The Wrong Hero

Chapter 58 - Fanning the Flames, Part II

The party made their way through the streets. They went through the back alleys as far as they could, but there was a good amount of open road between them and the castle. There was no point in trying to hide, since there were so many of them. Plus, it wasn't as if anyone could stop them. The few knights that saw them quickly ran off toward the castle.

We're going to be in for a fight, I'm sure.

They could have gotten on the filolials and rode their quickly, but Dante wanted to give his portal skill time to come off cooldown. The moment they had Ann, they were leaving.

When they finally arrived at the castle gate, there was a group of about 50 knights waiting for them. The man at the front of the group was one Dante didn't expect to see.

"Greetings, Sir Shield Hero!" The knight said pleasantly. Dante looked to Eclair, though everyone knew who he was from his looks.

"Hello?" Dante returned, not quite sure how to respond.

"I heard you had returned to the city. I assume you are here to see Princess Melty, yes?"

"That...would be right." Dante decided to play along with whatever plan was thrown together.

"Excellent! But before that, I would ask for your party members to transform." The leader said.

Dante studied his face for a moment. There was deception, of course, but he didn't feel anything imminent. With a wave to his party, they did as he said. Dio and JoJo turned back into children while Rifana and Keel resumed their demi-human forms. Sadeena and Raphtalia were already set.

The leader looked at Rishia. "And the one in that strange costume?"

"Fehhh!" Rishia pulled open the mouth of the suit, revealing her face. "I'm human."

The leader nodded, a smile still on his face. "Please, follow us and we will guide you to her."

The knights behind him made a hole for the party to walk through.

"...Lead the way." Dante said, following behind with his party.

The group of knights stayed on either side of them, plus a row in the rear. They didn't have their weapons drawn, or at least pointed at them for the spear wielders. They didn't look as pleased as the leader, either. Not that it mattered. Once the gatehouse and knights came into view, Dante had cast All Drifa Aura IX on everyone. He was ready to stop unlocking his Soul Eater Shield at a moment's notice.

Before they left the slave trader's, Sadeena had given Dante a casting of Holy Purge. The bulk of the effects left, but he felt a little remained. He didn't cast as much as when he tested out his spells, so he figured this was something more permanent. Just another reason to not cast spells outside his attributes and ability carelessly.

"Excuse me, Sir Knight?" Dante decided to fish for some information. "But why are you taking us to Princess Melty? I was under the impression I was wanted."

"The princess has given you a reprieve." The knight answered freely. "She wants to discuss the situation with you personally."

"I see." Dante hummed. "That was kind of her."

"Our princess is quite generous, given the situation. You should feel honored!" The knight jovially proclaimed.

"She is and I am." Dante answered. "Say, have we met before?"

"Indeed we haven't, Sir Shield Hero!" The knight responded, though Dante knew otherwise. Technically, they were never introduced, but Dante had seen him before. "I am Davon Mallory, captain of the royal guard."