Chapter 20

When we arrived at the village, it was just the moment when the monsters, which had overflowed from the wave, were about to wreak havoc.

The knight and the adventurer stationed there were barely fighting the monsters, but they were outnumbered... the defensive line was on the verge of collapse.

"Raphatalia, guide the villagers to safety."

"Huh, what about you, Naofumi-sama...?"

"I'll draw the enemies' attention!"

I rushed to the defensive line and swung my shield at the monsters, which were swarming like locusts.

Of course, the sound of metal clashing was heard, but no damage was done.

But I could at least draw their attention.

It was no different from what Raphatalia and I had been doing until now.

"Grug!"

Locust-like small monsters swarmed towards me. The types of monsters seemed to be limited to bees, ghouls, and the like.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Thanks to the barbarian armor or the effect of the shield, I still didn't take any damage.

"Y-You, Hero?"

"Yeah... you guys, take advantage of me drawing their attention and quickly regroup!"

Many of the people from Ryouute Village were familiar with me.

"Yes!"

Taking this opportunity, even those who weren't seriously injured retreated, leaving me as the sole defender.

"Hey..."

What are they thinking?

Half in exasperation, the monsters attacked me with fangs, stingers, and claws.

The sound of clashing metal echoed, but it didn't hurt at all. However, the feeling of them crawling all over me was unbearable.

I swung my shield at the monsters.

Clang!

Seriously, why do the people in this world rely so much on others?

I was getting increasingly irritated as the wave of calamity began.

"Help—!!"

The innkeeper, who had taken me in, was being attacked by a monster in the rear.

Just as the monster's claws were about to pierce the innkeeper, I shouted instinctively.

"Air Shield!"

I cast the skill and summoned a shield to protect the innkeeper.

The innkeeper was surprised by the sudden appearance of the shield and looked at me.

"Run quickly!"

"...Thank you."

The innkeeper, who had lost his composure, thanked me and left with his family.

"Kyaaaaaaaaaa!"

A scream that sounded like silk being torn.

I saw a group of monsters swarming towards a woman who seemed to have been left behind.

I approached within range and shouted,

"Shield Prison!"

I summoned shields on all sides to protect the woman.

The monsters, surprised by the sudden appearance of the shields, changed their target to me.

Right. Come to me. I'm the only target.

Before the effect of the Shield Prison ran out, I drew the monsters back to the village's defensive line.

Clang! Clang!

Ugh...

The number of monsters pressing down on me increased, making my body feel heavier.

Then, a rain of fire fell from the sky.

Looking out from the swarm of monsters, I saw the knight squad had arrived, and those who could use magic were casting a rain of fire in my direction.

"Hey! There are allies here!"

Only me, though.

The monsters, which were mostly insects, quickly caught fire and burned.

It seems I not only have high physical defense but also high magical defense.

In the midst of the burning defensive line, I was angry at the friendly fire and approached the knight squad, my cloak billowing and scattering flames.

"Hmph, the Shield Hero... you're a tough one."

The leader of the knight squad spat out as soon as he saw me.

A shadow suddenly appeared, drawing a sword.

With a clang, the one who had spat out the words drew his sword and engaged in a sword clash.

"What are you doing to Naofumi-sama! I won't forgive you depending on your answer!"

Raphatalia, with a murderous intent, shouted.

"Are you a companion of the Shield Hero?"

"Yes, I am Naofumi-sama's sword! I won't tolerate rudeness!"

"...Are you saying a demi-human will defy the knight squad?"

"I won't tolerate anyone who neglects the people they should protect and burns Naofumi-sama, who is supposed to be an ally, with magic!"

"Since you're a complete human, it's fine, right?"

"It's not fine!"

The knights surrounded Raphatalia, who continued the sword clash.

"Shield Prison!"

"What, you—"

I trapped the opponent in a shield prison and glared at the knights who were trying to outnumber me.

"...The enemy is the monsters crawling from the wave. Don't get it wrong!"

The knights averted their eyes, looking like they were at a disadvantage.

"What does a criminal hero have to say?"

"Then... I'll move, and you guys deal with the rest on your own?"

Monsters swarmed from the burning front line and attacked me, who was at the forefront.

The knights, seeing me withstand all of it, turned pale.

After all, I am the Shield Hero. They couldn't handle me alone.

"Raphatalia, is the evacuation guidance complete?"

"No... it will take a little more time."

"I see, then hurry up and evacuate them."

"But..."

"I wasn't hurt by the friendly fire. However, if you think I can't do anything and are treating me with contempt..."

I patted Raphatalia's shoulder and glared at the knight squad.

"...I'll kill you. By any means necessary, I can even use you as bait for the monsters and escape."

My threat seemed to work, as the knights held their breath and stopped casting spells.

"Alright, Raphatalia. We'll start the battle after the obstructive ones are gone. There are plenty of enemies. We can start after that."

Surprisingly, I could withstand it. This should be fine.

"Yes!"

Following the order, Raphatalia ran towards the village.

"Damn! A criminal hero like you..."

The moment the prison's effect time ran out, the leader, who seemed to be an idiot, shouted at me.

"Is that so, you... will die?"

Monsters approached from behind me.

The idiot, realizing he would be attacked if he didn't get protection, silently retreated.

Honestly, there are no decent people here.

If I weren't the Shield Hero, who can only defend, who would willingly help these people?

After that, thanks to the delay, the monsters that overflowed from the wave were dealt with to some extent.

When Raphatalia, who had completed the evacuation of the obstructive ones, returned to the front line, I launched an attack.

Using the support of the knight squad, the crack in the sky closed a few hours later.

"Well, that's about it."

"Yeah, this time's boss was a piece of cake."

"Yes, this should be easy for the next wave too."

The heroes who fought at the front of the wave were chatting in front of the dead body of what seemed to be the main boss, a chimera.

What are they talking about, leaving the evacuation of civilians to the knight squad and adventurers...

Even after a month, they still can't get out of their game mindset.

I ignored these useless heroes and was relieved to have survived the wave.

The sky had returned to its usual color and would soon be dyed by the sunset.

This means we can survive at least another month.

...The fact that I didn't take any damage is probably because the wave was still weak. I don't know if I can withstand the next one.

What will happen when I can no longer endure?

"Well done, heroes. The king has prepared a feast for the heroes who have overcome this wave. He will also give rewards, so please come."

I don't really want to go, but I have no money. So I accompanied the group that was leaving and went with them.

I'm supposed to receive a sum of money equivalent to the advance payment at regular intervals.

500 silver coins. It's a fortune for me now.

"Ah, ah..."

The people from Ryouute Village approached me and spoke.

"What is it?"

"Thank you. If you weren't here, I don't think anyone would have survived."

"It turned out that way."

"No."

Another person rejected my response.

"Because you were here, we were able to survive."

"If you think so, think as you please."

"Okay!"

The people from the village bowed to me and left.

Their village had suffered a lot. The reconstruction ahead will be difficult.

They say thank you when their lives are saved, but they usually look down on me... such a hypocritical group.

"Naofumi-sama"

After a long battle, Raphatalia, covered in mud and sweat, ran up to me with a smile.

"Great job. Everyone is grateful."

"...Yeah."

"Because of you, there won't be more people like me. Thank you, Naofumi-sama!"

"...Yeah."

Perhaps from the post-battle high or because she was thinking about her own background, Raphatalia was tearing up.

"I... did my best too."

"Yeah, you did a great job."

I patted Raphatalia's head and praised her.

Right. Raphatalia followed my instructions and fought well.

It's important to give her proper credit.

"I defeated a lot of monsters."

"Yeah, I'm grateful."

"Hehe."

Despite feeling a bit uncomfortable with Raphatalia's happy smile, we headed to the castle.

"Wow! You heroes are amazing. The difference from the last wave is like night and day! I'm amazed!"

The king declared at the grand feast held in the castle after nightfall.

Incidentally, I don't know how many casualties there were last time, but this time it was only in the single digits.

...I have no intention of claiming credit for anyone's efforts.

The other heroes did defeat the monsters that emerged from the wave, so I don't think it's all my doing.

However, I think this level won't be enough in the future.

It was good that the knight squad arrived quickly because the range of the sandglass was close, but what if it happens in a place where they can't reach in time?

There are many issues...

I called up the help and checked.

About the battle during the wave

When summoned by the sandglass, if preparations are made in advance, registered personnel can be transferred simultaneously.

Can't the knight squad be registered and go together?

With that attitude, no one would want to be registered by me.

However... those useless heroes didn't use it.

Why not?

If it's a game they know, it wouldn't be strange to have it arranged.

...Probably, they thought it wouldn't be that difficult or they neglected to check.

It's too much trouble to say.

I ate some food casually in a corner during the feast.

"What a feast!"

Raphatalia's eyes sparkled at the mountain of food she usually can't eat.

"If you want to eat, go ahead."

"Yes!"

I couldn't give her much good food... this is the time to let her eat what she likes. Raphatalia has achieved results worthy of it.

"Ah... but I'll get fat if I eat."

"You're still growing."

"Umm..."

Raphatalia looked troubled.

"Just eat."

"Do you like fat people, Naofumi-sama?"

"Huh?"

What is she saying?

"I'm not interested."

Just thinking of a woman makes that useless woman come to mind. I don't feel any affection.

To begin with, I find women physiologically unappealing.

"You're right. That's the kind of person Naofumi-sama is."

She reached for the feast, seemingly resigned.

"It's delicious, Naofumi-sama."

"Good for you."

"Yes."

Phew... this feast is a hassle. When will I get the reward?

Seeing this gathering of scum makes me angry.

...Come to think of it, it might be tomorrow or something.

Was it a waste of time? No, it's good that I saved on food.

Raphatalia is a demi-human in her growth period, so food expenses are not trivial.

"I wish I could take some home in a Tupperware."

It would only last until tomorrow, but considering the cost, it would be a waste.

...I'll ask the cook to wrap it up later. It would also be good to take home any leftover ingredients.

While thinking about this, Motasu, with an angry expression, pushed through the crowd and came towards us.

What does he want?

It's too much trouble to deal with him, so I tried to walk away into the crowd, but Motasu glared at me and followed.

"Hey! Naofumi!"

"...What is it?"

He took off one glove and threw it at me.

I think it means a duel.

The crowd around us buzzed at Motasu's next words.

"A duel!"

"What are you talking about, you?"

"Have you finally snapped?"

Thinking about it, he's a game-brained idiot.

A boar who abandons the people he should save and charges at the boss, that's the spear-wielding useless hero.

"I heard! The Raphatalia who's with you is a slave, right?"

He pointed at me, his fighting spirit ignited.

"Huh?"

The person in question was piling food on a plate and eating it happily.

"So what?"

"'So what?'... Are you serious?"

"Yeah."

What's wrong with using a slave?

There's no one who will fight with me. So I bought and used a slave.

This country doesn't prohibit slavery.

What's the problem with that?

"She's my slave. What's the problem with that?"

"People... shouldn't enslave people! Especially not us, the heroes from another world!"

"What are you talking about... there are slaves in our world too."

I don't know about Motasu's world, but it's impossible for there to be no slaves in human history.

If you change your perspective, office workers are slaves to their companies.

"Not allowed? That's just in your mind. In your mind!"

Making up rules and imposing them... this guy is delusional.

"Unfortunately, this is a different world. Slaves exist. What's wrong with me using one?"

"Y-You!"

Motasu pointed his spear at me with a glare.

"Let's have a duel! If I win, you have to free Raphatalia!"

"Why do we need a duel? What if I win?"

"Then you can do as you please with Raphatalia! As you have been."

"That's not a fair deal."

I ignored Motasu and tried to leave. Because there's no benefit for me in a duel.

"I heard what Lord Motasu had to say."

The crowd parted like the Red Sea, and the king appeared.

"A hero using a slave... I had only heard rumors, but if Lord Motasu is dissatisfied, I command it. Have a duel!"

"Who cares. Just give me the wave reward. Then I'll leave this place on my own!"

The king sighed and snapped his fingers.

Soldiers appeared from somewhere and surrounded me.

I saw Raphatalia being protected by the soldiers.

"Naofumi-sama!"

"...What are you doing?"

I glared at the king, putting all the force I could into my eyes.

This guy didn't believe a word I said.

Moreover, he only gets in my way.

"My word is absolute in this country! If you don't comply, I'll forcibly confiscate the Shield Hero's slave."

"...Damn!"

The royal magicians probably know how to remove the curse on the slave.

In other words, if I don't fight, Raphatalia will be taken away from me.

What a joke! I finally have a useful slave!

Do you know how much time and money I've invested in her?

"There's no need for a duel! I—Mmm!"

Raphatalia was silenced by a cloth tied around her mouth to prevent her from speaking.

"The slave might be under a curse to suffer if they don't support their master. I'll silence the slave."

"...I can participate in the duel, right?"

"Why should I let the prize of the duel participate?"

"Hey! You—"

"Then the duel will be held in the castle courtyard!"

The king, that bastard, cut off my complaint and declared the place for the duel.

Damn, I have