Biggest thanks for Ace-Triad for fixing my SPAG problems, and Angel Wraith for beta-reading the chapter and providing feed backs.
Special thanks to Argus456 for his suggestion of using Leon Bartfort to misguide Palmer.
As always, I will blabber some more in my end note.
Cross posted on AO3, for anyone who prefer that site.
Sarah Palmer cursed under her breath as she swung her blade at the foe in front of her. Meggie Valkyrie is her senior. She was knighted and served Queen Lianne when Sarah was still a child, looking up at the heavily armored warriors riding atop of majestic raptors, earning glory on the battlefield and basking in the praises of the common people. Meggie might be over her prime in terms of her age, but seniority isn't the only advantage the older knight has going for her either. Sir Valkyrie was also one of the most talented knights of her generation, easily beating men and women twice her age when she was a young squire, and besting men and women half of her age now her hair is turning gray. Her defensive form is impeccable, and she only becomes more dangerous when she goes on the offense. She also boasts the feat of defeating, and taming a Siltvelt serpent dragon during The Great War, forcing the great beast to serve her and fight its former masters.
Sarah hates Sir Valkyrie for all her achievements. Knight Commander Meggie Valkyrie is a mountain for any aspiring knight. Too tall to scale, and constantly looking down on them, casting judgment, make them... her feel lesser. Sarah knows that Her Majesty trusts her to do a lot of things, especially when violence is concerned. But she would never have as much of the queen's trust as Sir Valkyrie. And in the few seconds her mind has been wandering away, her sword is knocked out of her hand by a quick strike from Sir Valkyrie.
"Perhaps we should restart from the first combat lesson in addition to your training in actual knighthood, Sir Palmer? As in actually focusing your concentration on the enemy in front of you? Not any imaginary foe in your mind?" Sarah fights back the sneer she wants to aim at the senior knight. But she knows not to act out at one of the most well respected knights in Melromarc. Meggie narrows her eyes slightly, eyes that's looking down at Sarah herself, judging her... she hates it. The look someone gives her like they dare to think themselves as her better. It only grates her nerves even more when she knows that she can't overpower the one who is judging her, and find her wanting. " A knight needs to be better than untrained, uneducated common men. But a knight is still a man that has the emotions of a man. Well-honed anger is a tool in battle, I'm not judging you for having it. But you have to sharpen it into a finely controlled blade. Not have it wildly burn everything around you like an out of control fire. From the way you resort to violence against everyone around you, be them heroes, or slaves. It shows you clearly missed this lesson, or wasn't taught it during your training. And I will rectify that before I recommend you back to Her Majesty's service. Have I made myself clear?"
"I am... sorry. Knight Commander Valkyrie. I will make sure to do better in our next lesson." Sarah bows down her head, biding her time for now when she knows she has been bested by the one who is talking down to her. No matter how repulsive the idea is. Meggie gives her one last stern, judgemental look before turning around and walks away, her head shaking in disapproval. Sarah fights back the urge to spit on the ground.
"So, one of Her Majesty Queen Mirellia's favorite royal knights. Reduced to a mere cadet in front of the divine dragon knight. Either the veterans who survived The Great War truly were made of sterner stuff, or the standard has gone severely down after the Great War." The sarcastic snort of the queen's newest slave makes Sarah whips her head around to glare at the disgraced little shit. This time, Sarah did let her sneer appear on her face. Bartfort may act all high and mighty in front of commoners, servants, guards, or even uninformed minor nobility with his 'promotion' to a royal guard serving the queen. But Sarah knows that he's nothing more than a slave owned by Her Majesty. A convenient tool to use... and throw away when the queen wants to make matters more difficult for the false Shield Hero and her spoiled daughter.
"What do you think we, the border noble houses are? We are nothing more than slaves owned by the rich, and powerful greater, core noble houses. Throwing our lives away just to fuel their decadent court. At least as the slave of the queen, I moved up the ladder of slavery. As for you... well. It's clear you only went one direction: down. Valkyrie was the one to have you retrained, but it was approved by Her Majesty, wasn't it? Yes, she did it under pressure. But it's still a sign you are clearly losing her favor due to your string of failures, she's starting to see you as not worth the trouble to keep safe from accusation." The smug smirk on the little shit's face didn't diminish one bit. It only grows more and more as he takes steps to get closer to Sarah. Once again, she absolutely hated how he had a point in his words.
"And what do you think you are different from me? Slave? The only reason Her Majesty pardoned you was to have you cause problems for the false Shield Hero! If I'm a tool being replaced, then you are a sacrifice waiting to be tributed from the start!" Sarah balls up her fist and punches at Bartfort's face. She must be more tired than usual, as the smug little shit easily dodges her attack.
"Nothing, nothing. I'm not some ancient noble house who inherited a hero's bloodline, or one of those super powerful beastman who were born strong. All I have... is an extra bit of advantages, right here..." Bartfort points his index finger at the top of his skull. Seemingly meant that he's supposedly smarter than most men. Sarah lets out a scowl at his arrogance. As if the idiot didn't get involved with a rebellion, and got beaten up because he tried to usurp the position for one of his accomplice.
"And you think yourself smarter than most men do you? When you get your ass beaten by Fuckboy when you tried to usurp his position. Was getting turned into a slave part of your 'genius' plan too?" Palmer sneers back at the slave, who scrunches up in anger. She clearly hit a sore point that Bartfort didn't want to be reminded of.
"That pampered little bitch reincarnate only got one-up on me because he had the Sheath of Avalon on his side, if it wasn't for that then I would have beaten him black and blue until his own whore of a mother wouldn't recognize him." Bartfort tried to hide his bruised ego with a hasty defense, but Palmer was smart enough to see the cracks in his mask." Which is more than I can say for you, a dumb brute who's only kept around for her muscle and nothing else, considering you get your ass handed to you by everybody else stronger than you.
" And you're just a slave with a fancier title in case you forgot bitchboy. I may have lost the Queen's favor, but don't fool yourself into believing you stand above me or anyone else. There is no 'ladder' of slavery, there are simply slaves who are more useful than others but still disposable." Palmer didn't hold back her bite, as Bartfort decided that this wasn't worth his time and walked away with a scowl.
But his words did inspire the disgraced royal knight. Like him, she also has no proud, powerful bloodline she was born with. But the actual bloodline isn't the most important thing. Power is. If she has some way to gain power that would make her standout even among other royal guards, she will win back the favor of her queen once again.
Chapter 29: Uncertain Morrow
Malty can feel the splitting headache creeping up into her skull. The voice sounds familiar enough, and it belongs to a young adult female which helps further narrow down the person. There's only a handful of young ladies who have a reason to hate Naofumi, and the reason (or perhaps the audacity) to ignore the consequences of openly challenging the Shield Hero shortly after the rebellion of the Three Heroes' Church. Mordred Arc has tried to whip Naofumi to death during the trial, and she was only stopped physically by her family when she clearly went too far.
The princess turned slave quickly jumps out of her sleeping bag. She nearly loses her balance and hits her head on the ground. She shoots her hands forward more out of instinct than conscious thought, and feels the skin of her palm scrapped on the rough dirt. Maybe next time, she should go to sleep with her gloves and all her armor. With agents from the Burning Legion on them, she shouldn't get complacent just because they are among friendlies. But right now, the youngest daughter of House Arc is the most pressing problem.
Malty quickly throws her cloth and armor on, and runs out of her tent to take a look. Sure enough, Mordred is being held back by the hero's retinue members. The former princess desperately looks around to see if there are other House Arc members who can restrict the out of control lady before she does something everyone will regret. Unfortunately, she's the only member of her family aside from a group of warriors wearing her family's emblem. Fuckboy happens to be among them. Of course... She clearly came after the Shield Hero behind her family's back, probably being influenced by House Consevatie's fallen scion to exact revenge.
Fuckboy clearly noticed Malty's gaze fall upon him. To her surprise, he immediately takes a step back, and hides himself behind the other House Arc men. Likely those who are loyal only to Mordred. She always knew he was a coward who likes to hide behind others he can use as shields. She was just like him, after all. But she expected him to throw some insult and taunt first, or even after he put himself into a safe distance. Yet Fuckboy remains silent. Perhaps even someone who is insane, and stupid enough to make you wonder how they didn't fall on their own head and die can learn from their past mistakes.
"What is the meaning of this, Lady Mordred? Your house has already settled your grudge against the Shield Hero during Her Majesty's verdict." Seeing as everybody else is too busy trying to hold Modred and her men back, Malty takes a step forward in an attempt to dissuade her from further foolishness. "Even if you still hold personal grudges at the Shield Hero, you could not openly display them when we are facing an ongoing Wave of Catastrophe! Do you not fear being expelled from your family, like Fuckboy behind you?!"
"My family might be too cowardly to maintain their course against one of the heroes, but not me! I don't care if I have to fight against the world for my little brother! Besides, it's the Shield Demon who started a new grudge against me first." The corner of Mordred's corner turns into a smirk as she glares at Malty. "The Throwing Weapon Hero dared to attack my family again, during a Wave of Catastrophe battle. And he was doing it under the order of the Shield Demon! It was even the devil bird who killed my brother that attacked me first. I am within my right to settle the matter at the source, against the Shield Demon!"
Malty could feel Fuckboy's smirk even as the insane coward still hid among his men. No doubt he had something to do with Mordred's current action. Sure, the youngest of the Arc sisters didn't need any additional motivation to come after Naofumi due to Jaune's death. But his family is aware of her grudge. Archduke Wales is not an active Player in The Game, but he's no fool. At the very least, he would not approve of his daughter for trying to murder one of the four Cardinal Heroes when their lives are tied to the ability to resist the world ending crisis. The fact that Mordred was here without her sister around her suggests she went behind her family's back, no doubt influenced by Fuckboy.
"Please, cease your hostility against the Cardinal Heroes, Lady Mordred. Or else I will be forced to stop you." The speaker didn't raise his tone, but there is still unmistakable stoicism behind his otherwise gentle voice. Count Seliph had pulled his family's artifact, the Holy Tyrfing. Malty could hear the echo that almost sounds like a dragon roaring in the distance as the blade leaves its sheath. It appears the young man from House Chalphy is acting as the captain of the heroes' guard during the current shift. So the young loin brained fool does have more desires in his head than putting his bird into a commoner girl. With him part of Motoyasu's retinue, it's good to know that he is serious with his duty, rather than use this opportunity to snub the Shield Hero.
"Do you think your so-called 'Crusader's blood', or your dragon blood weapon makes you someone special? A crusader could also be killed by a skilled combatant! I know what happened to your father in The Great War!" Seeing Lord Seliph arm himself, Mordred also pulls out of her single edged saber. An ominous looking, dark flame quickly wraps around both her weapon, and her arm as she swings at Seliph. Malty isn't sure if the youngest Arc sister is using 'Chief God's holy flame', but she's clearly treating her battle against Seliph much more seriously than the Throwing Weapon Hero in spite of her words. "He didn't die right in the battle. But he was struck down by just another normal Siltvelt lord like his knights!"
Malty knows that Mordred is referring to The Battle of Silver Pass. The decisive battle where Melromarc finally pushed Siltvelt occupation army out of their nation's border. According to the recollection of both her father and uncle Aldrecht, It was a very bloody, and hardworn battle. Both sides threw their all after Siltvelt brought in their northern legion, supposedly the most steadfast army at their disposal. It almost turned completely to Melromarc's favor after Iris' grandfather General Anderson slain the Siltvelt northern legion's general, and their Pillar of North, Talos Stormcloak in single combat (and according to father, General Anderson won by headbutting Talos in the face, and then ripped his throat open with his own teeth. That's how he got his name 'The Beast'), and cowed Talos' son Ulfric into abandoning the northern legion for his own life. But they were rallied by Siltvelt's Lord Brandon Stark from a full rout into a defensive retreat, in which the mad wolf mortally wounded Lord Singuard after slaining his two knights Sir Naoise and Sir Alec. Of course, the mad wolf himself didn't survive long after the battle, resulting in the lordship of Winterfall falling into the lap of his younger brother, Eddard Stark.
Malty isn't sure if Mordred is truly losing her mind, and starts wildly lashing out at anyone against her. Or if she is insulting Lord Seliph's father to intentionally enrage him in a hope to have him lose his cool and make mistakes in their battle. Regardless, the young paladin remains composed. His form is carefully measured, as he carefully parries away Mordred's aggressive swings. But they aren't the only ones who are currently fighting. Seeing their lady pulling out their weapons, House Arc's sworn swords also brandish their blades, and runs forward to lock weapons with the retinue of the heroes. It looks like things between House Arc and the Cardinal Heroes would escalate to a much more severe bloody feud.
"[Swords of Revealing Light]!" The name of the sword art being called out instantly reminded Malty of Ren, but the voice sounds much more expressive, not to mention older than the Sword Hero who is in his teens. She looks to the back, and sees Marquis Leif running out of the tents with his sword pointing at the fight to freeze everyone. He quickly joins Lord Seliph's side, and assumes a fighting stance besides his cousin. And with the addition of the man he brought, the number for the fighters on the hero's side has now caught up with the men Mordred brought. As the light swords begin to disappear one by one, Malty can see the hesitation beginning to appear on their faces.
She also belatedly realizes that none of the Cardinal Heroes have come out yet to check at the commotion yet. Which doesn't make sense considering she was in the same tent as Naofumi. Even if they take more time to get their heavier armor on, they should be more than ready by now. Which means someone is telling them to hold back, observe the situation rather than blindly charge in and make matters worse. And considering how Mordred acted so far, the sight of the Shield Hero (possibly even any of his fellow Cardinal Heroes considering she just openly attacked Lord Seliph for defending the heroes) would make everything far worse.
"You won't have the chance to harm the heroes. He was not condemned in court for being an accomplice of the Throwing Weapon Hero. It's not the right thing to hold a grudge against Lord Shield Hero for the actions of another hero." Seliph straightens his back, but keeps his sword crossed in front of himself in case of another attack from Mordred. "I will excuse your aggressive action in consideration of your grief, Lady Mordred. But we will take you into custody and have Her Majesty decide a proper punishment for you if you attempt any more uncalled for hostility towards the heroes."
Much like Eclair's family, Seliph is apparently leaning more towards being a knight (and not the variety of a previous Bow Hero's follower) than a Player in The Game. Mordred's attack on him is no different from Fuckboy when he attacked Jaune in the guise of a duel. And unlike Jaune who is only the scion of a noble house, Seliph already holds the noble rank of a Count. He could very well have Mordred arrested on the offense of assault, possibly attempting to kill him. Even Mordred's father would have no choice but try to settle the grudge if he wants to save his daughter. But Seliph is clearly willing to give a pass to Mordred's action if she is willing to stop her misguided aggression against the heroes. Unfortunately for the well meaning crusader, Malty knows that the crazy woman isn't willing to step down.
"Your threat, or the so-called heroes won't scare me! House Arc has never backed down from op- MMMPPPHHH!" Mordred pulls her arm back, looking ready to swing her weapon again when countless thick, coarse looking tree roots burst out of the ground. It immediately coils all around the enraged lady, completely restricting the movement of her limb, and head. She couldn't even speak with her mouth covered up. The men she brought along jumped on their feet, clearly surprised by the sudden arboreal attack. They pull out their weapons, looking ready to fulfill their sworn duty and free their lady. But they quickly follow after Mordred as they are also ensnared by Bed-Chan. She probably still averses the act of killing, but she certainly doesn't shy away from stopping violence. Soon enough, Mordred, and everyone she brought along (including Fuckboy, who is now hanging upside down much like Nora did when they first came face to face with the sentient dryad) has been taken care of. Bed-Chan might not be strong enough to match what's likely a demon lord (yet... if the other entities born of god crafting throughout history was a good indicator).
"Bravo, bravo! Well done there, Bed-chan." Zylden walks out from behind the tree roots. A tiny little flower sprouts out, and he swings his opened palm on the flower petals. Malty isn't sure if Zylden is doing the equivalent of clapping hand with the dryad... or if he's doing something he definitely should NOT do in the situation (considering Bed-Chan is technically less than a year old). Regardless, Malty is happy that Mordred could be subdued without any of them losing their lives. Sure, she started the fight due to her own grudge, and would be found guilty in a fair court. But that would still no doubt further sour House Arc's opinion on the Cardinal Heroes (especially Naofumi). Not to mention they aren't guaranteed a fair trial here in Melromarc.
"Did you ask Bed-Chan for help Zylden?" Malty looks at the imp, he gives her an affirmative nod. She nods to the dwarf's back. She could swear the little flower sprouts out from Bed-Chan's tree roots bobbing up and down as if she's happy. "Good thinking, Zylden. Lady Mordred isn't listening to reasons, and we don't want to hurt another one of Archduke Wales' children. Bed-Chan can keep Lady Mordred tied up here, and Her Majesty Queen Mirellia could decide her punishment. If that's acceptable by you, Lord Seliph?"
"I already told Lady Mordred that I'm willing to let her attempted assault slide, Miss Malty. I'm not about to go back on my words considering there was no harm done to me." The paladin's voice is even, not showing any sign of hostility towards Mordred in spite of her completely uncalled for aggression towards him. "I... don't think Lady Mordred's family knew about her action. In any case, we should send word to His Grace Archduke Wales. He needs to know what one of his daughters were up to."
A more polite way to say that she almost turned herself into a criminal, and would probably be expelled from her family. Of course, that would have only happened if she's officially condemned in court. Malty isn't sure what her mother would have done if she was right here. She doubts her mother would excuse Mordred for all her wrong doing, especially in front of the emissaries from the other nations. But she most likely won't throw the book at the youngest daughter of Archduke Wales. Mother could always use more people who are willing to confront Shield Hero. Just so she herself doesn't have to do anything to officially snub Naofumi.
"Malty!" The former princess turns on her heels, and sees the Shield Hero running at her from their tent, his face looking grim with urgent worry, his armor and clothing rough. She probably shared the same look if she looked down at herself, since she hastily threw them on after hearing Mordred screaming bloody murder. "I was afraid you'd get hurt! Sorry I wasn't with you, but Ren said we should stay behind and wait because that crazy woman might get even crazier if she sees me..."
"Relax, Master Naofumi. I'm not hurt that easily. I'm a hero like you, plus Lady Mordred didn't even get through our guards." Malty quickly gives Naofumi an embrace to calm him down. So what if she's lying to him a little again. She needs to stop him from going into full panic, and stop feeling guilty because he's not literally standing in front of her all the time. Feeling the man in her embrace slowly struggling, she releases her arms around him to look at their captive. "I think Master Ren is right this time, Master Naofumi. Lady Mordred never seems to think straight in your presence. Not without reason, of course. But seeing you again would probably throw her into a blind rage and do something everyone would regret. Well, good thing Bed-Chan is experienced at capturing and restricting people."
"...I suppose she had a lot of practice with us." Naofumi answers her back after a few moments. He's clearly fine if he is joking around the matter. Although he's not wrong in that Bed-Chan had essentially trained with them on holding people down during the short time they worked together against the Three Heroes' Church. Behind them, the other Cardinal Hero also walks over to the giant collection of tree roots as they look up at Mordred and her lackeys. Even in complete restriction, the youngest daughter of Archduke Wales is glaring death at the heroes, Naofumi especially. Her guards and Fuckboy on the other hand all have their eyes shut, looking unconscious. Although it's debatable if they were truly all knocked out, or if they are pretending to be out because they don't want to get between their noble mistress and the Cardinal Heroes.
"What are we going to do with her? We can't have her keep coming at Naofumi and trying to kill him. And we probably can't just kill her either. I don't know. Can we do what we did to that blue haired, naked crazy lady?" Both Ren and Itsuki are looking at Motoyasu as he runs his mouth, rambling nonsense. As far as his standard is concerned, it's actually not too bad. But obviously they can't just go about enslaving a noble ladyeven if she has done something wrong.
"You, Motoyasu, are advocating the enslavement of this woman as a solution...? Let me guess... you aren't planning to do something naughty to her, are you?" Itsuki can't keep the incredulousness out of his voice.
"Yeah! That's what we had to do to Raphtalia's Big Sister Sadeena after she tried to kill us. Why don't we do it to everyone who tries to kill us?" The Spear Hero swings his head around to look at the Bow Hero back. He clearly missed the main point on what really surprised Itsuki.
"You can't just enslave the daughter of one of the most ancient, influential, not to mention powerful great houses, Master Motoyasu. Yes. Lady Mordred stepped out of the line when she came after Master Naofumi when the grudge between him and her family was considered settled. And openly assaulted another noble. But Lord Seliph here..." Malty points her finger at the paladin besides her, who nods his head in return. "...Has already forgiven Lady Mordred for her transgression. I'm sure Archduke Wales will discipline his daughter once words begin to spread and reach him, but her offense isn't severe enough to have her put into indentured service... yet."
Malty has no doubt that Mordred would end up similar to Raphtalia's very irresponsible 'guardian' if she continues her belligerence. But she technically hasn't done something so bad, that the nobles involved in the incident can't settle by themselves and have to resort to the queen's judgment. And even if she did... Malty's mother would no doubt give Lady Mordred a more favorable ruling just so she can continue to cause mischief on the Shield Hero... and Malty herself by extension.
Raphtalia looks down at the sword in her hand, the sword Malty asked that smith woman from Trumpet to forge for her own use. IIt was a shame that she didn't use it for too many occasions before it was stolen by Fuckboy. Malty gives it to her because she can't use it anymore with her inheriting the king's star wand. Which is a shame because Raphtalia doesn't know how to use the strange weapon properly. The sword has no sheath, due to the soft, almost whip-like blade making it hard to pull out, and return back into a solid sheath. So to make sure she doesn't accidentally hurt someone, or herself, it's wrapped around in slash resistant monster leather and tied up with a rope. Granny said that a master who knows how to properly wield a Siltvelt soft sword could easily shake their hand, and have the blade cut through the restriction. But not her. She can't even slash the blade straight yet.
"You don't have to worry too much. This weapon actually suits you once you practice it more. Tanuki are well known for their cunning and agility. That makes a sharp, light weapon fit your natural constitution. All you need to do is gain the proper skill to use it. Although I suggest you forge a standard Siltvelt Treasure Sword first. You need to learn to crawl before you try to run. Know how to properly wield a Siltvelt sword, before you get fancy and use a soft sword." That was what Granny advised her to do. Maybe she'll take the advice and visit the city of Trumpet again. To have that smith woman forge herself a standard sword like Granny suggested. For now, she'll simply have to treat the Hidden Purple sword as a magical catalyst that enhances her magical power.
Lori the red filorial monarch makes a slightly pained squeak. Raphtalia looks back, and sure enough. Keel is kicking at Lori right behind Raphtalia on the saddle. "Stop being mean to Lori, Keel. What has she done to you?"
"The dumb bird is too slow, that's what! Can't see we are lagging behind everyone?" Raphtalia takes a brief pause at Keel's complaint. She looks around her, and sure enough, she's barely seeing any of the heroes retinue members around them anymore. Which is strange. Yes, Lori is young compared to the birds raised by Motoyasu (for something like a filorial monarch raised by heroes during an ongoing Wave of Catastrophe, being born a week late is the equivalent of being born a decade later for humans). But Lori is still a filorial monarch. She should have easily left the garden variety filorials, and the raptors Amelia family collected around Stormwind behind.
But as Raphtalia looks to the side, she sees a transport cart taking them from the side. It's being pulled by a large, fur covered muffalo, which are NOT known for their speed. Seeing this clearly further enrages Keel, as she aims another wave of furious kicks at Lori. "Come on! Accelerate! GO! You stupid, blasted bird! Go faster, or I'll roast you over a fire pit!"
"Please, stop that! Keel! If Lori doesn't want to run faster, you won't do anything by kicking her. What if you hurt her? And even if you don't, Lori is going to become my younger sister, so I don't want you to bully her!" Keel finally stops abusing Lori at the last warning. Raphtalia fights back the headache as she reaches forward to Lori's head. She scratches Lori's feathers, and asks her with a gentle voice. "Is there something wrong, Lori? Did you hurt your feet? Or are you hungry? We aren't too far from Balafon. Just hang in for a little while and you can rest. Are you... afraid of what might happen to Naofumi and Malty?"
Lori actually turns her head back, and looks at Raphtalia from the side of her eye. Clearly affirming Raphtalia's last guess. She is worried for Naofumi and Malty too. Not that she's not worried for everyone else with them, but she's especially worried for her surrogate parents. There was a commotion a few days ago when they started their journey back south, not too long after they left Stormwind. Apparently, someone from the Sons of Biscas collapsed, because she sensed a strong wave of demonic energy. Gaelion immediately flew away with the three Siltvelt princes. She was far away from them, but she could see fighting men on their backs. So she asked Eclair what happened, and it turns out that they suspect demons working for The Burning Legion were attacking the four heroes when they were away by themselves.
Now, a few days later when they are about to arrive at Balafon, they still haven't learnt of what happened to them. They are traveling with both the queen, and the crown princess of her country. And Princess Melty (she tries to forget how mean Malty's little sister has been treating her) is... actually. Raphtalia doesn't know what Princess Melty is to Motoyasu. She's clearly not as close to Motoyasu as Malty was to Naofumi. Does she truly care for the Spear Hero, or is she simply using him because he's one of the heroes just like Naofumi?
"Raphtalia! Thank the Chief God you are fine!" A voice shakes her out of her thoughts. She looks up, and sees Raki poking his head on top of a knight's raptor behind the rider. As for the rider himself, he has well groomed short red hair, a few shades darker than Malty's. His face is passive without any emotion, almost cold. He, and his companion riding besides him both wear the same style of armor like they are some kind of uniform. Although they look funny: the plates of their armor are shaped in the way that looks to have strongly defined muscles. Are they simply for decoration? Or do they actually make the armor better? Raki's voice brings her back to the present once again just as her mind wanders away. "Are you alright, Raphtalia?"
"You are being a bit cold to the pipsqueak, aren't you? Ignoring him isn't very nice, you know?" The other blue haired man wearing the muscle armor snorts at Raphtalia. His words make her blush with shame. She really shouldn't be ignoring Raki when he's worried for her.
"Behave, Set. You are a centurion now. You have to act the part." The red haired man looks at his companion from the side of his eyes, making Set snort once again. His voice sounds as cold as his own face. "We are tasked by Lady Eclair to make sure nobody got left behind in our march. It is a serious duty."
"Yeah, yeah. Sure thing, captain. I'll take things seriously." Set slams his balled up fist over his heart, Raphtalia feels like he's doing the military salute to joke around with his friend. It's something Keel used to do when Rifana, or herself chastises her for her unruly behaviors. He gives a tap to the raptor's scale, making it jump up a bit with one foot. "I'll ride around and see if there's any stragglers. You stay here and make sure our rear guard is doing fine, Bright."
As the blue haired Set rides away, Raki jumps down from the knight's raptor he's been riding on. It sounds a lot more unsafe in her head than it actually is, considering Bright has come to a full stop, while Lori is strolling along slower than a muffalo. Raki quickly runs over to them, and takes over Lori's reign from Raphtalia's hand. He begins to gently pet Lori (who Raphtalia realizes will become her younger sibling very soon), while running beside her. As they stride alone, Raki keeps looking up, stealing glances at Raphtalia from the side. It's clear that the young scout from Lute village is worried about her. Raphtalia doesn't know how to talk to the boy, without making him even more concerned about her. So she tries to invite him on top of Lori to not have him run the rest of the way to Balafon. "You can ride on Lori with us, Raki. There's enough room for you."
"Oh, don't worry about me, Raphtalia. I could use the exercise. In Lute village, I'm used to running around, with our livestocks too." Raki immediately turns his head and looks away. Raphtalia could feel Keel's eyes glaring at him from behind her as they settled into silence once again. After a few more moments, Raki opens his mouth once again. "What's going on, Raphtalia? I know you are worried for the Shield Hero, and the princess. But you are looking very distracted since we came back from Cal Mira island."
All of sudden, Keel's previously comfortable weight and body heat behind Raphtalia starts to feel like they are burning her skin. Keel is overprotective, and suspicious of everyone after they were reunited. But she's especially sore whenever the topic of Naofumi and Malty gets brought up. Raphtalia really doesn't want to talk about the topic brought up by Raki while Keel is right behind her. But she can't simply brush Raki away either. It would no doubt cause him anxiety, not to mention it's simply not very nice to the boy who has been nothing but nice to her since they met. "I don't know what's really going on, and that's why I feel so lost. Master Motoyasu, the Spear Hero, said something about how they found another goddess on the Fourth Wave. And they were supposedly shown some kind of vision about some officer working for The Burning Legion, capturing that goddess from her world and forcing her to do the legion's bidding. And supposedly... that demon looks kind of like me."
"Ah... I imagine it's terrifying if a demon goes around hurting everyone I know using my face. But that's natural for those evil, infernal plane creatures, isn't it? They hurt people, and they lie and manipulate people. A demon using your face to hurt your loved ones really isn't that much for concern..." Raki nearly trips over some pebble on the ground. He ends up releasing the reign of Lori, and staggers a few steps to the side. Almost got trampled by Bright's raptor if the red haired officer didn't pull his steed away at the last moment. "I- I mean... yeah. Having a demon after your loved ones is scary. Especially if they use your face to do it. But it's not like you are actually connected with the demon because they use your face, is it? It's not like you give your face away, or tell it to hurt your loved ones? They are demons. They are liars by nature."
Raki may be rambling almost incoherently, but he's not wrong about what they know about demons. And Raphtalia wouldn't be so concerned if that's the only problem they are facing. Regardless, she doesn't want to stay on this topic for too long. Because she doesn't want Keel to spout out something too needlessly aggressive and cause them trouble.
"That's not everything. I... don't know if I'm still helpful to Naofumi and Malty anymore. I was just a sick, young girl Master Naofumi got because he felt sorry for me. Naofumi and Malty treat me like I'm their daughter, but I haven't done much to help them out in a fight. I mostly just run around delivering potions to people. I can't fight big monsters and win, like Firo... or Rial and Lori will be able to." Swallowing back down the big question that's been eating at her, screaming to get out. Raphtalia tells Raki another of her worries that is (hopefully) more open for discussion. She gently brushes her hand at Lori's head. The big red bird seems to be aware of Raphtalia's distress. She stops her legs, tries to turn around her head and uses her beak to groom Raphtalia's hair back. She isn't successful of course, since filorial's monarch variance has fairly short, stubby looking necks. But the effort still brings a smile to Raphtalia's face. It's nice to have a sibling who is friendly with her ('big sister' Mein/Malty doesn't count, since she's more of Raphtalia's surrogate mother). "I help out here and there. Mostly using my agility and transformation. But I'm not sure even that's needed anymore now that Naofumi can start recruiting his retinue. Am I just going to be a kid who gets left behind?"
"Pfft... as if treating you like a human deserves some special reward. Just because the rest of this shitty country treats us like stray animals or vermin, doesn't mean those two are saints." Keel lets out another snort as she starts to badmouth Naofumi and Malty. At least she didn't use any of those bad words she learnt from the slum gangs. Although that's probably because there are armed humans around her, rather than because her opinion towards Raphtalia's surrogate parents has changed for the better. "Didn't you see how they had your Big Sister Sadeena put into slavery? Or enslaved those pirates? When the chips are down, the Shield Hero and his slave princess are as much scum as anyone in this rotten country."
"Big Sister Sadeena has tried to kill the heroes. It's either this, or straight to the gallows." Raphtalia winces at Keel's words. That's admittedly something she was much more unsure of. For a while, she forgot how cruel the system of slavery truly was simply because Naofumi and Malty were nice and caring to her. Something she was thankfully, quickly reminded of by Fuckboy's condescending treatment of Firo and herself (she sometimes wonders if she should at least feel a little grateful towards Fuckboy... the answer is NO). To see Naofumi using slavery with its intended purpose to control people feels like a punch to the guts. She tells herself that he's not the same as the bad nobles who have owned her like the two Consevaties. That he's only using it on criminals, and her former protector has done something that would get her executed. That he's only using the punishment mechanic to ensure they But in the end... is it so different? And would he even stop once he tasted the true power a slave master gives him? She's not so sure anymore. What would she do if Naofumi slowly becomes someone no better than Fuckboy?
"I know it's not easy to see someone you care about going to battle, while you yourself aren't good enough to help them." Raki clearly doesn't know what she is torn about at the moment. He's still thinking, and talking over the problem she just brought up. "I used to think of my older brother becoming a knight as a great honor. It still is... probably. But I constantly worry for him now that I have seen some of the fighting involved. Where is the place for a commoner warrior when demons and gods are fighting it out? I wonder if someone from a noble family would feel differently?"
"We do not. We might have better education, or training. But when a war comes, we die no different from those of humble birth." Raphtalia turns her head around in surprise, and looks at the red haired man Bright. She doesn't know what got him talking all of sudden. All she knows is he was part of Naofumi's retinue, and Malty mentioned his name here and there. He usually comes off as cold, distant. Usually sitting by himself, and sometimes accompanied by his blue haired friend who rode away a few moments ago. She wonders what made him speak up all of sudden. He also seems to notice everyone's attention, as he quickly closes mouth while looking away. "Do your best to train. And hope you'll grow strong enough to join your loved ones in battle. That way, at least you would have no regret on what you could have done, even if the worst happens."
"I think he's right, Raphtalia. I know I'm not going to do much because I'm still young. But I'll be with you the whole way." Raki looks back at Raphtalia while gently running his hand through Lori's feathers. She suppose both Raki and Bright are correct, there's not much point in worrying over things she has no control over. She still doesn't know what she would do if Naofumi and Malty become someone as bad as the Consevaties. Will she stay loyal to them simply because they are her surrogate parents, or will she go against them because it's the right thing for many other people? But for now... maybe she could start with a smaller goal she could have some control over. Yes, they are heading towards the direction of the city of Trumpet. She could get a sword more suitable for herself first.
End Note:
As I menioned in the opening note, Argus456 deserves the credit for suggesting to me that Leon Bartfort should have done something to misguide Palmer, since she is one of the dumber characters around the queen and he would want to get back at the queen through her. While he didn't suggest the exactly way Bartfort could manipulate Palmer in this chapter, his initial suggestion did directly inspired me of writing the scene between the two of them in this chapter.
And of course, the one who wants to kill Naofumi was Mordred, not saying there isn't some other crazy women who also want to kill him. Because being the Shield Hero, especially one who is aspired to truly be heroic sucks. And speaking of something that sucks... Raphtalia isn't having the best time of her life currently. But she is also starting to make smaller goals for herself and getting more agency at doing things on her own.