Reborn as shield hero with Garps Template

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"Lex? Is there anything urgent?"

Jason immediately picked up on Lex sitting in the chair next to him, ready to relay something significant.

"Master Shield Hero... If the king invites you to the celebration banquet tonight, don't go!" Lex exclaimed, rising excitedly from his seat.

"Huh? What's going on?" Jason frowned, sensing that something serious had unfolded.

"Here's the situation: About two days ago, His Majesty the King and the Queen's promise rings went missing. The king suspects someone stole them, and he's been anxious about it, ordering investigations continuously."

As Lex continued, Jason felt a certain connection between the lost rings and the gold ring Raphtalia had just picked up.

"They have been searching for two days without finding even a trace of the thief. But just now, the baron claims to have identified the thief."

Lex kept a keen eye on Jason, awaiting his reaction.

"That thief, is it me?" Jason responded knowingly.

"Exactly. The baron is accusing you of stealing the king's promise ring. I'm not sure of the specifics, but my brother working in the palace gave me the heads up about this."

Realization dawned on Jason as he listened to Lex's account. The gold ring Raphtalia had found must indeed be the king's promise ring. The baron had orchestrated a facade, presenting the ring to Jason while simultaneously framing him for the theft.

At the celebration banquet for the victorious battle against the disaster wave today, the king might publicly confront him, an encounter in which it would be nearly impossible for Jason to defend himself, given that the ring would be in his possession.

"This conspiracy is truly tenacious and well-crafted. If I hadn't prepared for this, I could have walked right into their trap, and they would have framed me without a second thought."

Jason clenched his fists, his frustration palpable. An aura of menace quietly radiated from him, sending cold shivers down Lex's spine; he was all too aware of Jason's lethal capabilities.

"No... it's impossible for a mere baron to have acquired the king's promise ring. He must be a pawn in a larger scheme. But who is behind it?"

"Could it be the king himself orchestrating this? Or the Pope? Perhaps Myne is pulling strings again?"

Pondering over the possibilities, Jason reigned in his anger, shaking his head and muttering, "Never mind... I'll find out what's going on when I attend that banquet tonight."

"Master Shield Hero, are you still planning to go to the celebration banquet?" Lex's eyes widened, disbelief written all over his face.

"Of course! A lively celebration like that? I wouldn't miss it for the world," Jason replied, a slight smirk gracing his lips, contrasting with the coldness in his eyes.

"Master Jason, if you go, you're likely to be mobbed and attacked," Raphtalia interjected, concern etched on her features as she listened intently.

"Even if I leave the capital now, the king's people will still view me as the thief fleeing out of fear. This conspiracy is flawless because, regardless of whether I stay or go, I'll be branded a criminal in this kingdom."

Upon hearing Jason's words, Raphtalia's expression shifted to panic. "How could this happen? It's clear you're not a thief, Master Jason!"

"Don't worry; there's a way to address any situation." Jason rubbed her head, offering a sense of comfort.

"Lex, I have something I need you to handle."

"Please tell me!" Lex replied, eager to assist, though still shaken by Jason's earlier intensity.

"Take this golden ring to your brother in the palace and have him hide it behind the throne."

As Jason pulled the gold ring from his pocket, both Lex and the weapon shop owner's eyes widened in shock.

"Brother Shield Hero... Is that really the king's promise ring? Did you steal it?" the shop owner asked incredulously.

"Don't speak nonsense! I would never engage in such villainous deeds. I won't explain the specifics, but just know that a conspiracy is heading my way. Lex... take it."

Jason tossed the gold ring into Lex's hands, his tone serious. "If you don't handle this properly, you know the consequences."

"Y-Yes, of course!" Lex stammered, panic evident in his voice as he clutched the ring tightly.

"And if you succeed, I'll ensure that you and your brother are well rewarded for your efforts. Here's a gold coin as an advance token of appreciation for sharing this news," Jason said, pulling a single gold coin from his purse.

Looking at the gold coin, Lex's fear evaporated, replaced by a broad smile. Gold coins represented security; they could provide for him and his brother for a long time. Aligning with Jason felt like the right choice after all.

"Thank you, Lord Shield Hero! I'll make sure to handle this beautifully for you," Lex proclaimed, bowing deeply.

"Alright then... let's go."

Jason nodded, satisfied with Lex's response.

"It seems you're ready to tackle whatever conspiracy awaits us, so I'll say no more. I hope for your safety," the owner of the weapon shop sincerely wished as he regarded Jason with respect.

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Not long after Lex departed, a group of soldiers approached the weapon shop.

"Master Shield Hero, greetings... To express gratitude for your tremendous contribution in repelling the wave of disaster, His Majesty the King invites you to the celebration banquet tonight. And, of course... Miss Raphtalia, you are appreciated as well," the leading soldier announced respectfully, his demeanor suggesting that this invitation was a mere formality, devoid of any underlying motives.

"I understand. Please wait a moment while I put on my equipment," Jason replied, turning to gather his gear.

As he prepared, he methodically donned the equipment that the shop owner had meticulously maintained. Next to him, Raphtalia also took a moment to check her own gear, preparing herself for the possibility of a fierce confrontation ahead.

The soldiers remained composed, waiting quietly in the weapon shop, although their cold eyes drilled into Jason and Raphtalia, as if they were mere prey.

Once he finished suiting up, Jason stretched and casually remarked, as though completely unaware of the tension, "Alright, let's be on our way."

"Very well, Sir Shield Hero. If you would follow us," the soldier responded, motioning for Jason and Raphtalia to proceed.

- Have a great weekend!

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If you enjoy please support me on my patreon Future 80+ chapters at patreon.com/Darkphoenix11

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