The Rising of the Shield Hero (盾の勇者の成り上がり)

Raluva informed us that a filolial queen

with the same feather pattern as Filo was worshiped as the national bird of Q'ten Lo,

and so we put her in the lead as we began our march to the old capital.

The effect was incredible. We were welcomed in every town we passed,

and were able to put them under our control without fighting.

I can't believe it worked so well.

The same goes for you, Raphtalia.

Correct.

Seeing you in those clothes, which are the symbol of the emperor,

will cause any who are unsatisfied with the current emperor to join us.

It will help us expand our forces even more.

I see...

Thanks to you and the Divine Bird, the old capital is almost in sight.

We'll wait here in camp for the rear units to catch up.

It should take two or three days.

I don't want to stop our march, but I guess we don't have a choice.

Once we have the old capital in our control,

we'll do the imperial succession ceremony at the holy grounds.

It'll just give you the emperor's powers.

It doesn't mean you have to suddenly become the new emperor, right?

Don't worry about it too much.

You're right.

Oh dear...

That way? This way?

Which way?

I heard they were around here...

Is that them?

Yes! That way!

Yup! Yup! Yup!

The Rising of the Shield Hero

Episode 9: Zodia

And so our enemies still don't want a cease-fire, right?

The Imperial Adviser, Makina, has no intention of doing that.

I'm hearing reports that the government's army is gathering at the old capital.

They're ready to fight us, huh?

The emperor's personal troops are led by the Water Dragon miko,

who has already entered the capital.

What are they like?

Unfortunately, we've sent many spies to find out but none have returned.

Sorry, I don't know anything about what happened in this country after I left.

I'm sure it's someone from my clan, but...

So even if we get to the old capital, we'll still have to fight, huh?

Stay sharp, everyone.

Yes, sir!

Oh! Master!

Food's ready, they say!

I'm going to go check out the forge.

You guys eat without me.

Raphtalia and Filo, get some rest early for tomorrow's parade.

Atla and Fohl, train after dinner.

Even you, Naofumi-sama, shouldn't be going alone in a strange place.

Let me be your bodyguard.

Atla, you...

Shield Hero, would you let us protect you on the way there, at least?

We'll train or whatever else you want after that.

Fohl-kun, that's...

I told you two to train.

Stop spoiling Atla already.

I'll guard you.

She says nobody gave her orders, so she'll protect Iwatani-san.

Watch the place while we're gone.

Okay!

S'yne-san, take care of him.

I lost my job because of you, Brother!

I was doing it for you, Atla!

You should've just stayed out of it!

Stayed out of it?!

Whoa!

Sorry!

No, I wasn't looking...

Is something wrong?

No, are you okay?

Yes!

I'd like to ask... Do you know where the main street is?

The main street?

If you're looking for that...

It's right down that road.

A talking stuffed animal!

How cute!

Aw, you're flattering me.

Aren't you headed to the main street?

Oh, right.

It's this way, right?

No!

This way!

Oh, right.

Thanks...

What was her problem?

Hey guys.

Hey, kid.

Good timing!

Tell him to take these ropes off me!

What's going on here?

He said he was going to leave his work and go drinking.

Ah-huff! Ah-huff!

We meet again, young lady.

You're as beautiful as ever.

Your beauty is dazzling me! I can hardly see!

About that sword...

What happened to that cursed sword we gave you the other day?

For a master like me, that curse is nothing!

But...

The tools I need can only be found at my forge in the old capital.

I know, young lady! Why don't we go look for them together?

I'm sure I can find the best tools with you at my side!

Stop messing around.

Well, it's supposedly true that he has a forge in the old capital.

So the sword will only get reforged after we take the old capital?

Um, sorry...

You're that girl from before!

I got lost again!

Young lady!

Ah-huff! Ah-huff!

What's your name?

Um...

Zodia!

Zodia?

What a splendid name!

I am this nation's, no, this world's greatest blacksmith!

Muramasa!

I know a place that serves the most wonderful sake.

Why don't you come with me?

Hey, get these ropes off me!

But I have to go see the parade for the person who'll be the new emperor.

The parade?

That's tomorrow.

Oh, dear!

I'll show you the way tomorrow!

So tonight, why don't the two of us have some sake and get to know each other better?

If you're going, I'll go...

No, I'm leaving. Let's go, S'yne.

Aw, don't be like that.

Ah-huff! Ah-huff! Ah-huff!

I'll fix that cursed sword or forge your weapons, whatever you want for the rest of my life!

I'm begging you!

Well, do it for me.

Fine, fine.

Hooray! Sake!

Hooray!

Now, right this way.

It seems to be closed...

This is where I'm staying...

The second floor is an inn.

Oh, it must be fate!

Stop causing a ruckus in front of my store!

I don't have anything to drink, with what a mess the world is these days.

Go try somewhere else.

Aw, please... Come on!

Oh?

Welcome back! Come in, come in!

I'm back!

I'll be right behind her!

Hey, you guys, get a move on!

This meal is amazing!

Whoa, whoa...

Here you are.

Oh, thanks.

Now, to our meeting!

Cheers!

Why are you taking the lead?

Are you crazy?

You can hold your liquor, huh?

That's wonderful!

So can I, you know...

Don't even try.

Hey, I forgot to ask your name!

Iwatani Naofumi.

Naofumi-chan, then!

"Chan"?

What race are you, Naofumi-chan?

I'm human.

I'm a Komai!

Humans can drink this much?

People say my ears and tail are super-cute!

Wow! I'd better drink up, too!

Hey, let's all play a game!

A game?

This always makes for a memorable night.

The emperor's game!

Let's play Masuzu cards!

M-Masuzu cards? Wow, what fun!