Biggest thanks for Ace-Triad for fixing my SPAG problems, and Angel Wraith for beta-reading the chapter and providing feed backs.
As always, I will blabber some more in my end note.
Cross posted on AO3, for anyone who prefer that site.
Malty carefully gathered a stream of water, and let it pass over the mud stained wooden boards to the right of her to wash it clean. On her left side, three bundles of flame burn evenly, as they slowly heat the bucket of water above them. The former princess is offhandedly reminded that menial tasks like washing things and making hot water certainly fits her current position of being a slave. But they are also good practice to help her further honing the control of her magic. A little further away from her, the other fire and water mages she gathered among the parties and retinues of Naofumi's fellow heroes are doing similar tasks as herself. Flare and Melty are having some trouble actually controlling their respectively large reserves to not burn up the bucket, and snap the wooden boards in front of them respectively. Their eyes glaring at their own projects, not daring to wipe away the beads of sweat running down their faces in fear of breaking their concentration. By contrast, Rishia who has very weak reserves seems to do it naturally, as she's one of the few mages besides Malty who is doing both tasks at the same time without breaking a sweat.
For the past few days, the dock of Cal Mira Island became busier than the resort itself as workers trying their best to bring the sunken ships, and whatever resources that could still be used back from the bottom of the bay. All the ruined ships are in too poor a condition to be patched back up, but some of the wooden boards are still good enough to be used for something else. And the effort is also needed to clean up the dock to allow a new fleet from the various delegation's home land to be safely sent to Cal Mira Island to pick them up and allow them to go home. While they are waiting for new ships to take them back to Melromarc, the four Cardinal Heroes all decide to do their best to help Cal Mira Island recover from the damage caused by the Wave.
"Pull with me, my children! Pull, pull, PULL! Good work, children!" Motoyasu is holding onto the anchor of a ruined ship as he backs away on the beach. In front of him, dozens upon dozens of his filorial children in their bird form have ropes tied around their bodies, all linked back to the ruined ship they are trying to drag out of the bay. The Spear Hero shouts commands from the top of his lungs while they work together. It seems to help his filorials pull at the sunken wreckage at the same time. Their group is definitely helping out the most in clearing out the debris floating, and hidden in water. The Spear Hero and his companions make their way to his children, and begin to feed them some treats to congratulate and reward them from getting another ruined ship out of water. Looking out into the bay, there's barely any wreckage sticking out of the sea's surface anymore. Although the ones hidden underneath the waves would always be more dangerous to any incoming ships.
"We are ahead of our schedule thanks to the help from the heroes. Dock three is already cleared of all wreckage thanks to the help from Lord Spear Hero and his filorial children." A female tiger (regular tiger, not white tiger) demi-human is moving her finger across the map of Cal Mira Island as she explains the situation to Ghira Belladonna. Malty didn't pay much attention to the power structure of the independent settlement on Cal Mira Island, but she seems to act as some kind of military leader for the different sea tribes. "If we station a flag bearer by the dock, we'll be able to guide income ships to the safe dock to make port. And we can develop some additional buoyants to make ships steer clear of the danger zones."
"Do both. We can't allow our guests to get hurt due to our own negligence." The leader of Cal Mira gives a nod to the tiger woman, who quickly jogs away to organize her men at the new tasks. All around them, the previously peaceful, almost lazy resort town has transformed into a building site to recover what's lost and ruined by the Fourth Wave.
"Food's here." On the other side, Ren arrived with his companions carrying the bodies of sea monsters they hunted to use as food sources to feed the stranded tourists turned refugees. Originally, the Bow Hero Itsuki was tasked with this job. That's until they discovered he's actually a surprisingly good carpenter thanks to some of the bow forms he unlocked which enhanced his woodworking skill. So now the Bow Hero had temporarily and figuratively changed his profession from a hero to a carpenter, and Ren took over the job of finding food for everyone. The Shield Hero will be the one that'll transform the dead carcass of these often hideous looking sea monsters into tasty meals.
"Aren't they bugs? We are going to eat that?!" Malty turns her head around. She really didn't need to see with her eyes to know it's Flare making yet another complaint once again. But she's still morbidly curious to see what kind of exaggerated expression the little spoiled lady of House Consevatie wears on her face. Malty's newest protege looks pale, her eyes bugged out as she stares at the monster lying by the Shield Hero. And to Flare's credit, this batch of spoils brought back by the Sword Hero do look ugly like some of the bugs with their thick carapace, multiple eyes, and elongated limbs. The former princess would likely have voiced the same objection. She herself would have likely protested at the start of her own adventuring life. Melty didn't say anything besides Lady Flare, but from the way she is constantly darting between the dead sea monsters and Malty, she's thinking the same thing.
"They truly are some ugly motherfuckers, aren't they? Like something you'd find in the Cambrian period." Naofumi runs his fingers on his chin, looking thoughtful. "But let me try to cook them first, and maybe they actually taste good?"
"NO! NO WAY! I have been eating the same peasant meals as a commoner for over a week. A WEEK! But I draw my line at eating bugs!" Flare stands up to her feet as she furiously shakes her head. She looks ready to either flip on her head, or fall on her back to start kicking around like an ornery infant. "I will not be eating bugs like I am some kind of... gluttonous devil bird! I'd rather throw myself into the sea and drown!"
Half an hour later, the sweet scent of a well cooked meal began to draw in all the workers who were busy repairing the docks, or pulling debris out of the bay. All of them fervently dig into their meal. Amongst them happens to be Lady Flare, who is most definitely not eating like a well-behaved noblewoman. Grease and a little of her saliva are dripping down from the corner of her mouth. She has a narrow eyed grin on her face that wouldn't be out of place on a bootlicking servant figuratively wagging their tail at their master to beg for compliment or reward. "So tasty."
Chapter 20: The Return
The Faubley's air gallery arrived almost at the same time as House Amelia's golden clover emblemed ships in the horizon. The largest one in the middle has its name engraved on the side of its armor plate in golden letters: Gerald. No doubt named after the Golden King, Gerald the Wise of the Avalon Dynasty. One of the most famous warrior kings in Faubley's history. Seeing the airship, one of the Cal Mira Island tribal warriors immediately turns around and runs towards the Menagerie hotel. Likely to inform King Egbert and his regent Lord Dumbledore that their ride to return home has finally arrived. As for Prince Tact... the adopted Whip Hero has left Cal Mira Archipelago the day after the Hero Conference on his personal airship, leaving his adopted father stranded behind. Further evidence that the current king and his adopted prince isn't as close as their respective titles suggest.
"Don't feel too bad about leaving Cal Mira Island, Cousin Mal. I'm sure we'll have plenty of time to enjoy a vacation after we stop this ongoing Wave of Catastrophe." Emily pats Malty's shoulder from her back before resting them on the former princess indefinitely. While Malty didn't expect herself to become the target of another goddess after the last Wave, she doesn't feel any sense of regret that she didn't fully enjoy the world famous vacation of Cal Mira Island. Emily likely knew it too, but she's trying to play light of the situation so they don't have to worry about the additional members to the Heroes' retinue the other world leaders stuck with them.
"And knowing what my mother is like, she'll have us packed up and stuffed into House Amelia's Golden Fleet before the sun reaches its highest point. Can you gather the other retinue members of the heroes for me, Cousin Emi? We'll have to get ready for boarding soon." Malty returns her cousin's gesture with a few light slap on the back of Emily's hand. Normally, this task shouldn't be delegated to someone from another nation. But Malty trusts her Faubley cousin more than her own mother.
"Of course, of course. I always enjoy a good workout. I'll see you around later, okay? Little Melty?" Emily pulls away from Malty with a light giggle. She waves Melty goodbye. The crown princess of Melromarc looks up from where she's quietly eating Naofumi's cooking, smiles at Emily and returns her gesture. The Duchess of Dunwall turns around with her loyal protector Corvo behind her, and the two of them quickly disappear from the dock area where the heroes and some of their followers rest.
"Is there anything specific you would require of us, Master Shield Hero?" Tanya, not Iris' personal maid, but the squad leader of Shiltfreeten's shivs who 'assisted' Naofumi's escape from the Bitch Lord asks him. Out of all the liaison groups from the different nations, her group was the one which the Shield Hero specifically asked for in name. Not hard to imagine why, since they literally helped save his life when he was captured by a Siltvelt Raven Lord's machination. And Prince Tact was gracious enough to allow it to happen without any objection. "Do you need to cover our eyes, or bind our hands and feet to make sure we can't sabotage the Melromarc fleet we'll be riding on?"
"No... that won't be necessary. Unless you guys want to do something like sink the ship while it's in the sea, or something. You aren't trying to kill yourself to fulfill some evil objectives, right?" Naofumi looks up from his cooking station, and stares at the petite, pig headed shive agent for a long look. He's probably trying to figure out if Tanya's offer was genuine, or if she's being sarcastic. Malty can't really tell if he's being sarcastic, or trying to give a warning to Tanya and her squad in the guise of a bad faithed joke. Either way, the little pig girl doesn't look impressed.
"In that case, Master Shield Hero. Maybe you want some of your own men to inspect and handle some of the equipment we plan to bring with us." Tanya sharply turns around on her heel. She points at some wooden crates that've been stored in one of the wooden shacks near the beach. It's missing one of its walls, but is still standing strong compared to some of the other buildings that've been ruined, or entirely totalled by the Wave spawn horde. The Shives who were assigned to become Shiltfreeden liaisons to the Shield Hero had been sparing two of its members to guard it every shift.
Both Naofumi and Malty walk over with Tanya to her unit's temporary supply depot. The petite pig girl nods to her fellow Shives, and they begin to flip open the covers of the supply crates to show the content side. Tanya points at the different packages inside and continues her explanation. "Melromarc does not have the necessary industrial base to produce the ammunition, and other expendables my unit need to remain at our full capacity. So unless the queen or someone else at a high position wishes to invest the capital needed to bridge the industry gap, we will be working off whatever supplies Faubley will periodically stock us with. Needless to say, some of them are highly volatile. But more importantly..."
One of Tanya's subordinates, who has long straight black hair (Malty vaguely remembers her name is something alongside 'Angel') opens up a single wooden crate that's been sitting by its lonesome. Instead of neatly packaged and stacked boxes, this one has a boxy, yet fancy looking black metal device with a lot of crystals and other gems embedded in it. The lack of any ornament, or decoration made of precious metal such as silver, or gold tells Malty that the precious stones are chosen for their magic conductivity, not their monetary value. "This is one of the prototype long range communication devices developed by Shiltfreeden, Faubley joint venture under General Ironwood of Faubley's military innovation initiatives. Originally, President Kennedy and Lord Dumbledore were going to negotiate with Overseer Belladonna on installing it in the Menagerie Hotel. But given the circumstance, both of them believe that it is more crucial to keep them informed of the need of the revered Cardinal Heroes. So they can send aid whenever it is required, of course."
Malty frowns at Tanya's explanation. Faubley has assumed high ranking military men willing to invest the money into developing new equipment is nothing new. The whole sordid past of their golem suit project that wasted enough gold to feed nations she once explained to Naofumi is the kind of vanity project that would only exist in a nation like Faubley: A nation that's being pulled in two opposite direction by both its past, mystery obsessed past of its mage lords, and new, innovative idea seeking mavericks willing to desecrate any rules and traditions that would only been born out of a nation of barbarian warlords constantly fighting for supremacy. That being said, one such warlord who actually has enough vision to push their waste of military spending to give them an actual advantage in the form of instant, long range communication device is much more concerning than any metal tube that makes something it points at go 'BOOM'.
But the goals of the Faubley leadership implied by Tanya of its various savory or unsavory nature is more concerning. Cal Mira Island, as the eternal neutral ground meant to host all future generations of hero summoning should be politically independent from every other nation. And previously it was ensured by Q'ten Lo, the self-proclaimed 'Judges of the Heroes'. Yet, with the nation's obliteration, it seems like Faubley has already made plans to expand their influence over Cal Mira Island, and the process of hero summoning itself before Malty's father unknowingly ruined their plan due to his own grudge. Furthermore... Tanya has openly admitted her role in reporting the latest development with the heroes back to Faubley. Honestly, that should be expected considering one of the reasons why different nations were going to send their representatives to Melromarc was to ensure Melromarc does not 'abuse' the four Cardinal Heroes like what happened during the Three Heroes' Church's rebellion, as in openly spying for the other nations. The fact that Tanya has a device that allows her to instantly communicate to someone from Faubley and Shiltfreeden is disconcerning, but at least she's being honest about it.
"I'm guessing all the expansive looking crystals and gems are the reason why this magical radio station is still a prototype, and not some mass produced module." Naofumi leans his head down as he carefully inspect the device. He seems to suddenly remember something as he straightens his back and looks back at Tanya. "Wait. Didn't all of you use some portable communication radios while you guys were helping me fight off that T-Rex? monster?"
"Yes. Faubley's portable communication device had been perfected enough to be mass produced. And his highness Prince Tact has passed down this device to some of his personal units outside of Faubley army." Tanya pulls off a small metal box from her belt. Unlike the much more complex looking device in the crate, this one only has a single piece of magical crystal embedded in the metal casing. "The difference is the communication range. Our portable communicator only works about as far as our eyes can see. And it could easily be disrupted by strong magical fields. This device on the other hand can send messages across continents, and its signal is strong enough to ignore most magical interference unless someone tries to specifically intercept a message sent by the device. But it's also pretty delicate as a result. I wouldn't worry about it blowing up like our ammunition, but I don't recommend you drop it off the table and then try to send a message with it."
"I suppose that makes sense. Better stick a note and tell whoever is handling this equipment to be extra careful..." Naofumi nods his head along, seemingly immersed in his own mind once again as he thinks over Tanya's explanation. While that's going on, Malty notices a dark 'cloud' coming from the Menagerie Hotel through one of the shack's windows. She steps out of the half ruined shack to get a better look. Sure enough, her mother and King Egbert are at the front of the group. The Faubley King very inappropriately placed his hand on the Melromarc queen's waist, but nobody bothered to make a comment on it. Some of the younger Melromarc knights glare angrily at the Pig King's rude behavior, but the older knights who are more versed in the whole political aspect of different nations all share the same look of exhausted understanding.
"A shame we'll have to part ways here, Cousin Milly. But I know we both have our duties to our nations." King Egbert turns on his heel to face Queen Mirellia. He picks her hand, and places a kiss on her hand. "Take care of the four Cardinal Heroes for everyone, Cousin Milly. Tell me if you need anything. Noble Faubley is always ready to lend its strength to defend our world."
"I will hold you to your promise, Cousin Bert." Mother's face remains carefully neutral. Malty wonders if that's the same thing she said to King Egbert before she started the conflict that later came to be known as 'The Great War'. Regardless, Melromarc and Faubley processions part ways with each other. Mother leads the group who will follow her to Melromarc towards the 3rd dock of Menagerie Resort, waiting for House Amelia's golden fleet coming at them. King Egbert on the other hand led the Faubley procession further inland, towards wherever the air galleries will land so they can fly back to their home.
The Shield Hero's attention is also grabbed by both parties. He leaves Tanya and her Shives behind guarding their supply depot and walks onto the beach once again. Seeing the Shield Hero, the procession behind Malty's mother split another group of people walking towards him, led by Duchess Emily and Duchess Eclair (who has reclaimed her noble title from Queen Mirellia, even if her realm is still in ruin). These are the heroes' retinue, and the emissaries assigned to Melromarc to represent the other nations. In addition to Duchess Emily representing Faubley, and Tanya's group reporting back to Shiltfreeden (and probably the Whip Hero too, considering she was working for Tact when she helped save Naofumi from Towair and Abby), the Shield Hero supposedly also met the two Siltvelt representatives: A tall, lanky and pale skinned, and pale haired Vermili named Cleose Fallenscion, and a broad shouldered, dark skinned and dark haired Vermili named Mohammed Avadil. Apparently, they were also Vermili princes just like Kael'thas Sunstrider. Unlike the red phoenix, neither of them needed to brand themselves as the Shield Hero's personal slaves to remain in Melromarc on account of them being officially recognized diplomats.
As for the two representatives from the Zeltoble Pact, they are more interesting. In the sense that the free city of Zeltoble, the largest, most powerful, wealthiest, and the city that's in control of their Dragon Hourglass didn't send anyone to represent itself. Then again, that's likely the chaotic nature of Zeltoble itself. It's a free city housing the largest population of mercenaries and gladiators, and lacks a proper command structure compared to the red wizards of Dalaran, or the sword lords of Restov. Which incidentally did send their own representatives. A man named Gauldoth speaks for Dalaran, and he's an apprentice of the archwizard Kal'thuzad. That's all Malty knows about him, considering he wraps himself tightly in a set of pale, hooded cloth. Even hiding his own face behind a mask. He rarely speaks, and his voice sounds dry when he does. The Restov emissary is almost the exact opposite of the apprentice wizard. A young woman with short, bob shaped brown hair with the name of Valerie, and the military rank of Captain. Her stern face, army demeanor or the heavy armor she clad around her body doesn't hide her pretty, delicate face or her soft, pleasant sounding voice. About the only thing she has in common with the apprentice pale wizard is her lack of drive to start a conversation with other people.
The Cardinal Heroes certainly have a cast of colorful characters who will act as liaisons to them from various other nations. Then again, perhaps not that unorthodox compared to some of the characters who are already part of their personal retinue.
The great ships belonging to House Amelia slowly come to rest at the dock, and the queen of Melromarc begins to lead her procession to board their new vessels for their return trip. Naofumi turns around to look at the young Lady Belladonna, his face looking apologetic. "Looks like we'll be leaving you guys before the rebuild is complete. Sorry we can't finish our jobs."
"There's nothing to apologize for, revered heroes. It is not your duty to care for one single town during the Wave of Catastrophe. We may not look the part, but we of Cal Mira are hardy people. We'll get back on our feet on our own." Blake's voice sounds nonchalant in spite of the damage her home suffered. She's most likely trying to reassure the Shield Hero, rather than truly not feeling anything from her home's destruction. "But I'll be joining you with some of our warriors. I have asked my father to personally lead some of our warriors to fight alongside you revered heroes. Maybe we can even pass some of our sea tribe's unique water dance to your warriors."
"Oh. Are you sure about this?" Naofumi's head leans slightly back. He's clearly shocked at Blake's revelation. The Shield Hero looks around, at the still ruined building all around the previously bustling resort town. "You haven't finished rebuilding your home yet. Is it fine for us to take some of your warriors?"
"We were caught off guard this time, because the Wave happened before what was expected from the Dragon Hourglass' warning. But now we know this could happen, we'll be on guard for it to happen again." Blake answers without missing a beat. "It is well known that the main breach during a subsequent Wave will not happen in a previous location. And even if it does break the norm like this Wave, we'll be better prepared now we know about malicious outer gods behind it. All the other nations have all dispatched their own fighters, and mages to help us maintain our magical barrier. And my father has enacted an emergency edict for the other sea tribes scattered across the archipelago to rally at the main island together the day after the Wave battle. Cal Mira Island will be at our most ready when we face another Wave battle from the first cycle."
"And speaking of the Dragon Hourglass... We discovered another one around one of the islands while we were hunting sea monsters for food." Ren moves over after over-hearing Naofumi's conversation with Blake. He casually points his finger at the sea, dropping a bomb as ground shaking as the goddess that has breached into their world a few nights ago. "It's in some kind of ruined temple under water, in that direction."
"...is that so? I'd better tell my father right away! Please excuse me, revered heroes..." The little cat girl blinks a few times. When her mind finally starts working again, she immediately breaks into a sprint towards the Menagerie Hotel. But after a few steps, she catches herself as she slowly turns back to the Sword Hero and asks him another question. "Master Sword Hero... if you don't mind me asking. How many people knew about this?"
"Not that many. I was working with Wyndia, and some of Motoyasu's bird 'children'. Haven't even told Motoyasu yet." The Sword Hero shrugs his shoulders, clearly not realizing the weight of his discovery, or his own answer. And what fate would be left to Cal Mira Island with his discovery. In a way, it is almost absurd that a Dragon Hourglass was so close to home and nobody discovered it till this point. On the other, perhaps its close proximity to a long declared 'neutral ground' is the reason why most people overlooked its existence.
"Immediately rally all Master Motoyasu's children who you took with you to discover that Dragon Hourglass, Master Ren. Make sure they don't tell this to anyone, not even Master Motoyasu himself. If they already did, get Master Motoyasu, and anyone who knows about it too. We can't let this information become public knowledge." Malty grabs both Ren and Naofumi and forces their head to lean closer to her mouth. She whispers a command to them before Blake has a chance to explain further. She'd have preferred it if someone like Motoyasu never learned of it, considering he often speaks and acts without thinking things over. "Dragon Hourglass is one of the most important artifacts in our world thanks to it being the only holy artifact that allows [class-up]. If word gets out that Cal Mira Archipelago has its own Dragon Hourglass, one of the more ambitious leaders might break the covenant of the 'Eternal Neutral Ground' and annex it to make sure this power doesn't leak to just about anyone."
"They would really throw away all that pretense? And get the other leaders pissed at them?" Ren's eyes turn to look at Malty without moving his own head. It occurs to the former princess that the Sword Hero really didn't understand how precious a Dragon Hourglass is to a nation's ruler. But for a hero who didn't have to undergo 'class-up' to raise his level above 40, perhaps a more in depth explanation is needed.
"A Dragon Hourglass is one of the foundations for a ruler to ensure their vassal's obedience, Master Ren. You probably don't have to think about it, because as a hero you have no level limit. And all of your companions and retinue would enjoy a free class-up. But for a man of humble birth, and even to some of the nobles. Level 40 is the limit of their power. Because the owner of a nation's Dragon Hourglass, usually a king or a queen, would deny them the ability to class-up. That's how a ruler ensures only their most loyal allies have the strongest power to maintain the power of their own regime." Both the Sword Hero and the Shield Hero blink their eyes thoughtfully at Malty's explanation. It's good to know that she's not talking to a wall. "The Shives from Shiltfreeden that's now acting as a liaison for Master Naofumi have already admitted Faubley, and its vassal Shiltfreeden's intention to build long range communication with Cal Mira Island. It'll only be the first step for Faubley to expand its influence on this supposed neutral ground. They would surely accelerate this effort if they knew about the existence of another Dragon Hourglass around Cal Mira Archipelago. Maybe even outright annex Cal Mira Island now they are weak after they were hit by the Fourth Wave."
"I see. I'll go find Motoyasu's children right away." The Sword Hero seems to finally understand the weight of his discovery. Malty releases her hand on him, and lets Ren run along. Hopefully he could get the filorials to keep this secret, and none of them (or more likely, Motoyasu in case he already learnt of the Dragon Hourglass' existence) would blurt it out by accident. Malty doesn't truly care about the lives of Cal Mira Island natives. At least nowhere near someone like Naofumi or his fellow heroes. But having Ghira Belladonna secretly win over the control of a previously undiscovered Dragon Hourglass has some potential advantages for her. The sea tribes would be able to have their warriors class-up and grow stronger. And with Malty essentially doing a favor for them in helping them keep this secret, she could potentially have some of the people who are loyal to the Shield Hero and herself, but not part of his official retinue, enjoy their class-up at Cal Mira Island. It could be the first step for the Shield Hero to build a strong enough power base to truly gain his independence from the major world leaders.
Fohl fights back the urge to sigh as he looks at the Throwing Weapon Hero. Right now, he's switching between sulks at the corner of the ship, and throwing death glare at the red haired slave of the Shield Hero. Not the most heroic, or sensible act from him. But at least he's no longer trying to murder one of the Shield Hero's closest companions every chance he gets. Fohl can't say that he cares about what happens to a young woman who he doesn't personally know other than her being a (probably spoiled) princess before becoming the companion of a hero. But he doesn't want the Shield Hero and his allies to get angry at Sato, and in turn, his younger sister Atla. He knows how obsessive and stubborn Atla can get when she makes up her mind. And if the Throwing Weapon Hero pushes himself onto the opposite side of the Shield Hero, Atla would fight the Shield Hero till he submits to her idol, or die trying.
"You should stop bowing down to that ungrateful Shield Hero, Master Tairou! He doesn't deserve your help! You've been nothing but nice to him, but all he does is reject your help. He even tried to kill you! There's no point in playing nice if he'll ever treat you like dirt." Atla's grudge filled curse makes Fohl rub his own temples. In the end, his attempt at guiding the Throwing Weapon Hero to be less confrontational with the Shield Hero is pointless when his younger sister has already made up her mind to blame the Shield Hero for their own ridiculous tomfuckery. "I know what bullies like him are like. The only way for him to stop mistreating you... is for you to teach him a lesson. Show him how you aren't someone to be pushed around."
"Please don't give Master Throwing Weapon Hero wrong ideas, Atla. Master Shield Hero is one of the four Cardinal Heroes. Their lives are tied with our world's barrier, and the Wave spawn would grow in strength when they are killed. It'll hurt us all in the end if we try to kill them, Master Throwing Weapon included." Fohl shakes his head, trying to carefully convince Atla to abandon her completely self-defeating suggestion. They were given a spot on Melromarc's flagship so all the heroes could be kept together in the safest place in the fleet. But multiple seamen were kept around them for their 'protection'. They really shouldn't be planning something as extreme as trying to fight the Shield Hero. "Not to mention they have the support of all the major nations. What do you think would happen if we go against them? We can't fight off armies by ourselves.
"I didn't say we'll have to kill him..." Atla turns to look at Fohl, an annoyed frown on her face. "But we can't allow him to keep walking all over Master Tairou! And even if we don't give him a thorough thrashing, we could just do our own things and leave the Shield Hero alone. We don't need someone like him when we have a much better hero like Master Tairou. And for the armies... Zeltoble is the city of sellswords and gladiators. All we have to do to gain their respect and get an army of our own is to show them how strong Master Tairou is! I believe Master Tairou will grow much stronger with training from Master "
Aside from Atla's ridiculous idea of raising an army to fight the cardinal heroes, her suggestion this time isn't that bad. Considering how the Throwing Weapon Hero seems to lose all his ability to reason when he is close to his idol, separating them and having them each do their own things to stop the Wave would have been the best action. Unfortunately for Fohl, he knows that the Throwing Weapon Hero has the same streak of stubborness in him like his younger sister. And after meeting his hero in person, there's no way he would turn the other way.
"We need Naofumi-sama, Atla. He's the smartest Hero ever, on the level of a god. He'll be the one to save us all in the end." The Throwing Weapon Hero's one-sided flattery towards the Shield Hero would have been annoying, if he isn't trying to avoid a confrontation with the Cardinal Heroes. "Fohl was right. Naofumi-sama won't easily trust anyone after what he went through with those evil Three Weapon Church villains. I need to gain his trust first. Even if I have to... tolerate Bitch to do it. But I'll be keeping an eye on her. And when she does try to hurt the Shield Hero with one of her schemes, I'll be there. And I'll show Naofumi-sama her true colors, and make him realize I'm the one who'll help him save the world. He'll always do the right thing in the end. Because he's Naofumi Iwatani-sama, the Shield Hero."
"You shouldn't look down on yourself, Master Tairou. If the Shield Hero got deceived by this manipulative bitch, but you didn't. Doesn't this make you the better and smarter hero? Someone who'll be better suited to save us all?" Atla mumbles under her breath. More like she's trying to complain to herself than genuinely trying to convince the Throwing Weapon Hero.
Fohl doesn't know if Atla is in the right, because he doubts everything the Throwing Weapon Hero told them was true. He might have helped cure the illness Atla was born with, but he also volunteered one of their fellow companions to become a slave to the Shield Hero without missing a beat. Even if he believes he's doing the right thing, he clearly has a callous cruel side to him. Regardless, Fohl hopes he's in the wrong and the Throwing Weapon Hero is simply dimwitted, rather than mindlessly malicious. Atla worships the Throwing Weapon Hero for giving her a healthy, proper life. If he turns out to be a bad character in the end... she'll either follow him to the mouth of a Wave to die, or be completely destroyed by the truth.
The salty sea wind blows at Malty's face once again as she rests her arms at the railing of the great House Amelia Man-of-War. She didn't have much time to worry over the fate of Cal Mira Island, and its newly discovered Dragon Hourglass. House Amelia's golden fleet pulled into the dock very soon, and the entire Melromarc procession began to board their vessel home. To not appear suspicious to her mother and her allies and subordinates, Malty doesn't dare to start another conversation with the Sword Hero. Especially when the topic could insinuate about a certain Dragon Hourglass. She hopes the news hasn't become public, and is cautiously optimistic considering she hasn't heard any new comotion from her mother yet. The Pig King of Faubley wouldn't be the only one seeking to profit from such a news, any leader of major factions would be playing the situation for their own advantage, just like Malty did.
"Malty, are you feeling better?" Malty turns her head around to look at Naofumi. Flare quickly snuffs out the ember that's been dancing on her finger, and ducks away. The Consevatie lady might be more than a bit pampered, but she is clearly socially adapted enough to know when to make herself scarce. This once again, makes the former princess wonder what the chief god damned hell is wrong with House Consevatie to make one of their daughters act so skittish. She shakes her head, putting all her thoughts about Lady Flare to the back of her mind to focus on the Shield Hero. "I was wondering if you are okay. Because... you know. This is the second Wave another goddess came after you."
"I'm fine, Master Naofumi. I'm not the one who got hurt badly and almost died." Malty turns around and claps Naofumi's hand between her own. To be wanted by the gods is a scary thought, but it surprisingly doesn't scare her as much as it should. At least she knows that the gods would only come after her during a Wave fight, rather than trying to physically harm her, or get her with some elaborate scheme and have her jump at her own shadows every waking moment. Something her mother is doing a very good job of. "I'm glad you, and your fellow heroes, decided to stay in Melromarc, Master Naofumi."
Malty suddenly feels a cold, piercing glare aimed at the back of her neck. She turns around, and sees the Throwing Weapon Hero quickly avoiding his eyes. Right... because the little shit managed to weasel his way onto mother's ship. Siting how one of his companions is now officially the Shield Hero's property. Mother was more than happy to accept a hero's temporary service. Especially when said hero openly displayed animosity towards Malty herself. It's a harsh reminder to her that while the Throwing Weapon Hero is behaving himself, his animosity towards her has not decreased one bit.
"Tell me if my annoying fan is giving you trouble again. I'll toss him into the sea if I have to." Naofumi's voice is cold when he casually brings up murder as a possible solution for the Throwing Weapon Hero's idiocy. Malty can't say she disagrees with his suggestion, even if she doubts Naofumi is being serious. Regardless, it's always nice to hear it from the Shield Hero that he values her life above one of her fellow Vassal Heroes.
"Big Sister Sadina! Stop! NO! I'm not kidding! Stop this nonsense!" Unfortunately for her and the Shield Hero, their brief moment is interrupted by Raphtalia's frustrated yelling. They turn around together, take one step backwards together, and do a double take together. In front of them, Raphtalia's insane former bodyguard is carrying a large barrel of... something over her shoulder as she stomps her way towards them. Raphtalia is doing her best trying (and failing) to hold the crazy orca woman back by her waist. Not too far from them, Theresa is glaring at Sadina with her narrowed eyes like an owl. Her fingers wrapped tightly around the handle of her double sided staff blade, looking ready to jump in at a moment's notice. Raphtalia turns her face to look at Naofumi and Malty both, and releases an exhausted sigh. "Master Naofumi, Big Sister Malty. I'm really sorry. But I can't stop Big Sister Sadina when she sets her mind on something..."
The mad orca woman drops the barrel onto the wooden floor in front of Naofumi. Malty could feel the board underneath her feet shake from the impact. It's a wonder how Sadina didn't simply smash the barrel into pieces. From the sound of something swirling inside the wooden barrel, Malty has to make a guess it contains some kind of liquid. And then her nose begins to pick up the burning scent of alcohol. Did the crazy woman get a whole barrel of rum for herself!?
"Well, you got me as your slave because you have your hand in the Throwing Weapon Hero's pocket, Shield Hero." Sadina pulls the collar of her cloth down to reveal the slave seal on her upper chest. In spite of her subservient position, she smirks at Naofumi more like a shark than a whale. "But I'm not going to lie down, and listen to a young, fresh meat who can't hold his liquor. If you want me to leave you alone and listen to you, you have to be able to drink me under the table first. If not... release me from your 'service'. Either way, I get to enjoy some of the good rum from Melromarc's Gold Coast."
"...you do realize you have no choice, right?" Malty raises her eyebrow, she looks at the orca woman up and down. She knew the orca woman was insane, and kind of stupid. The fact that she failed to protect Raphtalia and her family when she knew when the first Wave would happen (because it certainly didn't happen ahead of Dragon Hourglass' prediction like the one they just fought through) is a good indication of her incompetence. But to threaten her master's life, when she is under the slave seal's effect? That's a new level of brainlessness. "The effect of your slave seal would activate no matter what you want. I doubt your precious prophet of a hero was gracious enough to not set a punishment method for you. You want to threaten the Shield Hero when you would drop dead?"
"Exactly." Sadina's eyes begin to flash with a mad twinkle. She doesn't bother to look at Malty, but stares right into Naofumi's eyes instead, almost like she's challenging him right now. "I might die, but I'll make sure you can't hurt Raphtalia before I drop."
"You dare to call yourself Raphtalia's protector?! You know how sad Raphtalia will be, because she sees you like an older sister. But you are carelessly hurting her feelings and taking her hostage!" Malty takes a step forward, she points her finger at Raphtalia's self-proclaimed protector. She turns to look at Naofumi next. "Master Naofumi! Don't take her words and let her play you! As a slave, she can do nothing to force you into a bet like this!"
Theresa takes a step forward. Her double blade isn't coated in fire, but she's holding it in a way that allows her to bring it forward and strike Sadina down if the orca woman tries anything. Yatsuhashi, who had been silently staying beside Naofumi has now stepped over both the Shield Hero and Malty. Everyone around them looks ready to fight the unhinged slave... except the Shield Hero himself. He gives Malty a gentle tap on the shoulder, and pushes his own sworn shield aside. "You want to make this a game? Fine. I'll take your challenge. But you better keep your own word."
End Note:
'So Tasty/So Tasty Principle', one of the most well known Chinese meme which came from a Chinese reality TV show, said by a city boy who went to film the show at the country side. He refuse to eat rough country side meal, even making vows he'd rather die outside... and then a scene change later he happily eat the food while saying 'so tasty' while shamelessly smiling at the camera. It's used for situation when one character going through exaggerated motion refusing to do something... and then immediately change their disposition.
Well, time for the heroes to leave the tropical paradise and return to Melromarc... not without leaving Ghira a megaton time bomb in his hand, of course. I'm sure nothing bad will come from it.
We also get the reveal that its was Fohl who convinced Annoying Fan not to keep trying to murder Malty in front of Naofumi's eyes. Yeah... as the only boy (and sane man) in a hero's party, he's not having a good time. And speaking of not boy companion of Annoying Fan. Sardina threatens Naofumi into a drinking contest with her... by threatening the life of herself... basically she threatens to make Raphtalia very sad if Naofumi doesn't do what she wants.
Making Sardina the protector of Raphtalia got to be one of the stupdest decisions Alenko had. Because it just made her comes off as completely incompetent... or completely iresponsible for the one job she need to do. Because let's not forget, she wasn't just unavailable during the 1st wave which killed Raphtalia's parents. She was entirely unavailable when Raphtalia was being passed through multiple slave masters and she's near death from illness, which suggest she's nowhere near the family she's supposed to protect. So yeah, once again, I chose to keep my iteration of these canon characters consistent of what Alenko made them do in the actual story, rather than what Alenko said about them in narration.