Y/n's pov

I woke up on a bed with a bandage wrapped around my arm. I sat up slowly and saw Filo sleeping in a chair with her head near my lap. I gently pet her head, thinking about what had happened. I had lost control to one of those voices in my head, then as I fought back, something caused my body to freeze up and then I passed out. I don't remember what happened to freeze my body, but whatever did it saved me from the voices. I looked around the room as I kept petting Filo. It was one of rooms from the village clinic, so that means we are finished with the dragon corpse. I gently shook Filo to wake her up, causing her to look at me "ah! Y/n!" she hugged me tightly "You're awake!" Soon the door was opened by Naofumi, who walked in and looked at me. "Filo, I need you to step out of the room for a bit" Filo pouted but agreed to it, leaving the room. Naofumi closed the door once she left and then glared at me "who are you really Y/n." I looked at him as he continued speaking "I thought that you were some adventurer with a strange weapon. but those skills you use, and the fact that your chains can't be removed. You aren't a normal person" I sighed and shook my head "when I put my ring on you, did you read it's name?" he nodded "Cursed One's ring. The ring negates the negative side of curse and sin series skills." I nodded "yeah... I made that ring a few days ago. It ended up helping me more than I expected it to." "so you are the 'Cursed one' " I nodded again and sighed "I was cursed by the calamity. My chains became the cursed chains. The ring keeps me from losing control to the curses." Naofumi kept glaring still "how can I trust you" I shook my head "there is no way I can make you trust me. But, If you are going to want me to leave the party I have some requests." Naofumi sighed "what" "I want to stay in the party until after the next wave." "fine, anything else" I nodded and we began discussing.

Our group is heading down a path after fighting off the monsters from the mountain. Rifana and Raphtalia were walking next to each other and Naofumi kept Filo next to him with me away from the group a bit. Raphtalia asks Naofumi a question "We are ending the trading trip?" Naofumi nodded "we need to get back to the capital to get good enough holy water to heal Y/n's curse. and we need to prepare for the next wave" Raphtalia nodded and then noticed something "hey, somethings going on over there." we looked over and saw a bunch of Filolial sounding a girl with blue hair. Filo stared at the filolial "They look yummy" Naofumi looked at her "those are your own species" The filolial noticed us and ran off, leaving the girl alone there. She looked over at us before focusing on Filo "its so big!" she walks closer to Filo and stares at her "are you a filolial?" Filo tilted her head "you mean me?" The girl got more excited "You can talk too! I've always dreamed of talking with a filolial!" Filo seemed shocked at the girl's reaction. The girl reached into her pocket and pulled out a piece of dried meat "here, a gift for you, it's dry meat" Filo happily accepted the meat and the girl carefully touches Filo's feathers and smiles. Naofumi and Raphtalia talked quietly while the girl spoke with Filo. "what's your name?" "Filo" "Filo-chan? I'm Melty" Filo smiled and closed her eyes "Mel-chan, then" the girl seemed more happy to receive a nickname "Sure! Oh, I know. want some more?" the girl, Melty, pulled more dried meat out of her pocket and fed Filo.

I watched the girl, recognizing some of her features. She definitely looked similar to the princess at the capital, but she seemed more civil than that princess. I kept quiet about that for now, deciding to question her later. Naofumi calls out to Filo "Filo... we still have work to do in the village. In the meantime, you can play with that girl" Filo looks at her "You mean it!" Melty looks over as well "Really?" Filo jumps up in excitement, transforming into her human form in mid air. "Wow! you can transform too" "yup" "So amazing!" I sighed and watched them. Filo looked over at Naofumi again "Master, can I play some more with Mel-chan?" Naofumi responded "just be back by sunset..." Filo nodded and got up as Naofumi called out again "Don't go too far, you hear me?" "'kay!" I shook my head and looked at Naofumi "I will keep watch of them" Naofumi looked at me and nodded, walking away. Rifana looks at me "master..." "go with him Rifana, he might need help at the village, I will be fine here" She nodded slowly and left with Naofumi.

The 2 girls played around in the fields with me watching over them, I noticed someone else in the trees watching as well, but I guessed it was one of the queens shadow guards that I read about. After a while of playing, Melty took a break, but Filo still had plenty of energy. I looked at Melty and sighed, taking an empty water container out of my inventory "Filo, Melty will need some water to be able to keep up with you a bit more, can you go fill this up with the river water over there" Filo nodded and took the container, running over to the river. I looked at Melty, feeling the Shadow staring at me intensely from the tree. "so, Melty. What is a princess doing all alone out here without knights guarding her?" She looked at me, shocked "You recognized me? but you aren't from this nation..." I sighed "you share similar features to your brat of a sister. and the Shadows watching you give it away. She nodded and looked down "I was on my way to the royal capital and got distracted by the filolial and I was separated from my guards." I nodded and sighed "don't tell Naofumi who you are until we are at the capital." "why not?" I looked at her "he doesn't trust anyone in this world, royalty will be another thing that he will probably never trust." She nodded as Filo started running back with the water. "I will talk with you more about that later." Filo came over and handed Melty the water container. After taking a drink they got back to playing together.

Late at night, Filo was running up to the room that we are staying at, I walked with Melty, since she was going to ask Naofumi to take her with us to the capital. Once we got there, we heard FIlo talking to Naofumi, Raphtalia, and Rifana about how Melty was separated from her guards. Raphtalia noticed Melty standing in the doorway and notified Naofumi. Melty walks up to him. "I apologize for showing up so late. Um... Could you let me accompany you for a little while?" Naofumi looks at her "Wait a second. What do you mean?" "I was on my way to the royal capital, but, uh, when I saw the filolials... I was so engrossed in playing with them, I got seperated from my guards!" Melty bowed her head down as she said that. Naofumi questions her "Guards?" Melty looked at him again "I hear you're leaving for the capital tomorrow, Savior. Could you please take me with you?" Naofumi crossed his arms as he thought about something. Melty held one and up to her chest as she speaks "I'm aware that I'm making a selfish request. But please, I must return to the capital! I beg you!" Melty bowed again, as Naofumi stares with a blank face. Filo gently tugs on his sleeve and he looks at her "Master, I want you to help her." Raphtalia spoke as well "Naofumi-sama... We can't turn her down when she's having trouble. I want you to help her as well" Naofumi rubbed the back of his head and sighed "You'll have to cough up a reward, okay?" Melty smiled "Of Course! I shall ask my father!" Filo hugged onto Melty happily. I looked out the window and saw the shadow watching us from a tree.

The next day we are loading the wagon up with out supplies while the doctor thanked us. "We truly can't find the words to thank you." Naofumi looked at him "I'd rather have money than words. Next time I'm here I'll collect everything I'm owed." "c-certainly.." We finished getting everything set up and started heading off towards the capital. The ride was strange, Rifana and Raphtalia sat next to each other, Rifana having to comfort a motion sick Raphtalia. Melty sat next to me, getting up every now and then to watch Filo. Naofumi drove silently, speaking with Melty every now and then. When we finally stopped, Filo beat up a monster that tried to attack, with Melty cheering her on. Naofumi set up camp while Raphtalia threw up, Rifana gently rubbing her back to help her. After camp was set up, we went fishing for food. Raphtalia used a fishing rod, Rifana was using a spear, and Melty was just standing in the water. Suddenly, Filo splashes out of the water, holding onto a large fish. We went back to the camp and Naofumi cooked up the fish, making a stew. there wasn't enough for everyone to get a bowl so I sat out, deciding to eat something from my inventory while they sleep. I climbed up into a tree and watched over them as they all went to sleep. Rifana and Raphtalia shared a sleeping bag, Melty had a sleeping bag that she wasn't using, Filo was sitting in her filolial form, and Naofumi was sitting on a log, staring at the fire.

Raphtalia and Rifana fell asleep soon and Naofumi was too focused on the fire. I looked over at Melty and saw that she had undressed and was climbing into Filo's feathers. I looked away for a bit until I was sure she wasn't visible anymore before looking back. Filo had fallen asleep shortly after, the scene now looked like Melty had just vanished or was eaten by Filo. I shrugged and looked down at my arm, taking off the bandage. It was a dark purple color, it looked like my arm had been burned into a crisp. It hurt, but since I had a some immunity to curse damage, It didn't hurt too bad, only looking bad. After a while I watched as Naofumi and Raphtalia came to the conclusion that Filo had eaten Melty. I watched them with a smirk as they talked until Filo woke up and showed them that Melty was in her feathers. Soon, Raphtalia had tried to see how Melty could be in Filo's feathers, and she sunk into the fluff, falling asleep almost immediately. I stared down at the group and sighed, shaking my head.

We arrived in the capital after a few hours of travelling in the morning. Naofumi stayed in the back while Raphtalia drove the wagon so that no one could see him. After getting to a safe area, Naofumi had Filo go take Melty home. Naofumi decided to search around for things he can use for the wave while I headed to the church to get holy water. I looked up at the church and frowned, seeing the 3 hero weapons that the church worships. I entered through the large doors, walking to the area where I would be able to purchase holy water. I walked down the empty hall, noticing the nuns hiding in an upper layer of the hall. When I got to the stairs at the end of the hall, I saw an old man with a staff walking down, with 2 men in black robes acting as guards for him. I stopped walking and watched, going off of the mumbling around the hall, this old man was the pope of this religion. The pope walked down the stairs slowly, stopping at the bottom a few feet away from me, he looked at me and smiled "hello young man, why is it that you have come to our church on this fine day?" I removed the bandages on my arm, showing the purple and black burn like curse covering my arm. "I have been cursed by an undead dragon's breath while I had fought it along side some travelers. I had heard that the only holy water that could cure me of this curse was the purest holy water that is sold here at the capital" The pope stared at my arm before nodding "Very well, what is your offering?" I looked at him "How much money would be enough" The pope looked into my eyes "one gold coin" I nodded and reached into my pocket, taking out a gold coin and holding it out. One of the men wearing a black cloak walked over and accepted the gold coin as a Nun walked out holding a tray with a single bottle of holy water. I lifted it up and examined it. [Holy water (strong)]. I frowned and looked at the pope "forgive my insolence Pope, but I do not think this holy water is pure." He looked at the bottle then at the Nun "why have you brought less then what this man has been promised? God treats all equally, even those who do not share our faith. I hope you repent for your action" I set the bottle back on the tray and she bowed her head, quickly running off. "I apologize for my fellow worshipers actions, we did not mean to show dishonesty" I shook my head "it is all fine. It is God's responsibility to judge our souls not mine. I will not view anyone differently unless they act in hostility and aggression." the pope nodded "you are very wise. I do hope you one day consider becoming a fellow worshiper here." "no, my impure soul would only tarnish these holy grounds if I prayed here." The nun came back with a different bottle of holy water, I examined it and confirmed that it was pure. I bowed to the nun and the pope before beginning to leave. As I headed towards the exit the pope spoke out towards me "Remember that God's light shall guide our souls" I turned back towards him "I pray that God's light reaches all deemed worthy, Thank you for your service and gracing me with your holy presence." The pope seemed to smile more as I left.

After getting outside, I sighed and poured some of the holy water into the gem on my bracelet, watching as a new icon showed up [God's chains] (locked). I sighed and put some of the holy water on the bandages then putting it in the gem, unlocked a different icon [Treated bandage chains (pure)]. I equipped the new chain and wrapped it around my arm, feeling the curse slowly being cured. I sighed and started looking for Naofumi, I didn't have to look far as I heard an annoying voice scream out Naofumi's name. I walked over to where I heard it and saw Motoyasu attacking Naofumi with his spear. Motoyasu was destroying the area, until a knight stood in front of Naofumi, causing Motoyasu to stop "Th-this is a public place! It's no place for a personal duel!" Suddenly, the voice of the red headed princess spoke out "It is now." She was standing with a group of knights behind her "surround them" The knights surrounded Naofumi and Motoyasu with their swords drawn. The princess held up a document "Ladies and gentlemen, I declare this an official duel between the Spear Hero and the Shield hero, with the authority vested in me by the crown!" However, before anything could start, Melty's voice rang out "Put your weapons away!" Suddenly, all the knights started bowing as Melty walked over with her own group of knights behind her. "I will not allow the heroes to fight among themselves." Malty spoke out "Wh-what are you doing here?" Melty looked at her "it's been far too long, sister." Naofumi looked at Melty, shocked as she continued talking "Please don't think your or the hero's privilege can cover up this mess. Spear hero... Look around you. Who would call a man that puts lives at risk a hero?" Motoyasu frowned and put his spear down as Melty walked over "Sister, your fun and games have gone too far." Malty responded "I'm simply doing my job as the hero's aide" Melty stared at her, frowning "Is making him fight in a public place your idea of aide?" Malty glared "you dare defy me, your older sister?" Melty spoke calmly "If need be, I will let Mother know about this." Malty scowled as Melty went around apologizing to all the civilians in the area.

Raphtalia's voice called out to Naofumi as her, Filo, and Rifana came over to him. "Naofumi-sama, are you okay" "oh, Motoyasu once again..." Naofumi was cut off by Motoyasu walking over to Filo and kneeling down in front of her, grabbing her hand "Filo-chan, That is your name, right?" Filo nodded "yep" "you poor thing. Naofumi's working you like a horse isn't he?" Filo smiled "I like drawing the carriage" Motoyasu frowned 'Naofumi, you swine. You're making her pull your wagon like that fat bird?" Motoyasu stood up and pointed his spear at Naofumi "You'll pay for this!" Filo looked down, shadows covering her eyes "you called me fat." Motoyasu looked over at Filo, confused as she kept speaking "you made fun of me the last time we met too" Motoyasu faces towards her "I did? When?" Filo transformed into her bird form, glaring down at Motoyasu "I hate you, spear guy!" Motoyasu stared up at her, shocked "Huh? y-you were that fat bi-" Filo kicked Motoyasu in the crotch, sending him up into the air. His groin guard didn't protect him from anything. Malty called for the knights to take Motoyasu to the doctor while Melty facepalmed. Naofumi was smirking as Filo held up a fist in celibration "Filo wins!" Naofumi pats Filo's head "well done. I'm proud of you, Filo" Filo giggled as Raphtalia got upset "Naofumi-sama..." Naofumi looked at her "he always puts us through hell. He had that coming" Raphtalia sighs "Sheesh, what's up with that satisfied smirk?" Melty walked over to Naofumi, speaking "Our Savior of the Heavenly Fowl... No, Shield Hero. I need to talk to you"

Naofumi walked to the blacksmith's shop, sitting on a barrel. Enhard looked at the group "Kid, Mind explaining this to me?" Naofumi sighed "It's a long story. Let us discuss things here." "come on. You know that's not gonna fly" Raphtalia looked at him "sorry, we couldn't think of a better place nearby" Enhard sighed. Naofumi spoke, not even looking at Melty "so? Who exactly are you?" Metly placed her right hand over her chest "pardon my late introduction. I am first in line to the throne of Melromarc, Second Princess Melty Melromarc." Enhard was shock "th-thr.." Filo spoke up, confused "In line to the throne?" Naofumi spoke, still not looking at Melty "She'll be the next ruler, basically." Rifana spoke out "she's ahead of her older sister?" Melty nodded "Yes. My sister has always been a problem child due to her personality." Naofumi scoffed "I'm not surprised." Melty stared at Naofumi "I had no idea you were the Shield Hero. But this might be perfect." Filo looked at Melty "what?" Melty was about to speak but was cut off by Naofumi standing up and glaring at Melty "Sorry, but we're done here. I can't trust anything you say." Melty was shocked as Naofumi's glare hardened "Get lost"