Biggest thanks for Angel Wraith for beta-reading the chapter and providing feed backs.
Unfortunately, this chapter was not edited for SPAG mistakes since I lost contact with Ace-Triad. Hope he only got tired of my BS and not had something bad happen to him.
:(
Special thanks to Datnoob for this chapter. Their suggestion is what inspired the part where Leon Bartfort tried to double cross SIOC and use the heroes to free himself from slavery.
As always, I will blabber some more in my end note.
Eder excused himself from the room while Naofumi was busy helping Mein take her medicine. Feeding the bitter liquid to her with a spoon rather than having her drink from the large bowl. By the time he is finished, the older man returns with a basket of breads, and a pot of stew. The princess' head still feels dizzy, but her vision is now clear thanks to either her rest, or the medicine Eder got her. She can see small chunks of chopped vegetables, and bits of meat floating up and down in the cast iron pot. "Hope you refugees are hungry. I'll feed your bird next after you have your fill."
"Refugees?" Mein repeats what Eder called them under her breath. The princess is unsure if the Atlus worshiping woodsman is truly this slow in wits, or if he's simply pulling their legs. And if he is trying to lie to them, for what purpose?
Chapter 117: Faithful of God, Follower of Demon
While Naofumi was feeding her medicine, the princess used the time to clear her head a little and think over their situation. If what Eder said was true (and there's no point for him lying, since anyone from her group could just call it out on the spot), they are in the home of a woodsman, or maybe some hunter living alone in the woods a fair distance outside of a settlement. Not the most ideal situation for them, who wants to both stay ahead of Consevatie the young's pursue, and to leave as little trace of their journey as possible. Someone who has contact with them could willingly give their track to Consevatie, or have the information tortured out of them. But it's not the worst situation for them to find themselves in.
If this guy lives alone in the wood, there's a chance for Consevatie to simply miss him... or if Mein wants to resort to desperate measure, they can always murder him afterwards and make it look like the scene of a bandit attack, theft gone wrong, or plain old monster attack. Naofumi most definitely wouldn't agree to it, but she might be able to convince Sir Oersted the need to silence their witness for the well being of the Shield Hero. And failing that... she could always provoke the dimwitted devil bird of their group to do the deed. It's not like Firo ever needed an excuse to kick someone.
But if there's a chance to not get to this point, she would prefer not to take the life from the man who helped them... and likely saved her life. The problem was that she doesn't know what Naofumi... or anyone else already told Eder to come up with a convincing lie without making them look even more suspicious. In fact, Firo being a monarch Filorial in itself should have told Eder that they aren't some random traveler. Granted, there's a chance that this woodsman doesn't know what a monarch filorial looks like. But he would have noticed that something is different about their steed with how common regular filorials are used in everyday life and how none of them would be this fat. Not even the breed that's raised for eventual slaughter.
But the woodsman's words completely catch her off guard. She expected the Altasian to at least be mildly curious of the people who wandered onto his door steps needing help. Not blindly assume they are some refugees who needed help from a welcoming friendly neighbor (who he doesn't even have in the first place), and then he'll send off on their merry way the next morning.
"Do we have to be this blunt, little miss?" Eder sets both the stew pot, and the basket of bread down on the end table. He rubs the back of his neck with his right hand. "Look. I saw the marks of slaves on your chests. I know how crazy this nation got after the last wave. Reminds me of that crazy time when Defiant Bay got mad. But now it feels like the entire Melromarc lost its mind. Well... I wouldn't have to lie to anyone, if you guys don't tell me anything in the first place. To me, all of you are refugees running from the fanatics. And I'm just a friendly neighbor who helped you out."
It seems like the woodsman mistaken them for runaway slaves. While it usually doesn't happen due to the punishment setting, there are still the occasional runaways due to their master's gross negligence, something Consevatie the young is very capable of doing now that Mein thinks about it. Yes. It's best to have him think that way. Especially since he's unwilling to dig deeper about their real backstory because of his misconception.
Among Eder's ramble, something he mentioned like a side note catch Mein's attention: the crazy time when Defiant Bay got mad. Considering the context of him comparing it to the current religious zeal displayed by the the Three Heroes' Church, the princess is sure he meant the rebellion caused by the supposed incarnation of the Holy Spirit. Combining it with his admittance of being a follower of Atlas (The Holy Spirit's name in the old Albion culture, they have a habit of actually naming the deities rather than honor them with a title), it makes his current method of residence understandable.
While those who of the rebellion were mostly demi-human, there had been human faithfuls of those who mainly followed the path of the Holy Spirit being part of the rebel. Needless to say, the Melromarc people who follow the same path are now getting a lot of stink eyes from their countrymen even if the worship of the Holy Spirit isn't banned. Considering the god of faith and reincarnation being a major figure of their collective pantheon. Eder probably chose to live a quiet life out here in the woods so he can practice his own faith without being looked down upon by others. Especially if he personally knew someone who was part of the heretical rebellion.
With how dire the situation turned out for their little group since they started running from Three Heroes Church, Mein had completely given up on the idea of traveling to Defiant Bay, and trying to figure out if the rebellion from over a decade ago had anything to do with whatever cult Lautrec was obviously a part of. But it seems like luck, or perhaps fate has other plans by delivering her to the doorstep of someone who at least has partial, if not intimate knowledge of the event. And judging by his look, Eder was easily already an adult by the time the event took place. If this isn't a sign of the Chief God's providence... Mein isn't sure what else it could be. Short of one of his angels actually descending down from heaven and granting them an audience.
But the question is does she want to pursue this line of inquiry. And actually ask Eder what he knows of the Defiant Bay rebellion? It might raise his suspicion on why some escaped slaves are suddenly interested in what is now considered a shameful part of Melromarc history everyone was eager to forget about. Even if his age fits the timeline and he admitted to be a faithful follower of the Holy Spirit, there's no guarantee he actually has in depth knowledge of the rebellion itself.
While Mein is still debating her next course of action, Eder exits the room once again. Not too long after, he brings in some empty wooden bowls and spoons and starts distributing them around the room. While he is doing that, Raphtalia moves away from Mein and looks at the breadbasket the Atlasian bought in. He smiles at the raccoon girl and gives her a nod. "You can grab one, or as many as you like. Little Miss."
"Thank you, Mr. Eder." Raphtalia whispers thanks to the woodsman. She stands up from the bed, moves over to the end table and starts handing the bread to everyone in the room. While she is doing that, Eder is pouring the stew into the wooden bowls he brought in.
"You mentioned the Defiant Bay rebellion? That's the one where some demi-human girl claimed she's the incarnation of a god, and tried to kill the princess. Right?" As Eder hands Naofumi a bowl, the Shield Hero bluntly asks.
Right... Naofumi can be very perceptive to details despite him lacking the knowledge, and context of their world. Unfortunately for them, it might not be for the best in them in this instance. Mein wishes she had a chance to talk with him in private to have him be more cautious around the helpful woodsman. As of now, she can only cross her fingers underneath her blanket and hope he doesn't take the question wrong.
"The demi-human girl who claimed she's the mortal incarnate of Atlas? Yeah. I was right there. Not in the thick of the whole sordid affair, mind you. Because she doesn't sound like the Atlas I believed in. But I know a lot of my fellow Atlasian brothers and sisters who got wrapped in her little rebellion. It didn't work out well for them." Eder's eyes move over to Naofumi. He doesn't look angry at the Shield Hero for the question, but his head does noticeably take a dip downwards. As if a sudden wave of resigned exhaustion assaulted his body.
"You don't have to continue if you don't have to. I can see it's hard on you." Naofumi tries to back away from his question. Clearly realized he stepped on the toe of the helpful woodsman.
"No... you asked me a question. And as a follower of Atlas I should answer truthfully. Even if I have to admit the darker past of my faith. Especially when it involves the darker past of my faith." Eder looks up, his face seems to shine with a renewed determination. "The demi-human girl that started the mess. She called herself Atla... and we don't even know if that's her real name. Or if it's something she made up to make her sound more like Atlas we believed in. Time was pretty tough for Defiant Bay after The Great War. For everyone in Melromarc except the Golden Coast, really. But especially for Defiant Bay since it's one of the earlier areas that's taken by the invaders, and one of the last to be liberated. Our demi-human brothers and sisters get the worst since a lot of people took out their anger on them. So when this demi-human orphan girl suddenly started showing great aptitude for Miracles, going around healing people and claiming she was the incarnation of Atlas. A lot of people believed her. Even when she claimed the newborn princess was a witch, and roses everyone followed her to rebel."
It seems like Mein's luck had turned around somewhat. Not only does Eder not show any sign of suspicion, or grudge against Naofumi brings up a painful chapter of his life, he actually sounds very well informed about what happened during the Defiant Bay rebellion. She might not be able to picture what happened during the rebellion vividly in her mind because she hasn't been to Defiant Bay herself. But she certainly has a good idea after her journey alongside Naofumi through Melromarc Castle's slum, the still half ruined city of Gallia city and trying her own hand to start a rebellion in Graile.
"Let's not ask Mr. Eder for more. It sounds bad, and he's clearly not happy reliving through it to recount the experience. We don't want to put someone who helped us through more distress." Mein reaches her hand out and taps Naofumi on the shoulder. He nods back to her in silence.
"I'll leave you guys here to finish your meal. I still need to feed your bird, and mine." The Atlasian gives them a wink and a nod, as he excuses himself from the room. Leaving everyone from Naofumi's group except Firo to ruminate on their own thoughts in silence... or to talk without him overhearing anything. The princess can't be sure if that's an intentional gesture from Eder for the group of whom he assumes to be escaped slaves, or if he simply wants to brood in silence himself after being asked an awkward, and mentally exhausting question. Eitherway, it works to their advantage.
"What he said about that Atla character... it sounds similar to what Lautrec's Goddess said, doesn't it?" Naofumi's words bring Mein's mind back to the present again. She thinks over his question between the spoonful of stew the Shield Hero slowly feeds her. Eder didn't give a more specific recount of what exactly happened with actual examples. But the details he did provide was enough to give a good idea of what kind of people was a part of that short-lived rebellion... and what kind of person was leading it. "You think he's involved with them? I mean... he had to have gotten his new, fancy armor somewhere right? He was wearing rags when he ran off. There had to be someone helping him, or some hidden stash he found."
"It's hard to tell. We don't know what this Atla character is like exactly. Eder only gives us some general description of her. She does sound like the exact kind of crazy Lautrec would hang around with." The princess wants to blame the craziness of Naofumi's former companion on the religious rebel. To clear himself from all possible ill doing if nothing else. She's not sure this kind of tentative accusation would hold even in a fair court. Considering there's no evidence that'll directly connect Lautrec to this Atla character, most people know he was a slave owned by the Shield Hero at one point. It definitely would be a waste of breath trying to tell the Three Heroes Church this. "But unless Eder could specifically point out that Lautrec was part of the rebellion from almost twenty years ago, it wouldn't help us in a court."
"You are right. We should focus on our survival first rather than proving my non-involvement with Lautrec. We'll think about escaping this country before anything else." The Shield Hero nods his head. He breaks a piece of bread into smaller chunks and dips them into the stew before continuing to help Mein eat her meal. They fall into silence once again, where all the sound in the room is people quietly chewing their food. They can hear the sound of birds crooking and flapping around outside the shack. Probably from the excitement of Eder feeding them.
"Eat something yourself, Master Naofumi. I had enough." Mein pushes away Naofumi's attempt at feeding her more food. The Shield Hero pauses for a brief moment, looking at her with a puzzled expression. He probably noticed how she didn't eat as much as her usual portion, and it's not because she found Eder's cooking to be subpar. "We need to leave immediately after we finish our meal, Master Naofumi."
"You are ill. You need to rest." The Shield Hero's voice isn't very loud, but it's clear he doesn't approve of Mein's suggestion from the way his eyes twitch. The princess agrees with his assessment. But once again, there are simply more pressing matters than her immediate health. Or rather, there are bigger threats to her immediate health than the illness she's experiencing.
"Consevatie will do everything he can to get back what he considers to be his property. Especially after the way we personally slighted against him in Balafon." Mein and Naofumi both cast their eyes over to Raphtalia. The raccoon girl is currently keeping her head down in the corner of the room, slurping stew. It's hard to tell if she noticed their attention. "If he catches up to us, it won't just be me who suffers."
"You are right... of course, I know you are right. I just wish you, all of you, don't have to suffer because of me." The Shield Hero nods his head as he slowly retracts away from Mein's side. He began to silently eat the rest of the stew left inside the bowl. He is clearly upset, unfortunately Mein doesn't have a way to comfort him this time since she is the main reason for his suffering.
The dishonored princess is once again reminded of her mentor's words. She quietly wonders how things might have turned out better. Would it help if she was more courageous, and actually tried to talk her father through his paranoia and suspicion aimed at Naofumi? Rationally, she believes it wouldn't have helped. Father's mistrust of the Shield Hero stems from his deep rooted hatred at Siltvelt. The animals who took away his family. But perhaps if she had shown her father that Naofumi hated Siltvelt's more barbaric ways, there could have been a chance for him to see reason. Father can be highly emotional and irrational, but he wasn't called Wise King for nothing. Especially if some of his older friends like uncle Aldrecht were willing to support Naofumi.
Everyone finished their meal not soon after. Naofumi and Raphtalia move closer on her sides, and help dress Mein in her cloth, and then her armor. The Shield Hero strips off his traveling cloak and wraps it around her to give her slightly more protection against the element. After all the preparation is done, they slide their arms under her, and help her onto her feet once again. The heavy weight in her head, and the lightness of her feet as if she's trudging her way through cotton makes her aware that she is still ill even if she felt better than the last time she woke up.
Sir Oersted holds open the door for them to move through the bedroom. Mein sees a handmade table and some chairs, with a stove in the next room over. It depicts the scene of a simple woodsman's humble existence, just like the farmers of Balafon before their lives were intruded by heroes and religious fanatics. She hopes they aren't bringing the same misfortune to this well meaning Atlasian.
As they exist to the outside, she sees a makeshift wooden fence, with a well, a small garden filled with homegrown vegetables and a shred that probably housed Eder's own filorial. The bird is a common garden breed with mixed colored feathers, and it's side by side with Firo, both eating out of a feeding trough that's filled with boiled beans and some dried meat thrown in.
Eder is bent over on the side, pouring water down from a wooden bucket into a watering trough. He sees them as he stands up and leans back with a startle, clearly surprised at them already walking about. "Oh, you are up already? You should let the young miss rest and recover."
"We don't have the luxury, Mr. Eder. We need to leave before trouble finds us... and you. I'm sure you understand." Just like their gracious host, Mein didn't spell everything out. With the way Eder already made certain assumptions about them, it's best to let his own mind fill in the blanks.
"Ah... I see. That is unfortunate." The Atlasian turns his head over to pet his own bird. "Sorry I can't help you more. If I had something like a cart, at least you could rest on your way."
"You already helped us enough. I might not even be alive if not for you." The princess speaks with sincere gratitude for once. If she manages to get through this mess alive, she would definitely be speaking to someone to get Eder a reward. As for her previous thought about murdering the woodsman to cover her track... Well, it's not like she actually did it.
"Come on, Firo. We are leaving." Naofumi detaches himself from Mein's arms and walks towards Firo. He gives the bird's face a few soft pats to get her attention. Firo snorts back, clearly not happy being interrupted in the middle of eating. But she relents after Naofumi gives her neck a few hard pulls.
While everyone is ready to get on Firo and leave, they hear the sound of dull thud and the creaking of wheels turning. Mein looks east at where the sound comes from, and sees a filorial cart coming their way. Two fairly small figures sit side by side on the driver's seat. As they draw closer, the princess is able to make out it's a pair of children with dark, dull blue hair. Or very short teens most likely, considering the lack of adults alongside them. The boy has a sword hanging by his waist, and wears a set of earth colored linen tunic and pants underneath his traveling cloak. The girl who has her face glued into an open book on the other hand wears a much more elaborate dress. It's only cotton, not silk which tells Mein that the girl is someone of humble birth just like her male companion. But the way her long, puffy dress has handmade frillies and decorative flowers sewn onto them made her life aspiration rather clear. She's definitely someone who appreciates the finer side of life as opposed to her down to earth companion.
As for the cart itself. It looks surprisingly well crafted and sturdy, despite being made of regular wood. It has no roof, which tells the princess that it's primarily used to transport goods rather than people like the one they left behind when their party was gutted by the Three Heroes' Church. The boy, noticing Eder and them, stands up from his cart to wave at them. His voice catches the girl's attention, making her put down her book and... did she just turn her nose up at her? "Mr. Eder? You have guests?"
"Luka, Lusha. You are back already" Eder nods his head to the pair of cheeky brats. It seems like they knew each other fairly well. "I see the business is treating you well in Ascart County."
"Yeah. Metal ore is in high demand with the recent Wave of Catastrophe, and all the military action in the Stolen Land. We don't need to go all the way to Crownland, or the eastern province to sell our stock. And we can take their lumber back to sell to the Schnee company. They always need more lumber to expand their mines and mining camps." Luka pulls his cart to a stop shortly before they reach Eder's humble shack and jumps down. "Who are these people, Mr. Eder? You rarely have guests."
"You heard of all the crazy things happening from the south?" Luka answers Eder's question with a slight frown and a nod. The Atlasian points his finger at Naofumi's group. "They are refugees, running away from all that. You are going north, back to Rebec city, right? Can you give them a lift on the way? One of them is sick, and needs as much rest as she can."
"Any friend of Mr. Eder is a friend of ours." The boy eagerly nods his head, while the girl simply scowls at Eder's suggestion. Now that they are closer, Mein gets a better look at both of them. They both have a heart shaped face, with very similar features. Although Luka looks much softer than his female companion due to his more welcoming smile. "I'll be happy to give them a-"
"No." Before Luka has a chance to finish giving out his invitation, the girl Lusha quickly interrupts her male companion (presumed to be their brother). Her rejection is quick, but very forceful and the tone leaves no room for negotiation. It takes Mein aback, and she's not the only one judging from the way Eder leans his head back. Honestly, Mein would have told Naofumi to reject their offer, since she doesn't want the pair to lead them right back into the heart of Reichnott County. But the attitude of this haughty little commoner girl rubs her the wrong way.
"What do you mean 'no', Lusha?" Luka's face glows red. He is clearly embarrassed by Lusha's selfish rejection. The way he speaks and acts makes Mein think this isn't the first time when Luka wants to do something selfless, but is stopped by his female companion. "We should always help out those in need when we have the ability to provide. And we aren't even doing anything out of our way this time. All we need is to give some refuge a lift as we go back home."
"Have you taken a good look at what kind of rabbles Eder invited to his shack this time before you agreed, stupid brother? They have a dirty animal among them! I wouldn't be surprised if Eder is helping out some escaped slaves again! I don't want any more trouble from them! And you shouldn't either!" Lusha closes her book with a dull thud as she practically blows up against her brother. Although her tone sounds more exasperated, rather than genuinely angry at her now confirmed brother. She makes Eder look away and clear his throat with a few soft coughs.
"We are clearly not welcome. And we don't want to bring our trouble to these people anymore than we already did, Master Naofumi. Let's just go." Mein turns around to whisper to Naofumi. He nods back at her.
"I think we bothered you enough, Mr. Eder. We'll just go our way. Thank you, for all your help." Naofumi turns around and gives the helpful Atlasian one last goodbye. In front of Mein, Sir Oersted gives Firo's reign a shake and gently kicks her side, making their bird start to accelerate away.
"Right, right. Best of luck to you. Sorry about the unpleasantness." Eder simple waves at them as they go.
"Sorry about my sister's rudeness-" "Shut up, stupid brother! Don't come back and bring your trouble on us!" Once again, Luka's apology is drawn out by his sister's screech. Cheeky brat.
Their journey continues, and apparently Eder did give their group some basic wilderness traveling equipment. On their next stop, Naofumi is able to make a small camp to cook them proper food again with a tinderbox. And he uses the same pot to make medicine for Mein afterwards. Firo's speed as a monarch filorial is no longer slowed down by a cart. Merely a day later, the rough but somewhat flat forest begins to give way to fast rising mountains all around them. They are officially getting into Griffin's Spine mountain range. So far, they haven't encountered any difficulties, be it men or monsters thanks to how fast and forceful Firo rushes forward. Although they are only at the foot, and nowhere near the peak yet.
All the veteran adventurers of (not so) Glorious Melromarc know that the real danger of Griffin's Spine comes near the peak. Since that's where the various griffin kingdoms make their nests and freely hunt their food. Be it other wild monsters, people's livestock... or any adventurers who dare to venture too close to their kingdoms themselves. Individual griffin wouldn't be too much trouble for a veteran, especially those in their prestige level range. But an endless kingdom of griffin hordes would send the entire army running with their tail between their legs.
Unlike their trip with Eclair, they didn't choose one of the wider roads through the mountain range because it would eventually lead to the border garrison. They could technically still go through the same route till they reach the ruin of the Silver Keep and then disappear into the woods. But the northern rangers patrol these roads in the shadows of treetop. With them still being fugitive, they want to disappear sooner rather than later. Unfortunately, this means even Firo has to slow down, since there isn't any road, not even a dirt trail trampled by people, for her to run full speed ahead.
With Firo slowed down to walking speed, Sir Oersted jumps down and walks beside her with the reins in one hand, and his sword in the other. He uses his weapon to cut down foliages too thick for Firo to pass through. Their lack of a guide is being felt now, as the endless tree around them makes it feel like they are walking in endless circles. By this point, Mein has half a mind to follow his example, if it wasn't for her head still feeling heavier than usual. "Be careful under your feet, Firo. You don't want to trip and throw everyone off you-"
And it happened before Sir Oersted even finished his sentence. Firo suddenly tips over, throwing both Mein and Naofumi off to the side. The princess manages to catch a glimpse of Rapthalia transforming into her raccoon form midair, before pain assaults her as she hits hard onto the ground. And then her lower body is being crushed by what feels like a moss covered boulder on top of her, making her scream out in pain. "AH! FUCK! My fucking legs!"
"[Barrier]!" In the middle of chaos, Naofumi's casting command for his miracle magic manages to pierce through Mein's pain and makes her look forward. Why would he prioritize a defensive spell over a recovery one... unless they are being attacked? The princess fights through her pain to look up, and sees an arrow punching through a golden barrier towards Raphtalia. Still in her animal form, she instantly leaps away leaving the arrow hitting the ground where she was a moment ago. They are definitely under attack... It's simply luck that their ambusher chooses to attack at their smallest target. Mein is sure that she would be dead, if the arrow was aiming at her head.
"Stop firing!" An annoyed sounding voice carries itself through the dark crown of the trees around them. As Firo's weight leaves Mein. A few more arrows come out of the forest, thankfully still trying to hit Raphtalia as she jumps and tumble around the attacks. The princess quickly pulls herself up despite her dizziness and pain. She can hear the sound of tussle deeper in the woods coupled with more angry screams as Naofumi throws more barriers around them. "I said stop firing! You stupid trigger happy cunt! FINE!"
A loud bang followed the sound of a body dropping down, and arrows stopped raining down at them. Although the new screeching sound of a harpy begins to assault their ears. "You dare to assault one of my own, Bartfort?!"
"I wouldn't have to if that stupid bitch learned to follow orders! You want some too?!" More sound of fighting comes out of the wood. It's rather impressive that their enemies managed to lay a successful ambush on them... and then immediately started to fight among themselves rather than follow up their opening volley to kill or incapacitate them. The princess considers telling her group to use this opportunity to run. Unfortunately for them, the sound of fighting dies down not too long after it starts.
They begin to emerge from the tree lines. About a dozen rangers in jackets with grappling hooks tied around their waist. Some of them have their thin blades in hand, designed to cut through things in their quick movement rather than endure a slow fight on an open battlefield. None of them have blood dripping down, which suggests this group only knocked out Lady Ebonheart and her followers rather than killing them.
At their head walks a dark haired young man not any older, or taller than Naofumi. His features could be described as handsome if not for his half closed eyes that seem to be shooting glare at everyone like they all owe him money, and the faint sneer on the corner of his face as if he holds everyone beneath him in barely contained contempt. It's a different kind of smugness compared to Consevatie the young, but it instills the same feeling in the princess' heart. Mainly, the urge to punch him right in his face. He slowly claps his hands in a condescending manner at Naofumi. "Shield Hero, Iwatani Naofumi. I've been waiting for you. Heard you give that little shit Consevatie a real good kick of his behind after your escape with whatever asset you managed to scrunch up together. Honestly, I'm impressed."
"Leon Bartfort, I assume? I have you to thank for my companions getting enslaved by that Consevatie fucker." Naofumi slowly stands up to his full height. He narrows his eyes, and glares right back at the leader of the rangers. Despite the precarious situation, or perhaps because of it, he didn't back down from Bartfort's clear attempt at intimidation. "How did you find us? And more importantly, what do you plan to do with us now you have us in an ambush again? Are you going to bind and gag us, and throw us in front of your master to wiggle your tail at that fucker and beg for some treat like a good lap dog?"
"I have no love for that trash tier self-insert fanfiction protagonist wannabe. Our collaboration was merely transactional." A deep scowl starts to form on Bartfort's face before the punchable little shit manages to catch himself, and school his expression into something more neutral. Naofumi's words clearly hit a nerve even if Bartfort tries to hide it.
Although speaking about words hitting a certain mark, Bartfort's nonsensical ramble clearly meant something to Naofumi with the way his eyes suddenly enlarged. Seemingly happy that he took back the initiation again, Bartfort began to click his forehead with an index finger while walking left and right, almost like he was giving a lecture. "As for how I figured out where you will be. It really doesn't take a genius, as your actions were quite predictable. After what happened in the Third Wave, you would clearly be skipping the country, and trying to find it. Which means you'll be trying to cross Griffin's Spine mountain range to escape Melromarc. And since you know the terrain well, your obviously first choice is a similar route you took before the Third Wave. And it just so happens that thanks to my experience among the northern rangers, the north is my nation."
"Cut the crap, Bartfort. You clearly want me for something. Save everyone the trouble and say it out loud." Naofumi narrows his eyes again and resumes his angry glare at Bartfort full force. "And don't play any games with me either. I know you are out for yourself. You wouldn't have helped Consevatie plan my capture otherwise."
"What? Blown your load already? And here I thought you were supposed to be better, smarter than the rest of your summoned hero stooges." Bartform sneers down at Naofumi before resuming his monologue. He rips open his shirt underneath his ranger jacket, showing everyone his own slave seal. "I want you to get this taken off me. Like I said before, my collaboration with that fanfiction protagonist wannabe was only transactional. We were supposed to be equal. But he dares to turn me into one of his properties! And I can't do anything directly to hurt him back with this seal active. I want my revenge... and you still want to abolish slavery, don't you? Help me get this bondage off, you'd be helping your own goal in the end. And I'd even use my influence from the north to shelter you from that Consevatie shit. It's a win-win situation."
"So, that's your big plan? Holding us hostage somewhere against our will, and have us find a way to get your slave seal off so you can take your revenge on Consevatie? Pretending this will be good for us, because you as an isekai protagonist clearly knows better than everyone else? FUCK YOU!" Naofumi's sudden outburst makes Mein jump... and nearly falls down on her feet. She's barely prevented from planting her face onto the ground again thanks to Raphtalia stepping in and holding her arm. Mein looks to the side, and sees that the raccoon girl is now in her grown up form, likely prepared for a fight.
"You of all people have no right to judge me! Do you know how it feels to have your life's work, something you build up bit by bit with your own hand suddenly ripped away? To the point you have to start all over again, seeing those clueless idiots who were simply lucky to be born into a better family tower over you all over again?" Bartfort sneers down at Naofumi, looking much more offended than Mein expects. Then again, maybe he understood all of Naofumi's incohesive ramble... wait. Does that mean Bartfort is also an incarnate just like Consevatie?
"And what do you think you're some beaten down underdog fighting against the evil of the world? Give me a fucking break!" Naofumi screams right back at Bartfort. "I heard all about you! You're the son of a minor noble on the border of this country. Just another pampered, selfish jackass like Consevatie who had everything handed to him on a silver platter! Someone who thinks everyone owes him! The only reason you're here now is because you got your ass beaten by that Fuckboy and doesn't want to admit he needs help. Don't pretend like this is anything but you wanting to build your fragile ego back up by forcing me into your glorified lackey! No thanks! I'd rather take my chances than work with you. I just heard how you treated one of your precious allies! You berate them and beat them on the most minor conflict no different from that Consevatie fuck!"
"You think I'm talking about this life? You clueless brat? You think this is some happy isekai adventure for you? You don't even know this is nothing more than an endless prison!" For some reason, the way Bartfort talks down at the Shield Hero almost sounds like a much older man lecturing "I had an empire to myself before I was forced to start over again! And I know I'll be forced to start my life over again after this life just like my last one. So tell me. Why shouldn't I put myself first?"
The princess is completely lost in the gibberish the arrogant noble boy is spouting. She looks at Naofumi's face. He looks equally lost, but also seems to be at the edge of certain understanding with the way his eyes widen. "Are you saying... you really are that Leon Bartfort reborn into this world?"
"Oh good. I see I don't have to explain my entire backstory to the supremely smart Master Shield Hero. I was getting the impression that your intelligence was greatly exaggerated." Bartfort smirks back at the Shield Hero. "Then you know that there's no point fighting back against me. Because I always win in the end. Even if I suffer some minor setback. You might as well do your, and your valued companions a favor, bow down and grovel at my feet. I might consider tossing you some scraps once I take over this country. The queen's smoking fine piece of mature ass should be a nice consolation prize for me as I rebuild my kingdom."
Naofumi's conversation with Bartfort, and his arrogant little monologue clued Mein enough to know that this Leon Bartfort is another incarnate just like Consevatie. But that aside... Did the little shit just say what Mein thinks he said? Taking over her nation, and taking her mother as his personal concubine from the way he said it? And she used to think Consevatie the young was insane. Clearly, most incarnate have something wrong in their heads.
"FUCK YOU! YOU ARROGANT PIECE OF ISEKAI PROTAGONIST TRASH! Not everything revolves around you just because you had a life's experience or more than other people! Or you lucked out with some cheat abilities!" Naofumi on the other hand seems to be finding a release going off on Bartfort. Likely letting out all the grudge that's been building inside of him since his summoning. "Isekai protagonists like you are all the same! Acting high and mighty, like you alone, has the solution for everybody's problems! But in the end, all of you are only out for yourselves. Every single one of you! You don't care about anyone but yourself, even when you pretend to care about your precious companions. You are still looking out for yourself first, and then throw scraps you don't want to people around you, making their lives worse, not better! And you justify your shitty action and attitude by pointing fingers at someone else, going 'well, they are worse!' Because in the end, all of you are motivated by your own SELFISHNESS! Fuck you! ALL OF YOU ISEKAI PROTAGONISTS! You can go ahead and do everyone else a favor, jump off a cliff alongside Consevatie!"
"And you dare to think you are someone better than me?! You don't even know what you are capable of if you were pushed against the wall like I was! You are someone who'll happily enslave children and force them to die or fight monsters for you! And then go ahead and enslave an entire nation to fight back against the monster horde just because you find the performance of freeman subpar!" Meanwhile, Bartfort continues to rip into Naofumi, accusing him of doing something that's the complete antithesis of his character with absolute certainty.
"How dare you make such a presumption about Master Naofumi, when you have no idea what he is like! You pampered, arrogant little shit! Just because you are a self-serving greedy piece of shit doesn't mean everyone is the same as you! Don't try to make yourself look better by accusing others of being no different from you!" In spite of her head feeling like it's filled with lead, the princess feels compelled to defend Naofumi against the smug little shit. "Master Naofumi still put everyone else's well being above himself, and did his best to help out people he met after he's made a fugitive by the Three Heroes' Church and had his companions taken or killed. Would a self-righteous little shit like you even think about doing this if you were in the same situation!?"
"YES! Big Sister Mein speaks the truth! Master Naofumi could have saved himself and Big Sister Mein. But he chose to free everyone in Balafon, risking his own life! He is nothing like a traitorous lackey like you, or a pampered rich boy like Consevatie!" Raphtalia also spits her words out at Bartfort besides Mein. The princess has never seen Raphtalia absolutely filled with metaphorical venom in her tone than now.
"And what's this little family game you are playing? You think your precious hero man is some incorruptible paragon of goodness? If only you could see how differently things would have turned out... like if you choose to betray the Shield Hero during his false trial, Bitch. You truly make me sick." Bartfort sneers back to them as he snaps his finger. "Fine! Throw my help back to my face, see if I care! And since you refused to work with me, I think I'll take you anyway. Maybe with all of you in my hands, one of the other heroes is more willing to negotiate."
"Over my dead body- WHA?!" Naofumi's determination-filled declaration is suddenly interrupted by himself, when one of Bartfort's subordinates suddenly punches the little shit in his face. The development is so sudden, everyone from both sides frozen by the sudden betrayal... and apparently the second infighting that broke out among Bartfort's ranks.
"Anne, Bertholdt. NOW!" The blonde young man with harsh facial features screams at his apparent collaborators. A blonde woman with a long fringe that hides half of her face, and an unremarkable looking young man with black hair all did... something together with the blonde man who punched Bartfort. A cloud of air suddenly erupts around them, sending the rest of Bartfort's rangers' tumble all over the place. They are screaming too, but from pain rather than the intensity of their situation. Mein could feel the strong wave of heat assaulting her even from a distance. It reminded her of her own steam magic.
As the hot air cleared, they were presented with a ghastly sight. Instead of three northern rangers, two giants about three stories tall knelt besides a red ribcage even larger than them. The male looking giant has some kind of hardened plate, or carapace covering most of his body, while the female giant has a much more boney look to her. As for the fleshy looking ribcage... more crimson flesh seems to grow right from it seemingly constructed out of nothing, completely defying what laws govern healing magic, or even necromancy.
The two giants didn't stay still for long, as both of them leapt up and used the shock to start squashing Bartfort's subordinates like they were bugs.
"You are shitting me! Titan Shifters?!" Both Naofumi and Bartfort yell with perfect synchronization. It would have been comical, if the situation they found themselves in isn't as dangerous as it is gruesome.
Mein has no idea what they are screaming at. Her body is completely seized up by fear after witnessing the deed committed by the followers of demons hiding among the northern rangers. Not of how brutal they murdered Bartfort's men, although it certainly didn't help make them look less terrifying.
Fleshcrafting. A branch of magic that's taboo amongst taboo. More so than necromancy, perhaps even more so than the research of the Imperius Slave Seal itself considering its sordid roots. It was the evil magic wielded by The Seven False Heroes when they invaded their world after the first Wave of Catastrophe.
End Note:
So yeah... No need to be coy, since I already had Goddess Raphtalia showing up in 3rd wave. Atla really is the Atla from the same timeline Goddess Raphtalia came from, reincarnated herself into this timeline to try and kill Malty as soon as she's born. Since she had no corporeal body at the point of her ascension, she ironically had a much easier time to go to alternate timeline unlike Goddess Raphtalia who need a physical breach. Whereas Atla could just reincarnate herself. Of course, she doesn't get to keep her own power after her reincarnation, which is why she's easily defeated and killed by the native military of this timeline before she even had a chance to see Malty or her parents' host.
Another confession/trivia that's funny in showing my own incompetence despite how much I trash talk about Alenko. Originally, Luka and Lusha was meant to appear in the mini-arc where they ended up in the hidden monastery. As that's the original point of having that mini-arc to begin with. But I got so into all the Fire Emblem 4 and Final Fantasy 7 reference, I completely forgot to put this scene in. Oh, well. At least I get to have them appear here.
XDDD
And of course. The hightlight to this chapter. Naofumi Iwatani, and Leon Bartfort (the two well known asshole isekai protagonists) bitching at each other about asshole isekai protagonists. Or as we modern Chinese would say: cunt ripping each other.
XDDDDD
If the dialogue is not clear enough... this Leon Bartfort isn't meant to be an alternate version from his canon self. But is meant to be another incarnation after his own canon story. The reason he's much more of a smug, self-serving asshole than his canon version is because he got arrogant after his last life as a protagonist who both got everything, and become deeply enraged that he lost it all after another incarnation and have to start from the bottom all over again.