Lilia's Tale

Chapter 37: Hiding

As everything was now done, I wasn't sure what to do. I had planned on testing my summoning magic more extensively today, as it had been a while that I used this type of magic seriously. The relatively peaceful atmosphere ended up making me think back about what happened.

Which made me unable to not think about how weird this sudden attack felt. Why would a large group of goblins suddenly attack? I assuredly didn't know anywhere near enough about their behavioral patterns to try and find a reason, so I decided to simply wait for Father to come home so I could ask.

Meanwhile, I went to the field where I used to practice magic, and got to work. My summoning wasn't any worse than it used to be, I could still properly create a corporeal goblin, or even a second one. They still felt oddly empty, and made me question the behavior of the attack earlier even more.

My lack of knowledge annoyed me. In my frustration, I summoned more and more goblins, until I heard a clinging noise behind me. I turned around and noticed a group of people gathered at the entrance, swords readied, aimed towards me. As I tried to think on why, I suddenly noticed my large army of summoned goblins rush in front of me and create an artificial magicule-meat wall.

At that point, I realized why exactly they were preparing to fight me. I was casually strolling around this large amount of goblins right after what happened to the town. As I understood that, I said, gently

"Calm down."

Right as I said that, all the goblins went from fighting stances to relaxed stances. I was relieved I still had control over....how many goblins?

I counted quickly, as I knew I had somewhat lost myself in my frustration earlier as I kept summoning them. The count turned to thirty-three.

I sighed, unsummoned them all one by one and went towards the group, saying as I approached:

"Sorry, I was just practicing some summoning magic."

I took the opportunity to take a better look at who the group was consisting of. I noticed Father further at the back nearly immediately, but the three knights were people I didn't know. The man in the middle looked double my size and very physically strong. The two on each side looked a lot shorter and less intimidating. All three had their swords branded towards me and seemingly refused to lower them.

"That's my daughter. I think you all saw her unsummon the goblins, so I think you'll agree what she said is trustworthy," Father said.

The tall man, which I assumed to be some sort of captain, turned towards Father, then back and said:

"I cannot believe for a single mage to be able to summon such a large platoon of goblins. She might be your daughter, Great Summoner, she isn't you."

"I myself can vouch for her capability in doing such a thing," Father continued. "I taught her myself, and she has much more magic capabilities than I ever will have."

"Are you saying she is stronger than you?" the captain interrogated.

"Yes. I am."

He stared at me for what felt like an eternity, making me increasingly uncomfortable by the minute. Eventually, he sheathed his sword, as the two other knights followed.

"I still cannot believe it, but I have to comply to your words. Let's move on to what we're here for."

"Yes. There shouldn't be any damage in the house."

The group of men moved into the house, while Father stayed behind, whispering to me:

"What are you doing outside?"