Warnings: Sex, Nudity, Violence, Dubious Consent, Punishment, Sadism, Slavery — The usual

Also, lots of Master-Slave stuff here, in case it wasn't obvious.

Someone commented on BitchSlayer that they don't really care about everything not involving Malty or Malty and Naofumi meeting. And I have to say, I agree. But I can't just write it like that (then there wouldn't be a story). Obviously, there will be a point in the story where they team up officially, but that's some time away. So I came up with this premise... and I really like it. Suffice to say that they'll be rarely separated in this fic. The stories may seem similar, but this one will be going in a very different direction, for both plot and characters. It'll also be more Malty-focused and stay closer to canon.

Raphtalia and Filo will still be in the story, but they won't be in Naofumi's party.


Filled with a deep, burning hatred, Naofumi glared, letting his gaze swipe across the throne room where he'd just—unrightfully—been professed an outcast and criminal.

He was done.

Done with this world, done with the King, done with Motyoasu, Ren, and Itsuki. So everyone had turned against him, huh? Just because he was the Shielder. They hadn't even tried! On the contrary, they'd all gone out of their way to ostracize and demean him, not even giving him a chance or trying to help. And now Motoyasu and Myne had pulled this scheme to rob him of all his things and paint him as the perpetrator...

Bastards.

This world could burn for all he cared. And her, there was a special place in hell for her. That Bitch!

Naofumi took out the 30 silver coins he'd stashed away in his Shield and threw them at the treacherous pair. The money clattered loudly on the stone floor as it landed before their feet. "There! Isn't this what you wanted?!"

Motoyasu looked baffled, but Naofumi ignored him, turning around and marching out of the throne room. He didn't have time for their patronizing words and petty games. Now with everyone hating him and without resources, he'd need every minute to level. He'd do his part, and when it was done, he'd be the hell out of this shitty world.

Naofumi halted. There, at the entrance to the throne room stood a cloaked figure. An elegant silver mask covered its eyes, visible in the shadow of the cowl drawn up over its head. The figure was distinctively feminine—chin-length, straight, black hair framing delicate features. A small portion of creamy skin was exposed on her thighs, the rest covered in a black uniform that held some golden highlights, or by the cloak.

The room had grown quiet, everyone's attention on the newcomer. She took a step forward.

An assassin! Naofumi tensed, ready to defend himself with his Shield. He eyed the guards flanking him, planning his escape route. Weirdly enough, the knights seemed wary of the figure as well, looking anxiously among themselves, weapons held uncertainly.

She took another step forward, then another... and stepped right past Naofumi. He let out a relieved breath and watched as the figure walked with determined, silent steps through the room. People made room for her. She came to a stop in front of the King and kneeled, bowing deeply.

"I apologize for my lateness, your majesty," she spoke. The words were soft, almost a murmur, but carried easily across the deathly silent room. "I trust the verdict has already been delivered?"

The King, looking shocked, recovered, straightening in his throne. He cleared his throat. "Shadow. What... what are you doing here?" He looked deeply troubled by the newcomer's arrival. A quick glance at Myne confirmed that she, as well, didn't look as confident as before.

"I've come to deliver new evidence," came the silent reply.

Could it be? Had someone come to speak in his defense? Naofumi shook his head, squishing the foolish hope and shoving where it belonged. No, just some more "evidence" to twist the knife in the wound.

"Ah, yes," the King said. "Thank you, but that won't be needed. The matter is very clear and has already been decided. You're dismissed."

The figure straightened but didn't make any indications to leave. "I'm afraid I have to insist. I—"

"I wasn't asking," the King said more firmly. "That was an order! Leave, now!"

She didn't. "I'm a Shadow acting under the Queen's orders. I answer only to her. Now, I wasn't asking either. The verdict is hereby annulled, and the trial is in effect again." She turned away from the King. "I'll be presenting that evidence now."

"You, you have no right!" the King bellowed. "I acknowledge that you're under my wife's command, but you have no power over this court, not to mention a trial that has already been concluded. Leave now and I'll forget this transgression!" He looked triumphant at the exclamation.

The Shadow didn't look intimated in the slightest. She calmly reached inside her cloak and withdrew something, then waved for one of the men standing beside the king's throne and handed the object to him. It proved to be a fancy scroll, carrying a message.

The man, dressed in rich clothing, unrolled it and—after a nod from the Shadow—began to read out loud. "I, Queen Mirellia Q Melromarc, hereby grant my Shadow, the bearer of this message, the authority to act in my stead if certain conditions are met, which I'll explain later. To affirm the authenticity of both this decree and its carrier, I have entrusted my Shadow with one of my family's most prized possessions: One of my fans."

The Shadow reached into her cloak and withdrew said fan. She held it over her head and unfanned it, showing it off for everyone to see. It was a deep purple, ornamented, looking expansive, and it twinkled with various gems and gold. All color had drained from the King's face as he looked in horror at the item. Myne's face was briefly twisted into an ugly, hateful expression. The Shadow pocketed the fan and nodded for the man to continue reading.

"I have sent my Shadows to watch over my daughter, Princess Malty S Melromarc, while I'm away on diplomatic missions. I'm sure you're all aware of her...reputation. If you're hearing these words, then that means that she's lived up to it and has been caught in one of her schemes, probably a very severe one this time. Malty, if you're present: I'm very disappointed with you. And you, Aultcray, as well. I know you're unable or unwilling to see our daughter's true nature, but perhaps this will open your eyes."

The man paused. Everyone's attention was either on the King, the speaker, the Shadow...or Myne. After a moment of confusion, it all fell into place: Myne was Malty. She was the Bitch Princess from the book he'd been reading in the library. And she'd just been exposed and reprimanded in front of the whole court! Naofumi didn't know this Queen, but she sounded like an awesome person. Myne's— Malty's expression was downright thunderous now, and Naofumi could barely refrain from laughing out loud, although he was unable to keep the massive, gleeful grin off his face. Realizing the attention was on her, she quickly covered it up, smiling innocently and managing to look confused and uncertain.

"As stated, my Shadow was to watch over my daughter, Malty. Should my Shadow find any evidence of any crime committed by Malty, my Shadow has my full authority to investigate, try, and sentence my daughter for it. My Shadow is permitted to choose any punishment befitting the crime. Death or other severe, irreversible penalties are exempted. Upon my return, I will personally reevaluate my Shadow's judgment and the execution of my Shadow's verdict. A refusal to acknowledge my Shadow's authority and verdict will be met with severe consequences." The man gulped. "Signed, her Majesty, Queen Mirellia Q Melromarc."

A deafening silence followed. The King was purple-faced. "Well," he said, his voice speaking of barely concerned fury. "Thank you, for reading that, herald. But it seems there has been a mistake. My daughter committed no crime. She's the victim! Thus, you hold no power, Shadow. Leave. Now!"

A stab of panic shot through Naofumi.

"You're mistaken, your majesty," the Shadow said. "A crime has been committed, and before a multitude of witnesses, no less."

"Witnesses?"

"Yes, everyone in this room, you among them, your majesty."

"Excuse me? And of what crimes are you accusing my daughter?"

"Calumny, slander, forging evidence, lying in court, thievery, deception. Should I go on?"

"Baseless accusations!" the King bellowed. "Everyone in this room will confirm that none of them is true!"

"Wrong," the Shadow said. "I'll confirm her crimes. And I'm sure the Shield Hero would like to as well. Now, if you're quite done disregarding my authority granted by her majesty, Queen Mirellia, I'll present my evidence and sort this out."

The King looked beyond furious. Naofumi thought he could hear the grinding of the King's painfully clenched teeth from where he stood. Eventually, the King gave a nod. "Fine," he spat. "Present your evidence."

"First, I'd ask for Princess Malty to repeat her testimony."

Malty seemed all too eager to do so, spilling some more fake tears, steadying herself on Motoyasu. Her tale seemed even more colorful than before, but the key points of her faulty accusation remained the same: Naofumi had allegedly been drunk; he'd barged into her room, held her down, and ripped her clothes off, attempting to rape her; she'd fled to Motoyasu.

"Does this testament align with the one given during the previous trial?" the Shadow asked, then continued after getting confirmation. "From what you've just recounted, Princess, the only accurate statement was that you went to seek out the Spear Hero, Motoyasu Kitamura."

"And do you have any proof of that?" the King growled.

"Do you doubt my word?" the Shadow asked. "As instructed by her majesty, the Queen, I've been watching over the Princess, and by extension, the Shield Hero, who, I might add, retired early and didn't leave his room until the morning when he'd already been prosecuted. The Princess, on the other hand, never even went to bed. Instead, she snuck into the Shield Hero's room and robbed him of his possessions after he'd fallen asleep. Then she met up with the Spear Hero at the bar and presented him the Shield Hero's chainmail as a gift. Then she retired. In the middle of the night, she then ran for the Spear Hero's room, acting as if the Shield Hero had tried to rape her."

The King chuckled, unamused. "That is quite the tale you've come up with. I know my wife holds a grudge against our lovely daughter for irrational reasons, but I'd never have expected her to go to such lengths... Her own daughter..." He shook his head sadly. "If that is all the evidence you've managed to accumulate, I'll ask you to leave now or I might accuse you of slander!"

"Princess Malty," The Shadow said, completely ignoring the King, who looked like he was about to pop a vein. Naofumi shook with silent laughter, a hand raised before his mouth. "During your meal with the Shield Hero yesterday, did you drink anything yourself?"

"I don't see how this has anything to do with this, but..." Malty sniveled and rubbed her eyes. "Yes, I did."

"And you claim that the Shield Hero was drunk. Is that correct?"

"I... I mean, I'm not sure, I..." Malty said in a small voice.

"So you admit to lying? If I recall correctly, you just said, 'The Shield Hero drank too much.' Isn't that correct?"

"I, yes, that is correct. He was drunk."

"Strange," the Shadow said, "that he was supposedly drunk when he didn't even touch his wine glass during your meal. He drank nothing." Before anyone could object, the Shadow waved, and three people entered the room. Apparently, they'd been waiting at the entrance the entire time.

As they drew nearer, Naofumi recognized them—well, two of them, both women. The first one, a plump woman who appeared to be in her mid-40s, was the innkeeper who had showed them to their rooms yesterday. The second one, a pretty young woman with straw-colored hair, was the maid that had catered to them and the other customers of the restaurant. The third person was a man he didn't recognize. He was bald and wore plain clothing, though there was a sword secured to his hips.

"Those are, in order: Gerwine, the owner of the inn in which the alleged crimes have been taking place; her daughter and barmaid, Alwine; and the adventurer Eike."

The man didn't look much like an adventurer to Naofumi, but he didn't say so, watching, daring to be hopeful. This Shadow seemed to know what she was doing.

"Innkeeper Gerwine," the Shadow continued, "do you confirm that you are indeed the owner of The Dancing Filolial?"

"Yes," Gerwine said.

"And you have personally provided the Shield Hero and Princess Malty with their rooms?"

"Yes. The Shield Hero wished to rent a single room, but the Princess insisted on two separate ones. He agreed to that. I've showed them to their rooms and then the restaurant."

"Thank you, Inkeeper Gerwine. From what I'd gathered. You have a good view of the stairs leading up to the rooms from your position on the counter. So I trust that you see the guests passing there?"

Gerwine nodded.

"And do you recall the Shield Hero passing there?"

"Yes, it was quite early when he did so. He was one of the first customers to turn in."

"And did he appear to be drunk to you?"

"No, he seemed of sound mind. He even bid me good night, and his words were clear and without a slur."

Had he? Naofumi couldn't remember. He'd been exhausted and also in deep thought about the future adventures. Apparently he had.

"And the Princess," the Shadow said. "When did you see her?"

"I've seen her go upstairs a while later. She came back a short time after, carrying something."

"Was it the Shield Hero's chainmail?"

"I'm not sure. I apologize, I didn't pay very close attention. It could have been."

The Shadow nodded. "That would be all. Thank you, Innkeeper Gerwine."

Beside Gerwine, Alwine was fidgeting nervously. The older woman grabbed her daughter's hand, trying to soothe her, but it didn't help much. She seemed terrified.

"Adventurer Eike. You claim to have dined in the restaurant, a few tables away from the Shield Hero and the princess, is that correct?"

"It certainly is," the bald man said. "I remember it quite clearly. I'd seen them enter and thought my eyes were deceiving me. The princess?! Ha! I wouldn't have believed it were actually her if you hadn't told me." Eike cleared his throat, chuckling. "Anyways, yeah, I've been there. I may have listened in to their conversation a little—just for curiosity's sake, nothing nefarious, yeah? I mean, the princess?!" He shook his head. "They'd been planning where they'd venture to tomorrow—today, I guess. The lad didn't touch his wine glass the whole time, I swear it. Didn't stop her from indulging, though." He chuckled.

"So you're stating that the Shield Hero didn't drink anything while the Princess did. Is that correct?"

"It certainly is, your shadowy Excellency." He chuckled, bowing.

"Thank you, Adventurer Eike," the Shadow said. "Now, Barmaid Alwine."

Her mother had apparently managed to calm the girl down a little, and she straightened. "Yes?"

"You've been working when the Shield Hero and the Princess have been dining, correct?"

Alwine nodded.

"And can you confirm Adventurer Eike's claim?"

"I... I'm not sure. I mean, there were a lot of customers. I didn't pay that special attention to them individually after taking orders... But... but I do recall that, when the Shield Hero and Miss My— the Princess had already vacated the table and I cleaned up afterward, one of the wine glasses had been empty and the other had been full, untouched."

"Thank you, Barmaid Alwine. That'd be all. Princess Malty, what do you say to say for yourself?"

"Lies!" Malty exclaimed, voice shaky. "Why must you do this to me, Mother? What have I ever done to deserve this? Haven't I suffered enough?" She'd spoken with her head bowed, sniveling, Motoyasu's arm draped around her shoulders. She looked at the witnesses with tear-filled eyes. "Please, speak the truth. Whatever she threatened or bribed you with, you don't have to do it. Speak now, and the King will protect you. You have my word."

"That's right," her father said. "You mustn't fear any retaliation for what you say. Speak the truth, and I'll see that nothing will happen to you and your loved ones. With adequate compensations for the trouble, of course."

Those bastards! They're trying to turn them around! From the looks of it, their pleas didn't fall on deaf ears. Alwine looked even more terrified than before, and there was a greedy glint in Eike's eyes.

"Alwine," Malty said, smiling sadly. "I can see that you're troubled. You can trust us. Trust in your King. You'll be safe."

"I..." Arwine said, taking a shaky step forward "I—"

Gerwine grabbed Alwine's hand and pulled her back next to her. "I apologize for my daughter, your majesty. Everything we've said had been the truth. If you doubt our words, we're ready to testify under the Slave Curse."

Gasps and mutters ran through the crowd. Naofumi didn't know what it meant, but it sounded serious.

The King looked worried.

"The Slave Curse?" Malty said. "Isn't that a bit drastic. Are you sure you want to submit yourself to the pain?"

"Yes," Gerwine said firmly, silencing her daughter's attempt to speak. Arwine winced.

Malty whispered something to Motoyasu, and the Spear Hero spoke up with a scowl on his face. "Hey hey, let's not make any hasty decisions, yeah? If what you say is true and Naofumi didn't drink anything, so what? It doesn't prove anything! Don't you have any respect for Myne?! Do you know what she went through?! It's only natural that her memory wouldn't be accurate! That's how people survive such despicable actions!" He glowered at Naofumi, and Naofumi glared right back.

There was a pronounced silence that followed Motoyasu's outburst. Gritting his teeth, Naofumi had to admit that it was a convincing argument, even if it was completely wrong.

"Perhaps," the Shadow said. "But their testimonies support my own claim and contract yours, Princess. Quite strongly. Of course, we could cast away any doubt if you'd be willing to testify under the Slave Curse, with carefully agreed-upon questions, of course."

"What?" the King demanded. "My daughter, the Princess, a slave?! This is outrageous!"

"Her rank matter not in this trial, and neither does it make her immune to the Slave Crest or the consequences of her actions. The other witnesses are willing to testify under the Slave Curse, so I'm well in my right as head of this court—granted to me by her majesty, Queen Mirellia—to demand the Princess do the same in return."

Malty looked frustrated, tense. A hand was resting on the pommel of her sword, her eyes darting around the room, desperate. The atmosphere was suddenly loaded; some knights seemed to reach for their weapons as well; the nobles watching the spectacle were slowly shrinking back, anxious. Was this going to end in a bloodbath?

Then, Malty nodded and took a step forward, throwing her hands up in frustration, huffing. "Yes! Okay! I did it!" She glared hatefully at the Shadow, then at Naofumi, who was too shocked to gloat at her. "It's true! The Shield Hero didn't rape me! I made it all up! I've robbed him, and I've planted the fake evidence! I did it! Are you happy now, mother?!"

Silence.

"Malty," the King spoked, pained. "Please, don't say things like that. Just accept the Slave Crest and tell them the truth. Please!"

"I'm sorry Papa." Malty looked to the ground. "It's the truth. I did it."

"But... Why? My sweet girl... Please." His face lit up marginally. "Someone made you do it, right? Just say it! Speak to me, Malty! Who was it?"

"No, no one put me up to it. I did it all by myself, and no one helped, except some poor guards I've bribed and told lies so that they'd help me. It's not their fault. Please don't punish them. Motoyasu, I'm sorry I've deceived you. Forgive me. What the witnesses said was true. It's all true." She grimaced, glaring at the ground. "The Shield Hero is innocent."

The King seemed to be barely able to hold himself upward in his throne, completely devastated by his daughter's admission. Naofumi felt a little sorry for him. Only a little, though. He was too busy grinning like a fool, gloating at the Bitch. She was acting all sorry and regretful, but Naofumi knew that it was all fake. She wanted to paint herself as the victim even when she'd been the one doing wrong? Sick Bitch.

Despite her admission, no guards moved to seize her. And the people that stared disdainfully at Naofumi didn't stop or shift their animosity onto Malty. If anything, their disdain toward him increased. As if he was to blame even though she'd just confessed. It was sick! This whole kingdom, this whole world was sick!

"I see," the Shade said. "I'll add bribery, extortion, and the interference with the trial's witnesses to the charge. Now, I think this case is pretty clear, and I'll declare the punishment now."

The room grew quiet.

"Keep in mind that my verdict will only hold true until her majesty, Queen Mirellia, returns. She will then reevaluate and most likely make adjustments to it. Now, my verdict: First, Princess Malty S Melromarc is stripped of her royal title. Her social status is now that of a commoner."

"What?" Malty shrieked. "You can't do this! Papa! Do something!"

Groaning, the King held his head in his hands as if trying to shut out reality.

"Further," the Shadow continued while Malty glared at her, "Malty will be forced to fight against the Waves of Calamity in an effort to defend the kingdom and repent for her crimes against it." Malty looked hopefully toward Motoyasu, who averted his eyes. "In order to assure that she fulfills this requirement and that she is used in the most effective way, she will become a slave of the Shield Hero, Naofumi Iwatani."

There was a brief silence, then chaos erupted; people talked and shouted all over each other. Weirdly enough, it was the King that broke the sudden pandemonium.

"SILENCE!"

The noise quieted down.

"Shadow," the King said slowly, his previous depression forgotten, his eyes ablaze with rage. "I want you to repeat the words you just said. And you better pray that I misheard them."

Naofumi held his breath. The knights around the room tensed, looking anxiously among themselves. What would happen now? Would the King just ignore the Shadow's judgment and try to have Naofumi killed after all? Would the knights obey? Would they turn against the King? Against each other? Who did they fear more: The King or the promised consequences the Queen's message spoke of?

"Miss Malty S Melromarc is to fight the Waves as a slave of the Shield Hero."

The King closed his eyes, breathing heavily.

"Hey!" Naofumi called before he knew what he was doing. Scratch that, he knew what he was doing. He didn't want to die. That was what he was doing. "Don't I get to have a say in this? Have you asked me whether I even want her as my slave? No, you haven't. And just so you know: I don't want her! Just throw her in some dark cell or whatever and be done with it!" He only wanted to get her out of his sight where she could do no more harm. Just looking at her made him sick.

"Prison?" Malty shrieked.

The King was glaring at him.

Hadn't he just done them a favor? Bastards. Whatever. At least the room didn't feel like it would erupt into a bloodbath any second.

"No," the Shadow said. "My judgment stands."

Malty took a step forward, confident. "Your judgment isn't just. Mother's decree said that the punishment should befit the crime. But being forced into slavery isn't acceptable. Arguably, it's even worse than death! And for what? What did I do?" She regarded the people in the throne room, turning slowly. "What crimes did I commit? Keep in mind who we're talking about. The Shield Devil! Are you really comfortable with letting him go free? Is it a crime to put down evil? I don't think so. I didn't commit any crimes. I did this country a service! How long would it have been until the Shield Devil would have committed atrocities or betrayed us? How long?!"

Shield Devil?! Unbelievably, there were murmurs of agreement in the crowd. Wow, I... this... wow. Naofumi had no words. He hated them all so much. And her, especially her.

"How long?!" Malty repeated. "How long until someone else would have fallen victim to him? Perhaps it would have been your daughter, your sister! I did it for you! It was my duty as the Princess, it was a service to Melromarc! So that you can all be safe from the Shield Devil!" She smiled triumphantly when the voices of agreement grew in volume. The King looked on with pride.

"So," the Shadow said. "Does that mean that you don't acknowledge my verdict and authority? Your mother's authority? It's treason, then?"

And just like that, the tension was back in the room. Only that this time, almost everyone seemed to be on Malty's side. The Bitch opened her mouth to speak but someone beat her to it.

"Halt!"

It took Naofumi a moment to realize who'd been spoken. It was Itsuki, a scowl on his face. What was the self-righteous bastard doing? Trying to suck up to the Shadow, and thus the Queen, now that he knew that she was actually the big deal here and not the King?

"Please everyone, remain calm. The trial is still in effect. Shadow, if I may speak?"

The Shadow nodded, and Itsuki stepped forward. His party remained where it was, but Ren, after an eye-roll, stepped next to Itsuki in an effort to show support, looking like he couldn't be bothered with it all.

"I've tried to remain neutral, but it seems that my help is required to sort this out." Itsuki shook his head, smiling sadly yet condescendingly. "I've listened carefully to what the former Princess has said, and while I don't agree on everything, she does have a point. Slavery, not to mention being forced to fight against her will, seems to be too harsh a crime for what she did. Shadow, I ask you to present your reasoning, and then we'll surely come to a just agreement that leaves all parties satisfied."

"Very well. I'll accommodate your wishes. But first, let me ask you a question, Bow Hero. You've referred to Malty as 'the former Princess'. So you agree on that part of my verdict?"

"I do."

"And why is that?"

"Well." Itsuki thought for a moment. "The Queen's decree said that the punishment should befit the crime. So I looked at the Shield Hero and imagined what would have happened to him should she have succeeded with her deception. Obviously, his reputation would have been ruined, the title of Shield Hero more of a taint than an honor. Further, she referred to him as the Shield Devil, further robbing him of his title and position. Thus, I've concluded that she should be robbed of her title and station in return."

Huh, that was surprisingly thought-out.

"Very good," the Shadow said.

Itsuki beamed.

Still a sycophant, though.

"Is there anyone wishing to contradict the Bow Hero's reasoning?" the Shadow asked. No one answered. "I shall continue this logic then to elaborate on why I've chosen the punishment of slavery for the former Princess. The first point: She'll be forced to fight the waves. She's answered the King's summons and came as an adventurer under the name 'Myne Sophia' and joined the Spear Hero's party, only later switching to the Shield Hero's party. In answering the summons, she's proved that she's willing to fight the Waves. Further, since the Shield Hero would have been forced to fight the Waves, so will she. Do you agree with that, Bow Hero?"

Itsuki nodded clearly. He seemed almost too eager.

"Now onto the point of slavery," the Shadow continued. "Let's look at what the Shield Hero would have faced should he have been found guilty. Firstly, the prejudice against the Shield that already exists would have skyrocketed, making him hated amongst almost every single person of Melromarc's population. His reputation would have been ruined irreparably, making it virtually impossible to gain any help. No one would have regarded him with anything but hostility and suspicion, maybe not even as a human being. Despite his status as Hero, he would have been less in the eyes of everyone. If anyone would have tried to help, it would have only been in the pretense of taking advantage of him.

"Then, the former Princess has robbed him of all his possessions. The theft got lost in the confusion of the trial. No one believing him. His voice wasn't worth anything. He had no rights. He even threw away his last few silver coins. Now he has nothing but his clothes and the Shield on his arm. No money, no trust, no equipment, no allies, no rights, nothing. He has no attack power and is reliant on others. And on top of all this, he would have been forced to fight the waves. Or die. Isn't this a pretty accurate description of what makes a slave? A slave to the country of Melromarc, in this case?"

Itsuki looked stunned, his mouth agape. Then he shook his head and a bright smile spread across his face. "That... that was brilliant! I agree wholeheartedly! And I see now why your verdict is completely just and...simply perfect." He looked like he was about to get off. Disgusting weirdo.

"Although," Itsuki said, "I'm not sure forcing her to become the Shield Hero's slave would be a good idea. Naofumi, as her intended target, wouldn't be impartial and couldn't be trusted to care for her well-being. He has already said that he doesn't wish for Malty to become his slave."

"Hmmm," the Shadow said, "but that's precisely why the Shield Hero must become her master. So that he works her the hardest and forces her to fight, not going easy on her. Also, as you said, he was her intended target. Wouldn't you say it only fair that she should try to make amends in serving him? And besides that, the Shield Hero is currently without companions and most likely without trust. A slave would make for an ideal companion."

"Very well," Itsuki said, nodding, "I won't object any further."

The Shadow regarded Naofumi. "Shield Hero. Do you agree?"

"No," Naofumi said. "I don't want her as my slave. She'll just stab me while I'm asleep or something."

"That's not possible. Slaves can't betray their masters. They can't even hurt them. You have nothing to fear. The Slave Crest forces a slave to obey their master or face severe pain."

Severe pain. That didn't sound so bad... "I still say you should just throw her into prison until the Queen returns."

"My decision is final. She will become a slave and she will fight the Waves."

"I'll do it!" Motoyasu exclaimed. "I'll become her master."

Malty smiled at Motoyasu.

Naofumi glared at her, hating her with a passion. He just wanted her gone! Why couldn't they just lock her away?! Why would he want to stare at her every day and be reminded of what she'd done? It would be a punishment for him, rather than her. But to let her become Motoyasu's slave...

Naofumi had no doubt that the Spear Hero would just go easy on her, perhaps even freeing her in some notion of grandeur. The idiot revered women. Just the fact that he was able to smile at her even after everything she'd done told Naofumi that much. So she would just get away for free? Manipulating Motoyasu, getting out of her punishment, doing whatever she wanted? She'd just plot in secret again and try something else to blame Naofumi for. He couldn't allow that. Perhaps taking her on as a slave wouldn't be so bad. At least, then he had absolute control over her and could make her suffer. Hmmm, maybe I've not considered this carefully enough. Perhaps he would hate seeing her face every day, but at least he could also make her regret every day as well.

"Very well," the Shadow said, "the Spear Hero—"

"I've changed my mind," Naofumi announced. "I'll accept her as my slave."

"No!" Malty screeched. "You already declined. It's done. I'll be Motoyasu's slave!" She took the Spear Hero's arm, hiding behind him like the cowardly Bitch she was.

"Are you sure, Shield Hero?" the Shade asked. "In doing so, you accept responsibility for her life. You'll be required to care for her and to keep her alive. Even without her title, she's still a member of the royal family. Do you accept?"

Naofumi gritted his teeth. He had no other choice, did he? "Yes."

"The original verdict stands," the Shade said, "Malty S Melromarc, former Princess, will become the Shield Hero's slave until her majesty, Queen Mirellia, returns." She waved a hand and a group of knights stepped toward Malty and seized the Bitch, Motoyasu not offering any resistance although she tried to hide behind him.

Malty struggled in their hold as they dragged her in front of the King. "Papa! Papa! Please! Stop them! You can't allow this! Papa!"

The King looked angry but resigned. "Malty, please, just... my hands are tied. You'll have to endure this. I know you can do it. You're a strong girl. I'll talk to your mother. I'm sure she'll cease this madness once she has the full picture. But for now, I can't do anything. I'm sorry."

"Shield Hero, step forward," the Shadow instructed, gesturing. "We'll need a drop of your blood to finalize the Slave Bond."

Naofumi stepped toward the robed figures that had taken a place next to the guards holding the former Princess. He accepted a knife from one of them and pricked his finger, offering them his blood, which they collected in a bowl. Apparently the knife wasn't considered a weapon, or perhaps it was because he hadn't considered it a weapon that he'd been able to hold it.

Malty struggled and begged some more as the robed figures approached, their preparations complete, brush pen in hand. She screamed as they drew a circle onto her exposed sternum. Naofumi watched on gleefully, her shrieks of pain music to his ears. She toppled over backward and had to be held upward by the guards, the Slave Crest forming onto her chest. It was quite the intricate design actually, too good for her.

Slave acquired: Conditions of use as follow:

A window popped up in his HUD.

Naofumi was relieved to find that things like attacking him in his sleep or any other similar offense would immediately be punished by pain. It was an inherent function of the Slave Bond and didn't seem possible to be disabled. So he was safe... from direct action, at least.

A party member icon appeared below his. While his symbol was the Shield, hers was that of the Slave Crest. She was level 8. Pathetic. He'd expected nothing else.

She regained her bearings, and glared up at him, appearance disheveled.

"Are you satisfied now, Shadow?" the King snapped. "Leave." He sounded like a broken record at this point, his exhaustion showing.

"Actually," the Shadow said, "there's still the business of the theft."

The King sighed, dropping his head into his hands again.

Naofumi smirked. "Slave. Return the money you stole from me."

She didn't. The Slave Crest flared as she grunted in pain, which eventually became a scream. Then it stopped. Panting and glaring, she stood and reached a hand behind her back. She threw the money pouch she'd recovered from there at him.

Naofumi caught it. "Now, return the chainmail and the rest of the stuff you stole from me."

Malty didn't resist this time, stomping over toward Motoyasu. After a brief whispered conversation, she helped him out of the armor, then threw it toward Naofumi. It landed on the ground a good distance away. Naofumi waited expectantly, and when she made no intention of fetching it, the Slave Curse punished her. She fetched it without complaint afterward, although she shoved it into his hands with more force than necessary.

"The rest?" he demanded.

She huffed and stormed off.

Naofumi's gaze flickered toward where her name stood below his own in the HUD. It irritated him seeing it there. "Shadow. You said I'm in control of her life now?"

"Yes, until her majesty, Queen Mirellia, returns."

"Am I allowed to change her name?"

"I suppose."

Naofumi waited for his slave to return from wherever she'd recovered the rest of his clothing. "Carry that for me," he instructed her, then announced, "The punishment should befit the crime, the Queen has commanded. During the whole day yesterday, you didn't call me by my name once, and I shall return the favor. Since you're not the Princess anymore, I can't call you that either. And calling you slave is a little uncreative. What was it you called me? The Shield Devil? I think I'll call you something demeaning as well, although it's nothing but the truth in your case. While my slave, your name will be Bitch and your adventurer name will be Slut!"

"Bitch?! Slut?!" Bitch shrieked, then screamed in pain as the Slave Curse activated—she'd intended to attack him, no doubt. The assembled crowd in the throne room grew agitated but quieted down when Itsuki stepped forward and commanded silence, Bow in hand. Ren also had his hands on his Sword, although he didn't look like he wanted to be there.

"His reasoning is correct," Itsuki said. "The punishment is fair." The Shadow nodded. The King was gripping the armrests of his throne harshly, knuckles white.

Naofumi was pleased to see that her name in his HUD had changed to Bitch (Slut). "Well then, Bitch. On your knees!"

"What?" she snarled.

"There." Naofumi pointed. "My 30 silver coins. Collect them for me."

Stupid Bitch that she was, she suffered some painful seconds of the Slave Curse before she did as commanded, whimpering.

"Naofumi you bastard!" Motoyasu called. "You've made your point. There's no reason to treat her like that! Maybe Myne was correct in what she said about you, after all!"

"Who? Do you mean Slut?"

"You know what I mean!"

Naofumi shrugged. He had no desire to explain himself or to remain in this wretched place any longer. He made to leave.

"Shield Hero!"

Naofumi turned back toward the King. The man was staring intently at him, hate, anguish, and sorrow, in his old eyes.

"You'll bring my daughter back safely, do you understand?!" The words were spoken slowly but purposefully. "Don't make any mistakes, Shield Hero. You may leave these halls as a free man, but if anything were to happen to my daughter because you didn't take your responsibilities seriously, don't think that you'll be safe. Anywhere."

Did he think Naofumi was an idiot? He wasn't planning on letting her die. That would be too easy. And as the king had said, he wouldn't get away with killing a member of the royal family. He wasn't that far gone to not make that obvious connection. Still, he supposed that even Bitches had overprotective fathers, and overprotective fathers tended to state the obvious. And the King had called him Shield Hero just now, not Shield Devil.

Naofumi gave the king a nod. "Don't worry. I'll take good care of her." He turned away. "Bitch! Come, we're leaving. Don't forget my belongings."

Her screams echoed through the throne room behind him. Even though he found some satisfaction in her misery—at the thought that she'd gotten what she deserved—there was no more smile, grin, or smirk on his face now that the relief and excitement were starting to wear off. Instead, he was scowling and couldn't suppress a shiver running down his spine as her shrill voice rent the air.

He'd have preferred to avoid this whole mess. If he could, he would simply undo it all and never grab that cursed book in the library. But what had happened today could never be undone again. What had seemed like an awesome adventure full of possibilities yesterday was now a nightmare he simply wanted to escape.

She'd taken that from him. And she'd done it all with a gleeful smile on her face. Naofumi wouldn't forget that. And he would make sure that she didn't ever forget what she'd taken from him either.


My poor Waifu. :(