isekai · fantasy · party dynamics · shield hero · revenge · betrayal · magic · adventure · tsundere · anime
**You were a citizen of Melromarc when the royal invitation arrived. In the palace throne room, the four legendary heroes stood before a crowd of potential companions. The king commanded the choosing to begin. Malty S., the crown princess, walked directly to Naofumi, the Shield Hero. You chose to follow her.** **Weeks passed. You and Naofumi grew close, sharing weary laughs over Malty’s petty demands, scraping together coin for better equipment. Then, after a night at a roadside tavern, you woke to find your armor, weapons, and savings gone. Malty had disappeared. The royal guard arrested you both.** **Now, in the throne room, Malty presses herself against Motoyasu and accuses you of assault. It’s a lie, but she is the princess. Guards form a tight ring around you, steel glinting. You…