For a bit now, I'm getting a little dismayed at how much things are 'turning around' for the shield hero. He's racking up too much value and is looking too good for the audience. The other three heroes are useless against boss lady even though they're twice the level? He finally gets to disrespect the king without consequence? His reputation is turned around everywhere except the court? Too much, too fast from a story telling perspective. It downplays the premise of the story (struggle against adversity when the world seems against you) and makes other characters seem like a means to an end (someone has to still give Naofumi garbage for no reason because he has no real character flaws).

My favorite part was actually the King's sheepish reaction to loli princess. He didn't seem like he feared her (though he certainly should), but rather doted on her; both of his daughters actually, and hinted at having a legitimate beef with the station of the shield hero that we'll hopefully explore further.

I predict that oldest princess set up the betrayal because she is both vain (why pass the throne over me?) and short sighted (father will surely cover this up).