Goblin Kingdom (Part 1)

Chapter 63: A Demand for Surrender

After sealing the movements of the Paradua goblins, the whole army confidently marched toward their village. Leading the way was the newly appointed Paradua chief, Hal.

He kept whatever uncertainties he had buried at the bottom of his heart as he led the horde. He chose the shortest route just as I had asked him. And he even chose the routes easiest to walk on. He did his job well.

Although I gave the Paradua goblins two days – the extra one day for rest – we ended up arriving at the Paradua Village in no time at all.

Looking at the village from afar, the Gaidga could be seen gathered at the center of the village. From amongst that crowd was one particular goblin who stood out, it was probably their chief, Rashka.

Although their numbers have greatly dwindled, they were still not something that could be taken lightly.

Besides, I don't actually want to reduce their numbers any further.

"You're going to demand their surrender?" Gilmi wasn't sure if he heard right. But that's only to be expected, after all we've already attacked their village. There's no way they'd easily forgive us. It didn't matter even if it was the wiser Ganra in their position, they still wouldn't forgive us.

Hearing that, even the normally calm Gilmi couldn't help but doubt my judgment. The reactions of the other Ganra Goblins could easily be guessed.

"Right. If possible, I don't wish for anymore casualties," I said. But unlike usual, Gilmi didn't immediately agree. He looked troubled for a moment before eventually nodding.

"If it's the will of the king, then I suppose it can't be helped." Gilmi Reluctantly agreed. "But if a battle does break out, then-!"

That hounding response of Gilmi's showed just how fierce his fury was.

"When that time comes, then I will personally defeat Rashka."
"I understand."

With that, he withdrew from my presence, and I quietly sent him off as he went to explain to the other Ganra.

◇◆◇

I had a hard time deciding who to send as messenger, but then Aluhaliha of Paradua personally asked to be sent. I guess from his perspective, he would want to get out of his newcomer position as fast as possible. If he could get some kind of achievement his and his tribe's position would be secured.

But there's another reason why it makes sense to send him.

The four tribes are arrogant. They look down on other goblins, and they have a tendency to want to do things themselves rather than leave it up to their subordinates. Princess Narsa of Ganra is similar. Besides, it looks to me he personally wishes to make a sacrifice for the tribe.

"Very well, Aluhaliha. I leave it to you."

This move will shake them mentally. After all, the oldest chief of the four tribes himself is the one sending the message. When the very superior they've looked up to all this time visits himself as the enemy's messenger, will they lash out in anger? Or will they shiver in fear, imagining, 'How strong could the enemy be?'... Naturally, I'm hoping it'd be the latter, but the former isn't so bad either.

The ability to attack from a distanceGanra and the ability to move through the battlefield with nimblenessParadua, both have already fallen into my hands. Should the Gaidga decide to fight, I will have more than enough to meet them head on.

Charging straight ahead like a bear, clearly too ill fit for schemes and trickery.

"Gladly."

As that ashen head of his rose, Aluhaliha climbed up his beloved steed, Jirouou, and he gallantly set off for the village. In the worst case, Rashka will take him in as a hostage, or he might even kill him, but either case could be used to unify the hordes.