BXBX NOVEL Chapter Volume 1 81 part2
Translators: Frostfire10, Skythewood
Editor: Greenfish
When one enters the outskirts of the Great Forest of Tob, it is not dark nor with bad footing. This was as the villagers had cut down trees when necessary. Thus the forest outskirts\' atmosphere was a friendly one to humans. One could even have a picnic here.
However, when one goes herb-picking, they have to head deeper inside.
If one proceeded past the 150 metre mark, the surroundings would change instantly. The footing was bad, and the canopy of trees above one\'s head blocks sunlight even at high noon, causing darkness to fall. One\'s vision is blocked by the trees, making it extremely difficult to see far. One would be lucky to see even 15 metres ahead. The term primordial forest suited this terrain perfectly.
From here on out, the chance of encountering a monster rose dramatically. Basically, the danger rating shot up.
Enri stood in front of this forest. Naturally, she was not alone. Surrounding her were all the members of her loyal Goblin Troop.
The goblins were equipped with a chain shirt and a round shield, thick machetes hung from their waists. Below their chain shirts were brown shorts. They also had shoes made of pelts. Pouches hung at their waists. They were not missing a single piece of equipment.
The fully equipped goblins were doing their final checks of the luggage that they were carrying on their backs. It was mostly water skins and machete sharpeners. In addition, rain gear in case of wet weather.
The reason for them being fully equipped but carrying little on their backs was cater for possibility of fighting. Plus, there were no plans to stay for too long in the forest.
While the goblins were doing their checks, the largest goblin walked up to Enri.
It was not an overstatement to say that he was a warrior. He had a large muscular body that made one wonder if he was just a goblin. He wore a practical plain breastplate and was carrying a well used greatsword on his back.
He was the goblin leader, the head of the goblins.
"Then, Enri-no-Ane-san. As I said earlier, we will be scouting out the surrounding forest…. Will you be fine?"
The goblin leader\'s rough face frowned in worry as he stared at Enri. In response, she smiled.
"I\'m fine. We are not going that deep, and they will be protecting me."
"Then it\'s fine…." The goblin leader glared at the three goblins that Enri was looking at. He then raised his voice. "Oi, you guys, you know this but don\'t you dare let Ane-san get even a single wound!"
"Yes!"
The three goblins simultaneously replied with gusto. Somewhat satisfied, the goblin leader nodded his head several times.
"However, honestly, doing such a dangerous thing…."
The goblin leader once again turned to Enri and made a grim face. They have had this conversation multiple times since leaving the village and Enri was getting tired of hearing it over and over, but she could not say anything because he was doing it out of worry for her.
"However, if we cannot collect herbs we cannot earn money…."
"Can we not do it with the pelts of beasts? If it is that then even we can help out."
"It\'s not bad, but herb gathering is still the most profitable."
The quantity of money that one could earn with herbs and the pelts of beasts were completely different. It was like the difference between heaven and earth. It was true that if it were a rare beast then its pelt would earn quite a bit, but such an occasion was rare.
"Hmm. There really is nothing that Ane-san should worry about, you know? We are all fine, really. We have are not faced with any trouble right now. "
"But if something happens then it is too late…. Isn\'t the strengthening of your weapons important?"
"That is, certainly…. It\'s true…. However…. You just won\'t stop, huh?…."
Even with the knowledge that it was unlikely for Enri to turn back, the goblin leader tried again and again to convince her otherwise on their way to the forest.
There was a reason why Enri wanted money.
To explain it simply, Enri was trying to earn money to equip the goblins with better equipment.
Thus they were having their precious master be exposed to danger for their sakes. The goblin leader thought that it should be the other way around. No, this was what all the goblins thought.
However, it was naturally so, that they should support Enri when she wanted to prepare better weapons for them. Not giving something to the person that they would offer their lives to, would be their greatest shame as her protectors.
Of course, since the goblins were protecting the village, they could always tax the villagers. However Enri did not want to do that. Thus she had to earn the money for the weapons the goblins wanted herself. And the most efficient method to achieve that was to collect herbs.
"It would be fine for Enri-no-Ane-san to join us once we have confirmed the forest\'s safety…."
The goblin mage spoke up from behind her.
It was the spellcaster goblin with a humanoid skull on her head.
In her hand she held a shabby, twisted wooden which length exceeded even her height. Her body was draped in some tribe\'s strange designs, and her chest was larger than the other goblins. If one looked closely, they would see that her face did have some cuteness to it. It was to the point that one would wonder why the males and females had this much of a difference.
"However, you cannot confirm it, is that right?"
"Yup, yes. Unfortunately, no one knows. We should at least check for whether the forest is calm or not, but that will take time."
But by then the season for those herbs would end. This would cause the time until the equipment upgrade to be extended.
"It will be fine. We will not be going in that deep."
The goblin leader understood that he could no longer convince Enri and looked at the three goblins protecting her. He repeated the same things that he had earlier said.
"We cannot protect her. That is why you pussies will need to represent us, and protect Enri-no-Ane-san with your lives."
"Yes!"
"If we work together, that will be the safest though."
"But then we will be one step behind."
"Yes. There is a need to discover if anyone has gotten close to the edge of the forest. So we have to hurry."
This was their hypothesis based on the information that the rider brought back— The existence of monsters near the edge of the forest. For now, the first step would be to confirm whether they really were there or not.
Should monsters come near the edge of the forest, they may appear near the village. The village had walls, but there were monsters that could climb over the wall. Even herbivores, they could attack the fields.
Thus a regular patrol for the forest was necessary.
Tonight would be the first patrol. The first time for something would always have the highest risk. That was why they could only spare three goblins to protect Enri.
"That is why even if we do not head for the depths of the forest it is still dangerous, Ane-san."
Enri nodded.
"However the herbs gathered at this period will earn the most money. In addition the season will not last for long…."
"….It would have been best for everyone to work together to protect Ane-san and search."
"But we need to make the patrol tonight."
"The watchtowers are completed, so it should be fine if we pay attention….We also have the stone golems."
"I apologise for making you wrack your brains for me, but please patrol the forest."
Enri firmly rejected their suggestion, causing the goblin leader to understand that any more than this would be rude.
"….Dividing one\'s soldiers is a foolish act but….Hah. Understood. Please be really cautious though?. Don\'t give your sister a reason to cry."
After saying that, the goblin leader ordered everyone to leave. Afterwards, Enri and the three goblins entered the forest.
◆
The depths of the forest.
The temperature dropped after 150 metres from the edge of the forest. This was as sunlight could not reach there. However it was not completely dark and even Enri could continue on without problems.
Enri\'s group of four proceeded into the forest, moving through the damp atmosphere.
The forest was quiet, almost completely silent with the exception of the occasional cries of birds. If anything apart from that could be heard, it was the sound of shaking branches . Amidst that silence, one could hear the footsteps of Enri\'s group.
Their formation was that of an isosceles triangle with Enri taking the centre.
It would be difficult to maintain such a wide formation in the forest, and thus they were supposed to move in a straight line, but to protect Enri, they forcefully held this formation, sacrificing their speed as a result.
After about 200 metres in, Enri looked at their surroundings. She was looking for a place that the herbs would grow. It was fortunate that she was able to immediately find some. The herbs were growing in between the gaps of the trees.
Without the proper knowledge, finding the area where certain plants grew was extremely difficult.
In addition she was neither proficient in searching skills nor had received training for it. She could do no better than the a villager who has lived near the edge of the great forest for most of their lives.
A goblin went ahead scouting the area, and then silently beckoned Enri forward.
Enri and the two goblins kept their bodies low and ran towards the place where herbs grew.
In her eyes, the large quantity of herbs appeared as a mountain of coins. Enri frantically suppressed the greed that was growing in her. The location was dangerous, and there was a need for her to work quickly. She could not afford to be lost in her desire.
Enri sat down and began to pluck herbs from their roots. Should she pluck it haphazardly, its medicinal effect would weaken. It is especially so for this herb since this plant\'s medicinal effects were concentrated in the root. She should pluck it as close to the roots as possible.
Once she got used to the smell hitting her nostrils, she felt no reason to stop. The herbs were carefully placed one by one into the bag hanging at at her waist.
As time slowly passed, the her bag grew heavier and heavier.
If she asked the goblins to help then work would proceed faster, but they were keeping watch on the surroundings. Enri was not that foolish to ask them for help.
They silently plucked herbs for quite a while.
Suddenly the goblins sunk to the ground, sitting around Enri.
They made a gesture to the surprised Enri. It was an emergency situation. For the first time, Enri stopped working and listened intently. She could slightly hear something large approaching.
"This is…."
"Something is heading here. We should move away."
Enri and the goblins stood up and hid behind the nearby trees as if running away from the sound. The trees were not large so they could not hide themselves completely, but one should not be able to see them from afar.
The four of them made themselves smaller, held their breaths and prayed that what was making the sound would head off in another direction. However, luck was not on their side.
It\'s height was around two to three metres.
The protruding jaw made it look like an idiot.
It had arms thick as tree trunks, and a hunched-back that almost reached the ground. A branch that was torn off a tree and a very rough pelt hang from its waist. They could smell the stench wafting off of it from all the way over.
It\'s brown skin had warts growing on it, and it had a thick chest and protruding stomach. From its appearance, one can understand that it probably had quite a bit of strength.
It was a giant monster that looked like a naked chimpanzee.
It was known as an ogre.
Its nose twitched and it looked around. It seemed like it had not noticed Enri\'s group hiding behind the trees. The goblins were quietly discussing if they should attack first.
That ogre\'s eyes focused on one spot. It was the herb gathering area.
It had noticed Enri.
Whose hands were stained with herb juices.
Yes, it was the stench that Nemu had when she was crushing herbs. Enri and the goblins were used to it and did not notice, but there was a huge stench coming from where Enri was.
As if feeling Enri\'s panic, the ogre\'s eyes moved and captured Enri and the goblins in its sights.
"Looks delicious."
It was looking at Enri. Feeling the gaze of a hungry beast, Enri felt her body shiver. Should she be alone upon encountering it, her fate would be decided there and here.
However, in this situation, that was impossible.
"Oi oi, what are you saying, bastard."
One goblin stood in front of Enri. Of course, he could not cover Enri with the height difference, but it caused the ogre to cast an annoyed gaze at the small thing between it and Enri.
"Small one, I, that, eat."
"Shaddup."
The goblin\'s response to the ogre\'s roar was exceedingly simple. He stuck his thumb up from his fist and pointed behind him.
That action fully expressed the goblin\'s intent.
"I, that, eat!"
"I said! Shaddup!"
With extremely practised movements, the goblin drew the machete hanging from his waist. A beat later, so did the other goblins.
"Guu!"
"Hah, come at me sexy boy."
The ogre growled and glared at the goblins.
The shining edge of the three machetes caused some of the ogre\'s reasoning to return.
However the difference in size between ogres and goblins was overwhelming, akin to a grown-up man facing children. The ogre felt that and was about to take a step forward—
The goblin shook his matchete.
—The ogre stopped. The flicker of the machete caused the ogre to feel cautious.
However, while the ogre did hesitate out of caution, seeing the length of the sword, it felt that it was useless. If it were a foolish ogre, it would immediately attack.
"—That guy will hold him here. We will go."
The goblin was whispering to avoid drawing the ogre\'s attention. Enri was surprised by what he said, causing her to look at the two goblins. She thought that if there were three of them, even an ogre would fall. However the two goblins had the expression of warriors and made cold decisions.
"Protecting Enri-no-Ane-san is what we should so."
"Ane-san. You cannot get this wrong. Ane-san staying alive will be our victory. For that, any number of our lives can be used."
"Also, the situation may get worse."
It was unclear if he could defeat the ogre. They would be about equal in strength. So attacking with the three of them was not a bad decision. However should a third party appear, it would be an even more dangerous situation. If there were a group of ogres, leaving would be the best option.
It was natural to get the person that they were protecting out of danger faster.
While Enri could understand their reasoning, she was still reluctant to accept the proposal. but the goblin made a manly smile and said.
"Enri-no-Ane-san. Believe in us. Do you think that he will lose?"
The goblin drew his sword and glared at the ogre. Without turning around he pointed over his shoulder. His intentions were clearly expressed to Enri.
"Take care."
Enri just said that and let herself be pulled away by the goblin.
◆
Leaving the forest, the two goblins left Enri\'s protection to the riders stationed outside and disappeared back into the forest.
Enri watched over them as if praying for them. She was exposing them to danger. She wanted them to come back alive— Unharmed if possible. That was her wish.
The sole rider then surprisingly spoke to Enri in a lighthearted tone.
"Are you that worried? If that is the case then can Enri-no-Ane-san be our shield?"
As their superior, she knew that the goblins had no wish for her to do such a thing, causing her to look down.
The reason for this was as she felt that she simply could not do that. The image that the rider was creating was too difficult for a simple village girl to live up to.
The one who spoke to her in this state was the same rider. She felt panicked, owing to the criticising gaze he was giving her.
"Oh, it\'s not like I want Enri-no-Ane-san to do that you know? I prefer for Enri-no-Ane-san to have a calm and quiet air about you, and I think that everyone else prefers that as well. Even if you suddenly act like a ruler…. We will be troubled."
Another rider nodded. The first one scratched his head, thought about his next words and opened his mouth.
"Ah, I\'m not used to comforting people…. I have no confidence in what I\'m saying, but why is Enri-no-Ane-san this worried?"
"….The goblins are over there for my sake, so is it not natural to worry?"
"That\'s the part I don\'t get. The reason why Enri-no-Ane-san to head into the forest to collect herbs despite the danger is because you want us to improve out weapons. Then is it not our duty to protect Enri-no-Ane-san with our lives? The reason why Enri-no-Ane-san is exposing yourself to danger is because of us."
"But…."
To stop Enri who was about to continue arguing, the goblin made a stop sign with his hands.
"To earn a large amount of money, it is normal to be exposed to some danger. Even if the result is death, we will still accept it."
Enri could not even reply.
If one thought about it in a certain way, such reasoning was natural.
"Well, these are our thoughts as warriors, and we know that it is greatly different from Ane-san."
A warrior and a village girl. Should these two people share the same thought patterns, it would be scary in a certain way.
"….It is because you are such a kind Ane-san that worries about us that we feel that we have to protect you at all costs."
Enri blushed at the goblin\'s words.
Goblins were quite ugly in the terms of the human sense of beauty, but the rider had the air of a strong warrior about him. Being praised by someone like that, it could not be helped that a simple village girl like Enri would blush.
"And…. We are not that weak to lose to an ogre."
Still riding the wolf, the goblins smiled and pointed at the forest. Enri looked at that direction and saw three goblins.
"Right, we are Enri-no-Ane-san\'s bodyguards. If we cannot get through even this, we have no right to call ourselves that."
All the goblins heading back had no anomalies in their footsteps. This meant that they were completed unharmed.
Enri waved her hand in joy. As if responding, the centre goblin, the one left behind, waved his hand.
The distance between them shortened and both sides let out cries of joy. The happiest one was, of course, Enri.
"Are you okay!"
"Yeah, Ane-san. We somehow got through it."
"Great!"
There was not a wound on any part of their body. There were black stains near their sleeves, but that was probably ogre blood.
The rider calmly examined their figure and asked.
"….So did you kill the ogre?"
Goblins used short weapons. If they inflicted a fatal wound, there would be a lot of blood, and they would likely be stained with it. However the goblins\' clothes were too clean.
"….No, we didn\'t."
"Why."
The rider\'s face changed into one of astonishment, but the goblin answered immediately.
"It escaped. If it were in a group, it would be better for it to lead us to its comrades."
"….Ah, true. We should get them all at once."
"Then let\'s guard Enri-no-Ane-san till the village, and wait for leader\'s return."
"Is that fine? Ane-san?"
With the conversation changing suddenly, Enri was confused for a moment, but this was something the goblins decided and thus was a better course of action than anything she could think of.
"Alright, then, after today\'s patrol is over we\'ll be subjugating ogres."
◆
—Late at night.
Something woke Enri up from her deep sleep. Opening her eyes, nothing in her surroundings seems to have changed, but she looked around nonetheless, taking inventory. Spread out before her was a mostly dark world. The only source of light was from the moonlight filtering in from the crack in the window.
She could not see anything wrong with the scene that was illuminated by the dim moonlight.
However since she was not completely awake, the only thing keeping her from falling asleep again was a certain sound.
She felt that her sister next to her was sleeping well, but she also heard a rhythmical thumping.
She wondered what it was and immediately understood. Someone was knocking lightly at the door.
Enri raised an eyebrow, moved the thin sheet covering her and her sister\'s body, and slowly got up. Wondering what was going on at such a late hour, she moved silently to prevent her sister from waking up.
Wondering if the squeaks of the floor would wake Nemu up, her heartbeat quickened.
Ever since that incident, Nemu would always sleep with Enri. The incident had left a huge wound in her heart. That was why she slept with Enri.
Enri had no intention to remonstrate her. She too found comfort in sleeping together with her sister.
Enri knew that even if they slept together, should her sister have a nightmare, she would fling herself into Enri. That was why if she was sleeping soundly, Enri wanted her to stay that way.
The entire time it took for Enri to walk to her front door, the knocking did not stop.
Looking outside through the peephole, she saw the figure of the goblin leader. Enri felt her unease turn into relief.
Sighing, Enri spoke to the ones outside. Of course, it was in a quiet manner so as to not wake up her sister.
"Goblin leader-san, are you okay?"
"Ah, Enri-no-Ane-san. We made it through. Oh, sorry for waking you."
Enri opened the door slightly and slipped out from the small crack. This was to prevent excessive moonlight from shining into the room and waking Nemu up.
"There is something I need you for."
"Now?"
"Yes, really sorry."
Those were words that would make one frown, considering that it was late at night.
The eyes of humans were not suited for nighttime. However there were many monsters with night vision. Thus night belonged to beings that were not human. At such an hour, the goblin leader felt that there was a reason that he had to wake her up.
This had to be done now, she believed that there was a reason for that.
Enri gave it a bit of thought, and immediately understood.
It was regarding the ogre subjugation.
They had met up with the goblin leader and explained the situation. He had then decided to have all the goblins search for the ogre\'s tracks. The goblin leader found multiple ogres. If the ogre that attacked Enri\'s group was amongst them then great, but if not, there may then be quite a number of ogre hordes.
They had departed before nightfall.
So they had probably just returned. So it was reasonable for them to call for her immediately.
Thus this was extremely important. However apart from that, Enri knew nothing else.
"Got it. Where should I go? Can you lead me?"
She was guided to the gate. Enri walked through the quiet village, illuminated by the moonlight.
On the other side of the door was a sight that caused Enri to stand rooted to the spot.
There were five ogres lying prostrate. Surrounding them were all the members of the goblin troop. The joy of seeing all of them unharmed was pushed aside by the surprise of the ogres.
"Eh! What is this?"
She asked the goblin leader next to her in a panic.
"Well, when we attacked the group of ogres, there were seven. When we killed two they stood down. So we wanted Ane-san to decide what to do with them."
"Eh…."
"Oi, you guys! Our Ane-san is here! Your fates will be decided by her words!"
Reacting to those words, the gaze of the five ogres instantly became heavier. This surprised Enri and he had to stop herself from taking a step back.
Panic lasted for only an instant, but it felt like an eternity for Enri. The ogres then spoke, interrupting her thoughts.
"Scary, small master. We sorry."
"The one, attacked you, dead."
"They bad so died."
"Symbol of apologise, have."
"Present give. So forgive us."
It was an apology of not just words, but also with gestures. To Enri, it seemed that they were like children that were just scolded. However, hearing the last part, Enri quizzically tilted her head.
"Umm?"
One of the ogres in front of Enri thrust out a wild beast that was hidden behind their giant bodies.
"This delicious. This give. Forgive us."
"Difficult to get. You eat. We sorry."
With that a beast was placed in front of Enri with a thud. The waft of fresh blood hit her in an instant.
Basically the ogres gave her this beast as an apology and wanted to be forgiven.
"Umm, so what do we do?"
"Eh…. What do you mean….?"
Enri asked the goblin leader. What was she to do?
Enri finally understood why she was brought here. She had to decide how to deal with the ogres.
Let them live, or die.
Enri thought.
Stealing the lives of others was a natural part of being alive. However she could not let the human-attacking ogres go so easily. They might attack another villager. Then the problem might be solved if she order them to go far away.
But that may only be postponing the problem. They might return and attack those entering the forest.
It is a predictable outcome, and furthermore the possibility of it happening was not low. Then the safest thing to do would be to kill them.
The goblin leader gave Enri some advice.
"….Enri-no-Ane-san. It is said that ogres are man eaters, but they are nothing more than carnivorous monsters. It is just easier to capture humans rather than wild beasts so they choose to attack humans."
It was true that it was much easier to capture humans rather than wild beasts. One could understand this just by looking at the difference in agility between humans and beasts. Also there was no way a simple villager could defeat an ogre.
Then it was completely natural for ogres, rather, all living creatures to hunt weak and easy prey.
"Well, so, if we prepare food for them, they will not attack the human villagers. They attack humans for food after all. In addition we are much better at hunting than ogres. The ogres will rarely be hungry."
She knew that the goblin archer was extremely skilled at hunting animals. He was much better than the village hunter that was killed by the knights. Thus the villagers could often eat fresh meat.
In addition, Enri heard from the goblin archer than he was still not at his limit. He could probably easily get five ogres worth of food.
Enri sent a questioning gaze at the goblin archer. He immediately opened his mouth to respond.
"I can easily get food for the ogres. Leave it to me."
An affirmative answer was given to her thoughts. Enri nodded and expressed her thanks.
"But, what will do after we feed them?"
"Ah, this is codependency. We cannot be borrowing the golems forever. So it would be best to have some people with strength. In exchange for food I was thinking that they could be used as labour."
"Eh? Will the villagers accept them?!"
"Well, that I don\'t know. But, we can have them live near the village and work for us."
The goblin leader grinned.
Recalling the hungry eyes of the ogre, Enri did not want to agree. However if the goblin felt as warriors that that was best, then it was better than what Enri would think of.
Despite knowing that, Enri voiced her unavoidable worry.
"Will it be fine?"
"It will be fine."
The goblin leader\'s confident reply struck down her unease.
"We have disciplined them. They have no intention of rebelling against us. They can even get food. No matter how stupid they are they will not make any suspicious movements."
Enri then understood.
If one thought about it calmly, the goblin leader\'s words made perfect sense.
As said earlier, ogres attacked humans for food. If food was prepared for them, there would be no reason to attack humans. In addition, it would be unusual for them to willingly face those stronger than them.
"….Got it. There is no need to take the ogres\' lives."
"Understood. Then we shall let them live."
"Ah, I will return this animal, so please give it to the ogres."
"Really?"
"I don\'t mind." Enri lowered her voice and whispered the goblin leader. "Is that bad?"
"No, not at all."
"Then please do."
The goblin leader nodded and faced the ogres. He then shouted in a loud voice.
"Great! Enri-no-Ane-san will spare your lives."
The tensed up ogres relaxed. There was the chance that they would be killed; this was the natural reaction. One of the ogres looked firmly at Enri and spoke.
"Small ones strong. You ruler of strong ones, stronger."
"Eh."
"We. Captured by small ones. You, chief of chief."
"….Eh?"
One of the ogres ignored Enri\'s surprise and bowed to her. Following him the others also lowered their heads.
"We, will work, for you."
"…Eh!"
"Say, isn\'t Enri-no-Ane-san like a sister to ya\'ll?"
"No, we don\'t call her Enri-no-Ane-san anymore. From now on its Enri-no-Nee-san!"
"Enri-no-Nee-san!"
"Sounds good!"
"Do yer all swear loyalty to Enri-no-Nee-san?"
"Understood. We obey the strong. "
"Ane-san, we obey"
"Ane-san. Ane-san. We obey"
"Great! This means that we have new members for Enri\'s bodyguard unit."
"Oh, oh, isn\'t it great! As expected of Enri-no-Ane… Nee-san. If we can continue at this rate, it will become really amazing!"
Enri blinked her eyes in surprise, following which—
"Eeeeeeeeeh!"
—Her voice, somewhat between a scream and a cry of astonishment, resonated through the darkness of the night.