Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari chapter 59, 60, 61, 62

Chapter 59: Firo's Secret

The crackling of the camp-fire was the only thing that could be heard while we sat around.
There haven't been any enemies so far, but we cannot just take it easy.
In the first place we are in disguise. From the first glance it would be hard to tell that I am the Hero of the Shield.
But that's to be expected.

"Ahahahahahaha Firo-chan"
"Ahahahahahaha"

The second princess and Firo are running around the clearing without a care in the world.
Pleasant things in life include food, sleep, and a close friends.
Since I participated many times in school events in a country school and excursions to seaside summer houses, I understand how they feel.
Once I became a university student I also lodged at my friend's house.

But...... To think these two would be so chummy.
It might be because ever since Firo was born she never had anyone around her age or size to communicate with, so it is understandable.
No, the feeling I'm getting is what an owner feels for their domestic animals.
This second princess is a little surprising though.
I thought that this culture looked down on animals and such.
It might also be how she is coping with this unexpectedly long journey that she had no say in.

"Don't be too loud! We may be found."
"Okay~"

After replying they go right back to playing.
Seriously, after Firo made a friend it's gotten very noisy.

"Mel-chan, Firo will show you a treasure."
"Yay!"

After saying so Firo opens a bag that is concealed within the wagon, and shows the second princess it's contents.
I wonder what's in it. I am a little worried.
The treasure of that bird. Is she just collecting the stuff I throw away?

"Master wants to see too~?"
"Ah, yeah."

I approached Firo and took a look inside.
Oh, a piece of a broken sword. Also trash jewels which I threw away after failing to make accessories with.
An empty bottle. Glass marbles.

"It's shiny and beautiful"
"Yeah, it's beautiful."

The second princess is putting on quite a subtle mask.
Well, it's just garbage.
Is it because birds like shiny objects? I heard something like this before, it was an uproar caused by a crow stealing valuables.
This might be related.
Hmm?

"What's this?"

Since there was something strange mixed in the bag I took it out.
A big brown...... furball? It has the shape of a ball, but it is very soft.
It kind of stinks.
I have a really bad feeling about this.

"That is...... something that came out of Firo's mouth."

It came out of the mouth...... of the bird.
Is this comparable to a cat's hairball? In human terms it's barf.
Bullet of the bird = Vomit.
In other words the hard objects like bones and whatnot that Firo eats are dissolved into......this.

"It's finished!"

What is? I just realised I'm still holding onto the hairball.
I threw it away.

"Ah Firo's treasure!"
"That's not a treasure! That's waste! If I see another one of those in your bag I'm throwing it all away!"
"Boo......"
<ref>ED: Some specific South Eastern Asian birds can make nest out of their saliva, and SEA/Chinese/Japanese thought those birdnests are valuable, good healthy food. This might be my speculation but it's one of the concepts behind that hairball. The other concept, of course, is oyster secrete their own bodily fluids around strange particle to make pearl. Early speculation only, we shall see what it is in future chapters.</ref>

Firo and the second princess seems to have a few subtle exchanges in front of me.

"Hey, Second princess."
"Hm?"
"When Firo changed into her human form you were not surprised."
"Yup. Because I saw it yesterday."
"I see."

So you already knew.
Well that's good.
Today's dinner is grilled skewers consisting of meat from the demons we encounter.

"Master is good at making food!"
"How is this skewer so delicious!? It's just meat on a stick!"

The second princess eats anything without flinching. It seems my fears of her not eating barbaric cuisine is groundless.
I was expecting her to take a while before she was able to eat this stuff.
My expectations were betrayed. It seems the queen brought her up nicely.

"If it's with Naofumi-sama we can eat this everyday."
"Yay~!"
"I see, that's good."

Now then, for my spare time time. I'm getting quite used to camping out.
Should I study the beginner class magic book and try to learn new magic?
After a few minutes the second princess and Firo quiet down.
They are probably tired and sleeping.
Raphtalia is going to take a nap.
I can't sleep soundly if Firo or the second princess is watching the fire.
And I have to prepare for any night attacks.

"Hmmm......"

Despite it being beginner class, there are various kinds of magic.
There is a ranged version of Fast Guard and Fast Heal.
Though I haven't read the book completely some beginner class magic was learnt.
I now have magic that will increase offensive ability and speed.
I would like to learn the more difficult spells, but deciphering difficult concepts and grammar is hard.
As the firewood burns, time passes.
While mixing medicine I am unable to calm down. I haven't advanced much in poison compounding, but I can sort poisonous herbs and understand a few recipes.
There is no time to look for materials though.

"N......"

Raphtalia woke up with an absent-minded look.

"Oh? Did I wake you?"
"No......Do you want to change?"
"If you're fine with it."
"Okay."

Since Raphtalia is taking my place I decided to lay down.

"Umm, Naofumi-sama?"
"What's up?"
"About Firo and Princess Melty......"

Raphtalia points towards Firo's Philo Rial Queen form with trembling fingers.
The second princess's clothes are taken off and lying around Firo who is sitting alone and rocking back and forth in her sleep.

"Ummmm"

Based on circumstantial evidence......Where is the second princess?
There is nothing behind Firo either......
Even her shoes are there......Where is her body?

"No way......"

No matter how much of a glutton you are......

"Naofumi-sama, I don't want to believe it but it seems you threatening other humans with Firo eating them may not be a bluff......"
"Nonono! No way!"
"But......Firo is"
"U....."

Can it be? Did you recognize Friend = Edible partner?
Is that what you meant by wanting to help her no matter what?

"Raphtalia, let's do our best as fugitives."
"Yeah. Our crimes are certain now......"

Seriously, this fat bird does the most outrageous things.

"Funya?"

Firo wakes up and tilts her head.

"Raphtalia onee-chan? Master? What happened?"
"Firo, where is Princess Melty?"
"Melty-chan? Melty-chan is sleeping within Firo's feathers."
"What? Not inside you?"

This is something that must be verified.

"Melty-chan. Wake up"

Firo lets her feathers on her back stand on end.

"N~?"

It is a strange sight to see, the second princess appearing from within Firo's back.

"What!?"

How is there enough room for a person inside of  Firo's feathers?
But it is undeniable that the second princess came out of a strange place.
"Firo-chan How did you do that?"
"Master did you wake me up to look for Mel-chan? Here she is."
"Firo's back is very warm......"
"......Why did you take your clothes off?"
"Because it's hot."

Ah......That's not surprising.

"How did you get so deep?"
"Firo-chan's feather's are soft and fluffy, they are also mysterious and thick you know? You want to feel it?"
"Ah, Yeah"

What the heck is happening in Firo's body?
Since the princess is beckoning I stretch my hand out.
The princess catches my hand and puts it into one of Firo's feathers.

"Uwaa......This is quite deep."




I can put my whole arm into her.
As I thought, her temperature is hot.
If the princess snuggles up in here I may not notice.
It seems to only swell a little.

"What the heck is with this bird's structure."
"I know right......"
"Should we examine by plucking all her feathers? I might even make a profit from selling the feathers."
"No~!"
"No roughing up Firo-chan!"

Hmm......Today it seems I have had a glimpse at the strange anatomy of this bird. <ref> Didnt he get hugged deeeeeep inside her down before? He didnt think it's strange? Since he didnt mention it, I thought it's just normal level of fluffiness.</ref>

Chapter 60: Devilry

Several days later.
Firo is pulling the wagon across the highway, while looking like an ordinary Philo Rial. We are mostly trying to ignore villages and towns.
Repeatedly camping out at night.
We're almost at the border.

"Gueeee!"

Firo cries in alarm.
Is it an enemy!?
The second princess and I hide in the straw to observe.

"Hehehe, hand over all your money and you may leave."

A familiar sounding voice.
Why look at that, if it isn't the thief who tried to rob the accessory merchant before.
What is wrong with this guy?
He's seriously going to attack a wagon full of straw?

"Hey! Hurry up and leave all your valuables! Oh? you look pretty famili-"

The bandit's complexion instantly pales after he takes a look at Raphtalia in disguise.

"You look different."

It's probably not necessary to hide any more, so I jump out of the wagon.
Firo who senses that it's not necessary to disguise herself returns to her Philo Rial · Queen form.

"Are you fighting?"

The second princess anxiously asks from the midst of straw.

"Yeah, probably. Don't worry about it."
"Why not? Will we be okay?"

It seems about two thirds of the bandits haven't fought with us before, most of them look at me with a puzzled expression while the rest turn blue.

"D-D-D-Don't be afraid. Th-This guy has a bounty now. I-If we beat him we can get it."

He declares while stuttering and trembling.
That's one hell of a stutter.

"Even though I ransacked you last month, you're already back on your feet. Quite quick if I do say so myself."

One of his companions who had a puzzled expression prepares to attack.

"Sh-Shut up!  Because of you I'm just a lackey in another group of thieves now!"
"Ah, so you guys merged?"
"The boss has returned to his country!"
"That's great. You should also resign from these types of jobs."
"Sh-Shut up! You're going to get it!"

They all take up their weapons and charge us.

"Firo! Raphtalia!"
"Okay!"
"Okay~!"

I step back to protect the second princess.
Neither Raphtalia nor Firo will lose to thieves of this level.

"Eat this!"

One of the thieves swings his sword at Firo.

"Firo-chan!"

The second princess pops out of the straw, extends her hands and starts to chant.
What? The second princess can fight?"

"I command the origin of power. I have read and deciphered a law of nature. blast them with water!"
"Ars ・Tzuvait・Aqua Shot!"
(Tl note: 「アル・ツヴァイト・アクアショット！」 Anyone got a better name let me know.)

Huh?
Water erupts from the second princess's hands and speeds towards the thieves.
Tzuvait. It is an adjective that makes a magic intermediate class. As for Ars, it means multiple magic systems.

"Uge!"
"Gawa!"
"Ugu!"

The thieves near Firo are blown away.
That packs quite the punch.

"I command the origin of power. I have read and deciphered a law of nature. Cut them with blades of water!"
"Tzuvait・Aqua Slash!"

The second princess follows up immediately with another spell.
More water erupts from her hands but this time instead of a ball of water, blades of water released.
Somehow, I heard something dangerous.
She missed her target, but the tree that she did hit was cut in half.

"Next......I'll use......"

She's gasping for breath. It seems to be difficult casting continuously.

"They have a magician! She's also an expert!"
"Firo-chan!"
"Okay~!"

The bandits who are staring at the second princess in surprise are kicked like toys by Firo.

"I'm finished over there."
"Not yet~!"

One of the thieves snuck around us by taking advantage of the confusion, and tried to jump the second princess.

"Air Strike Shield!"
"Argg!"

Right as he jumps I summon a shield in between them.

"Not yet!"

The remaining thieves start charging at the second princess who is our weakest link.

"Second shield, Change Shield"

I call another shield to protect her and then I instantly change shields.
I'll just use the Bee Needle Shield this time. they may accidentally die from sustained poison damage. I'll just stun them with paralysis.

"Ugh,arg......"

One of the thieves is hit by my the second shield and falls down convulsing.

"Still not done yet!"

The first thief who approached the second princess begins to crawl.

"No, it's over."
"Ah......"

A big shadow looms over the thief. It seems he noticed too. I hear crying.
Probably one of thieves crying in resignation.

"I'll help Mel-chan!"

And with a thud, Firo just body slams him.

"You guys know the drill. Tell me where your hideout is."

I ask after tying up all their members.

"We'll never talk-"
"Firo"
"It's over there!"
"H-hey!"

It seems the newbie thieves don't know their position.

"What's wrong?"

One of the thieves who encountered us last time desperately pleas.

"That fat bird will eat us if we don't accept obediently!"
"Are you joking?"
"Does that guy look like he jokes?"

I was surprised as the thief talks.

"Who is that anyway? He used some strange skills and magic."
'Don't you understand!? That's the Shield!"
"Eh!?"

The remaining members of the group of thieves all turn blue.

"The devil and his man-eating bird!?"
"That's right! that bird eats everything including the head. I'd rather just get kicked and get away!"
"Please just spare our lives! We'll give you all our property, even the leader's!"

It seems another rumour has been added to my notoriety......
Raphtalia sighs and face-palms.

"If you tell a lie-"
"I know! So please spare our lives!"

The thieves inform me of their hideout location. Of course, we occupied it with overwhelming combat power.

That day, we spent the night at the bandit hide- I mean inn. And took everything the thieves accumulated.
It was mostly just food. But since we have been living like fugitives recently,and only eating demons, a decent meal was appreciated.
When we entered the second princess was scared, but after a while she settled down.
Anything that was valuable was collected, and anything that was too troublesome to take was burnt.
Well if anything is missed, and the thieves reclaim it, I don't really care.
I half-smiled at the thieves who were despairing.
They were then rolled out of the hideout.

"Hey second princess, it seems you practice magic."
"Yup. I learnt it for self-defence."
"How much can you use?"

If the second princess joins our party we could fight better in the future.

"What level are you?"
"Uhmm, I'm level 18...... I can use a few Intermediate class water spells."

That's unexpectedly low. Well, if we're judging by appearance and age she would be very high levelled.
But intermediate magic huh?

"So you are good with water?"
"Yup"

Her hair is blue. Are they related?

"I can use a little earth magic too."
"Hoh......"

Her repertoire is unexpectedly wide.

"Oh right,does your elder sister use wind magic?"

I would rather not remember her.
I was hit in the back during that duel with wind magic.
Damn, I'm getting irritated just thinking about it. Let's stop.

"Older Sister? she is proud of her fire magic, and uses a little wind."

Oh, it makes sense due to her hair colour.

"Your mother is good with fire and water?"
"That's right"

Not that it matters.

"This is probably for the best. for the time being enter my party."
"Okay"

I don't intend to rely on her.
But this is insurance in the case of an emergency. It would be best if we didn't fight though.
There is always the risk of death.
I don't want to go in a direction that would not require us to rely on the second princess.

"Hey. Why did Hero of the Shield-sama make father so angry?"
"Now that I think about it I didn't tell you. It all started when your sister framed me-"

That night, I told the second princess everything that trash and bitch did to me.
Firo also seemed to be listening to my story for some reason, but she stayed quiet.
I did not hide anything or lie, I just told her the truth.
Well my feelings and grudges were mixed in a little, but I'll just think of it as education.

"Father and Elder sister are cruel! Even though Hero of the Shield-sama said bad things to them I can't complain."
"Right, right."
"Mother even said to value the Hero of the Shield-sama as much as possible."
"What?"

What did you say? Doesn't the religion of this country designate the Shield as the devil?
Is the queen different?

"What's wrong?"
"Nothing, I'm just wondering what your mother thinks of me."
"Um......I don't know. But she sent a letter to father telling him to treat all the heroes the same."

I understand the second princess's story a little, it seems the queen was worried this would happen to me.
Oh well, since it all happened anyway thanks to trash.

"Master, a lot of things happened before Firo was born."
"That's right"
"Eh?"

The second princess has a dumbfounded look.

"Uhmm Firo-chan how old are you?"
"One month and three weeks old."
"Ehh!?"

Being surprised is correct. Her growth was rapid even for a demon.

"Firo-chan is so precocious"
"Ehehehe......I was praised."
"You were praised?"
"Then I'm the older sister."
"Well, in the age category. Raphtalia over there is about the same as you."
"Raphtalia onee-chan is......"

Firo looks at Raphtalia with an extremely disappointed expression.
Raphtalia looks at me coldly.
Well, I understand your feelings since the bird said something like that.
<ref>Mineeeeefield! Dont you know it's dangerous to talk about a Lady's age? </ref>





"Wh-what?"
"Demi-humans...... even if we are the same age she feels older."
"Well...... I was not allowed to lose."

The atmosphere is delicate.

"Well, despite Raphtalia's age, her appearance suits her."

That would have immediately labelled me as a lolicon.
Also, both the second princess and Firo are children.
Not to mention, Raphtalia became my slave when she was a little girl.

"This is just how things work out."
"Naofumi-sama......"

These three would be considered a Loli-Harem.
I wonder what the other heroes would say.

"Anyway, we'll rest here today and cross the border tomorrow."
""Yay~!""
"Okay!"

Chapter 61: Persuasion

"Wow......"

I muttered unintentionally while looking around the checkpoints at the border to the north east.
The reason I muttered is due to the enormous amount of knights patrolling the border.
Did they bring a while army for this?
What're you going to do if another country attacks. That Trash......
Well, I was certainly expecting soldiers, but this amount is ridiculous.

"The Devil of the Shield will surely escape to Silt Welt! Do not miss him!"
"Roger!"

So insufferably annoying......
They are being strict enough with the border patrol that not even ants can escape.
If it were just Raphtalia, Firo, and I we may be able to break through the front, but now we have to worry about the second princess.
It is probably impossible.
Even If we do charge in from the front the other Heroes may also be here......

Well they shouldn't have recovered completely from the last wave yet though.
Me charging in alone while they try to sneak past is also not going to work......
However, how did they find out I was going to Silt Welt?
They probably figured that would be the most disadvantageous country for them.
Either way, my imagination is running wild.

"What do we do?...... We can't pass the barricade, should we change roads?"
"Impossible......"

The second princess mutters.

"Why would it be impossible?"
"This seems to be an emergency deployment. Warnings will resound once people cross national borders, and soldiers will rush there."
"That's pretty severe......"

I imagine something like an infra-red alarm system. These guys probably have something like this set up along the border.
Even if we just camp a mountain it will only be a matter of time before we are discovered.

"Firo can you evade them while pulling the wagon?"
"They were warned. It is impossible to get away since they have the warning line."
"Hmm...... They are strangely detailed."
"This is my mother's emergency plan, no expenses were spared since it will be used in emergencies after all."
"It's quite elaborate......"

My Killing intent rises.
Though there is nothing I can do to release it.

"Can't we escape to Silt Welt through another country?"

The closest border is here, and we cannot choose any others.
We ended up bumping to a villager from the neighbouring village.
Since we are in disguise it should be fine. The second princess and I are hiding within the straw.

"Ah......"

Raphtalia and the villager makes eye contact and there is a mysterious silence.

"Hero of the Shield-sama. It is dangerous here. I recommend you take a detour."

We were found out immediately?
I must reconsider Raphtalia's disguise.

"Ah, our country has improved a lot thanks to the seed Hero-sama gave us. Thank you."

Now that I look carefully. This guy is from the neighbouring country.
Moreover, this guy looks like he's been peddling.

"I think your disguise will be fine if you add a little more dirt. I only recognized you since she is such a beautiful Raccoon Demi-human.

This is my fault. As expected, Raphtalia seems to be one of the better looking raccoon demi-humans.
Or did she become a celebrity when we were peddling?
In the first place when I bought Raphtalia the slave trader said that the raccoon class's appearance is slightly bad.
Since they are very wary, they are able to disguise themselves.

"I'm sorry for everything."
"Don't even think about it. Compared to what Hero of the Shield-sama has done for us, this much is nothing."

I give him some silver in exchange for food.
Our food problem is quite serious due to Firo.
During our fugitive life-style her stomach rumbled non-stop.
I'm afraid she'll drop in speed.
Our only advantages are Firo's speed and disguise ability.
It is practically our life line against bounty hunters and adventurers on the road.

"Oh a peddler? I want to buy something....."

Oh shit!
A soldier approaches the guy from the neighbouring country.

"......Hero of the Shield-sama?"

Shit, we've been discovered by a soldier! Just as I was about to order firo to silence him and run-

"It's me. I co-operated with Hero-sama during the wave."

Ah now that I look carefully he's one of the volunteer soldiers.
That reminds me, after parting with Trash I couldn't follow up on any of the others that came with me to the castle.
I was a little worried, but it seems like they're co-operating with us?
Though at that time I did not know about the story of the Devil of the Shield.
It must have been a considerably hard decision to go through with.
They might even have been demoted.

"......Did you get demoted?"
"No, for some reason there was no blame."
"I see, then you're on border patrol without getting demoted?"
"It's not like that. The majority of the knights are concentrated here."

Just for me!?
Hey hey. Just how much does Trash hate me? It seems they really don't want me to go to Silt Welt.
Catching me might not even be their true purpose here though.
There must be something I don't know concerning the country called Silt Welt.
It might not impossible to proceed after all.
My best hand = Whatever the enemy hates.
I don't know what, but there is certainly something I can exploit here.

"Anyway, It's dangerous here. Please escape as soon as possible."
"I am grateful."
"Don't mention it...... Hero-sama, are you troubled by the fact that we bumped into each other here, and that I recognize you as the Hero of the Shield-sama?"

......Certainly.
At the time of the last wave, the other Heroes may have contributed to Glass's withdrawal.
They may consider my abilities above them but......
I would be murdered if we encounter again.
In any case, we change Raphtalia's clothes for some even worse ones and plaster her face with mud.

"For the time being let's get out of here."
"I pray that your suspicions will be cleared up."

After parting with the villager from the neighbouring country and the volunteer, we headed south to take a detour.

We had only advanced a little.
According to the volunteer's story Motoyasu and Itsuki were on their way in a carriage.
.....I barely steal a glance.
One of their magicians seems to be chanting something.

"There! That cart of straw!"

I seriously hope that was not us. Immediately I have a very bad feeling.
Motoyasu and Itsuki rush up to our cart.
Shit! Why are you guys heading here?
It's probably that bastard that used magic.
I suppose it's some analysis magic.
I brush off the straw and jump off the wagon. Firo sensed the situation and returned to her Philo Rial · Queen  form.

"So it was you after all!"

To they they were so close. Ren also appears.
Shit...... Can this situation get any worse?

"We found you! Free princess Melty!"

Itsuki points at me like he's some messenger of justice and makes a provoking face.

"Release what, I'm not restraining the second princess."
"Stop playing dumb, we have evidence!"
"That's right. You have no justice."
"Justice......huh?"

Are the knights acting based on justice during the wave?
The reality is, everyone has their own sense of justice.

Wait...... If I think carefully this guy's sense of justice is very straight forward.
Back in the castle town Ren was worried about the village of plague, while Itsuki just wasted my time on his useless justice impression.
Can I use this?

Well, there is no way they will believe me but I might as well try.
It will still be worth it trying to explain it once and the matter gets settled.
In other words, If I can turn their sense of justice against each other we may get out of this yet.
An evil plot is hatched.
It is one of the situations that game enthusiasts long for.
If it works this will make them doubt the country......

"Are you guys saying that what you believe in is truly justice?"
"What are you saying?"
"The second princess is here without any injuries."

I show the heroes the second princess while maintaining readiness to defend from any attacks.
The second princess looks at me anxiously, and nods.

"Hero of the sword-sama, Hero of the spear-sama, Hero of the bow-sama. The Hero of the Shield-sama is innocent. Rather he has saved my life."

The second princess is not speaking with her usual childish tone, but rather with the authority of an authentic princess.
The expressions of those 3 visibly change.
In fact, they are just finding out they were used for evil.
Since these guys are basically lumps of justice, this will be extraordinarily disgraceful.

"Please believe me. There is a big conspiracy hidden behind this."
"But why did princess Melty go to this guy?"
"I just asked him to protect my life."

The second princess explains what happened to them.

"Isn't it unnatural? Who would profit if the Hero of the Shield-sama kidnaps me?"
"Th-Thats......

Are you trying to look for a reason?
Your eyes are swimming.

"But, this guy is-"
"Did this country Merlot Mark not give the Hero of the Shield-sama different treatment?"
"Certainly......"
"In the first place Mother was saying. When the time of misfortune comes, the people must join hands and unite to repel it...... There is no room for Hero-samas to be fighting each other. Please lower your weapons."

The 3 heroes loosen their grips on their weapons and stood down.
Though they are still wary.
They were defeated in the last fight after all.
As the second princess said, we need to train together and get stronger.
If we are going to fulfil our missions as Heroes, we cannot just increase our levels. Both our weapons and levels must be sufficient.

"Do you understand? This is a conspiracy. I will tell you everything that I know. Whether or not you decide to fight will be up to you."

After I say so the bitch steps forward.

"Do not listen to the words of the Devil of the Shield!"

Shit! You bitch, I was just about to explain our circumstances.
What should I say.
In the first place is she even worried about her younger sister?

"The latest incident is already solved! The Devil of the Shield used powerful brainwashing on the second princess!"

Chapter 62: Common Destiny

"Ah.....Melty......To think you would be brainwashed by the devil of the shield."
"Elder Sister?"

The second princess gives the Bitch a look of astonishment.

That Bitch......
This is absolutely disgusting.
What kind of shield can brainwash. If I had such a thing, I wouldn't be having such a hard time.
To think she would claim I brainwashed someone without even flinching.
I mean the purpose of religion is brainwashing.
What a joke.

"Does the wicked shield possess the power to brainwash? It seems fake......"
"I don't know if you have heard, but this was a suspicion of the church's from a month ago."

That's when I started peddling.
Selling medicine to sick people was my priority back then.
After that, rumours of me being the saint of the holy bird started spreading.
Indeed, that cannot be a coincidence. It turned out to be convenient for the church in various ways.

"This situation proves it. Were you guys not being clouded by the information he provided? And also about to help him? Is it common to help out with criminals?"
"Some of the countrymen are also acting strange. If the Hero of the Shield can make an old grandmother energetic, he also might be capable of brainwashing."

That grandmother......I instantly know who that is.

However, don't I have a say in this? These guys......
It is true that a lot of people have helped me recently.
However, that's just repaying me for saving them.
What I don't know = The enemy's strategy.
These guys are also stupid enough to believe it.

"He is probably brainwashing his companions to talk for him too. We are currently preparing some church authorized personnel with the power to remove the brainwashing."
"What kind of power is that!"

No one reacts to my tsukkomi
<ref>Tlnote:突っ込み I can't find a suitable English word unless you want me to just write: No one reacts to my straight man act.-ED- No no, Tsukkomi is a deeply Japanese way of phrase. I dont think there's equivalence in English. I would leave it as it is.</ref>
No, Raphtalia, Firo, and the second princess are also dumbfounded.
Let's think about this situation, the government is ordering the country to gather information, and also placing a high bounty on me.
A lie that I have the power to brainwash was fed to the three heroes by the Bitch, she also has convincing fake evidence. Is that it?
Realistic forgeries.That's not impossible.

"Is the Hero of the Shield-sama that powerful?"

The second princess looks at me anxiously.

"Do I look like that to you?"
"Umm......I don't think so."
"I kind of hoped for an immediate answer."

I wouldn't be struggling so hard if I had such a convenient shield.
If I can brain wash the soldiers, knights, magicians, and villagers I could just become the lord.
I need to defend myself in this situation.
In other words this was arranged when they put that bounty on my head, the authenticity that the shield can brainwash is doubtful to say the least.
Do you god damn heroes not understand something so simple?

"So Raphtalia-chan and Firo-chan are being brainwashed forcefully by that guy!"
"You're wrong! We're not brainwashed!"
"We'll rescue you!"
"Firo wants to be with master!"

Motoyasu you bastard, still not given up on Firo and Raphtalia yet!?
Just how much do you like women?

"We've heard enough! Hand over the second princess!"
"Eh!?"

The second princess was surprised to gasp.

"......Will you tell us what happened?"

Ren takes the lead and asks. This is a volatile situation. I want to avoid wrong choices as much as possible.

"In the first place I have no such power as brainwashing-"
"I do not believe it!"
"Shut up! You're annoying, Shogun!"

Since Itsuki prevented me from explaining I told him to shut up.
Aren't you a hypocrite deciding on right and wrong only after you get one-sided information?

"Anyway, this is a conspiracy. The King, that woman over there, or the Church attempted to assassinate the second princess and frame me for it."
"......I understand what you said. We'll just have to take you into custody first. I promise not to harm your companions. Just wait till the inspection is complete."
"You actually believe it!?"
"That's right!"
"Hero of the Sword-sama! Don't listen to the words of the Devil!"
"I would rather end this without fighting. The truth can be confirmed later."

As expected Ren is the only one staying calm in this situation and analysing.
......Should I consider it?

"......No"

The second princess clenches my hand  tightly and begs.
She is trembling and her face is pale.

"I will most likely be murdered......"

I confirm the surrounding situation.
The second princess probably will receive treatment different from us.
Since in order to remove the brainwashing the second princess will be subjected to magic by magicians of this country.
And what happens will be as follows: A brutal curse will be removed from the second princess, but she will die because of its power.
Such a scenario will play out.
Ren will surely believe it and I will be branded the culprit.
The possibility that this is an event orchestrated by Bitch to frame me is very high.
To even aim for your younger sister......

"Help......"

A small voice could be heard.
There is also no way to prove my innocence.
Sigh......

"Didn't I promise?"
"Eh?"

During that day I was falsely accused to rape. Nobody believed me.
And now this matter concerns the life and death of the second princess.
Brainwashing...... what a convenient plot used by those that want to kill the second princess.

This is too obvious.......
Even I know that much.
The second princess's death means our defeat.
We definitely have a common destiny. Who would trust an untrustworthy person?

"Too bad. You cannot be trusted. Even if the second princess is handed over I will still be screwed. I promised her that I would absolutely protect her."

I place the second princess on Firo's back and tell Raphtalia to get on as well.

"Firo I know you hate it but abandon the wagon and run!"
"Okay~!"
"See ya."

I also jump on and Firo takes off.





"Ah, wait-"
"Okay let's go-!"

We are instantly 7 meters away. As I expected, Firo's leg strength is truly fearsome.
But those three aren't falling behind and keep pace.

"You think you can escape!?"

Itsuki shoots magic arrows at us.

"Air Strike Shield! Second Shield!"

I turn around and chant the skills. Blocking the attacks aimed at us.
The shield shattered with a loud crack, but the attacks have been neutralized.

"You won't escape!"

Itsuki's starts to prepare another arrow.
I cannot use the shield any more due to cooldown time.

"Eagle Piercing Shot!"

Itsuki's arrow glows after being shot and flies straight at us.
What the hell. The one you should be protecting, the second princess is here too.
Why are you using such a strong skill!
While riding on Firo I am forced to change my posture to receive the arrow.

"Master are you okay?"

Firo supports me so that I don't fall over.

"That arrow...... Firo! It's coming!"
"Yeah, It's very fast."

The arrow which Itsuki shot is fast enough to catch up to the light-footed Firo.
At first glance I understand that it's a lump of energy.This doesn't look like a beginner skill.
I change my shield to the Chimeric Viper Shield and prepare.
I hope I can endure this.
I stare that the lump of energy. Then, I see an arrow.
It's flying fast and in a straight line.

......Can it be done? Firo might fall over from the impact if I take it badly.

No.....Judging by the name of the skill, this is meant for penetrating.
Because I played a fair amount of Net Games, the name of bow system attacks aren't unfamiliar.
This arrow is meant to pierce a hole right through me.
It is a skill used here specifically for me,  such high efficiency.

Then it's not possible to receive this arrow.
Can't be helped...... the only way to escape this penetration attack is to either get out of range or to catch it.
Can I do it? If I fail this will dangerous.
Seriously, you guys totally forgot about the second princess right?
......I start to focus.

I intensely concentrate on the flying attack, While lightly putting my hand over it's energy, I catch the arrow by its shaft just before it reaches me!

"What!? He caught my Eagle Piercing Shot with his hand!?"

Itsuki expresses shock with my action.
The shot of energy is unexpectedly weak, I just dispersed the power and caught the arrow.

"Wait!"

Ugh! Ren and Motoyasu catch up and take out their weapons.
I had to make some unnecessary movements to catch Itsuki's arrow and just barely stop falling off.
Our speed fell a bit as a result.
To think that they would have companions that could catch up.

"I do not want to attack Firo-chan, this is all your fau--Gefu"
"Hindrance."

Firo stomps Motoyau in the face. Was it that unexpected?
This isn't the time now. Ren aims his sword at me.
Dokun......
The shield pulsates, and I unconsciously stretch my right hand towards Ren's sword.
Fresh blood scatters and pain runs through my hand.
Why!? It is different from what I expected. Ren's eyes do not shift, as if he's being manipulated by something.
My shield suddenly glows red, and black flames are fired at Ren.

"Wh--"

This was probably unpredictable. Ren desperately defends with his sword.
Is that Dark Curse Burning? Did the core of the dragon killed by Ren react and counter attack from the shield?
To think the shield would change without permission and flash red.
Dokun......Dokun......
Oh shit. It would be impossible for Firo to run away from here if the shield of anger comes out.

"Raphtalia, give me your hand......"
"Yes? Naofumi-sama!? You are injured!"

An anxious Raphtalia looks at me with concern and stretches out her hand.
The pulsations settled down and subsides.

"Firo are you okay? Escape as fast as possible!"
"Okay~!"

Firo regains her balance and runs at full power.
We lose the heroes in no time.
After that, Firo ran at full power till she was exhausted.

"We should be safe for a while here."
"Yeah, Firo-chan is fast~!"
"Firo is a little tired."
"That's fine......but we lost all our luggage and our wagon."
"Can't be helped."

I have some stuff one me, portable rations, money, a knife, and simple cooking utensils.
But we lost Raphtalia's armour......
I feel uneasy. I think it's showing on my expression.

"Since we did not cross the border, what will we do now?......"

We can probably run around the country aimlessly.
But we have to at least try to get to Silt Welt by a detour route.
We'll continue our fugitive lifestyle
By the way, I cured the injury with a Fast Heal.

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