Disclaimer: Goblin Slayer and Warhammer Fantasy belong to Kumo Kagyu and Games Workshop respectively. I own nothing here except for the few OC's I have created.
Short Intro: Hey all, welcome back to our regularly scheduled programme. Now, you might be thinking why this chapter is a bit bigger than the last. Well, that's because I placed all my replies to all your reviews to my story back in chapter 4 and 5 right here. This is all to serve as a small apology for not leaving a reply back in the previous chapter and for making chapter 5 pathetically short.
Now onto the replies.
Review Replies:
macario1214: And here it is :D
Guest: Did I say he still is? There will be some corruption going on later, both good and bad. :D
The Normie: The glowing eyes thing being visible to other people is just a minor personal touch of mine, because in the anime and in the manga people don't actually see it. And because of that, the people of the Empire are going to react a bit negatively to that. Not necessarily because it is related to magic in some way. Just a healthy dose of paranoia, anxiety and bigotry all mixed together. All of which are perfectly justifiable considering what the people here have to deal with in an almost daily basis.
Evowizard25: I'm glad you really enjoyed all that happened in chapter 4, and I am happy to know you really like Giselle so much. Next chapter you will see a bit more of our resident Bretonnian again so look forward to it. Heck, there's one about her in this chapter already! Oops, spoiler XD.
And I am happy to know that you also enjoyed chapter 5, even though it was quite short. So this chapter ought to balance that out as well as give you and everyone else a lot to think about.
SomePervyGuy: Wahahahaha! Dude, you don't know just how much you cracked me up when I first read this comment of yours. But I have to say, that there will be quite a lot of rivers flowing throughout this story, both good and bad, both red and white. And a lot of said rivers will be coming from more than just one orifice. Not strictly of the female kind either.
Guest: Let's just say that, Goblin Slayer will be in for quite a few surprises here in this part of the world. Whether or not those surprises will change his opinion about the peoples of his part of the world, remains to be seen. Good point regarding the Dwarfs by the way, I too see them as the one race that GS would get along with, especially since he shares much of the same mindsets as they. We will see how it goes.
micelzod: Huh, maybe. We will see how far that actually goes. As for the Elves, I am still yet undecided as to which race of Elf I should partner with GS. So I am actually looking to posting a new poll on that later to help me decide.
korpofkriegsoldier26: You think so too huh? :D
Cyrisist001: Oh there will be. But it won't be the kind of reinforcements one might expect. And GS will certainly want to know more about guns and gunpowder. More on that later.
totankforu: Thank you! :D
GETH Prime: I cannot, for the love of all that is holy, answer that . Way, way too much of a spoiler. So you will just have to wait and see if it will happen. But I can say that GS will face the Skaven sooner or later. And I think he will approach them the same way he does with Goblins. Which is to kill them, especially if they threaten him. Though they would tougher to deal with since they are way smarter than Goblins.
THE Glorious Him: And I am well aware of that little fact my friend. And GS will eventually realize that as well. And he will approach it the same way he did with the Goblins of his part of the world. ;)
Z.L.C. genesmith: You would be correct on all your points regarding GS being totally inept when it comes to romance and relationships. But that is only if this Goblin Slayer was the one you all saw in either the main story or in the Year One manga. I dropped many subtle hints in the previous chapters already as to why that is. But now, this chapter ought to give you a more solid answer. Plus, when a hot, gorgeous chick with a sweet rack and a sexy foreign accent suddenly pulls a guy over and gives him the french, he would still know what to do immediately afterwards no matter how socially awkward he is. Especially if said girl is totally willing to take the lead. It's only nature after all.
And I also agree with you on him taking a great interest onto Dwarf runes and becoming buddy buddy with the Dawi. I already have a good idea on how GS will come upon such an advantage and the many ways he can use it to kill Goblins.
Raptor010: He will meet a dwarf later and he will be his companion and friend. But as of now, I am just not able to decide as whether that Dwarf would be an Engineer or a Slayer or both.
DizzyNepNep: The previous chapter and this one should be enough of an answer. :D
human dragon: And I thank you for your high praise as always.
Space King Wizard Duck: This is just my take on this, so feel free to debate me.
Grungni and Valaya: Nope, no such interests there. GS is not a Dwarf nor is he a craftsman.
Grimnir: There's the guy who I see would take an interest to the one manling who dares call himself a Slayer. Goblin Slayer is a warrior and an honorable one at that, and Grimnir likes that. Goblin Slayer also holds a grudge against Goblins, which he fully intends on settling or die trying, and Grimnir likes that. But Goblin Slayer is not a Dwarf though, and he is fighting in battle not to seek his own death, but that of his enemies instead. So that is a bit of a conflict with the Slayer code right there. So it's a fifty-fifty chance that he would either favor GS, or just kill him.
Sigmar: This is just me, but the Heldenhammer strikes me (no pun intended) as the kind of guy who would be ok with Goblin Slayer. Yeah sure, he doesn't believe in Sigmar, he doesn't even know the guy, but if he starts seeing GS defend his Empire over and over again, especially against Greenskins, yeah, he will be buddy-buddy with him. Unfortunately, in the current events of this story, he is still stuck in Azyr so not much luck in him actually helping Goblin Slayer in a fight.
Ulric: Now, the Winter Wolf and Sigmar's patron god in life is bit more iffy here. Yes, Ulric favors strength, brutality, courage and honor in battle, and Goblin Slayer possesses all of those actually. But Ulric does not like someone who plans and deliberates before a battle. He also doesn't like someone who uses devious and underhanded ways in winning a battle. All of which Goblin Slayer is prone to do. So until Goblin Slayer just goes full-on berserk, Ulric would remain interested but not favorable towards him.
Myrmidia: Now here's another one whom I believe would take an interest on Goblin Slayer, and no, it is not simply because she happens to be a hot lady goddess. You all know how Goblin Slayer prefers to use superior tactics and strategies to win a battle, especially against stronger and more powerful foes. He rarely fights directly and only does when he has stacked enough of an advantage for himself. All of these Myrmidia definitely approves of. So not only would she be interested on GS, she might also favor him. In fact, she might favor him so much, she might just willingly drop her panties for him. (If she's even wearing any to begin with)
Now, the Elven Pantheon. Yeah, not much to say here other than the fact that about 90% of all the Elven gods, both good ones and bad ones, would not take so much as a glance towards Goblin Slayer. The Elf goddess of vengeance Drakira might, but as you said, that is too much of a stretch. Only one such Elven deity would possibly take an interest on Goblin Slayer, and we all know how much of sneaky and manipulative little minx she is so that's pretty much a given.
And lastly but not the least, the Gods of Chaos:
Khorne: The Blood God does not care how and where the blood flows. Only that it does and it flows in rivers. And Goblin Slayer will be spilling copious amounts of blood in this story. So Khorne is definitely interested and approves.
Slaanesh: The Dark Prince and God of Excess is one who simply loves someone who possesses an obsession with something, and Goblin Slayer is nigh obsessed with killing Goblins. That, and he is a heartthrob to boot. So not only will Slaanesh be interested in him, he would be fapping and shlicking to the guy whenever he does his thing.
Nurgle: The Urfather and God of Plagues and Diseases would, at first, not be all that interested in Goblin Slayer. But since GS is one who is not opposed to using any and all means to kill Goblins, which includes poisons and diseases, then grandpa Nurgle will start taking notice. And might start favoring him
Tzeentch: Same as Nurgle, the Changer of Ways will not be all that interested in him at first, since Goblin Slayer lacks ambition and he is rather dead set on his ways. But since GS likes to plan, form strategies, is quite cunning, and is open to any and all knowledge that would help him kill Goblins, Tzeentch will eventually start to take notice and might start favoring him.
That's all I can think of for now. If you and anyone else would like to add more, please do so. I' ears.
samuelalpha86: I could answer that myself, but it's best I allow Orcbolg to speak for himself.
Guest: Ah yes. That would be quite tragic now wouldn't it? Hope you and the others will be ready to see the darker side of faith.
Noone: I am still waiting for all your proper criticisms to each of my chapters. And please, make them detailed and don't hold back. I want to know all that's wrong about my story so I can fix them. And thank you for enjoying it so far. I hope I won't disappoint.
Austin: I'm glad you still liked the previous one even though it was quite short. This one should make up for that. And yes, the economic and political side of this world will also be explored as the story goes along. I don't intend for this to be just about the military side or the action side. That just make things grinding and dull. And your idea about GS interacting and dealing with merchants and craftsman is also something that will be touched upon. He won't be able to go Goblin slaying properly in the Old World if he doesn't
And about your story proposal and omake ideas, well, let's just say that I have finally started the first drafts on my Goblin Slayer X For Honor story, so I'll be needing a lot of input from you there since it has been a long time since I last played For Honor and I have no even played For Honor two. You will be pretty much co-author on this Austin buddy, so I will PM you on the details. On the omake though, I took a bi of different approach on that. I wrote out several scenes before and was meant to post them, but I ended up using them as actual story scenes instead.
Angel Arcano92: Thanks for the like. And yes, I can also see Khorne doing something like that whenever GS does his thing.
Ghosts2002: Though I cannot give a direct answer to your ideas, all I can say for now is that, the future is full of great and wonderous possibilities. And I simply can't write them all and post them in fast enough. XD
Vilkath: I don't like to mention names or be overly critical, but most other stories that deal with these types of themes and subjects end shortly after their posted because the authors are probably too afraid to continue writing. Not me though.
And I also happen to be the kind of guys loves both Dark and Grimdark, and I do not shy away when writing both. And since I seek to merge both in this story of mine, expect to see some really tragic things later on. I hope you'll still continue reading after those though. But rest assured, I still intend on balancing the Light with the Dark in this story, as I don't want to scare you all away after all. Hahaha.
On the subject of rape. I know, it is a very uncomfortable subject and believe me, I struggled long and hard to decide whether or not I should even mention them in this story. But for the sake of the overall plot, I finally went and took a leap forward and I am grateful many of you are still reading this.
And as for all the sufferings that Goblin had inflicted upon God knows how many lives in the GS world, I still can't fathom why there wasn't enough being done to solve that problem, even though it had proven so prevalent and rampant. It was never touched upon more in the novels which is sad. At least Goblin Slayer is here. Who knows what might have happened if he wasn't.
Anyway, thanks a lot for reading and for enjoying my story. Please, let me know all your thoughts and suggestions. I highly encourage it.
Now, on to the story! :D
Him Only
Anna took the small, fine toothed comb and began gently combing her long auburn locks with slow and deliberate motions. She was currently inside their bedroom, seated upon a chair in front of the dresser and looking into the mirror. She was dressed in only a thick woolen bathrobe as she went about her preparations. Her sister was busy preparing breakfast downstairs and normally Anna would already be helping Tanya in making their morning meal.
But today was Festag, so Anna figured she could afford to take her time. And she would not be leaving for the village for at least another hour. Plenty of time she thought.
She had just finished a long soak in their tub earlier, taking great care to scrub herself clean from head to toe, as well as cleaning every nook and cranny. 'A bath a day keeps the Fly Lord away', was the short motto that her mother used to say to her and Tanya when they were little. Her affectionate way of reminding her daughters of the importance of bath time, especially when one of them would get a bit fussy about it.
In fact, her late Priestess mother was actually quite strict when it came to proper hygiene and sanitation, taking every step to ensure that everything was clean and tidy in and around her household, and that every member of her family was all pristine and smelling like roses.
And this almost zealous desire for cleanliness also extended to the villagers themselves. Anna still remembered the times when she would tag along with her mother as she went knocking on every door of every household in the village. All just for a quick 'hello' and a polite 'how do you do' and then followed by a simple 'don't forget to clean up'. Not exactly in that particular order or in that exact form of course.
Those were rather fun and amusing times. Especially when they would arrive at a household with a privy that had not been emptied. Or when they happened upon a part of the street where some unfortunate soul decided to dumb the contents of their latrines. Her mother may have been a Priestess dedicated to Shallya, but during those particular moments, she looked more like a Daemon of the Blood God.
That was probably a bit of an exaggeration on her part, but it was a close enough description of her mother whenever she got angry. Which was actually rather rare, as Anna had never known a more kinder and gentler soul than her dear mom, with her father ranking a very close second.
But amazingly enough, her mother's teachings and constant reminders about personal hygiene and sanitation actually bore fruit. Even to this day, if one were to take a walk down the streets of Essental, they would be hard pressed to find even so much as a discarded piece of lettuce. One could even breathe in a whole lungful of air, and their nostrils would not be at risk of being assailed by something foul. Simply because the people in the village were responsible enough to clean after themselves and to take a proper bath at least every few days.
And then there was the fact that her mother had devised a simple but effective system of sanitation, one that involved the use of several dedicated 'rakers' who would regularly collect the wastes from all the privies, outhouses and cesspools in the village, cart them off and deposit them in one of the many designated 'sewage farms'.
The result? Was a rural community that not only looked and smelled infinitely better than the Imperial capital of Altdorf, but also possessed a local population that was practically free of disease or infections. It also kept the Brunwasser from smelling like an open sewer while giving the farmers a steady supply of fertilizer for their crops. Not to mention that some of the villagers' excreta was also being delivered to Mauser's nitrite beds located about a mile outside the village, where he used the wastes to produce saltpeter, a key ingredient for his gunpowder production.
In short, a definite success on her mother's part, as well as the White Dove's way of giving the middle finger to the Fly Lord.
Anna ceased her motions and placed the comb upon the dresser. Her youthful visage soon turned into a mask of deep melancholy, a far away look in her eyes. Those were some fond memories she had of her mother. And how Anna wished that she could have made many more fond memories with her mother and father. She missed them both so much.
Perhaps, had she simply not gone out that one night, then maybe they would still be here. She immediately cast away those depressing thoughts before the guilt and sadness could overwhelm her.
Getting up from the chair, Anna padded over to their nearby cabinet where she took out a long linen dress dyed a light shade of blue and with white trim. She placed the article on the bed before she untied the front of her robe and pulled it off, leaving herself completely bare. A cold and gentle breeze soon passed through one of the open windows, caressing Anna's smooth and healthy skin, making her shiver a little, as well as causing the rosy buds of her pert breasts to slightly harden.
She cast a quick glance over to the windows, and then to their bedroom door. She had neglected to close the curtains earlier, and she had failed to lock the door. She considered closing the curtains and properly locking the door for some added privacy. But in the end, she considered it unneeded.
She and Tanya lived farther away from the rest of the village so there was little fear of potential peeping toms. And everyone respected them enough not to perform anything indecent.
And with the recent addition of the Goblin Slayer to their humble household, the chances of some overly curious and randy individual from outside the village who wish to sneak onto their residence, in the hopes of catching either one of the Stahlhart sisters in a vulnerable state of undress, was also slim.
So that only left the Slayer himself. He was the only man within their house. She had no blood relations to him whatsoever. She had only known him for about a week and a half at the most, so he was still very much a stranger. And knowing about his prowess in battle, she knew that he could easily overpower her in the event of a struggle. Would that not make him a threat to her safety and virtue then?
If Anna were to give a perfectly honest answer to that, it would be that she was unconcerned.
For during the brief time she had come to know him, the Goblin Slayer had proven quite the gentleman, all respectful and polite towards her and her sister, not to mention being quite disciplined and reserved by nature. Anna saw little danger from him. She might be naive in believing this, but she simply did not see the Slayer as the sort of man who would try to do something dishonorable or improper.
Not that she would mind much if he did.
If by some chance he were to try and take a peek at her while she got dressed, then Anna would act as if she was none the wiser and allow him a decent view. Let him savor the sight of her youthful and graceful body if he so wished. So long as it was just him, then Anna would not be worried. Sigmar knows that she had already gotten more than just an eyeful from him during the time she had to care for his unconscious self. So she considered it a fair exchange.
And in the unlikely event that he were to pay her a 'visit' here inside the bedroom… well, Anna was bound to lose her maidenhood eventually. So she figured, she might as well surrender it to the one who saved her and her sister. Better to be conquered by a handsome and noble hero than some wide-eyed and pimpled youth. Or Gods forbid, some horrible and smelly savage.
Knock, Knock
A sudden knock from the door broke Anna out of her brooding, turning her attention towards their bedroom entrance, surprise written all over her comely face.
"Lady Anna?"
A deep voice, calm and even, sounded from the other side of the door. One that was oh so familiar to her ears, knowing full well who it belonged to. A smile soon made it's way to Anna's soft lips, making her heart race with excitement and her body grow warm with desire.
"Yes Slayer, I'm inside! Is there something you need?" she said out loud, surprising even herself with the amount of enthusiasm in her voice.
"Your sister wanted me to inform you that breakfast is almost ready" was his straightforward answer.
"Oh, I see" she cast quick glance over to the window, seeing that it was now brighter outside. It was nearly time for her to leave. "Very well, I'll be out in a moment"
There was no response from him. She only heard the sounds of footsteps, signaling that he was now leaving.
For the briefest of moments, Anna actually considered calling him back. Ask him to come inside the bedroom. And to see if he would be interested in having a bit of… intimacy with her. But she soon discarded that idea though. There was enough time for that later. For now, she needed to get ready.
Anna picked up her dress and slipped it on, before she began the rather tedious process of tying the numerous laces on the back. After what seemed like an eternity for her, she finally succeeded, the dress securely fastened and tightly fitting around her torso. She then completed this by tying a few of the laces on the front but only rather loosely.
She quickly padded over to their cabinet once more and pulled out one of her ribbons, which she used to tie her long hair into a high ponytail. After this, Anna went to the dresser and took one of the bottles there. It was a small bottle of scented oils that her sister bought for them a while back when she went to Bechefen. She placed a few drops on her hand before gently dabbing it around her returned the bottle on the dresser before she went over to their full length mirror on the other side of the room.
Standing in front of it, Anna gave a moment to appraise herself. The dress she wore hugged her youthful and graceful body nicely. It's somewhat low cut exposing a good portion of her chest, especially with the laces at the front being not securely fastened, thus allowing one a decent view at her pert and supple mounds. While the skirt reached all the way to her ankles, the sleeves were quite short and were off-shouldered, to better allow someone to caress them if they so wish. Her high ponytail also left her slender neck exposed, allowing one easy access to her smooth and healthy flesh should they desire a taste. And with the scented oils she just applied, it would further entice one to do so.
Anna could not say with confidence that she was every bit as beautiful as her sister Tanya, or even as ravishing as her friend Giselle. But at the tender age of fifteen, the younger Stahlhart was already considered a fine beauty on her own right, one that had already garnered the interests of quite a few men and boys. And she has yet to reach full womanhood, so she would only grow to become more beautiful in the future.
With her current choice of dress that served to highlight her young and graceful body, combined with her fine and elegant features, she would no doubt be making many pairs of eyes turn her way.
Anna was well aware of this, but she cared not. For there was only one set of eyes she wanted to turn her way today. And she hoped that he would find her pleasing.
With her preparations all done, Anna finally exited their bedroom and made her way downstairs, looking forward to starting the day. A rather mouth watering aroma soon greeted her nose as soon as she reached the stairs, making her belly rumble at the prospect of good food. When Anna finally reached the foot of the stairs and exited the doorway, her eyes visibly widened at the sight of their dining table full of food. A large plate filled with thick slices of roasted pork, salted and spiced with herbs. Another plate with a long string of thick wursts. Several slices of bread. A whole wheel of homemade cheese. Baked potatoes already peeled and sliced. Boiled eggs. And one large jug full of fresh milk.
"You could feed a whole family of ten with this" Anna thought sarcastically as she went over to the table.
Her sister was currently at the counter, washing her hands on the washbasin when she finally noticed her approach. Tanya looked over her shoulder towards her and then smiled.
"Ah, there you are!" she exclaimed. "Come on, have a seat. I cooked some extra portions so don't be afraid of eating it all"
"If I can even manage that" was Anna's dry remark as she took her seat at the table, looking at all the food her sister prepared with a bit of awe. "You sure made a lot here. What's the occasion?"
Her sister giggled a little upon hearing that question as she wiped her hands with a clean piece of cloth. "Let's just say, that I was struck with a bit of inspiration this morning"
Anna raised an eyebrow at her in amusement as she started filling her plate with food, already suspecting the reason for her rather high morale
"By the way, where's the Slayer?" she asked, looking around for their sole male occupant.
"He went outside for a moment to get the wagon ready" Tanya answered her as she took her seat at the table. She then shook her head a little in slight disbelief, now smiling ruefully. "And he was working quite early again this morning"
"Again?" Anna looked at her sister, surprise written on her face. "What was he working on this time?"
"He was building a new fence for the farm" she answered as she helped herself to some of the potatoes and wursts.
"A fence?" Now it was Anna's turn to shake her head in disbelief and sighing, before she continued in a more playful tone. "First it was our windows. And then it was our door. And now a fence around the whole farm. What's next? Turn our house into a castle?"
"I think that last one is a bit beyond him" Tanya replied replied dryly before taking a bite, then nodding in approval at the taste of her humble creations.
"Perhaps" Anna shrugged her shoulders as she filled her cup with milk. "But knowing him, he would probably do it if it meant keeping the Goblins out"
"Maybe" Tanya laughed a little in amusement, unable to fully disagree with her sister's point.
The sound of their front door opening caught their attention. Turning around in her seat, Anna was greeted by the sight of the very man they were talking about. And immediately her spirits rose and her heart raced upon seeing him.
The Goblin Slayer soon stepped into their dining area. He was dressed in a new woolen shirt with long sleeves and dyed a dark gray. A brown leather vest was worn on top of it that was left open. Upon his muscled form was the ever present leather harness that contained his many bladed instruments of death. He had changed to a new pair of trousers of the same dark color, with his sword belt strapped around his waist and his sword sheathed at his hip. And instead of the hobnailed boots he had been using when constructing the fence earlier, he was now dressed in his plated, heavy leather boots and greaves.
He cut a rather intimidating and roguish figure in his current state of dress. And one who was dangerously handsome to behold. He may be a commoner and was dressed like a professional cutthroat, but for Anna, he might as well have been a uniformed member of the Reiksguard.
"Good morning Slayer!" Anna greeted him happily, blushing a little as she did.
The man in turn wore the barest hints of a smile upon his scarred face as he nodded his head respectfully towards her. "Greetings, Lady Anna"
"I'm glad your back" Tanya soon chimed in, smilingly rather happily at him before she gestured towards the empty chair at the head of the table. "Please, take a seat now meine Herr"
But the Slayer shook his head at this. "I do not think I can stay for longer. It is nearly time for me to leave"
That made Anna's face fall and dampened her happy mood. She didn't want him to leave just yet. She wanted to have breakfast with the Slayer first and then head over to the village with him. Thankfully, her sister was thinking much the same thing.
"Nonsense" came Tanya's stern reply, voice radiating authority. "Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and you will not skip it. You may leave only after you have eaten"
"The sergeant would be displeased if I arrive late for work" the Slayer argued.
"And Sergeant Wulfrik works for me and Anna. And I say, he can afford to be without you for a little longer" Tanya argued back, not missing a beat. And Anna nodded at the Slayer in turn, in full agreement with her sister.
He looked rather uncertain at this and looked to be on the verge of disagreeing again. But the combined weight of the Stahlhart sisters' stern glares finally forced the man to acquiesce.
"Very well" he nodded before he pulled out the chair and took his seat at the table.
Anna and Tanya shared a brief look of triumph with one another before they turned their attention back to the Slayer. Tanya was the first to act, piling as much food as his plate could hold. Anna was quick to follow, taking the pitcher and pouring some milk into his cup.
"Now don't be shy and eat as much as you want, meine Herr" the elder Stahlhart said affectionately.
"You can't fight Goblins with an empty stomach after all" and the younger Stahlhart added rather cheerfully.
Anna was amused to see the slight look of surprise upon his face due to the amount of attention they were giving him. He was probably not used to being serviced like this, she thought. But then again, it was not every day that a man would have two lovely young girls serve him during mealtime. And Anna was willing to do so much more for him, if he would only ask.
"Gratitude" he softly spoke before he began to eat his meal.
Pleased to see this, Anna went back to her own meal and so did Tanya. A companionable silence settled around the table as Anna enjoyed the fruits of her and Tanya's labor, made even more enjoyable as she shared it with the object of her desires.
She thought briefly back to how this little living arrangement of theirs came to be.
)-(
It was during the night after the invasion. Tanya had just finished talks with the local Priest of Morr regarding the proper rites and burial of those they had lost, while Anna and the other village girls finished cleaning up all the mess in the Temple of Shallya. They met up over at the inn where they found the Slayer, who had just finished with his evening meal after he and the rest of the militia had collected all the dead Greenskins.
Upon seeing them, the Slayer approached them and made a simple request. "There is a small matter that I would have addressed, if you would not mind"
"Yes Herr Slayer, what is it about?" Tanya asked as she smiled at him a bit wanly, small bags now forming under her eyes, obviously tired after the day's many tasks.
"Regarding my accommodations. It would be of great help to me, if you would give me a place to stay for at least a few nights. A simple room with a roof over my head would be enough. I do not even need a bed"
That served to surprise the two Stahlharts a bit, and one that brought an almost look of outrage on Anna's face in particular. Only a room with a roof over his head? Without a bed? Absurd! After all that he had done for them, he deserved the best room here at the Red Horse for free for several nights, at the very least. In fact, Anna would not be averse to having him stay over at their house.
She cast a brief glance over to her sister, and she could see that Tanya was more or less thinking the same thing. But before either of them could respond to him however, one particular maid proved faster on the draw.
"na'i pas peur!" Giselle exclaimed in her native tongue as she all but dashed in and latched onto the Slayer's arm. Making sure to press her impressive and supple mounds firmly against him.
Once again, Anna and Tanya were left speechless by Giselle's rather shameless display, and the younger Stahlhart felt more than a little jealous once more. The Goblin Slayer on the other hand remained calm in the face of the Bretonnian's actions as he regarded her with a slightly questioning look.
"You can live with me, mon heros, for as long as you want! I shall provide you with everything you need, and you would not even need to pay me" she said to him with such enthusiasm as she stared up into his crimson eyes. And then she brought her hand to his face and caressed his pale-white cheek lovingly.
"And I'll be sure to keep you nice and warm. Every. Single. Night" she purred hungrily as she emphasized those last three words, making it abundantly clear as to what she intended. Before she added in a more bright and cheery tone, winking at him. "And thrice on Festag!"
Anna could hardly believe what she just heard! She might be young and inexperienced, but she was not so ignorant or dimwitted that she did not understand what Giselle was truly planning. But much to her continued shock and dismay, the Slayer did not seem surprised by the maid's blatant proposition or even appalled by it. He looked rather thoughtful instead.
Was he actually considering Giselle's offer? Anna would not allow it!
"No! You can't!" the young Stahlhart all but shouted, her voice laced with anger and a bit of desperation.
"Oh? And why not?" Giselle gave her an almost cat-like grin while her eyes twinkled with amusement. "It is a perfectly reasonable arrangement, am I wrong? If you want, you can come visit us anytime you wish"
And then she began caressing the Slayer's muscled chest with her flawless hand as she turned her sultry gaze back towards him. "You can even watch as I give mon chevalier practical lessons in culture Bretonnien"
Anna's could not help but scowl at that. Bretonnian culture she said? More like she plans to ride him as she would a horse while she screamed words in Bretonnian. Anna had to find a way to convince the Goblin Slayer not to live with Giselle. Fortunately, reinforcements came in the form of her dear sister.
"There shall be no need for such things" Tanya spoke rather imperiously as she glared at the maid. "Herr Slayer shall be living with us over at the farm"
"Oh ho ho!" haughty laughter was her immediate reply as Giselle looked at Tanya with barely contained amusement. She then gave her older sister a knowing smile. "I did not think you would be so forward Tanya. Finally decided to take man after all these years have you?"
"Hardly" was her sister's cold and straightforward answer, all serious and hard. "I am simply in need of his services over at our house, as payment for all the trouble he has caused me and my sister. It was no easy task taking care of him after all"
Anna nodded at that in agreement before she gave her friend Giselle a confident smirk and said "And besides, we are in Imperial territory right now. So it is only proper that Goblin Slayer would learn Kaiserlich kultur from me and Tanya"
The Bretonnian only raise a fine and delicate eyebrow at the younger Stahlhart in amusement while her sister Tanya simply smiled at her and gave her a bit of an awkward look. The Slayer on the other hand remained silent as he quietly pondered that was being said.
Tanya soon turned her emerald eyes towards the Goblin Slayer, and her demeanor visibly softened, a faint blush forming on her cheeks. "Of course, we would see to it that you are well provided for. And you may stay for as long as you want even after work on the walls are finished.
Then her blushing grew deeper as she turned more demure. "And of course, if it is within my power, anything you desire shall be given"
That caused Anna's brows to shoot outwards, not expecting such a declaration from her sister, knowing exactly as to what she was hinting. She quickly turned her eyes back to the Slayer, wishing to know what he thinks of this. Of course, the man remained stoic as ever as he quietly regarded her sister. Anna secretly hoped he would agree to this arrangement, for she truly wanted to be with him for longer. Giselle on the other hand was looking up at the man with obvious worry, hoping that he would disagree instead.
And the way she was deliberately caressing the man's arm while she rubbed her supple assets against him did not escape Anna's notice. A rather crude method of persuasion, she thought
"Anything I desire, you say?" the man finally spoke, leveling a piercing gaze towards Tanya.
Her sister sighed tiredly before nodding in an almost resigned way. "Yes, anything"
She then turned her eyes towards her, giving her a sad and pleading look, almost as if she was silently begging her for forgiveness due some future misdeed. Anna simply quirked her eyebrow at her, amused.
"Very well" the Goblin Slayer spoke once more, bringing both of their attention back towards him. Their faces now expectant and excited.
"I accept your offer" he bowed respectfully to them.
And with it, Tanya and Anna could not help but smile widely in triumph, while a sad and tortured look graced Giselle's face, almost on the verge of crying, as the Slayer gently extricated himself from her hold and went over to the two sisters' side.
)-(
Anna took her cup and gulped down her milk before letting out a content sigh. She felt almost guilty for that particular event. Almost. But she promised to herself that she would make it up to Giselle someday. She was still her friend after all, even though they were interested in the same man. And today, Anna was finally going to make her move on that man.
After finishing her meal, Anna turned her attention towards the man she wanted most. It was time to enact the first part of her plan.
"By the way Slayer, is it alright if you would accompany me on the way to the village? I know it's not far, but I would feel much safer if you are there with me" she said to him most pleasantly, giving him such a sweet and innocent look.
The man remained silent as he regarded her for a moment, contemplating her request before he turned toward her sister, looking at her questioningly. Tanya looked thoughtful for moment, before she finally nodded and smiled.
"I think it would be quite alright. I would certainly be more at ease knowing you are by my sister's side"
He nodded to her before he turned back to Anna. "Very well. I shall escort you then"
"Thank you so much! You are most kind" war her hearty praise, overjoyed that he had granted her request. This day was becoming quite pleasant already.
The Slayer smiled faintly at her before he finished the remainder of his meal. He soon rose out of his seat and addressed her. "I shall wait for you outside"
And left as soon as he said that. Anna could not help but stare at his retreating form with a bright smile on her face, feeling quite excited at the prospect of spending some time alone with the man. She turned her attention back to the table, intent on helping her sister clean up first and be on her way as quickly as possible.
"By the way" Tanya began as she picked some of the dirty plates and cups, looking at Anna rather curiously.
"Yes, what is it?" she idly said as she took her own stack of plates and brought them over to the kitchen counter.
"Don't you think you're a bit overdressed?" her sister calmly pointed out as she too went to the counter. "Your only going to the village to make a few deliveries after all"
"I just want to look nice today. Nothing wrong with that" was Anna's casual reply as she scrubbed one of the plates. Or rather, she wanted to look especially nice for the Goblin Slayer.
"Yes, but you are showing too much skin there" Tanya remarked, worried at the way her dressed left much of her shoulders and chest exposed. "Some of the men might stare"
"Then let them. I don't care" Anna just shrugged her shoulders, unconcerned. She rinsed the plates within the nearby washbasin before placing them inside a small rack to dry. She a cast quick glance over to her sister and saw that she was still looking at her worriedly.
Anna gave her a reassuring smile. "I'll be fine, really! No one's going to try something on me. Especially not with the Slayer at my side"
Tanya sighed resignedly as she continued washing some the other plates. "Well, at least tie up the front properly. I can almost see your breasts sticking out. It might make Herr Slayer stare as well"
At that, Anna just smiled more warmly as her cheeks flushed a bit. "Then I hope he finds them pleasing"
Anna cast a quick glance over to her sister, and was treated to sight of Tanya looking rather mortified as she stared at her. Anna's cheeks flushed deeply upon seeing her sister's expression, becoming rather embarrassed as a result.
"It was just a joke! I swear!" she hastily corrected. But upon seeing that Tanya was still not convinced as her older sister continued to glare at her, she then added.
"Alright, I'll tie up the front later when I get to the village and I'll even bring a shawl with me to cover up. Happy?" she conceded, more than a bit irritated because of it.
Tanya continued to glare at her for a moment longer, before her face softened and she smiled at her dear little sister. "Very"
Anna let out a small sigh, a bit exasperated by Tanya being so overly concerned. It was not as if she was dressed this way to please some boy on a secret dalliance. This was all for the Goblin Slayer, and him only.
A short while later, Anna was now holding onto the reins of their horse with practiced ease as the beast pulled the wagon down the road. The sound of beating hooves and crunching dirt making a steady rhythm and accompanied by the creaking of wooden wheels. But the pounding of her own heart proved louder to her as Anna could barely contain her own nervousness and excitement.
She kept casting furtive glances over to the other occupant of the wagon, whose crimson eyes kept vigilant watch over the surrounding lands, one hand resting comfortably upon the hilt of his sword. She did not know how to start a conversation with him, did not know how to properly approach him.
Outside of her interactions with Hans and Felix, and a few friendly talks with Mauser and Sergeant Wulfrik, Anna did not really have much experience conversing with members of the opposite sex. And with her always busy working over at the farm and assisting her sister Tanya, she had not had many opportunities to talk to boys. Not that there were many in the village whom she found interesting.
The Slayer was the first man whom Anna developed a strong and genuine interest in. Unfortunately, he was a quiet man by nature, rarely speaking unless he had to or if spoken to first. Anna knew not which topic would be suitable for conversation with him, and she did not want to offend him in any way.
Anna checked the road in front of her once more. The village was still a bit far off, so she had plenty of time. She turned her eyes back to the man. He was such a mystery to her, and Anna wanted to know everything about him. To better understand the man with the silvery hair and the ghostly-pale skin and the crimson eyes that sometimes glowed. Especially those eyes, like a pair of blood-red rubies studded upon white marble. She found them rather beautiful.
And that was the other thing she found a bit disconcerting. Did he not find her beautiful as well?
Those eyes of his had still yet to look her way. To appraise her and to undress her as she wanted him to. She had brought a shawl with her just like she promised Tanya, but it was lying upon the seat right next to her at the moment and the front of her dress was still left rather exposed. Anna even sat closer to the Slayer as to allow him a decent view of her budding treasures. And yet, he was still not looking at them or any part of her even. Why?
That made Anna a bit sad and more than a little self-conscious, thinking that he might not be interested in her or she was simply not suitable enough in his eyes. He probably preferred someone bit older and more developed. Someone like her sister Tanya, or Giselle.
A deep frown soon made it's way to her face, a soft rumble of discontent emanating from her throat. Gods, how she wished she could grow up faster.
"Lady Anna"
The young girl was broken out of her little brooding upon hearing the man speak all of a sudden. She turned her eyes towards him, looking at him with surprise and curiosity.
"Yes, what is it?"
The man turned his eyes slightly towards her. "Are you well?"
That question caught her a bit off-guard. Was he perhaps worried about her? That made Anna's chest warm up a little. She cast him a cheery smile and sought to reassure him. "Yes, Slayer. I am perfectly fine. Why do you ask though?"
"You seem to be in distress. I wish to know why so that I may be of assistance to you" was his calm and softly spoken offer, eyes full of sincerity.
Anna could not help but feel more than a little moved by that statement, feeling her face grow a bit warm. He truly was so kind and honest. She had been taught to be wary of men who seek only to be kind or gentle with her in order to pursue some hidden desire. But this man seem genuinely concerned for her well-being.
It almost made her guilty for dressing provocatively in order to tempt him. Almost.
But this little turn of events presented a good opportunity for her though. The younger Stahlhart's cunning young mind soon found a way be much closer to her mysterious and handsome guardian.
"Now that you mentioned it, I do feel a bit cold right now" she said aloud, intentionally feigning distress this time as she stared up the Slayer's eyes and gave him such a sweet and innocent stare. "Would you please hold me close to you? It would really do me wonders"
That was not entirely a lie. It was another chilly morning as was common here in Ostermark. And the dress she had chosen to wear did not offer her much warmth. She could try wrapping the shawl around herself to keep warm, but that would simply defeat the purpose of her little act.
The Slayer seemed unsure at first as he gave her a somewhat questioning look, and this made Anna feel rather worried, thinking that he might see through her ploy and deny her. But in the end, the man acquiesced to her little demand as she knew he would.
"If you insist"
He raised his free arm up and then gently wrapped it around her smaller and slender frame before pulling her close to his large and more muscled form. This immediately caused Anna to grow several shades red and made her heart thunder within her chest so loud that she was certain the Slayer could heart it.
Feeling his body so close to hers, brimming with such masculine power and vitality, his rough and calloused hands touching her bare shoulder. Oh, it definitely made Anna feel much warmer inside. And she could even feel an aching need burning within her loins, one that she secretly wished he would also try to relieve.
"No! None of that now!" she silently berated herself for such impure thoughts. This was definitely not the time nor the place for such things.
"Feeling better?" The Goblin Slayer asked, unaware of the burgeoning desires that his young charge was feeling towards him.
Anna did not answer. Making a wry little smile, she instead took the Slayer's hand and moved it lower down her body, placing it on her side and just slightly below her breast. So that should he decided to cop a feel, he would have easy access to her budding treasures.
"There. Much better" was her rather breathless response as she pressed her legs closer together, feeling her undergarments grow damp. No need to let him know just how much he was affecting her.
The man of course chose not to comment on his young charge's actions, simply resuming his watch instead, while Anna did her best to focus on the road ahead of her as she guided the horse through the reins. Now feeling emboldened due to their current position, Anna decided it would be a good time to start asking some questions. And she would start with something basic, something easy.
"By the way, Slayer. There was something I wanted to ask you?" she calmly said, trying to keep the nervousness out of her voice.
"What is it?"
"That necklace of yours" Anna turned her eyes towards the small necklace he always wore around his neck, the one with the small tag made of pure gold. "What is it for?"
The man glanced down at his necklace and then brought his free hand to grasp the small golden tag. "Proof of my profession and my present rank"
"Are you some sort of soldier or mercenary then?" She asked again, now much more interested. She had always pegged him as some sort of hired blade or sellsword. He definitely fit the general description at least. And if he was, then he had to be the nicest mercenary she had every met, for he has still yet to try and fondle despite how she had deliberately placed his hand so close to her bosom.
"An Adventurer actually. Gold ranked" he corrected.
"Adventurer huh?" Anna's eyes widened in awe, becoming more excited all of a sudden. "Then does that mean you go on quests to explore new lands? Or search for hidden places to find lost treasure? Or hunt down monsters in return for a reward?"
"Yes, that is correct" was his simple answer as he calmly nodded, somewhat amused by her enthusiastic queries.
That caused Anna's previous admiration for this man to soar even higher. So he was an adventurer! He must have braved and overcome many dangers in search for wealth and glory, exploring far off lands and secret places, meeting new people along the way. He must have seen things that Anna could only have dreamed of. Accomplished such feats that only most people could imagine. He probably even rescued a damsel or two during his many quests. Probably made a lover out of them even, what him being so handsome and heroic. And Anna honestly would not mind becoming one of them, should he decided to go and search for another.
"It sounds like you live such an interesting life then! I've always wanted to see much of the world. To go on all sorts of exciting adventures!" she exclaimed happily as she looked off, her mind began to ponder all the wondrous possibilities. And then she turned her eyes back to the Slayer, gazing up at him longingly. "And it would be made more wonderful, should I do so with someone I love"
She made no effort to mask what she truly meant or whom she was referring to. But whether or not the Goblin Slayer caught on to it, he did not show. The man simply nodded rather sagely at her, before he continued.
"It can be rather interesting yes, and rewarding. And my companions had done a lot to make my quests more enjoyable" he said with some amusement, and if her ears were not fooling her, she also detected a hint of affection within his tone. He must have travelled with someone very close to his heart then, Anna deduced.
That's when a new idea formed into the younger Stahlhart's mind.
"Do you think I can be an Adventurer too Slayer?" she cheerfully asked, looking at him with soulful blue eyes that were brimming with hope and expectation.
If there was one thing that people needed to know about young Anna Stahlhart, was that she had always been more brave than afraid. More curious than cautious. And more adventurous than wary. Seeing the world with her own eyes had always been a secret dream of hers since she was very little, having started since her father regaled her with tales of his many journeys throughout the Empire.
Becoming an Adventurer truly sounded like a great idea for her, seeing it as the best way she could fulfill her dream. So when Anna saw the Goblin Slayer frowning at her, she knew then that something was wrong. He looked rather displeased by her question, and if her eyes were not fooling her, he also looked concerned.
"What? What is it?" was her question, trying to sound cheerful despite the slowly rising worry within her.
He did not answer her right away, simply looking at her intently, critically. Similar to someone who would inspect a new recruit. Finally, he let out a small sigh and said. "Before I answer your question Lady Anna, you must first answer a couple of mine"
She stared at him curiously, looking a bit doubtful before she finally nodded in agreement. "Alright"
"First of all, how old are you?" was his first question, crimson eyes looking straight into her own.
"Fifteen" came her short but truthful answer, having no desire or intent to lie to him in any way. But the slight narrowing of his eyes meant he was not satisfied with her answer, and thus Anna suddenly wished she had lied.
"Have you had any prior training or experience in combat?" came his second question, his eyes still searching her face for any hidden falsehoods and subtle suggestions.
And Anna sunk her head little, now feeling rather embarrassed and disappointed, before she said. "No. I have not"
She could have said yes to that question instead, having experienced the Greenskin invasion days before. But that would not have been entirely correct, for Anna did next to no actual fighting during that battle, nor had she actually fought and killed anything. And no, her blowing up the Orc Warboss with their improvised explosive trap did not count, for all she did was merely land the killing blow, while the one who actually fought it was the Goblin Slayer.
This time the Slayer nodded at her though, seemingly pleased by her answer instead, much to her relief, feeling her hopes rise
"Then I'm afraid that you are still unfit to be an Adventurer"
And that served to quickly dash her hopes. Feeling her mood souring and her confidence sinking. She turned her eyes away from him, now pouting rather petulantly, unknowingly causing the Slayer to look at her with sympathy and understanding.
"Tell me, why can't I become an Adventurer like you?" she bit out, feeling rather irritated. And then her lips twisted into a scowl as a thought came to mind. She cast the Slayer an annoyed look and said "Is it because I'm a girl?"
That caused the man to smile in amusement. "No, that is not the reason. Far from it"
"Then what is it?" she demanded rather impatiently, turning her lovely blue eyes back towards him. "Tell me, why can't I be someone like you?"
"Because you are still too young, Lady Anna" he gently state.
And when he noted the look of confusion and frustration upon her face, he explained further. Patiently and clearly, like a knowing father would to his child who was being rather difficult.
"I know not how things are done here in your Empire, but in the lands where I am from, seventeen is the required age to become an Adventurer. So you will have to wait for at least a couple more years before you are ready. And once you have reached that age, The Adventurer's Guild would require you to undergo three months of training under the eyes of a qualified instructor, which is normally another retired Adventurer. And once you pass the required training, you would only be allowed to take quests that are deemed appropriate for you by the Guild, and you shall do so under the eyes of yet another veteran Adventurer. And this period of probation lasts for one year. And of course, failure to comply with these rules shall result in one's expulsion from the Adventurer's Guild, without exception"
Anna just blinked owlishly at that for a moment as her young mind tried to make sense of all the knowledge he just gave. And for someone still so young, her next reaction was not unexpected.
"That is a lot of demands for something as simple as Adventuring! Who's the fat, ugly, and pigheaded stick-in-the-mud who came up with all that ridiculous scheiss!?" she all but shouted at him, her pretty face twisted into an unpleasant snarl and causing the Goblin Slayer to look at her in surprise.
Anna let out a huff as she faced away and glared in the distance, feeling her blood boil as her mind raged at unfairness of it all.
She really did not mean to blow up on the Slayer's face like that, but Anna was rather pissed at all that information. Honestly, if someone wanted to become an Adventurer then they should be free to do so! People shouldn't need to apply to some guild like they are trying to become the new desk clerk, nor should they have to gain someone's express approval. If a person wants to go on an adventure, then they simply need to pack up their things and go on a long journey somewhere in the hopes of finding something interesting or valuable. While avoiding a gruesome and painful death along the way of course.
The way the Slayer had talked about adventuring and becoming an Adventurer sounded more like it was an actual profession and that it was being tightly managed by a bunch of slimy and greedy burgomeisters hoping to suck the life out of aspiring young men and women. When it should be something that a person was free to do whenever they so wish without the threat of someone punishing them for it. So unfair, she thought.
When Anna's foul mood had finally calmed enough, she noticed something strange. Turning her eyes back to the Slayer, Anna was bemused to see that the man was now giving her a rather awkward look, and there was bit of hurt within his crimson eyes.
"What is it? What's wrong?" Anna asked in genuine concern. Was it something she said perhaps?
In another rather rare display of emotion, the Slayer gave her a wry smile and a knowing look. "Apologies, Lady Anna. For being a fat, ugly and pigheaded stick-in-the-mud. And for coming up with ideas that are ridiculous shit to your ears"
Anna just gave him a look of utter confusion"What are you talking about? I never said you were-"
And then she stopped, as realization finally dawned upon her. She now looked upon the Slayer with slowly mounting horror as she raised a hand pointed at him. "Wait, you mean you're the one who…"
She failed to finish her sentence, but the Goblin Slayer still nodded in confirmation.
"Oh Sigmar! I am so sorry!" Anna pleaded, panic now marring her comely face, struck with an intense feeling of guilt and embarrassment for what she had just unknowingly done to the man she held most dear. "I wasn't' referring to you when I said those things, I swear!"
Luckily for her, the Slayer did not seem angry as the man simply shook his head a little in amusement, before giving him a comforting look. "It is quite alright. I am not upset"
Anna looked away, unable to meet his kind gaze, so abashed was she of what she had just said to him. Here she was, dressed rather provocatively as she sought to win the man's affections, only for her to defeat her own endeavor by insulting him. And right to his face even!
"Oh, Anna Stahlhart you utter dummkopf!" she castigated herself, now greatly fearing for her chances of making him fall for her all because of her loose lips and short temper.
She cast a wary glance over to him, hoping to see his reaction. And unsurprisingly, he did not seemed bothered at all as he merely went back to looking around him, eyes searching everywhere for some hidden threat. And Anna noticed that he still had his arm wrapped around her waist and his hand still holding onto her side, protective and comforting. It brought a faint blush to her cheeks, and a pleasant warmth to her chest. How can he be so kind and considerate even though she had just offended him? And he wasn't even angry at her when he rightly should be. It made Anna desire him even more.
Now that she felt a bit calmer and her feelings of guilt and embarrassment had mostly abated, Anna decided to venture back into their little topic, hoping to know more.
"Um, tell me Slayer" she began, tentatively, now more wary of accidentally offending him. The man turned his attention back to her, looking at her curiously. And so Anna continued. "Why did you made those rules? And why are they so strict?"
"To save lives" was his straight and immediate answer.
That came as a bit of surprise for Anna. She had thought those rules were meant to simply discourage new Adventurers from applying to this Adventurer's Guild of his, so that more of the glory and wealth would go for already existing Adventurers or something of that sort. But to save lives instead? That needed further explanation.
"What do you mean to save lives?"
He thought briefly for a moment, considering his next words, before he finally began. "The life of an Adventurer may provide one with many opportunities to gain wealth, glory, power and prestige. But it is also a life that can be quite harsh and dangerous. Where the prospect of death, is a very real possibility"
And then his eyes hardened as he looked at her straight, and his words took in a more ominous tone. "And there are fates far worse than death, Lady Anna"
She swallowed nervously at that, knowing exactly what he was implying. She had already experienced one such dangers before, and had the Gods not been kind that day, she and her sister would have suffered a terrible fate, one far worse than death.
After allowing her a moment to ponder the meaning of his words, the Slayer soon continued. "So after I received my promotion, I went and asked a dear friend of mine for assistance, who at that time had also risen to the position of Guild Master. And together, we set about creating various reforms to the entire Adventuring profession, putting into place new measures that would help ensure the survival of Adventurers, present and future. Those rules I stated were one of them"
"And did it work? Were more lives truly saved because of what you did?" Anna said to him. Not because she was doubting him or was she looking down upon his efforts. She only wanted to know the results, if his efforts had borne fruit.
And in response, he nodded, smiling rather proudly at her. "Yes, it did. Many years ago, it would have taken at least four separate parties of Adventurers to complete one Goblin slaying quest. After the reforms, one party was enough"
Anna could only nod solemnly at that, now having gained a better understanding of things. Not just about being an Adventurer or about the dangers that it entails, but also about him. About the kind of man he was, about the kind of life he must have lived, and the full extent of his nobility.
But after hearing all of this, after all that she had learned just now, instead of becoming discouraged, Anna became more inspired instead. To follow his example, to become as great as he. And to gain his approval, and in the process, prove that she was someone worthy of him. Anna made a silent vow to do just that. And if there was also one other thing that people ought to know about Anna Stahlhart, is that she never gives up.
Wishing to change the subject to something less darker, Anna decided to talk to him about something tamer but still a bit personal. "I wish to know Slayer. What is it that you do when your not out adventuring?"
"When I am not out on quests, I simply stay at home in the farm where I lived. And I would assist my friend with whatever work that she needed done"
"She?" Anna suddenly felt an uncomfortable weight settle within her. "So you lived with a woman?"
The man merely nodded in response as he quietly looked around him. And Anna felt her heart sink, taking all her previous feelings of excitement and confidence with it. She turned her gaze away from him and stared at the road in front of her, all sad and disappointed.
So that's why he hasn't shown any interests or desires towards her, despite how she was dressed or the many hints she had given him so far. He had yet to try and make move on her despite how she had left herself deliberately open to him. Not once did his eyes even stray to her supple treasures, despite how she intentionally left the front of her dress open. She even purposely neglected to wear her chest bindings today so he could have a better look!
He also did not show much interest or desires towards her sister, despite her very obvious attempts of gaining his affections through her domestic skills. He hasn't even sought out Giselle despite her blatant desire towards him, nor has he accepted her repeated invitations to her home for a whole night of coitus.
And the reason for all that was simple. He already had someone waiting for him back home.
"That is just so unfair!" she thought rather bitterly.
The first man she had ever fallen for and dearly wanted, one who was so brave and strong and kind. A man so handsome that he would put most young lords and princes to shame, and yet so heroic that he would make most knights grow green with envy. Such a great and wonderful man, and another girl had already claimed him. So sad and unfair indeed. But entirely unexpected now that she thought about it. Knowing all that she had known about him so far, Anna could see that any woman would fall for him. It just so happened that someone got to him first before she could
"Your wife is quite fortunate then, to have someone like you" Anna remarked wistfully. She never had a chance. Such a fool she was to have even thought that she did.
Soft laughter soon reached her ears, rather deep and rumbling, causing Anna to turn her attention back towards the Slayer in surprise.
"What is it? What so funny?" she asked, confused.
"I did not say she was my wife" he gently corrected her with the barest hints of amusement within his voice, not meeting her gaze as he continued to look around.
"But I thought you said you were living together?" she demanded, feigning irritation in order to hide her renewed sense of hope and relief.
"And we are" he nodded in acknowledgement, casting her a brief glance before he explained further. "But we are not married. I was never able to properly ask for her hand, due to the nature of my profession. And her uncle does not exactly approve of me"
His eyes then softened, full of hidden affection. "Yet she remains as someone I hold quite dear. The only thing that remains of a life long past, and one that I strive to protect with all my strength"
"Oh, I see" she looked away, nodding in understanding. Feeling truly relieved to hear him say that, as well as a bit jealous.
Anna was still somewhat disappointed to learn that there was already another woman in his life, and from what he said, she was also someone he loved dearly. But at least he was not yet married, which was quite fortunate. She did not wish to play the role of the home-wrecking girl who was trying to steal another woman's husband, no matter how much she wanted him. So until the Slayer would depart for his homeland, Anna still had a chance to win him over.
That could still be considered as stealing some other woman's man, yes, but as long as they were unmarried, Anna considered it fair game.
She turned her attention back towards the road. She could see that they were almost at the village, and Anna could even spot the distant forms of Sergeant Wulfrik and Erik, along with the other militiamen. She would have to end their exchange for now and continue it at a later time.
But before that, Anna would need to give the Goblin Slayer his compensation for spending time with her.
"Well, it seems like your stop is almost near, and I'll be doing my deliveries soon" she remarked as she turned her eyes towards him, and flashed him happy smile. "Thank you for escorting me Slayer. I really enjoyed our talks just now, and I would very like to have more in the future"
"If you wish my lady" The man smiled softly at her and gave her a respectful nod. And with it, he finally lifted his arm from her, leaving Anna yearning for the sudden lost of warmth and comfort. She glared at him for this. How dare he make her desire him so, only to leave her unsatisfied and wanting for more!
Steeling her resolve and doing her best to calm her now pounding heart, she spoke. "And by the way"
And she rose out of her seat and planted a nice, long kiss on the Goblin Slayer's lips, before she finally withdrew, giving him a smile full of genuine affection. "Thank you"
The Slayer simply stared at her silently for a moment, blinking a few times, a bit surprised by her sudden and unexpected action. Before he let out a tired sigh and said. "What for?"
"My thanks to you. For everything you have done" was her matter of fact reply as she turned her attention back to the road, inwardly feeling a great sense of satisfaction and accomplishment for what she did.
"There was no need" he calmly stated as he too turned his stoic gaze forward.
"I know. But I wanted to" was her casual reply, before she gave him a look and smiled, eyes filled with mirth and amusement. "And that was my first kiss by the way, so I hope you will treasure it"
Technically untrue. That was her second kiss. The first one was given to him when he was still unconscious. But he did not need to know that.
The Slayer let out another sigh before he turned and met her gaze, firm and serious. "Your gratitude is appreciated, but I fear that your affections are wasted upon one such as me"
"I alone am the judge of that" She swiftly and also firmly countered, now allowing some of her upbringing courtesy of her dear father to rise to the surface. "And my affections are for me to give, and to whom I find most worthy of it"
He shook his head at that, disappointed with her answer as he looked away. "It is still inappropriate my lady. You are nobility whilst I am lowborn. The traditions of your Empire would not allow for it"
Anna just scoffed at that before she turned her lovely blue eyes towards the man. "Minor nobility. And it has been a long time since my sister and I had to use the 'von' attached to our name"
And then she smiled cheerfully at him before she added. "And on that note, I strongly suggest you stop addressing me and Tanya as 'my lady' all the time. Just use our first names. It's perfectly alright"
The man himself could not help but smile softly at that before giving her sidelong glance. "That one I can manage. But I still believe you should find someone more worthy of you. For I will not remain here for long, so I cannot return your feelings"
Anna did not give an answer to that as she simply went back and stared at the path in front of her. But in her mind, Anna made another silent vow. That she would get the Slayer to stay here with them indefinitely.
She almost felt sorry for that girl who was still waiting for the Goblin Slayer to return. Almost.
Author's Notes: So, a lot more happened here than in the previous one. More talking, no real action. But we all get to learn more about Goblin Slayer and Anna in this chapter. And what's this? Goblin Slayer is now Gold ranked here? Who'd a thunk it. Internet cookies to the ones who can guess who Goblin Slayer was referring too during his little talks. If you all need a hint: they both got tits. Oh and, if there are any young girls among my readers, please, I advise you not to follow Anna's example. Young ladies should not be trying to seduce men much older than them. It is simply inappropriate and immoral.
Anyhow, I hope you all liked this chapter. Don't forget to leave a comment below to let me know all your thoughts. :D