Rising of the Shield Hero Re-Rise

"Alright, but don't run away." Motoyasu said

"I won't."

I started going towards the inn and gestured raphtalia and Rifana to follow me.

It's good that we came far from our inn otherwise the innkeeper would've kicked me out.

"Alright, you can talk now."

"I don't understand, why was she saying this? She was your friend, right?"

"She wanted to go to spear hero's party from the beginning, and today she got the chance. You don't have to worry about this." I said

I don't know if she was just acting at that time or she really wanted to go to spear hero's party. But whatever it is, everything was according the plan.

"Mr. Shield Hero, Alna still has your moneybag." Raphtalia said.

"I don't think we will be able to get it back, so it is better to forget about it. I accept that I have lost my other money bag as well."

We came back to the inn.

"So, what will you do about that battle." Rifana asked

"Of course I will win, just to know why she did this. No matter whether I win or lose, I'll let Alna do whatever she want. And yes, you two will stay here."

"Absolutely not." They said in unison.

"Okay okay, but you will have to watch the fight from far away. No one should know that you two are in my party. Understood?"

"Understood!"

Time-5:00PM

Place- Orange Balloon Field/Training Grounds

"I didn't expect that you would actually come. Anyway, now get ready for the fight."

"I'm ready whenever you want." I said

Motoyasu took out his spear.

Raphtalia and Rifana were also here, they were collecting some grass. I bathed them and also told them put on other clothes. seeing them, everyone would think that these two are normal villagers or adventurers.

There weren't many people here, it seems Motoyasu has forbidden everyone else from coming here. He is better than last time, if the previous Motoyasu was here, he would have brought everyone here to show off in front of everyone.

I took some consumables out and drank them

This is completely different from last time. I still remember that day

They had altered the gardens to make space for our duel.

Torches were set along the perimeter, and everyone who was enjoying the feast came out to watch the heroes fight. But of course everyone already knew how it was going to turn out.

I was unable to attack at all, and there I was fighting with the Spear Hero. But that wasn't a fight between the Shield Hero and the Spear Hero. That was a fight between Motoyasu and me. He was just so prideful. I couldn't stand it.

Everyone was shouting out their bets, The castle was mostly been filled with nobility and knights, but there were some adventures there too, people that had fought with us against the wave. I suppose it was only natural that they would bet on it.

Ren and Itsuki were watching from the castle terrace and laughing.

I haven't forgotten any of that. Even though they don't have those memories anymore, these are the same people.

Let's come down to present. During the duel Raphtalia and Rifana should feel that I am enraged, I have been betrayed and insulted.

I braced myself for a blow and ran at Motoyasu. Motoyasu readied his spear and ran at me.

Suddenly, we were very close. I was in his range, and he threw his weight behind the spear and jabbed it at my shield.

"I don't want to hurt you. It would be better if you give up yourself." He said

Really? You challenged me to a duel and say that you don't want to hurt me. Don't make me laugh.

"If you're fighting someone, you'd better not take your eyes off your opponent and show mercy. The only thing you should be thinking of, is winning."

I created some distance between us and threw orange balloons at him.

"Motoyasu, be careful!" Alna shouted.

I looked at her, She gave me an impish smile. What does it mean?

Motoyasu popped all the balloons one by one.