook in her hometown after this whole 'Wave of Catastrophe' business is over." Naofumi walks out of his wooden shack onto the grass. "Yeah, someone told me about how we are supposed to become dukes after the Wave is over. But getting fat on someone else's labor just doesn't sit right with me."
Bertia's eyes move between the two heroes standing in front of her. Her doll-like face slowly turned pink again. "...yeah… I can see that."
"Well, let's get the party ready to go back to Melromarc Castle. And get Firo her manaweave." The Spear Hero claps his hands together in front of his face. "Firo, and you'll come with me. We'll pick three more with us."
"Three more?" A frown showed up on Naofumi's face. "Why not everyone?"
"We can only port six people, including ourselves." The Spear in Motoyasu's hand turns into a thin, fragile looking thing made of glass, he gives it a twirl, digging a thin line on the ground in the process. "I don't know if there'll be a more advanced form after we level up more. But so far, I can only take five people with me."
"Oh, I see. That's a shame." Naofumi looks back at his gathered party and starts pointing his finger at the members he chose to take on his shopping trip. "Guess I'll take Mein, Raphtalia, and…"
"Take me, my thane." Yatsuhashi moves forward from where he was standing. "It's my duty to protect you. I can't do so, if I'm not near you."
"Right, and Yatsuhashi." Naofumi nods his head as the selected group gather around him and the Spear Hero. Just before Motoyasu is about to do… whatever he needs to activate his porting skill, the Shield Hero suddenly jumps up on his feet. "WAIT! What happens with the Yuzus?"
"Yuzus? Whose that?" The Spear Hero turns his head left and right, probably trying to spot another person with him. "I don't see anyone with you."
"My balloons." Naofumi opens up his cloak, and lets his pet monsters move from his body onto his hands. They bounce around happily, while the Spear Hero jumps away from them with a fear- filled yelp. Mein is tempted to follow his example. "Relax! They don't bite!"
"They DO!" Spear Hero whimpers as runs all the way behind Bertia. The much bigger man crouches down, and hides behind the petite Noches heiress. The princess would have found the scene quite pathetic… if she herself didn't fully empathize with the Spear Hero's fear. "You set them on me! And it hurt worse than that time I was stabbed by two knives… repeatedly!"
To Bertia's credit, she actually stands up and opens her arms wide, making herself look as large as possible to shield her hero. The head of the pink haired girl rolls off Bertia's head, awakes and shakily stands up with half-open, sleepy looking eyes. "What's going on here~? Sakura wants to sleep some more~."
"Okay, they don't bite anyone till I tell them, or someone attacks me. Don't bite Motoyasu, or his people." Naofumi sets the rubbery abominations on the ground, where they once again stretch out their legs and snubby little tails. He rubs them on their head while looking at the Spear Hero. "There! Are you happy now?"
"They look kind of cute, don't they? Kou?" Katarina moves closer. The blonde boy stops chasing after butterflies, runs over and jumps onto Katarina's back to peer at the balloons over Katarina's shoulder. The not too bright Claes heiress walks over to the eldritch devours, bends down and starts petting them on the head like Naofumi did earlier, leaving ripples over their orange form at the wake of her hand. "Ooo… rubbery."
"Yes they are! Katarina!" Kou jumps down from her back. He picks up one of the Yuzu, holds it up with both hands and starts spinning around with the thing. "Maybe Master Motoyasu can get one for us too!"
"NO I WON'T!" Motoyasu screams while still crouched behind Bertia. "You already have your little brothers and sisters, Kou!"
"Awww~! But they are egg brothers and sisters, not pets!" Kou pouts at the Spear Hero. His childish tantrum is soon forgotten when another child-like figure in a frilly black dress runs past him, followed by a small trail of birds… and Mein's little sister. "Oh, there's Kuro and other egg brothers and sisters! Wait for Kou! Kou wants to play too!"
The blonde boy quickly throws the balloon back onto the ground and gives chase to his fellow filorials. For the toothy abomination, all it does after bouncing on the ground is hissing at Kou's retreating form a little before wiggle his way over to Katarina to get a new round of petting.
It occurs to Mein, that a bunch of balloons are more well-behaved than Firo. But then again, that should be expected from a gluttonous devil bird disguised as an innocent child.
"What the hell is wrong with you, Motoyasu? You weren't even this afraid of Firo!" The Shield Hero shouts angrily at the whimpering Spear Hero hiding behind Bertia. "And she kicked your crotch so hard, you flew over a village!"
"It didn't even hurt half as bad as what those monsters did to me back in our duel!" The Spear Hero shouts right back at the Shield Hero. Whatever his anger is kind of muted, considering he is currently being protected by someone who looks like a child.
"Sakura." Bertia turns to her pink haired bird. "Can you take the Yuzus away? Master Motoyasu is afraid of them."
"...No~." Sakura tilts her head sideways, stays silent for a few moments before she sits back down and declines. "It's too much a bother~. Get Kou, or Big Bro Black Lightning."
"Here. Let me get Kou." The Claes heir stands up from the balloon monsters she's petting. She makes a circle with her fingers and whistles to her bird. It doesn't take the blonde boy too long to run back to his master. "Can you be a dear and take Yuzus for a run, Kou?"
"SURE!" Kou jumps on his feet, turns to the shape changing rubber monsters and smiles at them. "Come on, let's race!"
"The Yuzus are gone, are you happy now?" As the blonde boy takes the balloons away, the Shield Hero places his hands on his waist and scowls at the still whimpering Spear Hero. "Let's get this over with, before Firo tries to kill you again."
"They are gone?" Motoyasu peers his head out from behind Bertia's back. The Spear Hero looks left and right, and lets out a sigh of relief after he didn't see the toothy abominations. He crawls his way out of Beria's back and jumps to his feet. "Okay then, let's get going."
Before the Spear Hero has a chance to come over, a flurry of shadows fly over everyone's head. Mein looks up, and at first she wonders if a giant flock of birds, or maybe griffins are gliding over them. But after a closer look, the silhouette they cast over everyone's head doesn't look like birds, and their forms are too slim and elegant to be griffins.
Pegasus. As far as skybound mounts go, they aren't as common as griffins, or even wyverns. Due to this kind of magical beasts being attracted to only 'pure' magic, making only a limited selection of areas suitable to raise them.
To be able to muster a small army of pegasus, and to have freely flow through Northern Melromarc south to the Crownland, the only candidate is…
"OH! I bet it's Ced, or Fee!" Katarina immediately turns on her heels and runs after the group of landed pegasus riders. "Oh, it's too long! I haven't seen them since my sixteenth birthday! Let's go meet them, Tia, Master Motoyasu! I'll introduce you to them!"
"Wait, Katarina-. Sorry, let me make sure Katarina is alright." The Spear Hero tries to reach for Katarina, but fails considering how far he was from the Claes heiress. He gives Naofumi an apologizing smile and runs after Katarina with Bertia.
"Come on, we might as well join them. Less wasted time." Naofumi shrugs his shoulders in resigned exasperation, as he leads the way, slowly walking towards the group of pegasus riders after the Spear Hero.
Even from a distance, Mein can see the prominence of green hair on most of the female pegasus riders. It further confirms her suspicion, this group of pegasus riders come from the small desert kingdom of Silesse, officially part of the Zeltbole Free City Alliance, but a long time ally of Melromarc due to the Silesse royal family's crusader bloodline.
"Fee! FEE! It's really you!" Katarina jumps up and down on her feet, screeching and waving her hand at one of the female riders in the middle. "Hey, HEY! It's me! Katarina Claes! You were here with your brother on my sixteenth birthday!"
"Katarina?" The young woman in question has her green hair cut short, and tied up by a white headband. She wears a suit of light, form-fitting armor made of mithril over tight, creamy-colored clothing. Her confusion slowly changes to a look of realization as she pushes through her escorting knights to meet Katarina. "Right, you are Kat! Leif's distant cousin! Sorry I didn't get you any presents this time. I'm kind of hurt for time, and I didn't expect to run into you."
"Yep! That's me! You don't have to get me any presents! Meeting you again makes me happy enough!" Katarina hops over to the princess of Silesse like a rabbit pill. She wraps her arms around Fee's body in a tight embrace, picks the slim princess up and spins a circle before putting her down. The energetic Claes heiress looks around. "You are here for Uncle Aultcray's parade, right? Where's your elder brother, Ced?"
"Oh, Him." Fee bites down on her lips, her brows slowly twists into a knot. "He ran away… again."
"WH- WHAT~?!" Katarina jumps back a step at the revelation, Mein feels tempted to follow her example. "But, but who did he run away from? Isn't he… the king now after your mother… you know?"
"Yes, yes he is." Princess Fee's breathing visibly becomes heavier as she closes her eyes. "He is supposed to be the king now that Mother has passed away. But he took too much after Father."
"What her highness meant to say is…" One of the green haired young women in Princess Fee's retinue takes over the explanation, considering the obvious emotional state the princess is in. This one in particular has the similar hairstyle as her princess, and she looks close enough to Princess Fee to be mistaken for a twin sister. The only thing setting them apart from Mein was her lack of hairband, and slightly less refined facial features. "King Ced recently discovered the lead to a slave band taking Silesse children. And he ran away to investigate with his retainer and disciple."
"Huh. That's nice. Sounds like this king is hardcore anti-slavery like Naofumi here." Motoyasu points his thumb behind him, at the Shield Hero. He turns around to look at his fellow hero. "Maybe you should get to know him, get him on board and help you?"
"Maybe." Naofumi nods his head along, yet there's a frown on his face as he runs his fingers on his chin. "But he sounds a bit… I don't know, irresponsible? I mean, I guess it's better than if he's just feasting and drinking all day, but aren't there more important things for a King to do than chase after slavers? Shouldn't he have a subordinate do it?"
"I KNOW! RIGHT?!" To Mein's surprise, the one who is agreeing with the Shield Hero, explosively so, is none other than King Ced's younger sister. "I mean… I know Big Brother has been doing this since he's old enough to use the Forseti tome. And I'm happy someone is out there saving those poor kidnapped children. But he's no longer just a prince anymore! Mother is gone, and he is now the KING everyone look for answers! He can't just run away without telling anyone whenever he wants, and only leaving me a note!"
Mein can't help but feel a little self-conscious at Princess Fee's outburst. She looks away in an attempt to not think of the consequence of her own… escapade. She notices both Katarina and Bertia pointedly looking away, suddenly finding the patch of grass under their feet was very interesting.
Hmm… guess who else didn't inform their family of their recent activities?
"Please, calm yourself, your highness. It's not good for your health to throw a tirade while you are still tired." Fee's green haired retainer, possibly a body double tries to valiantly calm the furious princess down, to no avail.
"I'm your little sister! Not your mother! I shouldn't be responsible for cleaning up your mess! But guess who has to bust her ass getting the parade ready to not make an incident with our ally!?" Princess Fee stomps her feet on the ground, completely throwing whatever royal antiquity out of the window. She looks a step away from tearing at her own hair by this point. "Like, you have an old friend who was your retainer! You have a disciple you personally trained yourself! They have been going with you on those raids against slaver since the start! Have them take over the slaver raid duties while you attend your kingly duties! STUPID BIG BROTHER!"
"Please, try to calm yourself, Your Highness." The other green haired pegasus rider continues to run her hand comfortingly down Princess Fee's shoulders and back, trying her best to manage the princess' apparently bottled up resentment. "You are already tired from twelve hours of flying. We are all lost if you faint on us, my princess."
"You are right. I have to be the responsible one… I'm sorry to make you worry, Hermina." Princess Fee closes her eyes tight as she takes a few deep breaths. When she opens her eyes again, the princess of Silesse is once again the portray of calm. "I'm sorry all of you have to witness my outburst. I'm afraid your friends have me at a disadvantage, heir Claes."
"Oh, right. Sorry." Katarina stands up straighter as she clears her throat. "I, Katarina Claes, first of my name, heiress to House Claes, present you Lord Spear Hero, Motoyasu Kitamura, and Lord Shield Hero, Naofumi Iwatani and their retinue."
"Ah, revered heroes. Please forgive me for not paying the proper respect from before." Princess Fee bows her head low, while all her retinue go down on their one knee.
No, she stands corrected. Out of the hundred or so riders, two only bow their heads rather than kneeling to the heroes. Clearly of noble blood, but not the most prominent green hair of Silessian, not even the lesser seen but no less valid red or blue.
No, the two noble ladies both have blonde hair. The first one wears a light suite of armor outside of her tight silken cloth. Her ear length, faint colored blonde hair is tied up by two white bows slightly above her ears like a pair of little wings. The other wears a long, one-piece white silken dress. Her hair's color is even fainter than her fellow lady, almost the same color as House Malfoy's platinum blonde. It's slicked back, and tied up into a neat bun behind her head.
"I, Fee Erinys Silesse, princess of Silesse, second of my name, descendent of Ced the Wind Master of the Divine Crusaders, present my traveling companions." Princess Fee turns around as the two presumed noble ladies walk forward. "Lady Lancelotte Arc, second of her name and Lady Mordred Arc, Third of her name, descendants of the old kingdom of Albion."
"Lord Spear Hero, Lord Shield Hero. It's an honor to meet you both." Lady Mordred smiles at the heroes in the way of a court lady; without any mirth behind her smile, it makes one unable to tell if she wants to plant a kiss on someone's cheeks, or slip some poison into one's drink.
It might be Mein's imagination, but Mordred's gaze seems to be fixed on her Naofumi. The princess gives a quick glance to the Shield Hero's bodyguard, and notices his sword arm tensed in a way that's ready to reach back and grab the hilt of his greatsword. So, it's not only her.
"Oh, you are both from Defiant Bay!" Katarina nods her head. It's easy for a lot of ladies of high society to dismiss the monkey of House Claes due to her exuberant personality. Mein herself does it too, but Katarina Claes still has the proper heir education of House Claes behind her back. "Are you both here to attend the parade?"
"No, Lady Artoria has already departed for the capital with her right hand, General Claudette, The Thundercloud." Mordred gives a slight shake of her head to indicate no. "We came south with a second contingent to answer Lord Reichnott's call to arms, to clear the bandits nesting within the Stolen Land."
That's nice… but it doesn't answer why they are both south of the land they are supposed to go into. They can't even be making a detour to catch the bandits in a pincer attack, considering they obviously aren't with their army.
"What Mordy is saying is she's worried about lil Jo." Lancelotte jumps in front of Mordred, and stretches her younger sister's face. "We arrived at Port Harp, and heard our baby brother was taken to the capital to stand trial. Mordy immediately went crazy, and almost took our army to fly south. At least until we met Princess Fee, and now we are actually flying south!"
With Lancelotte pointing it out, Mein can easily notice the bags under both of their eyes. The two of them, especially Mordred, have tried to hide it with powdered make up as per high society's standard, but not quite successfully.
"Lo-Lotte!" Mordred's composure breaks as her cheeks turn burning red, while she slaps her elder sister's hand away. "Can't you take the situation seriously?! Our baby brother is going to stand trial. On a religious court!"
"Nope. That's my right as your elder sister." Lancelotte grins at her younger sister, but she steps back and gives a clap on Mordred's shoulder. "Your hair will turn gray early if you worry this much, little sister. Our baby brother will be fine, because Uncle Biscas won't let anything too bad happen to him!"
"Hey, if you two are this worried, maybe you can come with me. I have my porting skill… oh…" Spear Hero is clearly not the kind to refuse a pretty face, especially from a damsel that's in distress. He looks over at Naofumi's glower face, finally realizing he messed up. "Sorry… I already have five passengers. Unless some of you want to stay behind?"
She doesn't need to go on the trip, obviously. But she still doesn't want to get too far from the Shield Hero. After a short while, Raphtalia timidly raises her hand. "I, I can stay behind."
"Are you sure, Raphtalia?" Naofumi's eyebrow rises up as he turns around and looks deep into the raccoon dog girl's eyes. "You can transform too, that 'magical clothes' thing sounds useful to you."
"No, my shapeshift can change anything I carry with me. It'll help save my mana, but I don't need manaweave clothing." Raphtalia turns to look at the Arc sisters, clearly seeing the distress on Mordred's face. "It's more important for them to see their brother."
"Okay, good girl. Anyone else? No, not you Firo! You have to be there to get your magic clothes." Naofumi waves away Firo's rising hand, clearly knowing she's not thinking straight while still under Kael'Thas' magic. "How about you, Yatsuhashi? You don't need a magical cloak, right?"
"Please take your wellbeing more seriously, my thane." The giant takes a step forward, his face is slightly twisted with… not wrath, but definitely annoyance, or maybe exasperation. "I am your sworn shield, my thane. If something happens, I can't fulfill my duty to protect you if I'm not near you."
"I'm sure nothing will happen on the trip. I'm the Shield Hero, so I'm already very hard to hurt." Naofumi looks over at Motoyasu, "Plus, the Spear Hero will be with me."
"No offense to Lord Spear Hero." Yatsuhashi crosses his arms, his metal arm guards shining under the morning sun. "But he's afraid of a bunch of balloons. I don't trust in his ability to keep you safe more than myself, my thane."
"Hey!" Motoyasu jumps on his feet at the vote of no confidence. "You try getting yourself shut in a very dark and tight box, having those monsters bite all over you and see how you feel!"
"Regardless…" Yatsuhashi gives a side glimpse to the Spear Hero before turning back to his thane again. "The point is you are taking your own safety too lightly, my thane. There are a lot of people who seek to do you harm. That's why my Jarl appointed me to be your Housecarl and protect you, with my life if necessary."
"I don't feel I'm that special…"
"Well, looks like only one of us gets to go, Mordy." While the Shield Hero is having his heated argument with his own sworn shield, the two Arc sisters are having their own debate. Lancelotte stares at her younger sister for a while before reaching over at Mordred's hair. Mordred slaps her hand away before she has a chance to mess up her meticulously styled hair. "You go."
"Are you sure about this, sister?" Mordred tilts her head, looking hard into Lancelotte's eyes.
"Yeah, I'm sure." Lancelotte grins as she licks her lips. "Besides, I only followed you south because I heard of this new treat they are selling in Trumpet. It tastes like frozen fruit melting in your mouth. Can't try it out, if I don't get to visit Trumpet now. Can I?"
Hmm… speaking of needing to visit Trumpet… there is also that sword she commissioned with that… busty monster of a woman. Maybe she should have volunteered to stay behind, and make a trip to the weapon shop?
"LOTTE!" Mordred straightens up again, practically looking furious at her sister. "How can you place some… some frozen, sweet treat above our baby brother! You-"
"Look, Mordy. The point is you have always been the closest to our baby brother. You've been changing his nappies, since you were six yourself. You took care of him most when Arty and myself are older, and you never complained." Lancelotte's face looks almost serious as she places her hands on Mordred's shoulders as she leans closer to her younger sister. "If there's anyone of us that should see him off before his trial, it has to be you."
"How about this?!" Shield Hero's suddenly raised voice catches everyone's attention. "I stay behind, and you stay behind. Let Mein take Raphtalia, and Firo to the capital with Motoyasu looking after them. I stay safe with you watching over me… possibly talk with the nice princess over there about how to contact her brother. Both Rapthalia, Firo… maybe even Mein gets a pair of magical clothes. And both sisters get to see their brother off before he goes to trial."
"That… is acceptable." Yatsuhashi nods his head, looking appeased. His face returns to neutral as he steps behind the Shield Hero once again.
Well… so much for her idea to stay behind. Guess she'll make a trip to Trumpet sometime later.
"Okay, I'm going to stay behind, Firo. Don't attack anyone, or anything while you go to the capital. Got it?" Naofumi turns around and crouches down in front of Firo.
"...Okay. Firo will not attack…" The mind controlled devil bird dizzily nods her head along.
"I'm putting my companion's safety in your hand. Motoyasu, don't fuck this up." The Shield Hero stands back up and clasps the Spear Hero's shoulder.
"You can trust me on this, man. I don't fuck around when it comes to safety of my friends… or yours." Motoyasu closes his free left hand on Naofumi's hand resting on his shoulder. The two heroes look at each other for a brief moment, before they break apart. The Spear Hero looks over at the two Arc sisters. "You ladies ready? All aboard the Motoyasu Express straight to this country's capital!"
The Arc sisters move closer to the Spear Hero, as the Shield Hero steps away with his bodyguard. Mordred gives another bow to Motoyasu, before her face slowly turns towards Naofumi. "You have my thanks, Spear Hero… and Shield Hero."
At this moment, the princess belatedly realizes that if Mordred heard about what happened to Jaune, she would also know he got in trouble because he was helping the Shield Hero. While Mordred did a good job at hiding it, it's easy for her to notice the small resentment towards Naofumi once she knows what to look for.
Mein's thought is cut short when her vision is filled with the color of ruby. The next moment, she is standing in front of the fountain in the middle of the Hero's Square at Melromarc Castle.
"Well, well, well… What do we have here?" Mein hears the consevatie fop's ear scratching voice from behind her. She turns around with the rest of her passengers, and sure enough the Three Heroes' Church group is walking up to them towards the grand cathedral. "Little Jaune's sisters, here to see him on trial? Because he isn't man enough to face his judgment without support of his dear sisters?"
"Lancelotte? Mordred?" Compared to Consevatie's self important mewling, Jaune sounds genuinely surprised. "What are you two- hmph!"
He's nearly knocked over when Mordred slams headfirst into him, embracing him much tighter than Katarina did to Princess Fee not too long ago… from half a province away.
Probably not the best time for Mein to have this sudden epiphany considering Mordred and Jaune's emotional reunion… but the princess in disguise just realized how otherworldly the power the heroes' command really are. Considering the Spear Hero just ported them across half a province in the blink of an eye.
"You are a member of the Arc Arch-duchy, our family, baby brother." Mordred's voice is almost low as a murmur, yet Mein can hear every syllable. "Don't let anyone treat you like dirt, Jaune. I won't allow it, and our sisters won't allow it. Father won't allow it either."
"Well, too bad. Your precious baby brother decided to commit heresy," Consevatie sneered down at the lady from House Arc. "Your brother is finished, my dear Mordy. Maybe it's time to get on with a real man, what do you say?"
As the first princess of Melromarc, she has heard some very bad pick up lines at attempted (and often failed) courtship. Consevatie manages to easily take the cake: 'Hey, my dear. I just reported the worst possible heresy committed by your beloved brother to the board of Vicars, and very possibly ruined his life forever. Love me now.'
Mein hides her face in her eyes. She feels embarrassed for ever being in a courtship (even if only arranged by her father) with the Consevatie fop.
"A real man? Where? You mean the Spear Hero?" Lancelotte looks left and right with a curious smile on her face. After a while of fruitless searching, she looks back at Consevatie again. "OH! You meant yourself! Good one there, Siggy! Puffing your chest and pretending to be a grown up. Sorry, we'll always remember you as that little kid running around in your soiled nappies."
…
She has heard from Jaune about Lancelotte being rather… eccentric. But she has never expected her to be the meanest of the Arc sisters… and she's being genuine, isn't she?
The princess in disguise gives a better look at Lancelotte's face. She can't find a single trail of guile, much like the face of Katarina. And in a way, Lancelotte saying what she just did with total sincerity, rather than malice, made the comment so much more cutting.
Even the rest of the Three Church members burst out laughing at Consevatie's beet red face. "Shu-SHUT UP! YOU FUCKING IDIOTS!"
The day is still long… with plenty of chances for something to go wrong. Yet, Mein can't help but feel this will be a good day.
Omake: Confusion of the Loyal Slave
While Master Naofumi is busy cooking stew with the cooks of Balafon, she joins a group of children, chopping magical fruits for both Balafon militia… and the Siltvelt warriors. She likes helping out Master Naofumi, or the villagers she comes across. Makes her feel like she's useful, than a pampered noble, getting fat on the work of the common people.
"RAPHTALIA!" A familiar voice makes her put the knife away and look up. From the other way across the village, a familiar figure blurs over to her. She's nearly knocked over, when the silhouette slams into her. "I knew it! I knew you were okay!"
"Your friend, Raphtalia?" Master Naofumi peers over from the cooking pot he's working over. An amusing, but encouraging smile plastered over his face.
"That's right! I'm Keel! Raphtalia's friend since childhood!" Keel releases her, turns around and points her finger at Master Naofumi. "Your day of exploiting Raphtalia is over! You, you… you exploiter hero villain thing!"
Master Naofumi looks more confused than anything else. He slowly rises both hands up above his shoulders. "Emmm… I don't know what you're talking about. But if Raphtalia wants to leave and stay with her friends…"
"No!" Her heart clenched at the thought of being forced to leave Master Naofumi and big sister Mein. This was why she wanted to keep her seal. If everyone knows she belongs to Master Nafoumi, nobody can take them apart. She quickly walked over to Keel and pulled her back by her shoulders. "Stop being mean to Master Naofumi, Keel! He isn't mean, or exploiting me!"
"That's what they all say! You can't trust any of them man animals having power over you. Remember how that bald, fat bastard Consevatie pretended to be nice at the start?" Keel's words make her gasp a little.
"Maybe you should take a break, Raphtalia?" Master Naofumi looks down into his pot, gives a couple of stir with his ladle before looking back up at the two of them again. If he heard Keel's brief use of the bad word, he didn't mention it. "You two haven't seen each other for a long time, right? You two should catch up."
"Yes, that's a good idea. Master Naofumi. Sorry…" She gives a smile of apology to the rest of the Balafon children as she drags Keel away behind some newly boarded up wooden shacks.
"THIS ISN'T OVER! You Shield exploiter hero villain~!" Keel struggles against her, but her childhood friend is much weaker compared to what she remembered. She probably didn't eat properly, because she didn't have someone like Master Naofumi taking care of her. Maybe she could ask Keel to stay with her. "Damn! Where did your monster-like strength come from, Raphtalia!? Did that man-animal exploiter hero… villain thing make you carry rocks everywhere? I swear, the things I'll do to him…"
Maybe not…
"Keel! Where did you learn that bad word!?" She turns around and shouts at Keel. She's probably being too loud, as Keel actually flinches back. "It's not nice, calling people 'man animals'! Father said only bad malisi, like thieves and bandits, do it!"
"Oh, come on. Raphtalia. You know everyone back in Port Harp secretly calls them man-animals behind their back…" Keel recoils again as she gives her childhood friend a very unamused look. "...okay. Adam and his people do it from time to time, I have to fit in and the words kind of stuck in my head…"
It takes a few seconds for her to realize who 'Adam and his people' can be. "You joined a gang of bandits and thugs?! How could you?! Didn't your parents get hurt that one time the Bitch Lord's bandits raided the caravan they were working in?!"
"NO! It's not like that! Adam and his people aren't like the Bitch Lord and her lackeys." Keel furiously shakes her hands, trying to deny her involvement with the bad people. "Okay… they steal something, and hurt people from time to time. But they had to do it to survive in the slum. Nobody gives a free handout to us in the city."
"Well, Master Naofumi and Big Sister Mein aren't like that!" She throws her arms up over her heads. "They've been taking care of me since they got me out of the… slum. It's like, like…"
Master Naofumi and big sister Mein aren't her father and mother… Father and Mother are both gone, after the first Wave. But with them around… It's almost like she never lost her parents.
"Excuse ME? Big. Sister. MEIN?!" A voice, sounding as unamused as she herself makes both Keel and her turn their heads. Not too far away from them, a human child about the same age as them is glaring at her with squinting eyes and pouty mouth. She has two blue, curly tails of hair on both sides of her head, and wears an expensive looking, light blue frilly dress that's popular with the rich aristocrat children. "Who are you calling big sister!? You… you sister stealer racoon thief!"
She was well aware of her people's reputation of being thieves. And with Father never officially announcing her identity, she was used to being accused of being a thief growing up in Port Harp. She has been accused by a lot of shopkeepers and stall owners of stealing fruits, candy, and money.
There was this one time during the liberation day celebration, a red headed noble lady attending Lord Seaetto's party accused her of stealing the lady's jewelry. What was her name again… was it… Lady Ysold?"
But she has never expected anyone to accuse her of stealing sisters. She would never be a slaver!
"Hey! Who are you calling a thief!?" Not one to back down from challenges or insults, Keel immediately stomps forward and shoves the blue haired noble girl back. Before Raphtalia has a chance to react, someone scoops Keel up by her throat, picks her up and slams her hard against the wall of the wooden shack.
"Don't you dare to touch my lady with your dirty hands, mutt." The woman is in full plate armor. No different from the men under Viscount Consevatie.
"Put Keel DOWN!" She changes into her adult body without thinking much, and makes a grab at the arm of the armored woman, trying to wrestle Keel free before her childhood friend choked to death.
"Think you are some stuff of legend, going around beating veterans just because you follow a Hero, vermin?" The armored woman sneers at her. The woman tosses Keel away and forces both hands on her, forcing her back towards the wall. "You untrained rabble are no match for iron forged Melromarcian flesh!"
"STOP! Sir Palmer!" As her back and head hits the wall of the shack hard, she hears the stern voice of a somewhat familiar woman. She turns around, and sees the lady with long, aqua hair who follows around the Spear Hero walking towards them, her bespectacled maid following behind her. "Please don't harm Lord Shield Hero's companion and cause problems."
"Just teaching the wild animals a lesson, for daring to harm my lady." She feels the hand of the armored woman let go of her, as she slowly slides down the wall. "Let's go, my lady."
"Yes, Sarah, Iris." The blue haired noble girl turns around and follows the aqua haired lady away. Before she leaves, she turns back to look at Raphtalia and blows her tongue. "I won't give my sister to you!"
As she feels Keel crawling over to her, all Raphtalia can think about is how weird this day is turning out.
End Note:
Well, I been wanting to shrink my two week update back to initial one week schedule for a long time. Although I was too lazy to do so. Some recent happening in life finally motivated to go ahead and get off my lazy ass to do it. Hope it actually sticks.
As I have talked with my long time reader/consultant Commissar Gaunt privately, the meeting between Naofumi and Pope Balmus took a very different tone than my original plan, which was more political heavy. And the direction changed when I decided to introduce Kael'thas, a Siltvelt noble (and his retinue) serving for the collection of the most powerful nations in this world. There's no way the Pope would be revealing any political secret to a high ranking noble, who serve a rival super power.
Although in the end, I think it actually worked better with the Pope appeasing Naofumi's more personal, and sentimental side. Since at this point at least, Naofumi only understand the need of politics on a superficial level. As in he understand the why it's there on conceptual level, but never had any personal reason to play the game by the rule because he never personally suffered enough consequence to know why he should play by the unwritten rule. Coupled with all the shenanigans that happened recently, I don't think he would be very receptive if the Pope try to appease him from a political point.
And yes, I am still the massive Motoyasu fanboy I am, if how much spotlight I gave to his companions compared to Ren and Itsuki (even Naofumi's to an extend) isn't enough of an indication. It's just good for my soul to show some pure fluff with his Xover villainess team among all the dirty politics.
:P