Goblin Side
Protagonist (King Class)
A human from another world who reincarnated into this world as a goblin. He once lost his mind due to starvation and hunted a monster to satiate it. He is currently revered by the goblins, and has promised to create a kingdom for them as their king. He is under the protection of the Goddess of the Underworld, and after uniting the various races of the forest has invaded the land of the humans, taking the first step in his path to world domination.
Gi Ga Rax (Knight Class)
A spear-wielding goblin who is the first goblin from Gi Village to evolve into a rare class. He is a firm believer of the king and he has sworn fealty to him. He lost his right arm and left leg, but he managed to pick himself back thanks to his indomitable will. He is currently leading other wounded goblins like him to fight for the king. He calls his platoon the imperial guards.’
Gi Gu Verbena (Duke Class)
Former leader of the village that has now become the parent organization of the protagonist’s horde. He was a rare class at the time, but he was still subdued by the protagonist’s powerful howl, and became his subordinate. He specializes in the long sword, but he can use any close combat weapon. His real specialty lies in fighting with others. He conquered the goblins from the southern region and is now leading a force second only to the king’s horde.
Gi Go Amatsuki (Baron Class)
In the face of being killed by the gray wolves or swearing fealty to the protagonist, he chose to swear. His preferred weapon is a curved sword, as it can cut his prey easily. He has received the divine protection of the Sword God, and once ended up pointing his sword to the king due to his influence. Ashamed of his weakness, he left the village. After a long time of wandering, he returned a new man and killed the Holy Knight, Gowen, who he once lost to.
Gi Za Zakuend (Shaman Class)
A mage goblin who lived in a village situated by the roots of a great tree. He became the protagonist’s subordinate after losing to him in a duel. He is a firm believer of the king and has sworn fealty to him. His appearance resembles that of humans. He has received the divine protection of the wind god.
Gi Gi Orudo (Noble Class)
A beast tamer, a goblin who can talk to animals. He came from the same village as Gi Gu, and currently has a triple head as his main beast. His preferred weapon is an axe. He is currently fighting as a part of the detached force responsible for conquering the colonial city.
Gi Ji Arsil (Noble Class)
A goblin who can use the Meld skill, and thus, specializes in reconnaissance. He gets along well with Gi Gi and has fought as a pair with him plenty of times. He used to prefer a long sword, but after specializing in reconnaissance, he has since switched to a dagger. He has learned the Assassinate skill, and is merciless to all who oppose the king.
Gi Zu Ruo (Noble Class)
When he was young, he lost his mind when Gi Ga was deeply wounded during the battle of the orcs. Using the Mad Dog skill, he was able to take down three orcs by himself. He is a powerful goblin, who has received the divine protection of the mad god. At the king’s behest, he went to the northwestern part of the Forest of Darkness to increase their forces. After arriving late to the western capital war, he has since been desperate to achieve something.
Gi Zo (Druid Class)
A water mage from Gi Za’s village. He was tasked to protect the village by the protagonist. He has received the divine protection of the water god. He is no longer among the living due to Gulland.
Gi Da (Rare Class)
A spearman from Gi Ga’s faction. His debut as a warrior was in the battle against the orcs. He possesses the Unreasonably Stubborn skill. He is no longer among the living due to Gulland.
Gi Jii Yubu (Noble Class)
The most brilliant student created by the goblin training, who now leads a regiol. As a commander, he has skills that could be matched with humans, but it seems he’s not ready just yet to take a holy knight on.
Gi De (Rare Class)
A subordinate of Gi Gi. He is also a beast tamer. He evolved into a rare class when he was caught up in the battle the orcs. As an obedient subordinate of Gi Gi, the king expects much from him. (He is currently using a triple boar and a wild dog.) He died to the Wand of Destruction, Bellan.
Gi Do Buruga (Shaman Class)
A wind mage. Also from Gi Za’s village. He has never stood out because of Gi Za, but he has gradually distinguished himself among the goblins. He has the divine protection of the wind god. He leads the druids alongside Gi Za.
Gi Ba (Noble Class)
A skillful goblin who can use the Fierce Arm skill. He has received Verid’s divine protection, and as such, deeply loathes humans. Most of his efforts have been centered against the humans, making him a valuable asset in supporting the frontlines.
Gi Bi (Rare Class)
A water mage. He is expected to be Gi Zo’s successor, but he is still a long way away from that goal. He is a part of Gi Za’s druid platoon.
Gi Bu (Rare Class)
A beast tamer. Gi Ga works him hard everyday. He is now affiliated with Gi Gi’s beast tamer army and is looking after beasts he isn’t familiar with.
Gi Be (Rare Class)
A one-armed goblin. He has received Verid’s divine protection and deeply loathes humans. He is affiliated with Gi Ga’s imperial guards.
Gi Ah (Rare Class)
A goblin who evolved into a rare class during the war with the elves. He possesses the invasion-class skill, One who Encroaches into the Divine Region.
Gi Ii (Rare Class)
A goblin who evolved during the war with the elves. He is an explorer and specializes in moving.
Gi Uu (Druid Class)
A goblin who evolved during the war with the elves. He is a water mage.
Old Goblin (Normal)
An old goblin. He isn’t very useful in combat. Because he was once enslaved by humans through magic, he is good at talking. He is the parent who riced Gi Za.
Ra Gilmi Fishiga (Noble Class)
One of the four tribes of the west. He is an archer of the Ganra tribe.
He went to the Gi Village as a messenger after receiving permission from the tribe. He invited the protagonist to the four tribes. He has been title the First Archer or Gadieta. He is constantly worried over the relationship between the tribe and the king. He is currently fighting as part of the detached force responsible for the colonial city.
Ra Narsa (Rare Class)
One of the four tribes of the west. He is an archer of the Ganra tribe.
She had been chased from her village by the Gaidga goblins when she met the protagonist. She is the current chief of the tribe and has recently started to distinguish herself. She has remained in the tribe’s village, supporting the goblins from the back.
Ru Rou (rare Class)
A young goblin of the Ganra tribe. In the Ganra tribe, the names Ra, Ru, and Re are three most influential. The rest of the goblins have no family name, and are thus, normal goblins. He is currently fighting with Gilmi.
Aluhaliha (Noble Class)
One of the four tribes. He is the chief of the Paradua tribe.
He threw away his pride and worked with the Gaidga to save his people from starvation, but after losing to the protagonist, he and his tribe have since joined him in his quest for world domination. He is the oldest among all the goblins. His black tiger steed is named Jirouou. He is currently retired, but he frequently patrols the area around the Fortress of the Abyss.
Hal (Noble Class)
Chief of the Paradua tribe.
He used to be a young warrior who worked as Aluhaliha’s aide. After inheriting Aluhaliha’s position, he has since proven himself a worthy chief capable of standing equal to the human cavalry. He has sworn fealty to the king.
Alashd (Rare Class)
A middle-aged goblin from Paradua.
He works as Aluhaliha’s aide and is currently a member of the elders. He is staying at the Paradua village.
Rashka (Lord Class)
The biggest chief among the four tribes.
He is the strongest goblin among the four tribes, but his subordinates haven’t been as blessed. He was Narsa’s fiancé.
He evolved during the goblin’s first invasion.
Dashka (Rare Class)
A young goblin from the Gaidga tribe.
Kuzan (Rare Class)
Chief of the Gordob tribe.
She is a goblin blessed with the divine protection of the goddess of the underworld. She has a skill that allows her to resurrect the dead. She is currently responsible for managing the Fortress of the Abyss. Gi Ga respects her. She studied medicine during her stay in the elven village and has since been working with the other Gordob members to support the goblins from the back as medical practitioners.
Humans + Gods + Others
Reshia Fel Zeal (18 years-old)
The priestess known as the saint. As the Healing Goddess’ follower, she lives to spread the word and teach righteousness. She has the divine protection of the goddess, and can heal others. She has been brought back to the ivory tower.
Lili (22 years-old)
She studied the famous sword style, Zweil Style, in the capital. She has sworn fealty to Reshia. And while she may have lost to the protagonist in one hit, she has proven herself strong enough to easily defeat three normal goblins. She has become much stronger after acquiring the evil sword, Vashinant. She stopped the yugushiva attacks after Gulland entrusted the northern army to her.
Mattis (27 years-old)
The second son of a farmer. He’s largely responsible for drying the meat to preserve them. He was sent somewhere in the kingdom.
Chinos (25 years-old)
The third son of a farmer. He plows the fields and is close to Mattis. He was sent somewhere in the kingdom.
Keifel (28 years-old)
An adventurer who took on a request to escort Reshia through the Forest of Darkness. He’s strong enough that he could easily wield a steel great sword, but the protagonist still managed to kill him.
Zeon (32 years-old)
A follower of Ativ. He specializes in fire magic. In his battle against the protagonist, he used his fire magic, but still lost. In the end, he tried to blow himself up along with the protagonist, but the protagonist’s words agitated him, causing him to lose the opportunity.
Tinra (23 years-old)
A villager. She is one of the women used by the goblins as a breeding machine that the protagonist killed.
Ashtal Do Germion (60 years-old)
The king that rules the western region of the continent in which the Forest of Darkness and the connecting borders are included. He is a powerful ruler with seven holy knights under him. He has recently ordered three of those holy knights to search for the saint. He has laid out new plans after feeling the threat from the Goblin King. He’s currently trying to gather mages to strengthen his army.
Gowen Ranid (46 years-old)
The feudal lord that rules over the region next to the Forest of Darkness. As one of the country’s strongest powers, he is renowned as the Iron-Armed Knight. He is currently leading his soldiers in a quest to find the saint. He fought hard against the goblin invasion, but was eventually killed by Gi Go Amatsuki.
Gulland Rifenin (32 years-old)
A former adventurer. As one of the country’s strongest powers, he is renowned as the Storm Knight. He’d been stationed in the northern mountains, but the king called him back to send him off in a quest for the saint. He became a hero after rescuing the saint. He tried to help Gowen fight the goblin invasion, but he lost. He is currently retreating to the south.
Gene Marlon (24 years-old)
As one of the country’s strongest powers, he is renowned as Lightning-Fast Knight. He was previously stationed at the south, but the king called him back to send him on a quest to search for the saint. Killing is his favorite past-time. Whether it’s a man, a demihuman or a monster, they’re all just pieces of meat to be cut down before him. He was killed by his own slave.
Sivara Bandier (29)
One of the country’s most powerful warriors, a holy knight known as the Ripper Knight. He is a martial artist and comes from a noble family. He is popular among young soldiers, and is considered the enemy of all fathers and boyfriends. He is also known as the Marriage Destroyer. His skill at leading the cavalry is one of the best in the country.
Jize Yuuenti (40)
One of the country’s most powerful warriors, a holy knight known as the Sharp-Eyed Knight. He is currently dealing with the Kushain believers coming from the south. He was originally a traveler from the east that was coaxed by Ashtal with a huge paycheck.
Yuan (26)
A young commander under Gowen. He seems to be under the protection of some god, but…
Corseo (52)
A veteran martial artist who acts as Gowen’s aide. He used to lead the cavalry, but then the Goblin King turned him into a corpse.
Herculean Wyatt (41 years-old)
A member of the Blood Oath of the Flying Swallow. He specializes in handling great shields. He has a gentle personality, but beware for his anger isn’t one to be taken lightly. After returning from the forest, he has since been working in the Holy Shushunu Kingdom as the leader of the blood oath of the flying swallows.
Mage Killer Mill (20 years-old)
A member of the Blood Oath of the Flying Swallow. She is an assassin that favors the use of talons. Renowned as the mage killer, she is a mage’s worst nightmare. After returning from the forest, she has since been helping out in the slums and watching over orphans. She met Reshia and successfully managed to give her the orphans’ present.
Wand of Destruction Bellan (37 years-old)
A member of the Blood Oath of the Flying Swallow. He wields a fire staff. As a former knight, he cares a great deal about honor. He died while protecting his allies.
Hawk-Eyed Fick (32 years-old)
An adventurer with two names. He has exceptional perception and skill. He is currently searching through the Forest of Darkness under Gulland’s lead. After returning from the forest, he has since gone to the southern free cities on a solo adventure.
The White Hand of Life (Age Unknown)
A priest robed in white. She specializes in healing and support. Her age, name, and origin are all unknown. After converting Vitz and Yugil, she has started traveling the world to find more adherents.
Vitz (28 years-old)
A talkative sword-wielding adventurer. He’s actual strength isn’t bad, but he’s still far from being deserving of a second name. He was caught by the White Hand of Life and is currently traveling the world with her.
Yugil (26 years-old)
An adventurer and an unwilling shield bearer. He might appear old, but he is actually still young. He was caught by the White Hand of Life and is currently traveling the world with her.
Yoshu (27 years-old)
The younger brother of the slaves Gene purchased. The collar of obedience around his neck keeps him from going against Gene’s orders. Healers are rare, so he’s been made into a shield bearer. He ended up on the goblin side because of his older sister’s whims. He is currently traveling with Gi Go.
Shumea (29 years-old)
The older sister of the slaves Gene purchased. The collar of obedience around her neck keeps her from going against Gene’s orders. Contrast to her brother who bears a shield, she uses a spear. She is a gutsy woman who believes being with the Goblin King is better than living within human society. She is currently negotiating with humans.
Household of the Gods
Altesia. The underworld goddess.
The Goddess of the Underworld and the Goddess of Valor. As the goddess the snakes serve, she has given her blessing to the protagonist. She is a dangerous woman with her deep jealousy and fierce temperament.
Zenobia
The Goddess of Healing. She has given her blessing to Reshia. She has also warned the protagonist to protect her. The underworld goddess might hate her, but she doesn’t feel the same way toward The underworld goddess.
Pitch Black (Verid)
A one-eyed red-eyed snake that belongs to the Goddess of the Underworld.
Twin-Headed Snake
Known to the goblins as the Lord of Decay. He is one of the snakes that fought the world with the Goddess of the Underworld.
Others
Selena
The elven woman Gene purchased. She became a slave after running away from her tribe. She was freed after she killed Gene. Since then hse has been under the care of the Goblin King with Shumea.
Hasu
A high kobold. She is one of the protagonist’s pets.
The protagonist managed to tame her by giving her orc corps and other meat as bait.
She is a fortuitous kobold who somehow managed to become the leader of her pack. She is currently leeching off the orcs. She wants to eat the orc children, but unfortunately, she just can’t find an opening. She attacked the colonial city with the orcs, but the humans weren’t very tasty.
Cynthia
As the pup of the gray wolves, she has been given the elven name that means lady of the lake. Reshia, Lili, and other children and women are quite taken by her lovely fur. She has grown up enough to lead her household. She has grown up to become a spectacular gray wolf even better than her own parents.
Gastra
As the pup of the gray wolves, he has been given the name of a wise human monarch that means sovereign of the wind’s howls. His uninhibited personality leads him to battle Hasu for ranks on a daily basis. He is became the leader of many beasts in the capital, then in the ivory tower. His subordinates are mostly females.
Bui
A timid orc. Gol Gol had taken a liking for him despite his small body. After Gol Gol died, he led the orcs to the west, but the protagonist managed to capture them. He attacked the colonial city with Gilmi. Recently, his greatest worry is that he’ll suddenly find himself fighting at the frontlines with the humans.
Gol Gol
The orc king that attacked the village. He is a berserker who can use skills. He was defeated by the protagonist.
Demihumans
Nikea
Chief of the araneae, a female chief. She speaks firmly and possesses a proud mindset. The lower half of her body is a spider, but the uper half is that of a lovely maiden. She covers her upper body with clothes made from araneae thread. Poison drips from her talons, and she can use them alongside her threads. That fighting style has earned her the name Poison Feather. She is a descendant of the red crystal.
Nerou
An influential person of the araneae. He opposed Nikea’s plans to accept the goblin and ended up dead for it. He is a descendant of the blue crystal.
Fanfan
The female chief of the mud-scaled tribe. She is slow in a good way. As a member of a tribe known for moving underground, she works as a merchant just like Yushika. She knowns more than the harpyurea and is also a better messenger. She looks like a mole on the outside, but her vision is perfectly fine. Her pair of round eyes is her unique feature. She is known as the hardest claw. Shi is a descendant of the dark crystal.
Yushika.
Female chief of the harpyurea. She has a huge bag hanging from her neck that she carries with her arms. She uses it to store her cargo. She is a merchant. She is also a mischievous woman who doesn’t cower even before the king. She has white wings sprouting from her back and bird feet. She is known as the first wing. She is a descendant of the white crystal.
Luther
The old chief of the papirsag/shell tribe. He is of short stature and he carries a moss-covered shell on his back. He is a careful man, whose eyes always seem sleepy. Despite that his gaze is extremely sharp. His tribe specializes in processing trees and taming monsters. He is a descendant of the hard crystal.
Tanita
Chief of the long-tailed, a subspecies of the lizardman with two heads and two tails. Half of his body is covered with a shell, but the other half has his skin exposed just like an amphibian. He is a descendant of the soft crystal.
Kerodotos
Chief of the minotaurs. He talks slowly. He tried to crush the goblins as soon as he saw one. There is almost nothing good about him when it comes to talking. His gaze is sharp and while he might talk foolishly, he is by no means incompetent. He is a descendant of the heavy crystal.
Mido
Chief of the werewolves. He is a friend of the gray wolves and he lives in the fields. He is known as the tyrant because he likes to tear his enemy apart with brute force. He is a firm believer of power and originally disliked the goblins. He is extremely friendly toward the gray wolves. He tends to be impulsive, but he’s definitely not one to be underestimated. He is a descendant of the fierce crystal.
Daizos
Chief of the centaurs. He found himself in a bad position ever since Gurfia became a ghost. He tried to kill Gurfia with the elite of his tribe but failed. He hates the goblins. He is a descendant of the proud crystal.
Rukenon
The guide Nikea introduced.
Carad
The slave werewolf from the Jirad Forest.
Elves
Shure Forni
Chief of the Sylph’s Forni village. He wishes to reform the elves. He studied under Falun and is Shunaria’s father. He is renowned as the Wise Shure. He formed an alliance with the Goblin King and promised him full support in the war with the humans.
Falun Gastair
Chief of the western Gastia Forest. Shure’s friend and master. He is considered a scheming strategist even by his own disciple, Shure. He brought back the elven school system and is currently using his village to spread knowledge.
Shunaria Forni
Shure’s daughter. She is smart and frequently does pointless things. She delivered the Goblin King’s new weapon to him. She is currently working as a civil official in a human village.
Pale Symphoria
A young sylph warrior who gathered experience in the human world. She is a versatile warrior who can lead army and fight her own battles. She managed to make the bigger goblin army retreat many times. She left the Goblin King to help her clan, Elks.
Felbi
One of Symphoria’s commanders. He fought alongside Pale against the goblins, but he mostly left the leadership of the platoon to her. He has been grudginly leading the platoon since Pale left. He dreams of becoming a first-rate warrior.
Fenit Symphoria
Symphoria’s chief. He is Pale’s cousin. He is self-righteous and proud. He was the only one given a death penalty after the war.
Priena Sinfall
Sinfall’s chief. She is a woman but her face is cold. She never managed to take back Sinfall after it was taken from her during the Sylph Unification War. She was exiled after the war.
Nash Jirad
Jirad’s chief. He foresaw the human threat lie Shure and the Goblin King, but was rebuked because of his decision to enslave the demihumans. He was stripped of his last name and made a commoner after the war.
Silver Sheng
Sheng’s chief. He was sympathetic to Pale from beginning to end, but was coerced by Fenit to hand her over to the goblins. He was stripped of his last name and made to work at the Jirad’s hidden farm after the war.
Volume 3: Chapter 174 – Leon Heart Clan (2/2)
The guest room Nikea brought the two clan members to was a house that was previously used for lodging. The two couldn’t help but wryly smile, seeing how the whole house was given to them and referred to as a guest room. It just didn’t match with the common sense of humans.
“If there’s anything you need, just inform the person outside,” Araneae said.
“Thank you, brethren,” Tauropa said.
Nikea glanced sharply at Tauropa before turning heel. “…Excuse me.”
Seeing how openly vigilant Nikea was, Zakusen wryly smiled. “At least they’re easy to understand.”
“Can you stop with the frivolous remarks?”
After confirming that there was no one sneaking around them, Tauropa sent a grim look to Zakusen.
“You’re really way too serious.”
“I think it’s about right, though, considering I’m standing before the vice leader of the Leon Heart Clan.”
When Tauropa said that, Zakusen brushed up his loose gray hair and tied it behind him, and suddenly, that frivolous attitude he has been taking until now ceased. In place of that frivolous smile was a straight smile like the 一 character, and a deep wrinkle formed on his forehead. It was the face of a man full of worries.
“I didn’t think you would actually use a pseudonym. But I suppose it’s only expected of the Lord Commander.”
“Couldn’t really stand that joking personality, to be honest, but it had to be done.”
“So, what do you think of that king?”
“…I’m shocked. Honestly, I didn’t think he’d be the real deal,” Zakusen said with a wry smile as he shook his head.
What he felt from the king was intelligence and an abnormal power. When a man leads over 2000 humans and demihumans, he’s bound to meet various people. Kings and princes from various countries as customers, renowned generals to fight alongside with, famed adventurers, and monsters or adventurers from unknown lands.
But even after everyone and everything he has met and seen, the Goblin King stood out.
“I doubted my ears when I heard he allowed the humans to escape and even gave them food, but…”
That heavy gaze during their audience with the king weighed like a barrel full of lead as it sought to discern their intentions. It was enough to make him think it above even that of the pressure emanated by an ogre.
“I think he even saw through our lies.”
“The part where we were driven away because of them? Is it really that bad?”
Zakusen smiled and replied without hesitation. “Well, maybe for you it’s fine. A few days ago, a letter from the King of Guralio arrived, asking to cancel the contract.”
“That couldn’t be about the 10 year contract, could it?”
“It’s because of the Red King. They gathered the small- and medium-sized clans and went to the south, but it seems they intend to maintain their influence in the east. They wouldn’t want a second Swallow Clan, after all. Everyone’s acting like weak cowards.”
When he saw Tauropa speechless, he continued.
“In other words, we’re not in a position to criticize others. We went to the west in hopes of making a deal with King Ashtal of Germion, but we were immediately refused. Says he can’t trust demihumans.”
“But we’re strong.”
“Right, in a full-blown war, we wouldn’t lose out to the Red King or to the Valkyria, but the leader is still young. He probably doesn’t have the confidence to protect the non-combatants, and he’d be right.”
“Dagger of Webrus… Those cowards.”
Clans needed both combatants and non-combatants to function. The Dagger of Webrus was an infamous clan known not to spare even the non-combatants.
“Did you hear? It seems the Swallow Clan was also done in by them. Apparently, it’s because their leader, Touri, was wounded in the battle for initiative. It seems the Dagger of Webrus used that opening.”
“When I heard the vice-leader himself was coming, I thought it was just one of your whims. It seems I was mistaken. My apologies.”
Tauropa lowered his head upon realizing that the organization he was affiliated with had been driven this far.
“Like I said, you’re too serious.”
The wrinkles on Zakusen’s forehead softened just a little as he wryly smiled.
“Besides, it’s not like it’s hopeless. There’s that tidbit we got from that farmer, Mattis, too.”
As Tauropa nodded, there was a feeling akin to reverence in him as he looked at Zakusen.
“That’s enough talk for now. Tauropa, what we should do now is get a good night’s rest and recover as much strength as we can.”
◆◇◆
Because of the sudden influx of people, the public order of Germion Kingdom has quickly turned for the worse.
Out of fear of the goblins, the humans had fled to the main capital with only their clothes, but while the capital may have received them, it did not have enough food to feed them all.
Moreover, with word of the goblin invasion having spread only recently, the influential merchants haven’t had the time to prepare ample food to trade.
The public order of Germion Kingdom had worsened, but it was yet to reach critical levels. This was mostly thanks to Yuan and the other soldiers who led the refugees to safety and brought them under the management of the king.
After Gowen passed, Yuan swore to carry on his will, and he gathered the remaining retainers to ensure that the refugees could live.
Moreover, King Ashtal also opened the storehouses in hopes of feeding the refugees. so the situation was – to some extent – suppressed.
King Ashtal wished to attack the goblins even a moment sooner, but unfortunately, he wasn’t in a position to do so.
The body of the fire god that hung from the peak of the heavens shone down as if to drive away Gulland.
“Tch…” Gulland clicked his tongue as he watched the refugees with their tents outside the city walls.
Gulland specialized in attacking.
With a swing of his Blue Thunder, he would slay the enemy general with ease, while his soldiers would follow him from behind to clean up the rest.
To someone like that, it was only a given that King Ashtal’s order to defend would not be agreeable. Not only was he poor at defending, he also had to reorganize his soldiers. To make things worse, he couldn’t even rely on the king due to a lack of resources.
Because of that Gulland would have to use his own wealth, but unfortunately, he did not have enough to immediately rebuild his army. The land he was given was the barren territory of the north. If he wanted fertile lands, he would have to develop it first.
Because of that Gulland invested heavily into the northern lands, from building new roads to adopting favorable policies to peddlers, and even as the northern territory ran red, he would use his own funds to support it.
Unfortunately, all that effort had gone to waste.
Even if he were to sell all of his properties in the north, it would still be insufficient to make an army. Be that as it may, he couldn’t forgive the Goblin King. That sensation from being hit by the Goblin King lingered in his arms yet. Even though he was a human, he was forced to turn his back on a goblin and run.
It felt as if everything he’s worked for from the time he was an adventurer until he became a holy knight has all been denied.
He had no money, but he wanted an army.
If so, his methods were limited.
One method was to hire the soldiers for cheap, another would be to recruit soldiers without money. Unfortunately, the latter method wasn’t possible in the capital. That left the first method.
Many people now roamed the capital without work despite their responsibilities. Gulland would gather those people to form an army and challenge the goblins once more.
There was no other method left.
But such a method didn’t leave a good feeling. He has been leading thugs all this time, so he would have to train them first. It was a pain, but it couldn’t be helped.
He didn’t want to, but his feet moved anyway. His hate for the goblins ran deeper than his hate for training some refugees.
“Ho…”
The patrolling soldiers were surprised to see Gulland enter the refugee district. The remnants of a defeated army were a pitiful bunch. It could be said that everything they had until now had been liquefied. They used to be so haughty, but now, the refugees used them as an outlet for their dissatisfaction. Sometimes, they would end up using force on the refugees.
But Gulland rejoiced when he saw the state of the defeated army.
“Hey, you. You represent these bunch?” Gulland asked a senior soldier who was patrolling.
“Lord Storm Knight,” he said.
Many of the soldiers of the western capital knew Gulland by face. After all, they had fought with him last year to rescue the saint.
“Commander Yuan should be in the training grounds.”
“You have a training grounds?”
“Yes, let me show you.”
As Gulland followed from behind, he couldn’t help but open his eyes wide at the state of the defeated soldiers. They were more organized than he’d thought.
“That guy Yuan. Is he Lord Gowen’s right hand man?” Gulland asked as he thought of that old warrior.
The soldier laughed. “Lord Gowen favors him, but as for being his right-hand man… It just so happens that after Commander Corseo passed away, there was no other candidate left. It’s truly unfortunate. If Commander Corseo were alive, perhaps we wouldn’t have lost so one-sidedly.”
Gulland nodded to the talkative soldier as he became thoughtful.
“But considering he’s managed to keep everything this organized, he must have some skills.”
“Ha ha ha, Commander Yuan would be happy to hear that. It’s just that… With how young he is, everyone just can’t help but want to help him. It’s the same for me. When he looks at me with those honest eyes of his, I just can’t help but recall something I’ve lost a long time ago.”
When Gulland heard that it was a young commander who was responsible for organizing the army to this extent, he was shocked, though he didn’t let it show on his face.
While still shocked, the soldier leading the way called out to him.
“Here we are.”
The soldier pointed to a young male knight. He was young enough that even as he commanded a small platoon with his upper body exposed, there was no doubting he was still a young man.
Despite that, however, the countless scars on his body showed just how much bloodshed he has gone through.
“Commander Yuan! We have a guest!”
“Who!?” Yuan asked in a loud voice as he turned around.
The soldier replied with a laugh. “It’s the holy knight, Lord Gulland!”
The soldiers in the area stirred when they heard what the soldier said, but Yuan looked at Gulland with a stern face as if he couldn’t hear the others.
“You are the one in charge here?” Gulland asked as he glared at Yuan in a condescending manner.
Yuan nodded with a stern expression. “Yes. Did the people of the western capital cause some trouble?”
“Hah?”
Gulland was confused for a moment, but it did not take long before he realized what the man was making that stern expression for, and he wryly smiled.
“Oh, so that’s why. I didn’t come here for that,” Gulland said with a fierce smile.
Seeing that smile, Yuan’s expression became even sterner. “Then why have you come?”
“…Ahh, right.”
Gulland looked around with a curious gaze at the refugees.
“Do you want to take back the western capital?”
The air stirred, and the refugees looked at each other with a look of both anxiety and expectation.
“…I would appreciate it if you did not tease the people of the western capital,” Yuan said.
“Oh, you don’t believe me? Well, fine. I’ll come again at the same time tomorrow,” Gulland turned around and left.
And just as he said he would, he came again at the same time.
But this time, he had with him a bag as big as him and the few remaining thugs left were behind him.
“…What are you planning?” Yuan asked while dressed in an armor and with a sword in his hands.
Gulland looked around him. The area was full of worried people and those frightened with expectation.
“Hmph,” Gulland threw out the contents of the bag he brought, spilling gold coins onto the ground.
It was a wealth enough to support a commoner’s life for seven lifetimes and still have some left over. It was such a wealth that Gulland had so casually thrown.
Everyone was speechless.
Suddenly, Gulland laughed fiercely and struck his great sword into the ground.
“I came here to buy you sorry lot!”
The air stirred and the voices resounded throughout the refugee district.
Their voices were so full of fervor that Yuan and the others widened their eyes in shock. It was as if pillars of fire were bursting out from before them.
“Can you really take this lying down!? The fact that your hometown was taken just like that!?”
Gulland’s voice resounded throughout the area and pressured the people of the western capital. Unlike Gowen’s dignified aura, Gulland’s was a powerful one that didn’t bother to hide itself even a little.
“This here is my entire fortune! I’m going to use it to buy all of you sorry bastards’ future! If you don’t want to be bought, then run! Because I’m taking you with me to the battlefield!”
As that voice caused the heavens to shake, the dying fire within the hearts of the people began to burn once more.
“The way you’re going now, the king’s pockets will eventually run out, and you will all be left to die! Your children and your grandchildren! None of you will be able to live as humans anymore!”
Though there may have been a promise with Gowen, there was still no doubt that these refugees were taking a toll on the kingdom’s treasury. Not too far off, most of these people will eventually be sold as slaves.
“That’s why I’m buying you now! I’m giving you an opportunity to cut open a path to your own future!”
Stake your life and cut open a path to tomorrow. Gulland’s words resounded with the hearts of the people. The western capital was originally full of people who wanted to reclaim the borders, so his words were easy to accept.
Yuan endured the fire that sought to rise up in his chest as he asked Gulland.
“What are you planning to do by buying us?”
“Isn’t that obvious?” Gulland asked back.
Then with a voice louder than ever, Gulland howled to the heavens. “We’re taking back the western capital! So follow me!”
As cries of jubilation resounded, Gulland raised up his right arm. Gulland reigned above the people of the western capital like a king.
Tl Note: Shoutout to our newest patron, StellarJade! Thank you so much for donating!
Leave a Reply