The Replacement of the Sword Hero

Chapter Fifteen: Collections

We were guided to the dining hall where a lavish breakfast was laid out. But unfortunately the atmosphere was spoilt by the presence of the other two heroes and their parties. Well, Bitch was the only one of Motoyasu's party members in attendance, but she could spoil the pleasant meal all on her own. Itsuki's party members were also standoffish towards us. Mald especially was glaring at Fohl, Atla and Eclair. He was still sporting a black eye courtesy of Fohl's punch last night and no efforts had been made to heal him after it was revealed who Fohl and Atla were.

Itsuki stopped eating when I walked into the room. "Ah, Wilbur, you're finally here..." He seemed unable to find the right words to follow so I glared at him. Itsuki shrank back a little, but then managed to squeeze out an apology. "I'm sorry about last night. I didn't know... All I saw was your party member attack Mald, and then the king gave orders and everyone started fighting. I didn't know whose side to stand on. I'm truly sorry."
"Get rid of him." I said. Itsuki looked at me blankly so I pointed at Mald. "Get rid of him. He will only cause you more trouble in the future."
"How dare you! The Sword Hero crosses the line!" Mald shouted, jumping up in anger.
"Do you want a rematch of last night?" Fohl asked, stepping forwards with his fists clenched.
Beside him, Atla muttered. "We should get rid of him..."

Motoyasu sauntered over to stand between us and rested his arm on my shoulder.
"Hey, hey, hey. Take it easy. I don't know what went down between you guys last night but-"
I grabbed his pony tail and slammed his head onto the table.
"Are you messing with me right now?!"
"Ow! Ow-owowow. What the...?" Motoyasu whined as released his head. "Geez what was that for?"
"The hell do you mean, "what was that for?!" You shot me in the back last night and injured me so badly I passed out!" I screamed at him.
Motoyasu blanched. "Did I? I don't think I would have... What the hell happened last night? The last thing I remember was challenging Naofumi to a duel..."
"Yeah, which you lost! How can you not remember anything about it?" I asked.

"No! Mr. Motoyasu didn't lose!" Bitch shouted.
"Yeah! There's no way I would have lost against Naofumi. Apologise to me!" Motoyasu demanded.
"You stabbed me in the back!"
"I didn't lose!"
As we devolved into a full on shouting match, Itsuki intervened. "Dude, you totally lost. And you attacked Wilbur from behind... Can you seriously not remember any of it?"
Outnumbered, Motoyasu sat down and scratched his head. "No, I really have no idea. Why would I attack Wilbur?"
"Itsuki, please fill him in on what happened last night. I don't think Ms. Myne can be trusted to give an unbiased account. But I'm sure you will keep your version of events truthful." I said to Itsuki meaningfully. He seemed to understand, glancing at Bitch who was protesting my accusations hotly.

With that out of the way, my party took over one end of the dining table and sated our hunger with the array of food. Once we had finished the meal, we were given some more time to rest before our audience with the king. An attendant was sent to lead us to the audience chambers and our arrival was announced as we walked through the large doors into the room. The king sat upon the throne in front of us, and I was relieved to see three heroes and their parties besides me. Naofumi stood next to me looking disgruntled about the whole affair. He hadn't been provided with a room or given any treatment last night, so I could understand his anger. Since he hadn't been at breakfast either, it was likely that he'd been denied food as well.

I turned my attention back to the king and stood straight as he began his speech.
"Now then, we will distribute the reward funds for your performance in the last battle and also your preparatory funds for the next wave." Three attendants entered the room, holding bags of money. Conspicuously one less than the number of heroes. Beside me, Naofumi audibly ground his teeth as if he had also caught on.
"Now then, to each of the heroes... To Mr. Motoyasu, both in recognition of his performance and to express our future expectations for him, we present 3'500 silver."
One of the attendants gave their heavy bag to Motoyasu, who happily accepted it. Bitch waved her hands in delight as she fussed around the money bag.
"Next, Mr. Itsuki. News of your deeds has echoed throughout this land. You truly did an amazing job in such trying times. Your reward is 3'500 silver."
As Itsuki accepted the reward, I looked over and saw Bitch looking outraged. She was probably thinking how dare anyone else receive an equal reward to her chosen hero. That said, I also thought it was a bit strange. Didn't Motoyasu receive more than anyone else in the light novels? Perhaps they were disappointed in him for not being able to defeat Naofumi in last night's duel.