Disclaimer: I do NOT own Goblin Slayer.
Author's note: Hi guys! Another chapter and I managed to get it out in a month! Great achievement heh? So first off, I would like to address some small changes I did in the previous chapter. I prolonged the conversation between the Guild Lord and the mayor, and their opinions on a half-vampire running in their streets. I added a few lines to address the fact it was cloudy the day GS and Amazon Wariror fought so Goblin Slayer wouldn't be tired andGS party reaction to Kuma. That's all, now to the reviews!
PasiveNox, Panthera Gilt, Guest, hulkysy, Withered Phoenix, Droopy Reader, XxDeath01xX, Guest, Paradox009, Mewtwo-TheLoneShadow, Guest, kjkkszpjk, snowyassas1n, Dark Card, darkchannel30, Assasisin Reaper: Thanks for all the praise guys. I am glad you enjoy the story.
54godamora, The GreatBubbaJ: Someone is already guessing things huh. I am wondering what lead you to that conclusion.
Machine Chaser IV: I think that gold ranked adventurers still have a relative freedom, but government is now more interested in them. That's how I see it.
monkiepawn: Had no idea Master Chief has no game.
Dracus6: Yeah, they'll meet. He just became more popular, nothing really changes wit hthis promotion except more people will recognize him and higher ups are more interested in him.
ZenithTempest: With more girls, come less screentime for the other girls. But it is my intention to keep the main five more on the forefront since they are the "OG harem" of Goblin Slayer.
Legion40K: In the manga she has black hair, so I decided to go with that.
VikingZeroOne: As I said next 7-8 chapter will be the Sea festival, then the first lemon, Succubuss/Noble Fencer quest, Ice Queen quest from the Light Novel, and than I would like to one more arc, before the final arc.
Toshiro Ricky: Not really. The sword isn't that special. You can burn stuff with it, it cuts through goblins smoother and light the caves. It's just a turn on/off fire sword.
You bet I am milking this more. As I said, the first lemon is after this Sea festival arc, so I am gonna be milking this for a while.
Natzo: Yeah, pretty much. No one knows as of yet.
Evowizard25: I think we all know how it will go down with Amazon Warrior. Snu-Snu. Hmm… I promoted a lot of people in the last chapter, didn't I?
I am going to mix a lot of things. Manga, LN and anime. Basically what I like I will use. And I like black hair so… yeah, she has black hair. As for Sword Master, seems like a lot of people come to the mermaid conclusion. Interesting.
Oh, he sure would. But then again, I think Heavy Swordsman would prefer her not wearing anything at all.
If you watch Food Wars, a small advice. Don't red the manga. The end is so unsatisfactory you would be angry for at least a week.
Lucian Naruto: He is the first "Dhampir", but keep in mind Sword Maiden doesn't care what he is under the mask. She just needs him to slay goblins, nothing else matters to her. It will surely be surprising to learn that, but I don't think she would care that much.
Akuma-Heika: We saw that all three of them were present when fighting the Demon Lord. Even if they were just supports, they still fought alongside Hero. They deserve the promotion.
Well, I can't go back on what I already wrote, so I will try to explain it. You do not need to be able to lead to be a silver rank. Goblin Slayer went solo for 5 years and he climbed all the way to silver without having to lead anyone. Skills and abilities is what's important.
Let's say the potion she needs isn't easily available so Hero and others often need to buy this stuff from shady guys and hope it's what it is. So the "again" scamming indicates that this happens a lot, because they buy this stuff where they can.
Xerzo LotCN: As long as it helps GS kill goblins, Goblin Slayer will buy it.
He could tell her his backstory, but why whould he? How would shoo her away? He told her what's wrong with him so she knew into what she would be getting into. Why he is like that was irrelevant.
Goblin Slayer isn't good with secrets so expect that this information will blow up fast.
Another guess on the mermaid. Huh.
Mythfan: I get it. Buuuuut, if you have harem of 10 girls, you may as well be called a sperm donor.
Axcell: I get what you are saying. I know majority of these things. But the thing is, Heavy Swordsman and Female Paladin don't. Don't worry though. One frightening situation and Female Paladin will realize how bad of an idea it is.
Different Guest: Thanks for the praise. And hero is up for a surprise with Goblin Slayer appearing in Water Town.
daniel2610994: Pretty much. And the line for GS's D is getting longer and longer. Oh yeah, he has vampire stamina, but then again, once Succubuss joins, GS will have a worthy opponent in bed.
Yeah, power of plot is strong with this one. And I will be blue-balling you guys for the next 7-8 chapters, sooooo… yeah. Sorry about that.
zealot24: It will be interesting how bards portray the things Goblin Slayer is doing. And judging by what you wrote, I suppose you read the manga. Good boy.
No-Named-Dude: That's the beauty of GS. You can just shove him in human conversations, and you have a great scenario for the laughs.
Yeah. Good thing he can overpower her, or death by Snu-Snu would follow.
Every girl will approach this differently. But one thins is for sure. Guild Girl started an avalanche of events.
Yes, in LN she is Steel rank, eve though she failed her promotion the first time.
As for your question, yeah, that checks out. Golds are rearely in the field. I think a lot of higher ups, nobles, kings or whatever see Gold ranks as highly valuable warriors, so they want them in their ranks. And since most adventurers are just people from villages, most accept the invitation to courts or just a higher ranked places so they can have a good life. So I imagine a lot of Golds work under nobles and that's why there aren't many of them in the field.
We will see and thanks for the praise.
Kerlongsj Evert Orlejov: We will chat in my PM's again. But thanks for the praise mate.
Anyway, that's all from me for now, now onto the next chapter!
Chapter 14: Maiden's call
My beloved Goblin Slayer,
How are you doing these days? I hope you fare well. Everyone is enjoying the peaceful times ever since the Demon Lord was defeated, but my heart tells me you are not at peace. You have a noble goal my beloved, but I fear you are chasing a ghost. Killing them all may not be possible. And yet, despite my mind telling me your fight may end in a tragedy, my heart can't help but hope you'll find a way to kill them all. I'll continue to pray for you and your cause.
I know for what I'll ask next be selfish, but I would be honoured and pleased if you would accept my invitation to the Sea Festival here in Water Town. I hope to see you again in flesh, as my nightmares have returned and you did not show up to save me for the first time since you left. I fear something sinister is on the horizon. It may be just a foolish nightmare of a damaged maiden, nevertheless, I would still like to see you so my nights are not so restless as your mare presence helps me be at peace. My beloved, I beg you, please consider my invitation even if you would show yourself to me for just a minute, I would be immensely grateful. I miss you.
Sincerely, your Sword Maiden. Sending prayers to you.
P.S: If not for me, please come for the goblins. I heard your Guild has fewer quests regarding them, and in Water Town's Guild, there is no shortage of goblin quests as of late.
"A love letter?" Lizard Priest put one of his claws under his chin as he finished reading the letter.
"Definitely a love letter." Priestess whispered from behind Goblin Slayer.
"She isn't even subtle! Look how she calls him! 'My beloved'?! What is that?!" High Elf Ranger yelled out.
"And that 'YOUR Sword Maiden' at the end?! Did you marry her Beard Cutter or what?!" Dwarf Shaman laughed in amusement when he was done reading. Seems like Goblin Slayer is a professional thief too. The way he snatches the hearts of maidens is that of fairy tales.
At the start of the celebration of Goblin Slayer's and Priestess's promotion, Scout Boy and Druid Girl appeared in the Guild. They slowly approached Goblin Slayer with a mixture of fear and respect towards the quiet adventurer. As soon as they said the letter is from Sword Maiden, every single member of his party appeared behind Goblin Slayer, anxious to read the letter. Goblin Slayer isn't a secretive guy, so he opened the letter and read it in front of them.
"C-can we go now?" Scout Boy asked. When Goblin Slayer lifted his head and looked at him, he got even more terrified of him. Something in those red eyes and neutral expression scares him to no end. If only he wore his armor, it wouldn't be so terrifying. Wait a minute, where is his armor?! He always wears it!
"Yeah." Goblin Slayer simply said. And without further ado, Scout Boy and Druid Girl ran off to the table with their party, to finally deliver the staff Sword Maiden enchanted to Apprentice Cleric.
Apart from Goblin Slayer's party, Guild Girl was present at their table. She was angrily pouting the whole time she read the letter. What happened in Water Town that Sword Maiden is so clearly in love with her Goblin Slayer?!
Fortunately she has no idea what the woman looks like. If she did, she would be undoubtebly intimidated by her beauty.
"Prepare yourselves. We are heading out tomorrow." Goblin Slayer announced as he folded the letter back. And for some, it would be shocking revelation but it was not just because of goblins he wanted to go to Water Town.
"What?!" his female friends at the table yelled out.
"Sir Goblin Slayer you should still rest. I do not think it is wise to go back fighting so soon after the incident with High Vampire." Lizard Priest politely shared his opinion.
"Yeah, Beard Cutter. Besides, your armor is broken." Dwarf Shaman added as the rest of the group began leaving the place behind Goblin Slayer, seating themselves around the table again.
"I feel good and I have a spare armor. Although it's not in the best condition, I can repair a few key components to make it functional enough during the night. I am going to Water Town, with or without you." Goblin Slayer answered.
"B-b-b-but what about our date?!" Guild Girl suddenly blurted out.
"DATE?!" the rest of the table yelled out and stared at the honey-blonde haired girl as she took a few steps back from the intense stares.
"But… goblins." Goblin Slayer turned to Guild Girl, looking hurt in his eyes.
It almost sounded like he was pleading Guild Girl to let him go. Guild Girl shifted her attention from the stares of Goblin Slayer's party back at the man she loves. He looked the same, but she could swear he was giving her the puppy eyes to let him go on a goblin hunt. Guild Girl nervously bit her lower lip as the table became even more chaotic.
"FORGET GOBLINS FOR A MINUTE! YOU HAVE A DATE?!" High Elf Ranger grabbed Goblin Slayer's face, turned it to her and stared into his red eyes with fury. And… jealousy?
"Yeah." Goblin Slayer calmly admitted.
"Do you even know what a date means?!" High Elf yelled outright to his face from a point-blank distance.
"Yeah." he answered, slightly irritated by how close the elf is to his face.
As High Elf Ranger pulled out her hands from Goblin Slayer's face. Only Lizard Priest and the bear cub in Priestess's arms remained relatively calm. Speaking of Priestess, she was frantically looking back and forth between Guild Girl and Goblin Slayer. Goblin Slayer has a date! And it is NOT with her!
"How did YOU manage to convince this weirdo-" High Elf Ranger shot from her seat and pointed at Goblin Slayer's face, the tip her finger touching Goblin Slayer's nose. "to go on a date with you!"
Guild Girl smiled. The anxiousness and discomfort she felt when Guild Girl was forced to answer Goblin Slayer's deal-breaking question was gone. Since they shared how they feel towards each other, she feels pretty comfortable with sharing some of these things with Goblin Slayer's friends. Apart from that, Goblin Slayer isn't exactly known for holding secrets, so they would find out anyway. And she wants to show Goblin Slayer, she isn't ashamed to admit to the rest of the world she loves him.
And so she comfortably replied to High Elf Ranger. "I asked him to be with me. He wanted on a date with me first." she smiled at them with closed eyes.
"I-is that true, Goblin Slayer-san?" Priestess quietly whispered, nervously clutching Kuma in her arms.
Goblin Slayer looked in her direction, and immediately he could tell something was wrong with his blonde companion. She was looking down, avoiding his eyes, her cheerful voice gone, exchanged for a quiet, defeated tone. And somehow, Goblin Slayer feels this is his doing, and it is not making him feel good. "It's true." Goblin Slayer decided to answer like this, instead of his usual nonchalant "Yeah".
Priestess pulled her white priest cap on her head down to cover her eyes. "Excuse me, I need to get some fresh air. The smell of alcohol makes me dizzy." Priestess stood up, and ran off the Guild with Kuma in her arms, leaving her staff probed at the table.
Priestess's leave made Goblin Slayer feel… weird. He didn't like the feeling at all. It's the same feeling he thought he will never re-live. Every time he hurt his sister, he felt like he feels right now. Goblin Slayer stood up and was ready to follow Priestess, but something stopped him.
"Leave this to me." Female Paladin appeared behind him, putting her hand on his shoulder.
Meeting her eyes, Goblin Slayer felt… conflicted. Female Paladin looked determined to help Priestess instead of him, but at the same time, he felt like it was his place to bring her back. Goblin Slayer looked at the chestnut door entrance into the Guild. In his heart, he feels like he should help her, but his mind is telling him otherwise. Which is the one thing that caused him to survive.
One of the reasons he talks so little is the fact he hurts people's feelings easily. Being quiet is the safest way to avoid this and to avoid all the hardships that come with human interactions. That's why his mind is telling him no. He doesn't know what to do to help Priestess. He doesn't even know what he did that caused her to become so emotional. He could make it so much worse.
"Please, take care of her for me." Goblin Slayer said to Female Paladin, deciding to withhold from this confrontation for the good of his little blonde companion.
To him, it seemed like Female Paladin saw clearly his internal struggles and she gave him a gentle smile. "Do not worry. I will repay my debt to her."
Goblin Slayer stayed on the spot for a while, thinking about everything. The way he immediately tried to fix anything that happened with Priestess is so unusual for him. Maybe it's the fact she was the first that stayed behind him when he revealed that he is part vampire. He notices the looks he gets in the Guild since the fact he is part vampire spread. As quickly as he became a superstar, it is as fast that a lot of people became wary of him. But Priestess remained the same. Maybe that's why he wants to fix whatever he did so badly. She always stays beside him.
Goblin Slayer saw how Female Paladin's blue cape disappeared behind the door entrance as she exited the Guild.
For the next several minutes, the rest of his party around him with Guild Girl drank and eat to their heart's content all the while questioning him on his date with Guild Girl and his intentions to go to Water Town. But once Goblin Slayer sat back down, he only thought of how unnaturally he reacted and how his behaviour is changing more and more.
"What was I thinking?! Of course, he would go for someone older and more mature." Priestess sat on the bench in front of the Guild, with Kuma on her lap, crying. The small black bear tried to climb to Priestess's face, in hopes to wipe the tears of his new mommy.
Priestess wiped her tears with the long white sleeve of her priest robe. "Kuma, what am I suppose to do?" she petted the black bear and Kuma tried to lick her hands. "I am too late. He chose already."
"What happened to you?" someone opened the doors into the Guild and asked Priestess as soon as she saw her. Priestess quickly tried to mask her tears and wipe every trace of her crying. "N-Nothing. I am just a naïve little girl. That's all." Priestess choked up with her reply.
Priestess kept looking at the ground, not wanting to look weak in front of Female Paladin, a brave warrior. Unfortunately for her, Female Paladin walked over to her. And even worse, she didn't just sit next to her, instead, she knelt down in front of her and looked at the face Priestess tried so much to hide.
"It hurts, doesn't it?" Female Paladin gently asked. Her voice soothing and calming, like that of a loving mother or older sister. Something that the little girl might dislike admitting but something she definitely needed.
"I-I-I don't know what you are talking about." Priestess stuttered out, hugging Kuma even more.
"Yes, you do. I heard everything." again, Female Paladin gently tried to wring out from Priestess what bothers her, even when she already knows. Watching that young sweet girl ran out from the Guild building hurt a little.
She was so cheerful and compassionate, the exact type of a girl everyone wants to protect from the evils of the world. Kinda ironic that, the small blonde fights the evils of their world every day. And thanks to that, once naïve young adventurer became more confident, all the while remaining that sweet young girl who brightens your day. Seeing her down like this, it does the opposite of brightening your day.
As Priestess tried to wipe her tears with her long sleeves, Female Paladin stopped her hand. Priestess widened her eyes and when she looked at Female Paladin, the older blonde smiled sadly. "So I ask again, what happened to you?" Female Paladin paused when Priestess sniffed loudly as a result of her crying. "Where is the girl that defeated Goblin Lord? Where is that confidence you once had?"
"W-w-well. As you said, it hurts. H-he was the one who helped me to get more confident, and now she is gonna take him away from me." Priestess paused. "He saved me from becoming another goblin victim the same day I met him, you know." Priestess dreamily added.
"So that's where the love spark lit up." Female Paladin began getting the picture of how the relationship between Priestess and Goblin Slayer formed. As the sun rose, Goblin Slayer showed on top of the white steed, dismounted the steed with grace and slew all the goblins that threatening to rape the poor Priestess, carrying her on his horse, bridal style, back to her temple. Maybe it did not happen exactly like this, but Female Paladin is sure that's how Priestess remembers it.
"You know he is not gone yet. He is more confused than in love right now." Female Paladin shared her thoughts.
"It doesn't matter. He chose already." weeping Priestess petted Kuma's head.
The pregnant blonde sighed loudly. Seems like the gentle approach won't work on Priestess as she had hoped. Time to trigger her a little bit.
"Yes, he did. He chose her because she is the only girl that loves him." still, her voice gentle even when her natural voice was a little deeper than those of average women.
"T-T-That's not true! I love him too." Priestess quickly retorted the notion only one girl loves him.
Female Paladin smiled. "And does he know that?"
Priestess hung her head in shame. "No…" she quietly mumbled. She has no right to feel bad. This is all her doing. Female Paladin is right, how could she hope to win his heart when he doesn't know her heart is on the table for him to take.
"See? He doesn't know you love him. Goblin Slayer thinks only Guild Girl loves him, so he took the chance."
"It still doesn't matter. I am too late."
"Not yet. It's a first date, not a wedding." Female Paladin finally stood up from her kneeling position in front of Priestess, extended her hand and petted the Kuma in Priestess's arms. "How can anyone say no to this girl? She is the sweetest thing out there." Female Paladin observed as Priestess's sobbing was slowly stopping.
"I-I don't want to interject. I… I just want Goblin Slayer-san to be happy." Priestess stuttered out.
Female Paladin smiled and sat next to Priestess, resting her bare hand on Priestess's shoulder. "You are a kind girl. Maybe too kind. Who says he will be happy with her? Who says he can't be happy with YOU?"
"I don't think I am kind. It's just- Guild Girl seemed so happy when she said the two of them have a date. I think she loves him as much as I am. Maybe even more so." Priestess paused, catching her shaky breath. "I had my chance, and I was too shy to come forth. She did what I should have done earlier. I have no right trying to get in between them now." Priestess sadly said. Little did she know, in a not so distant future, she will get quite literally in between them. But instead of it being hostile and metaphorical, it will be in bed with all parties fully naked filled with a lot of passion.
"Alright. I get it. But you still have to do one thing regardless." Female Paladin said.
"What?" Priestess turned to Female Paladin, seeing her puffy eyes and wet cheeks.
"Confess." Female Paladin firmly said and Priestess's eyes widened. "He deserves to know, and you need to get these bottled feelings out or you are gonna regret it for the rest of your life. Especially in a life like ours." Priestess remained quiet, she only averted her eyes from Female Paladin downwards. "There is a high probability he'll die on his quest. With so many close calls, it's a miracle he is still among us. You should know what I am talking about, you were the one who healed his severe injuries. Do you want him to never know someone loved him?" Female Paladin finished as Priestess petted the head of Kuma.
"He already knows. Guild Girl loves him." Priestess replied.
Female Paladin lifted Priestess's chin and looked into her blue sad eyes. "Maybe I should have asked differently. Do you want him to never know YOU loved him?"
"N-No." Priestess's lips quivered as she answered and looked down again.
"You don't have to try and get between them. Just confess your feelings to him and let it be."
"Isn't that getting between them?" Priestess looked up uncertainly.
"I don't think so. You are not trying to actively break them apart." Female Paladin paused. It is a dirty method, but it certainly isn't getting in between them. That is if Priestess stops at the confession. Maybe Priestess muster enough courage to do something more. "Do it when you two will be alone in Water Town. If you won't… I will tell him how you feel once you return." Female Paladin said.
"Y-you can't do that!" Priestess quickly yelled out and as if agreeing with Priestess, Kuma in her arms began cutely thrashing his paws.
"I won't if you will act first." Female Paladin smirked.
"You are mean." Priestess pouted angrily. For the Paladin, it was the same thing as a puppy that was barking at you. Extremely adorable and non threatening.
"Maybe so but have you ever heard someone say I regret telling the man I love that I love him?"
Female Paladin knew very well this is kinda blackmailing, but she means well. Priestess needs a little push to finally do what needs to be done, just as she needed it back then. The difference between them is that Priestess needs a little more forceful push to finally do something with her love for the guy. Female Paladin knew what she needed to do back when she was nervous about her pregnancy, but she was just too scared to do so. Priestess doesn't know what to do and is nervous.
Then there is that little promise her soon to be husband made to Priestess that he will help her with Goblin Slayer. And since he is gone and marriage is a two-player game, she needs to step in before it's too late. And to be honest, there is a more personal reason why she pressures Priestess into this. Priestess is her favorite in this chase for Goblin Slayer. So she hopes that giving that little worm into Goblin Slayer's head will swing the game to Priestess's favor.
To be honest, there are too many possibilities for how this could end. For all she knows, none of the girls could end with Goblin Slayer in the end. Or if he'll get super lucky, all four can share him. Having more than one wife is usually practiced only with nobles, but hey, maybe he can get that lucky as well.
Female Paladin remained on her seat, looking at Priestess who was still looking down, at Kuma in her arms, not answering her previous question. Female Paladin smiled.
"See? People always regret not confessing their love. So he better know you love him once you two get back. And who knows, maybe you two will get to return as love birds."
Priestess quickly looked up, angrily pouting at Female Paladin. "Don't joke about that! I am not some man stealing harpy!" she yelled out.
"I know." Female Paladin giggled. "Buuuuuuut. Let's say a white-haired lone wolf with red eyes would want to steal YOU, I don't think you would put much of a fight." Female Paladin smirked cockily.
"FEMALE PALADIN! Stop making fun of me!" Priestess desperately yelled out.
"Alright, alright." Female Paladin again giggled in amusement. Knowing that last push is needed, Female Paladin slid towards Priestess, pulled her arm around the smaller blonde and pulled her in so Priestess's head rested on her shoulder. Priestess made a quiet "huh" as she was pulled in. "Don't be scared, alright? Just confess. You have nothing to lose." Female Paladin rubbed Priestess's shoulder, trying to calm the poor girl down. "And if anything happens, know that you will always have me here." Female Paladin, pulled Priestess's cap aside and she gave Priestess a quick peck on the top of her head. "It's like having a little sister." Female Paladin smiled as she looked at the twin moons on the skies in the peaceful night. "Besides, there's a high chance Guild Girl worships Earth Mother or Supreme Goddess. Even if he'd ended up with her, there is still a chance that you'd sneak your way into his heart and into a marriage ceremony alongside Guild Girl." Female Paladin smiled at Priestess. "If you don't mind it that way that is..." Female Paladin quietly added, because Heavy Swordsman will be hers and hers alone!
"Thank you." Priestess quietly whispered, as she closed her eyes, and finally became at peace. At least for a moment.
Witch was walking towards the Guild, ready to talk to Spearman. Her appearance didn't change. This whole day she was going from magic tailor to magic tailor in hopes to find a new magic robe to wear. Unfortunately, the magic tailor who made her robe before made it perfect for her. So no changing of robes as of now. That should be easy to explain to Spearman though.
Witch hopes to clarify everything today with Spearman. It's gonna be hard to convince him that all he thought of her is not true due to her previous behavior. However, even though he may be reluctant to believe her but she needs to at least try and explain. And if he won't believe her, well, she still has proof that she hadn't slept with every guy she met. Though, she would rather not show Spearman the proof. That would be very embarrassing, to say the least.
And even though Spearman never noticed and considered her as an ice queen who loves to tease him and is never embarrassed, she gets embarrassed quite easily when teased by him. But since he is not that sharpest tool in the shed, he never noticed the tipping of her head to hide her blush. When he comments her cleavage in a lewd way, which was quite regularly, by the way, she tipped her head so her face is hidden. And that airhead never noticed! Even when she stood right in front of him! "Why do I love him again?" she sighed loudly, closing her eyes for a second as she walked the streets of Twilight Town. Love is truly blind.
Witch's purple hair float in the night breeze as she was nearing the Guild. When she turned around the corner and saw the entrance to the Guild, an image of sleeping Priestess and smiling Female Paladin on the bench next to the Guild entrance came into view. Female Paladin noticed when she stopped, yet her smile never disappeared.
Now with a soft smile of her own, Witch approached the entrance. At the entrance, Witch stopped and observed the sleeping Priestess and the new bear cub on her lap. "Interesting. I didn't know she had a familiar."
"Hi." Female Paladin quietly greeted Witch.
"Hi." Witch replied and immediately after her greeting, a loud cheer was heard from the Guild.
"Party?" Witch asked, raising her eyebrow.
"Celebration. Priestess got promoted to Steel rank, and Goblin Slayer to Gold." Female Paladin again whispered, trying not to wake Priestess.
"So they promoted even her…" she thought and verified it by looking at the steel tag around Priestess's neck. She heard about Goblin Slayer's promotion from one of the adventurers at one of the shops, but no celebration had taken place as far as she knew. Well, it all happened so fast that it's no surprise people didn't know about his promotion and celebration. It seems like a mild celebration compared to the utter chaos Apprentice Cleric's birthday party turned into after she left with Spearman.
"Rough… day?" Witch pointed at Priestess with her head. You could see Priestess's dried tears clearly.
"You could say that." Female Paladin looked at the resting Priestess on her shoulder.
Witch stayed in front of the entrance, looking at the door several seconds, just blindly staring at the chestnut door. And as if Female Paladin sensed her insecurities, Female Paladin said. "You have him upstairs. If you want to talk to him, hurry. He intends to get drunk again."
When Witch looked back at Female Paladin, she quietly smiled on Witch. Witch gently shook her head. How is it possible she knows?! "Nothing... goes... by… you, does… it?"
Female Paladin only giggled in response.
Witch reached for the door handle and opened the door. Cheers were heard, and everyone present was enjoying the celebrations of Goblin Slayer's promotion. There was an average number of people, but some important ones were missing. Amazon Warrior and Heavy Swordsman were nowhere to be seen. On the other hand, it seemed that Druid Girl and Scout Boy returned. Apprentice Cleric was hugging a blushing Rookie Warrior as Scout Boy and Druid Girl were chuckling.
"That was a wonderful idea! Thank you so much!" Apprentice Cleric let go of Rookie Warrior and turned to her other friends. "All of you. Thank you for this." Apprentice Cleric ran her hand above her staff lying on the table. Apprentice Cleric knew they wanted something to do with her staff when Rookie Warrior asked to borrow it for a few weeks, but she never even dreamed of Sword Maiden herself would enchant her staff. Her staff enchanted by her idol. It was the greatest gift she could have thought of, and it was Rookie Warrior who thought of it!
"You're welcome!" Scout Boy and Druid Girl both cheerfully replied.
"I-It was our pleasure." stuttered out Rookie Warrior, still bewildered by the surprising hug.
Witch watched Heavy Swordsman's party hugging it out, talking about the adventure that Scout Boy and Druid Girl went to. Their conversation quickly shifted to Sword Maiden and how she was. Druid Girl didn't like her from the looks of it, and Scout Boy preferably remained quiet. When the story with Sword Maiden came to an end, it was up to Rookie Warrior and Apprentice Cleric to let Scout Boy and Druid Girl catch up to things. And boy was there a lot to unpack.
"Let me get this straight. Only during two weeks we were gone, Female Knight is no longer a Knight, but a Paladin thanks to the fact she is getting married and thanks to Heavy Swordsman impregnating her. Then Goblin Slayer kills a High Vampire, turns into a vampire, gets a promotion to GOLD rank along with Priestess to steel rank, and thanks to that we have this celebration?!" Scout Boy raised his voice after Apprentice Cleric finished her quick summary of what happened during the two weeks Scout Boy and Druid Girl were gone.
Apprentice Cleric sheepishly rubbed the back of her head. "Yeah. Pretty much."
"ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!" both Scout Boy and Druid Girl yelled out.
Witch giggled at the interactions. They sure have a lot of things to catch up on.
Then among the several people at the tables, she spotted Goblin Slayer's party and Guild Girl. Goblin Slayer, now wearing a shining gold tag on his neck, sat at the top of the table as all the others sat at the sides of the table. However, when she looked closely, one member of the said party was missing apart from Priestess.
High Elf Ranger was making her way towards Goblin Slayer's chair from behind. Looking like a mantis, she was quietly sneaking towards his chair on her tippy toes with a mischievous smile. When she finally reached the chair, without Goblin Slayer's notice, she jumped to the side of him, trying to kick him off the chair. That was a big mistake.
Goblin Slayer with his enhanced senses registered her quickly and he knew she just wanted to kick him from the chair, nothing life-threatening, but unfortunately you can't control reflexes of survival in this man. Goblin Slayer grabbed her leg, shot from his chair, grabbed High Elf Ranger by the neck and tackled her on the floor. The whole thing happened so fast, even Lizard Priest's reptile eyes had a hard time following what happened.
On the other hand, High Elf Ranger on the floor got caught in a very awkward position. Goblin Slayer was holding her neck with one hand, and her leg with the other. She was lying on her back, with one leg held up by Goblin Slayer's hand the other slightly bent on the floor. Her arms rested on the floor, under Goblin Slayer, who was sitting atop her stomach. High Elf Ranger was breathing quickly, and unevenly with flushed cheeks and a small crisis in her underwear. High Elf Ranger never understood how women get turned on by brutish men. But now… she STILL doesn't understand it and is even more confused because she became one of them! And the fact that Goblin Slayer remained staring at her with his gorgeous red eyes and handsome face didn't help her either!
"Haha! I told you, Long Ears! You owe me a barrel wine!" Dwarf Shaman yelled out, his cheeks red from all the alcohol he consumed.
Goblin Slayer released his grip on High Elf's neck and looked at the dwarf. "What is this about?" he calmly asked.
"A bet of course!" Dwarf Shaman replied with a toothy grin as he swung his wineskin with firewine and drunk more. "And I won!"
"H-H-He didn't dodge! He caught my leg! That's different! The bet doesn't count!" High Elf Ranger yelled out from the floor, still surprised and kinda turned on from Goblin Slayers' behavior.
Meanwhile, Witch again chuckled at the behavior of all the people she considers friends. Now, to get to the guy she considers something more. She looked at the stairs to the second floor. On the top floor, there's only one table near the windows to look outside and occasionally play some card games with friends. Relatively secluded spot from the festivities that go on downstairs. "I hope he is not drunk yet." Witch thought and walked up the stairs to find Spearman.
When she went upstairs, on her left were doors to the rooms for the staff. In front of her is a place for promotions. The place with the view outside and where Spearman probably is behind her, so she turned around and walked along the banister. As soon as she turned around on the top of the stairs, she saw Spearman's back. The blue/gold armor is hard to miss. His spear probed against the table. Spearman was leaned back against the chair, and it looked like he has arms crossed under his chest. From here, it seemed like he wasn't drunk. It looked like he was thinking.
Witch approached his table, and as soon as she did, she saw the bottle of alcohol on the table. The surprise was, the bottle wasn't even opened. It was still full.
"I don't know if it will mean anything to you, but I want you to know, I am sorry Witch. I am truly sorry for what I have said to you." Spearman said, in an unusually quiet voice.
A relieved smile appeared on Witch's face. She slowly walked around the table and sat across Spearman, with her back against the window. "How… did… you… know… it… was… me?" Witch asked. He didn't turn around to look at her face.
"Who else would it be? I don't have anyone else. You are the only one who is always by my side." Spearman said, with a clear pain visible in his eyes. He looked at the full bottle in front of him. "No matter how much I hurt you." he continued.
Witch again sadly smiled at him. But he didn't pay attention to her only to the bottle before him. "Why… didn't… you… open… it?"
"I don't know. I wanted to get wasted after I saw how Guild Girl is snuggling to Goblin Slayer. But… as I was looking out of the window admiring this beautiful town, I started thinking."
"About… what?" Witch asked curiously.
"I think you could say everything. Life in general I guess. And where I am heading." Spearman said, keeping his eyes on the bottle.
Witch's eyes widened when he said that. Thinking is one thing, but being philosophical like that goes beyond everything she thought about Spearman.
"And… what… did… you… find?" Witch asked.
"That no matter how shitty human being I am, a bottle of booze will change none of that. If anything, it will make it worse." Spearman looked into her eyes.
"You… are… not… that… bad." Witch reassured him.
Spearman chuckled with a sigh. "Stop apologizing my behavior. You know I took you into my party only because of those two." Spearman pointed with his head at Witch's cleavage. "I keep ignoring you, never tell you how great of a job you do on quests, and I never mention you in stories I tell. I just suck up all the glory without you in my mind. I am a shitty teammate, so why?" Spearman asked with a confused expression. "Why did you come upstairs? Why didn't you run away like those who were in my party before you? Why are you here, with me, a jerk, instead downstairs with the rest of them." Spearman asked, now eyeing Witch looking for her answer.
Witch bit her lower lip nervously. "I… am…your..-"
"I don't get it. Even the most devoted of friends would slap me across the room for my behavior. Yet you are still kind and gentle with me. Why?" Spearman didn't let her finish. He already knew she would say the same. I am your friend. Something just doesn't seem right with that statement.
Witch bit her lower lip more painfully. It was clear that a regular answer won't satisfy him. And so, she stood up. As Spearman tilted his head in confusion, she walked around the table, grabbed his face, closed her eyes and just went for it.
Spearman widened his eyes upon the sudden contact of not only Witch's lips on his own but her soft white hands. It wasn't a quick peck on the lips, she remained locked with him several seconds. And he didn't know what to do! Should he break it? Do nothing at all? Try some tongue action? Fortunately for him, this problem was solved when Witch broke the kiss.
"Does… this… answer… your… question?" she asked, now her voice became more seductive.
Spearman gulped loudly all the while thinking about why she chose him. "I-I-I guess."
Witch quickly tipped her hat down to cover her blushing cheeks. She even turned around to hide her embarrassment. Both, Spearman and Witch, were thinking about what just happened. First to recover from the uncomfortable silence.
"L-L-Look. I like you, but I don't think I can go there. I… Well… You know." Spearman rubbed the back of his head.
"Is… it… about… me… sleeping… around?" Witch asked, still not turning back to face Spearman.
"Sorry. But I think I would never be able to look past that." Spearman looked at the bottle again. "I am not a good man who can look past that. You know I am a jealous guy and this… this would cause a lot of problems in the future. It's better if you will find a better man than me, someone who is kind, forgiving and accepts you and your past." Spearman quietly finished his sentence.
"What… if… I've… never… slept… with… someone." Witch said, still not being able to face Spearman.
Spearman raised his eyebrow. "What?"
"What… if… I… was… waiting… for…you… all… this… time?" Witch quietly asked.
"No. No. Nonononono. God damnit! This is NOT happening. This is NOT possible." Spearman began shaking his head in disbelief as his hand washed over his face, his nails scratching his face.
That's what Witch was afraid of. He didn't believe her. She turned around and saw how he is looking at the table, with his elbows on the table and hands behind his head. Spearman was actually thinking.
"I… have… a… proof." Witch stated.
"What?" Spearman looked at her with a confused expression. Witch put her hand on her crotch. Spearman's eyes widened and he waved his hands dismissively. "Nononono. I don't need to see that. It's not that I don't believe you. I always trusted you, be it with my life on quests or your advice on how to proceed during our quests. It's just… why did you act so seductive when you are just like me? Wha- Why did you never tell me?" Spearman raised from his chair, walking up to Witch.
"I… thought…you… like… this… and… that… kind… of… behavior." Witch gestured towards her revealing mage robes.
"Really?! Are you telling me you have been behaving like this because you thought I was a player? Did you keep track of who I was trying to woo too?" Spearman remained to looking at Witch.
Witch, on the other hand, tipped her hat to hide her blushing face from him. "Kinda. And... in... hindsight, I... should... have... known... better." she answered.
Spearman facepalmed and sighed. "Alright. Cool. No big deal. I have an idea. Tomorrow, we won't take a quest. You and I are gonna go on lunch together, and we will fix this mess. I have no clue who you are, and you have no clue who I am, despite us going on hundreds of quests together. No more misunderstandings!" Spearman said decisively.
Witch could only nod in agreement until it suddenly hit her. "Is… is this a date?" she thought.
"Good. Good. Now, let's go downstairs and celebrate. I still have to congratulate Mr. Pretty Boy on his promotion to the gold rank." Spearman picked his spear, letting it rest on his shoulder, as he smiled at Witch.
"I… agree." Witch said with a smile. It seemed, that finally, everything will be cleared out between them. And it seemed like that with her, he is not afraid to face Guild Girl along with Goblin Slayer, so that's a plus. Maybe she really has a chance.
As Goblin Slayer celebrated his promotion in Twilight Town, in Water Town an ill-tempered elf was throwing a tantrum.
"HOW?! HOW IS IT POSSIBLE SHE WAS DEFEATED! TELL ME!" the dark-skinned elf yelled.
"A-A-Apparently she was killed by Goblin Slayer. An aspen stump through the chest." A kneeling small figure covered in the hood stuttered out in front of the dark-skinned elf.
Both stood in the large underground place covered by grey stone. Not many things were in this large place. Some support pillars, a stream of dirty water running in the trough, one chair and the table in the corner of the room, with a wooden chest right next to it.
And as for beings, the old severs were filled with goblins of all sizes. These were coming from the tunnel to this place. And at the end of the said tunnel, the unfortunate girls who were caught by goblins suffered a fate worse than death. Being raped and quickly killed by a goblin is one thing, but having a mastermind behind them who ensures the girls are used to their maximum potential is another. No wonder he has such a large army of goblins.
"FIRST THE MIRROR AND NOW THIS?! WHY DID SHE DIE NOW?! I FINALLY GOT THAT FUCKING NECKLACE FOR HER, AND SHE DIES ANYWAY! WHAT AM I SUPPOSE TO DO WITH THAT NECKLACE NOW?!" he yelled out as shadow hands emerged from his cloak and began thrashing around in another anger tantrum. His necklace with an eye ornament is reflecting the light from the torches in the darkness.
"I… I don't know." The small cloaked figure responded.
"FUCKING GOBLIN SLAYER, I WILL KILL HIM! I SWEAR TO GODS OF CHAOS I WILL! AFTER I WILL BE DONE WITH THAT BITCH IN TEMPLE OF LAW, I WILL COME FOR THAT FUCKER TOO!" the dark elf screamed.
"W-W-What will we do now?" asked the small figure.
The dark elf conjured a sinister grin on his face. "We have more than enough goblins to take Water Town. And when we do, we should be able to replenish our forces rather quickly with all the girls in the town. Our only hindrance is that now, we will have to wait a few weeks before we will be able to take Twilight Town because SOME BITCH COULDN'T DO HER WORK!" the elf lost his composure in the end again and began yelling.
"What are my orders then?" the cloaked figure asked.
"Just keep an eye on the town and see if anything strange is happening. We will wait a little longer. Having more goblins won't hurt." he paused for a second. "We will take this town, make Hero and her party a breeding stock along with that bitch at the Temple of Law, and bring back chaos as the gods of chaos demand!" the elven maniacal laughter rang in the sewers of Water Town.
Author's note: We have new bad guy! Yay? I mean, it's a manga bad guy, but I will change a few things. You could notice the first one. This will take place in Water Town, not Twilight Town.
Anyway, I hope you'll like the chapter, I focused more on Witch and Spearman here, because we will not see them for a while, since our group is heading to Water Town.
That's all from me. Leave a review and see ya in the next chapter!