Naofumi had grown a little stronger and so had I, we would train in the fields, loot the spoils and invest.... today i wanted to surprise Naofumi with a new way of earning money... despite the foundings from the king i still decided that he should find a good source of income on his own.... with a little help from me! So i wrote a note and left it on the table of his room in the inn we were renting together, I wanted to help him become independent as fast as possible! So i had been looking around for a good apartment but first i had to arrange a good trading business.
I decided to travel back to my uncle over the night and return with some rare herbs i knew was growing like weeds nearby my village. i wanted it all to be a happy gift to him for helping me making my dream come true! I was finally becoming a hero in my own right!.
Naofumi pov:- woke up to the letter on the table and an empty bed on the other side of the room. Opening the envelope he discovered his friends colorful writing.
Good morning Naofumi!
I am on my way back to my uncles home, I remember that there was something urgent i had to do! it's actually a gift to you from me.... for well, you made my dream possible! So i want to help you.
I will be back tomorrow as soon as possible! I might even get back way earlier too!
P.S: Naofumi i made some of those cakes you like, so you can have them as a snack, I placed them in your lunchbox .... Loves and all that Vera.
Naofumi chuckled and indeed in his small lunch pack was a small box of cookies, he consumed a few with a warm feeling in his chest. At moment's like this he couldn't help but feel he lucked out. it's almost like we are boyfriend and girlfriend.... wait.... WHAT AM I THINKING ME!??
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That evening he encounters Myne and Motoyasu they talk for a bit and Motoyasu and Itsuki leave the dinner table early leaving Naofumi and Myne. They talk for a bit and Naofumi excuses himself to retire for the day.
He misses Myne's evil smirk as she follows him and after making sure he is sleeping robs him blind. The next day when Vera returns to her room she is shocked to see it rummaged through and knows something is wrong.
She quickly drops her gifts and run into a lingering guard who briefs her on what happened.
Vera quickly runs to the castle well in time to see Naofumi being accused of rape.
"Naofumi!"
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"Naofumi!" I call out to him as he turns around to face me.
his face jaded in disbelief and anger that quickly shifts into slight hope.
"Vera! Oh, It wasn't me! I didn't do it!"
I quickly rushed up to him ignoring the guards "Naofumi! All your things... even your clothes!" I was horrified to find my friend in his underwear with no shoes. They didn't even let him get dressed? "What happened?" I asked him.
"Who would believe the words of a rapist?" Motoyasu stepped forward interrupting, in hiding behind him stood Myne, one of the girls in Motoyasu's team. Motoyasu stuck out his chest. Like a bouncer, protecting a defenseless and victimized woman.
Naofumi was about to retaliate as Motoyasu approached us "Vera-chan, you shouldn't stay close to a pervert like that."
I slap his hand away standing infront of Naofumi hands spread wide in a protective stance.
I gave him the most strictest scowl "Motoyasu...." while resting my hand on the hilt of my sabre.
"I don't tolerate being spoken over." Motoyasu backed up confused and slightly afraid.
I ignored the others and turned back to Naofumi "Naofumi, will you tell me what happened?"
A look of frustration crossed him but he forced himself to calm down. He told me about last night. about having dinner with Myne, itsuki and Motoyasu and then going to bed and how he had woken up completely mugged and dragged over here accused of raping Myne.
I nodded and turned to Myne sniveled telling her side of the story, and she pointed a shaky finger in Naofumi's direction as she spoke. "I screamed as loud as I could and ran from the room. That's when I found Mr. Motoyasu, and he saved me." I looked at Motoyasu and realised he was wearing Naofumis armor. I started putting two and two together when she told us that chainmail was a gift from a victim to her saviour.
"I think i understand now....." I reached over and gently grasped Naofumi's hands that was chained together. I faced them all with determination. " I belive in the shield hero! no, as his friend and companion I belive in Naofumi!" I point at Myne "Naofumi did not Assault Myne."
The whole hall gasped and looked on aghast. Even Naofumi twitched and looked at me in shock.
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The walk back to the inn was silent and filled with glares and whispers.
even a few kids and men had taken to assault Naofumi with rocks and eggs.
I chased them away over and over before holding his hands now finally freed from the chains.
Naofumi has not spoken at all.
But he was holding my hand tightly i could feel his sadness and hurt.
we walked back inside and as he went to wash the egg out from his hair i decided to salvage what was left.
I picked out a clean towel and walked up to Naofumi who was looking down at the ground
his hair dripping wet. I gently dry his hair.
Then he takes me into his arms, the towel hanging on his head as he wraps his arms around my shoulders. I feel something wet drip and soak the top of my head and hold him against me.
i gently stroke circles on his back.
"Shhhhshh.... I'm here, I won't go away... She'll get it good one day, and we'll be there together to see it happen... together, okay?"
I could feel him nod as we stood there embracing.
I couldn't help but feel responsible.... if i had only been here.... if i had, Myne would never had a chance to hurt Naofumi....I guide him back to bed and tuck him in.
I climb in after (removed my shoes) and hold him protectively, his head on my lap arms hugging my waist as he falls into restless slumber.
