In the stench-filled darkness of the cavern, the vile goblins were reveling in their sickening chaos. Around the perimeter of the cave, a large, panicked cow was pinned down by filthy goblin claws— its eyes wide and rolling in fear. With every painful moo, their jagged cleavers sank deeper into its flesh, splattering blood on the rocky floor.
The goblins howled in delight as chunks of meat and bone flew. One particularly enthusiastic goblin cleaved off a chunk of its haunch, laughing as the beast let out another tortured cry, its final breaths rasping through torn lungs.
Nearby, a group of goblins were gathered around a lifeless horse— the poor creature's body covered in blunt-force trauma. They beat it relentlessly with thick wooden sticks, with their high-pitched cackling growing louder with each blow. One goblin screeched out a twisted joke in their guttural tongue, and the others erupted into even more frenzied laughter— as if the act of desecrating the dead creature was the height of their entertainment.
In another corner, the true horrors of their depravity played out. A group of goblins was engaged in a grotesque display, fornicating with stolen sheep. Their crude cheers and jeers echoed off the cave walls, some of the goblins watching the act with disgusting eagerness— egging on their brethren with shrill whistles and grunts, with many of them masturbating to the debauchery.
But the most bizarre of the group was a goblin crouched near a pig. With a twisted sense of care, it was adjusting a crooked top hat atop the pig's head— ensuring the brim sat just right. It was meticulously dressing the animal, admiring its work with darkened eyes.
The goblin took a step back to appraise the "dapper" pig, a satisfied smirk crossing its lips. Then, without warning, it let out a shriek of laughter and swung a wooden club into the pig's face— the sound of bone cracking drowned out by the goblin's unhinged cackling.
The pig convulsed violently before another goblin set it on fire for no reason at all. The others cheered as flames engulfed the helpless animal— the scent of burning flesh adding to the already unbearable stench of the cave.
Suddenly, the goblins froze. A shift in the air, faint at first, had them sniffing wildly, their grotesque nostrils flaring. They could smell it— the metallic tang of orichalcum.
As one, they paused their sick games, ears twitching, their bodies suddenly on edge as a static charge filled the air. The cavern was filled with an ominous crackling, and the goblins' filthy hairs stood on end.
All at once, their beady eyes turned toward the entrance to the cave, the one corridor that led in and out of their den. A low, pulsating crimson light began to flood the corridor— the ground trembling beneath their feet. Panic set in as their primitive minds registered only one thing: danger.
Without warning, a mutilated hobgoblin's body hurtled through the air, slamming into the cave wall with such force that its body exploded into a mess of gore and chunky viscera. Blood and entrails splattered against the rocky walls, painting the cavern red in an instant. The sight sent the goblins into a frenzied panic.
All at once, they let out an ungodly screech— scrambling over each other in their frantic rush for weapons.
But it was already too late.
Goblin Slayer came charging through the corridor, a terrifying force of nature. Crimson lightning crackled and surged around his body, his left eye glowing like a molten ember. His tomahawk was gripped tightly in his hand, crackling with electrical energy as he raised it high.
He slashed the air with a vicious swing— sending a crescent-shaped wave of energy forward that bisected the nearest goblins with surgical precision. The goblins closest to the sheep were torn apart instantly— their bodies severed cleanly in half.
Blood sprayed like fountains as their organs spilled onto the floor.
Goblin Slayer did not stop. He was a force of death, moving with brutal efficiency through the goblin horde. He swung his tomahawk in a wide arc, cleaving through several goblins at once, their heads flying off their bodies in a shower of crimson mist.
The goblins screamed and scrambled to escape, but the teen was relentless. He drove his boot into the chest of a goblin that had fallen to the floor, crushing its ribs with a sickening crunch before burying his tomahawk into its skull.
Another goblin leapt at him from behind, wielding a rusty knife, but Goblin Slayer moved with inhuman speed. He grabbed the creature mid-air by the throat, snapping its neck with a single twist of his wrist, then threw its limp body at another group of goblins— knocking them down like bowling pins.
The goblins howled in fear, but Goblin Slayer's onslaught was far from over. He tore a goblin's arm off with his bare hands, using the severed limb to beat another goblin to death— each strike accompanied by the sickening sound of bones breaking and flesh tearing. His tomahawk continued to hum with crimson lightning as he hurled it like a missile into a fleeing goblin's back, the force sending the creature crashing into the cavern wall, pinned like a grotesque insect.
A cluster of goblins armed with crude spears rushed him all at once. Goblin Slayer dashed over to the weapon before they could even get near him. Picking up his orichalum tomahawk, the teenager parried their clumsy attacks with ease, before cutting them down in a single, fluid motion.
Blood sprayed across the cave walls, staining the floor beneath his feet.
One of the larger hobgoblins tried to rally the others, but Goblin Slayer was on it in an instant. He grabbed the hobgoblin by the head— his gauntleted fingers digging into its eye sockets, and crushed its skull with terrifying force. The hobgoblin's body twitched violently as its brain matter splattered across the ground.
Goblin Slayer continued his rampage, systematically exterminating each goblin in the most efficient— and gruesome— way possible.
He grabbed one goblin by the jaw and ripped it clean off its face, the goblin gurgling and choking on its own blood before collapsing to the floor. Another goblin tried to flee, but Goblin Slayer threw a fallen dagger that lodged deep in its spine— paralyzing it, before he walked over and stomped its head into the ground.
With the last goblin's death rattle fading, Goblin Slayer stood in the center of the carnage, the crimson lightning still crackling around him. He hadn't broken a sweat. His glowing red eye surveyed the cavern, taking in the slaughter he had wrought. The cow lay in a pool of its own blood, the sheep dead, but the goblins— every last one of them— were obliterated.
Goblin Slayer stared at his handiwork, his body still thrumming with energy, and let out a slow, controlled breath. He sheathed his blood-soaked tomahawk and turned around, back towards the way he had stormed through.
The teenager knelt beside the riverbank, the steady flow of water reflecting the morning light. His leather armor and helmet lay beside him, streaked with dried blood and gore from his latest raid. He scrubbed vigorously at the shoulder pad in his hands, letting out an exasperated sigh as pieces of goblin flesh floated downstream.
Finally satisfied with the clean leather, he inspected the pad closely, running his fingers over the now spotless surface before setting it with the other cleaned armor pieces.
Next, he grabbed his left shin pad, dunking it into the water and scrubbing it just as thoroughly— grimacing as the dried blood resisted at first. With each motion, the memories of the goblin den— its slaughtered livestock, its filth, and the shrieks of the dying creatures— faded from his mind. The cleansing routine brought him focus, clearing his thoughts in a way few things could.
Once the armor was cleaned to his satisfaction, Goblin Slayer methodically strapped each piece back on, his movements precise and practiced. The leather armor fit snugly over his muscular frame.
Lastly, he grabbed his helmet, pausing briefly before sliding it over his head. He adjusted it slightly, the comforting weight settling into place as he stood and left the river behind him.
In the dimly lit back lounge of the grand hotel, its pluml manager stood with her arms crossed— watching a little blond girl mop the lobby floor. The young girl, no older than nine, had her head down, focusing intently as she worked, but the older woman's sharp eyes noticed the streaks of soap left behind with every swipe of the mop.
With a sigh, the woman stepped forward, her heeled shoes clicking against the polished marble floor. "Juliet," she said, her voice calm yet laced with annoyance. "You're using cold water again, aren't you?"
The little blond girl froze, looking up with wide, teary eyes. "I… I know, Lady Eleanor," she stammered, her small hands gripping the mop tighter. "W… W-What's wrong with using cold water?"
Eleanor placed a hand on her wide hip— her irritation tempered by her need to remain graceful. She wasn't one to lose her composure, even when things weren't going perfectly. "Hot water dries faster, dear," she explained, sighing softly. "And it prevents the soap from leaving streaks…. Like that," she pointed toward the floor where the light revealed the telltale smudges.
Juliet's face crumpled, her lower lip trembling. "I-I'm sorry, Lady E-Eleanor," she said, her voice choked with emotion. "I-I didn't mean to ruin your floors! P-Please! D-Don't fire me!"
Eleanor groaned inwardly, feeling a pang of pity for the child. With a long sigh, she waved a hand, her annoyance fading. "It's fine, Juliet. Don't cry, dear," she said, her tone softening. "Just… Go to the kitchen and boil some water. I'll show you how to mop properly when you return."
The little girl sniffled but managed a nod, clearly grateful for Eleanor's patience. "T-Thank you," she whispered, wiping her eyes with the sleeve of her apron before hurrying off through the grand dining hall toward the kitchen.
The woman watched her go, guilt settling in her chest. 'Oh Juliet, I didn't mean to upset you…! You were just doing her best.' The manager rubbed her temple, sighing again as she turned back toward the lobby, only to be interrupted by the soft ding of the bell above the front double doors.
Startled from her thoughts, she straightened her posture and walked with practiced poise toward the reception desk. As she rounded the corner, she saw a figure standing in front of her workspace— an armored man, short in stature compared to her, with a sleek metal helmet that contrasted with his stitched-together leather armor.
"Good evening," she greeted him, her voice smooth and professional as she approached the desk. She took in the sight of him, noting the modest and worn appearance of his armor.
'Clearly, he's an adventurer, and by the look of things, not a wealthy one, at that.'
"I'm Lady Eleanor," she introduced herself with a polished smile, brushing back a loose strand of hair. "Manager of this fine establishment. How may I assist you this evening?"
"I need a room for the night," Goblin Slayer said, his voice flat and to the point.
Lady Eleanor's smile didn't waver, but inwardly she was already calculating. Judging by his rough appearance and the dullness of his armor, she doubted he could afford the luxury of her establishment. "Of course," she said, maintaining her gracious tone. "One moment, please."
She opened her logbook, glancing down the list of rooms available. "It seems we only have one room left: the honeymoon suite. It's nine-hundred gold coins a night." She paused, her smile faltering slightly as she added, "I understand if that's outside your price range. Most adventurers don't tend to have that kind of-"
Her words trailed off as Goblin Slayer pulled off his backpack and set it on the counter. Without a word, he loosened the ties and reached inside. To Eleanor's utter astonishment, he pulled out a sparkling diamond, large and pristine, setting it on the desk between them.
"Will this cover it?" he asked, his voice as casual as if he were offering a few silver coins.
Eleanor stared, completely taken aback. For a moment, she couldn't find her voice. Her eyes flickered from the diamond to Goblin Slayer's face, her mind racing. The sheer wealth of that gem was beyond anything she could have imagined from someone like him.
She quickly regained her composure, nodding repeatedly, her voice stumbling over her words. "Y-Yes, yes, of course, sir! More than enough," she said, her hands trembling slightly as she snatched up the diamond. She discreetly tucked it into her bra, her mind already swirling with possibilities.
Eager to please, she handed Goblin Slayer the key to the honeymoon suite, her tone almost breathless with excitement. "Room six-oh-one," she said, "and I'll send someone up shortly to ensure everything is to your satisfaction."
Goblin Slayer nodded once, taking the key from her hand before heading toward the grand staircase. Lady Eleanor watched him go, still marveling at the diamond now nestled securely against her chest, a satisfied smile creeping onto her lips.
As soon as Goblin Slayer had disappeared up the grand staircase, Lady Eleanor allowed herself a brief moment of giddiness. She adjusted her tight-fitting, scarlet evening gown, the luxurious fabric clinging to her curves. The neckline dipped low, revealing ample cleavage that she adjusted with a quick tug of her bra.
Despite being in her late fifties, she maintained an air of elegance and allure, even though her figure was on the more plum, and voluptuous side. Her brown hair, streaked with only the faintest hints of silver, was pulled into a high ponytail, and her sharp features were softened by the expert application of makeup that gave her skin a youthful glow.
Smiling to herself, she hurried through the hotel, her heels clicking against the marble floors. Her destination: the kitchen. The grand dining hall she passed along the way was empty now, but the scents of the day's cooking still lingered in the air.
She made her way through the swinging doors into the bustling kitchen, where pots and pans hung from the ceiling, and the warmth of the ovens mixed with the scent of simmering broths.
Near the cauldron of water, a little blonde girl stood wiping her tears with the sleeve of her too-large apron. The fire beneath the cauldron crackled softly as the water heated, preparing for her task of mopping the lobby. The girl's eyes were red, her cheeks flushed from crying.
"Juliet!" Lady Eleanor called out cheerfully, her mood still lifted by the encounter with Goblin Slayer. "No need to mop the lobby anymore. I have a much more important assignment for you tonight."
Juliet looked up from her task, with her small hands gripping the edges of the mop handle as she warily watched Lady Eleanor adjust her large bra— pushing it back into place beneath her gown.
"What do you need me to do?" Juliet asked cautiously— her voice soft, still thick from holding back tears.
Lady Eleanor smiled, walking closer, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "There's a guest in room six-oh-one— the honeymoon suite. I want you to butter him up a bit."
Juliet's eyes widened in surprise. "S-Someone rented out the honeymoon suite?" She asked, astonished. "Big spender…!"
"Yes, precisely dear," Lady Eleanor replied, the excitement bubbling in her voice. "I suspect he might be of nobility— hiding in plain sight as a wandering adventurer for his own amusement."
Juliet blinked, confused by the notion. "What do you want me to do exactly?"
Lady Eleanor leaned in, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "I want you to be sweet to him, make him comfortable, and see if you can find out whether he's single. If he is, we may have an opportunity to… Expand our business."
Juliet frowned, trying to piece it together. "Why do you want to know if he's single?"
Lady Eleanor let out a small, exasperated sigh, patting Juliet's head in a condescendingly gentle manner. "If I can charm him, and get him wrapped around my finger, he could fund my ambitions. I could open up more locations, not just in Stonehall, but across all of Zemuria. He has the wealth to make it happen. All I need is the right leverage."
Juliet still looked confused, her small brow furrowed as she struggled to understand her employer's motives. To her, the plan sounded strange, but she wasn't in any position to question it.
Seeing the girl's hesitation, Lady Eleanor sighed again, this time more deeply. "Just act cute, darling. Smile, be polite, and get whatever the man in the honeymoon suite asks for. That's all."
Before Juliet could say anything more, Lady Eleanor ushered her out of the kitchen, pushing her toward the hallway that led to the grand staircase. "Off you go now! And don't dawdle!" She called after her, her fingers once again adjusting the neckline of her dress as she went back to adjusting her bra.
Juliet cast one last glance back at the kitchen, her face reflecting her wariness, before starting the slow walk toward the staircase— dreading what was to come.
The honeymoon suite was nothing short of breathtaking. The luxurious space had an air of grand opulence, a setting fit for royalty. The walls were lined with dark mahogany bookshelves, each filled with gilded volumes and leather-bound tomes, giving the room the atmosphere of a private library.
A grand lounging area sat next to a roaring heart-shaped fireplace— its intricate mantel carved from ivory, casting a warm and flickering glow throughout the room. The plush velvet sofas were deep burgundy, adorned with gold tassels and cushions that invited one to sink into their embrace.
Above, a grand baby piano gleamed beneath the sparkle of a crystal chandelier that hung delicately from the high ceiling. The chandelier's intricate designs reflected and refracted the light in dazzling patterns across the suite— illuminating an artificial hot spring pool nestled in a marble alcove on the first floor. The hot spring, an architectural marvel of ivory and stone, steamed softly, its waters gently bubbling, and casting a serene mist over the space.
To the side, an expansive family kitchen opened up— its countertops made of polished marble, with a fully stocked pantry. A bar island, sleek and shimmering under the light, stood near the mini pool of saltwater. Crystal glasses and decanters of fine spirits sparkled— ready for use.
A grand staircase, made of crystal and gold, spiraled up to the second floor where the studio balcony bedroom overlooked the entire suite.
The bed was a masterpiece of fine craftsmanship, its posts tall and carved with intricate designs, the mattress framed in gold, its headboard a grand display of velvet and silken fabric. The curtains, rich in deep reds and adorned with delicate lace, gave the entire bed a regal presence.
Beyond the balcony doors, the night sky opened up, stars glittering like diamonds on black velvet. In the near distance, the capital of Crossbell shone like a beacon— its lights reflected in the dark waters of the Avalon Sea that surrounded it like a natural fortress. The moon's silver light shimmered down on the water, adding a surreal, almost otherworldly beauty to the horizon.
Goblin Slayer, having shed his armor and clothes, stood by the golden balcony railing. His white turtleneck shirt clung loosely to his frame, the cool night breeze brushing against his bare legs, exposed by the black boxers he wore.
His tomahawk, normally a constant companion, lay abandoned on the suite's drawers— a sign of the security he felt in this grand place. His eyes were focused on the glowing capital in the distance, and his mind wandered.
The end of his journey felt so close— a new beginning not only for himself but for all of Zemuria. He allowed himself a rare moment of contemplation, of imagining what a life without constant battle might look like.
There the teen laid on the soft grass— the cool blades tickling his skin as he stared up at the sky, which stretched endlessly above him, a serene blue dotted with lazy, drifting clouds. A gentle breeze carried the scent of fresh water from the nearby river, its current whispering softly as it flowed along the banks— blending harmoniously with the gentle hum of nature around him.
The world was calm, quiet, and for the first time in what felt like forever, he felt at peace.
His head rested comfortably in the lap of Remi— their thighs cradling him like the softest pillow he'd ever known. He could feel the coolness of their artificial skin against his cheek, and every now and then, their fingers grazed his hair absentmindedly— as if reassuring him that everything was fine.
Their free hand tuned the strings of a guitar— the metallic twang of each adjustment ringing lightly in the air. They sat there, relaxed, their usual chill smile playing on their lips— sunglasses glinting under the bright sun.
The slime monster glanced down at him from time to time, with their grin widening slightly as they caught him staring up at the clouds or taking a sip from his bottle of Sharky Pop— the fizzy drink cold against his tongue. The bubbles popped lightly in his mouth, refreshing and sweet.
On his chest lay an open book, its pages pressed down against his skin, forgotten for the moment as he allowed himself to just be. His hand lazily curled around the bottle, his thumb occasionally brushing the condensation that had formed around it. Everything felt soft— safe. The world around them shimmered in the golden glow of the sun, not too hot, not too cold, just perfect.
Heavenly, even.
Remi softly strummed a few chords, the sound delicate and soothing, like the flow of the river beside them. The music blended into the rustling of the trees and the distant birdsong, creating a melody that made him feel as though time had slowed, like the worries of his past and the uncertainties of his future couldn't reach him here.
They hummed quietly, their sunglasses reflecting the sunlight as they looked down at him. "You good, Sportsy?" They asked, their voice soft but full of that familiar ease.
The teenager smiled faintly, his eyes half-closed as he let out a small sigh of contentment. He wasn't used to moments like this— so much calm, so much light— but here, with his slime monster, it felt right.
"Yeah," he murmured, closing his eyes as the sun warmed his face. "I'm good."
His dreamy fantasy was then interrupted by a hesitant knock at the door. Goblin Slayer's senses sharpened immediately, his body tensing as he assessed the situation. He glanced at the tomahawk, but with the guards and royal army patrolling the streets below, he reassured himself that there was little threat.
Still, he remained cautious. He moved down the grand staircase— his bare feet making soft sounds against the smooth marble floor. As he passed the hot spring, the steamy aroma filled his nose, a reminder of the luxury he was immersed in. The fire in the grand lounging area crackled as he moved past— its warmth brushing against him as he made his way to the door.
Peering through the peephole, he expected to see a maid or butler, perhaps sent by Lady Eleanor. Instead, he was greeted with the sight of a young, petite girl. Her long blonde hair cascaded down her shoulders, and her pretty blue eyes were filled with hesitation. She was dressed in a simple, cute maid's outfit, and though she was trying to appear composed, Goblin Slayer could see the unease in her stance.
'Oh… She must have been the one who that woman sent to check up on me. Must be some sort of courtesy check; I can't think of anything that this room needs though, on top of everything else it already has.'
Curious, Goblin Slayer opened the door. "Evening," he said, offering her a patient smile.
He didn't expect the reaction that followed. The moment her eyes met his, Juliet's entire demeanor shifted. Her blue eyes widened in awe, and her pale cheeks flushed bright red. Her lips parted in surprise, and for a moment, she seemed unable to speak, staring up at him as if he were something more than just a guest.
Goblin Slayer blinked, taken aback by her reaction. He stood silently as she remained frozen, her gaze locked onto him, her face a mix of admiration and nervousness. The air between them grew slightly awkward as he waited for her to say something, while Juliet seemed utterly starstruck.
Finally, after a long, quiet moment, Goblin Slayer spoke, his voice calm but slightly puzzled. "Yes?"
The little girl stood in the doorway, her breath catching in her throat as she took in Goblin Slayer's features. His gray hair, tousled and slightly damp from the night air, had an almost roguish charm to it. It framed his angular face in a way that made him look both rugged and refined.
His eyes, a striking red, were the most alluring thing she had ever seen— sharp yet calm, with a depth that made her feel like he could see right through her.
And his face to her was angelic, with a strong jawline and soft, almost serene expression— like a prince from the stories she dreamed about. He wasn't overly muscular from what she could tell, but his build was slender and athletic— perfectly balanced, like some kind of storybook hero.
A Prince Charming, in the flesh.
Her heart raced as she continued to stare— a goofy smile spreading across her face. She could feel her fingers nervously tapping against the sides of her pastel blue skirt, completely unaware of how obvious she was being.
Goblin Slayer, on the other hand, stood awkwardly— watching her with a mixture of confusion and discomfort. She hadn't spoken a word, just kept smiling at him in a daze. After a moment, he cleared his throat, taking a step back while still holding the ivory door open. "Do you… Want to come inside?" he asked, his voice calm and even, though a little uncertain.
Juliet blinked, suddenly jolted back into reality. Her face flushed a deep red as embarrassment washed over her. "Oh! Y-Yes! Sorry, I-" She nodded her head rapidly, nearly stumbling over her words as she scurried inside, her heart pounding as she moved past him and into the suite.
The grandeur of the room barely registered with her as she struggled to regain her composure, mentally berating herself for gawking at him like a fool.
Trying her best to compose herself, Juliet cleared her throat, though her voice still wavered as she attempted to break the silence. "S-So... What do you think of the honeymoon suite?" she asked, forcing a smile, her eyes glancing up at him, still clearly flustered.
Goblin Slayer, standing near the door with his arms crossed, looked around briefly before responding. "It's… Nice."
His simple, matter-of-fact reply made Juliet flinch, her head tilting slightly as if she had been physically struck by his indifference. She frowned, biting her lip before asking hesitantly, "Is... Is there something wrong with it?"
Goblin Slayer shook his head gently, sensing her disappointment. "No," he said, his tone softening a bit. "It's luxurious." He paused, glancing around the room again, as if searching for the right words. "It's very... Accommodating. Welcoming, even. But..." He paused again, shifting his weight slightly, "… To be surrounded with such frivolous things… It must be an acquired taste."
Juliet's heart skipped a beat as she listened to him, realizing that she loved the sound of his voice. It was deep and calm, like a gentle rumble, and yet it carried a quiet strength that made her feel oddly safe.
She could feel her face getting hotter again, her cheeks burning as she stared up at him, completely flustered. She tried to respond but found herself at a loss for words, her mind racing.
Goblin Slayer noticed her flushed expression and raised an eyebrow, his gaze perplexed. "Are you... Alright?"
The little girl quickly nodded, stammering as she spoke. "Y-Yes! I'm fine! Totally fine!" She waved her hands dismissively, though her cheeks were still glowing red. Desperate to move the conversation along and stop herself from melting into a puddle of embarrassment, she blurted out, "It's just... You don't seem too impressed by the room. Most guests are overwhelmed by how extravagant it is."
Goblin Slayer shrugged lightly, his eyes wandering over the opulent decor. "It is impressive," he admitted, his voice low and thoughtful. "But... Not what I'm used to." He paused again, as if searching for the right words. "This... Sort of luxury— it's otherworldly to me. Never thought I'd experience this."
Juliet found herself hanging on every word he said, his deep voice making her heart flutter. "I... I see," she replied softly, her nervousness beginning to fade as she became more comfortable with the conversation. "It must be hard to... Adjust, I mean."
Goblin Slayer nodded. "It is. But... It's also peaceful." He glanced at the fireplace, the warm light flickering in his eyes. "Quiet. I like quiet."
Juliet smiled, feeling a strange sense of connection with him, despite barely knowing him. "That's... Good, right?" She asked, her voice soft. "Everyone deserves a bit of peace."
He didn't respond immediately, instead taking a long moment to look at her. His red eyes, intense but not unkind, met her gaze. "Maybe," he said after a moment, his tone contemplative. "But I'm not used to peace either."
Juliet nodded, understanding the weight behind his words even if she couldn't fully grasp what his life had been like. "Well... I hope this place helps you find comfort, even if you're still getting used to it." She gave him a shy smile— her earlier fluster now replaced by a genuine warmth.
Goblin Slayer, still not used to such kindness, simply nodded. "Thanks," he said, his voice softer than usual.
The silence that followed felt less awkward now, more like a quiet understanding between the two. Juliet looked down at her feet, then back up at him, her face still a little flushed, but her nerves calmed.
The blond girl swallowed the lump in her throat, pushing down her nerves before breaking into a fit of giggles. After composing herself, she gracefully curtsied, holding out the sides of her pastel blue skirt with her hands. "My name is Juliet," she introduced herself, her voice soft but formal, "Juliet Edelweiss."
Rising from her bow, she looked up at Goblin Slayer with her wide, blue eyes, her curiosity evident as she asked, "And... What's your name?"
Without giving it much thought, the teenager flatly replied, "Old Sport."
Juliet blinked, momentarily confused, as she noticed his stoic demeanor shift dramatically. His red eyes widened, and his lips tightened in a way that made him look uncharacteristically awkward. His cheeks flushed slightly as if the name had triggered something deep within him, a memory that came flooding back.
"You're a big deal to me, Old Sport— never forget that while you're away from me."
'Oh no.'
"Relax, Old Sport. I'm only gonna fuck your brains out— just relax, and let me take care of ya…!"
'Oh. No.'
And with the image of the smiling slime monster and their sunglasses in mind, the teenager began blushing and squirming in such a peculiar way, that it made Juliet raise a brow— her lips curling into a soft, amused smile. She giggled quietly, finding the whole situation unexpectedly cute. "Old Sport? Is that... Really your name?"
The teen's face turned a deeper shade of red as he shook his head profusely, clearly flustered. "N-No," he corrected himself quickly, voice strained with embarrassment. "M-My name is Goblin Slayer…! Old Sport is just... A nickname that my, uhhhh…! T-That my b-best friend came up with…!" The teenager explained, while getting even redder in the face.
"Mine…! You're mine! Mine, mine, mine, MINE!"
'-Stop it, stop it, stop it— stop thinking about, stop thinking about it, stop thinking about it-!'
Juliet repeated the name "Goblin Slayer" to herself quietly, her expression shifting from confusion to a small frown. After a beat, her smile returned, and she said with a teasing tone, "I think I like "Old Sport" better. It's less scary-sounding."
Goblin Slayer, now thoroughly embarrassed, face-palmed with a groan— trying to hide his crimson face from Juliet's amused gaze. He couldn't believe how a single memory could lead to him being thrown off his usual composure— a domino effect, caused by hormones that he had much opportunity to explore before.
Juliet, for her part, giggled again, clearly enjoying the sight of the stoic adventurer reduced to this bashful state. "You're a funny guy," she complimented— a hint of admiration in her voice.
Goblin Slayer sighed deeply, thinking to himself how he was never going to be able to live that nickname down. He took a breath, attempting to recompose himself, before speaking as calmly as he could manage. "I don't… I don't think I need anything at the moment," he began, his voice regaining its steadiness. "I was actually planning on going to bed."
Before he could finish, Juliet interrupted him, her expression lighting up as she suddenly remembered the question Lady Eleanor had tasked her with. "Oh! Wait, I almost forgot," she said hurriedly, "Are you single?"
The question left the teenager momentarily stunned. He blinked, his stoic expression cracking into one of sheer bafflement. "What?" He asked, his voice betraying his surprise. "Why?"
Juliet's cheeks flushed as she twirled a lock of her blonde hair nervously. "My boss, Lady Eleanor, she... She wants to know," she explained innocently, though it was clear even to her that the question felt strange. "Something about wanting to be business partners with you, or... Fingers in you…? Ah, s-something like that…" Her voice trailed off, as she realized she couldn't fully remember the reasoning behind the odd request.
Goblin Slayer's brows furrowed as he processed this, then he replied flatly, "Oh." He hesitated for a moment, not entirely sure how to respond to such a question. "I don't really know if I'm... Single or not," he admitted awkwardly.
Juliet's eyes sparkled at his response, clearly finding his answer charming in a strange way. "I'll just tell Lady Eleanor "maybe"," she said sweetly, her voice bright with enthusiasm.
Taking a breath, she mustered up the courage to ask her next question, looking up at him with wide, hopeful eyes. "Would it be alright if I stayed with you while you, um, wind down for the night?" Juliet asked, her blue eyes sparkling as she insistently added, "No one really rents this room out, so I don't have a lot of chances to come up here— it's my favorite room to play in… Y-You wouldn't even notice I'm here, Old Sport— I promise!"
Goblin Slayer stared at her for a long moment, contemplating how to respond. He was tempted to say no, wanting to enjoy some peace and quiet, but when he noticed how Juliet tensed up at his hesitation, her nervousness palpable, he sighed quietly. "I mean…. I guess you could stay," he said finally, his voice resigned but gentle. "Just try not to get yourself in trouble."
Juliet's face lit up with pure joy, her eyes sparkling as she practically bounced with excitement. "Thank you, I'll only be here for a little bit!" she exclaimed, beaming at him.
Goblin Slayer sighed again, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth despite himself.
This was not how he had expected his evening to go.
Author's notes: I love being able to have moments where Goblin Slayer actually acts his age, and is able to let loose a bit— something that he wouldn't have done, earlier on in the story. And yes, Juliet is Priestess lol.
