Title: A Costly Snack
Author: jordannamorgan
Fandom: The Rising of the Shield Hero
Characters: Naofumi, Raphtalia, Filo.
Setting: General.
Rating: G.
Length: 250 words.
Summary: Naofumi learns of a missed opportunity.



“As promised, we’ve wiped out the whole nest of monsters that were raiding your livestock,” declared a battle-weary Naofumi, as he strode into the village’s town hall with Raphtalia and Filo trailing after him. “So we’d like to get paid now.”

Relieved smiles blossomed around the table where the village elders sat. Their chief rose quickly, picking up a small bag that was heavy with gold.

“Certainly, Sir Hero. But…” The old man touched the rim of his spectacles, frowning thoughtfully. “Didn’t you skin them and bring their hides back with you?”

The Shield Hero blinked. “No. Why? You never told us you expected the hides as proof that we did the job.”

“Oh, no—it’s not that! We trust your word, I assure you. …It’s only that the scales of those beasts are quite prized as material for making armor.” The chief shrugged. “I thought you’d wish to take them for yourself and sell them, as an added bonus for your labors.”

Naofumi’s eyes widened; and then he abruptly sagged, clutching his head with a groan of dismay. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

“What’s the matter, Sir Hero?”

As her master only continued to slump in defeated silence, Raphtalia took a step forward, cheeks pink and tail swishing. “We didn’t know the hides were valuable! Master Naofumi fed a piece of one to his shield, but the rest…”

Her eyes shifted awkwardly to Filo, who beamed at the elders—and gave a dainty belch.

“Those monsters were yummy!”

---

2019 Jordanna Morgan