第３６６堀：ゴブリンたち動き出す (Part2)
"I get that, I really do. But even now, we’ve got Mauve and his group, Hifi and hers, us, Kirika’s team—that’s a lot of separate routes for infiltration into the Royal Capital already planned. How are we supposed to break through with such limited local forces? We’re already checkmated, aren't we? Wouldn't it be better to just attack now?"
"And if you do that and something goes wrong, are you going to take responsibility?"
"No way."
"Then we’re going to prepare properly to make things easier for ourselves, including the aftermath. Besides, the biggest bottleneck is the people in the ruins and the dungeon. If we provoke them carelessly, they might be used as sacrifices to recover a massive amount of DP, and then we’d have to deal with the emergence of a second Grad, a King of Monsters. Steve’s intel gathering is quite important for that reason."
"Got it. I'll make sure to keep cardboard boxes and the like in stock."
"No, there's no need to lean into the memes. At least use barrels or wooden crates to fit in with this world."
Just as the conversation shifted into idle chatter, Mauve and his men seemed to have finished their explanation, and it was decided that we would head over to meet them.
"Wait? What? That goblin is actually wearing clothes!?"
That was the first thing out of Princess Dressa’s mouth.
Well, I knew that was coming, but still.
It’s fine, really. Even in Zilba, that was the standard reaction. I’m totally fine with it.
...I’m really, truly fine with it.
Next time, I’m going to go around putting clothes on all the wild loincloth-wearing goblins in the area.
"Yo, you're here. Yuki, Steve."
"Yeah. Good work."
"Yo. Good work, everyone."
"Eek!? I-it actually talked!?"
Princess Dressa shrieked and ducked behind Mauve.
Yeah, sorry for talking.
But I can't exactly do my job without speaking, can I?
"Eek!! It talked!! Is that some kind of classic trope?"
"Well, I suppose you aren't wrong. But for us, it's just natural."
"I understand the words, but I have no idea what that man and the goblin are talking about."
"Yeah, that’s their usual banter. I don't get it either."
"It’s that, isn't it? The trope where someone is surprised because something that shouldn't talk, talks?"
"Exactly. It’s a common trope in the manga I’ve borrowed."
"Ah, was it?"
"You get your memory reset every time, so it's no wonder."
"I envy you, being able to watch the same movie over and over and have it feel fresh every time."
"You guys aren't exactly complimenting me there, are you?"
"Well, you’re reliable when it comes to combat, at least."
"It’s about fifty-fifty."
This is no good. Mauve is already a full-fledged old man. He can't take in anything new anymore.
Before I knew it, Princess Dressa was trembling...
"Enough!! Don't leave me out!! Weren't you talking about me!?"
Ah, right. That was the point.
I stopped the idle chatter and turned back to Princess Dressa.
"Sorry. I don't know how much you've heard, but I’m Yuki, the one who’s basically the boss of Mauve and the others."
"And I’m Steve, the one in charge of the goblins and the monster army."
"I see. I suppose you’ve heard from Mauve, but I am Dressa, the First Princess of the Nassa Kingdom. Though, I suppose I should say 'former' now."
Hmm. I heard she was delirious, but she seems to be able to talk about her fallen country just fine.
Are there certain forbidden topics, I wonder?
"And, Mauve told me. If I cooperate with you... guys? You’ll help me save Arne, right?"
She looked at me when she said "guys"!!
I mean, I get it, but my fragile heart is currently shattered!!
"I can't promise that. I don't even know if this Arne person is still alive."
The Boss doesn't make promises he can't keep.
This response is typical; he doesn't give false hope only to crush it later.
He’s the type who always plans for the worst-case scenario.
"She's alive!!"
But at the Boss's words, Princess Dressa shouted.
Her eyes were steady.
I think, at this stage, I can believe this princess.
Well, it’s still too early to say for sure, though.
First, we need to hear her story.
"I see. To believe that, I’ll need you to tell me the reasons and the circumstances leading up to this. Is that alright?"
"Fine..."
Well, I’ll leave the interrogation to the Boss.
No matter how you look at it, I’m just seen as a bizarre creature.
Maybe I should start a Goblin Rights Organization or something?
Goblins on the move.
And the long-suffering Steve!!
Where does the future of the goblins lie!!
And now, a quick word.
Recently, there have been some sharp predictions in the comments section. Some of you might be thinking that the story is becoming predictable or that I should just skip to the point since the writing makes it obvious anyway.
To those of you with such complaints, here is my excuse.
Why am I dragging out these seemingly tedious conversations?
It’s to prevent people from calling it a "convenient plot device" when I pull a "I had prepared for this eventuality!" moment later on.
Also, I wanted to convey a sense of realism, the feeling of slowly and steadily working toward a goal.
Actually, even I think this Ex Kingdom arc is written in excruciating detail.
If this were a light novel, I suppose I should write it more clearly and concisely...
But hey, it’s a hobby!!
Everything is a challenge, it’s all for self-satisfaction!!
I don't know if this will ever become a book, but if it does, these parts might get cut.
Oh, and there have been many comments asking if the Academy arc was too long. I decided on the pacing after writing quite a bit, looking back and deciding where the natural breaks were, so it’s not that important.
I know you're curious, though.
Actually, since I can't judge it alone, feel free to tell me where you think the "Academy Arc" or "August Arc" ends.
And I almost forgot.
Finally, next week on April 29th, there is the "Dai-Kyushu Touhou Sai."
I’ll post details in the activity report, but I just want to get a sense of how many people might show up.
If you're coming, let me know in the activity report—if you're up for it, maybe we can grab a meal after the event ends.