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Tate no Yuusha no Nariagari (LN) - Volume 13 - Chapter 7




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Chapter Seven: A True Siltveltian 

“What is this insolence? You and your brother are hakuko half-breeds. You have no right to speak here! Be gone!” Jaralis shouted. 
“Half-breed? Right to speak? Pathetic! Have the people of Siltvelt — those of you here in this room, especially — not forgotten the most important thing of all?” Atla replied. 
She may have only been a child, but she brushed off Jaralis’s angry response as if she were completely unaffected. 
“What?!” shouted Jaralis. 
“Hold your tongue!” yelled another member. 
“A-Atla?” Fohl stuttered. 
“I will not. I would not be able to forgive myself if I stood by and watched this farce without speaking up. My intellect, my intuition, and my heart are all telling me that your actions are wrong,” she replied. 
As Atla was speaking, I could sense some kind of energy erupting from her body. The energy took on the form of a tiger and bore down on the Siltvelt leadership. It felt similar to bloodlust, but not quite the same. I wondered if it was some kind of advanced application of life force. 
Atla stomped a foot down in front of her and the impact caused the floor to split open. The surrounding members of the Siltvelt leadership gulped. 
“C-could she be . . .” 
“Impossible . . .” 
The way they were trembling in fear seemed to imply they knew something I didn’t, but that wasn’t really my concern at the moment. I decided to just cross my arms, sit there like a king on a throne, and hear her out. 
“I want you all to recall the original purpose of Siltvelt. Recall why it came to exist in the first place. You say you worship the Shield Hero, but here you are treating him like dirt!” she shouted. 
“Wh-what are you saying?! Have we not welcomed the Shield Hero back — ” 
“Then tell me, why does Mr. Naofumi, the Shield Hero, look so upset?! Do you really think we have not noticed the innumerable times you have treated Mr. Naofumi rudely since we arrived?!” she continued. 
They were all trembling like a group of children being scolded by their mother. 
 
“I’m ashamed that I ever admired your so-called religious devotion!” she shouted. 
Oh yeah. Atla had gone on about how fantastic their devotion was several times earlier. I’d been planning on having a talk with her about that before long. 
 
 
 
“Now then, people of Siltvelt, do you know how this country was founded? Can you tell me why it exists?” she asked. 
“O-of course! It was founded by the Shield Hero and exists for the sake of the Shield Hero!” one of them replied. 
He’d taken the bait. Atla pointed at the man. 
“That’s right! Siltvelt was built by the Shield Hero, just like that village in Melromarc was rebuilt by Mr. Naofumi! And yet you make veiled threats of sending assassins to the village! Your actions are a disgrace to the founding of your own country!” she exclaimed. 
“N-nonsense!” 
“Siltvelt is a huge country! That village in Melromarc is — ” 
“And did Siltvelt start out as a huge country? Are you saying the village that Mr. Naofumi, the Shield Hero, is rebuilding is insignificant simply because it is small?” she snapped. 
There was no end in sight to Atla’s castigation. She was really on a roll. 
“Do you want the history books to tell of a world that longed for something fresh and new rather than settling for worn, old fossils?” she asked. 
“Ugh . . . But . . .” 
“What is the purpose of our power — these claws and these fangs of ours — in the first place? Think about it! Is it world domination? Or is it to protect others? It is neither! It is all for the sake of Mr. Naofumi, the Shield Hero!” she shouted. 
The members of the leadership — Werner, in particular — began nodding repeatedly. 
“Have you not spent years upon years sharpening those fangs to prepare for when they would be needed? You can insult me and call me a half-breed if you like, but that doesn’t change what this blood running through my veins is telling me. It demands my loyalty to Mr. Naofumi!” 
Some kind of strange aura began to form around Atla, and the leadership gradually began clapping. I couldn’t believe it. Would they swallow anything dished out to them? 
“That’s right! The waves of destruction are upon us! The fate of future generations lies in the hands of the Shield Hero! Have we not sharpened our fangs so that we may assist him? Then declare your loyalty to Mr. Naofumi! Serve him as a retainer should!” 
 
 
The roar of applause filled the air. I was only looking on vacantly. Raphtalia had a look of disbelief on her face. There was a single lion therianthrope, along with his sidekick, who refused to join in on the applause. It was Jaralis, standing there with a scowl on his face. 
“A-Atla?” Fohl muttered again. 
He was staring at her with a look of amazement. 
“I don’t know. Nothing she said seems outright wrong, so I can’t really argue with her,” Raphtalia said. 
She seemed to mostly agree with Atla. 
“Yeah. Her reasoning for being loyal to little Naofumi and her willingness to fight can’t be faulted,” Sadeena replied. 
“Hm? We fight against the waves because Master asked us to, right?” Filo said. 
They all voiced their support like it was completely obvious. Seeing this, the members of the Siltvelt leadership all knelt down, as if they had suddenly returned to their senses. 
“I can’t believe I had to be told such a thing by a little girl like this. But it is just as she says,” Werner replied. 
“We exist for the sake of the Shield Hero! Our purpose was supposed to be to rescue the world from the coming destruction. And yet we tried to treat the Shield Hero like a tool to gain power for ourselves. It’s unspeakable!” shouted another one of the members. 
Everyone that had been clapping bowed to me. In a stark contrast to all of them, Jaralis and his sidekick glared at me and Atla. 
“Objection! I submit that this Shield Hero standing here before us is not the true Shield Hero that Siltvelt has so longed for!” Jaralis roared. 
“Jaralis, you bastard! Your insolence has crossed the line!” Werner snapped, rebuking Jaralis. 
“Insolence? You’re mistaken. It is exactly because I care deeply about Siltvelt that I am calmly stating my opinion so that we might avoid making any foolish decisions,” Jaralis replied. 
Hmph. His wording was a bit sensationalistic, but I had a feeling what he was saying wasn’t wrong. The whole “Shield Hero’s word is law” attitude was a bit too blindly accepting in the first place. That could easily lead to trouble. If the situation had been different, I might have agreed with him. But at this point, he was only getting in the way. In which case, I wondered what to do about him. 
 
 
Hm? Atla must have had something else to say, because she took in a deep breath and . . . 
“Mr. Naofumi — nay, our god makes no mistakes!” she screamed at the top of her voice. 
That little twit. I was starting to think she might be a genius when it came to stirring up trouble. And what the hell? These people were actually nodding in agreement. Even I could admit I made mistakes from time to time! I’d have to talk some sense into Atla later. 
“Or are you foolish enough to try to say that Mr. Naofumi is a fake hero?” she asked. 
“Not at all. I have no intention of going that far. I am simply saying that I don’t believe he is the Shield Hero that we have been waiting for,” Jaralis replied. 
He was trying to avoid attracting further disapproval by objecting without denying outright that I was indeed the Shield Hero. It was the response of a true politician. 
“I am questioning whether what we are seeing now are truly the waves of destruction spoken of in the legends. As they say, haste makes waste. If these truly are the waves prophesied to destroy the world, then why was the Shield Hero successfully summoned by our enemy, Melromarc?! Indeed, the fact that the Shield Hero was called to our enemy’s territory is the ultimate proof that now is in fact not the time that has been foretold!” he roared. 
There was no arguing that things might have turned out differently if I’d been summoned to Siltvelt by myself. I’d probably be spending time with my harem, engaging in some of that “rampant debauchery” that Sadeena liked to talk about, although I wanted to believe that wouldn’t have happened. 
“No, I’m afraid that theory doesn’t hold water,” Atla replied. 
She shook her head in disagreement. Oh? Was she going to argue? 
“It is exactly because this is the prophesied time that the Shield Hero was summoned together with the other three holy heroes. The true power of the heroes lies in sharing their individual powers with each other. In other words, Mr. Naofumi was summoned to Melromarc because it is an appropriate location for the other three heroes to be summoned to. That is your proof that the world is in danger!” she continued. 
“Keep your sophistry to yourself!” Jaralis roared. 
“Who is the true sophist here?! I speak as one who has sworn my loyalty to Mr. Naofumi!” she snapped. 
 
 
The members of the Siltvelt leadership gulped and fell completely silent. Just then, a voice came from near the entrance of the throne room. 
“You ridicule the young child, yet she has a strong will and is as fierce as a tiger. If one were to ask which of you were the true Siltveltian, I suspect anyone here would answer the girl,” said the voice. 
Everyone turned around. Standing in the entrance was a therianthrope that resembled a turtle. And standing next to him was Fohl’s contact — the hakuko that I’d met early that morning. The turtle’s tail looked like a snake. Perhaps it was just my imagination, but something about him made him seem plump. 
“Who are you?” I asked, confused. 
Werner’s expression of surprise softened. He regained his composure and answered for the man. 
“He is a genmu, and one of the country’s most well-known nobles. He is among perhaps the top two most influential people here in Siltvelt,” Werner explained. 
Genmu? Was that supposed to be genbu? Ah, so the genmu race resembled the Black Tortoise. All that was left was to find an aotatsu, or whatever they called the race that resembled the Azure Dragon. Then we would have all of the four symbols. 
“Greetings, Shield Hero. I have heard of your many deeds. It is a true honor to make your acquaintance,” the turtle said. 
“Thanks . . .” I replied. 
“Might I remind you that you stand before the Shield Hero! No matter how powerful you may be, using that form here is unforgivable!” Werner snapped. 
He spoke in a threatening voice, but he grinned at the genmu. 
“My, my! I remain in this form at all times to keep myself protected, so I had completely forgotten,” he replied. 
The genmu returned to his demi-human form. What had been a turtle was now a plump little man. He appeared to be rather elderly — around 60 years old, perhaps. The way he walked with a cane had already given that away. There was nothing particularly dislikable about the way he looked. 
“Gentlemen, we have sharpened our fangs in preparation for the coming of the prophesied time. We have kept this country alive and strong so that it might support the Shield Hero. To imply that Siltvelt will fall apart if the Shield Hero does not remain here is utter foolishness. Do you not agree?” the man asked. 
 
 
Aside from Jaralis and his sidekick, everyone nodded in agreement. 
“Are you suggesting that we listen to this half-breed?! Nothing about her actions strikes me as being worthy of being called a true Siltveltian!” Jaralis roared. 
That threatening aura erupted from Atla’s body once again. 
“Is that so? If you insist on standing in Mr. Naofumi’s way no matter what, then . . .” 
Atla pointed at Jaralis and issued a bold statement. 
“Mr. Naofumi’s word is the law. If you are going to stand in his way, then I shall remove you using physical force!” she declared. 

Gasps of surprise erupted from the Siltvelt leaders. 
“Hmph! A most welcome proposition! Werner, I see no way of avoiding this,” Jaralis replied. 
“Very well, then. In accordance with Siltvelt tradition, I permit you to engage in a duel!” Werner announced. 
The leadership immediately broke out into a murmur. 
“Then I shall serve as the guardian of the Shield Hero’s hakuko girl. Jaralis, you will personally accept the duel to show that you stand true to your beliefs,” the genmu said. 
“Those are some big words, old man. Are you truly prepared to accept the consequences as her guardian should she lose the duel?” Jaralis asked. 
“I am,” said the genmu. 
It certainly seemed clear that the old man had a ridiculous amount of influence. But what was a traditional Siltvelt duel, anyway? 
“First, the four ‘elite’ races of Siltvelt will relinquish their overinflated say in matters. Second, you will accept our claim to the Shield Hero as the sole property of Siltvelt. And finally, you will permit the severe punishment of that insolent little brat there,” Jaralis said. 
“Th-that is — ” 
Werner attempted to intervene, but the old man stopped him. 
“If I lose, then so be it!” Atla shouted. 
“Those conditions are a joke. They all favor him. I’d rather not accept them if there’s another way . . .” I said. 
But I could see Atla’s firm determination written all over her face. I would have refused if it was me in her place. I was basically being treated like the prize here. Part of me wanted to tell them all to just go to hell. 
 
 
“May I assume you will not object to us specifying equally severe conditions?” the old genmu asked. 
“You may,” Jaralis answered, nodding calmly. 
He seemed like the type that had confidence, if nothing else. But he also seemed to have a subtle charisma, or some lion-like quality, that gave him a regal air. I had no personal obligation to accept his terms, honestly. But it would be worth it if it meant being able to deal with Raphtalia’s issue while also making these fools pay. 
“Fine. Why not? I’ll accept your conditions. In return, you’ll agree to follow my orders if we win,” I said. 
“Why, of course! As you wish, great Shield Hero,” Jaralis replied. 
Could the bastard have been any more provocative? 
“Then let us confirm the conditions. Should Jaralis win, the four noble houses of Siltvelt will relinquish their right to speak, the Shield Hero will remain in Siltvelt, and the half-blood hakuko will be punished. Should the Shield Hero win, Siltvelt will follow his orders. Are both parties in agreement?” Werner asked. 
“Agreed,” I replied. 
“Then I shall explain the rules of the duel. According to Siltvelt tradition, those who initiated and accepted the duel each get to choose who will fight for the opposing party,” Werner said. 
“I choose . . .” Jaralis began. 
He pointed at Atla and Fohl. 
“The two hakuko half-breeds!” he roared. 
“Huh?” Fohl muttered. 
He was at a loss for words upon being chosen to fight. But seriously? I could understand Atla, but to pick Fohl too? 
“You’ve got a big mouth for a half-breed! I’ll show you the true power of pedigree!” Jaralis roared. 
“I’d like to see you try! Although, I am a bit worried about Brother,” Atla replied. 
“A-Atla?!” Fohl stammered. 
I was starting to feel sorry for him again. 
“I would prefer to be paired with Mr. Naofumi,” Atla said. 
“Am I allowed to participate in the duel?” I asked. 
“Let the Shield Hero — the reward — participate? You’re quite the comedian, aren’t you?” Jaralis said sarcastically. 
 
 
The bastard pointed at me and sneered with a provocative look in his eyes. 
“I hope you realize you’re going to regret this later. Then how about Raphtalia or Filo?” I suggested. 
Raphtalia would be able to crush him. I’d brought a real all-star lineup of formidable fighters, actually. 
“You sure talk big, half-breed, but it would seem the Shield Hero has little faith in you and your brother. This is a real masterpiece,” Jaralis scoffed. 
What an asshole. I sure hoped he wasn’t planning on trying anything sneaky to push the fight in his favor. 
“Just to be clear, this is a duel between men. The use of monsters is not allowed,” Werner said. 
“Hm?” Filo muttered. 
“Rafuuu?” 
Raph-chan and Filo both looked confused. I figured Filo might be able to participate in her human form, but I guess that wasn’t allowed. 
“The fact is, I don’t really trust him to play fair, but . . . fine,” I said. 
I realized that if I tried to swap the duel participants and send Raphtalia instead of Fohl, it would probably cause problems, but . . . 
“You need not worry, Mr. Naofumi! Even if Brother is defeated, I will win the fight on my own!” Atla exclaimed. 
“Atla?! I won’t be defeated!” Fohl replied. 
She was basically declaring Fohl as useless. What a poor guy. 
“I do feel a bit uneasy about it . . .” I admitted. 
“To accept the opposition’s designations and still come out on top — that is a true testimony to our strength! Even if Brother loses, I will not! Mr. Naofumi! Please allow this!” Atla pleaded. 
I really would have rather been extra careful, but I guess it was partially thanks to Atla speaking up that we’d been able to specify the conditions we had. If worse came to worst, I could just make up some excuse and ignore their conditions. Besides, that Jaralis bastard really pissed me off. And I’d seen how formidable Atla could be recently too. 
“Fine. I will allow it,” I said. 
“Thank you! Now then, we have Mr. Naofumi’s permission. Let the duel begin!” Atla declared. 
All of the hot-blooded members in the room nodded excitedly, and everyone was taken to the hall where the party had been held the night before. Apparently that was where the duel would be held. 
 
 
Jaralis’s sidekick was a brawny minotaur therianthrope who looked like some kind of legendary warrior. He was gripping his weapon tightly and raring to go. The guy was even bigger than the minotaur who had taken our carriage the day before. 
“Oh my . . . I see you have chosen one of the surviving heroes of the great wars to fight by your side,” said Werner. 
“Indeed. With the Shield Hero at stake, this is a battle of utmost importance. I can’t risk bringing along some nobody that I can’t trust. Of course, I fully expect him to go all out from the get-go,” Jaralis replied. 
“All for the sake of Siltvelt!” exclaimed the minotaur. 
He seemed eager to fight too. 
“I’ll have the Shield Hero take my daughter in marriage,” he added. 
Hell no. Even if this muscle-bound beast’s daughter was the most beautiful girl in the world, I would still refuse. I disliked women as a general rule. And being used for breeding like a stud was inexcusable. 
“But . . . Is this really . . .” Werner’s voice trailed off. 
He glanced over at me with a worried look on his face. 
“Oh my . . . The boy certainly does seem to know how to handle himself. He might even be stronger than little Sasa,” Sadeena said. 
I wanted to retort with a “who the hell is that?!” But I vaguely recalled that being the name of one of the fighters I’d seen in a Zeltoble coliseum match. 
“We have no choice but to fight, regardless of who the opponent may be. Atla will just have to defeat him. Can you do that, Atla?” Raphtalia asked. 
“You shouldn’t even have to ask, Raphtalia. If it will prove my loyalty to Mr. Naofumi, then I will smash through any obstacle, no matter how great it may be!” Atla replied. 
“I . . .” Fohl started. 
He seemed to be wavering. Whatever, I wasn’t expecting much from him anyway. 
“And I’m supposed to just watch?” I asked. 
“That’s right,” Werner replied. 
Hmph. So this was how it felt to be treated like a prize. I couldn’t help but wonder if Raphtalia felt the same way when Motoyasu challenged me to a duel. Anyway, we’d managed to make it this far without losing. Doing so here wasn’t an option. 
 
 
“Atla! Fohl! You better win, no matter what!” I said. 
“Of course we will!” Atla replied. 
“Ugh . . . I’ll win for Atla and for our father!” Fohl said. 
Oh? He was starting to show a bit of verve too. 
“Hmph! Good luck with that, you hakuko half-breed!” Jaralis snarled. 
“I heard you fought alongside my father. What kind of man was he on the battlefield?” Fohl asked Jaralis. 
I’d almost forgotten about Jaralis being there to witness his father’s last moments. His father’s death had been suspicious too, so it only made sense for him to ask. 
“Ha! You are but a pale shadow of the man. If you really want to know, then ask me with your fists!” Jaralis replied. 
“Fine. Whether or not I am stronger than he was . . . I’ll let you see for yourself!” Fohl shouted. 
“Very well. Are both parties ready to begin the duel?” the announcer asked. 
He gave the signal to get ready and Jaralis and the minotaur both took on a fighting stance. Atla just stood there casually, as if completely relaxed and unaffected by any of this. Judging by the way Fohl was starting to get worked up, he might have actually enjoyed fighting after all. I was still a bit worried, though. Arguing with his sister was the only fighting I’d seen him do so far. 
And then the sound of a gong echoed throughout the hall. 
 





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