The Wrong Hero

Chapter 81 - Epilogue

With his shield gone, Dante was no longer recognized as the Shield Hero. The biggest difference that had made was in Siltvelt.

In the aftermath of the Dragon King's destruction, many voices spoke up on how Dante was a false Shield Hero. Those voices reached and were even parroted by many tribe heads, including Werner of all people. They directed their outrage at Korokan, the human village Dante set up. Rhubaldt was called in to lead the assault. Of course, that ended up not happening.

Firstly, Dante still had the Axe, as well as four other heroes who sided with him. While the Claw Hero was always up for a fight, he agreed with the plan, and he wasn't suicidal. Moreover, the voice of one particular tribe head rallied those who still recognized Dante as the former Shield Hero who gave up that position to protect the world at a great cost. Jaralis was quick to quell the rebellion and rearrange the power distribution in the capital. Him being seen as a war hero now helped considerably.

Dante had to wonder how much the lion let happen before stepping in. The man did have an interest in Dante's good status, as did a number of his now-elevated allies who had many women bearing a child of Lord Shield. Being connected with Atla and Fohl probably didn't hurt any. Since things settled in Dante's favor, he didn't pursue any real line of inquiry about it. Since then, Dante and the village were mostly left alone. Those that refused to do so found themselves decorating the empty fields outside the village in a manner Dante once made mention of: impalement.

Q'ten Lo escaped the damage from the Guardian Beast thanks to their protective barrier. That also helped smooth things over with Siltvelt, whom they were trade partners with.

Melromarc also had their issues with Dante. Instead of a feeling of betrayal, it was mere confirmation of their original beliefs. Still, any who thought to attack Lurolona soon found themselves in the same position as those who attacked Korokan. Dante had the full support of the royal family in doing so. The biggest reason for that was because Malty governed the territory.

The wedding was smaller than Mirellia initially made it out to be, though that was no big surprise. After the devastation, not as much could be spent on such a spectacle. Aultcray was able to convince Mirellia of the necessity of Dante's actions, though it took some time. It didn't hurt that the king of Faubrey survived and was none too pleased about the damage to his kingdom. Still, no wars were declared. The Pig King wasn't about to fight at least three countries.

Speaking of, Shieldfreeden actually held Dante's actions in a more positive light. He would have assumed using the Dragon King would have diminished the standing of the Dragon Faith, but it actually increased it. A necessary sacrifice, or so they said. It also didn't hurt that Nelshen had previously appointed Dante as the lord of Sickle. Though, like every other territory he owned, Dante found someone else to actually govern it.

As for the people...

Ann decided to stay in Korokan. She was able to continue her work, both as a tailor and an artist. She sometimes experienced trouble when she traveled outside the village, but a few monsters created by Reiko and Rat deterred that.

The two alchemists also stayed in Korokan. Rat was better able to explore her chosen field, being monster augmentation. Reiko was able to create a large number of monsters for Rat to examine, both to help further her understanding of Reiko's power and to see the limits on monster abilities.

Once he finished his duty, Gaelion returned to his normal form and stayed in Korokan for a time. It was mostly due to Wyndia, who wanted to study under Rat and become—essentially—a vet for monsters. After a few years, Wyndia left for Shieldfreeden to practice there, with Gaelion and his horde staying close by. It was likely the safest of the three territories Dante owned.