01x21 - Naofumi's Triumphant Return

[bunniefuu]

[gasps]

[NAOFUMI groans]

[NAOFUMI] Hm?

Anybody care to tell me what's goin' on here?

[ALL gasp]

Master Naofumi!

Yay! [giggles]

[NAOFUMI grunts]

[MELTY] Finally!

Why'd you have to sleep so long?

[NAOFUMI] What happened?

[NAOFUMI] After we defeated the Pope,

I must've lost consciousness...

So they brought me to the royal family's private clinic

where I guess I've been asleep for three days.

According to Raphtalia,

the queen did everything in her power to save my life.

[NAOFUMI] I'm stuck here for a month?

But my wounds are completely gone,

thanks to that healing magic.

[RAPHTALIA] The curse was powerful.

Time is the only treatment for the damage it did to you.

[NAOFUMI] The Wrath Shield...

Blood Sacrifice...

"Powerful" is right.

But my body gets destroyed along with my target.

[NAOFUMI] It probably would've hurt the rest of you, too,

if it weren't for Fitoria.

--[footsteps] --[NAOFUMI] Hm?

We're here to change your bandages, I daresay.

[ALL gasp]

"Daresay"?

Another medic did it just a few minutes ago.

[NAOFUMI] These two aren't medics. They're Shadows.

--[MELTY gasps] --[FILO] Huh?

[MIRELIA] I rushed over as soon as they told me you'd awakened.

[BOTH gasp]

[MIRELIA] I'm relieved that your life is no longer in danger.

It's Mother--uh, Your Majesty!

[MIRELIA] Allow me to re-introduce myself.

You were a bit indisposed last time.

I am Queen Mirelia Q. Melromarc.

You saved Master Naofumi's life and...

...I don't know how to thank you.

Well, I could hardly allow him to die, now could I?

The Shield Hero's one of the Four Cardinal Heroes.

He helps to keep the world safe from the Waves of Catastrophe.

[NAOFUMI] That's funny.

Because this country of yours

doesn't seem to appreciate the Shield.

Ever since I got here, they've blamed me for everything.

[RAPHTALIA] Master Naofumi...

[MIRELIA] I owe you an explanation.

[MIRELIA] I was far away from Melromarc

at an international forum with the other world leaders

to determine how best to fight against the upcoming Waves

when things took a turn.

At this forum, we decided that the major nations

would each summon one hero.

Then all four of us would be able to work together

to fight the Waves.

[gasps]

[MIRELIA] But by the time we'd made that decision,

Melromarc's temporary leadership

had already summoned all four Cardinal Heroes.

This made the other nations furious,

which forced me to travel the world to put out the fires.

You're saying that trash king and bitchy princess

summoned us here all on their own?

They weren't even supposed to have

the power to make that decision.

I did my best to keep them on a leash

by leaving a lord I trusted in control of the kingdom

while I was away.

However...

He was tragically k*lled during the first Wave

and Her Majesty hadn't returned home yet.

He was the kind and just lord of Seyaette

until that happened.

[RAPHTALIA gasps]

[NAOFUMI] Seyaette?

That explains a lot.

Hey, Melty.

Huh?

[NAOFUMI] What's goin' on? You're acting weird.

[MELTY gasps] U-Uh--Wh-What are you talking about?

I'm in the presence of Her Majesty!

[MIRELIA chuckles]

I'm happy to see you've made some friends, Melty,

and that you can be yourself around them.

I encourage you to stay

in the Shield Hero's good graces, Melty.

[MELTY] Mother!

[NAOFUMI] So...

Why was the Shield Hero the only one

who had to go through all that crap?

Aultcray already had his own reasons

for despising the Shield Hero.

The Three Heroes Church took advantage of that

to manipulate him.

[NAOFUMI] So he hated a totally different Shield Hero?

What the hell does any of that have to do with me?

[MIRELIA] And Malty made things worse

by trying to ensnare you the way she did.

I'm guessing things would've been a lot different

if I'd been summoned by one of those other countries, huh?

[MIRELIA] Yes. Siltvelt, for example,

is ruled by demi-humans.

The Shield Hero is worshipped there, almost like a god.

[NAOFUMI chuckles] So maybe I should head over to Siltvelt.

If you do decide to leave,

Melromarc has no right to stop you.

But first...

I promise to clear your name

and end the humiliation you've suffered.

You have been a pariah in my kingdom for far too long.

And to reward you for fighting against the Waves

and eliminating the treasonous Three Heroes Church,

we'll honor you with the greatest award

Melromarc has to offer,

along with a bonus of gold pieces.

[RAPHTALIA, MELTY gasp]

Master Naofumi!

[FILO] Hmm. Will gold pieces

buy lots of food for me to eat?

[MELTY] It sure will!

[FILO giggles] Hooray! I can't wait!

Lastly, there's something I'd like to discuss with you

in private, if you don't mind.

[MELTY gasps] Hey, Raphtalia? Filo?

How about we head back inside?

Oh, okay.

Good! 'Cause I'm hungry!

[MIRELIA] Isn't it enough?

I just know there's a catch you haven't told me about yet.

At this point, without your help,

Melromarc has no hope of surviving our uncertain future.

[NAOFUMI] You can't convince me to stay in this country.

[gasps]

From now on, I'm going wherever the Waves are,

so I can fight them off.

[NAOFUMI] That's the best chance I've got

to earn myself a ticket back home.

[MIRELIA] I understand.

Forgive me for asking.

How's your recovery coming?

[NAOFUMI] Hm?

Well, at the very least, I'm back on my feet again.

Excellent.

Would you consider a visit to the castle tomorrow

before you go?

What for?

[MIRELIA] It will give you the opportunity to clear your name

before the public.

Besides, King Aultcray and Princess Malty need to...

[MIRELIA] Aside from myself,

you are the only one who knows about this.

And regardless of whether you choose

to work with our country or not,

that won't change what's going to happen.

This is Melromarc's way of--

No, it's my way of making things right again.

[NAOFUMI] But you're talking about

your husband and daughter...

[MIRELIA] There are consequences.

Their sins are grave enough

that not even the queen can save them.

[NAOFUMI grunts]

[MIRELIA] The people know an important announcement

will be made tomorrow,

and they've been instructed to gather outside the castle

if they wish to hear it firsthand.

And I have to be honest,

your presence would be useful, if not essential.

Of course, I understand it's hardly adequate recompense

for the way you've been treated, but please.

[FILO] See?

That's fun!

Master taught me how to do this. Isn't it great?

What was it the queen wanted to talk to you about?

Nothing too important.

She asked me to come to the castle tomorrow

so she can clear my name in front of everyone.

[gasps] That's fantastic!

Uh, yeah...

Thank goodness!

This means that everyone in Melromarc

will finally know the truth--

that you didn't do anything wrong!

[FILO] Huh?

[RAPHTALIA] I'm so relieved!

[CITIZENS yelling]

[gasps]

[NAOFUMI] Why are you giving me that look?

This is what you deserve!

You both deserve to die for what you did to me!

[NAOFUMI gasps]

[NAOFUMI panting]

[RAPHTALIA] Master Naofumi?

[gasps]

Why are you awake? You all right?

Don't worry. I'll be fine.

Yeah, but...

[NAOFUMI] We have an early start tomorrow.

You should get some rest.

[NAOFUMI] They're scumbags.

Why should I care what happens to them?

[CITIZENS chattering]

[MALD] Hey, why aren't we allowed to

enter the castle today?

Only the Shield Hero and his party can get in?

What's the deal?

[LECIA] P-Please, calm down, Sir Mald!

[MALD] Shut your mouth!

[LECIA screams]

That's a pretty big crowd outside, huh?

Yeah.

Hey, where did Mel go?

I think she went off with some of the knights

as soon as we got inside the castle walls.

[NAOFUMI] I'm sure she's with the queen by now.

Glad to see you up and about.

Guess that overpowered move of yours

didn't take too much out of you then.

Believe it or not, I'm still a wreck on the inside.

You haven't seen Myne around anywhere, have you?

She disappeared as soon as the fight was over.

[REN] She must be busy with her duties as a princess.

Maybe she's putting together a surprise party for us

to celebrate defeating the Pope!

Yeah, that's gotta be it! Good thinkin'!

[NAOFUMI sighs]

[MINISTER A] Greetings, Cardinal Heroes.

Please, come inside.

[FILO giggles]

Four Cardinal Heroes together.

I thank you all for coming.

[MOTOYASU] Hm? Myne's not here.

I don't see the king, either.

You can bring them in now.

[gasps] Myne!

[gasps] Sir Motoyasu! Help!

[REN] They've got the king in chains.

What's going on?

[MIRELIA] That should be obvious.

These two are criminals.

[ALL gasp]

[MELTY gasps]

Let's get started, shall we?

The trial of the foolish king consort and the first princess!

[NOBLES, RAPHTALIA gasp]

[CITIZENS chattering]

[NOBLE A] What's this?

The king and the princess are on trial?

Well, things are sure getting interesting, huh, kid?

[MYNE] Mama, please, why are you being so cruel?!

What is this?

My queen, what cause have you to do this to us?

This isn't like you! [gasps]

[MIRELIA] With the Four Cardinal Heroes in attendance,

this trial seeks to punish those responsible

for shaking the country to its core.

As queen, I shall serve as judge.

[AULTCRAY] What?

Don't tell me the Devil of the Shield has brainwashed you?!

[AULTCRAY groans]

The Shield Hero has no such ability and you know it.

I can't believe I even have to say that.

[MYNE] What's that?

[MIRELIA] To ensure a fair trial,

you will be given a temporary sl*ve crest.

Mama?! [gasps]

[NAOFUMI] sl*ve crest?

How can you do that? She's your own daughter!

[MIRELIA] Because my daughter is a pathological liar.

I'm not!

You know that I'm a good girl, an honest girl!

[MYNE gasps, whimpers]

Stop! Please! Mama!

[MYNE groans]

[screaming]

[MYNE groans]

[MIRELIA] Let us officially begin the trial now.

Be warned, your crimes are clear for all to see.

You cannot worm your way out of this.

You can't convict them of anything without explanation!

Besides, what so-called crimes are you claiming they committed?

[NAOFUMI sighs] We have to start there?

Let us begin with recent events.

Using a fabricated holy w*apon,

the Pope of the Three Heroes Church tried to m*rder

the Cardinal Heroes and frame the Shield Hero,

but he was k*lled in the attempt.

We're rounding up the remnants of the Church as we speak.

[MOTOYASU] What's that have to do with anything?

[MIRELIA] Appallingly, the king and the first princess

were colluding with the Church all along.

No. That can't be...

[MIRELIA] Any objections to this charge?

What reason would I have

to collude with the Three Heroes Ch--[screams]

It's appalling to think the first princess

would try to overthrow the state.

[MYNE] N-No, I wouldn't!

Forget about the Shield,

they tried to k*ll the other three heroes, too!

They even came after the royal family!

I swear I would never involve myself

in such a terrible scheme!

[MOTOYASU] There, you see?

Myne really didn't do anything wrong!

[MIRELIA] All right, then.

What about your plan to assassinate Melty,

the heir to the throne,

and then frame the Shield Hero for her m*rder?

[MYNE] Wh--I didn't do anything li--

[groans]

--[NOBLES gasp] --Oh, Sister...

No, Malty. Tell me you didn't!

[MYNE] It's not true, Papa!

I promise you.

I wouldn't--[screams]

[MIRELIA] You conspired with the Church,

and attempted to use them to k*ll Melty

so that you would become heir to the throne yourself.

When that failed,

you falsely accused the Shield Hero of abducting her,

and set fire to the forest she'd escaped into.

Do you deny it?

[CAPTAIN A gasps]

[MYNE] Melty is my own sister. Of course I deny it!

[MYNE grunts, screams]

--It's true. --[MOTOYASU gasps]

It certainly looked like she was

trying to k*ll the second princess.

Yeah. We were there. We saw the whole thing.

She wouldn't...

--[MYNE panting] --Malty...

--[MYNE panting] --How could you do something--

[MIRELIA] King Aultcray,

you conspired with the Church, as well.

You worked with them to summon

all four of the Cardinal Heroes while I was away.

I only did that because we needed the heroes

in order to counter the impending Waves of Catastrophe!

On their first night,

the Shield committed an unspeakable sin

against our daughter!

[MOTOYASU] That's right! Naofumi assaulted Myne!

[MIRELIA] Why don't we ask her about that?

Malty, were you truly assaulted by the Shield Hero?

Yes, I was!

The Devil of the Shield nearly r*ped me. I barely--

[MYNE groans]

[screams]

[ALL gasp]

--[CITIZENS whispering] --N-No way!

--[CITIZENS whispering] --That can't be right!

[MIRELIA] Well then, Spear Hero,

why don't you form a sl*ve pact with Malty yourself?

[MOTOYASU grunts] Fine!

I'll prove that Myne is innocent!

[MYNE groans]

Okay, now, Myne.

That night, you were assaulted by Naofumi,

but you escaped and came to me for help.

Isn't that right?

Yes, that's right!

I was so scared,

and you were the only person I could turn to--

[screams]

[gasps]

[CITIZEN A] That was a lie, too?

We all should've known.

All to frame the Shield Hero?

[NAOFUMI] This unpleasant farce dragged on for a while.

My name was being cleared in the eyes of the public, and yet...

...strangely, it wasn't making me feel any better.

Is it because I know what comes next?

Am I... looking forward to it?

[MIRELIA] Hopefully you understand now.

Despite their status as royalty, they resorted to dirty tricks,

attempting to eliminate those who opposed them.

Concerned only with obtaining more power for themselves,

there was no consideration for the nation they served.

I didn't... I swear...

I was just--[screams]

[AULTCRAY] I admit my actions may have been

unbecoming of royalty.

[NOBLES gasp]

[AULTCRAY] But I swear I did it all

for the sake of my beloved country and my family!

That was the only reason

I was trying to eliminate the Shield!

The Shield's the Devil!

It will surely bring the calamity of the past

to my family all over again!

I simply cannot let that happen! Never!

[NAOFUMI] He just threw away his last chance.

Does he really hate the Shield Hero that much?

[exhales] It's time for my verdict.

I hereby find Aultcray Melromarc XXXII and Malty Melromarc

guilty of high treason and conspiracy

and strip them of their status.

I sentence them to death!

[gasps]

[NOBLES gasp, murmur]

No... No!

--[CITIZEN C] Death? --[CITIZEN D] Seriously?

[MELTY] Your Majesty, that's too much!

This seems excessive...

I know what they did was...

[CITIZEN F] I almost feel bad for her!

[MIRELIA] Your job was to protect our people,

but instead you wasted your time with a power struggle.

Even after the Waves came,

you did nothing to help your subjects.

Who knows how many people were hurt or k*lled

because of what you've done.

That cannot be forgiven!

You saw it.

All that suffering and loss.

All the pain that could have been avoided.

[MELTY gasps]

[MELTY] Well...

The execution will commence. Immediately.

Send these sinners to their deaths

in front of all the people they have wronged!

[CITIZENS cheering]

[FILO] Is this a party?

[NAOFUMI] It's just like my dream.

[grunts]

These two criminals will now be beheaded!

Those who turn against the country and its people

deserve death,

especially if they happen to be royalty.

We will prove that right here and now!

[CITIZENS cheer]

[HECKLER A] Yeah! Get 'em!

[HECKLER B] My daughter d*ed because of you!

[HECKLER C] Give me back my home and my family!

[MYNE whimpers]

No, no, no!

[NAOFUMI] Is this right?

Is it?

--[MYNE] Help me! --[gasps]

Please! Sir Motoyasu!

Sir Motoyasu!

[MYNE gasps]

[growls]

[MYNE] ...fumi, please...

[NAOFUMI gasps]

Naofumi, please! I beg you!

Help me! Naofumi!

--[CITIZENS cheering] --Naofumi, please!

[NAOFUMI grunts]

[NAOFUMI] Hold on!

[BOTH gasp]

[CROWD murmuring]

[NAOFUMI] I think the death penalty's

too good for these vermin.

Death is instant release.

Do we really wanna let them off as easily as that?

Her sl*ve crest didn't react just now.

She's got such thick skin,

she dares to beg the guy she was trying to k*ll for her life,

and actually mean it!

When you think about that,

I wonder if the guillotine could even cut through!

[CITIZENS laughing]

Master Naofumi!

[exhales]

So I've got a better idea!

From now on, the king's name is "Trash,"

and the first princess will be called "Bitch"!

Wha--Trash?!

[gasps] My name's not "Bitch"!

It is now, and it will be for the rest of your life.

If you don't like it, you can go ahead and die now.

S'up to you!

By the way, Malty often uses the alternate name Myne

when she's adventuring.

How about that?

Yeah... Guess Bitch needs an adventurer name.

How 'bout "Whore"?

[CITIZENS laughing]

[MIRELIA] The Shield Hero is the man

that's done the most to put things right here,

and he is granting his oppressors the greatest mercy.

Therefore, Aultcray will henceforth be known as "Trash."

Malty will be called "Bitch."

And her adventuring name will be "Whore."

Finally, the Three Heroes Church,

which was the root cause for all this, will be abolished.

Melromarc will now adopt the Four Heroes Church

as its state religion.

Four Heroes Church?

Wow, a church that worships all four heroes equally!

Sounds good to me!

She just started a religion

that nobody else will see as an enemy.

Smart lady.

Possibly the shrewdest politician in the world.

[MOTOYASU] Hey, Naofumi!

So where are you going?

Yeah, the fun's just getting started!

[MIRELIA] I take it you haven't changed your mind

about not wanting to work with our country?

I'd still like to hold a ceremony before you go,

to grant you your decorations and rewards for your deeds.

[REN, MOTOYASU, ITSUKI gasp]

[MIRELIA] Please at least accept that--

[NAOFUMI] That crap wouldn't do anything to make me happy.

But I will work with you.

Huh?

[NAOFUMI] Not just with Melromarc, though.

With every nation in the world.

After all, we're the Four Cardinal Heroes.

That's kind of our job.

[ALL gasp]

You mean...

[MIRELIA] You're correct, of course.

But leaving it at that would not be fair to you.

If there's anything else you would like,

I would be more than happy to arrange it for you.

I'll think about it.

Sounds like we're hittin' the ceremony ourselves.

--Yeah. --Right.

[CITIZENS cheering]

[MELTY] Thank you for everything.

[FILO] You should come with us, Mel.

Now, Filo, don't be so selfish.

[FILO] Aww.

Oh, Raphtalia, thank you, too.

I promise to do everything in my power

to make Melromarc a better country for demi-humans.

Thank you.

I know you can do it. I believe in you.

[NAOFUMI] Raphtalia, Filo! Move it, or I'll leave you behind!

--I'm coming! Goodbye. --[FILO] Coming!

See you soon, Mel!

[MELTY gasps]

Ohh, Naofumi's a jerk!

Why does he have to be so cold all the time?

And where are his manners?

He should've thanked Mothe--

--[MIRELIA sighs] --[MELTY gasps]

[gasps] Mother?

If he hadn't stepped in to stop the execution when he did,

I was going to offer up my own life as a sacrifice

and beg him to spare both of theirs.

Huh?

I wonder if he knew all along

that I would never have been able to go through with it.

[MELTY gasps] Naofumi!

[RAPHTALIA] Melty didn't say anything to you

before we left, Master Naofumi.

[NAOFUMI] Maybe she didn't care.

No, it's because you left

before she had the chance to say anything.

Whatever.

[RAPHTALIA sighs]

Huh?

There's our Savior!

Hey look, it's the Shield Hero!

Master Naofumi, look who it is!

Huh?

Honor guard for the Shield Hero!

All hands, salute!

How 'bout that.

[CITIZENS chattering]

Take care now!

[MAN A] Sir Hero!

--[MELTY] Naofumi! --[NAOFUMI gasps]

Naofumi! Thank you!

Thank you for bringing me back home!

And thank you...

Thank you for saving my father and sister!

Yeah, sure.

See you later.

[MELTY] Mm-hmm!

[NAOFUMI] The first time I passed through these gates,

all my money, respect, and trust were gone.

I'd lost everything.

All because I'd become the Shield Hero.

And even though I haven't gotten it all back,

I don't think I want to.

Because this Shield has given me a lot more.

So much more than I could've ever dreamed.

[NAOFUMI] Wherever the Waves go, that's where I'm going,

along with my friends.

Because that's my job.

[NAOFUMI] I am the Shield Hero.