Chapter 61 - 74: The Queen (2/2)

The curse caused by Blutopfer was very serious, and even specialized curse treatments couldn't remove it completely.

When I ask how it can be cured, I'm told that it cannot be cured by magic or medicine. Time is the only cure.

However, the burns and scratches I had were healed, and my I have recovered physically. I only feel lethargic.

When I check my stats, everything except defense has dropped by 30%.

It seems that until Blutopfer's curse is cured completely, they will remain debuffed.

This is the price I pay for meddling in troublesome things.

Naofumi: ”So, how long until I recover?”

Healer: ”It will take roughly one month for you to make a complete recovery.”

A month huh...that's long.

Will I recover before the next wave?

That reminds me… so I was unable to go to Silt Welt after all…

We ended up in a strange position trying to class up Raphtalia and Firo.

Queen: ”How is your condition?”

While I was lamenting about the absurdity of the world, the queen came over to ask about my condition.

I do some stretches to show my body's condition.

Naofumi: ”...”

I feel that I can trust her a little since she ensured that I was properly cared for even while I was unconscious.

The queen also had asked the treatment team at the hospital how I was doing.

Queen: ”I see… Then kindly follow me.”

Naofumi: ”Where are we going?”

Queen: ”We are going to the castle.”

The queen produces her fan and hides her face, emitting a strange pressure.

Melty: ”Mother is scary when she's angry...”

Melty hides behind my back, trembling.

I do feel an unpleasant atmosphere… Is that anger?

Naofumi: ”Are you going to execute me?”

Queen: ”I will do no such thing. Iwatani-sama.”

I see her smiling and the atmosphere lightens.

Does the fact that I wasn't attacked in my sleep mean that I'm safe?

Queen: ”I just think that Iwatani-sama would like to witness what will happen. Hohoho.”

Naofumi: ”What do you intend to do?”

Queen: ”Please come to the castle, I am sure that you will enjoy this. There are various things that I need to talk to you about as well. I shall answer anything you wish after that, alright?”

It seems that the queen has created a situation in which I have no choice but to go to the castle.

She is necessary for me to prove my innocence, so there is no way I can refuse.

Well, there is no reason to decline her invitation for now.

Naofumi: ”I want to ask one thing first.”

Queen: ”I would prefer to talk after we arrive at the castle but... What is it?”

Naofumi: ”You...Did you send Melty to me so she would get involved in this incident?”

This is the problem I am most worried about.

Depending on her answer, there may be the possibility that all the heroes will be rounded up gotten rid of at the castle, all according to the Queen's plan.

Queen: ”...Your concern is only a baseless fear… Is that the answer that you are looking for?”

Melty: ”Eh!?”

Melty is trembling while staring at her mother.

Queen: ”Melty didn't say so, but she wanted to meet her father so much that she couldn't sleep at night. So I let her be selfish and meet him.”

Meeting that trash... I was feeling uneasy at the thought the queen sent would Melty to meet him.

Queen: ”There is no need to worry. When this thing happened, I told Shadow my idea.”

Naofumi: ”Idea?”

Queen: ”Yes, I entrusted Melty to the Hero of the Shield.  If you had tried to murder her, then you would have been arrested.”

The queen snaps her fingers and suddenly a group of ȧssassins appear.

Naofumi: ”What an annoying story.”

Queen: ”...I apologize to have troubled you. However, I think that many problems have been solved.”

Naofumi: ”You're misunderstanding… What would you have done if Melty had died!?”

I cannot hide my sympathy for Melty as she looks down sadly.

Queen: ”There were always two bodyguards following her and supporting you in various ways.”

Naofumi: ”I see...”

Queen: ”For example, the one knight who tried to ȧssassinate her.”

One of the shadows transforms into the shape of a knight, just like that anime with the phantom thief!

Queen: ”Villager.”

One of the villagers who helped us in village to the east.

Queen: ”Merchant from neighboring country.”

Even the guys from the neighboring country that thanked me...

Certainly, it was strange for a person from a neighboring country to show up, but…

Queen: ”I'll explain the circumstances later. Do you still doubt me after the shadow appeared when Melty was truly in danger?”

That reminds me... a shadow did appear when the Church ambushed us.

However, that was a really dangerous situation so I wasn't thinking straight.

Firo and I were the only ones able to nullify the Three Heroes Church shadow's poison...

Melty: ”Mother... did you know I might have been killed?”

Queen: ”It was a possibility.”

Melty hangs her head when the queen answers her flatly.

Well, as expected of the Parent of Bitch and Wife of Trash – she is quite fine with being a bad person.

Naofumi: ”Are you people really parents?”

Queen: ”I could not argue about that even if I were one. There are many lies told over the years... Let's see… Do you understand what it takes to be Queen of this country for an extended period of time?”

Well... Even if I guess I won't understand.

This person... I can only agree that she is Trash's wife.

Queen: ”But...I believed in Iwatani-sama. Is this a suitable answer?”

Naofumi: ”...Coward.”

Queen: ”I could not otherwise protect this country.”

Naofumi: ”Hah...Wouldn't it have been better if you hadn't arrived?”

Raphtalia: ”Naofumi-sama!?”

Raphtalia speaks anxiously.

Naofumi: ”It seems you are unable to refute it. I won't spread rumors, don't worry. In the first place, if we were enemies, I would not have received treatment from your men.”

Queen: ”Yes… Certainly… Now, I think you will want to be present for what is about to happen.”

If we share a mutual interest, then there is no problem with us lending each other a hand.

I don't know what you are after, Queen, but if necessary I will use the Wrath Shield again.

Queen: ”I brought the carriage of the holy bird here. You should go get both it and your luggage.”

Firo: ”Really!?”

At the queen's words Firo steps forwards excitedly.

Queen: ”Truly. It is in front of the hospital, if you dėsɨrė to confirm my statement.”

Firo: ”Yay~! Mel-chan, let's go!”

Melty: ”Okay!”

Firo and Melty run out of the room together.

She really loves that carriage huh…

After watching them run off, I stare at the queen.

Naofumi: ”I feel disgusted.”

Although I have received some goodwill, I do not know her real intentions.

The queen has antagonized the Three Heroes Church, and furthermore treated the devil of the shield favorably. I wish to know why.

I can't even think of a reason for her actions.

I do not believe she has some noble reason, such as fighting the wave together.

There may still information that I am lacking…

Queen: ”I have a goal and I will use any means necessary to achieve it. Although the way we go about things is different, I believe I have the same feelings as Iwatani-sama.”

Similar feelings to me....

I don't know why, but I feel that I somewhat understand what she means.

After coming to this world, I have experienced many things, from slavery to dragons to heros.

At least this one person is speaking to me as an equal.

Naofumi: ”I will follow your instructions for now.”

Queen: ”I am grateful. Iwatani-sama.”

After obtaining my consent, the queen smiles.

The smile has a strong sense of determination mixed in.

Queen: ”Auckley...Malty.... This isn't over yet....”

Tsl note: Auckley = Trash king for those who forgot.