Chapter 291: Dragon Faith
Several Days Later
In order to consult the Queen about the forces that would assist against the wave, I head to the castle.
Raphtalia and Firo, and also Fohl, were dragged into my portal. I teleported him away right in front of Atlas’s eyes. (TL: Not that it matters)
“We’ve arrived.”
We immediately arrive inside of the castle, and Fohl instantly begins displaying hostility towards me.
“You…” (Fohl)
“Think about my position too!” (Fohl)
Ah, Fohl begins crying.
I guess being the target of hatred for his beloved sister is too much to bear.
“I’m sorry, Fohl-kun. We’re asking for the impossible, aren’t we?” (Raphtalia)
“Naofumi-sama is… Well, he’s just like that. This is also to help Atlas-chan develop independence.” (Raphtalia)
“Master! Carriage!” (Firo)
She can already fly by herself, so isn’t it fine?
And, like, couldn’t I have just confiscated her carriage as her punishment? I guess it all worked out, though.
It’s true that her leg strength is worthy of praise, and if we don’t make use of them, Firo’s reason for existence will be placed in jeopardy.
“Ah, yes, yes. We’ll check in after our business in the castle. Until then, go rest in the castle courtyard or something.” (Naofumi)
“Got it.” (Firo)
“I guess I will. With the wave so close, it’s not like I can relax.” (Raphtalia)
“That’s fine. Firo’s here too, so let’s make a training regimen based on that.” (Raphtalia)
Raphtalia’s party leaves for the castle yard, and I go to request an audience with the Queen.
When I finally got around to the audience hall, I se her hard at work.
The cabinet minister is conversing with her.
When I was summoned here, the minister who looked down on me wasn’t this one.
“If it isn’t Iwatani-sama. How goes your progress?” (Queen)
“I heard that your Shield went out of control and caused a bit of an incident. About that…In a few minutes, an official from Silt Welt will arrive. I would be grateful if you would stay in on our conversation.” (Queen)
“… Got it.” (Naofumi)
Regarding that matter, there is nothing I can refute.
The door creaks open, and the two messengers I saw before step in.
Hmm?
Perhaps he’s in a good mood. He smiles as he glances at me.
“Ah, Hero of the Shield-sama. I had the opportunity to partake in watching over your practice war.”
The Genmu messenger begins speaking in a light and refined manner.
Ah, right. My outburst was labelled as such to the public.
“Ah, I see… How did you find it?” (Naofumi)
“After seeing the plans and factors you put into practice to prepare for the wave, our side now feels satisfied.” (Genmu)
I wonder what he truly believes… but the Shusaku messenger seems to be looking upon it favorably, so perhaps it will work out fine.
“I plan to combat Houou, who’s set to revive in the west. What will you do?” (Naofumi)
“I see… I hope they don’t enter the fray with such light hearts.” (Naofumi)
Why didn’t such a force come last time? It’s probably best not to bring that up now.
I can do nothing but put my expectations on the reliability of the Demi-Human country’s forces.
“I’ve definitely seen some of your resolve. Many of my fears have been alleviated.” (Ganmu)
“Fears?” (Naofumi)
Upon my inquiry, the Genmu messenger glares at the Shusaku.
The Shusaku holds his mouth open, as if trying to remember something important.
“What?” (Naofumi)
“… Really? If you’ve got a beef with me, it would be beneficial for me if you were to clear it up now.” (Naofumi)
“That’s true…” (Genmu)
Honestly, this is the time when we should be putting the upcoming battle over all else.
The Genmu grandpa starts stroking his beard and makes eye contact with the Queen before opening his mouth once more.
“One of the races that lead our country, the Aotatsu race is a little… Our country’s higher-ups have begun to notice them secretly taking action against the worship of the summoned Heroes.” (Genmu)
“So will they come and cause a disturbance in my place?” (Naofumi)
“Fumu…” (Naofumi)
Faubley.
My image of the country is colored dark with personal prejudice.
However, why would people start raising objections to the Hero faith in the country of Heroes?
“Many of the Aotatsu tribe have migrated to Shield Freiden, and… recently, their leader has been working within Faubley. Our side is slightly anxious.” (Genmu)
“He works out of Faubley. That country employs a large amount of Dragons, so their relations are favorable.” (Genmu)
Why…?
So they’re a dragon race.
But Rat told me about it before: The Dragonewt Demi-Human race.
“If you were to categorize the Aotatsu, they would be Dragon people. They have a deep belief in dragons. How foolish…” (Genmu)
Heh… I don’t really get it, but there seems to be various factions over there too.
Even though their scriptures are the same, people acting on them differently is common fare. I bet the Shield Faith has many sects too.
“So is there any problem with their current actions?” (Naofumi)
“I see…” (Naofumi)
I think I’ll have to go at some point, but I don’t have the time, and I don’t want to be thrown into the middle of a conspiracy.
I don’t want to read a history book saying we lost due to infighting.
But, it’s unnatural that people of a Dragon Faith are garnishing support in the country of heroes.
With time being of the essence, I need to prioritize Houou, but still I must pay a visit afterwards.
More importantly, I want to meet the one leading those dragons.
I’m not expecting anything great though.
If they had important, world-saving information, they would have sent it to the Heroes by now.
“But upon seeing the Hero of the Shield-sama training for the Wave up close, we have become satisfied with your resolve and have accepted the fact that you do not have time to stop by.” (Genmu)
… Recently, I’ve been the target of quite a bit of good will. I’m really not used to it.
I mean, I almost committed a substantial amount of evil deeds without even being aware of it. It’s scarier than performing evil while keeping my awareness.
“Perhaps they will come to trouble you, but if they do any harm to the Hero of the Shield-sama, my country will not keep quiet. It concerns the nation’s pride.” (Genmu)
“Yes. In order to perform a grand sweep of Melromark’s filth, the heroes stayed in this country. I thought their operations were extending to all countries but ours, but upon seeing the mock war, I was relieved.”
The Shusaku youth says as such, as if it were a matter personally concerning him.
I really wish he would stop treating this as an enemy country.
But as long as he’s willing to pull back out of good will, I have no problems.
“Rafu~”
“During the previous turmoil, we took one of these specimens under our protection.” (Shusaku)
The Shusaku takes out a cage containing a Raph and presents it to me.
Geh!
“A divine beast created to defend against the wave… ‘Tis the legendary second coming. Won’t you turn one over for me to take to our country as evidence?”
I turn my eyes to the Queen, but she tilts her head to the side and rejects me.
Even so, it’s finally come to the Second Advent.
“Legendary Second Coming?” (Naofumi)
“The truth is surrounded in mystery, but that does not change the fact that a new species of monster has come into being here. We would like to be able to take it as evidence.” (Genmu)
“Is creating a new monster that difficult?” (Naofumi)
Looking at Rat’s research, it seems relatively doable.
The Raphs were made from Raphtalia’s DNA, so they’re closer to clones.
Though, they can already be classified as a separate existence entirely.
“A monster with this degree of completion is nothing to laugh at. I’ll have some authorized personnel look into it, but this is a situation befitting of the name, The Second Coming of the Divine Birds.” (Genmu)
“Is… That so…” (Naofumi)
Don’t dig too deep into it… but if this lets peace continue, then I’ll agree to it.
This monster’s maintenance costs… won’t be a problem.
They’re of gentle disposition and would probably make for nice pets.
“Then I’ll leave that one to you.” (Naofumi)
“RAFU!” (Raph)
As if to say ‘Roger!’ the Raph specimen faces me and salutes.
Yep, I’m slightly reluctant to send it off.
“Now that I think about it, I believe I saw a Hakuko in the palace courtyard.”
Uu… the conversation took a dangerous turn.
“In accordance with the peril plaguing the world, the Queen has begun a Demi-Human discrimination abolition movement… I have definitely confirmed this fact. This will become good fuel for our own country’s Human discrimination abolition.” (Genmu)
“Thank you.” (Queen)
Eh? They’re satisfied with ending it there?
It’s not that I’m not thankful for it.
“By the way, Hero-sama?” (Genmu)
“Do you have any plans to tie the knot with anyone from my country?” (Genmu)
… My shoulders drop.
There are plenty of beautiful girls, but I replied I had no interest. I politely returned them.
Is the Hero of the Shield really that sought after?
“Iwatani-sama, then how does my daughter Melty sound?” (Queen)
… From this side too.
Quit it already.
Next, we went into the actual discussions. The negotiations with the country Houou was sealed in were already completed. We’ll arrive five days before the scheduled time, have the country and Shadows look for the location, and have the other Heroes confirm it. For those five days, we would pound the ability to coordinate attacks into the newly allied armies.