Chapter 16: Poker Face

"You did what!" Melty shouted.

"Technically, Zalton did. I don't know what came over him." Naofumi lied as naturally as he breathed.

"Do not bullshit me, Iwatani! What damage did you take to make you think BOMBING A LORDS MANOR WAS A GOOD IDEA!" Melty sighed as she rubbed her forehead.

The princess really drops her manners around Lord Iwatani. Ivyred shuddered as he watched Naofumi get scolded.

"Apologies for my outburst, Lord Ivyred." Melty huffed. "But I am disappointed that you allowed Lord Iwatani to convince you to do something so... I don't even know what this is. It's borderline terrorism at this point. I know Lord Xeal struck first, but this is just too extreme. Especially if you're trying to play some half-assed proxy war."

"Relax. I made sure to do a controlled demolition. No civilians were harmed."

"THAT'S NOT THE ISSUE!" Melty sighed once again. "Hopefully this can't legally be traced back to us, or that would have been the end of both your lordships. Seriously, I am right here! I could have just walked up and gotten his title stripped in like, five minutes. But no." Melty groaned as she rubbed her head again.

"We have to increase defenses now. Chances are, that bandit group from before will strike tonight. Who am I kidding, that was part of your plan too wasn't it!?"

"Is it against the law if I say yes?" Naofumi chuckled.

"Ughh." Melty groaned.

"Alright, listen up. We already have enough evidence to take down Lord Xeal. Father would be available tomorrow. I'll go then, so an official and LEGAL investigation can be held. Until then, I want neither of you to do anything that'll fuel this already fucked up flame. Can you two at least that? Specifically you, Iwatani."

"No promises."

"UGHH!"

"No worries princess. I'll do my best to keep things under control." Ivyred bowed.

"I hope so." Melty sighed. "I need some tea," Melty grumbled as she walked off.

"See. Told you it'll be fine."

"I don't think pissing off the princess will ever be... fine. But it went better than I expected." Ivyred sighed in relief. "So what now?"

"We go on the defensive. And by defensive, I mean prevent an offense from even occurring." Naofumi snickered as he called upon his shadow. Zalton appeared seconds later, walking out of the shade of a tree, flickering in and out of vision as it shook in the wind.

"Tell Keel and Freon to start investigating areas's around the village. And tell the combat team to be ready to march out. Since Rifana's not here, that duty would fall onto Delia."

"It will be done. Also, we have an issue."

"What kind?"

"The noble kind. Xeal took the bait as expected and is currently approaching the village as we speak. The "army" he amassed is quite large. It seems he's pulling all his remaining bandit groups for an assault."

"He's planning on being so direct?" Naofumi asked.

"Seems like it. Mr. Shadow, could you perhaps tell the team to strengthen the defensives around the village instead and to start evacuations?"

"I could. But what do you say, my lord?" Zalton asked.

"He may be onto something. Meeting him at the crossroads will certainly cause some issues. The princess won't be pleased if we do that either."

"He'll also bring out the bandits in hiding, most likely for an all-out attack instead since we already have ample evidence of his crimes. Either way, we should focus on defending instead of attacking."

"Understood. I'll report to Delia, then continue surveillance."

Zalton ran off normally, confusing the shield hero until Lord Ivyread began talking.

"I need a vacation after this." Ivyred sighed.

"Don't worry. If things go well, it'll all be over tomorrow. Now let's get moving on. We have a tea party with a lord to prepare for."

/~/

Meanwhile, with Zalton

"This is starting to get ridiculous." Zalton grumbled.

He sat upon the treetops, scouting out the forces of Lord Xeal. For the first time in a while, he felt overwhelmed in his scouting. Every time he thought he got everyone, another group from who knows where would step forward, becoming another group he had to keep track of.

There were several different groups that arrived. Some mercenaries, others bandits for hire. Even a few members of the church got into the frey, albeit disguised. Though that wasn't enough to get past Zalton's eyes. He could spot a member of the Three Heroes church any day of the week. Whether it be in thick crowd or disguised in some way.

"All of this for a small time, Lord. I should have expected that there's people praying for my master's downfall. Lots of people." Zalton turned around, catching a knife with his teeth before spitting it out.

"You're lucky my hands are preoccupied at the moment, or I wouldn't have had enough patience for you wasting twenty minutes of my time." Zalton huffed.

Dropping down from the branch above. Melanie drew another dagger as she watched the platypus get up.

"You knew I was here?"

"It doesn't matter how well you mask your presence. The nature of the world will always expose you."

"Hmm?" Melaine looked at herself, not knowing what he meant. That was until she sensed the use of magic in the area and traced it back to the platypus standing before her.

"Using magic to sense my shadow. I wasn't aware you beast men were so intelligent."

"Likewise, but I'm getting off track. I have a message from my master that I'd relay to yours."

"My master refuses to accept anything from the shield hero." Malanie smirked, hoping to catch a reaction. But Zalton remained scarily calm as he continued to keep his back turned to the girl.

"How cute! You learned I served the shield hero. I'm a beast man shadow in Melromarc; any idiot worth a damn would figure that out. If you want to be intimidating, you need to hold something more personal. Am I right, Melanie Zail?"

Melanie's went from smirking to horror as Zalton finally turned around to face her.

"I hold no last name."

"Really?. You aren't a twenty-five year female from the Zail territory. Your hair is brown and fitted into a long braid, a style you attached yourself to after your older brother braided it years ago. Of course, you know, that Melanie Zail."

"... how did you-"

"Everything and everyone has a trail. No matter how hard you try to sweep it under the rug, there's always one thing that'll uncover the truth." Zalton tossed Melanie a folder, the girl catching it with ease. Opening it up, her eyes wided at the picture before her.

"Tanji?" Melanie whispered. "What do you want?"

"Personally, my master can care less about what you do. But he does desire your assistance in taking down your bastard of a lord."

"So you're asking me to trust the shield hero? Yeah right. It doesn't matter what I side with; I'm going down in flames either way."

"My master is more compassionate than that, more compassionate than that fuck down there who's slowly destroying a territory for not providing him a virgin to have fun with. Don't let your bigoted views against us shield you away from the true demon hiding among the angles." Zalton tipped his hat and tossed it behind him. Floating midair, the hat spun faster and faster, expanding a black mass into the form of a circular portal.

"It's hard de-attaching yourself, but don't let your attachments keep you from seeking a better future. Though if you choose to support him after all of this, I won't hesitate from taking your life."

Disappearing into the portal, Melanie cluched her chest as she fell to her knees. Falling off the tree she was standing off, she had a pretty rough landing but walked it off as if nothing happened. It didn't matter how many people started at her or how much her arm stung after the fall; only one thing was on her mind.

"Tell your lord to call off this little stunt, and you'll be free."

"I'll be free... He knows nothing." Melanie scoffed. She looked down at the folder once more, seeing her brother chilling with a book. Her scowl turned into a grin, and a grin to a more blank look. From there, her thoughts went silent as she trudged her way through the camp, reminiscing about her past and what's to come.

/~/

The next day came, and Xeal suspiciously arrived an hour after Melty left for the capital, armed with only two guards and a few demi-human slaves as servants. The act was clearly a ploy to offend Naofumi in a way, but the shield hero couldn't care less about it. He's a slave owner himself after all; there's no need to out himself as a hypocrite.

Lord Ivyred, on the other hand, was far from composed. It wasn't fear that he expressed, however, but instead, irritation at the sheer audacity of Xeal actually showing up, despite being warned otherwise. Being under orders from the princess, he held his tongue. But no second went by where he didn't fantasize about decking the fat lord in his smug face. So until that fantasy becomes a reality, a tea party is the only thing they could do.

"Lord Ivyred… Iwatani."

"Lord Iwatani." Naofumi corrected.

"I don't care what the crown says. You'll never be a true lord in my eyes."

"Yeah, but the crown says otherwise." Naofumi smirked as Xeal grumbled under his breath.

"So Xeal. I heard what happened to your manor the other day—a real shame that such a beauty was destroyed by that beastman scum. Sorry Zalton" Ivyred coughed, apologizing to Zalton under his breath before continuing. "If it's support you need, I unfortunately can't offer anything at the time. I'm still dealing with my own problems after all." Ivyred nervously laughed, scratching the back of his head as Xeal looked on unamused.

"Lloyd," Xeal said with a huff.

"Lawrence," Ivyred replied.

The two looked at each other for a bit before Xeal flipped the table.

"MY PASTRIES!" Alia cried out as all the food hit the floor.

"Don't bullshit me, Ivyred; I know you were the one that did it!"

"What are you so pissy about?" Naofumi huffed.

"You colluded with the Lloyd; that's why. Why else would a Demi human attack me unprompted!?"

"I can give seven reasons, but the law requires me to answer no."

"There's also no basis for your claims. I held nothing but respect for you. I bought your fertilizers and provided you with wood and other resources my land has to offer, all as thanks for the support you gave me during our struggles. But you threw it all away, and for what? Just because I wouldn't let you marry my daughter! What kind of degenerate reasoning is that!?"

"I did it because you're lower than me! You bring in less value to Melromarc than I do. I fought against the Demi's in the war, and you care for them? I bring in thousands for the country, while you only bring in a meager count in the double digits. I step forward to check those who dare go against me, while you spent three years bumbling on who could possibly be fucking you over. I deserve more than you; you have no right to refuse me! Especially now that you're a sympathizer for the shield demon!"

"And yet, I'll be the one with all the power after this. You've been exposed, and everyone you sabotaged or threatened will cheer for your downfall. If you're planning on going down in flames and taking me with you, I won't hesitate in taking you down myself. And let me make this clear: I'm not making any threats."

Reaching out his hand, a spear came flying towards the table and into Ivyred's hand. It was a glaive with a green pole and a black blade. It swirled with an aura of wind as it blew everything away.

"So you finally grew a backbone, huh? Well, let me tell you one thing: my lordship will be untouched, and I always get what I want in the end. You'll rue the day you messed with me, Lloyd."

Boom!

An explosion rang out from a building far away as fighting began inside the village. Heavily armored bandits broke through the gate and began engaging in pillaging and combat with the guards.

"Well, it seems we have to cut our party short; some bandits have "conveniently" broken in. You better go deal with that." Xeal maniacally chuckled.

"DON'T ACT LIKE YOU AREN'T PART OF THIS!" Lloyd put his foot on the edge of the table and prepared to stab Xeal, but Naofumi grabbed his shoulder, preventing him from attacking.

"Don't stop me, Iwatani! I can handle him!"

"We can kill him later; as of now, focus on protecting your people."

"Bu-"

"Trust in the princess."

Ivyred starred at Xeal, then back at his town. It didn't matter how angry he was; he couldn't let his people suffer over a grudge and do nothing about it. Stepping off the table with a huff, Lloyd turned around and ran towards the action. Naofumi followed behind, leaving Xeal behind.

"Heh. Amateurs. Like I haven't dealt with this issue before."

"Melina."

Melina appeared next to Zail, holding the stolen documents in her hands.

"The princess and her guards were no issue. Though I made sure to cause her any harm."

"Excellent. Call in the second force; tell them to raze this village to the ground." Xeal pulled out a dagger and purposefully cut his cheek. "You record that also, right?"

"Yes sir. Ivyred threatened you twice, both with his words and his weapon. Some editing for your "scar" will be added, making this attack justifiable."

"Then it's a good thing I have my own recording."

Hearing a familiar voice from above, Xeal looked up. But Melina did the opposite and tossed a dagger at the fallen table. The dagger hit the Platypus in the head as it rose out of the shadows. Instead of blood, it fell to the floor, revealing itself as a fake.

"Glad I wasn't that guy." Zalton chuckled and appeared from behind the table instead.

"You're getting better, but I was actually behind the table, not in front."

"Kill him."

"Nuh uh. Unless you want this sent to the king."

Zalton held up a crystal ball, showing a recording of the entire meeting. Swiping it, he fast-forwards a bit to a specific point in the talk.

"I did it because you're lower than me! You bring in less value to Melromarc than I do. I fought against the Demis in the war, and you care for them. I bring in thousands for the country, while you only bring in a meager count in the double digits. I come forward to check those who dare go against me, while you spent three years bumbling on who could possibly be fucking you over. I deserve more than you; you have no right to refuse me! Especially now that you're a sympathizer for the shield demon!"

"Might not be the most incriminating of evidence, but it will be enough to launch an investigation against you."

"Damn you."

"Wait, there's more. Fast forward a few more minutes, and...

"The princess and her team were no issue. Though I made sure to cause her no harm."

"Excellent. Call in the second force; tell them to raze this village to the ground." Xeal pulled out a dagger and purposefully cut his cheek. "You record that also, right?"

"Yes sir. Ivyred threatened you twice, both with his words and his weapon. Some editing for your "scar" will be added, making this attack justifiable."

"Quite funny how people tend to incriminate themselves. Attacking the princess and admitting to it. Forget the ivyred part; I'm sure the "wisest king of wisdom" would happily smite you down. Oh, and one last thing, I thought this would happen, so I made a second copy. Have fun with that." Zalton disappeared just as a dagger went his way.

"Stop standing on your ass and catch him!"

"Master, that's obviously a trap, I don't think-" Melina instinctually lept back as Xeal attempted to slap her. Putting a hand across her face, she looked over at the lord who lost his balance and narrowly caught himself before he fell.

Did I just... dodge that? But…why?"

"What the hell, bitch! Why did you dodge?"

"Sorry, sir, I'll be on it right away." Jumping on the nearby building, Melina lept away, moving from building to building to catch the escaping shadow.

"Damn, I need to get out of here fast. Or I'm finished."

/~/

"DIE!"

Melina came down from above, driving her dagger into the building below, the area she thought Zalton was in. However, like every other attempt. Zalton had already lept away, playfully dodging the attack.

"Oh ho, you almost got me that time."

"Just shut up and give me that recording already!"

"If you ask nicely, I'll happily give you the recording. But I'll still have the documents. Were you even paying attention?" Zalton chuckled.

Zalton leaned his head to the side, dodging a blade of wind that cut through a nearby chimney behind him.

"You missed me."

"FINE!" Melina dropped her dagger and began breathing heavily. "You want my all! Don't say I didn't give you the chance to surrender.

"Ohhh Scary." Zalton mocked.

"Fuck you! Fuck it all! As the source of thy power, the shadow of Lord Xeal orders thee. Let the way of all things be revealed, and empower my blade with the slashing gales of wind. [Dreifach Wind Blade!]"

A cyan-colored aura extended from her dagger, turning it into a rapier. The wind blowing from it was strong, cutting through the fallen leaves, who unfortunately fell into it's aura. Leaping forward with a sudden burst of speed, she raised her blade, ready to slash at Zalton.

That might actually be dangerous. Zalton thought as he lept out the way, and dangerous it was.

The attack cleaved through the house with ease and sent blades of sharpened wind that cut the face of the Platypus.

"Very Dangerous." Zalton grumbled, annoyed that his cloak got cut.

"I thought I got through to you yesterday, but it seems I was mistaken." Avoiding her blade a few more times, Zalton stepped into her shadow, making it jump up and latch on the girl.

"Though I do wonder. When my kind is subjected to abuse from a human, it's because they're enslaved. But when a human is under abuse, they stay with it. I wonder why that is."

"Shut up!"

Breaking out of her shadow's grasp, she attacked again, hoping to kill the Platypus. But Zalton had dodged with a backflip, landing on a nearby building.

"It makes no sense. I know you don't enjoy what you do. And I'm certainly sure you aren't getting any pleasure from him. Do you even plan on gaining anything from this?"

Zalton lept out the way of another attack, but this one actually tagged him, and his chest began bleeding.

Not lethal, but that was close. Damn, I might have to kill this girl.

"I serve Lord Xeal. There's nothing else to it!"

"So why flinch whenever he raises his hands? Last time I checked. A reward for a job well done is a delicious meal or some kind of gift. Not physical harm!"

Zalton dashed forward, grabbing Melanie's hand before she could even swing the blade. The girl was shocked and tried to bring down her hand, but the grip of Zalton was too strong, and she failed to escape with every push.

"You get annoyed every time he talks. You don't like him touching you. But you don't do anything about it? What aren't you getting!?"

"SHUT UP!"

P

"Hmm?"

Melina threw a cheep shot, kicking the Platypus between the legs, and escaped his grasp. Every male in the area, even Keel, sensed a sudden disturbance. Though when they looked over at the source, they were all shocked to see Zalton unphased. Though after the kick, the Platypus's face went from a playful smile to an unamused scowl.

"Alright then, I tried. [New Moon]" Holding out his hand, a falchion launched itself out of a black hole in the ground and landed right into Zalton's hands. Swinging it, he clashed with Melina's blade, the sharp wind cutting his hands.

Parrying the sword into the ground, Zalton backflipped, kicking Melina in the chin. "[Erst Punch!]" Once he landed, he rushed forward and punched her right in the face. Along with him, the shadows on the floor gathered together and formed themselves into a fist. Follow shortly behind Zalton's punch, the shadow fist rammed into Melanie, driving her through the nearby house.

"I didn't want to be so violent with a victim such as yourself. But I have to in order to save you from yourself."

"You... know... nothing. Please! Shut up! And DIE!" Melanie cried out.

Stumbing to her feet, she lept forward. The wind on her blade swirled into a massive tornado that slammed into the earth, cutting everything cought in it's death zone. That was until it reached Zalton, who only readied his weapon with a sigh.

"No. I know more than you think. [Second Cycle: Waxing Cresent]"

Bringing down his sword, a sword slash in the shape of a crescent moon flew out, cutting through the tornado.

"Impossible… I can't lose. I must... keep."

"It's about time you stop." In the blink of an eye, Zalton appeared right in front of Melina and hit her on the head with the hilt of his blade.

"Such… power."

The shadow fell but was caught by Zalton before she could hit the ground. Laying the girl on the ground, Zalton stashed his sword back into its hole.

"Apologies for striking you in such a manner. I was hoping that I didn't have to push things this far. Oh, what might this be?"

Zalton picked up the documents she was carrying, all of them being the ones Melty had when she left. Though there were a few others that were there, others that he hadn't seen before, each one being sloppy and hastily written... in the standards of a shadow, of course.

So she is praying for his downfall but still fought against us... is there something I didn't consider?

"Apologies for this." Zalton reached out his hand towards her chest but pulled back at the last moment. This would be a bit more uncomfortable, but I have to confirm it for myself."

Pulling out a vial of water, Zalton took off the cap and poured it on the girl's chest. Though nothing happened, as he was incorrect, much to his surprise.

"You're not a slave. So it must be physical backmail... perhaps against her family." Zalton caught himself wondering and smacked himself in the face.

"Focus Zalton. You have things to do."

The first two papers Zalton read only added to the list of Xeal's crimes. They were the plans of attack and the list of forces used during the battle. Along with the various assaults he had against the various women and slaves in his territory.

Zalton was disgusted. He had a hard time continuing as he felt his heart race, but continued none the less. Although he did get a little joyful moment during this read. Melanie had noted down the nobles and families who supplied Xeal and his bandits with supplies he used to terrorize Ivyred's and other lords over the years. Names of the fake adventurers too were also given, making the platypus cheer as he didn't have to track them down from scratch anymore. \

He was hoping the second document would continue this trend, but it instead sent a shiver down his spine.

"Shit, I was too focused on her; I should have noticed this!"

Tossing his hat into the air, Zalton seeped in it's shadow and began moving. Weaving through connecting shadows at high speeds, Zalton made his way over to the rabbit holes. Delia for whatever reason loved making tunnels, and she made an unauthorized tunnel system throughout the village, similar to the one in Lurolona. Though Ivyred was unpleased by it. They used it to hide the villagers the second they began preparing for the attack.

However, it seems that the bandits figured out about this hole, which led to Melanie learning about this tunnel system and all its pathways; around the same time, he began spying on the bandit forces. He swore to himself for making such a blunder as he reached the end of the tunnels.

Without even looking, Zalton lept inside, sending two spikes of shadows at the two bandits holding a hostage. The third and final one, who had seemed to have already stabbed his hostage, turned around to face Zalton. But he was quickly pinned as the platypus slammed his face into the ground.

"Madam Ivyred, are you well?"

"Rishia, they… took her."

"Shit. You, take this and start patching her up!"

"Uh… yes, sir!" The man nervously exclaimed. Catching the medical kit Zalton threw, the man began dealing with the woman's wounds.

"Where did you take her!? Tell me now." Zalton ordered as all the shadows in the room covered under his feet.

"Heh. Like you'd even understand beast."

"Hard way it is. [Erst Spike!]"

"No, don't you dare. AGH!"

The bandit cried out. A spike of shadow rose from the ground, impaling the banding and leaving him to hang in the air. Pulling out a crystal ball, the image on the screen began to wobble a bit before Naofumi finally showed up on screen.

"Master, we have an issue."

/~/

Mache Kun: Do know Zalton very much felt that kick? He's just kicked there so many times he's learned to ignore the pain.

Anyway, thanks for reading.