To the person who asked if the past Chapters were getting shorter or not. They were. This one, however, is a doozy.
I'd say I hope everyone enjoys the chapter, but I already know I'm going to get a lot of complaints about not taking the edgy murderhobo route here. *Shrugs* Oh well. I know how to delete in-person reviews now. Fanfiction_Net should really update its coding. Maybe we'd stop having all of these issues with reviews not appearing, update queues getting messed up, and stupid thin-skinned Authors being able to delete edgy hater reviews and all that other crap. /s
Enjoy guys!
Since Last Time: 52 more Favorites, 56 more Followers (Total: 1985 Favorites, 2193 Followers)
Updated: September 21st, 2020 11:00 A.M. (MST)
Chapter Fifty-Six: Settlement for War
The Next Day (3 Days before the Wave of Catastrophe)
After a long night of rest, the four Heroes, minus their parties, were escorted by Shadows to the destroyed throne room. Everything besides the largest pieces of debris had been cleared away. Many of the surrounding walls and parts of the ceiling were exposed to the outdoors. The balconies that had formerly been held up by pillars were gone. Craters and cracks littered the floor all around. Cleaning up the area had only revealed how much of a nightmare fixing the heart of the castle was going to be.
A new throne had already been set up on the repaired stone platform, however. Sitting in it, hiding the majority of her face with a fan was a purple-haired woman familiar only to Naofumi. Though this time, he was sure it was actually the Queen. There was no trace of illusion magic around her Majesty. It was almost scary how accurately the Shadow's illusion had matched her. Even the look in her eyes was indistinguishable
"You called for us, your Majesty?" Itsuki asked politely.
"Indeed. Now that I have addressed the bulk of my kingdom's problems, I desire to speak with the Cardinal Heroes protecting our world. However, before I do, I believe introductions are in order." Mirellia lowered her fan to the side and stood up. "I am Mirellia Q. Melromarc, the Queen of Melromarc." She gave a slight, yet graceful bow of respect. Her poise and tone of voice matched the gesture perfectly. "I welcome you to my kingdom."
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you. My name is Itsuki Kawasumi. I am the hero of the Bow." The youngest spoke first and gave a respectful bow with a hand held over his heart.
...
"Ah, right. Sorry. I am Ren Amaki, Sword Hero." Ren quickly followed up with a brief nod after a short pause, when he realized that he was next in line. "Thank you for your timely aid, your Majesty." He added. Mirellia nodded to him, looking to the next hero in line.
"Motoyasu Kitamura, the hero of the Spear is at your service, milady." Motoyasu smiled and made an elaborate bow with a hand flourish, making Naofumi, who was the only one left, roll his eyes.
"Naofumi Iwatani, Shield Hero." Naofumi was dry, slightly disrespectful, but to the point. The others looked at him, and he rolled his eyes again. "She already knows who we are. I don't see any reason to drag this out any longer." He at least had enough courtesy to give the Queen a slight bow after saying that.
All four of them rose at the same time. Unlike their introductions to King Aultcray when they were first summoned to this world, their introductions had at least been shorter, more respectful, and less filled with background information. Also, Naofumi actually got to introduce himself. The Queen was winning more points from him already.
"What did you wish to speak to us about, my lady?" Motoyasu asked with a flirtatious smile.
Yep, he was definitely back to normal. He also looked happier and more upbeat than he had in awhile.
"Is this about supporting Melromarc against the Siltvelt Invasion?" Itsuki asked. It was undoubtedly the most pressing topic on all their minds, besides the coming Wave.
Ren stayed silent. Looking anywhere but the Queen or the other Heroes. He looked oddly uncomfortable under Mirellia's piercing gaze.
"That will be addressed. First, however, I wish to speak to the Shield Hero."
Naofumi had a feeling she'd want to speak to him first. He didn't know why. But it probably had something to do with all the ridiculous bullcrap that her country had put him through since he was summoned. Probably. "What is it?"
"First, I want to congratulate you on capturing Balamus," Mirellia said. "Thanks to what you did, you and the other Cardinal Heroes saved the lives of many of my citizens throughout the kingdom. For that, I am grateful."
"It's no problem… but I feel like there's a but at the end of that statement," Naofumi muttered.
"Indeed. You may have stopped a monster of a man from tearing my kingdom apart." Mirellia hid her frown with her fan. "However, as my… daughter, escaped during the chaos. I'm afraid I'll be unable to clear your name for the foreseeable future."
Yep. Naofumi knew it was too good to be true. "So you're saying even after all of this, I'm still going to be a felon on the run?" He asked.
"No." Mirellia's piercing eyes landed on him. "That decree from my foolish husband is revoked. You will be free to go anywhere in Melromarc unmolested… just know that until my first daughter is found and brought to trial, I will be unable to do anything about your reputation."
"... so basically, because that Bitch got away, you're powerless to try to get people to believe that I'm not a runaway rapist," Naofumi grumbled.
"Yes, I'm afraid that's how it is for now." Mirellia sadly replied.
The other three Heroes looked at Naofumi, then at Mirellia. "Couldn't we just vouch for Naofumi then?" Itsuki asked.
"Yeah, I… I remember some evidence that could contradict the Princess's claims." Ren quickly muttered in agreement.
"I mean, I know I was against Naofumi for a long time. But it seems a little harsh for the poor guy to continue to be punished because of Myne." Motoyasu said, rubbing the back of his neck embarrassedly.
"Sir Heroes, I promise I have no intention of falsely punishing Sir Naofumi anymore than he already has been. My concern lies with how my people will continue to punish him." Mirellia's fan moved to the side, revealing a stone hard face. "Do know that I don't speak lightly on this topic. Rape is a serious crime in my country, punishable by death. A rapist would be considered lucky to even be given a trial before his execution. It's far worse if they try to run away from their crime. In this regard, Sir Naofumi is extremely lucky to have the status of Cardinal Hero."
…
The three Heroes and Naofumi paled at that. It appeared Aultcray hadn't been joking about the death penalty for rape. Naofumi's status as a Cardinal Hero had been the only thing that kept him alive. And that hadn't mattered so much in the eyes of the Church, even though they knew the rape accusation was false.
"As you could guess, running away only made Sir Naofumi look more guilty in the eyes of the people." Mirellia sighed. "Even if evidence is provided by another Cardinal Hero, he ran away. To change their minds about his innocence, a personal confession from my daughter herself would be needed. A confession that isn't possible at this time." Mirellia said. "If it were, I would force it out of her. Even if it meant making her a slave."
…
The three Heroes looked at Naofumi again. He looked frustrated at first, but then he sighed. "Figures. Even now, that Bitch is still finding ways to screw me over."
"I'm sorry that I can't help with fixing your reputation in my country at this moment. However, there may be a way for me to compensate you for your future troubles, should you choose to stay in Melromarc." Mirellia's face turned, staring down Naofumi.
"And what would that be?" Naofumi asked, sounding doubtful. He hoped it wasn't some kind of marriage deal or whatever with her other daughter. Or with herself.
That sounded wrong on so many levels.
Mirellia gestured to the side, and a Shadow appeared from behind a piece of debris. She bowed to the Queen, before leading someone behind her out into the open.
It was Aultcray. He was dressed in fresh clothes, and his white beard had been trimmed. Yet he was looking defeatingly down at the ground as he was led forward. The clink clink of chains hit Naofumi's ears as he stared at Trash. The wrists of the broken King were bound.
Aultcray was stopped just before the stone platform, and he turned to face the Heroes. He barely looked up, seeing Motoyasu, Itsuki, Ren, and then Naofumi. His head lowered again. "Because of my… idiot husband's actions." Mirellia raised her fan over the bottom portion of her face again. "I am now tasked with finding a suitable punishment for him. However, I am unable to come to a decision. Since it was his actions that led to Sir Naofumi going through a terrible ordeal, I feel he will be able to come up with a suitable punishment for him."
The other Heroes looked at Naofumi again. It was almost too good to be true! Even if Naofumi wouldn't have the chance to have his name cleared, he still had the chance to punish the King! Though Motoyasu wondered if that really was the right thing to do.
Naofumi stared for a moment more. His gaze gradually lifted from the broken King to the hidden Queen again. "Any punishment?" He asked.
"... within reason." Mirellia didn't offer anymore. Her tone was calm and reserved, for now.
Naofumi studied the Queen's hidden expression, gleaning nothing from her gaze. Then he looked down at the broken King. The bastard didn't even have the courage to look up and meet his gaze.
...
Weeks ago, he imagined he could have easily asked for the King to be decapitated. Dead within an instant. Maybe he could have asked for Aultcray to be tortured in a cell, just as Naofumi would have been tortured had he been imprisoned after the Sacred Duel.
Or, best of all, he could have the King labeled a felon, deleveled, and released into the wild to fend for himself. Only, he wouldn't have the help of a slave girl. He'd have him go through everything Naofumi had been forced to go through. Endless nights outside, monsters attacking constantly, knights out on patrol every day hunting him down, scared out of his mind about whether or not he'll be captured and thrown into the dungeons for the rest of his life. He'd be all by himself. Fleeing from place to place. It would have been so glorious...
But seeing the broken King now?... Naofumi couldn't bring himself to consider any of those options.
He thought logically, staring at the Broken King. Honestly, all his troubles with Aultcray. They ultimately weren't the King's fault. While he had issued a warrant for Naofumi's arrest, it had been for a valid reason. He might have given Naofumi an unfair trial and thrown him into jail, but he'd been acting under the assumption that his daughter had been raped, and that he'd ran after raping her.
There was something else too. While Aultcray had made countless threats, issued warrants for Naofumi's arrest, and even tried to have him imprisoned at the Sacred Duel, he never actually… came through with any of it. Now that he thought about it, it was always Bitch and the Church that caused all the real problems for Naofumi.
Whether it was the Orthrus Dog in the caves, the knights that he had encountered, having to deal with Motoyasu and Shadows, or being forced to flee from the Capital, twice... Actually, thinking back, he remembered more problems that he'd had with Church Knights, Royal Knights with loyalties tied to the Church, or Malty instead of problems caused by Knights loyal to Aultcray. Hell, some of those particular knights had actually helped him and been somewhat nice to him.
In the end, Aultcray had been all bark and no bite. It was almost entirely because of Bitch and the Church that the events of the Sacred Duel even happened. It was only because of Bitch and the Church that the Trial was able to occur. Had Aultcray not had either of them manipulating him, Naofumi would have never been framed for rape or been forced to live a life on the run.
Looking at the King, his logical, rational self just couldn't bring himself to pin the blame for everything that happened on him. No, that wasn't right. If he was going to blame someone, he'd rather blame Bitch and Balamus. They were the ones that first made it their goal to ruin his life instead of the broken man in front of him.
"... I can't completely forgive this… sack of trash for what he's done to me," Naofumi grumbled. Despite everything else, his emotional self couldn't forget Trash's abuse to him. And that it was because of Trash giving his approval that he'd been summoned. But then again, had he not been summoned to Melromarc, he never would have met Raphtalia, Filo, or any of his other friends. Hell, he probably wouldn't have had the chance to meet or bond with Itsuki and Ren since Siltvelt, the country he would have been summoned to, would have used him as a breeding horse instead of as a hero. So maybe, in the end, this all really was for the better… somehow.
Naofumi took a deep breath. Logic won out inside his mind. "However, given everything that's happened, I don't want him killed or exiled."
…
He didn't know if he imagined it or not, but the look in Mirellia's eyes relaxed. "I agree." That had been her biggest fear. The Shield Hero wanting to choose either of those extreme options. Without either on the table anymore though, her mind was put at ease. "What do you propose then, Sir Naofumi?"
Naofumi had enough time to think about it. "I want a public apology for his actions," Naofumi said. "Even if he wasn't solely responsible for everything bad that happened, and even if it doesn't clear my name, I want him to apologize since his actions put a lot of people in danger."
Mirellia glanced at her husband, who still stared down at the floor. "You… don't want his title stripped?"
"Why should I?" Naofumi asked. "It's not like he'd have any less power than what he has now."
Mirellia was silent for a moment, staring at the Shield Hero. Then, she felt gratitude. She wouldn't lose her husband. "I am unsure if I'll be able to get him to speak anytime soon… but I will have him write, and sign an apology that will be read to the people on his behalf. If you desire, I will read it to my people personally, as that may somewhat improve your reputation despite everything else."
Hmmm, it'd be better coming from the piece of Trash himself. But now, he wasn't doubting the Queen's statement about him being broken. The last time he'd seen him, Trash had all but screamed at him for what 'he'd' done. However, he hadn't said a single word since seeing Naofumi. Maybe he really was broken?...
"Is there anything else you wish to add?" Mirellia asked.
He wasn't going to antagonize the man in his broken state. Actually, leaving the poor guy alone would probably be the best thing for both of them. Still, a joking thought ran through his mind.
'NOW BOW! BOW TO ME TRASH! MUAHAHAHA!'
…
He got the sense that saying such a thing wouldn't be appropriate. So he settled for the next best thing. "With that apology. I want it announced that his name is being changed to Trash." He got confused looks from the other Heroes. Naofumi shrugged. "I already refer to him as Trash anyway. Might as well make it official while I hold the power to do so."
Mirellia couldn't help but openly stare at Naofumi after his proclamation. It was a good thing she had her fan with her, otherwise, everyone would see that she had sat with her mouth agape for a few moments. This really was one hell of a Hero. With the amount of mercy Naofumi was already showing her husband, Mirellia didn't even mind having his name changed to something so demeaning. She'd take all the jokes in the world if it meant she had the chance to help her husband return to what he had been before. The great and Wise Staff Hero.
"Done."
Aultcray, or rather, Trash, as he was called now, was led out of the room by a Shadow. And after that, the rest of the meeting ran with surprising ease.
The other Heroes were quickly informed about the state of various things that were going on. And they shared information in return.
Motoyasu was asked about the status of his party, and he was happy to report that Rino was recovering from the abuse that she'd suffered under Myne. Her slave crest had been removed. And he and Elena were planning on hunting monsters together outside the castle after the meeting was over while Rino stayed in bed. Apparently, Myne had done a number on her. Forcing her to grind in the areas Motoyasu had shown them day and night without the help of a Cardinal Hero, amongst other horrible things to help Myne gain party experience and grow stronger. It was a miracle that she had even survived the ordeal, as well as the last week of being locked in a room without food or water while Myne was on bedrest.
Itsuki was chagrined, but in a way secretly commended for his work against the corrupt nobility in her kingdom. While it was bad to just kill her country's nobility, Mirellia's statement about rape from earlier justified more than a few of their deaths, especially since some of the victims were children or teenagers. And while their elevated positions made it near impossible for Mirellia to punish them without losing the backing of others keeping her in power, she chose not to punish Itsuki for using his status as the Bow Hero to get rid of them for her, since him being the one to remove them made no repercussions against her.
As Mirellia put it in a closing comment to him: "I would appreciate it if you followed my orders and Melromarc's laws more closely in the future." Essentially, she was giving the Bow Hero a slap on the wrist, while telling him to keep doing what he was doing. It was making her job a lot easier. Itsuki looked happy about being allowed to be a vigilante still. At least, one that would be law-abiding. And would take punishing future nobles and other leaders more seriously, with hopefully less death involved.
Unless they raped a child slave. There was no forgiveness from him there.
Ren… at seeing how quiet he was being, was only asked if arrangements were needed to be made for his party members' class-ups. The Dragon Hourglass would be open only for today. He said only one needed it. Wyndia.
He went quiet for a moment after that, and then he asked Naofumi if he could make sure she got it. Naofumi agreed, and the Sword Hero remained silent for the most part after that.
Naofumi was also asked the same thing. He was relieved that he wouldn't have to go to another country after all. The boost in strength right before the Wave would be greatly appreciated too. So he agreed to let Raphtalia and Filo receive their class-ups. Dou-Lon, his latest party member, still had a few levels to go before he hit the level 60 level cap that the Hakuko tribe apparently had. Overall, it was a fun meeting, despite the way that it'd started. Even Mirellia looked more relaxed.
"Now, I have one last thing to ask of you, Heroes," Mirellia's voice raised. "Something that Sir Itsuki brought up in the beginning."
The four looked at her tensely, while Mirellia calmly collected herself. "I know the next Wave of Catastrophe is almost upon us… but I'm asking, no, I'm pleading for your support in the East. I do not wish for my kingdom to be put between the Waves and another bloody War. I want to put this trouble to rest so that my people won't have to suffer any more hardship."
…
"Um… as much as I'd like to help, I need to go out and get stronger like these guys, so…" Motoyasu said awkwardly.
"But we didn't get stronger by leveling up. We got stronger by-" Itsuki tried to say.
"Yeah yeah, you keep telling me it's because you 'shared' your old gaming methods or whatever with each other," Motoyasu said jokingly. "I'll figure out your real secrets one day."
"But that is what we did," Ren muttered softly to himself.
The Queen sighed in defeat. Thinking she'd have to somehow quell the war down by herself.
But then Naofumi stepped forward. "I'll come and help." He said.
It was surprising that he would be the first to step forward. Especially since her people still didn't trust the Shield Hero. But then again, Naofumi didn't want to deal with the Waves and a War being fought over him. He'd rather be able to settle into his role as a protector without the distraction that a war would bring. And even if his reputation as the Shield Hero was still a little tarnished, he had the reputation of the Nocturnal Doctor to fall back on. So he'd rather stay in Melromarc instead of being forced to leave by another religious cult.
"I'll come too," Itsuki said.
"As will I." Ren followed.
Mirellia looked over the Three Heroes. Motoyasu looked even more awkward now for the choice he'd made. However, he didn't change it. He had to get stronger, just like the other three. Otherwise, he would never be useful. In war, or in anything else.
"Then we will leave tomorrow," Mirellia said. This had resolved itself much better than she could have imagined.
A Shadow appeared behind Mirellia and whispered something into her ear. She nodded and stood up. "There is another matter that's been brought to my attention. Thank you for your time, Sir Heroes. If you ever need anything, please let me know."
"Likewise."
The heroes bowed to express their respect. And thus, the meeting ended.
As Naofumi walked out of the Throne Room first, he was met by his party. "Daddy!" Filo, always the affectionate one, was among the first to hug him around his waist.
"Nice. Looks like I'll have to find out what my party is doing." Itsuki said happily as he walked off. Ren, besides asking a Shadow to find Wyndia and tell her to go with Naofumi to receive her class-up, didn't say anything and walked off away from the group. Motoyasu was a little slow coming out, as he noticed and started flirting with a random maid near the doorway.
"So, what did you discuss, Sir Naofumi?" Eclair asked. She looked fresh and sweaty from her latest training regiment. The rose haired woman never looked so happy to be wielding her sword.
"This and that," Naofumi said cryptically. He wasn't about to admit that he'd gone softer on the King than he'd expected. "We're going to help stop the war with Siltvelt."
"That's great!… You didn't say anything rude while you were in there, did you?" Raphtalia asked hands on her hips.
"Of course not, why would I?"
Fortunately, she knew he was telling the truth. She smiled happily and gave him a proud hug. "Was the Queen nice, Daddy?" Filo asked from below them.
"Yeah, almost a little too nice." He muttered. He skirted the topic of the King in his mind. "You and Mommy got cleared for your class-ups. Now you'll both get much stronger than before." Naofumi said in a fatherly tone to her.
"YAY! Did you hear that Mel-Chan! Filo and Mommy are both going to become a lot stronger!" Filo let go of Naofumi and hugged her bestest friend in the whole world.
"F-F-Filo!" Melty said in embarrassment.
Yeah, it was going to be weird having the bluette in his party again. Though probably not as weird as the awkward looking Hakuko standing away from everyone else. He coughed into his hand, unsure of how he should act. Were the others in Naofumi's party always so… casual with their hero? Was he… was he supposed to join the group hug as well? Before he could decide, however, a blushing flustered maid ran past the group.
"Hey, wait! I was only- *gasp!*" Motoyasu stopped in shock.
"Huh?" Filo cocked her head to the side curiously.
"Is something wrong, Motoyasu?" Naofumi asked. Motoyasu had stopped cold in his tracks. And he was staring at Filo like she'd grown a second head. He then remembered that Motoyasu hadn't seen Filo in her little girl form at this point. The idiot was probably wondering why he had a child in his party-
"I don't believe it! My beautiful angel Freon exists in this world too! Joy is me!" Motoyasu exclaimed joyfully. He got on one knee, taking Filo by the hand. "Oh, beautiful specimen! What be thy name!?"
"... what the hell?" Naofumi said, reflecting the same thoughts from the rest of his party.
"Um… my name's Filo…" Filo said confusedly. "Daddy, why is Spear Guy being so weird and nice to Filo now? Wasn't he the one who hurt mommy before?" She asked.
"Daddy?" Motoyasu looked up at Naofumi.
"Yeah, she's um, my daughter," Naofumi mumbled awkwardly.
Motoyasu looked between him and Raphtalia in shock. "Oh, wow, you two moved fast!"
...
It took a moment for him to process it. "Huh, what are y-NO! Wait! That's not what I meant! Raphtalia! Tell him! Filo is ju- Raphtalia…?" Naofumi said confusedly when he realized she wasn't around. His cheeks were a bright crimson. However, his embarrassment was nothing compared to Raphtalia's.
"First Hiding," Raphtalia whispered the spell moments earlier, completely disappearing from view. She then quickly ran into a side room, picked up a torn pillow from a nearby bed, and covered her face with it before letting out a muffled scream.
"AAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" WHAT WAS HAPPENING TO HER?! WHY WAS SHE FEELING SO EMBARRASSED NOW?! WHY DID THE SPEAR HERO HAVE TO IMPLY THAT THEY HAD A KID TOGETHER OUT OF NOWHERE! FILO WAS THEIR DAUGHTER WITHOUT A DOUBT, BUT SHE WASN'T THEIR FLESH AND BLOOD- *GASP* DID THAT MEAN SHE ACTUALLY WANTED ANOTHER DAUGHTER FROM NAOFUMI!?
"AAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"
Meanwhile, after Naofumi had given a small embarrassed explanation all by himself, Motoyasu refocused his attention once more. "Filo, such a glorious name for a wonderful angel girl!" Motoyasu stood, clasping his hands together. "Oh, how I love angel girls! I love them! I love them! I love them!"
"...Seriously, what the hell is wrong with you?" Naofumi asked. He had fortunately gotten the majority of his blush under control. He was also wondering where Raphtalia had gone. Was she going through the same embarrassment he was?
"Heh, sorry." Motoyasu calmed down somewhat. Though he still looked weirdly happy. "I… just have a thing for angels."
"... that's wrong on more levels than I can count," Naofumi said dryly. Motoyasu definitely had a ways to go yet. Why couldn't he be more like Itsuki and Ren?
"So where did you find Filo!? How long has she been in your party?! Is she a replacement for that fat bird you had before?! How did you adopt her?! I HAVE TO KNOWWWW!" He grabbed Naofumi by the shoulders, shaking him excitedly. If there were more angel girls out there in the world, he had to find one too!
"Why should I answer any of that?! You're being too weird about this!" Naofumi complained.
"Please! I'll pay anything if only for the information-"
"You called Filo fat…"
…
Motoyasu looked down at Filo. "Come again?" He asked.
Filo sniffed. "Filo thought you were actually becoming nice. You didn't attack Filo or her family. You were being nice to daddy and mommy... But then you called Filo fat."
"Um, I was referring to Naofumi's fat bird monster. Not you, my precious little-" The blonde bent over, as he lovingly said those words to Filo and was about to pat her on the head. When suddenly...
Poof!
In a blur of feathers, Filo transformed into her Queen form. Motoyasu looked up in shock at the large fat bird. Filo was giving Motoyasu the deadliest glare Naofumi had ever seen.
"Filo hates Spear Guy!" She also looked bigger, and far more threatening than last time.
Motoyasu's eyebrow twitched nervously. "Oh… so you're that giant, fat-" Motoyasu said, his voice filling with horror and dread.
WHACK!
Despite everything that had happened. Naofumi still found himself enjoying the moment of seeing Motoyasu's balls crushed for a second time in what felt like slow motion. He made a mental note to purchase one of those recording crystals that the queen's soldiers used to spread the word about Balamus'es atrocities. Moments like this required preservation. Or maybe he could absorb one to get it as a passive shield ability? Questions for later. For now, he smirked and watched the show.
"Whaaayyyy?!" Motoyasu screamed as he was sent flying through the air across the hallway.
"Sir Motoyasu? Where are you-" Elena, the orange-haired member of the Spear Hero's party, stopped when Motoyasu landed on the ground next to her. She raised both hands to her face in shock. "Sir Motoyasu!"
"Ohhhhhhhh…" Motoyasu moaned in pain. He knew he should have gotten a cup for his uniform after what happened last time.
"Filo!" Melty said in shock.
"Oh my." Eclair also looked surprised. And she also felt bad for the downed Spear Hero.
"What happened? Why is Naofumi smiling?" Raphtalia reappeared at last.
"Filo… may have just kicked the Spear Hero in the groin," Eclair said.
"Again!?" Raphtalia exclaimed.
"You mean she's done this before?!" Melty exclaimed.
Naofumi found he was indeed smiling. Was it his fault that he enjoyed seeing Motoyasu in pain so much?! Filo, you did good. Daddy is very proud of the girl you're growing up to be.
"Filo, we can't just kick everyone we don't like in the groin," Raphtalia said, disappointment lacing her tone.
"But that's what daddy taught Filo and mommy to do, remember?" Filo asked head cocked to the side. "Back when Mommy and Filo faced those bad bandits."
…
Naofumi now felt oddly uncomfortable. It was like he could feel Raphtalia glaring into the side of his head. Melty and Eclair too. "Um… hehe, how about we get those class-upgrades now, what do you say?" Naofumi asked.
"At least heal the Spear Hero first, Sir Naofumi," Melty said in a regal, commanding tone.
"Fine, freaking Second Princess," Naofumi whispered under his breath. Melty's face turned red at the nickname.
"Also, you and our daughter are going to have a long talk about this kind of behavior," Raphtalia said.
"Why can't you talk to her about it?" Naofumi asked. Pulling healing potions from his Shield to use them on the moaning Motoyasu.
"Because I wasn't the one that taught Filo that dirty move," Raphtalia answered. She was also still blushing from Motoyasu's earlier comment. She needed time to collect herself.
"It's not my fault she still uses it," Naofumi complained.
"It is totally your fault!" Melty said angrily.
"You weren't even here during that time Second Princess."
"Hmmph!"
"And stop calling Melty Second Princess," Raphtalia said.
"You're not the boss of me!" This would be a hard-fought war indeed. He didn't care if Raphtalia was glaring at him in disappointment. Nope, he didn't care one bit.
"Why did Lord Shield Hero teach little Filo that?" Dou-Lon asked curiously. It was such a dirty move to use in battle, but admittedly, quite effective at ending things quickly. What had inspired him to do it?
Raphtalia glared at Dou-Lon, and the Hakuko backed away. Maybe some questions were better left unanswered. And while Naofumi had accepted Dou-Lon into the party, his companion was not so accepting.
Thus, Naofumi reluctantly healed Motoyasu. Who once more spoke in a higher pitch for a day or two after the kick. Poor guy...
The trip to the Church wasn't met with any trouble. Naofumi attributed that to the fact that he wore his Mask Shield and Nocturnal Doctor disguise in public between the Castle and the Church. He might have just saved these people's lives, but it was better to be safe than sorry. He also didn't try to do anything to antagonize his friends. That also likely helped to avoid causing trouble. Along the way, Wyndia, one of Ren's party members, joined them. She was silent and didn't say anything while she was with them.
When they arrived at the Church, they found the entrance guarded by a group of knights. "Halt. Who goes there?" The knight that spoke was a familiar-looking vice Captain from the Lute Village Wave. Or Captain, rather, as he had recently been promoted, judging by the new insignia that had been added to his armor.
"Relax. Her Majesty gave us access to the Dragon Hourglass for the class-up ceremony." As Naofumi said that, he removed the Mask Shield from his face.
"Oh, Sir Shield Hero! We were told to expect you!" The Captain and the knights with him all got on one knee and bowed their heads in reverence.
Naofumi frowned. It was okay for Mirellia's knights to be nicer to him. But if they started worshipping him, he was out.
"What are you all doing here? Didn't her Majesty order you and the knights under you to rest and recover after what you went through being the Church's prisoners?" Eclair asked. She remembered protecting these Knights in the Duel Arena.
"She did. And now, we have recovered, and are ready to perform our duties." The Captain confidently replied.
"Hmmm…" She decided not to push the topic further as she knew like no one else what a knight's oath meant to oneself.
The knights all stood up following their Captain. "Now, let's get those class-ups handled."
The group was led inside the Church. Dou-Lon looked a little uneasy about entering what had formerly been a den for heathens. Unlike the castle, the Church memoria was still up here. Behind and above the altar, the rosary of the Three Heroes Church was still emblazoned on the wall. Though, with the layer of dust beginning to cover everything, the silence was like a tune to a funeral. The end of a once-grand era.
Maybe at one point, the Three Heroes Church had been a good institution. Focused on helping people to attain spiritual enlightenment. But hate, power, pride, greed, and other sins had corrupted it. Leading it to its inevitable fall from grace.
The Captain grimaced distastefully. "I cannot wait for this place to be rebuilt."
"You and me both, Captain Mayor." One of his knights agreed.
"Why would they want to rebuild this place?" Naofumi distastefully asked.
"Because the Dragon Hourglass is placed here." Mayor immediately answered. "Even if we hate it, it'd be a lot easier to rebuild the Church under a different religion than to try and move the Dragon Hourglass somewhere else."
"How so?" The Shield Hero asked curiously.
"Melromarc's Dragon Hourglass hasn't been moved for centuries. But the last time it was, it required several armies worth of men to do it." Melty answered. "It would be easier restoring this place to a different faith than to tear it down and move the Dragon Hourglass somewhere else."
"Hmm." Naofumi didn't question it any farther.
After going through several hallways, and after the Shield Hero smirked in recognition at some of the doors that he'd damaged the last time he broke into the Church, they finally entered a large room. The group walked up one of the side staircases and soon stood on the same balcony as the Dragon Hourglass. It looked as big and impressive as always. With the top half almost empty of sand.
It was at this moment that Naofumi realized that he had no idea how the class-up ceremony actually worked. His help menu only said it required a Dragon Hourglass. That was it.
Fortunately, the knights were well ahead of him. Several of them reappeared, holding vials of some clear liquid. They then walked up to the cracks in the floor around the Dragon Hourglass. "We are ready when you are, Shield Hero." The Captain announced and saluted Naofumi again.
"Let's just get this over with," Wyndia grumbled as she approached the Hourglass. Naofumi would have protested, but she had already seen how the Class-Up ceremony worked.
"Fine, watch closely you two so you know what to do," Naofumi said to Raphtalia and Filo.
Wyndia firmly placed the palm of her hand on the surface of the Dragon Hourglass and looked to the side at Captain Mayor to confirm that she was ready. He gave his men the signal at that and the knights started to pour the liquid into the cracks which made a glow start to spread out throughout them around the Dragon Hourglass. The hourglass itself began to glow soon after and a HUD appeared in front of Wyndia's eyes, showing her a bunch of different class options.
She pondered about the selection for a moment, but even with everything that had happened, her mind had been made up long ago. Wyndia quickly selected the class she wanted, but instead of a confirmation, some kind of error message popped up.
And at the same time, a light began to form on Filo's cowlick.
"Wait, what's-" Wyndia blurted out in confusion as the light flew off the cowlick and into the hourglass. It glowed even more brightly than before, almost blinding the dog girl, and then, just like that, it was over.
"What just happened?" Naofumi blinked in confusion and looked at the Filolial Queen Candidate next to him.
"Filo doesn't know." The little girl said confusedly. She curiously pulled at her cowlick.
"You…" Wyndia stood in front of the hourglass, breathing in and out heavily. They all looked at her. "You... you... stupid bird! You ruined it!" She turned and yelled angrily at Filo.
"What?! But Filo didn't do anything!" Melty quickly came to her friend's aid.
"She, she…" Wyndia's fists clenched. It looked like she was on the verge of tears. Her calm persona which she'd spent most of last night and this morning recrafting, only to have it bombarded by a Shadow because Ren was too afraid to tell her to go with Naofumi for her class-up, was finally falling apart at the seams.
"Calm down. Explain what happened." Surprisingly, Dou-Lon was the one to approach Wyndia. He was cautious and knew how to keep a clear head.
"That… whatever she did, it interfered with my class-up." Wyndia finally answered. She wiped tears from under her eyes. "I chose a class that'd improve my ability to use Dragon Vein magic. But, it, gave me an entirely different class." She muttered angrily. Instead of Dragon Vein magic, she'd been given a class that'd improve her ability to use katanas and rapiers, as well as give a slight boost to her standard magic abilities.
Naofumi looked down at his daughter again. "Filo. Be honest with me. Did you do anything?" He asked.
"No, Filo did nothing! Filo swears it!" The little girl defended herself.
Wyndia moved to the side, sniffling as Filo approached the Dragon Hourglass. "Watch, Filo is going to choose her class now!" She placed a hand on it. And the knights once again poured more clear liquid into the cracks. Surprisingly, as everything began to glow, a HUD appeared in front of Naofumi, showing a bunch of different classes for Filo. This hadn't happened when Wyndia chose her class-up. But then again, she was directly under Ren in the party system, so when he received the alert, he probably let her choose what class she wanted. So he did the same for Filo.
"Let's see, ooh! This one will allow Filo to spit poison! But this one will allow Filo to breathe fire! What should Filo choose?!"
"How about neither of those!" Naofumi interjected. He suddenly regretted letting Filo choose what she wanted. He should have known his daughter better than that!
"Hmph." Filo pouted cutely back at him, and then stuck her tongue out in concentration. After a moment, she chose an option-
And the same thing from before happened again. "Wait, noooooooo-" Her cowlick glowed brightly, resonating with the light coming from the hourglass.
And then it was over.
In his HUD, the star next to Filo's name disappeared. The class-up was a success. However, Filo did not look very happy. "Filo didn't get her desired class either!" Filo cried.
"Serves you right for ruining my class-up, dumb bird!" Wyndia yelled.
"Filo is not a dumb bird!" Melty yelled at Wyndia. "And she didn't mean to do anything!"
"Tell that to my freaking-"
"Stop arguing. Both of you!" Raphtalia chastised both girls midargument. "This is not the time or place for it!"
"Hmmph!" The two Tsunderes folded their arms and looked away from each other. Raphtalia sweatdropped at the sight and sighed. 'I really hope our future daughters don't end up like this, it'd be such a pain to deal with this on a daily...' Her cheeks turned red. 'Oh Gods, do I want MORE THAN ONE DAUGHTER WITH NAOFUMI!?'
If it wasn't because there was nowhere to sneak off to up here, Raphtalia would have disappeared to scream all over again.
"So... What class did you choose?" Naofumi finally said, this time in shock. He'd been looking over Filo's stats during all this, and he'd found that they'd all DOUBLED. HOLY HELL! SHE WAS ALREADY STRONG BEFORE! BUT THIS WAS REACHING A WHOLE OTHER LEVEL OF STRONG!
"Filo decided that Filo wanted to spit poison at her enemies! But the Hourglass wouldn't let meeeeee!" The little blonde girl whined.
"... huh, I don't really mind then," Naofumi commented. Not only had Filo's stats been doubled, but she wouldn't be able to spit poison either. It sounded like a win-win to him.
"BOO!" Why couldn't Daddy care more about Filo's life being ruined!? It was so unfair!
"What exactly happened to Filo, Sir Naofumi?" Melty asked worriedly.
"According to this. All of her stats doubled." Naofumi said.
"... WHAT?!" It took a moment to process what he'd said. And then the Captain, Dou-Lon, Eclair, Melty, and everyone else yelled at the same time, looking at him in shock.
Wyndia quickly did a check of her stats. Her eyes widened in stunned amazement. They had all doubled too...
She felt less angry about the stupid bird's cowlick messing with her class-up ceremony now… but that didn't mean she wasn't angry still! Never mess with an emotionally disturbed teenage Tsundere going through heartache and a bunch of other crap!
"Is there something wrong?" Naofumi asked.
"Um, how should I put this, Lord Shield…" Dou-Lon coughed into his arm. "The best warriors of Siltvelt spend months to years of their lives looking for an item that will give at least one stat a small extra boost during the class-up ceremony." He looked very uncomfortable. But Naofumi was listening to what he said with interest, and Raphtalia wasn't glaring at him either, so he continued. "What your, um, daughter just accomplished is… unheard of. To not only boost every stat but to double them..."
…
Naofumi looked from Dou-Lon to Filo. The girl, since she was angry about being denied poison, pulled her cowlick out roughly while crying in pain. The cowlick, of course, grew back, only further adding to the girl's frustration and misery.
"Well, I'm not going to look a gift horse in the mouth. Do you want Filo's cowlick to help your class-up ceremony too, Raphtalia?" Naofumi asked.
"No! Filo doesn't want this anymore!" Filo cried. "Fitoria's gift has ruined Filo's dreams and ambitions!"
Was it really her dream to spit poison at her enemies? Naofumi was beginning to think Raphtalia was right and that he really did need to have a nice long talk with Filo.
Raphtalia, embarrassment kicked to the curb, wordlessly approached the Dragon Hourglass. The same thing happened. The hourglass glowed, the knights poured the clear liquid into the floor, and Filo's cowlick glowed above her pouting protesting face. In the end, Raphtalia didn't get her desired class, but her stats had all doubled too. So she was more than happy with the result. Naofumi made a note of bringing Filo along for all future class-ups. This could be a great boon for anyone who wanted to drastically increase their stats.
"Now that we have that out of the way, let's say we go out and kill some monsters before calling it a day," Naofumi said, smiling at the stroke of good fortune. He'd have to thank Fitoria next time he saw her.
"Yay!" Filo cheered. It had been awhile since she'd eaten a freshly killed monster. Maybe that would help cheer her up!
The knights who'd escorted them to the Dragon Hourglass followed them back to the front of the Church. "It was a pleasure seeing you again, Sir Shield Hero." Captain Mayor said. "May the Gods bless you on your future path."
"Thanks. You take care of yourself." Naofumi put on the Mask Shield once more. And his group departed for the south gate. Wyndia left the group, still marveling over the newfound strength she'd been given.
The next several hours were, despite all the killing of monsters, some of the most peaceful Naofumi had had with his party in a very long time.
Because of how powerful Raphtalia and Filo got from their class ups, he spent more time watching Eclair, Melty, and Dou-Lon to make sure that they stayed safe. Eclair fought with her sword. Melty fought with magic. And Dou-Lon fought with a long lance that he'd gotten from Melromarc's armory. Naofumi made a note to get their equipment updated as soon as he could.
The monsters around the Capital were, unfortunately, of the weaker variety. So there wasn't much progress level wise. Even for Melty and Eclair. However, Naofumi was able to watch his companions fight without worrying about them getting hurt. And their spirits were all lifted from doing something good together. The worries about the coming wave and the imminent war distanced themselves. He was able to gather herbs in peace.
And, despite Filo's initial complaints about not being able to breathe poison on her enemies, she seemed more than happy about being even faster and more powerful than before. So all was right in the world.
Near the end of the day, Naofumi was absorbing the latest batch of monsters into his shield and examining their drops. He was in the middle of examining a herb from a monster when he was suddenly dragged out of his task.
"Sir Naofumi." He blinked, and a Shadow appeared from out of nowhere in front of him.
"Ah?!" He almost fell over in surprise, then glared angrily at the Shadow. "What is it now?!"
"I daresay, your immediate presence, as well as the immediate presence of your companion, Raphtalia, are being requested for at the castle." The Shadow spoke calmly.
"I thought we weren't going to be bothered until tomorrow," Naofumi grumbled. "This better be good, or else-"
"Victoria is dying. She has requested to speak to you both."
…
…
"Naofumi, is everything alright?" Raphtalia appeared running up. She was dragging the remains of several monsters that she and Filo had killed. She noticed that he was talking to someone.
Naofumi looked at her. She looked between him and the Shadow. She'd never seen a more serious look on his face in her entire life. "Grab Filo. We're going to the castle, now."
…
Raphtalia nodded. And she ran off to do as Naofumi asked without question.
On the way back, the Shadow filled them both in on what was happening. Victoria had been on the verge of life and death ever since Balamus's defeat. The nurses had done their best to stabilize her. But there was only so much they could do for her gaping gut wound. Now, after two days, her body was giving out. She didn't have much time left.
When they got to the castle, Naofumi sent Filo back to meet the others and explain their temporary absence. He then told her to make sure they all got back to the castle before sundown. And when that was over, he and Raphtalia followed the Shadow through the various hallways of the castle. Past the dining room, a large library, and many other rooms.
Naofumi's mind was an angry mess. Why?! Why did that nun want to see him?! Hadn't she already done everything she could to ruin his and Raphtalia's lives?! Hell, she had no excuse to die! Unlike Aultcray, she still had plenty to answer for! He refused to let her die before she could even be punished!
Finally, Naofumi slammed open the door to her door. Breathing in and out heavily as he entered. He expected anger to be his first response. That nun had to pay!
Yet upon entering, he stopped.
The weak, sickly, middle-aged demi-human lying in the bed didn't resemble the smirking nun in his mind at all. Her long, light brown hair was unkempt. It was spread out like a pillow behind her head. Her skin was pale from blood loss. Her breaths were pained and came in short, uneven intervals. A large fresh bandage was wrapped around her gut. It, it felt like it was slowly turning red before his eyes. Her mouth was a thin line, moved only by the pain she felt. Her hand lightly gripped the Queen's, who was looking down at her tenderly. More so than he'd seen from her before when he'd spared her husband.
"Are you sure you want to do this? I could have my nurses take the last of the Yggdrasil's Elixir from the emergency reserves for you."
"I've already said, it's… fine, Mirellia." Victoria coughed. "I'd rather it was saved, for someone… more worthy, than I am."
Mirellia's other hand dropped her fan into her lap. She did nothing to hide her sadness as she gripped her friend's hand with both of hers. She had an angry, frustrated look on her face. But it was directed more at herself than anyone else. "I'm so, so sorry I never found you." The Queen sadly whispered. "Had I known you were still alive, had I known what the Siltvelt Council had done, I would have done everything in my power to find you. I would have helped you in any way I could."
"It's, fine… I've wanted to die, for so long." Victoria coughed again. "Balamus… Siltvelt… they tricked us all. No way… you could have known." The two opposite factions hadn't worked together in the slightest. But the consequences of their immediate actions had combined together to form terrible, terrible consequences later on.
And Victoria… the guilt she felt… she couldn't live with herself anymore. Her pain wasn't just physical… She couldn't live with how hateful her life had become. She couldn't live with the crimes she'd committed as Altara.
Naofumi coughed. "Your Majesty. She wanted to speak to both of us?" He asked. Raphtalia stepped up beside him.
Mirellia looked up as if finally acknowledging someone else was in the room. "Yes, she did. Have a seat, both of you. There isn't much time left."
Naofumi and Raphtalia sat down in a pair of chairs that two other Shadows set for them opposite Mirellia on the other side of Victoria's deathbed. Up close, Victoria looked even worse. It wasn't just the physical pain. But the look in her eyes. The tightness in her face. She was going through terrible, terrible emotional pain. "Please… tell them… for me… my old friend..." She said to Mirellia, her voice pained.
"Don't worry, I will," Mirellia said gently. Victoria had already filled her in on what she didn't know. Other details she knew from long ago. Even now, she could still recall them about her old friend. "You can rest until I'm done."
"Tell us what, exactly?" Naofumi narrowed his eyes in suspicion. Why was the queen accommodating this murderer and allowing her to address Mirellia on a first name basis?.
"Her story," Mirellia said. "She wanted you to know what she's been through. So you could judge whether she was evil or not."
...
Naofumi gave the Queen a silent glare of incredulity and began to stand up when he felt the warm touch of his companion's hand over his own. He turned his head at Raphtalia quizzically and saw that she was tensely looking down at the rapidly withering form of the former nun. He slowly sat back down and leaned back in his chair without a word, deciding to follow his girlfriend's intuition.
And so, Mirellia began to speak.
For the sake of her dying friend, she told the two of them her story from the beginning.
Altara's real name was Victoria Bonaparte. A purebred Raccoon of Siltvelt.
Growing up, Victoria had been a warrior, raised in the traditions and religion of her nation. As a noble's child, she had the resources to go out and hunt monsters to level and grow up where most others did not. By the young age of 14, she'd managed to make a name for herself among her race for her strength, her proficiency in magic, and her kind influence.
Mirellia first met her as a princess younger than Melty's age on a diplomacy mission when she was assigned to escort the Princess around the Capital and serve as her guardian. Her kindness and desire to help those around her played a part in shaping Mirellia's views towards demi-humans for the better. And when the Princess returned to Melromarc, they parted as good friends.
At the young age of 23, Victoria was elected by the people to be the youngest representative in the history of the Raccoon race on the Siltvelt Council. Mirellia was still a Princess, but the two kept in contact via letters. Updating each other about their lives and their countries. They met several times during that time too, whenever diplomacy matters allowed it.
Two years later, Siltvelt's war for conquest began. It was thanks to Victoria's letter to Mirellia about Siltvelt's actions that Melromarc learned of the war so quickly, and so were able to make preparations to defend themselves.
In the beginning, Victoria fought in the war. Commanding the Raccoon demi-humans and often using their abilities in illusion magic to confuse and divide the enemy. However, unlike her comrades, she spared villages that surrendered and inspected areas she conquered to make sure they and their people were being properly integrated under Siltvelt's rule. Eventually, because she wasn't considered bloodthirsty enough, she was moved back to watching over the human prisoners Siltvelt acquired as it continued its bloody conquests elsewhere.
It was during this time she met a man. A human P.O.W. who was well admired by his fellow prisoners. He was kind and made sure everyone was alright before treating himself. His kind and caring spirit touched her heart. And as Victoria spent more time in this town, she inevitably fell in love with him. And, eventually, he also fell in love with her. Over time, despite their differences in culture, race, and background, the two continued meeting in secret. Until, one day, they decided to get married. Besides the priest in town, two of Victoria's most trusted soldiers acting as witnesses, and Mirellia, who received Victoria's letter personally from one of the two witnesses, no one else knew about it.
Because of Siltvelt's traditions in keeping bloodlines pure among races, especially in regards to breeding with humans, Victoria kept her marriage secret. She purposefully obtained an injury from a 'prison riot,' allowing her to go home to rest. She had arrangements made to bring her husband and several others she'd grown to care for to her household as 'slaves'. She was careful to keep their relationship hidden, even from the other slaves. She went as far as holding a marriage ceremony with one of the two soldiers who knew the truth to avoid suspicion.
It worked. Whenever members of the Council visited to check on her, they thought her real husband was just another, well-mannered slave and not the soldier faking being her husband. Whenever she gave speeches to her soldiers or the people, they never suspected a thing. And when she got pregnant, excusing her from serving in the war entirely, she and her real husband had been so happy...
But that's where their troubles began.
The son that was born had no demi-human features. No tail. No fangs. Not even ears. He looked, for all intents and purposes, human.
The suspicions started to rise then. She averted them by playing it off as a genetic mutation. Her son was still a full-bred Raccoon. But at meetings, she noticed how some of the other Council Members started glaring at her with suspicion. She also noticed a watch being kept on her house. Her time with her real husband became rare and heartbreaking. Even as her son grew, his bed stayed in her room. She feared him being kidnapped, or worse.
Towards the end of the war, when her daughter was born, things only became worse. She was asked to return to the war but she feared doing so. Her daughter had been born exactly like her son. Lacking any distinct demi-human features. Playing it off as another genetic mutation was met with scoffs and scorns.
She talked with her real husband then, about making plans to flee Siltvelt. But they were always under watch. And she feared what'd happen to their kids if they tried to flee. She couldn't leave the house in fear of her world crashing down around her. She couldn't even write letters to Mirellia to ask for her advice. Every letter she wrote was being intercepted. Likely by the other Council Members who suspected her the most. Her children were kept a secret, but she didn't know for how long.
The final nail in the coffin was the day her son first used magic. It had been so long since she'd felt so proud of someone for something. She could see he had all the magic potential she herself had been born with. That night, she'd dreamed about her son, grown-up, helping people with his gifts.
But the Council saw what had happened via recording crystals from their spies.
It had been Support Magic, not light or shadow, that the son had used. Just like his Father's. The only slave in her home with the affinity. They finally had solid proof of what she'd done, and she didn't realize it until it was too late.
It all came crashing down the next morning.
Siltvelt had already lost the war. The negotiations for peace were being made with Mirellia, the now Queen of Melromarc. Both nations had to agree to house a demi-human and human settlement within their nations. The Council at that point had been making claims that the Raccoons were responsible for the war. Their noble families would soon be exiled. Mirellia would take them in and help settle many of them in the Seaetto and Reichnott regions.
The Council eventually voted on the matter. And the majority of the Council agreed to it. Mirellia was saddened by it, but she didn't interfere with Siltvelt's politics.
However, unbeknownst to her, and even to a precious few members of the Council, the scapegoating of the Raccoon race was a front. A lie to hide a darker truth.
Behind Mirellia's back, and behind the backs of members of the Council who would have definitely opposed it, Victoria was tried by some of her fellow Council Members.
Her trial was on these grounds: breaking their Nation's traditions. Defiling her bloodline with a human, a prisoner of war at that. Giving birth to two abominable hybrids. And disgracing the position of being a Representative on the ruling Siltvelt Council.
Near the end, they dragged out her real husband. He'd held their toddler daughter in one hand, and gripped his young son's hand with the other.
They told her the only way she could be forgiven was if she killed them. And if she hid what'd she done from the world. Otherwise, she'd never be redeemed again.
She refused. She loved them. She finally decided to fight for them. To gather the courage to say their traditions were wrong. But before she could, they used magic to restrain her.
And so, seeing how she was determined to continue in her sins, they killed them in front of her. Her husband. Her son. Even her little girl. Victoria remembered it had only taken one swipe of a Council Member's claws while in therianthrope form.
It took only a few seconds. And they had destroyed her whole world, sending it crashing down.
After that, they decided what had happened there in the dark couldn't be revealed to the people. The ruling Council would lose power if the people learned one of its representatives had broken their traditions. Worse, the people could force them to step down so more competent replacements could be voted in.
And so, they excommunicated her from the Church.
They hid what the Raccoon representative had done from the rest of the people. Including her own.
They hid that the reason why they voted to blame the Raccoons for the war was to protect their precious hides from the people when they learned that a member of the Council had broken all their rules and traditions by marrying a human slave.
And, after lying to Mirellia by saying Victoria had been killed by assassins, they gave her the worst exile of all.
She was thrown into Melromarc far away from the other refugees. With no help, no wealth, and nothing to her name. In a nation that would never give a hand to help her.
She wandered in a daze of grief and sorrow long after that. And, years later, Balamus finally found her.
The rest, you already know.
...
...
Mirellia lowered her head. The evening had grown long over the course of the story as she told it to Naofumi and Raphtalia. Yet, despite wanting to leave earlier, Naofumi had paid attention to every single detail from the Queen's lips.
She looked down at her friend. She looked weaker than before. "Was that all that happened… Vicky?" She sadly asked.
Victoria slowly, and painfully nodded.
Naofumi finally looked at her again. Unlike Raphtalia, who'd kept on looking from Mirellia to Victoria over the course of the story, her face becoming sadder each time, Naofumi had remained transfixed on the Queen. Describing the tale of the one he hated almost as much as Bitch…
"…There is… one more thing." She closed her eyes and took a few ragged breaths before opening them again and looking at the door of her room. "Hakuko… please come in."
"Hakuko?" Mirellia blinked in confusion and followed her gaze along with Raphtalia and Naofumi.
…
"My apologies, Lord Shield." To everyone's surprise, the door slowly cracked open to let the tall form of Dou-Lon walk in. He quietly set down on one knee before a surprised Naofumi. "When young Filo told us the reason for your and lady Raphtalia's absence, I could not resist. I had to see Alt-… ... Victoria's, state with my own eyes."
"Shadow." The queen glared over her fan at the door frame.
The shape of a familiar woman walked in before kneeling down near the large Hakuko. "I daresay my apologies, your Majesty. This one is a member of the Shield Hero's party. His activities were suspicious but I did not sense any malice from him and thus saw no reason to interrupt you."
"... I see," Mirellia responded and the hard look in her eyes softened somewhat.
"Get up. Why did you want to see her, Dou-Lon?" Naofumi asked the Hakuko.
"His friends…" Raphtalia whispered as the newest member of their party stood up at his Lord's command. Naofumi raised an eyebrow and then looked at Dou-Lon again for an explanation.
"Indeed. As Miss Raphtalia knows, I was a member of a Siltvelt royal guard, tasked with infiltrating Melromarc on a secret mission to extract and safely escort you to my homeland, Lord Shield." The muscular demi-human began to explain. "However, after our initial… encounter, we got sidetracked and lost track of you, before eventually running into a group of Church Knights led by the head nun Altara." The hakuko looked down at the bed in front of him and paused.
"And…?" Naofumi asked, tersely. Somehow, he felt like he already knew what the answer was going to be.
"As far as I know, I'm the only one who survived." Dou-Lon finished with a grim note. He didn't need to add anything else. Naofumi got the feeling that his friends had been killed by Altara.
…
Everyone stayed silent for a minute, not sure what to say. It was the former Siltvelt general that broke the tension when she quietly spoke. "Dou-Lon… have you come, seeking vengeance?"
…
The Hakuko didn't respond immediately, seemingly pondering on how to respond before he finally answered. "Yes, at first, that was my intention. If not by my own hand, then I at least wanted to see the light of life leave your eyes myself. To drink deeply of your fear and despair, as you succumbed to your wounds just as you did to me and my squad. I will not deny that they were not the noblest of men and women, but they were my friends. Some of them, I had known for and fought with for years. Sharing many hardships and laughs. If they had spoken with Lord Shield as I have." His fists clenched. "I am sure that they would have been convinced to change their minds regarding certain clans or policies set by the Council." He gave the Tanuki next to Naofumi a meaningful look before continuing.
"But now they never will. Because you killed them. You took away their chance to redeem themselves."
…
"I suppose… it is far too late to ask for forgiveness." Tears began to flow down the raccoon demi human's face.
"It would not matter anyway. Nothing you could possibly do or say would change or justify what you've done." The Hakuko responded cruelly… he then sighed. "But… even if I will never forgive you, after hearing her Majesty say what you had to go through… I can at least understand you, Victoria… the Council has not been kind to the Hakuko either since Tai-Lon's defeat..."
Dou-Lon paused again, looking somewhere to the side, beyond the walls of the room and the castle.
"I no longer seek your death."
With those final words, the Hakuko politely bowed to everyone present and sat down on the floor with his head held low, remaining silent.
…
"Great Shield… God…" Victoria spoke out weakly, her voice even quieter than before and Naofumi leaned forward, over her bed.
Victoria took in a pained gasp. Tears of shame and misery still leaked from her eyes. "What the Hak- what Dou-Lon said… it's all true. I have… killed so many innocent people." She coughed for a moment. "I… know I can never be… forgiven. But… there is one thing that I have to know. Please… I have to know… will I… will I meet… my family when I die?" She gasped out painfully.
After everything that happened. After her world had been taken from her. Both by the Siltvelt Council, and by Balamus. That was the only thing she wished to ask the Shield Hero. That was the only thing she had left to hold on to. Who was right, and who was wrong?
…
Naofumi clenched his fists in his lap. Thinking about all the horrible things Altara had done to him and others in the past… and there had been a lot. Too much for him to forgive. Emotionally, or logically.
"I'm no God." He muttered. "I don't know what'll happen. If it was up to me, Altara would burn in hell for what she did. She would receive the harshest punishment the devil could muster. I'd go there myself to make sure it happened." He glared at Victoria.
Victoria hung her head. If she had the energy, she'd be sobbing right now. She knew it. She wasn't worthy. She'd never be worthy of seeing her family ever again. It had all been for nothing. Why should she have thought she would receive forgiveness when she'd-
"However, I can't judge Victoria for what happened." Naofumi's glare dropped. Victoria looked at him again. "Again, I'm no God. So I'm not the one that'll judge you for what happened." Altara had hurt him and his friends. But before that, she had been someone else. Somebody better… and that person was who she was now at the end of it all.
As hard as it was, Naofumi had to let Altara go. She was already gone. Shattered by the actions of Balamus. Only Victoria remained. The Victoria looking through her own tears at him. Her great God. In a display of kindness and mercy, he gripped one of her hands. "Regardless of what happens, I won't let you suffer anymore from the actions of others. You'll be fine. I promise."
The gemstone on his shield glowed blue in response. The light illuminated Victoria's eyes. Fresh tears trickled from them. She cried softly at the Shield Hero's words. Even if he said he wasn't a God, he'd only reaffirmed an old faith. An old faith that combined with her new faith in all the Cardinal Heroes to make something new. Something purer than what she'd had before.
"Please… protect them… protect my people, Shield Hero." She looked from him to Raphtalia. "Apologize to them, for me." She whispered. The Raccoon/Tanuki girl sadly nodded. Victoria looked at Naofumi one last time. "Protect those you… love. So they won't… suffer like, I have. Don't let them… make the same… mistakes, I did… promise me, please… Shield… Hero… ..." It felt so nice. Being able to say Shield Hero instead of Shield Demon. Looking back at it now, that hurt her most of all. Everything she'd done to Naofumi. When, in all aspects, he was like an angel of light, a beacon in the darkness of her life.
Naofumi gave her a nod. "I will."
Her hands grew limp in his and Mirellia's. Her eyes becoming distant, her head falling to the side. "Thank… … ... you..."
Fresh tears, happy tears, fell as she felt a hand on her face.
"Arthur… I… I found you. It's been so long..."
Standing above her, a kind, tall, black-haired man with a handsome face smiled at her. "Victoria. Everyone is waiting."
Looking past him, she saw line upon line of people behind him. The soldiers she'd lost during the war. Her two trusted friends. Council Members who hadn't known of her fate. Even those friends she'd been tasked with hunting down as Altara stood there. Their eyes were full of forgiveness instead of hate. Their arms were wide open to receive her.
She finally had her true answer.
Both sides had been wrong all along.
Their world wasn't divided as they'd thought.
In the beginning, humans, and demi-humans, all came from the same beings.
And in the end, they all went to the same place.
Their race didn't matter.
Their social class didn't matter.
Their wealth didn't matter.
Even their traditions didn't matter.
Two little kids stood in front of them all. Smiling and waving at her. Even the hybrids of the races went there. To that place of rest. "Momma!" They both yelled at the same time.
Victoria smiled. Her pain disappeared. "I'm so… I'm so… happy…" For the first time in so long... she stood up and hugged her husband tightly.
"Thank you… for waiting for me..."
"Always."
Victoria's final word was her last breath. Turning her face into a smile.
For once, the nun/warrior finally looked at peace...
...
Raphtalia buried her head into Naofumi's shoulder and began to sob at what she'd just witnessed.
Mirellia lowered Victoria's hand onto her chest. And then she raised her fan in front of her face. Hiding the fresh tears that had finally leaked out.
And Naofumi… after setting down Victoria's other hand, he held Raphtalia close. Glaring at the dead warrior in front of him. He still felt conflicted. He had hated this woman for as long as Bitch. There had been times where he'd wanted her dead for what she'd done before… but several tears of his own fell down the sides of his face into Raphtalia's auburn hair. Not of despair or anger, but frustration. Frustration at himself and the world around him.
He couldn't take it anymore. "Damn it!"
That did it. He officially hated this world. He hated how cruel it was. Not only to him but to the people in it too. He hated how it killed Raphtalia's parents. How it made people destroy a village and enslave orphans. How it changed good people like Victoria into evil pawns like Altara. And he especially hated that he couldn't hate her anymore. Just like Dou-Lon had said, he no longer wished for her death. He found no satisfaction in it. Only a deep hollow feeling of something important now being gone forever remained.
Unlike Bitch, unlike Balamus, unlike those who wanted to protect their power, she had been a nice person! She'd cared for her family! For her soldiers! For her friends! Yet she'd been punished for it! And taken advantage of by people who were evil, manipulative, and power-hungry. Everything that Victoria was not! They'd taken an innocent, kind, destroyed soul and used her until she was no longer useful!
His fists clenched against his leg armor. He buried his face in Raphtalia's hair to hide his tears and frustration.
He couldn't stand it anymore. Balamus's fate was sealed. Bitch would never be Queen. Oh, he'd make sure the Bitch was punished far more harshly when she was finally caught. But there was one last group to punish. One last nation to send his righteous wrath down upon.
Things had to change. He had to make them change.
"Come on, Raphtalia." He whispered to her. "Let's head back to our rooms now."
She didn't resist, and she got up with him, still sobbing into his shoulder as he walked them towards the door.
Before they left, he looked back at Victoria's body one last time. The nurses and Shadows covered her in a white cloth, crossing her arms as if she was praying. Dou-Lon stood and made a gesture of a Shield with his hands as he said a soft prayer of farewell and peace for Victoria. The Hakuko wasn't crying. But even he had been touched by what he'd witnessed.
The Queen herself bowed her head, several of her tears falling on her old friend. "Rest peacefully, Vicky." She whispered softly.
Naofumi finally tore his gaze from the scene. And marched himself and Raphtalia out the door.
He knew what he had to do.
Siltvelt had been founded by a past Shield Hero. They claimed their values and traditions were from him. That he approved of what they did. That he approved of their racism, classes, values, and traditions.
It was time they learned the current Shield Hero did not approve of what they'd become. And that change had better come, or he'd bring the nation that had made Altara and ruined his life crashing down upon their knees.
Author's Notes:
You know, at the end of this character's life, I can't help but picture the tragic villain Darth Vader. If somebody could add the appropriate trope on the TVTropes page for Victoria's character, I'd greatly appreciate it.
Maybe one of these days, I should write a short fic for the Eight-Year Siltvelt War. Or maybe start it before that. When Victoria was a nice, good person that was friends with a younger Mirellia Q. Melromarc. That would be a fresh read in this fandom.
It's funny how one small change to the past can lead to so much pain and heartache. And I doubt it'll take just one chapter for everything to be resolved. Also, that scene from Victoria's POV, that may or may not have some of my own personal beliefs mixed into it. It also takes a passage from the Old Testament in the Bible. I won't quote it, but basically, those who are responsible for the sins and iniquities of another person, will answer for the sins and iniquities of that person tenfold. In this case here, I think you can assume who will answer for Victoria's crimes.
Now, to the omake! Inspired by a Guest because this honestly would be too short for a one-shot.
Hero Clips!
If the Proper Summoning had Happened
"Oh Lord, we are so grateful to be graced by your presence!"
Naofumi stared confusedly down at the group of various demi-humans. "What's happening now?" He asked the ceiling, expecting the author to give some bull crap explanation for what was going on.
"The world has been corrected! The war has been averted, and the Cardinal Heroes have been returned to their proper countries!" The lead demi-human at the head of the ritual exclaimed. "We shall have a great feast in thy honor!"
"No, screw that! I have my party to get back to!" Naofumi exclaimed angrily, heading for the door.
"But we have a harem of every girl you could dream of waiting to assist you, Lord Shield! Surely they'd be of more use-"
"SCREW THAT! GET ME OUT OF HERE AUTHOR!"
Meanwhile, over in Zeltoble
"You're saying you'd be willing to give me a bunch of mercenaries to assist in the Waves?" Ren asked skeptically.
"Yes, Sword Hero. Zeltoble will do everything in its power to assist you in the Waves." The panda demi-human woman he was talking to answered.
"Huh. That might make things a lot simpler-" Ren was saying.
"Of course. You will lead them and give them inspiring speeches, will you not?" She asked him.
Ren paled. Him, lead an ARMY!? His social anxiety spiked through the roof! "On second thought, I'd rather go back to Melromarc." At least there no one really relied on him.
"But Sword Hero. Our people-"
"NOPE! I'M OUT! PEACE!"
Over in Faubley
"Whoa, you really want to help me in my quest for Justice?" Itsuki asked excitedly.
"Oh, yes, of course. Just come this way and I'll acquire- I mean, assist you with strengthening your weapon." A smirking individual wielding the Vassal Whip said.
'Wow! I can't believe a level 350 Hero wants to help me get stronger so I can free more slaves!' Itsuki thought excitedly as he followed Tact to a private room.
"Wait, why did we have to be alone-"
And then Itsuki was promptly murdered by the future antagonist.
Last but not least, Melromarc
"Husband. Why did we get stuck with him?"
Trash shook his head in disbelief. "Probably because I'm a descendant of the past Spear Hero."
Mirellia sighed.
"My fair Filo! Please, I beseech thee!"
"No! Get away from Filo Spear Guy!" Filo launched Motoyasu through the air again with a kick to the groin.
"I'LL ALWAYS LOVE YOU FILOOOOOO!" Motoyasu yelled as he went flying over the castle wall.
"Naofumi! NAOFUMI!" Raphtalia yelled in worry. Where had her boyfriend, Ren, and Itsuki disappeared to now?!
Oh wait, her and Filo wouldn't exist. Because Filo would have never been bought and raised by a Cardinal Hero. And Raphtalia would have died in her cage in Belouka's tent if Naofumi had been summoned to Siltvelt. So the entire scene was sucked away into a large, gaping plot hole.
Thus, Ren's social anxiety caused the downfall of Zeltoble. Motoyasu's passion for girls got him killed by Glass in the Ghost Ship Wave. Itsuki was immediately offed by a future antagonist right after his summoning. And Naofumi was turned into a breeding horse for Siltvelt's nobility with no other real use whatsoever.
In essence, had the Summonings gone properly, the world would have been screwed several times over. And we never would have had a story to tell. The end.
Till Next Time
Allen