Chapter Seven: Rebirth of the Paradox
“Looks like we got past the first wave,” Father said.
“That was easy-peasy!” Keel said. “And if that obnoxious group of knights hadn’t butted in, it would’ve been even easier.”
“I think so too,” Sakura said, and Yuki and Kou nodded in agreement. I couldn’t disagree. The first wave had been nothing short of a marvelous success.
“Let’s not get too ahead of ourselves,” Father said. “Based on what you said, Motoyasu, the waves are just going to get more dangerous from here on out, right? We can’t get careless.”
A chorus of agreement rang out.
Meanwhile, the captain of the group of Melromarc knights went over to Ren and Itsuki.
“You did well, heroes,” he told them. “The king has officially invited you to the castle in honor of your deeds today. You will also receive a generous reward.”
That’s quite the attitude to take toward Ren and Itsuki, considering how he greeted me and Father. Of course, Ren and Itsuki should still take all the money they could get. It would become their funds to use after they left Melromarc, and 500 silver coins was nothing to scoff at. Although 500 silver coins was chump change compared to what Siltvelt would give the Shield Hero, it was still enough to get some weapon power-ups, so there was certainly no harm in taking it.
“The wave went well, but still . . .” Father was murmuring to himself. “The real show starts tonight, I think . . . Motoyasu is still here, and the best-case scenario is nothing happens.”
Father appeared to be worried about going to the castle. Naturally, it would be the best-case scenario if Trash and the Crimson Swine left us alone, but there was a possibility that they would try to pull off some dastardly scheme.
And if I immediately disrupted whatever they tried to do, it could have a serious effect on future events.
The good news was that Father was much stronger than he had been in the first go-around. That’s a significant change. And of course, I was far, far stronger as well. If we decided to, we could put an end to their schemes instantly.
“E-excuse me,” came a voice. One of the Riyute villagers who we had evacuated came up to us.
“Hi—can I help you?” Father asked.
“I wanted to thank you for helping us,” the villager said. “If you hadn’t been there, our lives would’ve been in danger.”
“You’re very welcome. Was anyone injured? If so, we have some medicine . . .”
“No, no, we’re fine,” the villager said. “Nothing serious—and all thanks to you.”
Father nodded. “That’s great to hear.”
“Again—thank you so much!” The villager bowed deeply and hurried off. The villagers were truly relieved to be safe. There was no serious damage to Riyute either, beyond a few ruined buildings. It wasn’t as bad as the first go-around.
Still, back then, Father had done an impressive job minimizing damage without any of the other heroes helping him. It was a remarkable achievement.
“So I guess we’re off to the castle now,” Father said. “It seems like they’ll be putting on a feast for us, so enjoy yourselves.”
“Heck yeah! Food!” Keel shouted.
“I can’t wait!” Sakura exclaimed.
“No one here has any modesty,” Yuki declared.
“You’re not looking forward to the food?” Sakura asked. “Kou’s basically drooling with excitement. I wonder if there will be food as tasty-looking as Keel!”
“I’m telling you I’m not some kinda snack! Leave me alone!”
“Oink.”
Oh yeah. I had totally forgotten about Lazy Pig. What had she been doing this whole time? Was it possible that she hadn’t helped out during the attack at all? If so, I’d have no choice but to send her flying as far as I could.
“Yep, thanks so much for all your help with the evacuation,” Father said.
“Oink.”
“Your instructions were just right,” Yuki chimed in.
“You didn’t fight much though,” barked Keel.
That point was obvious. Well, it’s not like I was expecting anything more from her. But if Father said that she had been helpful, then I had no choice but to raise my estimation of her. Slightly.
And as we chatted and as I got lost in thought, we continued to follow the knights toward the castle, staying on guard as much as we could.
“You’ve done splendid, fine heroes!” bellowed the king in excitement when we arrived. “This wave of destruction did nothing compared to how hard the last one hit us before you arrived!”
We were taken straight to the banquet hall, where a feast was laid out for us.
Did nothing in comparison, you say? Indeed—the greater damage was done by your own soldiers, Trash! We knew just what happened to Keel and Big Sis; innocent demi-humans were taken captive as slaves!
Incidentally, the soldiers let us know that there was not even a single casualty in the fight.
Before we got to the castle, Father asked that I stay quiet about whatever the king might be scheming against us and let events proceed as naturally as possible. Of course, that was my intention from the beginning, so I would put all of my trust in Father’s wits, I say. In typical Father fashion, he was anticipating that they might try to do something or other.
“Food! Yes!”
Keel shoveled dishes onto her plate and gobbled them up, one after the next. She had quite the appetite, nearly on the same level as a growing filolial, I say.
“You all sure can eat fast,” Father observed.
“This isn’t as good as your stuff, Big Bro!” Keel said. “Make us something tomorrow!”
“All right, all right.”
“I want it too!” Sakura added.
“And me!” Kou shouted. “I wanna dip you in sauce, Keel!”
“Why won’t you stop talking about wanting to eat me!?” Keel barked. “Come on and fight me if you wanna eat me so bad!”