The Monster Hero

Ch 13: Back in The Capital

3RD PERSON POV

After Ryuji and Naofumi spoke with the doctor, they checked up on Raphtalia.

On their way, they were joined by Filo who had just arrived after eating fruit from their supplies.

They entered Raphtalia's room, just when the nurse was finishing bandaging her up.

Ryuji: how are you feeling?

Raphtalia: I'm alright. they have taken such good care of me

Nurse: I can't believe that corpses can inflict powerful curses like that

Ryuji crossed his arms, confused by what the nurse said.

Ryuji: (Isn't Naofumi the one who cursed Raphtalia?)

Raphtalia: I know, I shouldn't have been careless and got that rotten flesh on me

Ryuji: (oh, I get it. Raphtalia lied)

When the nurse was about to leave, she noticed Naofumi's gaze on Raphtalia and leaned close to her.

Nurse: *whisper* he cares very much about you, doesn't he?

Raphtalia: *blush* w-well I don't think...

Nurse: take care of Raphtalia. Bye

The nurse left the room.

Naofumi: I'm really sorry

Raphtalia: it's alright master Naofumi, it's just... I have this strange feeling that that strange power would take you somewhere far away and I couldn't bear that. Since I was able to stop you before that, I don't mind this at all

Ryuji: speaking of that power. Naofumi, what kind of shield was that? I've never seen you feed it something to become that

Naofumi: honestly, I don't know... but I think I somehow unlocked it after my duel with Motoyasu

Ryuji: with Motoyasu, how?

Naofumi: when they were removing Raphtalia's slave crest... I felt rage, I was so angry that the entire kingdom wanted to take everything from me and leave me in despair, all because I was the shield hero. After that, I vaguely remember seeing something in my vision, something called the curse series

Ryuji: cursed series? So that shield is called a curse shield?

Naofumi: no, it is called the wrath shield. it suddenly appeared when I thought Filo was killed. Everyone forgive me... you guys were in danger because I hesitated for a moment. Just as bravery and recklessness are different, the same goes for caution and cowardice. If I remain a coward, then I'll fail to protect the things I care about... I should've stepped up and distracted the dragon

Raphtalia: this isn't your fault Master Naofumi!

Filo: yeah, because Filo hates dragons and Filo got reckless

Ryuji: you're not the only one to blame, i practically forgot to summon all six monsters I've set my my monster party

Naofumi: you guys...

Naofumi smiled as he felt happy, that his friends were willing to forgive his mistake.

Filo: wow! You smiled master!

Raphtalia: it's true, you finally showed us an actual smile

Naofumi: did I?

Ryuji: The world must be coming to an end if Naofumi is smiling

Naofumi: *annoyed* Hey!!

Everyone laughed, even Noufumi after Ryuji's joke.

FIlo: oh, I almost forgot!