Betrayal

Chapter 12- Ranking Up

Y/N's POV: 

"Father, I've bought the hero and his party". The petite blue haired girl curtsied, glancing up at the intimidating man who sat atop his gold plated throne. 

The man sneered. "Melty, you said you had guests who wished to speak with me". "I was unaware you were referring to the utter disappointments who stand before me now".

"Father", the girl hissed. "These so- called disappointments are the reason I'm alive right now".

The king leant forward, an inquisitive look on his face. 

Melty continued. "If Mr Naofumi and his party hadn't happened upon me this afternoon in the woods, I would have been mauled to death by a hungry wolf". "They stepped in, killing the beast before it could attack". "I'm extremely grateful to the three of them". 

Leaning back, the king placed an elbow on the arm rest, resting his chin on his open palm. 

"Hmm, interesting". "So, what do you want shield hero?" He emphasised the last two words with disdain. 

The boy beside me bowed. "Apologies for the sudden summoning your highness". "My party members and I seek entry into the church". "We were informed that we needed the royal family's permission in order to use the church's facilities". Naofumi rose, glancing towards the man before him. 

A moments silence was interrupted by the clearing of the king's throat, "Very well", he muttered. "Melty escort them will you?" 

The princess smiled widely, "Yes father, thank you!" 

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Naofumi's POV: 

"Wow, I feel so much stronger!" Y/n beamed, skipping further ahead.

After Melty had escorted us to the church, we commenced the ranking up ritual. It was only a short 10 minute process.

Stepping onto the podium, both Y/N and Raphtalia were engulfed in a bright yellow light. Their hair floated around them, as the light diminished. 

"How do you feel?" I questioned.

 "I feel amazing!" Raph exclaimed, admiring her outstretched hands. "Naofumi, check our stats!" "Have they improved!?" 

I obeyed the girl, concentrating on the two girls in front of me. I strained my eyes, looking the two up and down. 

"Holy shit it worked!" "You two are definitely much stronger now!" "Do you feel any different?" I approached Y/N. Her eyes met mine and she nodded energetically. 

"Thank you Fumi, for bringing us here". 

Blushing, I looked away, "I- it's really no problem". 

Now, we headed towards an inn located at the edge of Melromarc. 

"The second wave is due to take place sometime tomorrow". 

"Tomorrow!?" Raph exclaimed, throwing her arms up in the air. "Naofumi, why didn't you tell us!?" She huffed, placing her hands angrily on her hips. 

Rubbing the back of my neck awkwardly, I smiled, "Sorry about that Raph". "I kind of forgot".

"You forgot!?" Now Y/N butted in. My gaze drifted to her. 

"But hey, now that you two have ranked up, you'll be prepared for just about anything!" I tried to diffuse the tension in the air, which seemed to work. 

Checking into the inn, I threw our bags against the base of the bed. My back hit the soft mattress and I let out a long sigh. Y/N did the same, lying next to me, her arms outstretched. Turning my head to the left, my eyes lay upon the girl's face. Studying her features, I let out a shaky breath.