Melromarc's Loyalists: The Unwavering Support For Aultcray
It's understandable to be curious, and perhaps a bit frustrated, when certain characters in a story seem to defy logic or the apparent consequences of their actions. You're asking about those two royal politicians who remained steadfastly loyal to Aultcray Melromarc even after his significant fall from grace. Their continued presence and seemingly unwavering support for Queen Mirellia (whom you've affectionately, and perhaps cynically, referred to as "Trash") after the failed plot against Nao (referring to the protagonist, Naofumi Iwatani) can indeed feel perplexing. Let's dive into who these individuals are and the reasons behind their persistent loyalty, which often stems from a complex web of duty, tradition, and a perhaps misguided sense of honor.
These two prominent figures are Myne and her father, the former High Priest of the Church of the Three Heroes, and later, the Father-in-Law of the King, Malty Melromarc and its former King, Aultcray Melromarc. It's important to clarify that while Malty was the primary instigator and Aultcray was the king at the time, their actions were deeply intertwined. Your question likely refers to individuals who, despite Aultcray's dethronement and loss of power, continued to align themselves with his faction or ideology. However, the narrative primarily focuses on the immediate aftermath of Aultcray's reign and the subsequent power shift. The individuals who remained loyal to Aultcray's old ways and continued to cause trouble, even after his removal, were primarily Malty Melromarc and her father. It's their actions that often lead to the perception of a persistent loyalist faction. The intrigue doesn't end with Aultcray's dethronement; it merely shifts focus.
The core of their unwavering support, particularly from Malty and her father, is rooted in ambition and a belief in their own inherent superiority. Malty, especially, harbors a deep-seated resentment towards Naofumi and a fierce desire for power. Her initial actions, including falsely accusing Naofumi and attempting to manipulate the situation to her advantage, were driven by this. Even after her father, Aultcray, was stripped of his power and her own manipulations were exposed, Malty's core personality and motivations didn't simply vanish. She was a pawn, yes, but also a player with her own agenda. Her father, Aultcray, was initially led astray by his own pride and the influence of the other heroes' slanderous campaigns against Naofumi. After his downfall, his actions became more reactive, often influenced by his lingering guilt and the desperation to rectify his perceived mistakes, or in Malty's case, to regain lost influence.
Your observation about Queen Mirellia (Naofumi's wife, who is the current Queen and Aultcray's daughter) catching them plotting against Nao again is a key point. This highlights the resilience of their scheming nature and the challenges faced by the new leadership. Mirellia, despite being Aultcray's daughter, is a just ruler. Her decision to keep them around, even after their treachery, isn't necessarily a sign of leniency but often a strategic move within the complex political landscape of Melromarc. It could be to keep a closer eye on them, to use their remaining influence for specific purposes, or simply because outright execution or imprisonment of royal family members, even disgraced ones, can cause further instability and internal strife. The world of Melromarc, especially under Mirellia's rule, is often about managing these intricate political games rather than simply purging all opposition.
Furthermore, the concept of "royal politians" in this context might be a bit of a misnomer. While they hold positions of influence, their actions often transcend typical political maneuvering and delve into personal vendettas and deeply ingrained prejudices. Their loyalty to Aultcray, or more accurately, to the idea of the old regime and their own entitlement, is a driving force. It's this stubborn adherence to their warped sense of justice and power that makes them such persistent antagonists. They represent a faction that cannot easily accept the new order, especially one led by someone they so vehemently despised and underestimated.
The narrative often uses these characters to explore themes of prejudice, the corrupting nature of power, and the difficulty of true reform. The fact that they are "still allowed to be with Trash" (Mirellia) after being caught plotting is a testament to the complex political realities. Mirellia, as a wise ruler, understands that simply eliminating threats isn't always the most effective long-term strategy. Sometimes, keeping them within sight, neutralizing their immediate threat, and attempting to manage their influence is the more pragmatic approach. It also serves to highlight the ongoing struggle for stability in Melromarc, a kingdom that has been through significant turmoil. Their continued presence, while frustrating for viewers and characters alike, serves a narrative purpose in showcasing the lingering shadows of the past and the ongoing challenges of building a just and stable future.
In essence, their loyalty isn't necessarily to Aultcray as a person in his powerless state, but rather to the ideals and power structures they benefited from under his rule, and their own unfulfilled ambitions. Malty's father, the former High Priest, likely saw his position and influence tied to Aultcray's reign. His actions were often driven by religious dogma and political expediency. Malty, as his daughter, inherited and amplified these traits, adding her own layers of malice and ambition. Even after Aultcray's fall, they continued to operate under the assumption that their birthright and manipulative skills would eventually allow them to regain their former status, or at least wreak havoc on those who usurped it. Their persistence is a narrative device that underscores the difficulty of eradicating deep-seated corruption and prejudice.
The Nuances of Royal and Political Influence
Delving deeper into the roles of these characters, it's crucial to understand the structure of Melromarc's society and the specific positions they held. Malty Melromarc, before her true nature was fully exposed, was a princess, a position of significant privilege and potential influence. Her father, Aultcray Melromarc, was the King, the absolute ruler of the nation. Even after his dethronement, the residual influence and connections forged during his reign could not be entirely erased overnight. The former High Priest of the Church of the Three Heroes, a powerful religious and political entity within Melromarc, also held considerable sway. His position was tied to the state religion, which, in turn, was heavily influenced by the monarchy and the narrative surrounding the Cardinal Heroes. When Aultcray was the king, this alliance was strong, and their actions were often coordinated to maintain the status quo and uphold the established hierarchy.
When Aultcray lost his position as the main ruler, it wasn't just a simple change of leadership; it was a seismic shift in the power dynamics of Melromarc. However, the deep roots of the Church and the inherent privileges associated with royal blood meant that Malty and her father, even in disgrace, still possessed a certain leverage. Their continued presence isn't necessarily about active support for a powerless Aultcray, but rather about maintaining their own standing and pursuing their long-term agendas. Malty, in particular, never truly accepted her defeat. Her ambition was boundless, and her belief in her own right to rule was deeply ingrained. She saw Naofumi as an obstacle and a rival for power, and her efforts to undermine him continued even after her initial schemes were thwarted.
The fact that Queen Mirellia caught them plotting again speaks volumes about their persistent nature. Mirellia, being a wise and capable ruler, understands that simply removing them might create martyrs or further destabilize the kingdom. It's a common trope in political narratives: dealing with remnants of a fallen regime often requires more finesse than brute force. Keeping them under surveillance, limiting their direct power, and perhaps even using their desperation to their own advantage are all plausible strategies. It's possible that Mirellia is playing a longer game, waiting for them to make a more definitive mistake or for the opportune moment to fully neutralize their threat without causing widespread dissent or exposing the kingdom to external threats.
Their continued association with "Trash" (Queen Mirellia) is likely a consequence of this complex political maneuvering. They might be under house arrest, under constant watch, or forced to participate in certain state functions to maintain an appearance of unity, all while their wings are clipped. Their loyalty, if it can even be called that, is less about unwavering devotion to Aultcray's current state and more about their stubborn refusal to relinquish their perceived rights and their persistent desire to regain control. They are symbols of the old guard, clinging to their power and influence even as the tide has turned against them. Their existence in the narrative serves to highlight the ongoing challenges of governance and the enduring nature of ambition and prejudice.
The Psychological Drivers of Their Actions
Beyond the political machinations, understanding the psychological drivers behind the actions of Malty and her father is key to grasping their persistent loyalty and continued scheming. Malty Melromarc is a prime example of a character driven by deep-seated insecurity masked by an extreme sense of entitlement and narcissism. Her accusations against Naofumi, her manipulation of the situation, and her continued attempts to cause him harm are not just about power; they are about validating her own self-worth. When Naofumi, the Shield Hero, rose to prominence and garnered the people's favor, it was a direct challenge to her perceived superiority. Her actions stem from a desperate need to prove herself right and to eliminate anyone who dares to question her or stand in her way. Even after Aultcray's fall, Malty likely felt that her royal blood and her father's former position still entitled her to a place of power, and she was unwilling to accept a subordinate role, especially one dictated by someone she viewed as an inferior.
Her father, Aultcray Melromarc, as the former King, likely grappled with a complex mix of pride, guilt, and a desire for redemption. Initially, his actions were fueled by the propaganda spread by the other heroes and his own ingrained prejudices. When he was forced to confront the reality of Naofumi's heroism and his own grave misjudgments, it must have been a profound shock. However, the human psyche often struggles with admitting profound error. For him, continuing to associate with Malty, even after her schemes were exposed, might have been a way to cling to a semblance of his former life or to try and control the damage his daughter was causing. Alternatively, it could be a desperate attempt to regain some form of control or influence in a world where he had lost everything. The narrative doesn't always explicitly state his motivations after his dethronement, but it's clear he was either manipulated by Malty or was trying to mitigate the consequences of his past actions, which often led him down further problematic paths.
The fact that Queen Mirellia caught them plotting against Naofumi again speaks to their incapability of learning from their mistakes or adapting to the new reality. They are stuck in a loop of their own making, driven by a warped sense of justice and a relentless pursuit of power that blinds them to the consequences. Mirellia, as the current Queen, represents stability and true justice. Her allowing them to remain, albeit under strict watch, is a strategic decision. It allows her to monitor their activities closely, prevent them from gaining any real power, and potentially use their continued existence as a lesson to others about the futility of treachery and prejudice. It might also be a way to manage the internal politics of the royal family, avoiding further schisms or public scandals that could weaken the kingdom.
Their continued presence, despite their past transgressions, highlights the theme that true change and justice are often a slow and arduous process. They represent the lingering darkness and the challenges that Naofumi and Mirellia must overcome. Their loyalty isn't necessarily to Aultcray in his current state, but to the ideals of power and status they once held and still desperately wish to reclaim. Their actions are a testament to the enduring nature of ambition, prejudice, and the psychological need for validation, even when it leads to self-destruction.
The Enduring Shadows of Prejudice and Power
Even after Aultcray Melromarc lost his position as the main ruler of Melromarc, the shadows cast by his reign and the prejudice that fueled it continued to linger. The two royal politicians you're referring to, primarily Malty Melromarc and her father, the former High Priest of the Church of the Three Heroes, embodied this lingering influence. Their continued presence and actions, even after being caught plotting against Naofumi Iwatani, are a complex interplay of ambition, ingrained prejudice, and the difficulty of truly dismantling established power structures and ideologies. It's less about unwavering loyalty to a powerless Aultcray and more about their inability to adapt to the new order and their relentless pursuit of their own agendas.
Malty, as a princess, was raised with a profound sense of entitlement and a deep-seated belief in her own superiority. This warped worldview, coupled with a narcissistic personality, made her incapable of accepting defeat or acknowledging the validity of Naofumi's cause. Her accusations against him were not born of genuine belief but from a desperate attempt to maintain her social standing and control the narrative. Even after Aultcray was dethroned, Malty saw herself as the rightful heir to power, or at least someone who deserved to be above others, especially Naofumi. Her father, the former High Priest, held significant religious and political sway. His allegiance was tied to the established order that benefited him, and he likely saw Aultcray's reign as the natural state of affairs. When that order was disrupted, his focus shifted to preserving his own influence and continuing the fight against those he perceived as threats, like Naofumi.
The fact that Queen Mirellia caught them plotting against Nao again is a critical narrative point. Mirellia, being a just and astute ruler, understands that simply eliminating threats isn't always the most effective strategy. In the complex political landscape of a kingdom like Melromarc, dealing with remnants of a disgraced royal faction often requires a more nuanced approach. Allowing them to remain, albeit under strict surveillance and with their powers curtailed, serves multiple purposes. It keeps potential threats visible and manageable, prevents them from becoming martyrs for any disgruntled factions within the kingdom, and allows Mirellia to potentially use their desperation or limited influence for her own strategic goals. It’s a demonstration of her leadership – maintaining order and justice without succumbing to rash actions that could destabilize the kingdom further.
Their continued association with the ruling monarchy, even under Queen Mirellia, is likely a result of these strategic decisions. They might be under house arrest, heavily monitored, or forced to participate in ceremonies to project an image of unity. Their "loyalty" is not to Aultcray in his weakened state, but to the principle of their own elevated status and their stubborn refusal to relinquish their perceived rights and privileges. They represent the enduring shadows of prejudice and the corrupting nature of unchecked ambition. Their persistence in plotting, despite repeated failures, underscores the narrative's exploration of how deeply ingrained beliefs and a lust for power can blind individuals to reason and consequences. They are living embodiments of the obstacles that Naofumi and Mirellia must continually overcome to establish a truly just and prosperous Melromarc, proving that the fight for a better future is an ongoing battle against the lingering darkness of the past.
For further insights into the political landscape and character motivations in this series, you might find it helpful to explore resources dedicated to the Rising of the Shield Hero wiki or discussions on anime forums where fans delve deeply into these character arcs and world-building details. These platforms can offer a wealth of information and perspectives that complement the story's narrative.
