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.
"I'm sorry for ruining the dress cloak you made for me."
Goddess and Heroes didn't change much since the last time they visited the comparatively humble tailor shop. The same thing can't be said for the custom tailored dress cloak the seamstress made for Mein's attendant of Father's banquet. While Firo is rolling around the magical spinner to churn out her manaweave thread, the princess in disguise stripped off her burnt and tattered dress cloak and placed it on the counter. "If it's any consolation… you did a great job with it."
"It's quite alright. Clothes are made to be worn, and it comes with wearing and tearing." Despite the grimace of the seamstress' face, she is pretty understanding with Mein. "Especially with adventurous types like yourself."
"I was wondering if you are willing to fix it up for a fee? I quite like it." The princess brushes her hand through the fabric, feeling a strange sense of attachment to this particular piece of clothing. Before her journey with the Shield Hero, she had enough of Father's money to throw around to commission pieces with much more precious material than this cloth cloak. Yet, she barely spared any thought even to her favorite pieces when they are torn much less than this one. "Would adding manaweave to it make it more resilient? Most of the damage was caused by myself, since I'm more of a mage than a warrior fighting in the front. I'm surprised more adventuring mages didn't think of it."
"Yes, it certainly would. Since it's your own mana, it'll react less violently with the spells you cast, and even absorb some of its damage." The seamstress nods her head along, looking thoughtful. "Most mages in adventurer teams don't bother, because they don't like the feeling of mana draining out of them when weaving mana thread. They can easily replace a cheap cloak with the money they earn, or make a strong, enchanted cloak out of more durable materials they gained on their quests. A pure manaweave cloak is much harder to have enchantments woven into, on account of them already being magic. It's easy for them to disrupt an enchantment's array."
"Ah, I see." The princess turned adventurer nods along. Admittedly, it's probably easier to have a new piece commissioned in the same style, using better material her Naofumi collected on their journey north. But as her hand brushes through the dress cloak, feeling the rough burns her own magic caused, and the tattered seams… it feels wrong to simply leave it behind.
Considering how the piece conceals her features, it has practically become her skin by this point. It feels wrong to throw away a piece of herself that has gone through so many things, starting at Father's post second Wave banquet, and ending with her collapsing the old Boletaria castle. "I still want to keep this piece you made for me before the celebration banquet of the king. I'll pay you to fix it up, and add manaweave to it."
"Good choice." The seamstress smiles at Mein, clearly happy that her work is being appreciated. "Leave your cloak with me after you churn out your mana thread. I'll do my best to get everything ready for you tomorrow, before the parade starts."
Ah, yes. Father's parade and Grand Counsel with his fellow lords tomorrow. Technically, Naofumi isn't invited. But the other heroes want him to accompany them. Pope Balmus wasn't lying when he said that the Shield Hero was well respected by his peers. She hopes nothing will go wrong like the banquet and the subsequent duel during the post 2nd Wave celebration.
Chapter 71: A Game of Fools
The day before the parade passed in what felt like a blink of the eye. Soon, it's time to port to the capital once again. This time, with the Shield Hero among them.
"Maybe we shouldn't attend that parade…" The princess turns around to look at the Shield Hero pulling his own collar. The young man clearly looked nervous. " Remember what happened the last time we attended one of the king's events? We aren't even invited this time."
"Your fellow heroes are vouching for you, Master Naofumi this time. I think you'll be fine." The princess looks down at Raphtalia and brushes the young girl's hair with a comb she borrowed from Iris. She's obviously not a maid who is trained to help her mistress style her hair, but at least she can smoothen Raphtalia's bedtime hair out and not have random bushes sticking out the wrong way. "The Spear Hero's companions even offered to stay at the capital last night. It'd be a slap in Lady Amelia's face, if you end up not showing."
Sure enough. Since the Shield Hero being the only hero who haven't unlocked his porting weapon (plus he's below level 50, so he can't use the ability anyway), Spear Hero's companions who would attend the parade offered to stay at Iris' family manor, so their hero can port Naofumi's team to Melromarc Castle.
"I know… I'm just a bit anxious." The Shield Hero sits down. He finally stopped destroying the collar of his own shirt. "The king doesn't really inspire confidence."
"You aren't there for the benefit of King Aultcray, Master Naofumi." Mein sets the comb back into its ornamented box, feeling happy with Raphtalia's hair. Across from them, Firo glares at the two of them with evil eyes. "It's a military parade for most Melromarc, and our allies. That means the Church of Four Heroes will send representatives. You can ask to be sanctified by them."
"I know, I know." The Shield Hero nods his head along while he crosses his arms. "How much do you want to bet that the king will try to do something shady?"
Her entire jewelry stash, if the princess is allowed to be honest. Especially after Uncle Aldrecht's passing, which has no doubt reached his ears by now. If Father honestly believes Naofumi has her bewitched, then the death of her mentor will further reassure his misguided belief. Not to mention, making him more desperate to save her.
Then again, depending on who Vicar Vittorio sent to represent the Four Heroes' Church, her father might not have a choice or a say in the matter. Not to mention the event would also be highly public. It's easier to have a town cryer fabricate a story on what happened during a private banquet (and subsequent duel) where only those of noble descent attend. It's much harder, when all the commoners are going to see the heroes standing on the castle wall looking at the passing knights and soldiers.
"I'm sure we'll be fine, Master Naofumi. You aren't going alone, the other heroes will have your back." The princess stands up, pulling Raphtalia to her feet. "And this'll be your best chance to meet a delegation from the Four Heroes' Church and work on getting yourself sanctified. The king can't do anything to stop you, lest he makes an even bigger fool of himself, in front of all the important people of Melromarc."
"Firo doesn't want to be left behind." Not far from them, the devil bird's cheeks are all puffed up, round as a balloon monster. The bird clearly isn't happy about Naofumi leaving her behind. "Why does she get to go, and Firo has to stay away from Master Naofumi?"
"We are going to a former event, Firo. I can't have you decide to randomly attack people there." Naofumi ruffles Firo's head a little. "Motoyasu left all his birds behind too, you'll have company."
"Firo doesn't like them!" The bird pouts her face up and blenches. "Well… Sakura is okay. The others are as bad as Spear Guy! Especially that perfect little white princess! She's mean to Firo all the time!"
From the way Firo venomously spit out the word, Mein gets the feeling that her calling Yuki a 'princess' isn't meant to be a compliment.
"And you aren't treating her any nicer. Stay with Sakura and the Yuzus, if you don't like the others." Naofumi releases his hand from Firo's head, and gives each one of his bouncing pet balloons a pet on their head. They look happy, bouncing up and rolling around even faster than before.
"Naofumi! I finished Firo's dress!" The Spear Hero once again announces his presence by kicking the door wide open. In his hand, a frilly dress in a similar style as Sakura, but with a more pale, sky colored blue scheme instead of Sakura's gentle pink.
Was it the manaweave cloth the Spear Hero got back from Goddess and Heroes tailor shop last evening, when he took Iris, Katarina, Bertia and the two maids to the Amelia manor in Melromarc Castle? She didn't expect the Spear Hero to take it, and make it into a finished dress over a single night. Whatever can be said about the Spear Hero not being the sharpest tool in the shed… he definitely has both dedication, and skill to his apparent tailoring craft.
The Spear Hero enthusiastically nods his head as he hands it to Naofumi with a smile. "Go on, Have her try it on!"
"What makes you think Firo wants to wear your dirty hide, spear guy?" Firo grits her teeth and gnarls at the Spear Hero, acting more like some kind of canine than a bird. At least she's not immediately attacking Motoyasu now, so there's some progress?
"Behave, Firo. Motoyasu spent a lot of time and effort last night making your dress." Naofumi crouches down and pinches Firo's cheek. He takes the dress from Motoyasu's hand, and half helps, half forces Firo to slide it on.
The Shield Hero is clearly very new to this, treating a child thing, considering how sloppy and awkward his movement is, especially having some trouble getting the sleeves on while Firo's head is still halfway stuck in the dress's collar. Kyubey ends up having to step up, and gives him a hand… with his only good arm.
After Firo gets properly dressed, Naofumi and Kyubey both step away. The Shield Hero and Spear Hero both cock their heads sideways, looking rather thoughtful. "Say, Motoyasu. Now Firo is dressed… doesn't she remind you of someone?"
As for the gluttonous devil bird, she stretches her arm left and right, jumps up and down a few times. She blinks, and looks down at her dress. "It… doesn't feel too bad. I guess the spear guy isn't that bad…"
"Yeah… it's right on the tip of my tongue too… needs something else though." The Spear Hero nods in agreement. After a short thought that might have hurt the dimwitted hero's head, he takes a piece of blue fabric out of his spear, probably leftover manaweave for making Firo's dress. Motoyasu walks forward, and tries to tie the piece of thin, long fabric around Firo's hair. The bird struggles, trying to slap his hand away but ultimately the Spear Hero is successful at tying a butterfly shaped bow around Firo's head.
"Flonne from Disgaea!" The Two heroes suddenly look at each other at the same time, and shout out a name that apparently meant something to them.
"Well, the dress isn't exactly in Flonne's style. I made it the same style as Sakura's. Now I just need to cut the fabrics around her shoulders and armpit off- GAK!" The Spear Hero changes his weapon into a glaive with a dangerously sharp looking edge. Thankfully (or perhaps unfortunately), he gets pushed face first into the wall before he can wrap his dirty hands around Firo. "OW! S-stop that!"
"Don't you dare sexualize my child, You sick fucko!" Naofumi screams at the top of his lungs. The enraged Shield Hero grabs the Spear Hero's shoulders with both hands, and rams Motoyasu's face repeatedly into the far wall. Obviously not doing any damage due to his pitifully low ATK rating, but still causing some discomfort and making the scene look quite comedic.
The Hero's porting skill doesn't feel as disorienting as the last time. Mein still stumbles on her feet, while the Shield Hero is perfectly balanced. He actually reaches over and holds her by the shoulder to stop her from tripping. "Careful, Mein."
"Yes, thank you for being a gentleman, Master Naofumi." The princess in disguise tightens the cheap traveling cloak she borrowed from Whiterun guards. She looks around the street, already seeing the city people lining up the side of the street, carrying baskets of perfumed flower petals. Some of them, especially children, point their fingers at the newly arrived heroes. "There's still time before the parade. I want to make a quick visit to Goddess and Heroes. Maybe the seamstress has Raphtalia and my clothes ready for the occasion."
"You want to dress up, huh? Understandable." Naofumi smiles at her and nods. Although behind him, the Bow Hero looks like he wanted to say something. But the Sword Hero quickly grabs the other boy's wrist and stops him. "Okay, let's go visit the tailor quickly, before we go get Motoyasu's companions. You guys go ahead."
"Actually, Motoyasu can go collect his companions. Itsuki and I can wait for you two here by the fountain." The Sword Hero crosses his arms in front of his chest. "Seeing how Naofumi never got an official invitation to attend the parade, we'd best arrive at the palace together."
"That makes sense, we'll make it quick." Naofumi nods his head, while Motoyasu instantly split from their group, practically skipping his feet as he ran towards the direction of Amelia family manor, a large grin plastered all over his face. "Hmm, guess he missed his lady friends."
The walk to Goddess and Heroes tailor shop takes about ten minutes. The 'silver' street isn't located far from the main street that goes to the grand cathedral and the palace. Thankfully, the shop isn't closed like many others on the street, probably because the owner also went to see the incoming army parade. The Shield Hero pushes the door open with a chime.
"Welcome- oh, it's you! Your clothes are ready, over here." The seamstress looks up from behind her counter and quickly recognizes them. She walks over to a shelf behind her, and takes both Mein's now fixed traveling cloak, and some other articles of clothing probably meant for Raphtalia. "Go on. Try them before you go attend the parade with the king! We have a changeroom in the back here."
"You go, Raphtalia." Mein gives the demi-human girl a light pat on the shoulder. "All I have is a dress cloak I wear on the outside. Yours seems to be more extensive. But let me know if you need some help putting them on."
"Okay, big sister." Raphtalia nods her head, takes the clothing from the seamstress and walks into the changing room.
The princess turned adventurer fiddles her fixed up cloak a little, to take a better look at it before putting it on. It still resembles the pristine state it was first finished in before Father's banquet, although now it also has a thin layer of shine to it. Almost like an enchanted piece of equipment, but isn't as prominent and more like a 'blink and you'll miss it' glitter from some of the weaker stars at night.
Privately, she's glad about it. No one, especially adventurers, can dispute the usefulness of enchanted equipment. But having something she wears on her body, especially a full body covering cloak constantly glowing with light is too gaudy even for her taste. "I see it glimmer a little like an enchanted cloak. Does it have any more magical properties?"
"It has the same properties as a piece of full manaweave cloth, only slightly weaker." The seamstress pinches and rubs her fingers around the edge of Mein's dress cloak. "A full manaweave cloth can be instantly cleaned when its wearer overcharges it with magic. As the things like dirt would be regarded by manaweave as freignobject and expelled when activated by the owner's mana. Yours isn't as strong since it's already interwoven with foreign objects as the cloth thread, but it'll still make things harder to stick on and easier to clean. It'll also recognize your mana, making it highly resistant to defensive spells that would otherwise harm yourself, like a [Flame Cloak]. And last, it also acts as a very minor catalyst when you cast a spell. Nowhere near as powerful as a wand, amulet or even a charm."
A definite upgrade compared to before, even if the added benefit really isn't that strong compared to truly enchanted cloth. Plus, she can still have enchantment weaved into it if she finds a good enchanter… like the imp of Casterly Rock, if he is as good as he brags. Definitely something worth thinking about before the next Wave comes, since he'd be staying in the same village as herself.
"I'm ready, I think…" Raphtalia's voice sounds much more timid than Mein was used to for a long while In fact, the princess is almost reminded when she's still a slave under the Shield Hero. Mein turns around to look at the raccoon princess with the Shield Hero, Kyubey and Yatsuhashi.
Standing in front of the closed door to the changing room, Raphtalia crossed her arms in front of her stomach while holding her old clothing, obstructing a full view of her. Despite that, Mein can still see she's now wearing a set of dress uniform and pants that makes her look like a knight good enough to serve a noble. The color of her new blouse compliment her hair and eyes, while her dress pants sport a much paler color. It's rather fitting, considering how a hero should automatically have the rank equal to a duke.
"You didn't specify what style you wanted, but I know you are a companion of the Shield Hero. So I went with a style that I think is fitting." The smile on the seamstress' face slowly morphs into a frown as she sees how Raphtalia is silently fidgeting on her feet. "Is there something wrong, dear? Is the style not to your liking?"
"Did you want something more traditional? Raphtalia?" Naofumi cocks his head as he looks at Raphtalia's nervous form. "Something like a kimono? Or a miko's garb?"
"NO! This is more than fine, really! Thank you for your hard work. I'm just… not used to wearing something this formal, or fancy." Raphtalia seems to be shaken awake as she suddenly bows down deep to the seamstress. She turns to the Shield Hero next as she raises her head. "It's probably best I don't make myself easier to be picked out by Lord Isshin's men."
"Right, right! Because you are still-" Naofumi quickly turns to look at the seamstress, thankfully realizing it's best not to let people know that there might be people after Raphtalia's lives, possibly even have a bounty on her head. "Anyways, I'll just pay for the cloth if you are both happy, and we can get back to the guys."
The Spear Hero has already returned to the fountain with Iris by his side. Strangely, the princess turned adventurer doesn't see Katarina and Bertia anywhere even though the maid of the Claes' monkey girl is standing right behind the Spear Hero just like Tanya. Although why are there two figures in full dress cloaks similar to her own standing besides the Spear Hero, wait-
"Didn't you want to get your companions? Motoyasu?" Naofumi looks at the two mysterious looking figures standing besides him, one tall and one short. He chuckles at the two. "Hmm… I wonder when and where did you get two assassins with you? Did dressing up Firo like Flonne awakened your cosplay fetish or something to go for an Assassin's Creed theme?"
"SURPRISE~! It's me all along!" Katarina flips off her blue hood to show her face, she probably didn't realize the Shield Hero already figured out her identity and is only teasing her. She bends slightly over to throw her arms around the smaller figure in the yellow dress cloak, assumed to be Bertia. "Tia and I really liked the dress cloak your lady friend had back in the banquet. We have been wanting to get ours for a while now! Shame we can't get Iris into one too!"
"Please leave me out of this utter nonsense, heir Claes." Iris hides her face behind her folding fan as everyone starts making their way towards the castle gate, now their entire party is assembled. Mein gets the impression the Amelia heiress is rolling her eyes in a very unlady-like manner at Katarina's antics. "I do not wish to give the wrong people the wrong ideas about me."
While the noble heiresses from the Spear Hero's party are getting into their usual tomfoolery, the companions of Sword and Bow Hero introduce themselves to the Shield Hero. The princess doesn't pay any of them mind, considering what's going on with her former playmates seem to be much more juicy.
"Awww… you are too uptight, Iris." Katarina leans closer to the Amelia heiress, and brushes her hand against a strand of Iris' immaculate hair. "You'll get gray hair fast, if all you think all day is how to manage your family's wealth and influence, and don't leave yourself anytime for fun!"
"I'm not uptight!" Iris snaps her folding fan close with an audible click, her face still maintaining the usual neutral 'court' face, yet now it looks slightly strained. "And for your information, Heiress Claes, I enjoy balancing all the numbers and watching them go up. As much as you enjoy climbing trees and plowing the field. Or Heiress Noches for being around little animals."
"Katarina. You better flip your hood back on." Bertia looks up at her more loud mouthed and spirited companion. "If word gets back to your mother about how you are attending the parade as Master Motoyasu's companion, Lord Keith's effort to cover for you would be wasted… and he'll get in trouble with your mother."
The princess of Melromarc has to raise her eyebrow a little at Bertia's comment. Considering how most court ladies gained their power in the first place (marrying to the summoned heroes and birthing heirs with their bloodlines), it's expected for the noble ladies to make themselves available to the heroes and secure possible future marriage.
She didn't know much about Meridiana, Katarina's mother considering the Claes Duchess takes a very passive court life, preferring to stay in Claes estates, only limiting her social life to visiting her two elder sisters and attending events they hosted. But surely, the lady wouldn't be against her daughter marrying a hero in the future?
Or perhaps, it's less about Katarina getting close to one of the heroes, and more about her running around getting into troubles with him.
"AH! Right! I don't want Keith getting yelled at by Mother!" Katarina quickly pulls her hood and cloth mask back on. She turns her head over to look at the Spear Hero to continue her previous conversation. "But isn't numbering really boring, at least to other people? Motoyasu doesn't like them."
Mein notices how Iris is looking, no, practically gazing at the Spear Hero for his response. So, despite putting up a well practiced court face of nonchalance, talking about the Spear Hero as he was only her second choice, and most importantly, already secured her position as the Spear Hero's future first wife after his proposal, the Amelia Heiress does still care about how she's viewed by the hero in question.
"It's alright, Iris doesn't have to change for me." Motoyasu gently rests his free hand on Iris' shoulder, giving her a reassuring shake. "Besides, I admire her for being really smart, because I'm not. She keeps me, and you on the straight and narrow, Katarina."
"Yeah, you are right about that, what do you think Ti-HMPH~!" As Katarina turns around to look at Bertia, the much more petite Noches heiress immediately stands up on her tip toe, and covers Katarina's mouth with her hand. After a brief struggle, the Monkey of Claes nods her heads at Bertia, making the smaller heiress release her hand. "Right, we stay quiet."
"So, how are you holding yourself up, little lady?" Mein turns back towards the unfamiliar voice. She sees the older knight from Sword Hero's party talking with Raphtalia. "First time coming to a parade?"
The raccoon girl looks up and looks at the knight from the corner of her eyes, seemingly uncomfortable with the attention she's getting. She nods her head once, and squeaks out her response. "Yes…"
"Well, you are in for a treat. The King, or the Queen haven't called one this size since we kicked the Siltvelt invaders out of this nation." The older knight smiles at Raphtalia. "Even the crusaders are called to make their appearance."
"You are wasting time, getting huggy and kissy with an animal. As if an animal knows the difference between a crusader, and a normal knight like us." On the other side, Mald rolls his eyes. The fat on his face practically shakes as he turns his nose up.
"That is no way for a proper knight to behave." The knight from Sword Hero's party narrows his eyes, and glares at his counterpart following the Bow Hero.
"I'm saving you the trouble of not getting too close to a backstabbing thief." Mald blows his nose as he scowls at the knight following the Sword Hero. He pushes past Raphtalia, making the girl stumble on her feet. "You are wasting your time and breath with this one. You'll see."
The nerve of that pompous fool! She would give him a piece of her mind… if they aren't in the middle of the capital. With countless people around them.
"Don't let the fool get to you." The other knight gives Mald one last glare and he turns around to look at Raphtalia with an apologetic smile. "Not all of us Melromarc knights are thugs like him."
"Oh, okay…" Raphtalia gives another unsure look at the knight. She quickly ducks her head down and runs over to Mein. Knowing the raccoon dog girl is seeking comfort, Mein quickly wraps her fingers around her small hand. She owes Raphtalia this much, at least.
Master Naofumi was right. The girl may have gained the ability to change into a more grown up body, but she's still a child at heart.
"So, how does your magic work?" Behind them, the conversation between the mages of the Sword and Bow Heroes are much more cordial. Rather ironic, considering wielders of wizardry and sorcery schools tend to see each other as religious heathens. "Practitioner of sorcery in Melromarc is rare, so I'm curious about its principles."
"I'm afraid I really can't tell you much." The mage from Sword Hero's party simply shrugs his shoulders. "I wasn't properly trained in the arts. My father was an… 'escort' of an Azure Dragon back during the occupation. I inherited his blood mark as an Azure Dragon vassel. And I have been able to use some low level Azure Dragon clan sorcery out of instinct since I was old enough to read and write."
"Even that information is highly intriguing." The wizard from Bow Hero's party lowers his head, the finger on his left hand runs along his chin. "My master once told me Siltvelt sorcery is different from wizardry in that it's more based on instinct. It's hard for someone like me who has to rigorously study, and memorize arcane laws to imagine casting a spell like snapping a finger."
The bow hero's companion isn't the only one. While she herself has an easier time casting magic thanks to her strong bloodline, the first princess of Melromarc also had to dedicate a number of years actually learning arcane rules first. It sounds almost… unfair for someone to simply be born knowing how to use magic.
"HALT!" As the heroes' combined party reaches the palace gate, a knight steps forward to stop them. The guards in gilded weapons behind him all brandishing their polished weapons glowing with magical enchantment. The royal guards of Melromarc. "The King has called a grand counsel with all the important lords across the realm to discuss the strategies against the Wave of Catastrophe. Turn back, if you only wish to spectate the coming parade."
"It's not a good look on the king, when his lackeys stop the people he personally invited from the event he's hosting." The Sword Hero frowns at the knights' interception. He raises his weapon up, letting the sapphire embedded on his sword shine under sunlight as he changes his sword through multiple forms. The Bow and Spear Hero follows his example. "Is this enough to prove our identity?"
"Ah, forgive me, my lords. I wasn't present at the summoning ceremony, or the post Wave celebration." The knight's body suddenly tenses, his eyes wanders over to Naofumi who only carries a visible shield on his arm. "But I'm afraid the Shield Hero wasn't invited."
The knight's reply makes Mein narrow her eyes. And it's not because of her father's decision to exclude the Shield Hero from the event. Considering a Siltvelt prince is going to be sitting through it as an 'honored' guest, Father would hesitate to let the Shield Hero also participate and give them more chances to collude against the crown.
A better question would be why did Father not have one of his more trusted knights guard the palace gate during the parade, or the upcoming grand counsel?
An possible answer would be he sent a lot of more experienced knights north for the Stolen Land campaign. But it's technically a campaign for the northern lords, and a massive Crownland army would be looked at by them with trepidation. It's very likely that they'll think the king is trying to use the campaign as a front to further curb their power, especially after the death of their supposed leader Lord Seaetto.
Which begs the question, did father himself made this arrangement, or someone else made the decision for him? Possibly with the intention of leaving him more and more exposed, especially considering mother also being quite indisposed of in Cal Mira Island.
What makes this situation the most displeasing to Mein herself. Even if she starts seeing the signs, there's no way she can bring it up to anyone without compromising herself. Well… almost no one else.
"Bah, I knew the Shield Hero and his pets were a problem from the start." The thuggish knight from the Bow Hero's party spats under his mustache.
The female knight who initially was in the Spear Hero's party whips her head around and gives the thuggish knight a withering glare… What was her name again? Croissant? Macaron? Who does a useless drunkard like her think she is, trying to intimidate a fellow knight who has many years of seniority over her?
Yet to Mein's surprise, Mald actually made some sputtering noises and stayed quiet. The unworthy tub of lard is clearly all bark and no bite, if some random knight around Mein's own age can scare him into silence.
"No way! Naofumi is one of us! He gets to go where we go!" While the Spear Hero is jumping to the Shield Hero's defense, the princess purposefully hangs back and lets the Amelia heiress catch up to her from the other side of Raphtalia.
"Motoyasu is right, the four of us are summoned together. And out of us all, Naofumi helped the people of this land the most." While the Bow Hero joins in on his elder compatriot's side, Mein uses the rest of the heroes' entourage as a shield and reaches her free hand out at Iris. "It's not fair excluding one of us from this event, even if Naofumi's predecessors sided with the beastmen."
"If you have a problem with the Shield Hero attending, we'll all have to turn back. The king will have to enjoy his event without any of the heroes attending." While the Sword Hero gives the knight his ultimatum, Mein's hand reaches Iris' arm. She makes an upward motion, indicating the northern direction and follows it with a quick question mark.
With her face mostly hiding behind her fan and other, taller people, Iris gives a sideways glance and a wink to the princess in disguise. The princess will have to hope her childhood playmate turned rival understood her meaning. It leaves a bad taste in her mouth, but like it or not, Iris also has a hand in this game. Unless the power that's trying to subvert and compromise House Melromarc was House Amelia itself, she'll have to trust in her childhood playmate at doing the right thing. Hopefully, Iris wasn't playing her for the fool during their secret meeting near Lute.
As for the knight, he looks left and right through the faces of the three heroes fighting back against the king's order, unable to settle his eyes on a single person. It's hard to tell if he's faking it, or if the man is genuinely horrified and at a loss on what to do.
"What seems to be the problem?" Thankfully, the captain of the royal guard stepped out of the gate. Sir Lotheringan looks over at the gathered heroes, eventually settling his sight on the knight manning the gate. "I see the heroes have all arrived, I don't see what's holding them up."
"They wish to have the Shield Hero join them, Captain Friege." The much younger knight looks back at the Left Fist of the Wand Hero. He throws a few quick glances back at the weapon wielding Cardinal Heroes, who all looked ready to tear him limb from limb. "That goes directly against His Majesty's wishes."
"I don't see why not. The Shield Hero is already here, and he is one of the four Cardinal Heroes." Captain Lotheringan holds a hand up, stopping the knight from arguing further. "If His Majesty tries to punish you, tell him I let the Shield Hero through. I will take full responsibility."
The knight seems appeased by the royal guard captain's promise. He steps aside, and lets the Heroes and their entourage through. Instead of going straight forward into the castle palace, Captain Lotheringan takes them to the side, slowly walking up the stairs to reach the top of the gate wall. Sure enough, Father, the Pope, and Father's most trusted advisors and allies are all standing on the gate, behind another line of well disciplined, and armed royal guards.
Prince Kael'thas, and his thirteen bodyguards are also present. Although they stand a further distance away from father's own retinue. The divide between both nations are visibly present, even if the phoenix prince's presence is tolerated due to him being an emissary of the Four Corners' Council.
Speaking of the Vermili, his eyes seem to light up as the Shield Hero walks up the stairs. The phoenix prince turns to look at, and turns his nose up at Father. "Now that my king is also present, it's time for me to officially present my request: I would like myself, and my full retinue to stay in this nation, and join my king as his guards during the upcoming Wave of Catastrophe. To be frank, I do not trust this nation's ability, or intention to safeguard my rightful king."
"Denied." Father rejects Prince Kael'thas' petition without missing a beat, or even looking at the phoenix prince. While his wordings are cordial, it's clear Father has neither love, nor respect for the Siltvelt noble. "Your pass from the Four Corners' Council only allows you safe passage and audience with me. It does not force me to comply with any of your demands. Especially unreasonable ones: dealing with the Wave of Catastrophe is an internal matter for Glorious Melromarc. Siltvelt has no right to have an army on the soil of this nation during the wave, especially when you can easily turn it around and use your men to assassinate our important commanders, or chief god forbid, one of the heroes."
"Be Careful with your accusations, Defiler." Prince Kael'thas narrows his eyes. His nasal, yet cultured voice becomes even higher. Not quite a venomous hiss like a snake, but the displeasure of the phoenix prince is still apparent. "Some might take your quick denial as an admission of guilt. After all, you have already tried to besmirch the good name of my rightful king twice. First time, when he was recently summoned, and again after the first Wave he participated in. What's to say you don't take a bolder approach and try to cause him direct harm during the chaos of an active Wave?"
"And both times, he was summarily exonerated after a fair trial." The self-righteousness and hypocrisy in Father's rebuke makes Mein's teeth hurt. "The first time, a trial was held because he was accused of raping his companion. As my spymaster Lord Noches investigated, it could have been a foreign sabotage attempt to force the heroes away from us. And your nation being the most likely suspect, especially considering the recent report of Towair the Deceiver, secretly established a base in our nation since the start of The Great War."
Bertia takes a stepback when her Father is mentioned. She nearly tumbles down the stairs, if one of the Sword Hero's companions doesn't reach out and grab her by the shoulder.
Not knowing Bertia's plight, Father continues to puff his chest and deflect the phoenix prince's accusation. "As for the second trial, your precious king was factually absent against the boss of the Wave itself. So he did shirk away from his heroic duties. And we allowed him a chance to prove his worth through Trial by Combat, and reinstated his hero status. So your accusation has no leg to stand on."
The first princess of glorious Melromarc has always prided herself at being a much better player of The Game than her naive younger sister. Yet, looking and listening to Father's performance, she realizes just how long a way she still has to go. There is no way she can lie through her teeth with the same level of false indignation Father expressed to the Phoenix prince.
"Furthermore, the same accusation can be levied against you, Prince Kael'thas Sunstrider. Was it not your clan that betrayed the last Shield Hero, taking him prisoner and stealing his power for yourself during the last Wave?" Father's head leans forward. Obviously not reaching far enough to physically invade Prince Kael'thas' space as they are standing a few dozen paces away from each other. Yet, the presence Father carried with him has the same result as if his head physically touched the tall nose of the phoenix prince. "To be frank, I do not have any evidence to trust you will behave any differently from your last clan head. Letting you, and your men stay and fight the next Wave presents a risk for the people of Glorious Melromarc… and the heroes themselves. So you will heed my warning, and make yourself scarce after this parade, and my hospitality ends."
The phoenix prince's eyes practically closed shut into a thin line by this point. His guards, and himself are probably enraged by the audacity of Father's counter accusation. But thankfully (or perhaps unfortunately) they aren't resorting to violence to make their resentment known. In the end, the phoenix prince opens his eyes again and delivers one final threat. "You better pray to your ancestors that our king isn't harmed during the coming Wave, or after, Defiler of the Star Wand. Because if he is, there will be nothing left of this pitiful nation or its people."
"Do not presume to come to my nation, and my court to threaten me, you feathered fiend."
"It is not a threat, you savage Mon-Keigh, but a statement." Prince Kael'thas finally spat out the slur, despite the previous warning from the Shield Hero. "Your nation was only allowed to stand because of the good will and leniency of your pig of a brother from Faubley. Something you, and your boorish seductress of a wife, has done everything to piss away. If a crusade is called against your nation, there will be no one, and nothing left from turning this land and its people to ash, and leaving them unmourned."
"So these are your supposed subordinates?" The Spear Hero leans closer and whispers to Naofumi. "Geez, they are pretty hardcore."
Father's face slowly twists with anger. Prince Kael'thas clearly took one step too far when he openly insulted Mother to Father's face. Yet as he draws in a deep breath, ready to escalate the spitting and dick waving contest with the phoenix prince is stopped by a loud boom from the horizon. The gathered people of Melromarc Castle start spreading petals onto the road while loudly cheering, the parade has now officially started.
Rows of knights riding on armored raptors, and fighters walking in perfectly synced square formation pass through the city gates, and begin making their way through the main street.
The Albion Stormbreakers, led by the three Arc sisters, Artoria, Lancelotte and Mordred, in their white gilded sapphire armor of traditional House Arc color, while the heiress Artoria wearing golden gilded sapphire of the old Albion royal color. Only half a shoulder behind them, the red-haired general Claudette Vance, right hand of heiress Artoria rode after them with the manticore she tamed with her bare hands.
The de Gallia arcane knights, and their arcane fencers come next, led by Lady Sheffield, the battle mage and mistress of Prince Joseph. The Omni-Mage, also known as a Mind of the God in the old tongue, is only a single step below a Meta-Mage, or an Avatar. Someone who naturally has all magical affinity, as opposed to a Meta-Mage having the essence of mana itself being their affinity. Instead of a small honored guard of men, she is escorted by a small squad of magical golems.
And then, comes the Romalian entourage. Or more specifically, the Melromarc branch of the Four Heroes' Church, as the House Amelia's group, below their expensive weapons and armors are nothing impressive compared to the Four Heroes' Church retinue.
A giant of a man, with his tree trunks like arms crossed in front of his giant boulder-like chest rides on a massive chariot pulled by five raptors pulling it together. The scowl of his scarred face makes everyone avoid his gaze. Riding besides him is his exact opposite, a young pretty boy smiling and waving at the crowd with a face that can melt ice. He is surrounded by a group of different magical beasts such as raptors, filorials and demigryphs. Walking in perfect unison completely goes against their bestial instincts.
It seems like Vicar Vittorio is taking this event quite seriously, to have him sending out both his pet monster, and his altar boy. The only one he hasn't sent out is himself… and his last Astro Knight.
"That's the group you want to talk with, Master Naofumi." The princess leans closer into the Shield Hero's ears, as she nudges her chin at the Melromarc branch of the Four Heroes' Church entourage at the Shield Hero. "That's Roger of Ajax, Blessed Battle Master of Romalia, and High Inquisitor Julio Cesare."
"Great… another inquisitor…" The distaste in the Shield Hero's whisper is clear for the princess to hear. It takes about a breath, but the Shield Hero suddenly whips his head around to look at Mein. "Wait! The pretty boy is the Inquisitor? Isn't he… I don't know, look a bit too friendly?"
Admittedly the princess doesn't know where her Naofumi's surprise came from, or how she should answer his almost nonsensical question. Thankfully, another boom can be heard from the plain outside the capital's outer city gate. Another section of the parade seems to be coming through, spearheaded by Princess Fee's group of Silesse pegasus knights flying over the gate, as they spread perfumed and blessed water down the street. A gesture considered the highest honor and affection considering the importance of water for a desert oasis kingdom.
If this is a regular parade, the Albion, De Gallia and Romalian entourages would no doubt be the highlight. Considering both their strength and heritage. Yet for this particular event Father called, they are nothing more than an appetizer. And now, comes the real star of this show: The Crusader Block.
End Note:
Yes, I wouldn't be myself if I didn't throw a more explicit 'Firo's humanoid design was based on Flonne' joke in this fanfiction.
In spite my snail pacing, we are slowly but surely inching towards the 3rd wave and of course, Act 3 of the Three Heroes Church saga when things finally go FUBAR. Although we do still have a sort of 'interlude' arc between the end of Act 2 and 3rd Wave start where both the four heroes, and their companions mingle a bit more to prepare for the wave. And considering my inspiration to take this story more towards the direction of a Game of Throne (or from a self-respecting Chinese boy's perspective like myself, Romance of the Three Kingdoms) like political drama direction, we finally gets to see some political power players of this version of Melromarc. Even if they are liberally stolen from other existing franchises.
Guest review response time.
To Halo:
Thank you for your reviews! Hope you are still having some enjoyment despite the problem with pacing.
I can totally understand your (and everyone else who made similar critique) annoyance at my story's slow pacing. As someone has rightfully pointed out to me in private, original RotSH had a mire brisk pacing. And fanfictions generally tend to have even faster pacing than canon as it can trim the fat thanks to exposition already established by canon.
Although what intrigued me about RotSH had always been the potentional of its setting, where summoned heroes are viewed more as a resource for the major players to exploit than regarded as a savior figure. Trying to flesh out how a world would have developed this kind of mentality is what I'm more interested in exploring than any exploit the heroes (or/and Malty) actually gets to accomplish. Which is why I committed to my current ultra slow pacing where I hit the brake everytime we gets a scene change and I spend time to establish a new set of characters and how they function.
Obviously, knowing the reason behind why bad decisions are made doesn't make the final product more enjoyable. But I'm also definitely committed to take this story the direction I want to go first and foremost.
Yeah, Melty isn't going to be a magical 'good princess' counterpart to Malty being a bad princess hate-sink. She'll have her own share of strength and flaws, to what I think would be reasonable to her backstory and age.
Well... if it's any consolation, Palmer did already got thrown through a building by Lung during the world conference. Not to mention she got schooled and scolded by Melty, a child back during their first meeting with the Shield Hero. But yes, there will be further humiliation down the path for Stuckup McBitchface (Evil laugh).
To Guest:
Thank you for your review, I'm glad the pacing worked fine for you and hope you'll continue to enjoy this story.
Wind is blowing down at Malty's house of cards from all directions, and it'll only be a matter of time before everything start crumbling.