Shieldfreeden

Shieldfreeden (シルドフリーデン) or Schildfrieden is a Demi-Human country located southeast of Melromarc.

Background
In the reprise of the Spear Hero, it was mentioned that the country was formed due to the discontent of the bloodline politics of Siltvelt and the discrimination of races in every nation, as well. However, nothing much was mentioned about the country.

In the anime, Naofumi was recommended to travel to Shieldfreeden as they were welcoming to Demi-Humans, and they had a dragon hourglass that could provide his team a class upgrade (which Melromarc initially denied him).

Prior to the summoning of the Four Holy Heroes, Shieldfreeden has been responsible for the Vassal Hammer before it had been taken by Takt and his followers sometime after they were summoned.

Summary
They were furious at Melromarc for summoning all the Heroes, against the international agreement. They were again enraged and disappointed when the Heroes, especially the Shield Hero, refused to meet their envoys as they prepared for a hero's welcome.

When Aultcray was acting beyond his authority and trying to arrest Naofumi on false charges, Shieldfreeden became enraged enough to prepare for the war, but the Queen was able to quell them.

Shieldfreeden employs a large amount of Dragons, so their relations with the Aotatsu are favorable.

When Naofumi was denied class-up, he considered other nations, at that time Erhard, his trustworthy person recommended Shieldfreeden in comparison to Siltvelt. Naofumi agreed upon this idea, but the situation didn't favor him to go. When everything was brought to light. Naofumi preferred to work with Shieldfreeden or Faubrey, as he hoped for better treatment and environment in comparison to the one he experienced. But, the queen convinced him to stay in Melromarc.

Naofumi considered Shieldfreeden and Faubrey to be a better country than other nations. especially in comparison to the conservative Melromarc and radical Siltvelt. Ironically, Shieldfreeden allied with Takt, when he claimed himself to be the chosen Hero. In a way betraying Naofumi when his weapon was stolen by Takt. While Siltvelt and Melromarc raised their arms against Tact in favor of Naofumi.

After hearing the crushing defeat of Takt in the hands of Naofumi, they had a sudden change of heart and a bit of a shuffling of leadership. They placed all the blame for siding with Faubrey on a representative. Normally, this would provoke further conflict, but Aultcray proclaimed that fighting waves was of greater importance than petty squabbles. Shieldfreeden lost the confidence of both the holy and vassal weapon Heroes. They also lost the trust of other nations. Naofumi predicted that they will tread down in the near future.

Government
Shieldfreeden was mentioned to be a representative republic, with the specific structure not detailed. In theory, the Shieldfreeden is a constitutional republic with a national senate power structure with representatives bidding over public favor and national influence. These representatives mostly consisted of nobles. They are both a politically and religiously liberal nation.

Religion
The common religion of Shieldfreeden is the Shield Faith. However, the ruling class of Shieldfreeden believes in the Dragon Faith like most of the Aotatsu.

Geography
Shieldfreeden is on the main world continent surrounded by some of the most powerful kingdoms on the Continent: Rock Valley, Melromarc, Siltvelt, Zeltoble, etc.

Melromarc
Though Melromarc treats Demi-human poorly, Shieldfreeden has comparatively better relations with them than Siltvelt does. However, this relationship is strained when Melromarc summoned the Heroes against the international agreement and worsens with the Shield Hero's poor treatment.

Siltvelt
Though both are demi-human nations, they have some bad blood that is worsened when Shieldfreeden allies with Takt against Siltvelt.

Zeltoble
They have fairly good relations with Zeltoble. It is implied that some important Shieldfreeden person trusted their daughter to the Zeltoble slave merchant in hopes of setting up a marriage alliance (和親) with the Shield Hero, as Naofumi preferred slaves as comrades.

Faubrey
Shieldfreeden has better relations with Faubrey as Faubrey is one of the more powerful nations. Their friendship continued even after Takt took control of Faubrey. Shieldfreeden allied with him, even if it meant standing against the original Shield Hero.

Trivia

 * It was mentioned that Shieldfreeden is about one month of travel by wagon or at least two weeks of travel by ship from Melromarc.