Lady Eleanor's office exuded refinement, with its soft pastel blues and gold trim adorning the walls and furniture. An elegant gold-and-white desk sat at the center— its polished surface gleaming under the soft light filtering through the sheer curtains. Goblin Slayer sat across from her with a large basket of fine gifts set out in front of him, as he methodically sorted through its contents. Beside him, Juliet perched on a small, velvet stool— her bright blue eyes wide with curiosity.
The hotel manager reclined in her plush chair— her hands folded gracefully in her lap as she watched him. Her smile, poised and elegant, only barely concealed the turmoil she felt beneath. The morning's public execution played in the back of her mind, the screams of the dark elf girl echoing in her thoughts.
"I… I certainly do hope everything is to your liking," she offered, her voice steady, though her heart ached.
Goblin Slayer, dressed in his white dress shirt, black tie, and formal vest, nodded, his movements precise. "It is," he replied plainly.
He then opened a box of chocolate truffles before placing them between himself and Juliet, and gently pushing them toward her. The little girl's blue eyes lit up, and she eagerly reached for a piece, nibbling on it with visible delight. Goblin Slayer's lips curled into a faint smile, with his gaze softening as he watched her.
Next, he picked up a sleek ink pen, admiring the fine silver nib. He flipped open a leather journal— its fresh pages crisp beneath his fingers. He tested the pen on the first page, writing with clean, deliberate strokes: "Ren Ashta".
Satisfied, he set both the pen and journal aside and began leafing through a small, pocket-sized atlas. The detailed maps within earned his silent approval. He closed it with a snap and placed it neatly atop the journal.
His crimson eyes darted up to Lady Eleanor, locking onto her with an intensity that made her shift slightly in her seat. "You're quiet," he remarked.
Lady Eleanor let out a soft, humorless chuckle, and sighed before replying, "You'll have to forgive me, Goblin Slayer. I'm afraid I'm still lamenting over a rather horrid sight I stumbled upon this morning."
The teen acknowledged her with a single nod, and picked up a large, elegant mug full of vanilla caramel macchiato. After taking a satisfying sip from it, he sat it down and looked back at her— curiosity flickering behind his calm demeanor. "What happened?" He finally asked.
Lady Eleanor opened her mouth to speak, but hesitated as her eyes shifted toward Juliet. The sight of the young girl enjoying the chocolates was both heartwarming and bittersweet. Lady Eleanor winced inwardly— her mind replaying the awful moment when the dark elf girl's head had been severed.
With a heavy sigh, she recomposed herself and smiled at Juliet. The girl, cheeks puffed with chocolate, glanced up at her— her expression turning sheepish. She quickly chewed and swallowed before giving a small, apologetic nod.
"Juliet," Lady Eleanor said gently, "would you mind watering the indoor plants?"
Juliet perked up, her embarrassment fading. "Of course, Lady Eleanor." She hopped off the stool, before turning to bowing politely to Goblin Slayer. "Thank you for allowing me to spend time with you, Old Sport; I hope you'll visit again."
The teen then rose from his seat, before returning her bow with the same measured grace. "When I come back from Crossbell, I'll be sure to stop by to say hello."
Juliet's face lit up with a sweet smile. "I'll look forward to it." She then excused herself— leaving Goblin Slayer and Lady Eleanor alone.
As he sat back down, Lady Eleanor's gaze followed Juliet until she disappeared from view. "She's such a sweet girl," she remarked, with a faint trace of melancholy in her voice.
Goblin Slayer nodded in agreement. "She is."
The atmosphere in the room grew heavier. The mask Lady Eleanor had worn in front of Juliet faltered— her composed expression slipping into something more troubled. She cleared her throat, her voice quieter now. "The Royal Army must have gone on a raid last night while we were all asleep. "
Goblin Slayer's brows knitted together slightly. "What makes you say that?"
Lady Eleanor sighed, folding her hands tightly in her lap. "There was a public execution in the center of town. The soldiers you see, they had an executioner with a rather large, grizzly axe on stage. He was… Taking the heads off of some captured dark elves… But they were all children and the elderly." Her words were flat— tinged with a hollow sadness.
Goblin Slayer felt a chill creep over him. "I… I-I see."
The room fell into silence— the weight of the information sinking in.
After a moment, he broke the stillness. "Why?"
Lady Eleanor paused, visibly struggling to make sense of it herself. "Perhaps… To demoralize Blackwatch, and or anyone else who has it in their heads to challenge the crown," the woman proposed, before lowering her gaze as another dark thought popped in her head. "You see young man, I'd they were nust executing adults— anyone who would resemble a rebell— people might see them as prisoners of war— and as barbaric as it sounds— they would have martyrs' death… It would rally the enemies of the Pendragon Empire, not dissuade them."
Goblin Slayer remained quiet, his mind now elsewhere. Her next words hit close to home— resonating in the silence.
"It's one thing to put your own life at risk," she said, her voice soft, "but to put the lives of those who are already vulnerable as is? Children, and the elderly? No one in their right mind would risk putting their loved ones in harm's way…"
Her words sent Goblin Slayer spiraling into his own thoughts. He thought of Remi, of how he would cope if they were to die in the line of duty— if their death were his fault.
A chill ran down his spine, as he remembered the moment he thought Remi had died while they were fighting Suliven. 'I can't believe that I was fine with them dying— if I had felt the way I do now about them, then… Then I don't think I would have been able to handle myself so well… Would I have?'
Seeing the contemplative look on his face, Lady Eleanor drew in a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "With all due respect," she said gently, "I'd appreciate it if we could change the subject. I still wish to discuss potential business ventures."
Goblin Slayer blinked, the weight of the earlier conversation still hanging over him, but he nodded. "… What are you proposing?"
Lady Eleanor straightened— the tension in her shoulders easing, as she delved into the new subject. "You mentioned your headquarters will be located within the Evergreen Forest," she began, with her voice taking on a businesslike tone. "It would be in your best interests to establish branch offices across the various regions of Zemuria. Unlike the Adventurers' Guild, your guild could offer more services to its members— rooms for your fellow "Goblin Slayers" to sleep in, laundry, food, and we could collaborate with merchants to sell and purchase goods at our locations."
Goblin Slayer considered her words, his gaze growing thoughtful. "Accommodating, and effective… I'm interested."
Her eyes lit up, excitement flickering in them. "Marvelous, dear!" she exclaimed, pulling a notepad from her desk and uncapping her gold pen. "Now, let's get into the numbers. What are your guild's coin reserves?"
Goblin Slayer frowned, while appearing slightly confused. "Coin reserves?"
"Yes, coin reserves," she repeated, but quickly clarified, "I mean— how much money does your guild have?"
He shrugged. "A lot."
Lady Eleanor deadpanned, blinking at him in disbelief, before slowly easing into an amused smile. "Ah, I see! You're quite the comedian, aren't you?! How delightful— I needed a laugh," she mused with a soft chuckle, as her chubby cheeks began to darkened beneath her caked on make-up.
Goblin Slayer shrugged. "I wasn't joking. I really don't know how much money my guild has," he said— his response flat and matter-of-fact. "I just know that it's a lot."
This stumped Lady Eleanor, who fell into a moment of contemplative silence— twirling her pen between her fingers, as her smile faltered. After a few beats, her eyes suddenly brightened, an idea forming in her mind. "Well then," she said, her voice carrying a note of inspiration, "why don't I come with you to your fortress? I could act as your treasurer, and help run your operations from there!"
Goblin Slayer raised a brow. "Who's going to look after your hotel?"
"I'll make the arrangements, darling— don't worry your handsome head over that," she said confidently, waving a dismissive hand.
He pondered her offer for a moment before a thought struck him. An embarrassed smile tugged at his lips as he asked, "C… Can Juliet come too?"
Lady Eleanor blinked in surprise, visibly conflicted. "J-Juliet? Why would you want Juliet to come?"
"She'd be safer there," Goblin Slayer explained. "And you wouldn't have to worry about her seeing a public execution. She would be away from… Whatever the Royal Army is doing."
The suggestion hit Lady Eleanor deeply. She stared at him, emotions warring behind her graceful demeanor. "Forgive me for feeling the inclination to question your safety measurements, but… How exactly safe would she be?" She asked hesitantly.
"She'd be protected by the Guardian of Delrivkat themselves: Storm Lord," he said, as though it were the simplest thing in the world. "They're an army of one."
Lady Eleanor's eyes widened, repeating the name in awe. "Storm Lord?" She composed herself quickly, though her eyes still glimmered with a mix of surprise and admiration. "I've heard of them before— stories from some of my clients who've traveled through the Muhati Desert… How close are you to them, might I ask?"
"W-We're best friends," Goblin Slayer replied, while confusing the manager even more than she already was, by the way his cheeks started to turn a light shade of pink.
"Is that so, now…?" She murmured, while thinking over the proposition carefully— weighing it in her mind. Finally, she sighed as her resolve softened. "Very well. I'll allow Juliet to come, but only on one condition: you'll need to find her an educator while you're conducting your business in Crossbell. I'll only accept a reputable woman."
Goblin Slayer nodded without hesitation. "I'll get her the best female scholar I can find."
Satisfied with his answer, Lady Eleanor rose from her cushy chair, prompting Goblin Slayer to stand as well. "Then we have a deal," she said, extending her hand toward him.
But then the teen merely stared at her outstretched hand— clearly unsure of what to do. Instead of shaking it, he bowed at the waist— prompting Lady Eleanor to blink in confusion. She quickly recovered, suppressing a smile, and returned the gesture with a proper— graceful bow of her own.
When they straightened, Lady Eleanor fluttered her eyelashes, her demeanor shifting into something more alluring. She let her voice drop to a sultry tone, her lips curving into a seductive smile. "Now carry on, love: it's not proper for a man to keep his lady waiting for long…!"
The gray-haired teenager, oblivious to her suggestive tone, simply nodded as he replied, "I'll make haste then."
Just like he had said, Goblin Slayer moved swiftly as he left Stonehall through its western gate— his pack restocked with potions, rations, camping supplies, and a newly purchased small shield, its center adorned with a menacing spike.
The sun hung high in the sky— casting its warm light on the rolling hills and short, vibrant grass. The landscape was dotted with maple trees, with their golden leaves fluttering in the breeze, while wild squash vines grew abundantly across the ground. Yet, the natural beauty of the land was marred by the grim scene unfolding before him.
Hundreds of monsters and demi-humans toiled under the watchful eyes of the Royal Army. Armed with crossbows and maces, the soldiers barked orders, their armored figures standing rigid among the laborers.
The slaves, all shackled with heavy chains etched with mana-suppressing runes, wore matching coveralls— each bearing the Pendragon family insignia stitched onto their backs. They worked tirelessly, sweat dripping from their brows, and their faces hollow and exhausted.
Goblin Slayer kept to the edge of the cobblestone road— his crimson eyes flicking between the few carriages and wagons traveling to and from Stonehall. As he walked, he observed the scene before him with detached interest. The slaves were being forced to dig into the ground, carving deep trenches into the terrain with rusted tools. Their movements were slow and strained, but relentless under the threat of the soldiers' weapons.
Alongside the slaves, human men in clean, well-tailored architecture garb stood tall, directing the construction. The men who they were directing were also different from the slaves— being well-fed, well-kept, and clearly respected, and equipped with what looked to be mechanical tools powered by steam generators, that sat on top of horse-drawn wagons.
The construction team oversaw the creation of long, sturdy walls— their angular designs precise and purposeful. It didn't take Goblin Slayer long to understand that these skilled laborers were entrusted with the more intricate and important aspects of the construction; unlike the slaves, who were treated as little more than beasts of burden.
The teen's gaze followed the lines of the walls, noting the sharp angles and fortifications being laid into place. A thought crossed his mind.
'Is this project a response to what happened to Sahara Outpost? That makes sense, doesn't it? The timing seemed too coincidental. The Pendragon Empire suffered a significant blow, and so now they're shoring up their defenses— perhaps preparing for further conflict with Blackwatch.'
His thoughts drifted as he continued his walk along the road— the oppressive atmosphere clinging to the air, despite the pleasant scenery.
And while walking further West bound the road, he came across a wooden post at an intersection— its weathered sign reading "Marigold Road" in faded lettering. It was the first time he knew the road's name, though it mattered little.
He continued onward— eyes sharp, noting the increase in long, heavily-guarded wagons making their way toward Stonehall.
The wagons were flanked by knights on horseback, with their shining, gallant armor gleaming in the sunlight. Each knight held long, sleek weapons made of brass and polished wood— lever-action rifles with mounted scopes and glowing attachments cradled in their arms, along with identical breech-action sidearms with glowing modules as well, that were holstered at their hips.
On foot, soldiers marched alongside— carrying long spears, shields that clinked as they walked. They wore armor that looked thick and cumbersome, pieces of metal strapped over their torsos and shoulders. Stationed on top of the wooden barrels and crates within the wagons were arquebusiers— sharpshooters of the Royal Army, equipped with mass produced matchlock rifles and equally mass produced munition armor.
One knight in particularly ornate armor took notice of the teen, raising their odd weapon and aiming the barrel directly at him. The knight's voice was harsh and commanding, as he ordered out loud, "Clear the path!"
Goblin Slayer hesitated for a moment, but stepped to the side reluctantly, while feeling the cold, watchful gaze of the barrel still trained on him. The soldiers marching alongside followed the knight's lead, all of them pointing their arquebuses at him while they passed by. Even as they continued their march, the tension didn't ease until the last wagon rolled past— with the three knights who were bringing up the rear lowering their scoped-rifles at last.
As the convoy disappeared from sight, Goblin Slayer's mind lingered on the contents of the long wagons. Barrels and crates stacked high in the back. Weapons and supplies, he thought. The Pendragon Empire was likely transforming Stonehall into a military outpost to replace the fallen Sahara Outpost. It made sense—the increase in patrols, the convoys. Stonehall was no longer just a quaint, upscale town. It was becoming a fortress.
He walked further down Marigold Road, his pace steady, though he had to step aside numerous times as Royal Army patrols and convoys passed. Time and again, he found a barrel pointed at his chest, losing count of how many times it had happened.
It was clear the Pendragon Empire wasn't affording themselves many chances.
As the day wore on, with the sun still hanging high in the sky, Goblin Slayer moved through a more secluded stretch of road, when he suddenly spotted familiar figures.
Standing just ahead were High Elf Archer, Dwarf Shaman, and Lizard Priest. They all stopped in their tracks, just as surprised to see him as he was to see them.
For a moment, they simply stared— confusion and surprise written across their faces. Then, High Elf Archer's expression twisted— her eyes narrowing. She stepped forward, her voice sharp and low. "You…! You stole our quest," she accused— venom in her tone. "You cost us our rightful reward!"
Goblin Slayer's response was direct, as always. "I was never interested in the reward."
Her eyes narrowed further. "Then why bother in the first place?!" she snapped— mistaking his words for condescension.
Goblin Slayer met her gaze, unflinching. "I don't slay goblins for money. I do it to make the world a better place."
High Elf Archer's scowl deepened, her sharp, emerald eyes never leaving Goblin Slayer. She barely registered the weight of Dwarf Shaman's hand on her shoulder as he tried to calm her down.
"Easy, lass," he said, his voice carrying that gruff yet warm burr. "Don't go doin' somethin' ye'll regret."
"Not now," she snapped— shrugging his hand off roughly as she took a determined step toward Goblin Slayer.
The teen might have been standing perfectly still and outwardly calm, but behind his vented visor, he grew uncomfortable. He watched her march toward him— her long strides bringing her within a foot of him. She was just slightly taller, but they stood nearly eye-level, and her anger radiated like heat.
"So what is it then?!" She demanded, venom dripping from her voice. "You think you're better than us?! That it?!"
"I never said that," Goblin Slayer responded evenly— though inside, her anger made him tense.
"Then why did you clear out that goblin nest?!" She pressed, eyes narrowing. "And don't even THINK about giving me a bullshit answer!"
"I told you: I did it to make the world a better place," Goblin Slayer replied, his voice flat, factual. "It had to be done."
"Had to be done?!" She stared at him incredulously, as if he'd just grown a second head. "What, you think you're some kind of hero— doing this for charity?!"
Goblin Slayer tilted his head slightly. "If you're only interested in the reward, then why don't you just take it?"
High Elf Archer's face twisted in fury, mistaking his words as condescension. "What. Did. You. Just. Say?" Her voice dropped to a low, dangerous tone. "Did you just… Did you just imply I'm only doing this for the money?! As if my honor's worth a measly forty silver pieces?!"
Before Goblin Slayer could answer, she furrowed her brow, recalling something he'd mentioned earlier. "Wait… What the hell do you even do for money then?" She shot him a suspicious glare.
Dwarf Shaman, stroking his beard thoughtfully, chimed in with a chuckle. "He did mention runnin' his own guild, remember? Ye didnae believe him when he said it."
"Yeah, and I still don't believe him!" She snapped back, glaring over her shoulder at the dwarf. She turned back to Goblin Slayer, with her voice dripping with sarcasm. "So, what now?! Are you gonna hire us, after putting us out of a job?!"
Goblin Slayer, ever practical, brought his hand up to his helmet's chin as if in deep thought. "If you want," he said after a pause. "I could give you three a job. If you come with me to Crossbell, and then to the Evergreen Forest, I could make it worth your while."
High Elf Archer blinked, her mouth opening in disbelief. She hadn't expected that. "A… A-Are you serious?!"
Lizard Priest, ever the calm voice of reason, raised a clawed hand thoughtfully. "It is said, "Better a good deed done for all, than one done for gold." Yet, even virtuous paths may require material support." He then glanced at Goblin Slayer, before asking, "Would the pay be worth the journey?"
Goblin Slayer thought for a moment before looking at them with genuine curiosity. "That depends. How poor are you three?"
High Elf Archer's face turned crimson with rage— the question breaking whatever thin thread of patience she had left. "… Why, you ARROGANT, son-of-a-BITCH!" She roared out while lunging at him— tackling him to the ground with surprising force. Straddling his hips, the enraged elf grabbed his helmet before trying to slam the back of his head against the cobblestones beneath them.
Dwarf Shaman and Lizard Priest scrambled to pull her off— the white-bearded man cursing under his breath, as he grabbed her arm. "Ach, calm down, lass! Ye're gonna kill the poor lad!"
"L-LET GO!" she shouted, still trying to wrestle free. "I NEED TO BEAT THE SHIT OUT HIM,HORSE HE RODE IN ON!"
Goblin Slayer, dazed but still composed, murmured beneath the tussle, "I don't even know how to ride a horse…"
Dwarf Shaman grunted as he pulled her back, but a smile tugged at his lips. "Sorry aboot this, lad. Long Ears here gets a wee bit cranky when she's hungry."
"Yes, that hunger burns fierce," Lizard Priest added, his voice low and sagely. "As it is said, "An empty stomach is a cruel master." For you see, we haven't eaten since we… Since we walked out on our tab."
"Aye," Dwarf Shaman added, throwing a thumb toward the distant convoy of soldiers. "And with the Empire's patrols everywhere, we're not keen on showin' our faces back in Stonehall. Too many eyes, ye know?"
Goblin Slayer stared at them with growing sympathy. "If you're stealing food, then you all truly must be poor."
High Elf Archer growled, still struggling against the hold of her companions. "Amal pukta norna tyar…! YEAH! No thanks to you, you bastard!" The green-haired elf hissed, after having called the teenager a "motherfucker" in her native tongue. "You stole our ques-"
Goblin Slayer, his voice still calm, cut in. "-And I apologize for that." He stood up, dusting himself off. "Here's my proposal: I'll pay you whatever's left in my purse by the time we reach my fortress, after I use what I've got to fund the rest of the journey."
Dwarf Shaman raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "And lad, how much coin would we be talkin'?"
Without a word, Goblin Slayer slid his arm out of his backpack's strap, flipped it around, and unlatched it. He pulled out a large, melon-sized purse and loosened its strings— opening it to reveal a pile of gleaming gold coins and precious gems.
All three of them— High Elf Archer, Dwarf Shaman, and Lizard Priest— stared in wide-eyed shock. Their jaws dropped, and for a moment, the world seemed to freeze around them.
Dwarf Shaman, his voice shaky, managed to speak first. "B-By the Paragon's beard, lad! Ye carry yer whole fortune on ye?!"
Goblin Slayer shook his head. "No. This is just a small fraction of what my guild has. I've got about sixty-two wagons full of treasure and gold."
The trio gasped loudly— their expressions almost comically exaggerated as they tried to process what they had just heard. Lizard Priest, his eyes rolling back, fainted on the spot— his massive frame crashing backward and landing directly on top of High Elf Archer, pinning her to the ground.
"G-GET YOUR ASS OFF ME, JAREE!" she screamed, flailing beneath Lizard Priest's weight. "I swear to the gods…! I'M GONNA LOSE MY SHIT!"
Dwarf Shaman, still stroking his beard, looked over at Goblin Slayer with an incredulous grin. "Lad, what are the chances we could… Switch careers, aye? I think yer guild might be the better option." He nodded toward the unconscious Lizard Priest. "An' I reckon we've had enough of running out on tabs."
Goblin Slayer looked thoughtful for a moment. "I don't really have many members yet. Just one… My second-in-command. So if you want to join, you'd be the first official recruits."
Dwarf Shaman grinned even wider, clapping his hands together. "Deal, lad. Aye, deal!"
He reached for the gold coins, but Goblin Slayer quickly tightened the strings of his purse before pulling it out of reach.
"You'll get paid," Goblin Slayer said firmly, "After we reach the Evergreen Forest. With all the security measures the Royal Army's putting in place, I'd be a fool not to take precautions myself."
Dwarf Shaman sighed in disappointment but nodded in agreement. "Aye, fair enough. No sense gettin' ahead of myself."
Meanwhile, High Elf Archer, still pinned beneath Lizard Priest's unconscious body, continued to scream. "GRAAAAHHH! AMIN DELOTHA LLEEEEEEE!"