Biggest thanks for Ace-Triad for fixing my SPAG problems, and Angel Wraith for beta-reading the chapter and providing feed backs.
As always, I will blabber some more in my end note.
Cross posted on AO3, for anyone who prefer that site.
"Do you think I'm wasting my time, Sir Beckter? I couldn't land a single hit on you after all, no matter what sword I tried to use." Keel shoves her hands deep into her pocket, while fighting back the urge to scoff. Right now, her childhood friend Raphtalia is talking with the big knight in his polished armor. Normally, she would be more supportive of what Raphtalia does, especially when she's trying to toughen up. She liked Raphtalia and Rifana for their soft innocence, but they clearly needed to know how the real world works to protect themselves. Rifana didn't... and it's already too late for her now she's gone. So Raphtalia should have learnt from Rifana's example. But right now, Raphtalia isn't getting tougher for herself. She's trying to toughen up to serve a pair of man animals who are only using her.
"I have been a squire since I was a boy, little miss. I spend my whole life learning, and training how to fight. If you beat me after a few weeks of training, it really speaks more of my failure than your accomplishment." Keel grits her teeth as the man animal knight puts his hand on Raphtalia's head and ruffles her hair. Who does this armored pig think he is? "You are not wasting your time learning how to properly fight, little miss. We live in a harsh world. Learning how to take care of yourself is good for anyone. And right now our world is besieged by an army of demons. It might come to a point that every man, woman, and children will have to pick up a weapon and fight for our survival. Having any training is better than no training at all in this case."
Keel stomps her feet forward towards the Breeze Home, the little hovel the local lord gives to the Shield Hero. The little hovel near the entrance to the town is small like the shanty she grew up living on Port Harp docks, but much more sturdy looking. She takes her anger out on the door as she kicks her feet forward. As the door flies open (but not off the hinges, to her slight disappointment), there's no dust, or cobwebs. She jumps in and looks around with a scrunched up face. "So, this is the home the lord of this land gave to you, Raphtalia? What a dump!"
"KEEL! What did you do that for!?" Keel ignores Raphtalia's loud protest. And to be honest, this Breeze Home isn't nearly as bad as she made it in her mind. The place is small, yes. But almost every step on the floor, every finger brush of the wall is decorated by furniture that looks simple, but comfortable. Or decorations that's once again plain, but homely. From the goat horned candle stands, to carpet made of monster fur. Even the ceiling is utilized with metal hangers for dried meat, fruits, spices and different herbs. Their mixed aroma is a bit strange, but not unpleasant. The Breeze Home radiated a sense of warmth that was severely lacking from the shanty she grew up in. And that makes Keel feel even angrier at how unfair the man animals (or a lot of those pure breeds from Siltvelt) treat demi-Malisi like her family.
"How quaint. It's cozy." Sadina looks around the inside and smiles. She sauntered over to an armchair in front of a fireplace and let herself fall into the wooden furniture. Rana, the young son of the overly... a well-endowed man animal smith runs over and lights up a fire in front of Sadina. She kicks her feet back, and lets out a happy moan as she hangs her head back. She takes the booze calabash down from her waist, pulls out the stopper to pour its content down her mouth. The drinking problem of the lard filled whale hag definitely got way worse than before. Yes, she always had her liquor calabash tied to her waist, or in her hand before Port Harp's destruction. But she wasn't literally drowning herself in it every waking moment like she is now. Serves her right, for all the times this hag for getting her in trouble with her old man's hand... or belt.
"You need to stop drinking all the time, Big Sister Sadina. This stuff isn't good for you. It's killing you slowly!" Raphtalia strides her way over, and tries to snatch the offending piece of liquor container off the hand of her childhood protector. Keel quickly runs over to help her. But even working together, they are no match for the whale woman's strength.
"Nonsense, NONSENSE! Liquid courage had been nothing but good for me. You would know if you try some too." Sadina slaps both Rapthalia, and Keel's hands away while laughing uproariously. "You know, little Raphtalia? I was just like you when I was small. Shy, too afraid to do anything. If I hadn't started drinking my liquid courage, I would not even have picked up my spear!"
"NO! I'm not drinking this poison, you shouldn't either!" Raphtalia let go of her childhood protector with a heavy sign, and she looked around the place with a bit of surprise flashing in her eyes. "I haven't actually been 'living' here though. Master Naofumi was busy helping everyone he could before the... Third Wave. And we were all following him around, helping him. We only came here for a brief look after Lord Balgruuf awarded this house to us. It used to be much more barren. I can't even recognize this place anymore."
"We heard from Jarl Balgruuf all the help Master Shield Hero gave him. From helping stop a bandit group near here, bringing the Bitch Lord to justice, and helping him against the Three Heroes' Church. That's why everyone pitched in and helped renovate, and cleaned up Master Shield Hero's home for his return." Keel scoffs at Rana's words. Yes, she can admit that the Shield Hero beating a bunch of bandits, or those filthy church rats are both good things. But the Bitch Lord... she was a demi-human who got everything figured out, and had the right ideas. Why do those filthy, barrel bellied man animal nobles get to live the good life on the backs of demi-Malisi slaves like her? She might not be a literal slave under old fart Seaetto, but her family, and many demi-Malisi families like hers certainly had the hardest life working themselves to the bones in Port Harp. She used to think about joining the Bitch Lord and make those fat nobles tremble in their expansive, drake leather boots once she grew up, or get strong enough to change into her adult body. But now that dream will never be fulfilled because of the Shield Hero. And the human nobles will have nothing to fear with the Bitch Lord dead, and no one will be there to punish them from mistreating demi-Malisi like her.
She used to think that maybe Adam Taurus' group is something like the Bitch Lord. Someone who steals, or robs the rich, fat man animals to help demi-Malisi. But it turns out he's just a petty thief and bully who steals from those weaker and poorer than him for his own pleasure. She truly was desperate, and stupid to think that fetcher could help her rescue Raphtalia!
"It's very pleasant, Rana. I'm sure Master Naofumi and Big Sister Malty will think so too if they come over. Please thank everyone who helped out for us." Once again, Keel fights back the urge to scoff at Raphtalia. She doesn't understand why she cares so much about what a pair of man animals think. So what if one of them was the Shield Hero she and Rifana grew up idolizing and wanted to serve. It's not like he did anything to save poor Rifana. Demi-Malisi like the two of them should stick together, not playing family games with many animals like that hypocrite hero, or that enslaved princess who probably spent most of her life oppressing them. She'll have to find a way to make her friend see the truth before it's too late.
Chapter 32: Despicable You
The trek to the demi-human bandits' hideout wasn't anything out of the ordinary. It's the same song and dance Alice has been doing for the past decade or so and she's probably used to it enough to lead her own team of completely green adventurers by now. She looks back, and steals a few glances at the Slayer. He's walking with his head straight, completely ignoring the quiet chat between both of their group. She's more worried about how to convince the Slayer to let the demi-human children of the bandits live this time. Before, she had managed to persuade the Slayer to hand them to the Three Heroes' Church, where they'll be raised as chapel servants or faith militants (she tries to ignore the sense of guilt on how they were basically slaves for the rest of their lives) where they will not do anything to hurt innocent people. But with the church no longer allowed to keep indentured servants, and the liberated demi-human forming their own knightly order... would the Slayer still be as amicable to the idea? He is convinced that the demi-human children were born evil, and their slave seal was the only thing stopping them from growing up like their parent(s).
"Are you alright, miss?" The innocent question from the side makes Alice look down, and sees the little healer Rufus was no doubt talking about earlier looking up at her, the little girl's large blue eyes filled with concern. She's young, and dangerously so - probably around the same age as the younger princess of their royal family (and now the only princess with Princess Malty willingly entering a life of servitude under the Shield Hero, Alice realizes belatedly), maybe one or two years older at most. She wears a very typical red trimmed, white robe for dedicated healers, but there is a pair of animal ear like ornament sewn on her hood which seems to further emphasize her innocence. "You look really upset."
"I'm fine. Thank you for your concern, little one." Alice smiles, and reaches down with her hand to give a few gentle pets on the girl's hood. She chuckles as the little healer's cheeks pumps up, turning her mouth into a small pout. "I don't know if Rufus, Clariss, or Nina said anything about me. But I'm Alice, their old companion back when we were all training under The Slayer."
"I'm Krile! And I help out my grandpa Galuf, make sure he stays safe! Nice to meet you, Alice. Yeah. They talked a lot about you, and the Slayer." Krile reaches her hand up and hooks her finger with Alice for a few brief shakes before parting her finger with Alice. She steals a glance towards The Slayer, before tipping her toes up to whisper into Alice's ear. "I think they missed you a lot, more than The Slayer. Because they talked twice more about you than him. I can see why now. He's scary! Are you sure you can't come with your friends?"
Alice fights back another chuckle at Krile's funny quirks. But she grows a bit sad again when the little healer mentioned how much her old friends miss her. She missed her three friends too. Technically she only knew them half a day longer than The Slayer, but with how cold his demeanor is (among other quirks...), she was always more comfortable with her fellow, rocky adventurers. Then, she remembers the teaching of Preacher Logarius, and steels her resolve once again as she talks to Krile with a more stern, and serious voice. "Thank you for letting me know this, Krile. You are very kind to be looking out for my friends. But right now, The Slayer needs me more than my friends do. But just because I'm no longer on the same team with them doesn't mean we can't spend time together. After we take care of this bandit group, I'll do my best to convince The Slayer to go help the legendary heroes."
Krile's expression instantly lights up, and it makes Alice feel slightly better to cheer up this sincere girl even if she knows that she'll never be a part of the same group with Rufus, Clariss and Nina like before. But then she suddenly notices both The Slayer, and the old warrior (she assumes him to be Krile's grandfather Galuf) raising their opened hand up. A clear gesture to have these groups come to a stop. But clearly not all of them. Nina, and Lenna, the two fist fighters from both of their groups jump ahead into the thick of foliage as everyone else hunkers down, finding spots to hide among the bushes and trees. Not too long after, she sees a hand coming out of the treeline, beckoning them to go over. So she follows right after The Slayer, as her old friends follow after the old veteran from the other side.
Nina and Lenna are standing over a pair of bodies facing down in the grass, both have animal-like ears on top of their heads. Sentries the bandit posted, most likely. As a priest of the Three Heroes' Church specialized in healing, Alice is no stranger to seeing different kinds of wounds. Some of them are quite fatal. But she can't see any such signs from both bodies, to the point she could almost believe they are simply asleep on the ground. She looks at Lenna, and the pink-haired noble girl shakes her head, while her old friend Nina is more blunt with words. "They were both dead when we got to them."
Alice looks at The Slayer, who seems to be looking at the dead bandits thoughtfully while petting them down. Either for possible loot they can use against other bandits, or looking for their cause of death. Galuf suddenly gets down to his knees on the ground, and rips the back collar off from one of the dead bandits. He squints his eyes and suddenly points his finger somewhere down on the corpse's neck. "Here."
Slayer looks at Galuf for a brief second before copying the older man's action. Alice bends down, and notices a small, half faded red dot that's about the size of a needle head. The veteran adventurer helpfully explains. "A wound caused by Senbon - a kind of flying needle used by the ninjas of Kyutenrou. They can be used to stimulate a body's natural healing, or used to stop one's body from functioning depending on what pressure point they are inserted into. And the wound here... it's one of what are known as 'death points' on a man's body."
"Could it be the work of a queen's shadow? Aren't they originally trained by a group of renegade Q'ten Lo Kunoichi?" Alice was originally thinking over if anyone under the command of Brother Zephon, or Brother Dumar could have done the deed. But Galuf's explanation immediately makes her think about the secret agents employed directly by the queen.
"It's possible. But not too likely. Aside from Senbon not being a very common weapon used even by ninjas, our queen never particularly cared so much about small groups of bandits. Not enough to send one of her shadows after them, at least. However, I did hear rumors that some remnants from Kyutenrou were involved in the uprising in Graile during the madness of the church's rebellion" Galuf stands back up, his sight almost piercing Alice. The priestess feels her cheeks heat up for the greatest mistake caused by the zealots of her faith. She wasn't part of their scheme to take over Melromarc, but she didn't do anything to try and stop them either. And she could feel everyone's judging gaze now the whole sordid affair is thankfully over and good, sensible people like Master Duncan, and Master Logarius were put in charge. A shame good people like Pope Balmus, and Brother Jaune had to die for the evil action of the blind, and the greedy.
"Or maybe they are the bandit group we are looking for." Alice feels a hand firmly on her shoulder. The Slayer's. The grasp feels more uncomfortable than comforting on her, but it still lends her some strength knowing that The Slayer has her back, in his own ways. She still gives him a light slap behind his head, chastising him for thinking the worst of any demi-human. "We are wasting time grasping straws and making up theories. Let us investigate."
They resume their journey towards the camp of the bandit, quite this time now that they know the bandits, and whoever is hunting them must be nearby. Their speed was slow, because everyone was mindful of what's underneath their feet, not daring to make sudden noises to alarm whoever they'll find. They encounter another half a dozen sentries, all dead and faced down in the dirt, before seeing a wooden palisade in the distance atop of a cliff that's about the height of three adult men. The rolling hill around the camp is cleaned up, with no trees, or even bushes to hide from. They can still see the sign of a freely growing forest with stumps on the ground. It seems like whoever was leading the bandits knows a little about how to properly make a camp. Bartz, the sword fighter of their group, runs a few quick steps forward, leaps up and climbs one of the trees to get a better look.
"No sign of sentries, or overwatch on the wall and towers. No sign of smoke either. They were taken out quickly and quietly. I can't tell if whoever did it is still inside their camp." Bartz pulls his hand down from over his eyes and drops down onto the ground not too long after. "The camp is not burning, so maybe whoever killed the bandits is still inside. But they could have just done a sloppy job at the clean up, and left it for the next bandit group to set up shop."
"We'll have to go in and check in this case. I think it's better for my group to move in, and have The Slayer's group as back up." The veteran adventurer leading Alice's friends and old team members speak up again. He turns to look at The Slayer. "Not looking down on all of your good work, Slayer. But I'm at level 100. And I clearly know more about old Kyutenrou culture, and their warriors than you. If a fight breaks out because we spook our unknown bandit killers, I stand the best chance to get out alive."
Alice stares at Galuf in complete surprise. Yes, she expected him to be an accomplished veteran with how her former team members clearly looked up to him for leadership. But she expected him acting more as a fountain of knowledge and experience (the going through life kind, not 'make you level up' kind), not someone who both had his class up, and be at the literal pinnacle of Prestige Level Range. The Slayer simply nods back to Galuf without any fanfare. They get up, and are ready to walk up the slope that connects to the front of the bandits' makeshift fort. Alice stands up, her eyes focused on her former friends, and young Krile. "Wait-!"
"Don't worry about us, Alice. We'll be fine. Lord Galuf is a great leader." Rufus turns around and gives Alice a thumb up. She's almost too concerned about them to catch the most important information Rufus revealed to them. So the seasoned veteran leading them was a noble?! While she's distracted, the three of her friends plus Krile have already followed the old noble up the slope, Galuf standing at the front like he promised. She feels someone patting her on the shoulder, turns around and sees Myne looking intently at her. Right. Rather than helplessly worrying for them, there's something she could do. Alice pats her own face a couple times to stay focused, and moves to follow the Slayer, and the rest of his companions Bartz, Lenna and Faris to circle along the dirt road leading up to bandit camp. They'll look for another way to enter while Galuf draws the attention of whoever is still inside. If there isn't one... well, this wouldn't be the first time they scale a cliff to catch a bandit group by surprise. And three men's height isn't that tall a wall to climb anyways.
They didn't even make half a circle around the bandit fort till they heard Rufus calling them from the top. His voice is in a higher pitch than usual. Which is a feat in itself, since Rufus was already the loudest, most easily excited guy Alice has ever known. He sounds more excited than distressed which is a good sign. "Hey, HEY! Slayer! Alice! You guys can come up! They are friendly!"
The Slayer lets out a slightly deeper breath. Alice knows that he's suppressing a frustrated sigh only from the experience of being his longest time follower. They circle slightly back to climb up the same dirt slope Galuf's group went, and a few minutes later stand inside the palisade walls of the bandit. Well... former bandit. All of them are cold bodies on the ground now, including any and all children. Alice lets out a shudder, she doesn't know if she's feeling more angry, or more disturbed by the vaguely familiar display. It's less messy than The Slayer's handiwork, but the body count certainly isn't any lower. The Slayer's fingers coil into the palm of his hand, to the point that Alice could hear the sound of his knuckles cracking, and she knows why he's suddenly agitated. The five young women and a single man standing among the bodies of dead bandits are also demi-human. All of them wear traditional Q'ten Lo clothing. Alice quickly grabs The Slayer's hand, lending him some of her presence to help him focus, or hold him back in case he flies into rage.
Among the women standing around, there is a raccoon woman in form fitting, tight clothing fit for quick, agile movement. A mask covering the lower half of her face, as her narrowed eyes looked at them judgingly. She is no doubt the ninja Galuf was talking about earlier. Behind her, a pair of foxes, one golden, one silver. Both of them wear Q'ten Lo style gowns that look more for ceremonial celebration than traveling or fighting, perhaps they are some kind of sorcerers? But all three of them pale in peculiarity compared to the last pair of women flanking the single man with his back to them. Both of them wear the least amount of cloth: bandages, and rope tied fabrics covering their modesty, and more bandage wraps around their hands, forearms, feet and legs. Almost proudly showing their muscular physiques. They are also covered in full body paint from head to toe, one red, one blue. Seemingly invoking the old Q'ten Lo folklore of the red ogre and blue ogre, where the red woman is broad and built for strength, while the blue woman has a more athletic build.
The man still hasn't yet turned to face them yet, he's simply looking down at the bodies laid in front of him. Was he thinking of the shame for all of these men, who choose to steal and rob their fellow brothers and sisters in this time of world ending crisis? Or was he only angered, and disgusted by their actions. Alice can't tell while only looking at his back. All she can say is his back is very straight, and he appears to be young. Maybe in his early twenties. His backside is almost entirely covered by a long jacket in the shade of sapphire, indicating some kind of relationship to Sword Hero lineage. A pair of faint, almost ethereal colored swords were painted upside down on his jacket. Once again, Galuf helpfully explains their significance. "The emblem on the back of his haori belongs to Kazuto Kirigaya, the Sword Hero from the last Wave sixty years ago."
"You stand in the presence of Master Renji Kirigaya, grandson of Duke Kazuto Kirigaya." The golden furred fox hangs her head slightly back, and announces the identity of the young man standing before them. "Show him the proper respect for his title demand, and Master Renji will repay you with the same courtesy."
Naofumi didn't storm out of the gate. And to Malty's relief, didn't show any visible injuries, or even signs of fighting such as disheveled clothing and dirt. But all of his body movement carries an almost deliberate sign of heaviness, almost like he is trying very hard to not let himself fly into some kind of blind rage. His face also looks darker than when he entered the castle. Clearly, whatever he discussed with her mother in private didn't go well. When Naofumi sees her, his expression relaxes, only a little, and he strides over to her and instantly pulls her into an embrace. Malty's body freezes up at the sudden display of... affection? Or was it simply a sign of his vulnerable mind? She doesn't mind either way, although she is a bit embarrassed at how publically it is since the entire retinue of Naofumi, and Bow Hero Itsuki are watching them. She can hear him speaking in a droning, low voice. "You are alright... you are alright..."
"Yes. I am alright, Master Naofumi. Thanks to you, and others like little Raphtalia, Lady Eclair, and Lady Flare..." Malty also wraps her arm around Naofumi's shoulders, and gives him a few comforting pats. She could see Lady Flare straightening her back and thrusting her chest forward, looking proud that her name was mentioned. "Everyone's looking!"
The Shield Hero finally pulls away from Malty, and he belatedly notices the amused look Itsuki is giving him while covering his lower face. Naofumi bares his teeth at the younger hero, and flips his middle finger. Itsuki finally breaks out laughing. "Haha, don't be like that, Naofumi. I know you are more than a bit upset after that stunt the queen pulled on you. But you have to admit. You breaking down on Malty in front of everyone was a bit funny."
"Master Naofumi, I can see that you are clearly distressed. But if you don't mind... Do you want to tell us what my ever dignified queen mother said to you, that got you this upset?" Malty takes a few pauses as she carefully prods the clearly distressed Shield Hero for an answer. She feels both a sense of trepidation, and a morbid fascination by his possible answers.
"She asked Naofumi to do a ritual, where a lot of people will be killed so the slaves can be empowered through their slave seals and grow stronger." Any sign of mirth disappears from Itsuki's face as he turns to look at everyone. Malty feels light in her head at this revelation. Maybe the Bow Hero misinterpreted what her mother wanted, surely she can't be thinking of that particular path to power?
"THAT MANIPULATIVE FOX WITCH! HOW DARE SHE TRIES TO TRICK OUR KING INTO COMMITTING ONE OF THE MOST SEVERE TABOOS!" Behind Malty, the furious scream of Kael'thas explodes from the crowd of low whispers and murmurs. She turns around, and sees the only reason that the red phoenix prince hasn't literally stormed the castle palace of Melromarc capital is because he's being held back by Prince Mohammed's strong, muscular arms. He turns to look at Naofumi, intense anger burning in his own eyes. "My king! Do you remember when she tried to condemn the self-proclaimed pontiff of that heretical faith who denied you a place in the pantheon to have his soul devoured by a Soul Worm? What she tried to have you do to the tributed people is very similar: Forever destroy their soul, grinding them down to its most basic essence, so they may be used to strengthen another man's soul. It's considered one of the greatest taboo acts in the world, alongside the use of the Imperius Slave Seal! Please tell me you did not fall for her trap and agreed!"
"Relax, Kael. I knew she was full of bullshit. She tried to peddle it to me as some kind of a reward, but I knew she won't be so helpful towards me. So I told her where she can shove that idea, preferably where the sun doesn't shine." Naofumi shakes his head at Kael'thas, this seems to finally begin calming down the Siltvelt prince. He casts his eyes through both his, and Itsuki's retinue, looking thoughtful. "Perhaps we should pretend this whole thing didn't happen... We are facing the imminent invasion from a world destroying, demonic legion who can beat, and enslave demi-gods. We need to prioritize stability first."
The Shield Hero's deliberation instantly points Malty out at his line of thoughts. Under normal circumstances, the failure of her mother's desperate gambit would have been a good dirt to keep on hand. To either call for favors from the high queen of Melromarc, or keep around as a trump card to threaten her with. But with The Burning Legion looming over everyone's head, they need to keep most people working relatively together. Malty cast her eyes over to everyone present. The emissaries from other nations all stand near the front with those who serve as officers for the two heroes' retinue. There's no way they haven't heard what Itsuki unthinkingly blurted out. Out of them, the Faubley representative would be no problem, since that's her cousin Emily. Malty trusts her Faubley cousin more than her own sister, and her mother. The Siltvelt representatives, at least those who are currently present, are also proven to be loyal to the Shield Hero. So any problem they might have, would come from Shiltfreeden, or Zeltoble.
"I understand that the queen of Melromarc has tried to commit taboo. Likely due to the desperation she found our world is in. But don't get me wrong, she should be held accountable for this action just like Pope Balmus did when he allowed his faith to throw a rebellion and tried to harm the legendary heroes. And all of you need to look after the interest of the nations you each represent." The dishonored princess offhandedly finds the situation hilariously ironic even as she tries her best to convince the emissaries from other countries to let her mother's transgression go, at least for now. She's more used to holding onto, and settling a grudge against her. Yet, she is trying to defend the one of the people who took everything away from her. (Yes, on a rational level she knew her mother had no better choice due to her father's impulsive action and her distant uncle's greed. Doesn't stop her from blaming her mother for selling her out to a complete monster). "But I suggest we hold onto our individual grievances for now. Perhaps not all of you believe in the existence of The Burning Legion the Avatar of Alaya warned the Shield Hero of. But all of you were present at Cal Mira Island when the fourth wave happened. All of you should have witnessed the rampage of that spider demi-goddess. The Wave of Catastrophe we are currently facing is clearly different from the others. Whatever greater plan your leaders may have, I implore you all to convince them to put it off until we cancel the apocalypse first."
"You know I wouldn't stab you in the back, Cousin Mal. Can't say the same for anyone who is thinking of selling you out though." Cousin Emily's reply is a bit too casual for an affair as serious as a powerful ruler committing taboo. But the sight she casted on the rest of the emissaries makes her threatening intention clear. Malty lets out a sigh she's been holding back. It's not a guarantee that the other representatives will be truly intimidated by Emily, but it should still manage to give them some trepidation when Melromarc and Faubley at least as a seemingly united front.
"Is this what my king wishes?" Kael'thas look at Naofumi, who gives him an affirmed nod. "Very well. It pains me that we can't punish the witch for yet another open transgression against my king. But I shall follow his command."
"I am only here on Lady Jamandi's command to help the honored heroes fight the wave. Political machination isn't any of my concern." The female warrior from the Zeltoble Pact speaks with her ever stern voice. But the apprentice of Kel'thuzad besides her remains silent and unmoving."
"My duty will call me to at least make a report on what the high queen of Melromarc tried to do. But I shall write in my recommendation that we simply make our protest while keeping a closer eye on her, instead of calling for more severe action. You are right in that we need to stop a possible demonic invasion first before anything else, Lady Malty." Commander Tanya (the little pig girl Shive from Shiltfreeden, not Iris' personal maid) nods her head. "I think President Katherine and Master Tact would both agree with your assessment."
Malty doesn't know if she could trust any of their words, aside from her cousin Duchess Emily and maybe Prince Kael'thas. But at least none of them are openly objecting to her. That strangely over dressed apprentice mage might be a problem with his lack of response. He would most likely report back to his teacher and master like Tanya openly admitted. Hopefully, they won't cause too much trouble too quickly.
"Well, now that the work is done, are we going back to join Ren, or Motoyasu?" Itsuki wraps his arms in front of him. He shifts his body, so he's putting most of his weight on one leg as he leans at the wall.
"Motoyasu, or Ren haven't encountered any emergency yet. I'm thinking about waiting here for a day or two. There's supposedly a second group of people who want to come and serve us from farther away. I know at least one of them from Gallia. He should be bringing back my armor, and Malty's cloak we left at Gallia when we were running from the Three Heroes Church after the Third Wave." Naofumi looks at his younger fellow hero, not telling him the real reason he's waiting for someone from Gallia: To meet someone who speak for Prince Joseph, so they can formalized what Naofumi's debt to the mad Gallian prince is for the damage caused to the fortress city of Graile. Perhaps is a bit paranoid, even hypocritical considering how Naofumi earlier made a point about not keeping secrets between allies. But with how Itsuki blurted out what just happened in the palace and likely kicking off another political shitstorm, it's probably better he's not told everything just like Motoyasu.
"Right, right. Let us go find some lodging for our group. I don't think it'll be easy." Itsuki looks at over hundreds (the Siltvelt raiders alone count for more than half of them) of followers.
"We all have our tents with us, Master Itsuki. And there's enough room on the open plains outside of the wall. We can easily camp out for the next few days." Eclair looks back at the retinue members of both heroes, and then she turns to look thoughtfully at the city of Melromarc Castle outside of the inner wall. "Although perhaps we could put ourselves to work more than simply wacking at each other to stay in shape. There's still damage left after the Three Heroes' Church's rebellion. We could help with some repairs and rebuilding. Maybe even help cleaning up the slum where different gangs and thieves run wild. It would be good exercise for some urban warfare."
"Bring anyone who wants to willingly leave the slum to me. I can use the bodies to fill up that new village I'm trying to build. Others... I could always use more bodies or convicted criminals too." Naofumi's eyes turn to the group of former pirates from the Jackdaw. Once again, most of them avoid his gaze, Oku is the only one who openly scoffs at him. Lucky for her, Naofumi doesn't consider this kind of action punishable by a shocking current.
"Order acknowledged, Master Naofumi. We can do this by ourselves. If you need to do anything here at the capital, you don't have to constantly look after us." Eclair bows her head down in an act of submission. It's good to have someone like her around, a trained knight. Even taken into account of her relative youth, she probably has more hands-on experience on commanding both professional soldiers, and rowdy levies than Malty and Naofumi put together.
"Hey, Naofumi. How about coming with me for a little while if you don't have anything to do, right?" Itsuki calls out to the Shield Hero, making both Malty and Naofumi look at him. "You remember the cookies I gave you back before the Third Wave? The ones you really liked, right?"
"Yeah. They are really good cookies! Some of the best I had." Naofumi nods his head, speaking with more enthusiasm than Malty ever remembered he showed. It's kind of funny that he's showing appreciation for someone else's cooking when it's usually the other way around. "You know where I can get some more? Honestly, I could use a bit of sugar rush after dealing with that awful queen."
"Of course they are good! Rye-rye puts all of her blood and tears into making them." A young looking girl wearing a typical big rimmed mage's hat begins to jump up and down among the retinue members of the heroes. It appears that she knows the one who made those cookies... but she clearly doesn't know how disturbing she made the baker sounds due to her misplaced enthusiasm.
"What Maron meant to say is that her sister, Rino, puts all her effort into making those cookies." Itsuki gives thThird WaveZe now fully introduced Maron a long, hard look before looking at Naofumi once again. "Anyways. Rino always wanted to accompany us heroes, but her family could only send one of them to train as an adventurer apparently. So I promised her that I would introduce her to you guys. I... admittedly kind of forgot about it after what happened immediately after the Third Wave. Now that we are in the capital again, we can go visit her."
"Sounds good. Although I should probably go pick up some cash in that case. Don't want to go to a good bakery without the green... or the gold. In case I want to empty out her shop." Naofumi pulls at his pants pocket, making Itsuki chuckle. "Anyways. I still have some potion left over. I could sell them out at the apothecary. The shopkeeper knows me, and won't try to pull a fast one when it comes to price."
"Mala." Malty whispers to her former personal maid. "I don't trust the emissaries from Shiltfreeden and Zeltoble. Have Baldy and Blue Eye look after them, and report back to me if they look suspicious. I want you to stick with that mage apprentice from Dalaran. He seems to be the most suspicious.
Her former maid only nodded back to her as a response.
With their plans now made, Naofumi and Itsuki split up from most of their retinue to go to the apothecary of the capital first, before going to that bakery the Bow Hero and his (formerly Spear Hero Motoyasu's) mage companion mentioned. The street of the capital and the building alongside the road has seen better days. There are plenty of sinkholes in the cobblestone, and fallen buildings that's still broken wooden pillars and rubbles. But there are signs of people in rags trying to clean the ruin up, while carts filled with dark purple colored iron woods keep coming in from the gate. Lute village is no doubt making good business.
The apothecary Naofumi spoke about is luckily, not reduced to ruins. Or else he would have looked kind of dumb in front of everyone who followed him over. As he pushes through the door, Malty hears a sleazy, almost grease voice she was vaguely familiar with. "I'm telling you, Old Erro. We could make a killing with your potion if we purify them down to increase their quality, and sell them to the nobles. Many of their families got hurt during the sieges and the riots in the capital. And they are too proud to openly tell her grace about it. They are willing to pay a big pile of gold for high quality potions to get it swapped under the rug."
"And use up all of my dwindling stock. Deny the honest, common folks who truly need these life saving potions!? I think not!" The shop keeper of the apothecary pulls his smoke pipe away from his mouth, and blows a mouthful of smoke rings into the other man's face, making him cough. Malty takes a good, long look at the fat man with a large, swollen nose. That was the same vendor who ran the street stall, who she blackmailed at the start of her journey with Naofumi. Before they even got Raphtalia!
The sleazy, fat man turns to look at the opened door. He rubs his beady eyes for a brief moment, before letting out a shriek that sounds like a dying pig. With an amazing act of athletic feat, he flips his body right over the counter, and barricades himself behind the piece of wooden furniture. Earning a raised eyebrow from both Itsuki and the shopkeeper he called Erro. Naofumi just gives Malty a knowing look. Right... he probably retroactively figured out that she threatened this guy, if he remembered the whole exchange (which he clearly does, proven by this look).
"Sounds like you have a potion shortage problem, Mr. Erro. I think I can help you out." Naofumi moves over to the counter, and begins to pull out his stash of potions from his shield. It must have been a great relief to him that he got some of the more convenient functions, such as inventory space, back when he reconstructed his shield.
"Thanks, shield boy. I assume the basic potion book I give to you has been treating you well?" The slim, almost dried up-looking old man gives the Shield Hero a nod as he goes back to sucking on his smoke pipe. "Well... in that case I have some more advanced books that might help you further. Not sure if you want to dedicate your time to become a true potioneer, or if your shield has some special ways for you to utilize them. But they are only collecting dust with me... Let me go get them."
The apothecary shop keeper stands up from the chair and walks back into the room behind his shop. Malty noticed the fat vendor snuck in behind him by crawling on the floor, but she didn't find any reason to comment on it. It's probably best that he either doesn't know, or temporarily forgets that she's now the Shield Hero's slave instead of a royal princess who could kill him without much retribution. Not too long after, they begin to hear the sound of some heavy things being moved in the backroom where the old man must live. But before he came back, the door moved again, indicating someone entered the shop. Malty looks back, and sees Oku, of all people, enter.
"I'm here to pass a message from the retinue of your revered heroes." The female pirate who still dresses as a man speaks almost in a snarl. It's clear she didn't want to run this errand, which begs the question why Eclair... or someone else from the heroes' retinue sent her of all people over. Even among the enslaved pirates, she's probably the worst person for this job. "Your retinues have made camp for the night outside the city wall. They don't know if you want to live with them in the camp, or seek other lodging inside the city wall. But Knight Captain Eclair prepared tents for you all just in case."
"We'll come and camp out with our men." Naofumi answers without missing a beat, and completely ignores the snark in Oku's voice. At the same time, the old man Erro came back out with a stack of books in his hands. The fat vendor is not following him this time. He probably ran away from some back door.
"The bottom two volumes are the intermediary, and advanced potion making books. While the two books at the top talk about methods of the more traditional use of herbal medicine. And don't let the name fool you... mixing magical herbs together can be just as explosive as making potions, you could probably use it to harm someone if you want to-" The old man's voice suddenly cuts off as he looks up from behind his books, which then drops on the ground on his feet. But he seems to be unaware of whatever pain his toes must be feeling as he stares at the former pirate. Oku is also staring at the old man back, and her eyes slowly went from nonchalance to something close to recognition, and then turned into incandescent fury. "AZULA?!"
"YOU! IROH!" The fire sorcerer lunges at the skinny old apothecary shopkeeper, and has to be held back to both Naofumi, and Kael'thas.
End Note:
For anyone who doesn't pick up on it. Renji is Japanese for Ren Two (Or 'Ren Second') and he's basically my take on Ren Two. And yeah, as his introduction suggested. He is the descendant of Kirito in this story. Considering canonically he's basically an even more annoying version of Ren and Ren is clearly meant to be of the same archetype as Kirito, I think it's fair that he is literally a descendent of Ren's original inspiration.
Also... I lied again. Originally, I wanted Azula's big scene to happen in this chapter. But I'm saving it for the next chapter. And yeah. This is going to be the proper start of Azula getting more spotlight. And for anyone who doesn't realize it, Iroh is meant to be the composite character from RotSH canon who give Naofumi his first potion recipe book. Merging these two characters together let me kill two bird with one stone where I get one of Azula's main support character online without him being a completely new character. Well... sort of. Since I didn't actually give the shop keeper any real scene in the previous story but I think it's expected he's still there even if he's in the background. Yeah, I like to think Iroh in this story became skinnier than his original self because he doesn't take well to Melroarc cuisine.
XD