Chapter 2-16: Quite Fearless
The group continues walking around the city.
"Where to next? According to the map, the shopping district is right up ahead…" Malleus says.
Suddenly, he hears a loud,"Baaah!"
"Hm?" Malleus responds and looks down to see a goat.
A small white goat that has a gold earring on the right year.
The goat, "Baaaaaah!" towards Malleus.
The others soon notice it as well.
"It's a white goat...and a small one at that," Jamil says.
Riddle questions, "A goat, in the middle of town? It doesn't have a collar, either. Does that mean it's wild?!"
But Malleus says, "Look again-it has a golden earring. It doesn't appear to be wild."
"Bah, bah," The goat replies again as he nuzzles against Malleus' leg.
Riddle notices it, "Oh, you're right. It's friendly, too. It's clearly used to being around people."
But that makes Sebek shout at the goat, "DO NOT COZY UP TO MALLEUS, GOAT!"
Riddle and Jamil find it ridiculous.
"Now you're jealous of a goat? This is so pathetic to watch," Jamil says.
Looking at the goat makes Jamil wonder, "I wonder if it ran away from its owner. Though, a goat is an unusual choice for a pet…"
"That goat is no pet," A familiar voice answers.
The group soon sees Rollo arriving on the scene.
"It's not wild either, mind you," Rillo says.
Riddle says, "Oh, hello there, Rollo. Are you making your rounds?"
"Just so. I was slightly concerned about how you all were faring," Rollo answers.
"If the goat isn't a pet, and it isn't wild, then what is it?' Malleus asks.
'It's cared for by the whole city. You might call it a community goat," Rollo says.
"I've heard of community cats, but never goats…" Jamil says.
Then Rollo explains, "We consider goats to be bringers of good luck here in Fleur City. We treat them with care. They say if you're kind to one, it will come running to your aid when you're in trouble."
"Interesting... That fact wasn't in any of the books I read before coming here," Riddle says, taking an interest.
And Rollo says, "They're considered ordinary animals here, the same as cats and dogs. It hardly merits writing about."
"If they're highly regarded here, then we must be careful in how we treat them," Malleus says.
The goat replies, "Bah, bah."
"It seems to have taken a shine to you, Malleus. Look at the way it follows you around," Riddle says.
Seeing the goat, following him, Malleus says, "Hm. How unusual. Most animals tend to be afraid of me. You must be quite fearless, little one."
Suddenly, Jamil realizes something, "Ah... Wait a minute."
"What is it, Jamil?" Sebek asks.
"Nothing…" Jamil replies, changing his mind.
Sebek sternly says to him, "You clearly stopped yourself from saying something. It makes me wonder what you're hiding!"
"I was just thinking…" Jamil says reluctantly. And soon says, "Maybe the goat saw Malleus's horns and thinks he's one of them."
That catches everyone by surprise.
Especially Malleus, "...One of them?"
"BAAAH!" The goat says, and cuddles up to Malleus.
That's when everyone realizes that Jamil's theory might be accurate. Because of his horns, the goat thinks Malleus is a goat as well, and is trying to be friends with him. Even though it's cute for some, it's shocking that a goat thinks Malleus is one of his kind.
That doesn't sit well with Sebek who angrily shouts, "WRETCHED GOAT! HOW DARE YOU! You presume to treat my liege as one of your brethren?! Your piddly horns are NOTHING compared to his!"
The goat soon leaps and bounces around, "Bah! Bah!"
"Now you're leaping and bounding about? Get back here! You shall pay for your insolence!" Sebek shouts and chases the goat.
The goat runs away as Sebek gives chase. The goat continues to get away from his reach, like it's playing with him.
Rollo sternly says, "Don't chase it. What part of 'we treat them with care' did you not understand?"
"I apologize for his appalling lack of manners," Riddle says in remorse.
Soon, Jamil notices, "Look. The goat's hopping just out of Sebek's reach. Is it teasing him?"
"Oh yes, our city goats are rather clever. They also sometimes help local businesses by hauling goods. The smarter they are, the more mischievous they can be...but we love them all the same," Rollo explains.
"It doesn't fear me at all. What an amusing creature. I like it," Malleus says.
"What?! Wretched goat... You must learn your place!" Sebek angrily says.
"Again, you're not in competition with the goat…" Jamil says.
