3rd Person Pov
A lone wisp of smoke trailed into a pallid sky. One could trace it back down to find its source, a small hilltop farm.
Specifically, a small, brick building on the fringes of the farm.
Smoke billowed from the chimney into the air like an upward brushstroke.
A young woman stood at the stove in the little building, blowing mightily as
she wiped sweat from her brow.
Her skin had the healthy glow of a person raised in the sun. She was plump in all the places a girl should be-but she was not soft.
Cow Girl : Hmm... About like this?"
Cow Girl wiped soot from her cheeks with the cloth draped across the
shoulder of her work apron and squinted contentedly.
Her bright eyes were fixed on some pork hung neatly inside the shed, visible
through the window.
The smoke enveloped it, gradually bringing out the fat along with an
irresistible aroma. Smoked bacon.
Every year they took pigs that had grown fat on acorns and daisies and
smoked them like this.
There was plenty of pork in the little building, and they would let it smoke all
day. They would keep up the process for several days-bacon was a labor-
intensive product.
So usually, he would lend a hand around this time, even if he did it silently.
Cow Girl: Well, I guess when you have work, you have work,"
Cow Girl said to herself, then laughed as if this didn't bother her one bit.
She knew him, after all. He would come home safely, no question about it,
and then he'd help like he always did.
This belief came so naturally to her she almost didn't have to think about it.
Cow Girl : Hup!"
It felt good to stretch as she rose, after crouching so long to watch the fire.
She stood, arms outstretched, ample chest bouncing, cracking her joints and
letting out one more great breath.
As she raised her face, a corona of light danced over the dark forest huddled
on the horizon. Dawn.
The sun. The start of a new day-although in fact, her day had already been well under way. Beyond the hill, the wheat fields that ran along either side of the road caught the sun's rays and sparkled. The wind bent the crops gently, creating ripples in a sea of gold. The rustle of the stalks sounded not unlike the ocean.
Or so Cow Girl imagined, anyway. She had never been to the seaside. Soon the farm's roosters noticed the morning's approach and began to crow. Their calls coaxed townspeople from their slumber, and thin streams of smoke appeared on the horizon. There were quite a few for such an early hour.
The morning light revealed just how vibrant and lively the town was.
Banners waved atop buildings, streamers in the shapes of dragons or gods whipping in the gust. The same wind made its way over to Cow Girl, brushing her cheeks as it passed.
Cow Girl : Wow..."
She trembled a little at the chill.
The air felt good against her sweaty skin, but it was less cool and more
uncomfortably cold.
The sun striving to rise past the horizon radiated with a soft light. It was fall. The harvest season had come. Summer was over, and it was time to prepare for winter.
Farm and town had both grown busy.
Lively and prosperous, it was one of the world's beautiful seasons.
Though to Cow Girl, the world was always beautiful. She knew everyone was working hard-including him. Yet she also knew he would come and help her. And when he did-yes!
Cow Girl: I'll make him some stew with our fresh bacon!"
First, she would have to make sure he was full and rested. Just the thought lightened her heart, and she all but skipped on her way backnto the main house. After all, fall was also the time for the festival.
§
The tenth goblin fell around noon.
A stone whistled through the air and caught him in the eye socket, crushing
bone and finally striking the brain.
The goblin crumpled where he stood with a thump. The sun shone on a tunnel entrance resembling a massacre.
Slayer : .........Hmph."
A warrior watched vigilantly from the shadows of some nearby rocks.
He wore grimy leather armor and a cheap-looking steel helmet. At his hip
dangled a sword of a strange length, and a small shield was on his arm. This shabby-looking warrior was Goblin Slayer.
Rimuru: Quite unsual today.
Slayer : yes.
All Goblin Slayer had done so far was subdue the guards, and he and Rimuru was already up to ten goblins.
That was not to say, however, that they had hurt their opponents very much.
It had been more than two weeks since the goblins had taken over the mine,
which was this village's only source of resources.
Who knew how many more might be hiding beyond the jaws of this tunnel
entrance?
Some local women had been kidnapped. It hadn't been long enough for any
potential offspring to provide reinforcements. But hostages meant fewer options were open to them.
And because the villagers would need to use this mine in the future, ploys involving poison gas or flooding were no good, either.
Presumably, the remainder number fewer than ten. As he considered, his
hands nimbly set another stone in his sling.
He stood by a pile of excavated earth, where there was no fear of running out
of ammunition.
With close attention to the battlefield, it was possible to use a sling for an
entire fight.
Priestess: Wh-what do you think, Goblin Slayer, sir?"
Beside him stood a youthful maiden tightly grasping a sounding staff with
both hands. She was slight and willowy, dressed in plain but pure white vestments. It was Priestess.
Goblin Slayer answered without looking at her.
Slayer : By 'what,' you mean...?"
Priestess: I mean, um, how does it look to you? What do we do?"
Slayer : That is his job
Slayer pointing to Rimuru
Rimuru :dumping the job already, Slayer?! I don't have plans yet."
Rimuru Grumbled as he fired an arrow through the air.
Goblin : GOORB?!"
It split another goblin's skull, one that had ventured out to investigate the
guard bodies.
Rimuru : Twelve."
The goblin fell prone and rolled into the tunnel. Rimuru counted off
softly.
It was simple, drawing like to like.
Not that goblins "liked" each other in any meaningful sense. Most likely the
one that had come out had simply drawn the short straw and been forced to go look.
But the principle was the same: use dead or wounded foes as bait to draw out other enemies, then kill them.
That was how he'd reached seven total kills so far while five from Goblin Slayer. Rimuru reloaded his Compound Bow in a business like manner.
Rimuru : But in any case, this is a problem."
Priestess: Meaning...?"
Slayer : They have equipment."
Since Rimuru was busy, Goblin Slayer is the one answered the Priestess Questions.
Priestess : ......Oh."
Now that he'd mentioned it, she could see it, too. Crude though they may have been, the dead goblins all wore armor and carried weapons. A sword, a pickax, a club, a hand spear, a dagger.
Some of goblin construction, some simply stolen.
Priestess: Didn't they say three young women had been kidnapped?"
Priestess asked, unease clear on her face.
Priestess: We have to hurry..."
Still, she made no move to rush
in herself. It had been more than six months since she'd become an adventurer.
More than six months since she had narrowly escaped death on that first
quest. Months in which she had gone on to face death in battle many times.
She was still just Obsidian, the ninth rank, but in many ways she was no
longer an amateur. When she heard goblins had kidnapped some village women, she no longer panicked.
Or perhaps she had simply grown numb...?
Anxiety, born of her ever-growing experience, spread through her small
chest. All the more reason she closed her eyes and clung to her staff, praying to the all-compassionate Earth Mother. She prayed the dead goblins would reach postmortem bliss, and that the captured women would be safely rescued.
Rimuru : It took too long for the request to reach us... Hey."
Rimuru and Goblin Slayer waited
quietly for her to finish her prayers, then spoke up.
Rimuru : Can you search their corpses?"
Priestess: Huh?"
She raised her head in surprise, but her eyes met only his expressionless face.
Rimuru : it's seem this guy want to collect their equipment."
Rimuru said pointing his finger at Goblin Slayer.
Priestess: Oh, um..."
Priestess wasn't able to answer immediately, glancing back and
forth between corpses and Rimuru face, it's seem Rimuru did change a little after the Water town., But this?, It was not that she was afraid, or that the bodies were impure.
Goblins or no, corpses were still corpses.
She wouldn't condemn whatever action he chose to take-but could she, a
member of the clergy, desecrate those bodies?
Rimuru : If you can't do it, then back her up Slayer."
Priestess: Oh, yes, sir."
Priestess nodded, at Rimuru offer.
Priestess: If possible, I'd rather..."
Goblin Slayer had nodded in acknowledgment, he immediately set off running.
Still in the same spot, Priestess heaved a sigh. She kept thinking she was used
to this, but somehow she never was.
Sweat beaded on her forehead despite the increasingly chilly wind. She was
incredibly alert. She wished their usual companions were with them-especially
the elf.
While they were all technically a party, they didn't always adventure together. That was how things had turned out today. Still...
Priestess: Sigh..."
Priestess found herself letting out yet another groan. She had too many things to think about, too many things to do.
But Goblin Slayer and Rimuru is still fixated on goblins...
Discussing things wouldn't always be fruitful, of course, but with them you
could hardly even get that far.
Priestess: O-oops, need to concentrate...!"
She came back to herself suddenly, giving a quick shake of her head.
This was no time to be getting distracted She held her staff under her arm, preparing. She took a deep breath.
Slayer : Are... Are you all right?"
Priestess: Yes."
The faint but firm answer drifted back to her. Goblin Slayer approached the corpses with his usual agile yet unconcerned gait.
Slayer : Hmm... Just as I thought," he murmured.
Rimuru: looks like there's no time to look around here."
Slayer had no use for their armor or helmets. He looted a sword, scabbard and all, from one goblin's hip, drew another's dagger, and collected the pickaxe from a third. Pilfered equipment in hand, he headed straight back the way he had come.
Goblins : GORB! GRROOORB!!"
Rimu: Slayer! They're here...!"
Goblin Slayer drove on while Rimuru Quickly Draw a Arrow on his Quiver and Fire it in using his bow.
Immediately behind Goblin Slayer, a goblin and its reeking breath scrambled out of the mine entrance.
The adventurers weren't the only ones who could use the goblins as bait. The
surviving monsters probably thought they had used their companions' bodies to draw the human out.
But Rimuru arrow hit the goblin on the shoulder, and he let out a great
screech.
Slayer : Thank you."
Far be it from Goblin Slayer to let such an opportunity go to waste.
With a speed belied by his full armor, he flung something over his shoulder
with his right hand.
It was the sword from his waist.
Goblin : GBBR?!"
It pierced the throat of the goblin with a dull thock. Goblin Slayer hadn't even
turned around to throw it. The sword he'd stolen was already in his hand by the time the creature's back hit the cavern floor.
Slayer : Thirteen. Others?"
Goblin Slayer dove among the shadows of the rocks, tossing his prizes onto
the ground.
Priestess: As far as I can see,"
Priestess said, surveying the entrance to the tunnel,
Priestess: none."
Slayer : All right."
He quickly focused on sorting through the stolen weapons. He attached the empty scabbard to his belt, using it to re sheathe the sword he held. The dagger, too, went by his waist.
Treating the goblins as an armory was his classic strategy.
Rimuru: We're moving."
Priestess: What? Moving?"
Now re-equipped, Rimuru stood.
Priestess, still crouching, blinked up at him in bewilderment.
Rimuru: I thought this mine only had one entrance."
Slayer : It did. Until two weeks ago."
Goblin Slayer hefted the pickax and thrust it out at the Priestess.
Priestess: Eek!"
The casual motion was easy to mistake for an attack. Priestess glared reproachfully at the helmet.
Priestess: Goblin Slayer, sir! B-be careful with that!"
Slayer : Look."
Priestess: What are we looking at...?"
Puzzled, she obediently leaned toward the pickax, studying it intently.
It was well used, old and dirty, probably left in the mine. Its edges had been
dulled from relentless use. They bore dark crimson stains...and particles of
earth.
Priestess : ...?"
Priestess probed the soil with her white fingertip. It was still moist-brand-
new.
Rimuru: I see this this mean...?"
Slayer : Yes."
Goblin Slayer nodded and rested the pickax on his shoulder. He was well aware that goblins had no knowledge of metallurgy.
They didn't dig holes to find resources-at least, not yet. This could mean only one thing.
Rimuru: so if I were them i would dig a side tunnel and plan a sneak attack."
Rimuru said, earning a nod from Goblin Slayer
§
He turned out to be exactly right.
Goblin Slayer set off to the formerly undisturbed side of the mountain.
But now, they found a new tunnel there-along with goblins, crawling out of the hole like worms.
All of them were filthy with mud, tired, and clearly weary... In other words,
a perfect opportunity.
Goblin: GUAAUA?!"
Rimuru: fourteen."
Rimuru calmly fired his arrow, claiming his next life. The arrow was Very sharp that it shatter the creature's sternum
and pierce its heart.
At the sight of their fallen companion, the other goblins started a terrible
racket.
And who could blame them? This was to be expected. These fellows had gone on raids in what was their equivalent of nighttime, and then they had been forced to dig this ambush tunnel.
They were unable to sleep, lousy with fatigue, and the higher-ranking goblins
were cracking the whip behind them. They had been told their reward would be a young priestess girl-but they figured by the time their turn came around, they would not find her much different from any other prisoner.
Naturally, all this sapped their morale.
Rimuru preferred "twilight," but "midnight" would work, too. Otherwise, what was the point of this tactic?
He quickly took stock of the goblins, thrown into confusion by his ambush.
Rimuru: One spear, one pickaxe, two clubs, no bows, no spell-casters."
And just three adventurers.
Rimuru: Let's go,"
he said.
Priestess: Y-yes, sir!"
Nodding, Priestess followed them as best she could. They had never and would never be so foolish as to throw away the initiative he gained through a sneak attack.
Rimuru and Goblins Slayer flew like an arrow at the foe while Priestess's staff was raised high.
Priestess: O Earth Mother, abounding in mercy, by the power of the land grant safety to we who are weak!"
An invisible field gave him additional protection beyond his shield, repelling
the spears of the goblins finally collecting themselves. This was the miracle of Protection.
Goblins: GRRORG?!"
Slayer : Sixteen... Seventeen."
Goblin Slayer had never stopped moving. His sword flashed as he eliminated the hand spear goblin, then sliced open the pickax owner's throat.
Rimuru coordinated with Goblin Slayer without so much as a word between
them. This was the result of half a year together.
The Priestess was Gripping her staff in one hand, she readied her sling in her with the other.
Goblin : GOORB?!"
The spear split in half against the force field, and the goblin, now weaponless, soon found a sword in its skull.
Goblin Slayer didn't so much as spare a glance as the creature collapsed, its
brains staining the blade, but with a kick he flipped the pickax up into his hand.
He didn't like two-handed weapons, but at least his shield was strapped to his
arm. He wouldn't have any trouble swinging.
Slayer : Next."
Goblins were feeble monsters, the weakest of the weak-nothing to fear.
They boasted the size and cruel intelligence of children, perhaps the most common monster in the entire world. Yes...indeed.
Fighting a few of them outdoors, Goblin Slayer could see where someone
might believe that reputation. It was no wonder that many a village tough tried
their hand at adventuring after chasing a few of the little creatures out of their
village.
A goblin came at him with an awkward swipe of its club, and Goblin Slayer
caught both its arms, then its heart, with his pickaxe. Filthy blood hissed from the wound.
Goblin: GOOROROROGB?!"
Slayer : Eighteen ."
He didn't even bother to spend time pulling the pick back out. He simply let
it drop with the corpse. As he turned toward the last goblin, a stone whizzed past.
Goblin: GBBOR?!"
The goblin yelped stupidly as the rock collided into its cheek with a dull
thump. The creature slumped down. Goblin Slayer jumped on it without hesitation and thrust his dagger into its heart.
Slayer : Nineteen."
He gave a violent twist of the blade to be sure, then held down the goblin
until it stopped twitching.
Finally, he exhaled.
Whatever advantages one might have, there was no time to relax when
outnumbered. But at last, there was a lull.
Priestess: Um, Goblin Slayer, sir?"
Priestess pattered up to him, fishing in her bag for a waterskin.
Priestess: Want something to drink?"
Slayer : I do."
Rimuru: Yeah me too.
Rimuru said as he fire another arrow at the seemingly random direction, but a second later a Goblin fell, with a arrow directly hitting it's head.
Rimuru: Twenty.
Priestess: Here you go."
Slayer casually took the leather bag, made from a farm animal's stomach. He
removed the cap and chugged through his open visor.
Their long acquaintance had led Priestess to fill the skin with a dilute grape wine.
Rimuru : we have to make sure we get enough to drink."
Rimuru said, as he chugged his canteen water.
Slayer : True."
As far as the Priestess could tell, they were maintaining a good physical condition-in their own way. Still, it only seemed to be the absolute minimum.
I guess it would be strange to say she's trying to take care both of them...
Though she certainly believed he was someone worth taking care of. Glug, glug. As they drank, she thought to herself.
Slayer : That was a good shot,"
he muttered. As Goblin Slayer look at Rimuru Bow.
Rimuru: : Oh....I have been practicing since I just figured out that the Elf was not coming with us."
Rimuru: so it was best to bring a bow to have range support.
Rimuru said
Slayer : I See.
Rimuru: you also did well.
Rimuru said as he look at the Priestess.
Priestess: Thank you.
The Priestess was not also just in stand by, she was teached by Rimuru how to use a sling.
She made a fist near her little chest and nodded firmly. Not that she took any pride in learning deadly arts. But in a certain sense, she was doing it to help people-so perhaps it could be considered one of her trials.
If she were completely helpless in the face of danger, she would only be a
burden to her companions. She had begun learning the sling simply to protect herself, but the weapon had proved remarkably Rimuru finished his single-minded drinking and replaced the cap.
Rimuru : Good job."
...Oh!
He tossed the words off casually, but they made her heart swell.
Her cheeks, her whole face, were suddenly hot.
He...just praised me, didn't he?
She could hardly ask him to repeat it, as unusual as it was.
But Rimuru and Goblin Slayer kept talking as though nothing strange had happened.
Rimuru: We've seriously reduced their numbers. There are probably just two or three left, including the hob."
Priestess: A... A hob...?"
Priestess's voice weakened, not pleased with this scenario.
Slayer : I see, we haven't seen any totems, "
Goblin Slayer said with an easy nod, while Rimuru was calmly holding out the waterskin to her.
Rimuru : Here, drink."
Priestess: Huh? Oh..."
Priestess accepted it with a certain hesitancy. She touched her lips
thoughtfully with a slim, pale index finger.
Priestess: R-right..."
Rimuru ignored her reluctance to put her lips to the waterskin.
Goblin Slayer used the tattered rags of a nearby goblin to wipe the fat from his dagger, then returned it to his hip. Next was his sword, still buried in its victim.
He braced against the corpse and extracted the blade, checking the edge andcleaning off the grime before sheathing it.
He confirmed his pack's contents, the state of his equipment, and finally
nodded.
Rimuru : Are you ready?"
Priestess: Oh-yes, sir."
Rimuru: Then we're going in."
A hobgoblin. Two bodyguards. Twenty-Three monsters altogether.
What became of them was not hard to imagine. Amazingly, there was some small light to be found among such darkness-all the women were safe.
But how should they go about finding happiness again after being violated by
goblins? Priestess could not imagine.
§
Elf : He doesn't use enough words! At all! Ever!"
High Elf Archer pounded the table
with her mug.
Elf : I see. Is that right? That's right. Goblins, goblins, goblins- That's it , his sounding more like Orcbolg!"
Her ears bounced up and down, mirroring her sloshing cup of wine.
Her face, normally almost translucent, was bright red while her eyes began to
roll. It was an unbecoming state for a high elf-that is to say, she was drunk.
Night had fallen. Though located in a frontier town, the tavern at the
Adventurers Guild was well attended.
Most of the customers had either just finished a job or were preparing to go
out on one, and passionate shouts to eulogize the fallen or hearten the wounded punctuated the din.
Given all this, High Elf Archer and the angry steam rising from her ears
hardly merited attention. But whether the mood of the bar and her inebriation
went well together was another question.
Lancer-by then a familiar face-took a swig of ale from his huge mug and said.
Lancer : You're upset about this now? How long have you known him?"
Elf: When I ask him if he has plans, I don't really care if he says, 'Goblins.'"
She wasn't bothered. High Elf Archer nodded to someone-though nobody was actually there.
Elf : He's Rimuru-kun, right? I'm happy to overlook that. But!"
She pounded her mug again, sloshing the wine to leave a red stain on her chest.
Elf : That is not the answer I expect when I ask for a little help!"
Lancer : In other words,"
Lancer said, dragging a bowl of nuts away from High Elf Archer.
Lancer : he dumped you."
Elf : He did not! he even praised me!"
She slammed her mug down, though this time she put her whole body into it
and heaved a veritable tidal wave of wine from the cup. Lancer ducked to
avoid the flying froth.
High Elf Archer pursed her lips and made a sound of displeasure, perhaps
regretting the waste.
Elf : That's the problem with you humans. You're so good at making everything about one thing!"
Dwarf : But he did turn you down for your little adventure, didn't he, lass?"
Elf : Quiet, dwarf!"
She swung the cup at him. But thanks to his minimal height, she connected
with only air Perhaps because her aim was bad, despite being both an elf and an archer-or perhaps because she was roaring drunk.
Dwarf Shaman was as red-faced as always. Stroking his white beard, he said with immense seriousness,
Dwarf : If y'ask me, I'd say you ought to be offering him help."
Elf : If I'm always doing that, he'll start thinking I want to help him."
Dwarf : And don't you?"
Elf : No!"
She sat sulkily and muttered to herself.
Elf : Goblin this, goblin that. Get your clothes dirty! Don't try anything stupid!
Every single time..."
Dwarf Shaman merely shook his head at the tantrum.
Dwarf : Never seen someone get so drunk on a single cup of wine. At least she's easy on the coin purse."
Lizardman: Is it not best to relax from time to time?"
The last remark came from Lizard Priest, who was happily taking bites out of an entire round of cheese. The sight robbed him of the gravitas that usually
accompanied a lizard clergyman.
Lizardman: Nectar! Sweet nectar! If all the world had a bed and a meal as fine as this, there would be no more wars."
Dwarf : That and wine, perhaps. And then we would fight over what to eat with it."
Lizardman: Nothing is ever easy in the material world."
Lizard Priest seemed to mull over his words, his eyes wandering the tavern.
Lizardman: For once, Mr Rimuru and Milord Goblin Slayer has gone out with our dear priestess. Perhaps some feel threatened by this."
Witch : There are, many, rivals, yes?"
said a voluptuous woman elegantly savoring her wine-Witch wore a faint wisp of a smile.
She filched a bit of food from Lancer's plate while her eyes turned
meaningfully to her neighbor.
Guild Girl : I'm sure I don't know what you're talking about,"
Guild Girl said with a chuckle.She was still in her uniform, though her workday was over. Perhaps she had
simply stopped by the tavern before heading home. Her cheeks were flushed
from drink.
Witch : My, how...easygoing."
Guild Girl : No, not exactly."
Guild Girl played with the cup in her hands, hoping to distract them a little. As she spun it gently, miniature waves lapped up in the wine.
Guild Girl: I'm just...waiting for my chance."
Witch : Waiting...for almost a year, no?"
There was nothing Guild Girl could say. She just took a sip from her cup with
an unreadable expression.
When she had been assigned to the Guild branch in this town, he was one of
the adventurers placed in her charge.
How could she help but notice him as he quietly went about doing what
needed to be done?
She saw him off when he left, then waited for his return. There was nothing dramatic about it, to be sure, but- People's feelings and affections built up in this kind of day-to-day as well.
Though in that sense, I can understand this man's approach, too. She glanced at Lancer, who Witch interrupted every time he tried to say something. Even Guild Girl could tell he was clearly trying to hit on her.
He was rather handsome, outgoing, and kind to women. The one flaw in the
diamond was his tendency to flirt.
He was intelligent, strong, kindhearted, and cheerful. He made good money,
and while he could be rough around the edges, he was never unbearable.
Objectively speaking, he seemed like a decent man. Guild Girl didn't specifically dislike Lancer. Barring the times when he used to make fun of
Rimuru.
But, well, she didn't fall in love with every halfway decent man she saw. Nor
was she obliged to respond in kind simply because someone else had become infatuated with her.
Guild Girl : Hmm."
But perhaps, she thought, this made her a rival in love. It is often said that the friendship of women is fickle, but Guild Girl wasn't so sure.
Lancer party member, Witch, sat without her characteristic hat but with
an inscrutable smile.
Witch: It, is most, demanding."
Guild Girl : For both of us."
The two women exchanged wry smiles, then amicably nodded at each other.
The man didn't seem to notice.
Lancer : It seems like there have been an awful lot of demon-related quests lately, given that the Demon God was supposed to have been defeated."
Lancer took a swig of his ale, perhaps finally brought to heel by Witch.
Lancer : What's going on?"
Maybe she could talk to him about this. Guild Girl felt a little bad for him,
and adventuring was a safe topic.
Guild Girl : My superiors seem to think maybe our heroes missed some of the bad guys."
Lancer : I guess just doing in the enemy higher-ups doesn't mean everyone can come right back home."
Lancer grabbed a nut and popped it into his mouth, chewing noisily.
Lancer : Demons are bad news."
Lizardman: They can disguise themselves as humans, among their other stratagems. They do not make for easy work."
Lizard Priest nodded deeply at Lancer, putting his palms together in a strange gesture.
Lizardman: I was most grateful for your
help in this instance."
Lancer : Don't mention it! There was a quest out, and I took it."
He waved away Lizard Priest's gratitude.
Lizardman: And when your adventure doubles as a date, that ain't bad, either."
As Lizard Priest had said, this time the five of them had dealt with a demon
in human form. The quest itself had been terribly mundane: investigate a new cult that had spread through a town.
The small town still boasted a temple of the Supreme God-but it seemed
they had lost their sacred implement. The quest involved getting it back. When the question of whether goblins were involved came up, however, the answer was a firm no. It was not a goblin-slaying quest.
Rimuru: I will go goblin slaying, then,"
said Rimuru, while Goblin Slayer, and Priestess followed after him while the Priestess had a small"Sorry" and a bow of her head.
Elf : Fine, we'll handle it ourselves!"
High Elf Archer had exclaimed, but even she knew they would be less prepared for combat without them.
Just as they were deciding how to address this issue, Lancer called out to them.
It was perfect. The five of them formed a temporary party and set about their
investigation... Naturally, they found ample evidence of kidnappings, drug running, theft, and extortion.
By the time they found the stolen implement, a blue diamond cut to look like an eye, they knew full well what was going on.
Finding the cult's headquarters, where they practiced their bizarre rituals, and
capturing their leader was only a matter of time.
Ringleader: UUUUUUU...! AKAATERRRAAAABBBBB!!!"
In the light of the diamond, the cult's second-in-command revealed himself to
be the real ringleader-a demon. Of course. And finally, the demon shed its disguise and engaged the adventurers in an epic battle.
Elf : As you'll recall, it was my arrows that struck the final blow."
Guild girl : Yes, we know. It's all clearly written in the report."
Guild Girl noted High Elf Archer's testimony in her paperwork. Now the markswoman was dramatically illustrating the battle with wild gestures.
Guild Girl never tired of watching her. The elf was easily 2,000 years older
than her, yet felt like a little sister.
Guild Girl : Maybe you've had enough..."
Elf : It's okay. I'm fine! It's just one cup of grape wine. Easy peasy!"
High Elf Archer was completely soused and clearly not "fine." Well, everyone needs to experience a good hangover once in their lives.
Guild Girl wore a dry smile and resolved to help the elf get upstairs once the alcohol wore off, then took another glassful herself. She tilted it back delicately, enjoying the sensation of the wine on her tongue. She thought back to Witch's words from a few minutes earlier.
Many rivals.
Compared to the priestess, who could go with him on adventures, it was true
that Guild Girl was at a disadvantage because all she could do was wait.
What disadvantage? Don't be silly.
Around here, even a receptionist could take the offensive.
Yet somehow, she was a tiny bit scared of taking that step... She was surprised how much she enjoyed their relationship as Guild employee and adventurer. But if it were to stop there...?
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Witch chiding Lancer as he tried to
call,
Lancer : Are you troubled, miss?"
Guild Girl found herself breathing a small sigh. And at that moment...
Elf :-?"
The swinging door to the building creaked open. Then came the sound of casual, indiscreet footsteps.
High Elf Archer's ears perked up, like a hunter catching the sound of a rabbit.
Then they saw him: an adventurer in ridiculously full black outfit that it caused a stir even among the Silver ranks-. An adventurer whose unique outfit was known to one and all at the Guild.
The Black Swordman.
Rimuru : I'll take care of the paperwork. You should take a rest, you have done well today."
He instruction was directed at the priestess following behind him.
She hardly seemed able to bear her fatigue. Her head bobbed up and down,
eyelids half closed.
A priest's spells were called miracles because, exactly as the name implied,
the caster made a direct supplication to the gods in heaven. The effort this
demanded was no less than a frontline warrior's, and it had taken a serious toll
on this willowy young woman.
Priestess : ...Yeess, sir... Um..."
Rimuru: What is it?"
Priestess: G'd night... Rimuru, sir..."
Rimuru: you too, and take care yourself sometime,you don't need to push yourself"
She nodded heavily at Rimuru's words and weaved her way up the stairs.
He waited for her to safely reach the second floor on her unsteady feet before
setting off.
Goblin Slayer have seems left of earlier to meet up with his childhood friend at the farm. But the others could hardly just watch him walk up to the front desk.
Elf : Hey, Rimuru-kun, over here!"
High Elf Archer called out at the top of her lungs after she recognized her distinctive companion through the haze of alcohol.
She stood up and waved her wine cup madly at him, splashing its contents into
Lancer snack.
He wearily chewed on a wine-soaked nut, earning Witch's giggle.
Rimuru came over to the table and took in the scene.
Rimuru: What do you need?"
Dwarf Shaman and Lizard Priest shared a glance and shrugged. They weren't sure whether or not they found it comforting that Rimuru was exactly the same immediately after an adventure as he was at any other time.
Elf : You know perfectly well what!"
High Elf Archer, however, did not seem
pleased. She smacked the table repeatedly and glared up at him.
Elf : When you get back from an adventure, you ought to at least say hello!"
Rimuru: Is that really that important?"
Elf : It is!"
High Elf Archer snorted. Guild Girl smiled at her, then slid aside. She
gestured Rimuru to sit down, which he obligingly did. She turned her
smile to him and said,
Guild Girl: Welcome back, Rimuru-san. How did it go?"
Rimuru: I'm here to make my report,"
he said, then cocked his head.
Rimuru : Is your shift not over?"
Guild Girl : Oh, come on,"
Guild Girl said, pursing her lips with a touch of annoyance.
Guild Girl: I'm always the first to hear about your adventures. Why not tell me?"
Rimuru: Hm."
Rimuru folded his arms and thought. Then he declared,
Rimuru : Well , there were goblins."
Lancer : Wow, who could have guessed?"
Lancer growled. He shrugged his
shoulders and shook his head as if to say, This guy doesn't get it.
Lancer: What our dear Guild Girl is asking is, does what you did stack up against what we did?"
Rimuru lapsed into thought again.
Rimuru: We slaughtered Twenty-Three of them."
Lancer knew better than to expect some detailed anecdote about Rimuru's adventure, but even he hung his head in disappointment.
Lancer : Come on,Mr.Blacky. Throw us a bone, here!"
Witch squinted absentmindedly and put her glass to her lips.
Witch : Perhaps, there's no bone, to throw..."
Dwarf : When the Boy been about, I suppose there wouldn't be."
Lizardman: We do speak of Mr.Rimuru. He has his quirks."
Rimuru: They had equipment."
Dwarf Shaman and Lizard Priest nodded knowingly at each other, but Rimuru shook his head.
Rimuru: we saved the kidnapped women and they were all safe."
Guild Girl : Really?"
Guild Girl blinked.
Guild Girl: That's wonderful, but...quite unusual."
She had been working here for five years, and she rarely heard of such a
thing. Though she lacked actual experience adventuring, she had heard more about it than anyone else. Certainly more to do with goblins. Sometimes the information came before the women were kidnapped, sometimes immediately after. Sometimes two weeks after.
Guild Girl : Were they being kept for food...? Or did someone in command want them as hostages?"
Rimuru : No."
He shook his head while looking down.
Rimuru: They were injured, and terrified,."
Guild Girl : This was in a mine, wasn't it?"
Rimuru: Yeah, but targeting a mine was strange enough."
Guild Girl: Meaning they weren't after food. Hmm..."
Guild Girl demonstrated how she was among the few who could follow
Rimuru's conversation. She tapped a finger against her lips as she digested
the bits of information he shared.
She hardly even noticed Spearman exclaiming,
Guild Girl: Maybe I should just study up
on goblins, then!"
In cases involving goblins, the creatures would abduct young women eight or
nine times out of ten. But this was largely to use them as sexual slaves,
playthings to vent their anger.
The same way most people found goblins repugnant, goblins couldn't abide humans.
Guild Girl knew many examples of brutality that, as a fellow woman, made
her wish she had neither heard nor read about them. One might have expected her to be thrilled at hearing news of the rescue.
Rimuru : ...Hmm. So we really don't know enough to say anything yet..."
Something seemed to bother Guild Girl. She tilted her head, trying to grasp
what it was. Maybe it was the same for Rimuru. He said dispassionately:
Rimuru : That's my preliminary report. I'll file a more detailed one later. Have a look at it."
Guild Girl : Sure. Of course, my shift is over for today, so it'll be first thing tomorrow morning..."
Rimuru: That's fine."
Elf : Not by me, it isn't!"
High Elf Archer broke in.
Laid out on the table, she glared up at Rimuru, struggling to make her
heated glare appropriately threatening.
Elf : ...Who cares about your dumb report? You should greet your friends and companions first! ...I know goblins are more important to you, though,"
she muttered. While Rimuru slowly shook his head.
Rimuru: You already know I'm here. There's no need."
Elf : It doesn't matter. You should do it anyway."
Rimuru: Is that how it is?"
Elf : ...Everyone was worried about you."
This provoked a murmured "...Were they?" from Rimuru.
Rimuru: Sorry, I'll try to change."
Elf : That's good."
High Elf Archer's face melted into a mellow smile, finally content.
Her ears flicked with her bettered mood.
She swore that by the time they reached 2,000 years old an elf was considered an adult, but she certainly didn't act it. Frankly, she might be something of an embarrassment to her high elf ancestors.
At least, that's what Dwarf Shaman was thinking when Guild Girl moved
quietly.
She leaned nonchalantly and put her hand on Rimuru's knee.
The motion was strikingly natural, and she appeared completely serious.
Guild Girl : By the way."
Rimuru: What?"
Guild Girl : The, um, the harvest festival is the day after next."
Rimuru: and?."
Guild Girl breathed in and out with a soft sigh. She put her hand to her chest,
as if trying to physically restrain her pounding heart.
Guild Girl : Do you...have any plans?"
The atmosphere changed instantly.
Even the adventurers chattering and drinking nearby stopped to listen, never
mind the people at their table.
She felt her nerves tighten the way they did upon entering a dungeon. Witch used Silence to prevent Lancer from exclaiming, "I'm free!"
High Elf Archer's eyes were open, but her inebriation allowed her to offer
only a sluggish, incoherent murmur.
And at the center of that indescribable mood, Rimuru spoke.
Rimuru : I will hunt...Go---"
Guild Girl : Ah, I mean...any non-goblin plans?"
Rimuru: ......Hm."
With that single sound, Rimuru lowered his head as if lost in thought.
Or perhaps at a loss for words. Either would have been an unusual sight.
As everyone around them waited with bated breath, only Guild Girl still had
a smile on her face. After a moment, Rimuru said.
Rimuru : ..No, I suppose not."
Guild Girl : You know, I'm taking off the whole afternoon that day."
She seemed to be waiting for some kind of response.
It's now or never!
It was festival season, and she had been planning for this moment. He had
just finished a goblin-slaying quest, and the reward for her unstinting hard work
allowed her to take time off when it really mattered.
There was also the wine. Borrowing strength from the alcohol, she figured
this would be her best chance.
Guild Girl : I... I thought m-maybe you'd like to go...see the festival with me."
Rimuru : ......"
Guild Girl : I-I mean, the festival...it might not be completely safe, right...?"
One of her fingers drew meaningless shapes in her palm. Guild Girl watched
his expression.
The only way she could reach him was to keep talking, though her voice was
increasingly strained thanks to her racing heart. To Guild Girl, every second he was silent felt like-a minute? No, an hour.
Rimuru : .I-I guest?."
Rimuru nodded. His voice might have been shaken , almost a Whisper, but there was no mistaking what he said.
Rimuru: You are always a great help to me, so maybe I could lend some of my time"
Guild Girl : Ah, right-I- Thank you,"
she said with a bow, flinging her braid into the air. Whoops. Do you say "thank you" in this situation?
She was a bit concerned, but it was a small thing, completely overwhelmed
by the joy spreading quickly through her heart.
Guild Girl : Ah-oh, right! Rimuru-san, would you like something to eat?"
Rimuru: No, I'm good."
With a firm shake of his head, Rimuru rose from the bench. As always, he checked his sword, clothing, and gloves with a practiced eye, then nodded.
Rimuru : Once I make my report, I'll go back for the day."
Guild Girl : O-oh, I... I see."
Guild Girl felt a strange mix of emotions, disappointed but
also pleased with this very characteristic answer.
Guild Girl : In that case, um..."
Rimuru: The day of the harvest festival, at noon, in the square. Will that do?"
Guild Girl : Yes!"
Rimuru : All right, then, see you there."
Rimuru nodded, then surveyed everyone at the table.
Rimuru: What will all of you do?"
Guild Girl managed to keep her head out of her hands, but her face clearly
betrayed her sentiments. She should have seen this coming.
Lizard Priest and Dwarf Shaman felt the same way. They merely shrugged
and decided to do what they could to help.
Lizardman: It is my intention to spend that day enjoying a meal with Master Spell Caster."
Dwarf : Ah, yes! I've always wanted to drink Scaly under the table once. This will be a good chance."
Dwarf Shaman pounded himself on the belly, then rubbed High Elf Archer's
back.
Dwarf : Come with us, Long-Ears. No matter what they say, elves and dwarves
belong together!"
Elf : Bwah?"
A noise of disagreement left her mouth. It was the sort of formless sound a child made to protest getting out of bed.
Dwarf : Ah, come now-I'll treat you to a cup of wine!"
Elf : ...Okay."
Rimuru: hmm...that's fine."
Rimuru accepted their answer with his usual coolness, then made to leave.
Lancer opened his mouth as if to say something, but Witch interrupted.
Witch : The two of us have a date."
Rimuru : I'll be going, then."
Not so much as a word of farewell. As always. He headed for the front desk and flagged down the nearest employee to make his report, then went outside.
His bold stride contained no hint of hesitation, as always.
He was a somewhat strange adventurer.
The group watched him go, unable to say anything.
Lizardman : Gracious me,"
Lizard Priest said, letting out an admiring breath.
Lizardman : A most impressive strike."
Guild Girl: Heh... Ah-ha-ha... I'm just glad it went well."
Guild Girl blushed shyly and
played with her braid.
Witch : Indeed."
Witch smiled, giving ashen-faced Lancer a little pat.
Witch : You, tried hard, too."
Dwarf Shaman let out an exasperated breath.
Dwarf : Anvil-chest here could learn a
thing or two from you."
Elf : Aw, shut yer yap."
High Elf Archer turned, slowly and cumbersomely, to glare at the dwarf.
Elf : even I have asked him. That moron won't even come with me!"
Dwarf : Yes, lass, you've failed quite miserably."
Elf : Wa...Waaaah!"
Dwarf : Ah, come now. Here, have a drink."
He poured a copious amount of wine into her cup. She spared him a quick
glare before putting the cup to her mouth with a little nod.
Guild Girl, watching all this, knitted her brow apologetically.
Guild Girl Um, I... I'm sorry..."
Elf : Pfft...its okay, just this time ill let you have him .
High Elf Archer took dainty sips of her drink, watching Guild Girl.
Elf : Hey,"she said.
Guild Girl : Yes?"
Elf : That was a good line: 'Any non-goblin plans?' Can I use it?"
§
When Rimuru left the Guild, a sweet aroma enveloped him.
Now what could this scent be...? Even as he was wondering, a gust of cool breeze carried the smell away.
As the sun set, the day's warmth receded as though it had never been.
The night approached. He stared up at a cold sky dotted with stars.
The twin moons, full with the promise of a rich harvest, gleamed with a light
that was somehow metallic, inorganic.
Rimuru: Hm."
It was autumn already.
But it meant very little to him.
After the harvest, goblin raids on villages would probably increase.
There was a style of fighting appropriate for spring-as well as one for
summer, for winter, and, yes, for autumn.
He scanned the silent streets.
The banners and streamers hanging in anticipation of the festival, along with
the wooden towers, cast a complex network of shadows on the ground.
Rimuru weaved between them as he walked.
These were streets he knew well, but each time he passed a shadow, he
reflexively made a fist.
Perhaps there was nothing skulking in the darkness. But goblins could appear
at any time and any place.
Not all preparations were helpful, but one could never be too prepared.
This was one of Rimuru most cherished principles.
??? : Oh, hey !"
Thus he could take the unexpected, but familiar, voice in stride.
The bright, friendly greeting didn't quite match the night-though perhaps he
needed the light.
Rimuru : Oh?,"
Rimuru said.
Rimuru: need something?"
It was, of course, the Female Paladin.
Female Paladin : Heh-heh!"
With a smile on her face and a bounce in her chest, she pattered quickly toward him.
Female Paladin: I wish I could say I did. I just happened to see you."
Rimuru: Is that so?"
Female Paladin: Yeah, it is."
She nodded firmly. While Rimuru walked with her intently.
Rimuru : Quest?"
Female Paladin: Uh-uh."
Female Paladin shook her head.
Female Paladin : Just walking around taking a break."
Rimuru: Is that so?"
he said again, nodding.
The sun was absent and the town dark, leaving the two alone in the blackness. The street outside the town gate was even more lonely and dark.
Female Paladin : ...Shall we go home?"
Rimuru: Yeah, let's go."
They set off, falling into step beside each other. They followed their own shadows stretching out along the flagstones and
silently headed home, it's seem both Female Paladin and Rimuru are neighbors.
Not in a hurry, but not taking their time.
The lack of conversation didn't bother them. Sometimes it was quite nice.
Rimuru: Ah..."
With a whoosh, the cool wind blew again and brought that pleasant fragrance with it.
Rimuru couldn't quite seem to remember what it reminded him of.
A single flower petal danced through the air, accompanying the breeze and
smell. Rimuru looked up. He saw a tree blanketed in golden flowers.
Female Paladin :Oh, it's fragrant olive."
Female Paladin followed his gaze upward and used her hand to shield her eyes from the brightness of the leaves.
Female Paladin: It's blooming already. guess this is the season."
It had been a flower's aroma.
Rimuru: So it is,"
murmured Rimuru, now that he knew where the odor was coming from.
It was strange how the frame of pale yellow flowers made even the cold
moons seem warm.
As he started walking away, he suddenly felt a soft sensation surround his left
hand.
Rimuru had clasped his gloved hand in hers. She was blushing just enough to be visible, her eyes averted ever so slightly.
I mean... It could be dangerous, to walk while you're looking up like that.
It's... It's dark."
Rimuru : ....."
Female Paladin: I'm sorry. Did I...?"
She glanced at his face, trying to decide how to take his silence. After a moment Rimuru, he now have a smile on his face, but slowly shook his head.
Rimuru : No."
Female Paladin: Hee-hee."
And Female Paladin set off, pulling Rimuru behind her.
He could feel her warmth through her armor. Holding on to that sensation, he
trailed behind her.
She glanced at him out of the corner of her eye.
Female Paladin: By the way..."
Rimuru : What?"
Female Paladin: Do you know what the fragrant olive symbolizes in flower language?"
Rimuru: Flower language?"
Rimuru repeated, as if he'd never heard the expression before.
Rimuru: No, I don't."
Female Paladin: Well, I think you should find out, then."
She sounded very much like a child trying to emulate an adult.
Female Paladin chuckled and smiled knowingly, wagging her index finger slightly.
Female Paladin: To me, I think it suits you."
Rimuru : If that's true.. then I'll keep it in mind."
Rimuru nodded, and Female Paladin responded in kind with a "Mm" of
affirmation. Should I bring it up?
Female Paladin had managed to break the ice. Despite he had a expressionless face, he wasn't that hard to read. Still, he could be surprisingly stubborn, so she would have to use her head.
Female Paladin : ...The festival's coming up-it's already the day after tomorrow."
Rimuru : Yes, it is."
He nodded assiduously.
Rimuru : I was invited to a date, myself."
Female Paladin : Gwah?!"
A strange cry escaped her.
Rimuru : What's wrong?"
Female Paladin : No, I-uh, I mean- Who invited you? And what did you say?"
Rimuru : The receptionist from the Guild. I believe you know her."
Female Paladin nodded.
Guild Girl. Stylish, capable, and thoughtful. A mature young woman.
Rimuru : I had no reason to turn her down. I asked everyone else even Goblin Slayer if they wanted to come along, but it seems they all have plans."
Female Paladin suddenly stopped walking.
Rimuru : ..What's wrong?"
Female Paladin: Ah... Ahh-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!"
With her free hand she played with her hair to distract him. Gah. She beat me to it... Whether or not he understood what she was thinking, Rimuru repeated calling her out,
Rimuru: What?"
Female Paladin : ...Aww, it's nothing."
Female Paladin shook her head slowly.
It's... It's not that big a deal. Is it?
So she hadn't gotten what she wanted.
She wasn't sure she ought to give voice to her thought now, but it was only
words, right?
Female Paladin: I just... I was hoping to see the festival with you, too. That's all."
Rimuru : Were you?"
Female Paladin : Yeah."
She nodded, then they fell silent again.
Before they knew it, the flagstones had given way to a dirt road, and they
walked out through the great main gate.
In the spring, this hill filled with daisies. It was where the adventurers had
done battle with the goblins. Now, with winter approaching, all that remained
was the grazing grass and their own crunching footsteps.
When he listened closely, he could hear the faint liii, liii of some insect, and
his friend's breathing beside him.
It had grown colder, but not so much that their breath fogged.
Female Paladin : ...Hey."
Rimuru: What?"
Female Paladin: What time's your date?"
Rimuru: Noon."
The house's twinkling lights were appearing in the distance.
Rimuru kept his eyes-forward as he answered quietly.
Female Paladin: Oh,"
Female Paladin whispered, drawing her trembling hand to her chest.
Female Paladin : Then... Could I ask for your morning?"
Rimuru : Sure."
Female Paladin : Wha?"
She had been about to retract such a forward request, and now all she could
do was stare.
The face blended with the darkness so well she could barely tell where the steel ended and the night began.
Just like how she couldn't quite tell whether he was being truthful.
He was easy enough to understand, but-wasn't she projecting her own
desires onto his words?
Female Paladin gulped. She wished her voice wouldn't shake.
Female Paladin: R-really?"
Rimuru: Why should I lie?"
There was no hitch in his voice.
Of course he wasn't the kind of man to tell such a foolish lie. She knew that.
Female Paladin: But it's... You're sure...?"
Rimuru : That is not the question."
He dismissed her anxious inquiry easily.
Rimuru : You asked me to."
Female Paladin: Oh... Then...if you're okay with it?"
Rimuru: I don't mind."
Female Paladin : Thank you!"
Female Paladin could hardly be blamed for her excited whoop after his matter-of- fact response.
She jumped in the air, her generous chest bouncing, and spun around in front of him.
Female Paladin: All right, it's a date! The morning of the festival."
Rimuru : Yes."
Overwhelmed, Rimuru cocked his head in puzzlement.
Rimuru : Does it make you that happy?"
Female Paladin: What a question!"
Female Paladin reminded him of what he should have already known with a huge smile.
Female Paladin : It's been almost ten years since I went to a festival with someone!"
Rimuru: Has it?"
Rimuru had puzzled expression, he was sure that she was on the party with the heavy warrior, but it seems she is the only person who have interest in Festivals
Female Paladin: Sure has."
Rimuru ; ....I see."
Rimuru shook his head with the utmost seriousness.
Rimuru : I didn't realize."
They could just barely catch the scent of boiling cream. Female Paladin had left the cooking when she thought it was about ready, going to meet him under the pretext of an random meeting.
Now both of their house was right in front of them.
Extra Chapter
At the Supreme God Temple
Oh, heavens.
It’s wonderful to see you sleeping well and showing a healthy glow of late.
But I do wish you’d act a little more grown-up.
Your bedding is all messed up...
How old are you? It’s unbecoming.
Oh, don’t pout.
You are hopeless...!
Isn’t revered archbishop a very important position?
You can’t just drop by a festival anytime you like.
And there’s so much to do—cleaning up after the incident with the Evil Sect,
solving those riddles...
What in the world were those explosions near town recently? Two of them,no less!
All that noise, how distracting... What is this world coming to?
This is why we so dearly need the power of the Supreme God. Act grown-up,
for our sakes.
All right, wash your face, comb your hair, put your makeup on. Make
yourself presentable.
Some very important guests are coming today, and we must look our best.
That man whose help you requested recently was certainly devoted to his
work, wasn’t he?
It’s so important to be dedicated to our duties......Ah, there’s that grown-up look.
Hee-hee. Ahh, yes, this is good.
If you have something on your mind, perhaps you could send a letter. I’ll
gladly pen one down for you.
Here, fragrant traditional paper and brand-new ink.
Yes, yes, that’s the spirit. A little fun makes us all the more ready to work.
Now, our guests today are... Well, there are three of them.
You know the ritual taking place during the festival?
It seems they hope you’ll write them a recommendation letter to view the
ritual of the Earth Mother.
...Oh, no! I said, don’t pout! You’ll ruin your makeup...
Gracious me! And to think, this is the famous Sword Maiden!
To be Continued