The Hero With The Power of Song (Female Reader x Rise of The Shield Hero)

Episode 9: Duel Against The Shield Hero

When me and Malty got to the bottom of the stairs, we were met with a sight.

Naofumi was in a circle of guards.

Malty: What the? What is going on?

Aultcray: Ah, perfect timing daughter. And you've brought Hibiki with you.

Malty: What's so urgent father? And what's all this about.

Motoyasu: I'll tell you princess. The Shield Hero has a slave.

I saw her flinch. She looked at me before looking to Naofumi. I'll have to act clueless and play along. Glad I didn't let the girls come. This could have gotten worse.

Malty: W-what?! N-no way!?

(Y/N): The hell shield head!

Naofumi: Tch! What do you expect me to do?! I only have this stupid shield! I can't do anything! And it doesn't help because that bitch thought I raped her!

Malty flinched as she backed up. She started shaking. I put my hand on her shoulder, but she flinched away from me as her back touched a wall. I looked back down at Naofumi.

(Y/N): So, you think that just because of one bad day you can go and get a slave?

Naofumi: Think of it as multiple bad days that got worse and worse.

(Y/N): Then fine....I challenge you to a duel!

Every onlooker had gasped.

Naofumi: Why would I accept your duel?

Aultcray: You WILL have to accept.

The king snaps as some guards walked up beside him, holding Raphtalia. Her mouth is covered as she tries to fight their grip.

Aultcray: You will duel Hibiki. If you lose, we will let your slave go free.

Naofumi: Tch! It's not a fair trade if she doesn't give anything up in return.

(Y/N): Why would I have to put something on the line? You have a slave. You have no right to get something from me.

Aultcray: Agreed. If she doesn't want to give anything, then-

Malty: I'll go with him.

My eyes widen as I quickly turned around. Malty had walked forward while hugging herself.

(Y/N): Malty?...Wait what-

Malty: It's only fair. An exchange. If you win, Naofumi, then I will join your party. And you can do whatever you want with me.

That got an even bigger reaction out of everyone, even myself.

Aultcray: Absolutely not! You are still my daughter! And I will not have you going over to that...that fiend!

Malty: I know what your think father. But, you put me in the care of (Y/N). And if anything has to do with her, then I have all right to be involved.

I grab Malty's shoulder and have her look at me.

(Y/N): Malty, what the hell are you thinking?! Why would you even think of that? You don't have to force yourself to get involved.

Malty: But I want to get involved...And this was the only thing I thought of on the spot...so...please...Please win.

She hugged me, having her face in my chest. I returned the hug before she pulled away.

(Y/N): So, Naofumi, we have a deal?

He looks at his shield before nodding.

Naofumi: Fine. I accept. But not because I want that bitch! I'm doing this to get Raphtalia back!