Disclaimer: I do NOT own Goblin Slayer or any of these characters.
Author's note: Another chapter after a month and a half. And I am afraid this kind of waiting period will become a regular thing. University started, and I have my hands full, so I am sorry for that. I will try to write when I have time, but usually you will have to wait around a month and something to get the next chapter.
I have no intention of dropping this story. I still have plans on how I want it to end. The plan is that this and the next chapter will finish off another "arc" I suppose? Then the Sea Festival "arc" will start. I put the word arc in quotation marks, because I haven't really decided what the arcs are here.
I plan the festival arc to be 8 chapters long. And by the end of it, you should have my first full-fledged lemon to read. Of course, it is with one of the girls from the main five. From then on, the story will have much, MUCH more lemons in it. I know it's a long wait, but I think it's going to be worth it with all the development for the girls and GS. Just bear with me. Until then occasional fluffy scenes will appear between the girls and GS to keep you entertained. Female Paladin and Heavy Swordsman with Witch and Spearman will have some fluff too.
That being said, let's get to the reviews.
Lordlexx: Noted and corrected. Though they didn't go full retard. That's how some Europeans quote FYI.
agusXD: Well then, I hope the Amazon Warrior will be to your liking in this chapter. And thanks for the praise.
Janne Rolfe Jalandoni: Seems like another one wants the Amazon Warrior in there. Well, I hope she will be to your liking.
Dracus6: The team up with Hero will come, do not worry.
Xerzo LotCN: I think GS needs to see how other pairs works, so that's why the side pairings are there. And it would be weird if GS would bang every girl in there. I think I can spare Female Paladin and Witch for the others. They are interesting characters too.
Who said Lilie isn't a job. Perhaps she was selling flowers you know.
As for the vampire part, I think I can say he doesn't need blood to survive. Only to boost his abilities.
Weeeeell. I already have another girl in mind but… yeah. I don't know if I will go through with it.
Onii-Chan 69: Noble Fencer will be completely different. I have a plan on how to implement her character into the story as the succubus, but you will have to bear with me to find out. I hope it will be to everyone's satisfaction. Anyway, succubus is the last girl who will be added. After the Sea Festival. So yeah, there is a lot of time before she even appears.
Evowizard25: Ahhh Spearman. The hot-headed blunt idiot. I can't help but love that guy though. He was the first one to offer help GS when he needed it, so he is good at heart. Unfortunately he is stupid otherwise. I mean, I know I would like a girl who can stuff things in her cleavage. But.. he is a jelly drunk guy, so there's that.
Indeed she is adorable. You know, the classic cinnamon roll. But once they move to bed… well… she won't be that innocent ( ͡ ͜ʖ ͡).
Amazoness may not even be the last one as I am figuring it out. There is still one girl I would want to add, but I don't know if I will be able too. I will tell you who that girl is in the end notes.
Anyway, thanks for the praise!
monkiepawn: As I see it, they have been stuck together for more than 5 years. And even after all this time, Spearman is blind to Witch's feelings. So I am guessing, they are working together, rely on each other, but don't know much about each other's personal loves. And Spearman is kinda dumb so there's that.
You know, I have a little medical knowledge, and I know your thigh bone can withstand up to 4 tons before it starts to break. Sooo… I think it is still pretty reasonable to think he didn't know if his legs are stronger.
In the end though, I have to agree. I should have exchange the leg and arm part. But hey, it's not that big of a deal I think.
Who says she wasn't a florist? ;)
daniel2610994: Oh yeah. Medieval tank sounds great. Indeed. Priestess is the adorable one in the group. To me, Spearman is the likable asshole. He was the first one to help GS at the farm so that has to count for something.
TheGreatBubbaJ: Hmm… never thought of different blood doing different things. That's actually a neat idea. I may do something with that. Thanks for the idea.
Zealot24: He doesn't need a supply of blood. You can think of blood as an energy drink for GS. It can wake him up for an hour or two, but ultimately it's just temporary.
Well, going after GS ensures few gray hair on your head.
Ohoho, money won't be the problem. And this chapter hints as to why. So do not worry about that.
The4thHorseman: Spearman is drunk and not the brightest. That already is a dangerous combination. But what can I say, I have a soft spot for that idiot. Luckily for him, Witch is a very reasonable person.
And as for the Guilds reaction… this chapter is about that. So go ahead and enjoy!
Guynumber23: Thanks for the praise! You guessed right. As I already mentioned, blood is like an energy drink for GS. And yeah, giving Priestess at least something to defend herself with is IMO necessary. So that's where the bear comes in. Not to mention, it's badass.
Hero will appear during the Sea festival so if you don't know now, let me know then what you think about her and her party. Maybe I can add one more. I will reveal which one in the end notes and address this more.
Kerlongsj Evert Orlejov: I believe I don't need to say much. We already went through everything. And of course, the OG five are not even for a debate. They are dead set on having GS.
TristPHT: Weeeeell. I am afraid if the next season comes, I will have to continue like this. Though I know what happens in the manga, so I think I am good to go with the story. Then again, I already strayed away from the OG story so… yeah.
Natsuu224: Thanks for the praise, but I am afraid the chapters will have month long waiting period. What can I say, school is hard.
Adam NikoliI: Thanks for the praise! No intention of leaving this unfinished. But I have no idea how long I will be writing this.
Akuma-Heika: I think in all of the cases, his skin is described as fragile. His muslces and bones on the other hands are described as sturdy.
Anyway thanks to the Kerlongsj Evert Orlejov for going through this chapter and correcting my mistakes! Now onto the chapter!
Chapter 12: Do you love me?
Goblin Slayer, Cow Girl, Priestess, and their new small, furry black companion were walking up the dirt path to the Guild in town. Goblin Slayer was pulling a wooden kart behind him. Under the beige blanket lied the vampire corpse. The kart's goods were split in the middle by a small wooden beam, separating the rotting corpse from the dairy and meat products from the farm. As for the other goods, Cow Girl already began skinning the beavers of their pelts, but that will take time to finish. After all, she never did this with a beaver.
Once she will try to skin the bears, that will be even more amusing.
Sun was shining brightly on their heads as the sun's cycle reached its peak. And even with the sun high in the skies, Goblin Slayer isn't tired. Before they headed out, Goblin Slayer finally fell asleep. From as soon as the sun appeared behind the mountains, till noon he was asleep. And after the morning sleep, he felt like he was born again, full of energy and enthusiasm to kill more goblins. And thankfully, this awakening effect lasted longer than when he drank a bit of blood. It seemed like he still needs a little bit of sleep from time to time. The blood energy boost seemed to be only temporary.
Priestess was holding the bear cub in one arm, and a glass bottle with rubber tip in the other. "So all I have to do is fill this bottle with warm milk and give it to him?" Priestess asked Cow Girl who was walking right next to her. The pink-haired girl smiled brightly in response.
"Hai! I will add two additional bottles of milk in my usual milk delivery to your temple and it should be just enough for the cub!" Cow Girl petted the bears head gently caressing his black fur. The cub cutely roared and tried to bite her fingers. But with nearly no teeth, the bear cub just nibbled the finger.
"Hihi. You will need to train him so he doesn't attack people. Now it's cute, but in the future, it will cause troubles." Cow Girl withheld her hand from the cub.
"Don't worry! I am sure my sisters at the temple will help me with him! They love to take care of children and baby animals!" Priestess smiled and Cow Girl returned the smile.
Goblin Slayer watched the conversation go between the two girls. So much enthusiasm for a small bear cub... When he noticed the squealing in the woods wasn't imaginary, he went into the woods and discovered small lack bear cub. At first he wanted to kill it. He just ripped its father open and unintentionally smashed its mother's head with a boulder. No father or mother, it was better to just end its suffering. It would die within two days due to a lack of food. And that's assuming the bear cub would not become a meal of other predators sooner.
But... the pure-hearted priestess pulled the guilt card on him, saying they caused this, so they need to take care of the cub. It's their responsibility. Surprisingly, it moved him a little, but it was not enough to convince him. Only when she added they could groom it to a goblin slaying machine Goblin Slayer changed his opinion.
"How long till we can take it on goblin quests with us?" Goblin Slayer asked.
Priestess pouted. "It's not it, Goblin Slayer-san! His name is Kuma!"
"You already named... him?" Goblin Slayer paused at the end, carefully choosing the last word.
"Yes!" Priestess said.
"I see." Goblin Slayer responded and Cow Girl giggled at the exchange.
With each turn of the wheels, two girls and one man/vampire hybrid neared the town. Cow Girl carefully viewed Goblin Slayer through the day. Finding out that her Goblin Slayer is some kind of hybrid was a lot to take in. Cow Girl expected several changed in Goblin Slayer's behavior. But apart from the switch between sleeping in the day and not during the night, he seems fine. No thirst for blood, excluding the goblin blood of course (and he wouldn't drink the blood of those filthy creatures). No burning in the sun, no slow changes to his body that would suggest a transformation to an ugly vampire.
So far, she can't find anything that would make her despise him for being part monster. He still looks and acts the same. Even that night habit of his isn't that weird since he usually hunts goblins in the night and rests during the day. "Did anything really change?" Cow Girl thought as she looked at Goblin Slayer's pale face. And like he sensed her turning to him, he looked at back her with those moving red eyes. "Well, his eyes got prettier. Like they are not of this world." Cow Girl admired his new eyes.
Goblin Slayer then turned back and looked where they were going. "Maybe he did change. But not because of the vampire bite..." Cow Girl thought. He should be getting more evil because of the bite, but she can see only the good changes in his behavior. The last few months did a number on Goblin Slayer's behavior, she can tell.
Then again, Goblin Slayer was never normal. "I don't know what the future holds in store for him. Now more than ever." Cow Girl looked at the skies.
The Guild was full in the afternoon. Adventurers went in and out, going about their duties. Some were resting from their long adventures at the table, eating, conversing, enjoying their deserved rest. Among the resting group, what looked more like a small family was sitting around a smaller table. And as it goes with families, a small squabble formed between the "mom" and "dad".
"Three months. Not more and I am not budging!" Heavy Swordsman firmly stated. And right across him sat his beautiful fiancé had something to say back.
"Come on my love! Let it be four! I want to enjoy my new powers a little!" Female Paladin almost begged Heavy Swordsman.
"No! It's too dangerous for you and the baby by that time." Heavy Swordsman tried to stare her down. "It's dangerous even now!"
"I am staying back all the time now? What's so dangerous?!" Female Paladin asked.
"What if I miss something in the fight and some monster hits you in the stomach very hard?!"
"I have armor!"
"What if it can punch through armor? I am not taking my chances of losing you AND the baby!"
Apprentice Cleric and Rookie Warrior watched the two grown-ups argue for the first time. Just a minute ago they were talking about the surprise for Apprentice Cleric and the new upgrade for her staff as her birthday present. The whole group put together their money so the Cleric could get the best enchantment there is out there. Somehow, they got from there, to when Female Paladin should put down her shield and sword. "Do you have any idea how to stop this?" Rookie Warrior whispered to Apprentice Cleric who was sitting next to him and across the fighting couple.
"Maybe..." Apprentice Cleric whispered back. Arguing against fighting monsters when pregnant is very reasonable. But then again, Female Paladin got these powers and Apprentice Cleric knows how exciting it is to use new abilities. Suddenly, killing monsters became much easier and more fun. She bets that the her mentors would have no troubles with Giant Rats even if both were nine months pregnant.
"Why don't you just start doing easier quests as your pregnancy progresses?" Apprentice Cleric suddenly asked out of nowhere the two arguing young adults.
"THAT'S!" Heavy Swordsman yelled out. "-actually a good idea." he whispered the rest.
"Huh?" Female Paladin blinked a few times.
"Yeah! That will work! Four months but we will decrease the difficulty of the quests as time progresses!"
"Really?" Female Paladin asked in disbelief.
"Sure, with small level monsters I can intercept before they can touch your stomach." Heavy Swordsman smiled.
"I can defend myself." Female Paladin looked offended. Understandably so. She is THE SHIELD in the party, and shields role are to defend. Well, she was at least, until Heavy Swordsman began to place her in the back lines, to support him, Rookie Warrior and Apprentice Cleric with only her light miracles.
"Now, yes. Once your belly gets bigger, you will move slower and someone will have to defend you against monsters on quests. That's my concern. That we will underestimate all these things and someone gets hurt." Heavy Swordsman put his hand under the chin. "Though... is it worth it? Buying new armors every time you will get bigger? Armors are not cheap, my lady."
Suddenly the doors of the Guild opened and Spearman walked in, grabbing the attention of Heavy Swordsman and his party. Spearman's footing was loose, and he hold his head as if it hurt. It was such an unusual image. Other times, Spearman kicks the door open and announces his arrival in a way that everyone knows one of the top adventurers has arrived.
"Am I imagining things or is he looking... sad?" Apprentice Cleric whispered as to not be heard because the Guild fell into a big silence. News of Guild Girl's rejection travelled fast and no one wants to anger the Frontier's Finest as some call him.
Spearman looked at the counter and saw her. Guild Girl's surprised look welcomed him in the Guild. Though she quickly switched to a sad smile. Spearman sighed, gently shook his head and approached the table with Heavy Swordsman and his party.
As Heavy Swordsman watched, he knew someone had a wild night. Spearman's armor was unkept, barely clinging to him. Knowing a thing or two about armors, Heavy Swordsman knew he didn't even try to strap it correctly. Then there was the fact without the spear in hand acting as a cane, he wouldn't be able to even walk to their table.
"Hi..." Spearman groaned, almost in agony as his head threatened to burst from all the alcohol in his system.
"Greetings. Too much alcohol I am guessing?" Heavy Swordsman began.
"Not hard to recognize is it?" Spearman sadly chuckled. Heavy Swordsman didn't have to know more. This guy needed someone to talk to. "Kids, shift closer together and make a room for the poor man." Heavy Swordsman looked at his two apprentices and both turned crimson.
Female Paladin smiled beside him at the two startled lovebirds. "Come on, there isn't a problem is there?"
"N-n-no. But... why don't you shift closer to Heavy Swordsman." Rookie Warrior stuttered out.
Female Paladin chuckled and leaned over the table slightly. "You wouldn't want a pregnant woman to needlessly strain herself do you?" Female Paladin answered with a mischievous grin and the younger boy blushed even more. "It's so easy with those two."
"What's the matter with you two. Get together." Heavy Swordsman said sternly, and unfortunately, his word choice caused more red to go to their faces. Reluctantly, the two young teens shifted closer together so they were touching by shoulders, with their faces beat red.
"Closeeeer." Female paladin urged in a sweet, nearly singing tune, causing the young duo blush in shades of red never seen before.
"Ugh! So much sugar I want to vomit..." Spearman whispered, looking between Heavy Swordsman and Female Paladin being all lovey-dovey, and those two teens acting like school loves.
Heavy Swordsman, being as dense as he is, ignored the strange remark. "Sit, and tell me what caused you to drink so much, comrade." Heavy Swordsman pointed at the space that was now an empty space in front of him as the two teens were stuck together on one side.
"I seriously doubt that you don't know the reason yet." Spearman looked around the Guild and as if on cue everyone looked away from him trying to act like they were not eavesdropping. Spearman propped his trusty spear against the table as he made himself comfy on the wooden seat next to the blushing teens.
"It will hurt for a time, but I am sure it will get better." Heavy Swordsman conjured a big smile, which looked kinda creepy on him, to be honest. Honestly, the giant of a man didn't have a clue on how to soothe a broken heart. That didn't stop him from trying though.
And trying the cliché way to soothe Spearman, it went as you could expect. "Easy for you to say. She said yes to you." hurt Spearman looked at the Female Paladin, and on her left hand where the silver ring rested.
Heavy Swordsman nervously chuckled and scratched the back of his head. "W-well. It took a while to get there."
"Yeah. If you would man up sooner, the wedding would be already behind us and there would be at least 2 little kids running around you two." Spearman sighed out loud. "The point is, at least you got there. I can't because of a god damn Goblin Slayer."
"Don't be hard on him. He isn't at fault here." Female Paladin added, her gentle personality showing, and also her sympathy for the injured man who now has a lot to figure out. She might be better suited to help him out than her soon-to-be dense husband.
"Seriously?! What does she see in him?" Spearman lifted his head promptly, his voice hissing with anger and self-pity. He quickly regained his calm head once he looked at the grim faces of the couple in front of him. A lightbulb suddenly turned on in his head. "Hey, you are a woman. Tell me what is so appealing about him?"
Female Paladin raised an eyebrow in confusion. Mainly because she is the worst person to ask such a question. "I don't find him appealing. He is not my type."
Spearman's enlightened expression fell. "Of course... A big-ass, loud brute with a giant sword is your type." Spearman sighed and inclined his head as Heavy Swordsman frowned. From the corner of his eye, Spearman saw another female at the table. "How about you? Do you know what could draw girls to him?" he turned to Apprentice Cleric.
The attention of the table again turned to the youngest girl at the table, who was visibly blushing at all the attention she was getting. "W-w-well... he is mysterious. A lot of girls my age like that." Apprentice Cleric said.
"Mystery? Really? Is that all it takes? Just clothe yourself in a coat, pull the hood on, stare creepily from a corner and girls will come?" Spearman voiced his disbelief.
Apprentice Cleric shook her head. "Not like that. I mean... his past is full of mystery. Clearly, something caused him to be this way. A lot of girls I have met have a soft spot for broken man and trying to fix them for some reason."
Spearman quickly blinked several times in succession at such an idea. "Why not just find a guy that's already fixed?"
Apprentice Cleric shrugs her shoulders. She herself has no idea why. First of all, she is still kinda figuring out what she likes and dislikes in boys. One thing is for sure, Goblin Slayer is not her type either. As Spearman said, why not to find an already fixed man? Needless work in her opinion.
The only one who has an answer to this question is Female Paladin. Well, that depends on what you consider a satisfying answer. Women are complicated creatures and love doesn't make sense are probably not satisfying answers to Spearman. Some answers will not satisfy everyone as an answer. Although her answer for Spearman wouldn't be satisfying, she can kinda dance around it. After all, sometimes having a certain preference or type doesn't make sense either. "Have you considered, that maybe you are not Guild Girl's type? That maybe, she has a good reason liking Goblin Slayer the same way you have a good reason to like her?"
It took one simple answer for Spearman to realize that the fact he likes her, doesn't have to mean she could like him. Yes, he is that slow and kinda stupid with these things. Though with that realization, how can he find a girl he is compatible with? It will take time to get over this heartbreak if ever. And can he find even a pretty girl similar to Guild Girl? And how to ensure he will not be repulsive to said girl?
And speaking of being repulsive to girls... upon sobering up, he realized Witch didn't deserve what he said to her. He could at least lay his thoughts about her more gently than yelling in a drunken state. Spearman doesn't remember much, but some bits of yelling at the purple-haired sorceress are still fresh.
"Damn..."
It dawned on Spearman, he may have destroyed the friendship he was building with her for... how long? Four? Five years? He could not imagine going on hard quests with anyone else. He trusts her magic support from the back with his life. "Haven't you guys seen Witch? I have to talk to her."
"No. She hasn't been here today." Heavy Swordsman answered.
"Aren't you two always together though?" Rookie Warrior asked, popping his head from behind Apprentice Cleric.
"Not always. Only during the day. At night she is doing her own thing." Spearman said with another loud sigh.
"Is there a reason why you need to talk to her now?" Female Paladin already sensed that the talk he wants with her isn't about quests. She heard the same sad tone she heard several times already, always when someone did something stupid.
"I said some nasty things to her when I was rejected and drunk." Spearman inclined his head, keeping his eyes on the wooden table, deeply thinking about what he said.
Female Paladin smiled sadly. "We all do stupid things when drunk..."
Spearman chuckled trying to lighten the mood. "Yeah." then he pointed at Heavy Swordsman with his head and boldly asked. "Does doing a stupid thing while drunk include you doing him that one wild night?"
Female Paladin, Rookie Warrior, and Apprentice Cleric all turned red immediately. Heavy Swordsman, on the other hand, was on his feet immediately, face frowned, grunting, right hand already gripping the handle on his greatsword resting on his back.
Spearman laughed "Calm down big guy, it was just a jest. My head hurts as it is, I do not need you to bang it even more." Spearman then eyed Female Paladin with a devilish grin. "Bang her instead."
And just like that, Heavy Swordsman's swung his greatsword in an attempt to hit Spearman in the head. Of course, he didn't try it with the edge of the blade, but with the flat surface of the blade to bang his head. It was more of a warning as well. Although he just swung his sword without much of a backswing backing the swing, the strength Heavy Swordsman possesses caused a gust of wind to go around the guild. Spearman being the faster of the two, ducked the strike and jumped from his spot, grabbing the spear with grace, spinning around until he let the spear fall on his shoulder. Spearman stopped his little theater, and let the spear rest on his shoulder, grinning at the trio around the table.
"My inappropriate jokes aside, thanks for sitting with me." Spearman turned towards the direction where the door into the training grounds leads from the inside of the Guild. May as well make something of the time he waits for Witch. He looked back over his shoulder one last time. "And congratulations on the engagement and the baby. I hope one day I will have what you two now have together." After all, he wasn't at the celebration of the baby so proper congratulations are in order. By the time Heavy Swordsman announced the engagement, Witch already dragged him into her room and let him rest on her bed as she took another room for herself. His expression again fell. "I really messed up." Spearman thought when he recalled what Witch does for him.
Heavy Swordsman laughed a little. He had his doubts for a while, but Spearman is indeed a good man. Sometimes inappropriate, hot headed and rude, but good at heart nonetheless. Shame he didn't know about this hotheads good side before the attack on Goblin Slayer's farm. They could be great friends.
"Thank you, and you are welcomed." Heavy Swordsman said.
"If I can give you a piece of advice, look around yourself and maybe you will find exactly what you are looking for. What you desire is closer than you think." Female Paladin advised him. Spearman raised the one eyebrow she could see from the angle he was standing with his back to them. In the end, he just chuckled, raised his hand up as a wave gesture, and walked away, not really dwelling on what Female Paladin said.
Amazon Warrior is literally devouring a whole roasted boar, piece by piece. Some Half-Elf boy who sat before her was looking at her in bewilderment. How can someone just shove a whole leg into their throat and pull only a bone out is simply beyond him. Padfoot Waitress had to call for help, and together with Guild Girl, they brought her a barrel of ale since even her thirst is unending. She constantly scoops the ale in the barrel with her mug and jugs it down like it is a simple shot of water.
By now, most of the Guild got used to her eating like... well Amazon. Amazons, fearsome tribes of giant woman warriors, stronger than all the humanoid races in these lands. It is quite rare to find an Amazoness outside of their hidden tribe villages. No one knows how they live, where they live, nor why they remain hidden. Some people are still wary of them, since they have to reproduce somehow, and theories say they kidnap men they deem to find strong enough for reproduction.
The reason Amazons let some of their kind roam freely, is apparently to gather information about the situation in the world, and if they are in danger. After all, they are not the most technologically developed and are in awe whenever they step outside of their tribe's lands. That's why other races let them be. Truth be told, they are not a smart to invent means that other races can. Thank gods for that, because if they would be as smart as dwarfs and elves for example, they would dominate the world with their strength and knowledge. Whether they kidnap men is true remains a mystery to most people apart from a few nobles.
However, our Amazon Warrior couldn't care less about those things now. So much delicious food with spices she could only dream of before. With hundreds varieties of alcohol and drinks to choose from, no wonder she stayed outside of her tribe's walls. They live like gods here!
"Oi! Another roasted boar please!" Amazon Warrior roared in the hall.
Padfoot Waitress's ear twitched. She was serving Heavy Swordsman's party their lunch when the giantess called for another serving. Padfoot Waitress quickly served Heavy Swordsman's party their plates with lunch and ran to Amazon Warrior.
"I am sorry, but you will have to wait for another boar. It will take about an hour for the boar to finish roasting." she chirped gently as she bowed to the big warrior. The demi-human wasn't naive enough to assume only one boar will suffice, so she began roasting another one shortly after she gave the first one to Amazon Warrior.
Padfoot Waitress, the cook of the Adventurer's Guild. One can not compliment her services enough. Always cheerful young demi-human lady with a fiery passion for cooking and feeding the brave adventurers. Dressed in a black and white tavern uniform, she looked more like a maid than a waitress. Only features by which people could tell she is not a human are visible light furry brown ears and paws. And even though the mugs and plates are designed to be used by human hands, her furry soft paws managed to find a way to serve these things efficiently so no one even notices her paws. Apart the fur on her paws, ears and hidden tail, she also has long free-flowing brown hair with beautiful lush green eyes. With short, slim physique and generous bosom, she attracts a lot of attention which gets to be shown on her tips.
"Awwwww. Don't you have anything else there lass? Cow? Maybe a lamb?" Amazon Warrior look saddened as she leaned on the table, shoving the empty plate with boar bones on it to the side.
"I-I have. But... Those are for the other guests here." Padfoot Waitress warily explained, her ears curling inwards a little.
"Ugh! Shame. Well then, I will be on the training grounds! Fetch me up when the boar is done!" Amazon Warrior said, right before she noticed the black-haired half-elf before her, sitting there minding his own business. Such a skinny guy... time to change that! "Let's go, little guy, I will show you how true warriors fight!" Amazon Warrior stood up from the table grabbed the unknown elf by the collar and threw him over her shoulder, carrying him like a backpack with one hand. And with the other, she grabbed her giant axe propped against the wall.
"W-wait! W-what?!"
It took a second for Half-Elf boy to notice he no longer sits with his glass of water at the table, but that he is being carried outside.
"You need to build some muscles kid or you'll be dead in a month! Be grateful, not many men can say they trained with an amazon!" Amazon Warrior roared and prepared to exit the Guild house. She stopped at her tracks with squirming Half-Elf in her grip when Goblin Slayer appeared in the door.
Goblin Slayer appeared in the doors of the Guild with Priestess, her bear cub, and Cow Girl right behind him. He looked around for a moment. It had been a few days since he has been here, and truth be told, he missed it. Shame he needs to get a new armor first before heading out on goblin quests. That will take up a day or two.
Two girls behind him eyed Guild Girl behind the counter, examining her behavior. Honey blonde-haired girl's eyes lit up with excitement as soon as she laid her golden eyes on Goblin Slayer. "Goblin Slayer-san! Welcome back!" she yelled.
Goblin Slayer quietly walked towards the counter. Even he himself examined the girl behind the counter, trying to find if she indeed fell for him, or if Female Paladin was just jesting. The two girls behind him followed him close like they were guarding him from something. "Weird." he thought.
As soon as the trio stood in front of the counter, an awkward silence fell between Guild Girl and the trio interrupted only by an uncertain chuckle by Guild Girl.
"Do you love me?" Goblin Slayer bluntly asked.
Goblin Slayer didn't want to play some love charades here. He saw several times that people are just afraid to talk about how they feel and it is really irritating to watch. He wants to know on what he stands on right now.
Unsurprisingly, Guild Girls face caught red color immediately and she was lost for words. Guild Girls' heart began beating faster, and anxiousness came over her. Never had she expected Goblin Slayer to ask her like this. What's worse, she fears what he will say after she will answer him!
Everyone in the guild knows Goblin Slayer doesn't beat around the bush. He can cold-heartedly reject her right here, in front of everyone in the Guild. Her heart wouldn't be able to take it all. Being watched by the whole Guild as her Goblin Slayer turns her dreams to dust with one simple answer. And she can't lie to him now, as, from her observations, Goblin Slayer isn't fond of liars and manipulators. That's not a good way to increase her chances with him. Always straightforward and to the point… she should have expected it would go down like this…
"I- I... W-W-Well..." Guild Girl looked anywhere else than Goblin Slayer's face. However, it didn't help as she thought. The whole guild was in utter silence and everyone watched her. The Guild's discussions of why Priestess had a bear cub were quickly forgotten once Goblin Slayer dropped this bomb. Guild Girl could feel their gazes on her. It made her head spin as she was never put into a situation like this. It made her feel small. "Why did he ask now?!" Guild Girl made one small step back as everything came crashing down on her.
An elbow suddenly poked her hip. Shocked Guild Girl spun her head to the side, seeing Inspector smiling at her. And seeing the encouraging smile among the whispers and confused expression all around in the Guild, it helped her calm down a little.
"Remember what he said at the celebration. Now's your chance." she encouraged her friend. "Don't mind them. They can talk and stare all they want. This is about you and him."
Guild Girl's eyes widened as she was looking at her best friend. "I think yes, I would be happy with a family of my own." That's what he said shortly before she blacked out. Maybe... maybe he is trying to figure out is she is the right one?
She turned back to Goblin Slayer, who stood still, patiently waiting for an answer. Quietly he stood there, with his moving ruby eyes, pale face and ruffled grey hair. His usual neutral expression on his face. Though he remained calm, the two girls behind him stared at Goblin Slayer's face wide-eyed. Not one expected this to escalate so quickly.
"I... I do. I love you." Guild Girl confessed, looking Goblin Slayer straight in the eyes for a brief moment. But ultimately, she lost the staring contest between her and Goblin Slayer. She quickly turned around so her back faced Goblin Slayer, with her lower back leaning against the counter. She just couldn't do this! It is so embarrassing to confess like this! "Gods let it end!" Guild Girl pleaded.
Priestess was among those who were completely lost for words. Like the rest of the Guild, she didn't know about this! How? When? And what exactly happened she had no clue. She just stood there with Kuma, frozen in place not being able to make another sound.
Cow Girl, on the other hand, got extremely nervous. She always had no idea what Goblin Slayer's future will look like, but now, it got to a point it was such an intertwined mess it could end anywhere really. What's worse, it seemed a future with her in it got even further.
For a moment, Goblin Slayer couldn't believe his ears. Female Paladin was right. He did attract her attention, and not only that she confirmed she loved him. Not a crush or that she would just find him attractive. "What in the name of all the gods is happening? Did this world got even crazier?" He thought.
"How long?" Goblin Slayer asked.
A quiet "huh" escaped Guild Girl's lips. Almost everyone who was listening expected "I see" as an answer. Not that Goblin Slayer would dig a little deeper.
"I-" Guild Girl slowly turned around to face Goblin Slayer again.
"WHY IN THE SEVEN HELLS IS THERE A WOMAN CORPSE ON THE KART BEHIND THE GUILD!" angry Spearman stormed into the Guild. Sweaty and tired Spearman in his blue armor stood in the doorway, with his spear beside him. As soon as he saw unmasked Goblin Slayer looking at him, he immediately walked towards him.
All eyes in the Guild again shifted their attention to the doors of the Guild, including the stunned Amazon Warrior and her elf backpack both of whom watched the theater unfold. Even the Half-Elf was calm as he watched the confession of Guild Girl. But now, new theater will go down and again, everyone remained quiet.
Spearman gritted his teeth as he approached the counter. Cow Girl, Priestess and now Guild Girl? How many girls does this guy have around him?! "Goblin Slayer." Spearman venomously greeted his rival.
"Spearman." Goblin Slayer returned the gesture of saying his name.
"Where were you yesterday? Goblins aren't a three-day job." Spearman tried with all his might to avoid saying anything about him and Guild Girl. And it was indeed a good question. Goblin Slayer slays goblins every day unless he absolutely needs a day off.
"Had to rest a little. I encountered unexpected complications on the quest."
Priestess immediately intervened and told others what exactly happened. "Goblin Slayer-san! It wasn't a simple complication! You nearly died! Again!" and the bear cub in her arms roared in agreement.
"Nearly." Goblin Slayer turned to her.
"D-died?!" Guild Girl recovered from her confession.
Again?! How many times is Guild Girl going to find out that Goblin Slayer nearly died on his quest?!
Plus she was right! Inspector shouldn't let him go alone! Someone needs to keep him in check or he will die soon!
"You nearly died to a goblin?" Spearman raised an eyebrow. It was not meant to sound like he is mocking him. He was rather surprised that Goblin Slayer would die in his area of expertise.
Cow Girl decided she can add something to the conversation and she answered instead of Goblin Slayer. Knowing him, he would again unintentionally downplay the encounter when trying to shorten the story of what exactly happened. "Not a goblin Spearman-san. Goblin Slayer wants to ask if he can get bonus payment for the High Vampire he has unexpectedly encountered and slain on the goblin quest. That is the creature on the kart you mentioned before. Not a woman, but a High Vampire"
"H-High Vampire?!" Spearman yelled out. And the whole guild was surprised with Spearman. The people in there began whispering among each other.
"That's how she called herself." Goblin Slayer calmly explained.
Spearman took a deep breath in. "No. No. Nonononono. I do not believe for a second that someone like you could defeat a High Vampire. Not in a million years." Spearman began chuckling at the end at how ridiculous it sounded.
"You don't have to believe me." Goblin Slayer said. Then he turned to Guild Girl who released a quiet "huh" as her cheeks caught color again. "Could you bring your boss down and look at the corpse?"
"Y-Y-yeah." Guild Girl stuttered out and ran around the counter heading towards the stairs to the second floor. "Why does he have to be so handsome." blushing Guild Girl thought as she ran up the stairs, looking down at Goblin Slayer. The golden-eyed girl still isn't used to Goblin Slayer walking around here without an armor. Suddenly, as she walked up the stairs, he caught her gaze again and she stopped for a second near the top of the staircase as their eyes locked.
"We will talk later about your confession." Goblin Slayer informed her. The blushing Guild Girl gulped loudly and ran towards her boss.
Meanwhile downstairs, Spearman hearing the last sentence grabbed Goblin Slayer by the shoulders and turned Goblin Slayer towards him. "Don't you dare to break her heart. If you will hurt her, I will give you the beating of your life." Spearman hissed.
Goblin Slayer seemed unfazed again. "I will not make her cry." he said, now more firmly than his usual bored tone. And it seemed to suffice as Spearman released his grip on his shoulders.
"You better not."
Everyone in the Guild moved out from the building to the training grounds behind it, where the kart with the gorgeous dead woman lied. Heads popping, looking over the shoulders surrounded Goblin Slayer, Guild Girl, Inspector, and Lord of the Guild. Among the crowd around them, Cow Girl and Priestess stood in first rows.
Not only that, but High Elf Ranger, Lizard Priest, and Dwarf Shaman spotted the commotion around the Guild when they went for a quest. Curiosity got the best of them and they joined the crowd. They found out that Goblin Slayer delivered the corpse, and all of them were curious with how Lord of the Guild will evaluate the situation.
Our flat chested elf tried to squeeze through everyone to have the best position to watch of course. She managed to get into the first rows where Cow Girl and Priestess stood already. And as everyone was waiting for something to happen, she quickly caught up on the news that Goblin Slayer confronted Guild Girl about what Female Paladin said. Gossip really flies fast here.
To her own surprise, she felt conflicted about Guild Girl's confession. Why, she didn't know. She had an idea in the back of her mind, but that was so absurd it was not possible in her whole lifetime. Dirty, rude and ignorant Goblin Slayer and her? Absurd. Not in a million years, she would be jealous of Guild Girl. No. Just no. "Ridiculous."
Amazon Warrior was also present on the occasion to see a High Vampire. Not that it amused her when she saw the corpse. Looks like every puny human she has met, only a little bit paler. Looking around, she spotted one of Goblin Slayer's team mates right next to her. Curiosity got the best of her, and she smacked High Elf Ranger's right shoulder, still holding her soon to be sparring partner over her shoulder.
"Tell me green sprout. Did you help him take that down?"
"Whom are you calling a sprout you fat mountain!" High Elf Ranger yelled. She looked at Amazon Warrior with a death stare, but Amazon Warrior only found her face adorable and cute.
Half-Elf Warrior noticed the conversation between Amazon Warrior and someone else, and when he looked at the participant, he immediately knew who she was.
"Wait I know you! You're the elve-"
"You shut your mouth before you'll say something I'll make you regret!" High Elf Ranger spouted so he wouldn't reveal her secret.
"How cute." Amazon Warrior chuckled.
"Please my pr-" Half-Elf Warrior began but he quickly shut his mouth once another death stare fell his way. "my... ally! Help me down!" Half-Elf Warrior tried to elbow amazon's humongous triceps and shoulder blades to break free, but she didn't even budge.
"No way kiddo, you promised me a sparring session!" Amazon Warrior yelled.
"Sparring? Really? I hope you didn't lower your breeding standards. He doesn't seem strong." High Elf Ranger remarked with a telltale smile.
"It's not like that! Now answer me! How the hell did you kill that freak?!" Amazon Warrior deflected the comment and pointed at the corpse in the kart.
"I DIDN'T PROMISE ANYTHING!" Half-Elf Warrior yelled out. Unfortunately, both girls didn't pay attention to him.
"We didn't, believe it or not." High Elf Ranger looked directly into amazon's eyes.
"Don't jest around. I really want to know how you killed it. If it truly is a High Vampire." Amazon shook her head slightly.
"I am not jesting nor lying! I want a juicy reward too, but the truth is, he killed it solo!" High Elf Ranger answered with evident annoyance and admiration.
Amazon Warrior was still trying to envision how a puny human in dated armor could have slain a kind of beast that had taken lives of much higher ranked adventurers. Looking at Goblin Slayer again, she wondered if the strange, new aura that seemed to emanate from his eyes is a sign he made some sort of pact with evil entities to get a power to defeat such a foe. Or if he was just insanely lucky.
It seemed rather unlikely that a man who turned 20 not so long ago would defeat a High Vampire. Especially when said man fought only goblins.
"OK, we did kinda saved him once he was at death's doors, but what you see in the kart, that's all him." High Elf Ranger added suddenly.
"Did he tell you what happened before?" Amazon Warrior got curious.
"I'll tell you if you buy me a couple of drinks." High Elf Ranger smiled maliciously.
"Of course! Even a barrel if you want! And I'll also tell you a secret to grow a couple of jugs on your chest too!" Amazon Warrior replied with a toothy grin.
Before High Elf Ranger could reply with her own nasty remark, the forgotten backpack made himself known.
"Hello?! I am still here! Can anybody get me down!" Half-Elf Warrior yelled and kicked around on amazon's backs.
"Shh! somethings happening!" Amazon Warrior shushed the loud elf on her back. "Are all elfs so loud?" she thought about the two elves she met.
The bickering stopped, and the whole crowd got quiet and turned their attention to Lord of the Guild who approached the kart with the High Vampire.
It's a rare occurrence to even spot a High Vampire, not to mention to kill one. The people trying to catch a glance of the dead body didn't know what to believe. On one hand, Goblin Slayer has a reputation for being quiet, but brutally honest when it comes to these kinds of things. On the other, killing a High Vampire is a task for a high Gold adventurer. Plus, with the equipment Goblin Slayer has, it should be impossible to kill it.
The kart Goblin Slayer brought had already been depleted of dairy and meat products, only the corpse remained. The height of the kart went to Goblin Slayer's waist, so when Lord of the Guild leaned over the wooden pull-kart, he got a good look at the pierced corpse. The dead, black haired woman had a giant hole in her chest, with several wooden shards still in it. Next to the corpse lied rolled up bloody blanket, which Goblin Slayer used to protect the corpse from sunlight. But right now, as the shade from the Guild building shields them, the blanket wasn't needed.
The Lord of the Guild is a tall, slim man in his forties, with a bushy black mustache and short black grizzly hair. He had a square face and thick lips. Not to the point, it would look unappealing, but it certainly shows when you look at the man for a moment. He wore a similar uniform to Guild Girl, only his composed of a well fitted dark blue suit with white man undergarments. He seemed exactly like someone who has a whole Guild in charge, emitting wisdom and wealth.
The Lord of the Guild himself was beyond surprised when Guild Girl knocked on his doors at the office and announced that someone has killed a High Vampire. During those 15 years he is in charge of this Guild, he encountered this thing only a handful of times. You can count those times on one hand. Naturally, he got curious and asked right away as Guild Girl lead him behind the Guild building. Imagine his surprise when he found out that it was only one person who killed the vampire. Not only that but that it was the infamous Goblin Slayer that did it.
His eyes widened when he lifted the upper lip of the dead woman lying on the kart. "Sharp canines."
Then he lifted the closed eyelids. "Red eyes and she is pale as snow."
One last test remaining. Although it points to the fact the mad lad did it, Lord of the Guild still needed to be sure, because if he would only consider paleness, eye color, and teeth, even Goblin Slayer himself could be classified as a vampire, which he certainly isn't. At least that's what he thought.
Additionally, if he indeed did kill a High Vampire, a big bonus payment is not the only thing Goblin Slayer will receive. The tall lord pulled a small pocket knife out of his pocket on the blue pants, flipped it and cut off one of the vampire's fingers. Bit of blood escaped from the cut, but that did not concern him.
"May I?" Lord of the Guild asked with a hoarse voice as he tried to leave the circle which the crowd around them created. People slowly arranged themselves so he could walk to the training grounds, where the sun shone. Raising his hand with the vampire finger in the air, he watched as the finger slowly turned to gray dust, and eventually flown away in the gentle winds of afternoon.
"By the Supreme Goddess... she truly is a High Vampire." Lord of the Guild said in disbelief.
The whole crowd outside got into a great discussion. Those who weren't discussing how Goblin Slayer pulled it off, tried to get their gazes on the corpse in the kart. Amazon Warrior and Spearman were probably the most surprised that he indeed pulled it off. Spearman because of his jealousy, and Amazon Warrior because... well... Goblin Slayer is just a puny human! Even she would be wary to fight against that kind of opponent!
The Lord of the Guild's eyes rested on the place where the dust dispersed for a second before he turned around and walked back to Goblin Slayer. He again pushed through the crowd until he got to the red-eyed man. "Young man, do you have time tomorrow?"
"That depends if there's a goblin quest." Goblin Slayer stated.
"Let's say there isn't. Do you have time?" Lord of the Guild chuckled. As straight forward as always. Goblins, goblins and goblins. How can that man live relatively normal life is a mystery to him.
"Yeah."
"Good. At noon, I expect you to be ready at the Guild." Lord of the Guild said and began walking back to the Guild building through the crowd.
"What for?" Goblin Slayer turned to the leaving man.
Lord of the Guild turned around and smiled back at him. "A promotional exam of course. You, sir, will have an option to become a Gold-ranked adventurer."
Author's note: So what do you say? Goblin Slayer gold ranked, the confession and Spearman finally not being a douche? Plus Amazon Warrior finally appeared with Padfoot Waitress. She could be number 11... but as it is right now, I don't even know when I would get to that part since I have already so much planned out.
That's all from me. Thanks for all the support and reviews, and see you in the next chapter.