Heart Stealer

by FapTime

After defeating Goblin Lord at the farm, things will start to get hectic for Goblin Slayer. With so many new friends, Goblin Slayer must learn how to properly communicate with them. Especially when it comes to his female friends, who will constantly try to make Goblin Slayer think about other things than goblins, mainly about them as women. Lemons begin at chapter 23.

24. Chapter 24

Disclaimer: I do NOT own Goblin Slayer.

I thank you No-Named Dude for going through the chapter!

Author's note: Another chapter boys. For starters, I am glad that the lemon was to you liking. Thought it might be too long, but it seems that as I prefer long reviews, you guys prefer long lemons. Good, because there will be more. Eventually. Now Goblin Slayer has to survive the Uncle walking up on him and Cow Girl.

EmperorSnorlax: Ohoho. If only an earful. Thanks for the 10/10.

MountainBookSage25: Yeah… Goblin Slayer doesn't know when to quiet even in other kinds of slayings.

Salazar1537: Goblin Slayer being thrown to goblins? Oh, the irony.

54godamora: Well, shotgun or magic, it would hurt regardless.

TheGreatBubbaJ: Oh yeah, Amazons are eyeing Goblin Slayer with keen eyes.

JSB1I:Well… guilty as charged.

PandaDSCA: You'll find out, not in this chapter though. In the next one.

Guilt of Swords: Thanks. It was indeed hard to think of how Goblin Slayer would bang a girl.

bwooodlord: You can PM me if you want. And yeah, I edged you guys long enough.

Onii-Chan 69: Glad to make your day.

Goumau: Will take a few tries, and a lot of practice, but the girls will manage. It's 5v1. They will handle the beast eventually. Anyway, thanks for the review!

holyscythe: Grammar is fine. I am also not a native speaker. xD And yeah, Goblin Slayer tries to hold back, but if you provoke enough, you'll unleash the beast.

Drowndone: That's fine. Not everyone like Cow Girl and that's perfectly normal, when you have 5 waifus, who are all viable. But as for me, Cow Girl is #1. That's why she was first.

I am also thankful to all the shorter reviews. Thanks for your support guys.

daniel2610994: Yeah. You'd need an army of girls to make him fall in that regard.

Mewtwo-TheLoneShadow: Thanks for the praise and yeah, Uncle won't take that lightly.

Chu-chu27: Uuuuuuh. Another long review. Love those. Yeah, Sword Maiden needs time to heal, and I will be focusing on her a lot, because… quite frankly, she was through a lot, the poor soul.

As for your question, yes. Every lemon will be a little different, and every girl is into something a little different. You'll find that out eventually. Cow Girl got the "country girl treatment" as you mantiones with a lot of milk involved. I won't reveal others, but your guesses are on point.

Since Goblin Slayer is pretty much average in every other aspect, I guess I went a little overboard with his "weapon". GS is like a well trained dog in this regard. If you poke him enough, even he'll let loose and fuck you up. In this case, Cow Girl found that out quite literally. And yeah… in these aspects, he is like a hentai MC. Not just the eyes.

Sword Maiden indeed hit her low in this chapter. And it will get a little worse, even though she is now protected by Goblin Slayer. Facing her fears with GS… yeah… maybe. You'll have to see.

The interactions are the main aspect of this fic. So thanks for the long review, and take care.

SkyChaser17: Who would have said he'd die that way huh? Don't worry mate, you are not the only one single. xD

Thanks for the praise.

Grey: Uuuuuuuh. Questions. I like those. Before that though. I am also glad you enjoyed the Dwarf Shaman part. A little worldbuilding there. And yeah, it will be a little inconvenient he hooked up with Cow Girl before forming the harem.

1.) Yes. Lifespan is affected. I think I mentioned he'll live around 140 years. Approximately. And virility? Well… since I mentioned kids a bunch of times, Goblin Slayer won't have many problems in that regard.

2.) They will be discussing that in the next chapter (25).

3.) Yes, he has money. And yeah, you can bet they want to take cafe of their own children, as well as the ones from their eventual sister-wives.

4.) HEA problem regarding religion will be discussed in the next chapter as well.

5.) Priestess is still growing, so she'll be fine eventually. High Elf Ranger is an elf, very flexible inside and out, so she won't be an issue as well. At the start, all will have problems with him, but eventually, they'll find ways to handle him.

6.) Oh yeah, once the time for amazons comes, they won't know what will hit them. Though, these three will be more involved with Goblin Slayer later. You'll see.

And yeah, house building will be another thing. Of course Uncle doesn't want to hear how Cow Girl wants another load. So that will be resolved as well, eventually. xD

DragonCoyote: Thanks for the praise.

Kerlongsj Evert Orlejov: Water Town will have to be backed up a little, and the King is not pleased with Sm another failure, I can say that much.

And yeah, lactation. Not very creative on my part, but with those jugs, I just had to. xD

Even Uncle can be scary, do not be mistaken.

guyNumber23: Childhood friend finally wins. Who would have guessed?

CanisterMain: It was just too perfect of the match, with the lyrics. Guild Girl has a date planned, so don't worry. She'll be in the spotlight, eventually.

Childline: Another long review. Nice.

Yeah.. Sword Maiden is the most interesting character from the female companions. Even I can see why.

Wriiting Goblin Slayer is fun. The way he doesn't know what to do or say in certain situations is endearing, and funny moments write themselves.

It's mainly humor and romance in here, and Goblin Slayer without the grim world isn't goblin slayer. So I had to keep all of that in.

Not so long, but yes. He'll live longer. And as you said, if the girls die of old age, he won't be too sad. They lived a happy life, and as long as the girls will be satisfied with their lives, so will he. If the goblins will be gone that is.

Killling them all… I already have something prepared around that idea. But god knows when I'll get to it. xD

And you'll see the recovery of Sword Maiden through time. And also High Elf Ranger, she has a big role in this chapter.

Guest and Fading Light: Because of this chapter. Hope that you don¨t mind the change much, I can always change it back.

The Fighter: She'll get her turn too. Because of my personal bias, I had to go with my girl, Cow Girl.

Thanks for all the reviews, even the shorter ones!

Now onto the chapter! Enjoy!

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Chapter 24: Unknown no more

"Carry her to her room, and meet me in the dining room. Now." Uncle said, his voice calm and collected, but also colder than ice. Uncle stared at Goblin Slayer with a deathly stare, waiting for his answer.

"Yeah…" Goblin Slayer replied, looking Uncle in the eyes. The two had a small stare-battle, and it was Uncle who eventually looked away, going into the farmhouse shortly after.

Goblin Slayer, only in his trunks looked behind him. Cow Girl was still laying on the haybale, sprawled out, his seed and a bit of blood oozing out of her. Her pink eyes were closed, and she was softly breathing, her breasts rising up and down.

Gods… this complicates things even more. So why does he feel great? Why does this feel so right? The sight of her curvy body writhing in pleasure under his refused to leave his mind. He wanted more of that. Why? What has she done to him?

A large huff brought Goblin Slayer back from his mind. It was Lilie, looking at him with those vine-red eyes.

"Nearly forgot about you two..." Goblin Slayer thought. He didn't waste any time, he took the reigns of Snowball and Lilie, and took the two horses into their pens. It didn't take that long, but it felt long when he was leading Snowball into his pen, and saw Cow Girl shivering in her sleep. Quickly taking care of the horses, Goblin Slayer petted both for their good job during the whole Water Town event, and once again went to the table with his armor. Along the way, he picked up the helmet Cow Girl threw on the ground when she was going for her first kiss.

Putting the helmet on the table, he inspected his gear for a moment. The shield was burnt and not very useful for now, but other than that, his gear was in pretty good shape for spare armor. It is quite a change to carry around his own sword though, now that he is looking at it in a scabbard on the table. Which reminds him, that by now, Dwarf Blacksmith should have his original armor repaired.

"I had my hands so full with the girls, that I am forgetting such basic things…" Goblin Slayer sighed. And thinking of girls, he should take care of the one on the haybale.

So, without further ado, he put on his black undershirt, underpants, and spare leather boots that were near the horse pens for horse riding, not wanting to wear his armored ones.

"Now… what to do with you." Goblin Slayer thought, staring at Cow Girl, who had a blissful smile on her sleeping face.

Should he clothe her when she's asleep? Should he clean her in any way? Should he try to wake her up?

His ruby eyes drifted from Cow Girl, to the place where her soaked panties laid. "I think I can't clothe her into that." Goblin Slayer thought, and looked over his shoulder towards the doors into the barn. "But I shouldn't carry her naked in the rain either…" he thought, looking at the heavy rain pouring outside.

Considering his options for a few seconds, Goblin Slayer eventually saw a light brown blanket, which was covering another pile of hay bales. Seeing the blanket, the grey-haired man decided to wrap Cow Girl, along with her clothes into the blanket.

Grabbing the blanket and shaking it a little bit to get rid of the hay, he laid it on the ground, next to Cow Girl. Then, he picked up her clothes, including the soaked panties and destroyed bra, and threw them on the blanket.

Now, only Cow Girl remained. One thing his enhanced eyes noticed, was her lower opening stopped gaping, and tightened, now stopping a lot of his seed from flowing out of her. "My eyes drift to that place far too often…" Goblin Slayer shook his head to focus once again. Gently, he picked up the sleeping Cow Girl and placed it on the blanket. And gods, as soon as he touched her soft skin once again, he wanted to continue where they left off. He didn't know what, but something awakened in him this night. Something, which he will have a hard time controlling, he could tell.

Shortly after, she was wrapped up in it, safe for her feet and head, Goblin Slayer picked her up, bridal style, and slowly walked out of the barn, trying to think about anything else other than his beautiful, soft female body in his arms.

Tonight, the two moons weren't visible in the night skies above. The pale warrior stopped at the foot of the barn, looking in front of him, where thunders roared and rain poured. "I haven't felt rain on my skin since… since I was a kid." he thought.

The thought of rain droplets on his body, soaking his shirt and pants didn't scare him that much. But... everything felt heavier. He knows tonight's events changed things. And it wasn't just the sex that changed everything, although it changed a lot too.

"Do you want someone else to take me?"

It was this line she said, that changed everything. The way she always greets him with a smile when he comes home… he doesn't want to lose that. The life they have at the farm… he wants that to continue. But now… it is in danger. And he'll have to face the consequences of what he did.

"Let's get this over with…" Goblin Slayer whispered, looking at Cow Girl in his arms, and walking out into the rain. The droplets soaking his shirt and hair felt rather refreshing, and… something else. The rain… felt like it was washing away the last remains of his old self, the one that didn't care about anything other than goblins. The self that could never let other people close to him, especially the girls around him.

As he approached the three wooden stairs leading to the farmhouse porch, he was leaving the old Goblin Slayer back there. Whether he liked it or not, things will change.

Cow Girl in his arms only shifted a little, so the rain was hitting the side of her head, and not the front, with the everlasting blissful smile on her.

Eventually, the grey-haired man walked up the wooden stairs onto the porch, and shortly after, opened the door with his elbow into the farmhouse, closing the door behind him with a soft kick. Fortunately, he never stumbled even when it was night during the short walk to the house, thanks to his enhanced eyes.

He walked past Uncle, who stood in the doorway into the kitchen, silently watching him carry his slightly wet niece wrapped in a blanket into her room with crossed arms.

Goblin Slayer didn't waste more time, and as soon as he entered her messy room, he unwrapped Cow Girl from the wet blanket, throwing the blanket on the floor with her clothes, and covered her in her white bedsheets. And as the sleeping pink-haired girl hugged her pillow with a small smile on her slightly wet face, he left the room closing the doors behind him.

Now with hands free, he ruffled his soaked hair to get at least some water out of them and walked towards the kitchen. Unlike outside, lanterns attached to the wooden walls lit the place nicely, even Cow Girl's room. And as soon as he turned around the corner, Uncle already stood across him, blocking the entrance to the farmhouse, standing right before the doorway to Uncle's right, which led to the kitchen.

Understanding the wordless command, Goblin Slayer made his way to the doorway and the kitchen. However, once he was near Uncle, something happened.

A fist collided with his face, and with full force, Uncle sent Goblin Slayer on the floor with one punch, creating a large thud sound. Goblin Slayer even made a roll thanks to the powerful punch.

It stang. A lot. Fortunately, no teeth were punched out of his mouth, but Uncle's punch caused a little bit of bleeding in his cheek, and Goblin Slayer had to spit out some blood as soon as he recovered from the surprise punch.

When Goblin Slayer tried moving his jaw, it hurt. He had to hold back winces of pain. Goblin Slayer gently rubbed the place on his cheek where he got hit, and even that was unpleasant.

"Whatever he did…" Goblin Slayer thought, now raising his head to Uncle, whose fist glowed in a faint white light. "…he spiced the punch up with something." Goblin Slayer concluded.

"You are not the only one who went on his fair share of quests, boy." Uncle sternly said as the glow around his fist disappeared. "Let's get seated. I prepared some mead for us. We have a lot to talk about." Uncle said, disappearing into the doorway entrance to the kitchen, leaving Goblin Slayer to pick himself up from the ground.

As Goblin Slayer was painfully picking himself from the ground, it got him thinking. He never saw Uncle use anything like this. He knows that Uncle went on his fair share of adventures in his days, but he always thought he was a swordsman, judging by the fact he has some of them in his room and carries one with him when he goes out. "But… this wasn't a sword technique… it was a martial art technique. Boosting your muscles at the expense of weakening others to deliver a strong blow." Goblin Slayer thought.

He doesn't know much of martial arts, so which technique it flew past him, but it was a damn strong one. His vampire enhancements didn't do much about the pain or registered him soon enough to do something about the blow. It was out of nowhere, but still. He should at least notice the blow coming. Also, there may be some other drastic drawback to using such a punch. Because if Uncle has such abilities, why didn't he help with the defence of the farm? He is an experienced adventurer, and swordsman right? Something doesn't add up here...

As these thoughts were running through his head, Goblin Slayer slowly picked himself up and wiped the blood that trickled down the corner of his lips into his undershirt black sleeves.

Uncle sat calmly at the table where they usually breakfast, with a mug of mead before him, and another one prepared for him right across him. "He must have been a swordsman/fighter class during his adventuring days…" Goblin Slayer thought, approaching the composed Uncle.

"Sit." Uncle said with a calm tone, his arms still crossed, and eyes closed for a moment.

Goblin Slayer did as he was told, and sat down across Uncle, quite curious what he will say. Goblin Slayer is well aware of how fathers don't like their daughters being dishonored, and even more so when they think the boy is untrustworthy. And he gets that, that's why the punch doesn't really bother him. What grinds Goblin Slayer's gears, is that there was only one. Yeah, Uncle is more level-headed than most people, but it is also true he loves his niece like she was his own daughter. And Uncle never really shielded away from making it known, he doesn't think Goblin Slayer is a good suitor for his niece.

In summary, Goblin Slayer expected a bigger beating, he was more than willing to take, mainly just not to make Cow Girl cry by fighting her Uncle. But… it seems the beating is over.

"What do you plan to do now, boy? And you better tell me the truth." Uncle's opened his eyes, and they coldly stared at Goblin Slayer.

"I… I don't know exactly." Goblin Slayer truthfully replied.

"Then, I'm gonna tell you what will you do. You will stay with her, with the intention of marrying her someday. You two will run this farm together, once I am gone. I do not care what you have to say, but you are now bound to her, and I won't let you run away from here. Especially since from what I saw, you didn't hold back and the girl could be pregnant." Uncle said sternly.

"I have no intentions of leaving her." Goblin Slayer truthfully said.

"You better be. I began looking in neighboring villages for a suitable suitor, but after what you did to her, my options for finding her a successful, hard-working, young husband she'd be happy with thinned greatly. All that's left is an older man farmer from a neighboring village who'd not mind having a non-virgin wife, and I reckon she'd be unhappy with him from the very start." Uncle said, his voice still cold as ice. And the resentment in his voice rose with the next question. "What were you thinking?!" Uncle asked, looking directly into Goblin Slayer's eyes.

"I… I wanted to make her happy. And… she repeatedly told me she wanted this." Goblin Slayer said, looking at the candle on the table which provided the room with some light.

"Have you ever considered, that maybe, what she wants isn't the best for her? That maybe, what you two are doing is a mistake?" Uncle asked, taking a sip from his mead.

"I know…" Goblin Slayer answered. "I am not a husband material."

"You are right about that. So you will make yourself into one." Uncle said, taking another sip from his wooden mug. "And I am not asking you. You will act like a proper husband to her, now that you've spoiled her."

"I'll do my best. I won't make her cry." Goblin Slayer answered.

"Good that we've come to an understanding there." Uncle said, but his mood didn't soften yet. This at least reinforces the idea he won't do anything that will make his niece cry, which is a good direction. Also, the man before him is as honest as he could get, so he had no problem believing what Goblin Slayer was saying to him. Which reminds him. "And listen to me, boy." Uncle continued, staring at Goblin Slayer who was now sipping his mead for the first time. "You need to learn to say no to girls."

Putting the mug on the table, Goblin Slayer stared back. "What do you mean by that?"

And for the first time tonight, Uncle's eyes softened a bit and he released a tired, loud sigh. "I know this wasn't your idea. You have your head filled with only one thing, and unlike with other men, these thoughts don't revolve around girls." Uncle said. "Plus, she is just as wild as her mother. She was also the one who chased her father until he just stopped resisting." a pregnant silence filled the room as Uncle stared at the ceiling of the farmhouse for a moment, with a brief smile on his lips, recalling the younger days. "What I'm saying is, tears of a girl is your weakness." Uncle looked back at Goblin Slayer. "And sooner or later, a vile girl will use that to her advantage." Uncle curiously watched the grey-haired man before him, waiting for what he'll have to say to that.

"Only a handful of girls have that effect on me." Goblin Slayer said. Tears of women found in goblin caves for example don't have any effect on him. However, the tears of those around him… that began to be a different story.

"Which ones?" Uncle bluntly asked.

"Hmmm…" Goblin Slayer paused for a he paused for a moment, the list of females whose tears somewhat move him was very clear. "Sword Maiden, Priestess, Cow Girl, Guild Girl, …" Goblin Slayer started naming them, and stopped here for a moment, until he hesitantly added another girl that recently came into the picture thanks to a certain dwarf. "… and High Elf Ranger."

"The famed Sword Maiden… how did she get on that list?" Uncle curiously asked. He knows the other four girls that hang out around Goblin Slayer, but the archbishop was a surprise.

And so, Goblin Slayer told a tale of him, and the damaged maiden from the very beginning to Uncle. And as Uncle listened, one thing was very clear. It wasn't just his dau- niece that wanted Goblin Slayer.

"So. What do you intend to do with her now that you rescued her?" Uncle asked, his arms crossed below his chest.

To this, Goblin Slayer raised from the table and slightly bowed. "I'd like her to stay here. If it'd be possible. She could help you with farmwork here. I'd pay the rent for both of us, of course." Goblin Slayer said, his voice monotone as always.

Uncle remained silent for a moment, running the idea through his head. It wasn't bad of an idea, another pair of hands would be really useful at the farm. But… "Tell me. How do you intend to tackle the fact a lot of girls want you. Including the one, you want to move here with another one who has a soft spot for you. Do you intend on marrying the other girls? Will you choose which ones you want? Or will you leave them behind and marry Cow Girl only?" Uncle asked, still pressing for the marriage between Goblin Slayer and Cow Girl.

"I… I think I came up with a solution." Goblin Slayer said, uncertainty audible in his voice.

"Oh did you…" Uncle crossed arms under his chest. "Then let's hear it." Uncle pressed forward.

"I don't know how much they all love me. I don't know what would happen if I rejected any of them. I don't know how love works…" Goblin Slayer said, watching the flame on the candle flicker. "However, one thing I do know is that I'd be happy with either of them as my wife. I am intending to gather them in one room and leave them to decide what would be the best course of action. If they decide more of them would want to become my wives, I wouldn't be against it. And neither if I was left alone." Goblin Slayer raised his head, looking Uncle directly into the eyes.

And Uncle stared back because there is no option of neither. Cow Girl will stay with him, in one way, or another.

However, there can only be one winner in a starring contest, and so Uncle inclined his head and sighed. "Are you sure you can handle up to five wives if it comes to that?" he asked.

Uncle personally wasn't entirely against the idea of his niece having sister-wives. After all, more than three-quarters of humans worship gods that allow more than one spouse. And Uncle was raised in one of those religions, though he didn't have any stepmoms. Like a vast majority of men, Uncle's father was a simple farmer, so not many women pursued him. And seeing Goblin Slayer and his handsome features, it is not that farfetched he'd grab the attention of more females and maybe have a chance for more than one spouse. Though, Uncle never imagined Goblin Slayer would grab the attention of so many, since Goblin Slayer is… well… Goblin Slayer.

"I don't think all of them will agree." Goblin Slayer said, taking another sip from the mug. "However, all the girls are smart. I think they'll make the right choice." Goblin Slayer said.

"They seem to be clever." Uncle sighed. "However, you better make sure Cow Girl is okay with it. I do not care how you do it, but you will eventually marry her. And if she will be against the idea of sharing you, you WILL listen to her." Uncle said.

"I'll do my best to make her happy." Goblin Slayer answered.

"I've heard that before." Uncle sighed. The older man with a mustache noticed how the young man before him dodges saying some things. As much as he insists the two will marry one day and live at the farm, Goblin Slayer never really confirmed he will do any of that. The promise of not making her cry will have to suffice because even Uncle understands that Gobin Slayer is tangled in this mess far too much for his own good. Nevertheless… "Remember, if you break her heart, I swear to all the gods above that I'll find you in the afterlife, and torment you for the rest of your days."

"I'd expect nothing less." Goblin Slayer stared back at Uncle. "However, you didn't answer. What about Sword Maiden? Can she stay?"

Uncle again sighed and took another one last sip of mead. "First, figure out how many girls you'll be involved with and if Sword Maiden will fall into that category. If Cow Girl will be okay with it, I have no problems giving Sword Maiden a place to stay. And if she'll be working at the farm as Cow Girl, I won't even ask for rent money for her. She'll be making us coin this way after all." Uncle said.

"Thank you." Goblin Slayer bowed a little at the table.

"Don't thank me yet. You don't know how all of this is going to end." Uncle said.

"Yeah…" Goblin Slayer agreed as a brief silence filled the room.

"Boy." Uncle said, bringing Goblin Slayer's attention to him once more. "The payment for the goods you delivered. Where is it?" he asked.

"In the carriage." Goblin Slayer answered taking a sip from his mug. "And thank you for lending it to me. Lilie and Snowball came in handy during the attack on Water Town."

"Don't mention it. You saved me a lot of time with that delivery, and maybe even my own life." Uncle replied, raising his hand. "Now go to sleep. I am sure you are tired." Uncle said. Who wouldn't be tired after riding through the whole day, and then… well. In short, he'd be exhausted as well.

Goblin Slayer, not wanting to create any more troubles with Uncle, listened and stood up. He didn't finish his mead, but that's alright. Alcohol numbs senses, and he has to check the area around the farm in case goblins are around in the morning anyway.

However, once he turned left, towards where his room was located, he was stopped. "And where do you think you're going?" Uncle said from his spot, taking one last sip of mead, finishing it.

"To my room." Goblin Slayer replied, looking back over his shoulder watching Uncle raise from the table, and walking towards him. If he didn't know any better, he would have thought he is about to get kicked out of here.

"You are not." Uncle replied.

"Then… where should I go?" Goblin Slayer questioned, puzzled by Uncle's statement. Didn't he tell him that he intends for him and Cow Girl to live at the farm? Because it sure as hell looked like he is about to get kicked out.

"You are sleeping in Cow Girl's room from now on." Uncle said. "Your room will be for Sword Maiden if she'll stay here."

The shock on Goblin Slayer's face became apparent. "Why?" he only asked. He was expecting to not be allowed anywhere near Cow Girl at least for a few days after what Uncle saw in the barn.

"You are gonna live with her. Get used to sharing a bed with her." Uncle sternly said. "Plus, girls often feel cheap, if their man isn't next to them the morning after. And you don't want to make her sad, right?" Uncle said, in more of an affirmative tone than a question.

"Feel… cheap?" Goblin Slayer asked, raising an eyebrow, not knowing what to make of that phrase.

Uncle sighed. "This boy has a lot to learn…" he thought. It was kinda funny, how this boy is more innocent than the blonde priestess who saved his life. Maybe… it won't be so bad to have him with Cow Girl. This innocence of his can be molded into a great, chivalrous man since Goblin Slayer is like a blank page regarding girls. Now, it depends on how you want him to treat his girls, and write that there. And this should be a great first lesson. "In short, feeling cheap means that most girls tend to feel like whores if it is only a one-time thing, and they are discarded afterward." Uncle explained.

"Is that so…" Goblin Slayer said. Goblin Slayer didn't know much about this, but he really doesn't want Cow Girl to even remotely feel like a cheap whore. However, thinking about it a little, how could she even feel like that? She was a virgin just a few hours ago. Don't you have to invite several men to your bed to feel like a whore?

"Boy." Uncle broke Goblin Slayer's train of thoughts. And for the first time tonight, his eyes weren't staring at him coldly. Uncle wasn't smiling, but Goblin Slayer noticed his eyes were now more open, and more welcoming. "I never said it directly to you. But… I want to thank you for saving my farm." Uncle said as Goblin Slayer wordlessly stared back. "I know you didn't do it for me. But… you still risked your life for us. You paid all of the other adventurers for the help and valinatly defended us when I wasn't in the condition to contribute. And that's commendable. So, thank you." Uncle bowed in respect to Goblin Slayer.

"No need to thank me. I am Goblin Slayer. This is what I do. I kill goblins, regardless of rewards." Goblin Slayer replied, now realising, that there may have been some sickness disallowing Uncle to help with the defence of the farm.

Uncle straightened his posture and chuckled sadly a little bit, sighing afterward. "Speaking of rewards. I heard you got the promotion to a Gold Rank thanks to the High Vampire you slew. Impressive." Uncle paused. "As soon as my niece heard it after you left, she was dead set on celebrating it here. But you left so early that we didn't have a chance to do it." Uncle said.

"No need to celebrate that." Goblin Slayer answered Uncle.

"Well, usually I'd say that too. But… this is a Gold promotion. That's rare." Uncle explained. "Furthermore, try to explain that to her. She's going to throw you a little party in here whether you want it or not." Uncle inclined his head towards Cow Girl's room.

"I see…" Goblin Slayer replied quietly.

Uncle saw how gears were turning in the young man's head. He didn't know what he was thinking about, but given the current circumstances, it could be anything really. "Good night." Uncle said, deciding to leave the boy to his own.

"Good night." Goblin Slayer replied, bowing his head slightly showing respect, and left. And after he drank a sleeping potion to overcome his vampire inability to sleep at night, he was soundly sleeping next to his childhood friend.

---

The sun rose above the mountains, signaling another new day to the world. And these sunrays from clear skies shone over the farm our her lives. The sun didn't wake up the tired hero of a town at the sea, but it did wake another person; the one which was snuggled into his pale torso.

As the girl became conscious of the situation, a gentle smile grazes her lips, and she snuggled into his chest more, being content with just where she was, with a blanket covering only the lower halves of their bodies.

As she peacefully laid on his chest, her cheeks flushed once her mind recalled the events of the last night. Cow Girl tried to move her legs, but it was hard to do so when her legs felt so weak. Not to mention her nether regions which were very sore. It didn't surprise her; she wanted him to let loose and Goblin Slayer delivered. Actually, he over-delivered. She didn't think he'd actually do her so hard that she wouldn't be able to stand the next day. However, she wouldn't change a thing, not even the soreness.

Snuggled in his chest, Cow Girl looked up, at her lover's sleeping face.

"When he sleeps, he looks… at peace. Without a single worry. Without a single goblin in mind." she smiled, as she watched him breathing softly through his nose. If only he had this peaceful look all the time. "I wonder what he's dreaming about…" she thought, raising her hand and running through his grey hair, rubbing his cheek shortly after.

Goblin dream would have conjured another expression on his face. Most likely… Which makes her wonder, if the events of last night stirred his focus elsewhere, if only for a moment. The naked girl pulled her hand back and gently ran her nails across his torso. And when she reached his abdominal muscles, her hand ran across something wet, and it wasn't water.

Her boobs were pressed against his stomach, and being naked with him in bed the morning after, caused her to be a little aroused again. As such, a small amount of milk escaped her pink nubs, onto Goblin Slayer's stomach.

Cow Girl sadly sighed, retreating her hand from his cheeks back to his muscular torso. It isn't like she hates her condition, but the fact she has it adds a pointless chore to her day-to-day life. If you don't get the milk out, the breasts swell and it starts to hurt. So, several times a week she has to go to a more secluded space and get it out.

"Well… he liked the taste." Cow Girl once again looked at his sleeping face. "So… he could…" Cow Girl thought as her cheeks got red once again and she quickly shook her head once she realized where her mind was heading. "Nononono! That's too weird!" she quickly put the thought of that aside, although the thought of doing all kinds of freaky stuff with her boobs and Goblin Slayer made her excited.

When Cow Girl finally calmed down, she finally noticed, that she is in her own room with Goblin Slayer. And now that the more horny side on her was sidelined, her thoughts went into overdrive. How did she get here? What happened after she fell asleep? Why is Goblin Slayer here? Her Uncle would have killed him if he found out what they did!

Cow Girl rapidly sat up when fear was getting a hold on her, breathing more heavily, as the shift in position pulled the blanket from Goblin Slayer to Cow Girl's lap, revealing that he, unlike her, wore at least some underwear. Her sore, sensitive buttcheeks didn't like the pressure of sitting, but Cow Girl was too stressed out to care right now.

The sudden shift in movement caused Goblin Slayer to open his eyes, and wake up as well. Unlike the pink-haired girl, Goblin Slayer rose slowly on the bed, resulting in him sitting next, and a bit behind the girl, who stared at the door from her room like someone was supposed to barge in, oblivious to the woken up man behind her.

"Good morning." Goblin Slayer monotonously greeted her.

"AAAAAAH!" Cow Girl jumped when someone from behind her spoke. After all, she isn't used to having someone sleep in her room. Once she turned her head back and noticed Goblin Slayer staring at her, she calmed down. "G… Good morning." Cow Girl greeted him back, her cheeks slightly flushed. It was a little embarrassing to face him, now that he fucked her brains, plus, gods know what kind of embarrassing faces she was making during that.

"Are… you alright?" Goblin Slayer stared at her flushed face his voice lacking emotions as always.

Cow Girl blinked several times in surprise at his question. "Y-yeah. Sore, but alright." she nervously said.

"I'm sorry about that…" Goblin Slayer looked down, at the blanket which was covering her nether regions.

Cow Girl quickly shook her head. "Don't be. I… I loved it…" the girl said, giving the man a smile. "The soreness is… kind of pleasant."

Goblin Slayer looked up, into her pink eyes once more. "I see…" he said, and a prolonged silence followed, as the two childhood friends stared at each other. Slowly, Goblin Slayer's eyes lowered, and he once again eyed her milk-trickling nipples. What a fascinating phenomenon…

"How much of it do you produce?" Goblin Slayer curiously asked, still looking at her perfectly round boobs.

Seeing where he is looking, redness in her cheeks intensified upon the unusual question. If it would be just a little bit, she wouldn't be so embarrassed about it, but as he surely noticed yesterday, she produces amounts which shouldn't be possible. Maybe some of her ancestors were one of those minotaurs, half-man half-bulls/cows because otherwise, even she can't explain it.

"I… a lot." Cow Girl decided to keep it vague for a moment.

"Hmmm…" Goblin Slayer groaned, as gears in his head began working, trying to calculate the amount from what he drank, and she squirted out during his sexual rampage last night.

And seeing Goblin Slayer counting in his head as he stared at her breasts, Cow Girl quickly changed the subject before he'll start to really think of her as a cow. "Why are you here?" she asked, and it worked for changing the topic. Goblin Slayer averted his eyes from her breasts to her eyes once more. Although his expression was emotionless, in his eyes, Cow Girl saw a hint of confusion. "D-don't get me wrong. I'm glad you're here, but- how- why-…" she began stuttering. "What happened after we did... it?" Cow Girl asked.

"When I was dressing up, Uncle came and sa-" Goblin Slayer began, being immediately interrupted by his childhood friend.

"MY UNCLE SAW US?!" the girl yelled out in a high-pitched voice, with eyes wide open.

"Yeah…" Goblin Slayer replied as shock washed over her pretty face. "We met in the dining room afterward, where we talked over things. In the end, he told me to sleep here with you, so you wouldn't feel 'cheap'" Goblin Slayer shortened the story.

"W-what?" confused Cow Girl could only stare in confusion at her love. What does he mean by 'they talked'? Uncle nearly beat a man to death when he couldn't control himself and out of nowhere slapped Cow Girl's ass in his presence. How is Goblin Slayer not dead right now?! And feel cheap? Where did he get that idea? She always intended Goblin Slayer to be the one and only. How could she feel cheap with that mindset?

"We talked about my situation." he said. "Which reminds me, I'd like you to meet me tonight, around sunset, in the Guild. I want to resolve everything love-related as soon as possible." Goblin Slayer continued.

"W-w-what?" Cow Girl said. This was nothing like she has expected the morning after her first sex to go. Granted, she knew it would most likely be a little weird since it was always meant to be with her favorite weirdo, but she expected him to be somewhere gone, hunting goblins. Not with her, in the bed, wanting to meet somewhere afterward and talk.

"Can you get there?" Goblin Slayer asked.

"I… I suppose I can." bewildered Cow Girl replied. "With a limp and a walking stick, but I should get there…" Cow Girl added in her mind.

"Good." Goblin Slayer said. Before his eyes traveled down, until they stopped at her abdomen, as Goblin Slayer recalled her words last night. "Did you really mean it?" Goblin Slayer asked curiously.

"Huh?" Cow Girl was again, confused. "What exactly?" not that the exact thing matters, because she meant every word she said last night, but it won't hurt for more clarity.

"That you want me to father your child." Goblin Slayer asked.

Cow Girl stared at him blankly, before she sweetly chuckled. Maybe not everything was clear. "Children." she corrected him, confusing the pale man. "I wish for more if you'd bless me with them." Cow Girl replied, rubbing her flat stomach, looking down dreamily. She sincerely hopes that Goblin Slayer did get her pregnant last night. Who knows when she'll get another chance. Plus, getting pregnant on her first night with Goblin Slayer is kinda sweet, and romantic.

"I see…"

Goblin Slayer on his end wondered what he'd do if Cow Girl really did get pregnant. Uncle made it clear that Goblin Slayer would take care of her and the child. And even without Uncle's push, leaving his child and Cow Girl to their own devices rubs him the wrong way. And why would he, when he knows having family could make him happier. Additionally, Cow Girl would cry if he left, so that wasn't an option… Nice that all of this is clear, but there is still one question remaining. "If I do not know how to be a husband and a partner, how am I even going to attempt to be a father?"

Well, that will have to wait. For all he knows, he may even be sterile after the vampire bite. Or the complete opposite, a baby-making machine… He'll have to wait and see.

"Does… would you be OK? If I was with a child?" Cow Girl asked, seeing Goblin Slayer's perplexed expression, realizing, that maybe, Goblin Slayer didn't want children. "It is my selfish dream, so you wouldn't have to do anything if the thought scares you. You can leave it all to me. I am a-"

"No. I will be there if it comes to that and you'll end up carrying my children." Goblin Slayer stopped her. It is not usual for him to cut off someone's sentence, but suggesting he'd run away when she'd get with a child thanks to him didn't sit well with him. "I just don't know how to raise children. That's all." his voice not changing the monotone tone he spoke with once.

Cow Girl smiled at hearing him saying he'd be there for their children, plural, and she scooted closer to him, getting into his lap, sitting on his thigh, resting her head on his chest, listening to the beats of his heart. Hopefully, it will be beating for a long time… "I don't know how to be a parent either… but… I'm sure that's how it always was, is, and always will be for everyone." Cow Girl closed her eyes, resting her hands on her chest and abs. "We'll figure it out."

Although getting into his lap was a sweet gesture, the pressing of her milk-filled boobs and her soft naked ass sitting on his bare thigh made Goblin Slayer briefly think of… not goblin-related things. However, that brief thought disappeared once he saw Cow Girl's crotch.

When she scooted over, the blanket fell from her lower half, and she was completely bare. And now that he saw what he did to her down there in the light of day, he knew she won't be asking him for more any time soon.

There was still blood around her snatch, alongside the redness which nearly caused her virgin blood to get lost in the redness. And although human eyes couldn't notice it, his eyes did, and he noticed his dried sperm there too. Additionally, small drops of the white substance leaked out of her as well.

In the end, he decided to just wrap his arm around her waist, and held her close to him for a minute, as the girl leaning on him enjoyed the skin-on-skin contact with him. Her mewing upon the contact encouraged Goblin Slayer to leave his hand at her hip even if it was just for a little while. After a minute or two, he thought that Cow Girl had enough of the cuddling, and gently pushed her off him. "I need to get going." he said, canceling Cow Girl's blissful rest on his chest. "Meet me in the Guild tonight."

Her eyes were visibly saddened upon realizing he is gonna leave, but this time, it didn't have any effect on Goblin Slayer. Tonight's meeting is far too important to postpone for just a set of puppy eyes staring at him… quite effective puppy eyes even for a guy like him.

Not being able to handle looking into her sad pink eyes any longer, Goblin Slayer stood up from the bed, leaving the naked Cow Girl on it, and began dressing up into his everyday clothes.

"I'll be there…" Cow Girl replied once she realized trying to keep him here won't work.

As Goblin Slayer pulled his long-sleeved blue/white shirt over his head, he looked over his shoulder at her. "Good." he replied before he bent for his farm pants, noticing the torn bra among Cow Girl's clothes. "And… I am sorry about that." Goblin Slayer picked up the bra, alongside his pants.

Cow Girl giggled. "It's alright. Next time, I know not to wear any."

"Hmmm…" Goblin Slayer grunted, his mind stuck on the word next time for a few seconds. Instead of thinking about it more, he put the bra back down. Goblin Slayer quickly dressed up, and with a creaking wooden floor during his steps, he left the room. But not before saying goodbye. "See you later tonight." he said in the doorframe outside of Cow Girl's room, looking over his shoulder at her.

"See you later…" Cow Girl replied, and after his nod, Goblin Slayer was gone.

Cow Girl smiled as she let her back fall on the bed. The morning after could go as good as she could have hoped. When you know Goblin Slayer, the fact he stayed with her till the morning and didn't leave for more goblin quests earlier is a pretty big deal for him, and she knows that.

But, he left eventually, to do his work. And that reminded her that she has work at the farm as well. She rolled over to the edge of her bed and was about to walk up to her pile of clothes Goblin Slayer brought last night.

However, as soon as she tried to stand on her weak legs, they immediately gave out, and her naked body fell to the floor. The fact she fell on her pounded butt hurt quite a bit.

Cow Girl realized, that last night's activities may have left more marks on her than she initially thought. And as Cow Girl struggled to even lift herself up from the floor, she realized. "I may have bitten off more than I can chew…" she thought, wondering if her uncle will be mad that she won't do much work today at the farm.

---

Clouds enveloped the world, blocking the sun from hitting the streets of Twilight Town, causing the population to wear another layer of clothing today. The winter was fast approaching, and it showed. The town which was bustling with people at the square, with various farmers trying to sell their goods, emptied significantly.

However, being a center of the town, with the temple not far from the square, caused small traffic with people. Among them, two blonde priestesses were walking through the square, heading towards a small fountain in the middle of the square.

Since it was getting colder, both Priestess and Sword Maiden wore white fur cloaks in addition to their usual priestess robes. These cloaks are provided by the temple, so even Sword Maiden who arrived with nothing but her robes had something to wear in the upcoming winter. Other than their usual head covers, both took their religious staffs with them into the town, Sword Maiden using hers as a walking stick.

Also, not wanting to drag Kuma through the town, Priestess left the little bear with her sisters at the temple. Good thing Kuma is getting used to them as well… it would do no good to have a bear running rampant in the temple.

The young priestess was enthusiastic when the head of their temple, Head Nun, tasked her with taking care of Sword Maiden and showing her around the town. However, no matter how hard she tried, laughter never escaped Sword Maiden's lips.

When the temple bell rang one time, signaling an hour after noon, she knew trying to cheer Sword Maiden was pointless. Not that she blames her after what happened. Plus, the rumors of how she ran away when the town needed her the most reached Twilight Town, and the few people they met were whispering unpleasant things about it as well.

Priestess really tried to silence those rumors by talking to Sword Maiden and making the older blonde think of anything else. It didn't bear any fruit. Perhaps Sword Maiden still heard the gossip. What saddens Priestess is that she really thought it out, taking Sword Maiden's blindness into consideration and showing her more musical aspects of the town like the opera house. However, it didn't impress her.

Nothing she can do is going to impress Sword Maiden. Well, at least she smiled here and there. However, Priestess knows very well that only one person can make her sincerely laugh and see light and hope, even when everything points to darkness and suffering. And it's not her. So now, the two blonde girls walked back to the temple in Twilight Town.

On the other end, even with a tormented mind, Sword Maiden wasn't clueless and heard Priestess's enthusiasm slowly fade away during the day. And even when Sword Maiden tried, she couldn't even fake excitement during the tour. "Young priestess, I offer you an apology, for my ungrateful behavior. As much as I try, horrors of yesterday haunt me even during the day. Please, forgive me." Sword Maiden said when she heard a faint sigh of disappointment escaping Priestess's lips.

And like a child who was caught doing something they shouldn't, Priestess immediately tried to stutter out a response. "N-n-no! It's alright, Sword Maiden-sama! I-I know it's been hard for you lately! No need to apologize!"

The blonde archbishop chuckled. "You are a sweet little girl, young priestess."

Priestess got again flustered a bit, being complimented by the person she looks up to the most. However, one thing began to bother her a little bit. "T-thank you, Sword Maiden-sama. But… I am not a little girl anymore." Priestess said the last sentence with a resolve.

Sword Maiden smiled lightly. "That you are not…" Sword Maiden quietly said. "Little girls are naïve like I was once before. However, you my dear…" Sword Maiden turned to her, trying to see her eyes and confirm if the resolve in her voice is present in her eyes as well. But, she saw only darkness.

The girl before her… everyone says she is a copy of Sword Maiden. However, the archbishop couldn't disagree more. Whatever physical similarities others see, she can't and the priestess before her is certainly not as naïve as Sword Maiden once was. Sweet, kind, and not oblivious to the horrors of the outside world. That's how Priestess is, and in Sword Maiden's eyes, she herself was certainly not like that.

"S-Sword Maiden-s-sama?" Priestess asked, visibly nervous about whatever she had on her mind.

Hearing the cute stuttering, Sword Maiden again smiled. "Yes?"

"Y-you… you love Goblin Slayer-san, don't you?" Priestess asked.

The sudden question caught Sword Maiden off guard a little bit. She isn't that surprised by it, because she was quite forward with showing it, but it didn't occur to her that it'd be Priestess, who was going to ask about that first. "Yes, young priestess." she admitted to no surprise of Priestess. However, Sword Maiden continued. "He… he looks where others don't even spare a glance, being the only man who understands… who TRULY knows what marks goblins leave on minds of maidens across the world. The only man, who understands me and my fears." Sword Maiden shared a few of her thoughts, inclining her head downwards, at the cobblestone road.

Priestess, expecting a simple yes as an answer, stared at Sword Maiden, who put her right hand on her breast, just where her heart was.

"This… it's all his. Swiftly he stole it, and doesn't even know it." Sword Maiden added.

"Yeah…" Priestess sighed, imitating one of her mentor's favorite words. "He has a habit of unknowingly stealing them…" Priestess said, putting her own hand on her heart.

Priestess couldn't fault Sword Maiden for trying to keep Goblin Slayer so close. It makes perfect sense, and honestly, Sword Maiden needs Goblin Slayer more than anyone. Sword Maiden smiled sadly once more.

"A man with no desire for female flesh, being sought after by numerous maidens in the adjacent lands." Sword Maiden mused, raising her head up, looking above into the clouds. "Cruel jokes of Gods, perhaps?"

Priestess's cheeks heat up because she knows very well that him not desiring female flesh is not as true as it may seem at first glance. Well, at least that… thing… between his legs desires it. Desires her… As her thoughts ran wild, Priestess gulped loudly. Loud enough, for Sword Maiden to catch the sound.

"Is anything wrong, young priestess?"

Priestess quickly shook her head. "Nonono. Nothing's wrong… it's just… he… well… he isn't as… uninterested in… female flesh… as you'd… think." Priestess said, one word at a time, having a hard time sharing this fact with Sword Maiden.

Sword Maiden, hearing the embarrassment in her voice, conjured a mischievous smile. "Ara ara… am I to assume your body is unable to perform the Resurrection miracle as a virtue of a certain armored man?"

Priestess's cheeks turned bright red, and her eyes got comically wide when Sword Maiden uttered her assumption. "N-NO! I'm still a virgin!" she yelled out, causing several heads to turn her way, adding more fuel to her embarrassment. Priestess immediately clasp her hand in front of her mouth, cursing her outburst.

"Hmmmmmm…" Sword Maiden prolonged her musing, teasing the poor priestess more. "Although that may be true, I suspect some things happened under the sheets."

"N-Nothing happened! I just used the Resurrection miracle on him again!" Priestess tried to defend herself, clutching the religious staff she brought herself with closed eyes.

Sword Maiden chuckled. "Aaaaah. So naked bodies pressed against one another, that's from where the embarrassment comes from." Sword Maiden said, her voice soothing and mature. "Whilst I understand the embarrassment on your side, young priestess, no need to be shy about it. People granted with the gift of reciprocated love are supposed to enjoy each other's naked embrace. And your love for him is as clear as mine."

"W-w-what? H-how do you k-know that?" and once more, Priestess got flustered today.

And hearing the sweet squeaky voice, Sword Maiden couldn't help it and stopped their stroll back to the temple. The blonde archbishop knelt stopped Priestess, and gently grabbed her by the chin, turning Priestess to her. Trying to fluster her more, Sword Maiden got really close to her face, making the cinnamon roll squeak more in surprise. "My dear, you are not as subtle as you think." Sword Maiden said, her voice getting a bit seductive. "Be it with your love for him or your rather lewd mind."

"I-I-I-I-" Priestess tried to look for words, but feeling Sword Maiden's breaths on her cheeks took the words away from her.

"No need to be shy about your thoughts, our goddesses are rather forgiving in the aspect of the marital bed. You can do anything you wish to, once you marry him… Anything you fantasized about… Any lewd thoughts you have… are plausible and not frowned upon." Sword Maiden quietly continued, making Priestess release steam from her ears, not being ready for the suave Sword Maiden.

"A- a -a" Priestess tried to formulate some words, but they all left her mind.

Hearing her brain overheating, Sword Maiden giggled and pulled away from the younger girl. "Forgive me, young priestess. Though you are not a little girl anymore, your embarrassed sounds are still adorable."

"A-a- W-w-well. T-Thank you…" Priestess looked away from Sword Maiden, not being able to look the seductress into the eyes once more.

"No need to thank for truth." Sword Maiden smiled. "If I may, one personal question is on my mind in relation to you and Goblin Slayer, where I'd appreciate your honesty, young priestess."

Priestess once again gulped loudly. "O-of course. Ask me anything, Sword Maiden-sama." She said as the two women resumed their walk back to the temple.

"You know of me, but I am wondering how did you fell in love with such a man." Sword Maiden asked, her sultry tone exchanged for the calm, motherly one.

"I… I can try to explain it, but I… I don't know if it'll make sense." Priestess hung her head low. She doesn't even know if the confession she prepared for Goblin Slayer made any sense.

"Have no fear, young priestess. It's indeed difficult to put the feelings of love into words, especially when sometimes, there are no reasons at all. Just try." Sword Maiden again urged the young girl to try and explain herself.

Priestess found bits of courage inside of her and told what was on her heart. "I… I met him when he saved me from goblins. W-when I thought all hope was lost, as I watch goblins tear robes of my poisoned, nearly dead teammate. I… I couldn't move and I…." Priestess clenched her staff tightly recalling the hopelessness she felt in that cave. "I was lucky he showed up in time. However, the rest of my first party wasn't as lucky as I was…" Priestess sadly sighed. "I still visit their graves from time to time." she said, and after a silent prayer, Priestess turned to Sword Maiden.

"He showed me the horrors of the world. The horrors, that villagers on the outskirts of walled towns go through. And as I traveled with him, and got to know him, I realized that he only knows that. Goblins. Blood. Death. Suffering. Darkness." Priestess said. "He is a man who thinks of less fortunate. And as… as I was taught the same things at the temple, I… I like that in him." Priestess pointed out the similarity between them. However, she drifted from her point a little.

"B-but he sees only that. W-what I'm trying to say, he is blind to the joys of our world. He thinks ONLY about goblins. Not himself. I want him to stop for a moment and enjoy life. He deserves to feel joy." Priestess paused. "And most of all… a man like him deserves to feel love." she blushed at the bold proclamation. "Goddess knows he needs it…" she added in a whisper.

"I see…" Sword Maiden thought. Now that she heard Priestess's story, it was clear why everyone thinks she and Sword Maiden are one and the same. First party. First adventure. Goblin quest. Underestimation, followed by death and suffering, with one survivor in both cases. Only in Priestess's case, when she prayed, someone did arrive. But when Sword Maiden prayed for salvation, she lost her eyesight, and shortly after, everything she valued.

Once more, goblins stood in front of her, clear as if she never lost her eyesight, laughing, running all around her, punching, scratching, biting, taking turns in defiling her. Her breaths became ragged, and her hands trembled.

"Sword Maiden-sama!" Priestess grabbed Sword Maiden by her coat, and shook her quite a lot, quickly realizing that talking about being nearly captured by goblins may have brought some unpleasant memories

The sweet and innocent voice of Priestess silenced the disgusting laughter of goblins in her mind, and she was again able to focus on the real voices, though, outlines of goblins were still in front of her.

Wanting to hear the girl speak once more to get rid of the images completely, Sword Maiden spoke. "Seems like he isn't only my knight in shining armor, am I right?" Sword Maiden smiled, despite having the images from her panic attack still fresh in her mind.

However, Priestess ignored Sword Maiden's comment. "I'm sorry! I… I should have known not to bring that up!" Priestess quickly bowed to Sword Maiden.

"It's alright, but please, young priestess, let us not talk about it more." Sword Maiden said.

"O-of course! I…" Priestess tried to quickly come up with a different topic. "Y-yeah. He… he is my knight in shining armor as well…" blushing Priestess said, quickly realizing that something is wrong with that statement. "Though… his armor shines not anew, but only with goblin blood…"

"I'd say both of us prefer it that way." Sword Maiden said, and Priestess smiled.

"Y-yeah."

After a small pause, Sword Maiden spoke once more. "And Priestess."

"Hm?"

"As with him, I expect great things from you as well, young priestess. Casting Resurrection miracle is not an easy task, yet you managed to do it in his time of need all alone. Such a miracle isn't granted easily by either of our goddesses, requiring pure heart and devotion to our teachings. Even I wasn't able to cast it so young." Sword Maiden surprised the girl with praise. "You, my dear, will surpass me, of that I am certain."

The shocked Priestess could only blush once more, seemingly blushing all the way through their walk back into the temple. "I-I-I… I can only hope to be as great of a clergywoman as you, Sword Maiden-sama."

"Hope that will come true one day, of that I am certain. You'll see yourself, my dear. Eventually…" Sword Maiden whispered.

The rest of the walk back to the temple was uneventful, as the two girls were talking about various things, from weather, through cooking duties in the temple, all the way to the latest fashion. However, as soon as they arrived at the temple's doors, one of the nuns had an unexpected welcome prepared for them as soon as she opened the doors.

"Sword Maiden-sama." the nun in her late twenties with brown hair bowed in respect to the famed archbishop. "Priestess." the young nun, brown-haired nun smiled at the blonde girl. "Welcome back, to the Temple of Order. I was wondering when you two would be back. You two have a visitor."

"And who is visiting us today?" Sword Maiden asked.

"Uhmmmmm… well… it's an armored man. A rude one I might add." The nun disappointingly pointed out. "When I opened the door and politely asked what does he need, he said he wanted to talk to you two. Then, he asked if he could wait here once I said that you two are on a short tour around the town. I said yes, and he just walked past me, into the gardens, without a word. No introduction, no please, nothing! And since then, he was sitting under the tree, not doing a thing!" the nun raised her voice in frustration.

Both girls giggled, to the annoyance of the young nun. "What's so funny?!" the frustrated nun asked.

"Oh, nothing. Don't worry, we'll take care of our guest." Priestess replied, to which the nun only gruntled and left to her own room.

As the two girls stepped across the temple's threshold, Sword Maiden placed both of her hands holding her staff above her heart once more, smiling. "I didn't expect him to come back so soon." she whispered to herself.

Priestess heard her but didn't say anything, only enjoyed the view of a genuine smile on Sword Maiden's lips. Gentle and slight, yet warm and true in the purest form which wasn't present during today.

Meanwhile, as the two healers made their way towards him, the man in question sat quietly in the small forest in the middle of the temple, with one of his gloves taken off, and a throwing knife in the other, armored hand, looking at his bare hand with interest.

Goblin Slayer gripped the small throwing knife in his hand harder. Hovering above his bare palm, Goblin Slayer made a shallow horizontal cut, not wincing at the slight pain surging through his palm. Looking at the blood oozing out of his palm, Goblin Slayer tried something a little crazy in his view. He tried to make the blood oozing out of him move with his mind.

If he won't manage to do that, it only confirms he is imagining things and doesn't possess any control over his own blood. But if it moves… that would change things. And lo and behold, Goblin Slayer wasn't crazy. As he thought of a web-like pattern on his palm, the blood in his palm started moving on its own, slowly but surely creating the pattern in his mind. What was even more interesting, was that with his enhanced eyes, he saw that the blood oozing out of him wasn't leaving his body. The blood circulating in and out of his body, even outside of him. And when one droplet disconnected from the blood flow in the web pattern, he couldn't move it once more no matter how much he focused on the droplet. "Fascinating. Seems as long as the flow of my blood is uninterrupted, I can control it however I want."

To test this theory, Goblin Slayer tried to force the web-like pattern to go back into him. And slowly, the blood was retreating from his palm to the horizontal cut, and Goblin Slayer felt how it reconnects to his bloodstream inside, having a surprisingly detailed understanding of how it reconnected. The once shallow cut oozing blood was now bloodless, safe for the one drop that disconnected. Everything returned back, and just a little bit of focus on it in the back of his mind ensured that no blood escaped through the cut. Like, focus on walking for example.

Goblin Slayer's noticed another thing from the corner of his sensitive eyes. That one thing he brought himself with from the Water Town sewers. It was glowing slightly, though now, the shine was dimming. Goblin Slayer pulled the necklace from one of his side pouches, looking at the green glow fading. The necklace is imbued with magic, that much is certain. However, if the necklace holds some magic power, why didn't Dark Elf use it? Did he not know that the necklace is imbued with magic? Or… "Did it react to the vampire components in my blood?" Goblin Slayer wondered.

It seemed no one else in his party noticed something different about the necklace, but his own body seemed to react to it. Especially his blood. The notion that he has a better awareness of his own bloodstream was getting more and more solidified because he could swear that once his eyes gaze upon the shining emerald pendant hanging from the golden chain, he felt his heartbeat hasten. Maybe it has some connections to vampires. The Elf mentioned the vampire goblin whore, so it isn't entirely impossible that this is somehow connected to her.

Whilst Witch could help him in figuring out what kind of secrets the necklace holds, that will have to wait until he gets to the Guild today, where one can hope to meet her.

"And I need to pick up my repaired armor from the blacksmith too." he thought. So many things to do…

As he was waiting, Goblin Slayer put on his glove, and was about to just relax, and enjoy the few birds chirping in the small forest, he was interrupted by steps in the distance. And just by them, he knew who is coming his way.

Goblin Slayer turned his head and stared at the small dirt path from which the two girls should emerge. And shortly after, two blondes walked down the path to him. And as soon as Priestess saw him, she turned to Sword Maiden. "Found him! He's in front of us!"

"My beloved…" she whispered, which even from a large distance Goblin Slayer heard.

"Goblin Slayer-san! What brings you to our temple so soon?!" Priestess asked as soon as the blonde duo reached the man sitting underneath a maple tree.

"You two." Goblin Slayer said, rising to his feet, dusting off the fallen leaves from the maple tree of his armor.

"And what do you need of us, my beloved?" Sword Maiden asked, her voice sweet as honey when talking to him.

"I need you to meet me at the Guild at sunset. I have important matters to discuss with you." Goblin Slayer said.

"Are we going on a quest?" Priestess asked. It wasn't unusual for Goblin Slayer to go on quests without breaks in between, but lately, he was beginning to be more considerate of his teammates and let them rest. Although last time he let his teammates rest, he went on a quest alone and nearly died…

"No. Not today." Goblin Slayer said, setting his gaze to Sword Maiden. "I want you both there."

"We'll be there, my beloved." Sword Maiden smiled at him, getting closer to Goblin Slayer. Without a word, Sword Maiden wrapped her arms around him, and hugged the man, resting her head on his shoulder pauldrons. "I missed this… this… safety." Sword Maiden whispered as she felt Goblin Slayer wrapping his own arms around her waist, gently petting her back.

To Priestess, this was by now a familiar sight, as Sword Maiden clung to him like this quite frequently during their three-day ride home. Priestess only smiled at the two of them.

"As for you living with me at the farm… we will come to a conclusion at the Guild as well." Goblin Slayer quietly said, his breath tickling her ear through the visor, making Sword Maiden pink in cheeks.

"Thank you, my beloved." Sword Maiden mumbled, as Goblin Slayer slowly broke the hug.

"And your love confession from Water Town will be discussed as well." Goblin Slayer turned his attention to Priestess, who watched the exchange with a happy smile. The smiling face quickly turned into a flustered one.

"O-o-okey." Priestess said, to which Sword Maiden turned to Priestess.

"My, oh my, I would have never guessed courage in your heart was found in order to confess love for him." Sword Maiden teased, making the poor girl even more embarrassed.

"I-I-I-I-"

"At ease, young priestess. It is of no surprise you did confess your love for the man." Sword Maiden conjured a smile, trying to calm the fidgety blonde girl. "And as for you, you may want to be more careful around matters of love with young maidens. Such things are best handled privately." she added, turning towards Goblin Slayer.

"I see." Goblin Slayer replied, etching any information about love into his brain. "I'll leave you for now. I have more matters to attend to." Goblin Slayer continued. "See you tonight." he said and headed out of the forest.

"See you tonight, my beloved."

"S-s-see you later, G-goblin Slayer-san!" Priestess said her goodbye, and Goblin Slayer disappeared from their sight shortly after.

---

High Elf Ranger sat alone in the Guild, inspecting the earing she received from Orcbolg, as the gemstone swang back and forth.

Dwarf Shaman and Lizard Priest left a minute ago, to get supplies for their next quest, and High Elf Ranger stayed behind, not wanting to be teased by Dwarf Shaman any longer. And as she sat in the Guild, alone at the table, her mind wandered to the moment she received the earing from Goblin Slayer.

It made her incredibly happy, as elves don't give each other gifts much. Birthdays in their sphere are not a special occasion, and they mostly give offerings to the forest, not really thinking about their own desires. That's why they wear mostly plain robes and walk barefoot. Only during really important events, such as a wedding, and the birth of a pure-blooded elf they celebrate, and even then, the celebrations are rather tame compared to their human counterparts.

So, when she received the earing from Orcbolg she didn't know how to handle such a situation. Her whole relationship with Orcbolg could be summed by; I don't know how to handle such a situation. With her empty hand, she slammed the table.

"Damnit! This is no simple crush!" she wanted to deny her feelings for him more, but there was no way around it.

Earlier today, in desperate attempts to convince herself she didn't love the awkward, rude and fragile human, she threw the earing into the corner of her room. But, her own consciousness caused her to quickly get up, and pick up the aquamarine earing. She even apologized to the earring and treated it with the utmost care from then on.

"I… I don't know what to do…" High Elf Ranger gritted her teeth, closed her eyes, and squeezed the earring in her palm. Already, she grew attached to the small piece of jewelry she received.

Dwarf Shaman was right. Several elven female nobles ending up as prostitutes… of course it makes sense. However, even the ones who fell in love with a mortal are in danger. When the love of your life dies… what to do with the thousands of years of your life ahead?

The only thing she could think of that would stop elven women from stooping so low, was having a child with a human, the one thing that would make an elf have something to live for. But… children between elves and humans are very rare, and as such most elven women end up like they end up.

Her own future was crumbling before her eyes, and it made her teary-eyed. "Loving a human is a curse..."

"Are you alright?" a female voice from behind her quietly asked. High Elf Ranger opened her lime eyes and turned around on the chair.

"Yes… more or less." High Elf Ranger answered, rubbing her watery eyes, hiding the earing in her fist, and placing it into one of her pockets shortly after.

"Then… why the tears?" the honey-blonde girl, with a light green letter in hand, asked with a hint of worry in her voice.

"Nothing… don't worry about it." High Elf Ranger chuckled. "Any interesting quest worthy of being Orcbolg's first adventure?" the elven woman asked, in hopes of changing the topic.

And Guild Girl, understanding that the topic is uncomfortable for High Elf Ranger, let it slide for now. It still kinda hurt, seeing the usually cheerful and loud elf on the bring of tears, for whatever reason. "There are several quests worthy of being his first adventure." Guild Girl genuinely smiled for a moment, returning to her professional self shortly after. "However, that's not why I came to you." Guild Girl said calmly. "We received a letter for you."

"For me?" the bewildered high elf asked, not being used to receiving many messages.

"Yes. For the REAL you, from your family." Guild Girl emphasized the words and presented High Elf Ranger with the letter.

High Elf Ranger's eyes widened. Not because Guild Girl knew who she is, because the Guilds share enlisting forms with each other. So even when she didn't register here, it is of no surprise Guild Girl knows her true identity.

The slim elf was surprised because her parents, nor sister have contacted her in a while. Almost like they forgot about their adventurous rascal. High Elf Ranger took the letter from Guild Girl's hand, staring at it. "Thank you." she said.

As soon as High Elf Ranger took the letter in hand, the texture of the 'paper' gave away from where the letter was from. Elves of the Forest Kingdom don't use paper to save trees from their forests, but leaves that always grow back. With a little bit of elven magic, these paper leaves are nearly identical to regular paper, though they have a light green tint to them and the smell of leaves and forest. Just a whiff of the letter brings her back to the magic-filled forest she was raised in.

However, she didn't reminisce for long. Actually, she didn't even have time to read the letter, because the doors to the Guild opened, and there he stood. With the golden tag around his neck, and his repaired armor from the blacksmith, the salvation of Water Town, Goblin Slayer.

All heads turned, and several adventurers around her began whispering among themselves as soon as they saw him. The reputation of Goblin Slayer again shifted. From a man who united the Guild, to the man who was feared because of his vampire nature, to the man who contributed the highest towards the battle of Water Town. The adventurers in the Guild didn't know what to think about him as a whole.

However, the honey blonde-haired lady already knew exactly what she thought of him. "Goblin Slayer-san!" High Elf Ranger watched as Guild Girl happily ran to Orcbolg, throwing herself at him, hugging him around his neck, as she hung from there, looking at his helmet. "You made it! Thank the gods!" she happily laughed out loud, ignoring the stares others were giving them, including High Elf Ranger.

"Yeah." Orcbolg answered, in his usual way. "Thank you for the chocolates. They were… nice." he added.

"Ou!" Guild Girl entangled herself from having her arms around Goblin Slayer's neck, and backed away a little, hiding her blushing face with her ponytail. She was so overjoyed he came back unharmed, that she completely forgot about the chocolates she gave him when he was riding away. "That…" her voice getting high-pitched. "Did… did you find the letter in it?" she asked, now remembering clearly the chocolate box.

"Yeah." he answered, making the golden-eyed girl loudly gulp. "Regarding the letter, I would like to talk with you about it." he said, making Guild Girl more nervous, thinking he might change his mind about the date. However, her fears disappeared with the next sentence. "And also about the date we'll embark on." he added.

"O-of course. Do… do you want to talk about it now?" from the corner of one eye, with heated cheeks, she looked at Goblin Slayer.

"No. I would like to meet up here, at sundown. Will that be a problem?" he asked.

"N-no. Of course not. I'll be here." Guild Girl replied. Of course, she'll be here, she lives here! "And hopefully, those Amazons will still be sightseeing. I don't like the looks they give me whenever they ask about you. Especially the smaller one… full of mischief." Guild Girl thought. She'll have to warn Goblin Slayer about them eventually.

"Good." Goblin Slayer said. "Now…" he thought, looking around, hoping to find his elven companion. And once his eyes landed on her, she quickly turned her back around, making a loud "Hmpf!" with a pouty face. "Good thing I found her here. Didn't want to search for the apartment she has with the other two."

"Can I borrow one of the meeting rooms here for a moment?" Goblin Slayer asked Guild Girl.

"Sure! Let me get you a key!" Guild Girl happily obliged, running behind the counter, where Inspector was writing some documents.

"So we jump him in public now, huh?" Inspector teased her co-worker with a smirk.

"Shut it!" Guild Girl said, picking a key from the wall behind the counter, and running back to Goblin Slayer, who stood still at the exit of the Guild.

In a moment, she was back and handed Goblin Slayer the key with a tag of the room. Once she was giving the key to Goblin Slayer, something dawned on her. She was too overjoyed with his return to even question why he needed the key in the first place. However, before she could ask, Goblin Slayer looked at the number on the key tag, walked past her, to the table High Elf Ranger sat at.

"I need to talk to you in private. Do you have time?" Goblin Slayer said once he stood before the pouting elven princess.

"What about? Don't you have a date?" High Elf Ranger stared daggers at Goblin Slayer, trying to shoo him away. And yes, it was pointless, Goblin Slayer won't flinch from a simple stare.

"Not now. And I want to talk about something Dwarf Shaman told me." Goblin Slayer calmly explained. "The nature of which is best resolved in private, as I recently found out."

High Elf Ranger's face flushed completely red once she realized, that the stupid dwarf may have spilled what he thought about her, and what is inevitably also true.

"Wh- Whatever he told you is not true!" High Elf Ranger blurted out, standing upright, but Goblin Slayer remained unfazed.

"It may be. If it is, good. At least I know he's wrong. If it isn't however, that is a different matter. I need to know the truth." he said. "Come. If he was wrong, it'll take only a moment." he said.

The whole Guild as the quiet man grabbed the elven girl by her wrist and dragged her upstairs. Surprisingly, the High Elf Ranger wasn't resisting and was slowly led upstairs. If one would pay attention to the face the elven princess tried to hide behind her long bangs, one could see gritted teeth and a hint of tears forming in her eyes, fearing the truth will get out.

"See you here, later." Goblin Slayer quickly took a glance at shocked Guild Girl.

"See… you…" she replied quietly, baffled by the conversation between the elf and human. And immediately after, Goblin Slayer opened the doors, and the two disappeared into the meeting room.

As soon as the two sat across from each other in the room where they first discussed things. High Elf Ranger was visibly anxious from the whole ordeal, and Goblin Slayer didn't know exactly why. She was tearing up, and her hands were convulsively holding onto her shorts.

"Please, do not cry." Goblin Slayer tried to calm the elven girl. "I do not want to hurt you."

"You don't understand…" High Elf Ranger said with a shaky voice, avoiding Goblin Slayer's gaze.

"No. But I am trying to." Goblin Slayer spoke. "You love me too, right?"

"NO!" High Elf Ranger desperately yelled out.

Goblin Slayer stared at her with his ruby eyes, and she could feel the gaze from behind the visor, pushing her towards spilling the truth. Because even Goblin Slayer saw that there was something not quite right. "No… you say." Goblin Slayer quietly added.

"NO!" High Elf Ranger got up, and jumped from her sitting spot before Goblin Slayer, firmly seated in his own spot. "How could I love such a smelly!" High Elf Ranger knelt and began lightly punching Goblin Slayer's chest plate with closed eyes and tears running down her cheeks. "dirty!" she punched him with the other hand. "weird!" she again punched his chest plate, slowly slumping down, between Goblin Slayer's knees. "filthy!" she again punched him, strength leaving her upper and lower body, slumping to the floor, with her forehead leaned on the edge of the sofa, between his legs, crying. "MORTAL MAN!" she gave out one last anguished punch, which was more like a pet into his chest plate.

"Why did I fall in love with a mortal…" she whispered, unknowingly opening up to Goblin Slayer, just like he opened up to her on the beach.

"So that's what's bothering you…" Goblin Slayer said, looking down on her. He pushed the sofa back, and knelt before High Elf Ranger, trying to see the ugly crying face she so desperately tried to hide. "If that's the problem you see, I promise, I'll find the solution." Goblin Slayer said, not trying to grab her by the chin and look at her. Mainly because she is quite hot-tempered, and forcing her to do something right now isn't the best idea. Even Goblin Slayer knows that and so, the gold-ranked adventurer let the elven princess face him. Although not very eagerly, the scared princess eventually turned her head and looked at him, with tears still streaming down her elven features.

"How…" she could only say in a whimper, after she let out all her fears.

"I do not know yet. But I won't allow a girl to cry because of me." he said, and High Elf Ranger's eyes sparkled.

High Elf Ranger never imagined he had such a side buried in him. Such a... caring side. Where did he even get that? And what is the resolve she heard in his voice?! It's comparable to the resolve she hears every time he says he'll kill goblins! He really thinks he can somehow fix that!

"Our magic-filled world has limitless potential. There's a solution to every problem, the hard part is finding it." he said. He is well-aware of the potential magic holds, it just… never interested him that much. It was never needed for goblin slaying after all.

But now… with the immortality issue and Sword Maiden's problems, it may.

After his words, High Elf Ranger began to calm down a little bit, wiping her tears away into her bare forearms. "How do you know what to say in times like these…" she said. He was right. Magic has so much potential, and enemies of elves certainly played with the idea of making elves mortal and easier to kill, or humans tinkering with alchemy in hopes of trying to achieve agelessness. However, if someone has succeeded, that's in the stars.

"I don't." Goblin Slayer said. He had a sudden urge to hug High Elf Ranger for some strange reason. It looked like that after getting pretty experienced in this hugging bussiness, he could sense when to give one as well. Though it still seemed strange for him to do so, he decided to follow his gut instinct and hug the elven princess. He may get a punch in the face in return, but let's see. It may calm her down.

He gently scooted over, startling the lime-haired girl who was sitting on her knees. "W-w-what are you doing?!" she stuttered out, seeing him spread his arms, ready to take her in.

Before she knew it, Orcbolg leaned forwards, and the elven princess was enveloped in the armored arms of her love interest. She froze on spot, not knowing what to do. Her face with dried tears reddened once more, and steam shot out of her ears as she felt him squeeze her to his chest. Her arms were frozen, extended outwards, not moving at all, as the elven princess couldn't get used to the sudden close contact between her and Orcbolg. Even her kneeling legs were frozen. However, even through all of the chaos in her head, the way it made her feel as a whole could be described only with one word. Warm.

"A-w-k-z-" High Elf Ranger tried to find her words, but none left her mouth, as she felt Goblin Slayer hot breath through the visor on her very red and very sensitive elven ears, making her slightly moist down below and squeak unintentionally.

Her emotions were usually messy, but ever since she entered this room, her emotions were on a rollercoaster. Fear, calmness, anxiety, hope, and even a little bit of the horny now all swirled her thoughts. Fortunately, before his hot breath could make her sensitive ears go into overdrive, he entangled his arms from below her armpits, ending the hug, staring at her completely red face.

"D-don't stare!" she tried to hide her face with hands.

"Hmmm…" Goblin Slayer thought, thinking if he did the hug right. "Anyway, if you love me, meet me here at the guild at sunset." Goblin Slayer said, rising back to his feet. "I still have some things to do in the town." he added. Mainly to restock on everything he used in Water Town since he already got back his main armor.

"Goblin-related things?" High Elf Ranger asked, switching to a blank expression. One could only hope he'd answer differently, but…

"Yeah. Need to restock." Goblin Slayer said, getting ready to leave the room. "Return the keys to Guild Girl once you leave." he said opening the doors. "And don't worry. Everything has a solution." he added, before he left, leaving High Elf Ranger in the room alone.

This talk with Goblin Slayer literally made her day. Everything he said made sense, which calmed her. Though the unexpected hug added a bit of a startle, to his logical speech. And by now, she knows that if there is one man who can find inovative ways to use anything, including magic, it's him. Although it goes against her nature, when this human says everything will be alright... she believes in him.

However, her smile fell once she realized that the love talk won't be a private affair. "Waitwaitwaitwait. He invited Guild Girl also! At the same time! What does Orcbolg plan to do?!" her eyes widened.

Indeed… all the girls could only wonder what does their hero plan to do?

---

Author's note: Finally done! Took a while, but done! Up next, the formation of the harem!

That's all from me. Leave a review and see ya in the next chapter!