Morning had arrived swiftly, and with it the summons to the throne room. The 4 heroes had arrived to see adventurers lined up before them.
One of them, in particular, caught Naofumi's eyes. It was a beautiful redhead with a ponytail. He couldn't help but blush when looking at her. Unlike Motoyasu, who had no shame, he looked away quickly before he was caught.
The King cleared his throat catching the attention of everyone present "Young heroes, before you are the greatest warriors in the land, these brave souls shall fight beside you against the waves." He looks down at the heroes "Our future champions the time has come to begin your journeys!"
The adventurers walk forward, all heading towards the heroes of their choice. Naofumi is surprised by this. After all, being the heroes, shouldn't he and the others have the right to choose?
Naofumi felt his nerves kick in as he closed his eyes in anticipation. He took a deep breath before opening his eyes and swirling around to face his nonexistent party… What?
"Huh?" He looked between the other heroes, counting how many members each of them had. "Three there, five there, and four there." He whipped around in the direction of the King. "Yo, King!" he yelled, hoping he could help him.
The King stared down at him solemnly "I must admit, not even I foresaw such an outcome." The noble on his left could only close his eyes in pity.
"Not even a single one chose him. The boy must have zero charisma." The man on the King's right leaned in and whispered something into the King's ear. When he pulled away, the King sighed before immediately speaking up again.
"I have been informed of an unsettling rumor"
"Has something happened sir?" Motoyasu asked the King.
"No, not exactly, but a rumor has been spreading that the so-called shield hero is ignorant of this world." Naofumi recoiled in surprise.
"WHAT?"
"Legend tells us that the heroes arrive with a firm understanding of our lands, and the townspeople seem to think he doesn't meet that criteria." Motoyasu leaned in toward Naofumi.
"Someone was definitely listening in on our conversation last night." Naofumi turned to him.
"You think?" Naofumi said sarcastically. He turned away and clenched his fist. 'So nobody chose me all because of a rumor? I might not know much, but still.' He then turned to Ren.
"Ren, you don't need that many people in your party, hand some over to me!" Ren nodded in agreement.
"You're right; I prefer to be alone." He looked back at the five adventurers behind him. "Anybody who can't cut it, leave now!" In response, the adventurers stepped closer to him.
Naofumi turned to Motoyasu "Dude help me out here don't you think this is unfair."
"Uh, yeah I'm surprised my party is all girls too."
'Oh yeah, you're clearly really broken up about that.' Itsuki approached him.
"We could probably even it out with all of us getting three, but trying to force them could ruin their morals." Itsuki's party nodded their heads.
Naofumi stepped back, surprised. "So what? I just have to go out alone while you guys have a whole group backing you up!" He clenched his fist and gritted his teeth. 'You three know I'm a shielder, the class you guys said was for losers, without a party how am I supposed to get stronger?'
"Sir hero" Everyone turned their attention to the source of the voice. It was the beautiful redhead who had spoken.
'It's her' Saying Naofumi was surprised would be an understatement. It looked as if this girl would volunteer to join him, but that couldn't be true right?
"Would you kindly allow me to switch parties and join the shield hero?" Naofumi stood there with his mouth agape.
"Huh, are you sure about that?" Motoyasu asked, his tone tinged with frustration at losing such a beauty.
"I'm certain," she replied, her smile radiant. Naofumi couldn't help but feel surprised; this girl actually wanted to join him.
'Is she serious? She wants to join my party?' Naofumi couldn't shake the thought. The King, who had been observing, narrowed his eyes, his gaze hardening.
"Will anyone else be willing to join Master Naofumi?" The King asked, his voice carrying a hint of impatience. When no one spoke up, he sighed. "Very well. We will have to proceed with alternative measures. Master Naofumi, you will need to recruit your party members personally."
"Huh? Oh, uh, right," Naofumi stammered, glancing at the redhead beside him. He quickly looked away when she flashed him a warm, encouraging smile.
"The kingdom will provide each hero with the necessary funds for their respective quests. However, due to recent events, the Shield Hero will receive more than the others," the King continued, his tone formal.
Naofumi couldn't help but smile at this news.
Four nobles stepped forward, each holding a large coin purse. "Here are your initial war chests, with our thanks," the King announced.
"The Shield Hero will receive eight hundred silver, while the other heroes will each receive six hundred," clarified the noble to the King's left.
"Now, go forth and procure the equipment you need, and set out on your journeys." The King's voice carried authority as the heroes nodded in unison.
"Yes, Your Majesty!" they all responded enthusiastically.
The bright afternoon sun cast long shadows over the capital's bustling streets as Naofumi, the redhead now identified as Myne, and the other three heroes and their parties walked through the grand city gates. The sounds of the crowd reached their ears long before they were visible. It was a strange mix of excitement, nervousness, and expectation in the air.
As they emerged from the shadow of the towering walls that surrounded the castle, a huge crowd had gathered in the town square. The people's eyes were all fixed on them—the Four Cardinal Heroes summoned to save the world. Their faces were a mixture of awe, hope, and desperate anticipation.
Naofumi couldn't help but feel the weight of the gaze on his back. While the others seemed to bask in the adulation, Naofumi stood a little apart, with Myne by his side. The Shield Hero's posture was stiff as he scanned the crowd, feeling like every pair of eyes was sizing him up, judging him.
"Look! It's them! The heroes!" someone shouted from the crowd, and a ripple of excitement ran through the gathering.
"Thank the gods they're finally here!" another voice cried out. "We've been waiting for you!"
Naofumi's eyes lingered on the faces of the townspeople, their expressions filled with expectation. 'They think we're going to save them… but I don't even know where to start.' The pressure was palpable, but he couldn't show weakness—not here, not now.
Beside him, Myne seemed unfazed by the commotion. Her serene demeanor stood in stark contrast to the excitement that surrounded them.
Motoyasu, always eager to show off, gave a wide grin and raised his hand high, waving at the crowd. His voice boomed over the noise. "Fear not, citizens! The Hero of the Spear is here to protect you!" His words were met with cheers from the crowd, especially from the women who seemed to swoon at his confident stance. He even winked at a group of admirers, causing them to giggle and blush.
Ren, the sword-wielding hero, stood a little further away, looking cool and detached, arms crossed. He gave a single nod to the crowd but didn't say anything, his icy demeanor not quite matching the warmth in the people's cheers. His attention seemed more focused on the horizon as if already looking ahead to his next challenge. His five adventurers clustered around him, waiting for him to lead them, eyes sharp and vigilant.
Itsuki, the bow hero, was the most reserved of the four. He turned to Naofumi with a small frown. "They're expecting a lot from us huh," Itsuki muttered, his voice barely audible over the noise. "I just hope we can live up to their expectations."
Naofumi glanced at him, "Yeah, no kidding," he said dryly. "It's a lot of pressure, but we don't have a choice. They're looking to us for answers."
Myne smiled softly, her voice calm as always. "The people are putting their trust in all of you. They believe you're the ones who can save them."
Naofumi clenched his fists. 'Their trust?' The thought of the people's expectations felt like a boulder on his shoulders. He let out a breath, trying to shake off the nerves. This was just the beginning, and if he was going to survive in this world, he'd have to prove himself—no matter how daunting the task seemed.
The cheers eventually faded, leaving a charged silence in the air. The crowd, waiting for the heroes' response, turned their expectant gazes on them. Naofumi could feel the pressure mounting. The people were all anticipating something—something heroic.
It wasn't just the town square that was silent. Even the other heroes seemed to be unnerved by the sudden weight of the moment.
The heroes glanced at one another nervously before quickly entering a huddle.
Motoyasu was the first to break the silence, but his voice was less confident now. He glanced around nervously before straightening his back. "Uh… So, what do we do now?"
Naofumi shot him an incredulous look. "What do you mean, what do we do? They clearly want us to say something."
"Right, but… speak about what?" Motoyasu scratched the back of his head, clearly flustered. "We just got here. We don't even know where we're gonna go yet."
Ren, standing to the side, frowned deeply. His eyes narrowed as he glanced at the crowd. "I don't do speeches," he muttered, mostly to himself. "Let them cheer for me all they want, but I'm not some kind of poster boy. We've got work to do."
Itsuki, ever the anxious one, shifted uneasily. "The people expect us to be their saviors," he said, his voice strained with uncertainty. "What if we can't live up to that? What if—what if we fail them?"
Naofumi sighed deeply, running a hand through his hair. He glanced at the crowd, their anticipation was almost palpable, and he could feel the pressure tightening around them all. This wasn't the time for indecision.
"We don't have a choice," Naofumi said, his voice low but firm. "The people expect us to lead. They're waiting for us to give them hope. We can't just stand here and do nothing. I mean, look at us," Naofumi motioned toward each of them, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "We probably look like idiots right now."
Itsuki's frown deepened, his unease not completely alleviated by Naofumi's words.
Naofumi turned his gaze toward the other heroes, then to Myne, who was standing by his side. She offered him a reassuring smile, but he could tell she was just as unsure as the rest of them. Still, she seemed to trust him, which meant more than she realized.
"We'll figure it out," Naofumi said with more conviction than he felt. "But for now, we have to give them something—anything—to keep their hopes from fading."
Ren finally broke his silence, a reluctant agreement in his voice. "Fine, but I'm not making promises.
Motoyasu let out a nervous chuckle, trying to mask his discomfort. "Well, whatever happens, I'm just glad to be surrounded by so many lovely people! Right, everyone?" He flashed a grin at the crowd, though it was clear his earlier confidence was waning.
Naofumi took a breath, he turned to the crowd stepping forward slightly. "We need to show them we're serious," he muttered under his breath, more to himself than anyone else.
The tension grew, the weight of the crowd's gaze too much to ignore. 'There's no more time for doubt, now's the time to speak.'
Naofumi glanced back at the other three. They all stood there, expressions unreadable, trying to figure out how to handle the growing pressure. A tense quiet filled the space between them before Naofumi stepped forward, his fists clenched at his sides.
"We're not here for speeches," Naofumi said, his voice ringing out to the crowd. "We're here to fight. To do what needs to be done, no matter the cost. And while we may not have all the answers right now, we're going to do everything we can to protect this world, starting today."
The words weren't grand, and certainly not the dramatic speech the crowd was hoping for, but they were honest. Naofumi's voice didn't waver, even as he felt the weight of all their expectations upon him.
For a moment, there was silence. Then, the crowd erupted in cheers again, though the applause felt more like an acknowledgment of his resolve rather than the grand display of heroism they'd expected.
Naofumi stood still, trying not to let the overwhelming attention rattle him. He had no intention of speaking; truthfully, he didn't feel he needed to say anything. But now, he just had to prove he was worth the trust, not only through his words but also through his actions.
Myne's hand gently rested on Naofumi's arm, and he glanced at her, momentarily caught off guard. She smiled at him, but there was something in her expression that felt almost calculating, her eyes bright with a hint of something he couldn't quite place.
Naofumi gave her a brief nod, grateful for the reassurance, though he couldn't shake the unease that settled deep within him. Her smile, while warm, didn't quite reach her eyes in a way that made him feel truly comfortable. But, at least at this moment, it was a quiet gesture of support—something he was beginning to appreciate more than he expected.
Motoyasu, seeing the crowd's reaction, let out a relieved breath and nodded approvingly. "Well, that works."
Itsuki who had calmed down, nodded in agreement. "That was good. At least we showed them we're taking this seriously."
Ren gave a small smirk, arms still crossed. "It'll have to do."
Naofumi looked at the others, a sense of camaraderie if only for a moment, settling over them. They may not have it all figured out, but they were in this together.
And now that they'd made their first impression, there was no turning back.
The grand chamber was heavy with anticipation. The rulers sat in tense silence, the weight of their kingdoms pressing down upon them as they faced Queen Mirellia of Melromarc. Despite the calm exterior she wore, a storm of fury brewed within her. She hadn't summoned the heroes, but now she was forced to deal with the consequences of her husband's reckless decision.
Lord Strov, of Siltvelt, spoke first, his tone cold with barely restrained anger. "The terms were clear. Only one hero was to be summoned by each of us. Melromarc has broken that agreement—summoning all four. We stand at the brink of the Waves once more, and now there's no one to defend our borders. How do you justify this, Mirellia?"
Mirellia's jaw tightened, but she didn't flinch. "I understand your anger, Lord Strov. But I was not part of the decision. King Aultcray acted on his own, and now I must deal with the consequences. We must focus on what comes next, not what is past."
"Enough with the feigned calm!" Strov roared, his face twisted with fury. "You think you can sit there, acting as though all of this is some simple misunderstanding? My people's lives are at stake, Queen Mirellia. The Shield Hero was summoned into Melromarc—enemy territory! Do you even comprehend what that means for Siltvelt? The blood of my people is on your hands!"
He stood abruptly, his chair scraping violently against the stone floor, and he pointed an accusing finger at her, his voice rising with every word. "The Shield Hero was supposed to be our protector, our ally, and you've stolen that from us. What do you intend to do now, hmm?
Mirellia sat motionless, her gaze unwavering as she faced his outburst. Her expression was a mixture of disbelief and quiet fury, but she didn't flinch. Her voice, when it came, was low and tinged with the raw edge of anger that she had kept hidden from him until now.
"I will not stand here and allow you to accuse me of something I did not choose. My kingdom did not cause this, and I am doing everything I can to fix it," she said, each word firm, each syllable punctuated by a quiet strength. "You will not speak to me like this, Lord Strov. You may be furious, but I will not allow you to take out your frustrations on me. If you want to resolve this situation, then speak to me like a civilized leader, not some rabid animal."
For a moment, there was silence. The air seemed to grow heavy with the weight of their confrontation, and Lord Strov stood frozen, his chest heaving with the intensity of his anger. His face was contorted in rage, but as he met Mirellia's unyielding gaze, something shifted. Slowly, the redness faded from his cheeks, and his breath steadied, though the scowl remained.
The room was still vibrating with the lingering echoes of Strov's outburst, but now, the silence between them was thick with unspoken threats and frustrations. Queen Mirellia maintained her poised composure, but her heart was pounding beneath her calm exterior. Lord Strov, despite his earlier tirade, had not finished. His fists were clenched tightly at his sides, his breathing a little too ragged for someone trying to maintain control. His anger still simmered beneath the surface, ready to boil over.
Mirellia met his gaze unwaveringly, her jaw tightening, but she remained silent for a long moment. She knew where this was headed, and she dreaded it.
"I did not summon them, Lord Strov," she said, her voice calm but firm, though the weight of her words felt like a heavy burden. "My husband's actions were taken without my knowledge, and now I am working to fix the consequences of his recklessness."
Lord Strov's eyes narrowed, his lips curling into a thin, angry line. Without warning, he slammed his fist onto the table again, causing the fine wood to shudder violently.
"You do not understand, do you, Mirellia?" he snapped, his voice rising once more. "We do not need your apologies or your explanations. We do not need your promises to 'fix' things. We need action." His hand, still pressed against the table, trembled with fury, his knuckles white. "The Shield Hero—the one who should have been protecting Siltvelt—has been stolen from us. Taken. I demand that you return him. Immediately."
Mirellia's eyes narrowed as she leaned slightly forward, her expression now tinged with a dangerous calm. "I cannot simply 'return' him to you, Lord Strov. He is no mere possession. He is a hero summoned for the good of this world, not for the demands of any one kingdom."
Strov's face flushed, his patience nearly gone. His eyes flared with the heat of his rage, and his voice turned into a cold, biting accusation.
"You will return him. Now. If you fail to do so, the consequences for you and your kingdom will be far worse than you can imagine."
He pushed himself upright, standing tall over her as though trying to physically dominate the conversation. The aura of intimidation around him was undeniable. His gaze was full of venom, and his words hit with the weight of an order, not a request.
"I will not sit idly by while Siltvelt is left defenseless. You have taken what belongs to us, and now, the Shield Hero must return to his rightful place. If you refuse, then you are no better than the tyrants who have trampled on my people for generations. Do you understand what I'm saying, Queen Mirellia?"
The temperature in the room seemed to drop, the tension rising to a near-unbearable degree. Strov was no longer the measured diplomat, but a man on the edge of losing control. His breath came in short, angry gasps, and his hands were clenched at his sides. The fury in his gaze was palpable, and his next words carried the weight of a threat.
"You cannot simply take him away, Strov," she said, her voice steady, though there was an underlying firmness that refused to give in. "I have told you, I did not summon the Heroes. I cannot—"
"You will return the Shield Hero, Mirellia!" Strov's voice boomed once more, his anger palpable as he slammed his fist onto the table. The force of the impact rattled the fine wood. Strov's eyes blazed with fury, his breathing quick and shallow, his entire body trembling with barely contained rage. "You do not understand the consequences of your inaction!" he continued, his voice growing louder, more desperate. "We are vulnerable, while you parade these Heroes around in your kingdom as if they're mere pawns in a game! Our people are defenseless, and I will not stand idly by while this goes on any longer!" He gestured fiercely to the other rulers in attendance, his eyes flicking to each one, demanding their attention and support.
Mirellia's eyes narrowed as she took a slow, deliberate breath. She could feel the heat of his fury, but she refused to be intimidated. Her hand gently rested on the edge of the table, her posture relaxed, yet her words were sharp.
"Lord Strov, I understand your frustration," she said calmly. "But threatening me will not hasten the outcome. We need to find a way forward that will bring peace, not escalate this conflict further."
Strov's glare intensified, his anger still simmering just beneath the surface. He took a step closer, and his voice dropped, cold and menacing. "Peace? Peace? You've had every opportunity to act, Queen Mirellia! Every single one! And yet, here we are, still waiting. You have stolen what is rightfully ours. And now, I am demanding that you return him."
Mirellia's expression softened, her gaze unwavering. "I understand the urgency, but you must listen. If I return the Shield Hero to Siltvelt right now, it will send the wrong message. I cannot simply hand him over like a commodity. My kingdom's stability—all of our kingdoms—depends on the cooperation of the Heroes, and that requires patience, not force."
Strov's face twisted with disbelief, but Mirellia pressed on.
"Listen to me," she continued, her voice a little softer now, "I will send him to Siltvelt, but not under these conditions. The Hero must be ready. We must all be ready for what comes next. The Waves will not wait, and neither can we."
She paused for a moment, allowing her words to settle in the tense air before adding, "Please, allow me this time. Let me make the arrangements. I will ensure that the Shield Hero is sent to Siltvelt as soon as I possibly can. It will be done."
Strov's jaw clenched, his rage still bubbling beneath the surface, but something in Mirellia's calm demeanor seemed to reach him, if only just. He took a few deep breaths, visibly trying to regain control of himself, though his fists were still clenched tightly.
"You better not be lying to me, Mirellia," he growled, his voice barely more than a whisper of menace. "I will not allow any further delays. If you fail to do this, there will be consequences. You know that."
Mirellia nodded slowly, her gaze unwavering, but the flicker of determination in her eyes was clear. "I will not fail you, Lord Strov. This I swear."
There was a long silence, as Strov stood there, his anger still swirling in the air around him. But as he took in Mirellia's calm resolve, his posture relaxed slightly, though he still looked at her with barely contained fury. Before he could speak up again he was cut off by a smug, nazily voice.
"Ah, yes... The heroes. How terribly important," The rulers all turn to look at the source of the words.
King Faubrey, reclined lazily on his throne, the faint scent of wine and opium lingering around him like a shroud. His eyes were half-lidded, showing no interest in the pressing matters discussed by the other rulers. He rested his feet on a velvet cushion, seemingly unaware of the heated discussion unfolding before him. When he did speak, it was with an air of ennui, as if he found the entire meeting tiresome.
His voice was laced with mockery, barely hiding his disinterest. "You all should stop worrying so much. I'm sure these little heroes will solve everything, just like you say. How exhausting to think about these things. But… I suppose that's what I have to deal with as king, hmm?"
He leaned forward in his chair, his gaze falling on Queen Mirellia with a predatory glint in his eyes, lingering far too long. "It's been a while, hasn't it, my dear sister-in-law?" His smile was lecherous, his voice sickeningly sweet. "How about you let me relieve you of all this... tension? I'm sure my brother wouldn't mind, after all, I'm just helping his wife."
All the rulers could only stare at him in disgust, with Strov's anger now aimed directly at him.
A sickening, slow chuckle escaped his lips. "I've always preferred my women to be... obedient. You should learn how to relax, my dear. You've been working so hard; let me handle things for you. After all, I'm a king," he said with a derisive sneer.
Mirellia could feel the bile rising in her throat, but she maintained her composure, hiding the disgust that churned within her. She wanted to retaliate, to throw his vile words back at him, but there was no time. The diplomacy was far more pressing, and she would not lower herself to his level.
But Faubrey continued, oblivious to the revulsion in the room, "This whole political mess? What a headache. You should all lighten up. Surely you understand how important it is to enjoy life. I've already been napping for half the day. I'll get around to dealing with the heroes and whatever else needs to be done when I'm good and ready."
His disinterest was palpable as he glanced around, his lazy attitude making it clear that the weight of the world didn't matter to him. He wasn't concerned with the fate of the kingdoms or the balance of power — everything in his life was a game, a distraction for his endless cravings. And if he had to use others, even his own family, to satisfy those whims, he would.
"I mean, come now, Strov. You're making a big fuss over nothing," Faubrey said, his tone almost dismissive. "It's not like the Shield Hero is the only hero in the world, is it? You act as though the entire world is on the brink of collapse. It's just a small matter. You'll get your hero, and the world will keep turning."
Strov's fist tightened so forcefully that his nails dug into his palm, his entire body trembling with barely contained rage. He took a step closer to Faubrey, eyes burning with fury. "You think this is nothing?" he growled, his voice dripping with contempt. "People are dying out there, and you sit on your throne like it's some kind of game! You're a king, Faubrey, yet you act like a reckless, lust-driven child, more concerned with your own indulgence than the suffering of your people!" He sneered, disgust lacing his words. "You're so lost in your own desires, you can't even see the destruction you're allowing to tear your kingdom apart. You're not fit to rule—just a coward hiding behind your own self-serving whims while the world burns around you!"
The rest of the room was silent, the weight of Strov's words hanging heavily in the air. The Merchant lord Garaan who was the representative of Zeltoble shifted in his seat, his eyes narrowed. "Strov is right. While you sit on your throne, others are fighting for their lives. This isn't a game."
Lady Verena, of Shieldfreeden who had remained quiet until now, finally spoke, her voice stern but measured. "Faubrey, you need to understand that we are in the middle of something much larger than your... leisurely pursuits. The four Cardinal Heroes are needed, and if Melromarc is not going to do the right thing, we may need to take matters into our own hands."
Faubrey chuckled, his tone condescending. "Oh, please. Do you all think you can intimidate me with your words? I've held my throne longer than most of you have been alive. We're all in this together, whether you like it or not, so don't pretend like you can force my hand so easily."
Strov was seething, his face flushed with anger. "Enough of this! You may be comfortable with your power, but the rest of us are dealing with a real crisis. Don't pretend you have the luxury to act as though it's nothing."
Lady Verena's lip curled into a tight frown, her patience clearly thinning. "Faubrey, you're too complacent. Your flippant attitude is insulting. The Waves don't wait for us to make up our minds. While you sleep in your palace, the rest of us are dealing with the consequences of Melromarc's actions."
Lord Strov's patience snapped, his eyes narrowing to dangerous slits as he glared at Faubrey. "Why the hell are you so damn calm, Faubrey?" he snarled, his voice thick with fury. "Melromarc summons the four heroes behind our backs, leaving us to pick up the pieces, fighting for our very survival. And you? You sit there like everything's fine, doing nothing while the rest of us bear the consequences of this madness. Why are you not furious?" His tone was laced with disbelief and seething anger, each word dripping with disdain.
"Angry?" Faubrey drawled, his voice smooth and dripping with disinterest. "Why bother with anger? Melromarc has already made its move. There's no point in all this shouting and uproar. Things will play out in due time. No reason to get worked up over something so... insignificant." He paused, letting the words hang in the air, then a sly, self-satisfied smirk curled on his lips. "Besides..." His eyes glinted with a knowing superiority. "Unlike you, Faubrey already has heroes to protect it. Seven stars. Sound familiar?"
The other rulers exchanged incredulous glances, their brows furrowed in disbelief. The sheer audacity of his words struck them like a slap, and the air between them thickened with growing resentment.
Verena leaned forward, her expression as sharp as ever. "You're truly impossible, Faubrey. The rest of us are facing real threats. You're the only one sitting here pretending everything's fine. Are you not worried about the impending consequences of this blunder?"
Faubrey tilted his head slightly and raised an eyebrow, clearly uninterested in Verena's chastisement. "There's no reason to be alarmed yet. Let them shout all they want, they'll soon come around. I'm sure Queen Mirellia knows what she's doing." His casual dismissal of the crisis caused the other rulers to bristle.
Mirellia, who had been listening silently, stood a little straighter as the room turned to her. Strov's eyes flared with suspicion, and Lady Verena's lips thinned into a hard line. The other rulers were still reeling from Faubrey's nonchalance when they turned their gaze back to Mirellia. The silence was deafening.
Finally, with a resigned sigh, Mirellia spoke, her voice cutting through the tension. "If you must know, I did what I had to do to keep the peace. I promised Malty's hand in marriage to Faubrey to avoid further retaliation."
The words hung in the air like a heavy storm cloud. There was a collective pause, and then a sharp intake of breath from the gathered rulers. The revelation took them all by surprise.
Lord Strov, his face now a mixture of shock and disdain. "You... you promised… your daughter's hand to Faubrey?" He spat the words, his eyes blazing with fury. "After everything that has happened? That is your solution?"
Mirellia met his gaze, her expression pained but resolute. "It was the only option I had. I couldn't let war break out. Faubrey is a powerful nation, and if I had refused, Melromarc would have faced far worse consequences. I did what was necessary to avoid bloodshed."
"You… you do understand what happens to the women 'married' to him, don't you?"
"... I do."
"You do… and yet you still did it? Do you not care for the well-being of your own blood?" Mirellia could only stare at him in silence.
Lady Verena's eyes flickered with something that resembled understanding, though her tone remained icy. "So that's why Faubrey is so... relaxed about all of this," she said, her voice dripping with incredulity. "You sacrificed your own daughter's future to prevent more conflict. How... typical of you, Faubrey."
Faubrey, still lounging in his seat, grinned lazily. "What can I say? A man knows how to negotiate when the stakes are high." He looked over at Mirellia, his grin widening. "I'm sure the queen will come to understand the value of a good arrangement in time."
Lord Strov, shaking with barely contained rage turns to Faubrey. "That is your own niece you DISGUSTING PIG!" he turns back to Mirellia "And you, how could you allow such a vile thing, Mirellia? How can you sit here and act like everything is under control when you've just handed over your daughter to a man like Faubrey?"
Mirellia's expression flickered for a brief moment, the weight of her decision pressing heavily on her. "I made this choice to protect lives, to ensure that all we've built doesn't unravel at the brink of war." Her voice wavered but firmed as she spoke, her resolve returning. "The heroes are the ones holding back the Waves, guarding this world from destruction. We need them united, not torn apart. They are our shield, but how long can they defend us if we continue to fight amongst ourselves... until the one destined to end this chaos finally arrives?"
The other rulers were silent for a moment, the weight of Mirellia's words hanging heavily in the air. Strov, his anger still boiling beneath the surface, took a slow, deliberate breath. His jaw clenched, and for a moment, it seemed as though the tension would snap him in two. But then, bit by bit, the tightness in his voice began to ebb, replaced by a cold, controlled fury. "You better hope your gamble pays off, Queen Mirellia," he said, his words clipped and precise. "We've put our faith in you, but that faith... has its limits." He let the words hang for a moment before leaning forward, his eyes narrowing. "If the Shield Hero isn't sent to Siltvelt soon... we will be forced to act."
Mirellia nodded solemnly, her resolve unwavering. "I understand, Lord Strov," she said, her voice steady. "I give you my word—once it is safe, the Shield Hero will be sent to Siltvelt." She turned to address the other rulers, her gaze firm. "And as for the other heroes, those promised to your nations, they will be sent as well. I will not allow this situation to drag on any longer than necessary."
The room fell into a heavy silence again, the weight of Mirellia's words hanging over them all. They were a fragile alliance, barely holding together with the thinnest of threads, and with Faubrey's presence making everything more volatile, it was clear that the road ahead would be anything but smooth.
Authors Note:
Happy New Year! Apologies for the delay in this update, but here it is. I also want to clarify that I don't intend to make Naofumi or any of the Cardinal or Vassal Heroes the "Destined One." The main reason for this is that it wouldn't make sense within the established rules of the world. The Cardinal Heroes are limited to wielding only the weapons they were summoned with, and the Vassal Heroes, aka the Seven Star Heroes, share this same limitation. As a result, making any of them the "Destined One" wouldn't work.
Additionally, since this is a crossover between Black Myth: Wukong and Shield Hero, it makes more sense for the "Destined One" to be an original character
But with all that said, have a great day, and I'll see you all in the next update!