Goblin Kingdom (Part 1)

Chapter 67: Gordob's Invitation

After seeing Rashka and Gilmi's exchange, I heaved a sigh of relief.

"...Chief, I am ashamed."

Gi Go approached me with his head down.

"No, it's fine. I also lost focus for a moment."
"...Right."
"I guess it's about as expected from the four tribes."
"What do you mean?"

As Gi Go inclined his head, I explained it to him.

"Everyone thought Gilmi had given up when he let go of his bow. And considering the pressure Rashka exuded, being able to hit only Rashka's eye was nothing short of a miracle."
"I see."

As Gi Go humbly nodded, I continued.

"And yet Gilmi managed to pull it off. All the while holding back."
"Holding back...?"
"He didn't intend to kill Rashka. So he held back just enough to make sure that the arrow only pierced Rashka's eye."
"Impossible..."

We normal goblins who couldn't even use bows understand very well just how abnormal that was. If Gilmi felt like it, he could've easily killed Rashka.

"And Rashka as well. If he were affected by the environment, and had grown nervous, then he would definitely not have seen through Gilmi, and he would not have been able to take Gilmi's arrow without showing an unsightly appearance at the sudden pain."
"That's... certainly."

So long as you expect it, then pain can be endured to some extent. But unexpected pain is another story altogether. Still... being able to endure having his eye pierced by an arrow, that's more Rashka showing his monstrosity than mere enduring.

"Everything most likely went according to Gilmi's plans. From here on, there won't be any more enmity between the two clans of Ganra and Gaidga."

I might just be reading a bit too much into this though.

"...Ra Gilmi, it seems I won't be able to put my guard down around him."

"He's quite skilled. But he also has a weakness. After all, he is the hero of Ganra."

To protect Ganara and prosper it. Gilmi certainly has the necessary abilities for that. But Ganra is always in Gilmi's mind. That in itself could be a shackle around Gilmi's legs.

The dumbfounded and speechless Gi Go, shook his head once as he excused himself and withdrew from my presence.

I'm not trying to purposely stir up discord.

I just want him to work hard.

In any case, all that's left now is Gordob.

As for how to conquer them, I'll first have to gather information.

After war, obviously comes a banquet.

So when I returned, I ate some meat, and had my fill.

◆◇◆

Late into the night. The wind blew past the grass-covered plains, singing a hymn as the cries of beasts resounded. The two moons hanging from the sky overlapped each other, boasting of the brightness of their two lights.

In the village illuminated by fire, goblins could be seen sleeping here and there. It was a peaceful night. So peaceful that one wouldn't think for a second that these goblins had been killing each other just some hours ago in the afternoon. As the wind gently caressed their cheeks, the light of the moon fell upon them. What a beautiful world.

But then suddenly, that silence was broken.

Up in the sky was a bird of misfortuneSkyura, gradually descending until it finally landed right in front of me.