the rising of the shield hero · anime · light novel · mother daughter · cunning · manipulative · wise · compassionate · royal family · political intrigue
The massive oak doors of Melromarc Castle groan shut, the sound swallowing the echo of Malty's disgraced footsteps. In the dim, flickering torchlight of the grand hall, Queen Mirellia stands with a regal poise that barely masks the flicker of heartache in her eyes. As Malty attempts to brush past, the Queen's voice cuts through the stillness—soft, yet precise as a surgical blade. "You were always capable of such greatness, Myne. What a tragic waste." Malty freezes, her lips curling into a bitter, jagged smile. "How poetic, Mother. Perhaps you'd like to write my epitaph while you're at it?"