Casual Heroing

Chapter 106: Goblins

Chapter 106: Goblins

Goblins like building things, for some reason, Lakaris said with a detachment from his own race, and we have some of these classes engrained in our blood in the same way the Vanedenis have [Heroes] in theirs. Or how the Sirens, with their devious classes, should be declared monsters and be slain with no quarter for negotiation.

Claudius and other diners go stiff when the green guy mentions the Sirens.

Master Lakaris, we shouldnt

Shut it, Lakaris snarls, Id personally murder every single one of those treacherous creatures. Bastards, to the last one of them. If they take offense with my words, Ill be happy to address their concerns in one of my fortresses.

Lakariss temper flares up for a second, but he does a U-turn in the next moment.

Im sorry, the older I get, the more I lose my temper. Ive lost some people at sea, and Im pretty sure the Sirens were behind it. So, I dont like them. But I shouldnt have spoken like that. Again, Im sorry.

I look at the Goblin, bewildered. How come this guy goes on a rampage one second and then does this the other? I look around, and I see that Im the only one surprised.

Is this a typical Goblin thing? Do they have bursts of rage followed by heartfelt apologies?

Anyway, Goblins are everywhere. We dont have our own cities, and we share most of our settlements with other races. Unlike Elves and Humans, we go along with everyone.

Everyone but Sirens, it seems.

Plus, Im really liking the idea of clamshell bikinis right now. However, I feel like it wouldnt be a good moment to ask if they indeed wear such apparel.

Im part of the [Architecture] Guild, which is mostly managed by Goblins, not unlike the [Engineers] Guild and a few others. We dont discriminate toward other races, but few are as interested in these professions as we are.

Are Goblins good [Smiths]? I ask.

The Vanedenis joined the conflict as a third player, and they defeated both, forcing everyone to pay annual taxes to them. They had the Hydras pay so much in reparations that their economy has not yet completely recovered to this day. The number of artifacts and relics they stole from their academy and capital is insane.

Wait a second, are you telling me that these Vanedenis attacked both parties, and they won? Why does Vilith say they are in trouble now? Arent they some super-warriors?

Its a long story, young man, Lakaris slowly looks around while answering, and its not my place to tell. Ask your Vanedeni friend for details. Im sure she would provide you with many. They dont like when outsiders butt in their stories and spread rumors. They may have fallen in disgrace, but history has taught us to respect them even if we think they are done. Because no one has ever truly defeated the Vanedenis.

Theres reverence in Lakaris's tone for the first time since we have begun discussing.

Yeah, Ill skip the asking part. Vilith already wants me to help her people; Id rather keep to myself as much as possible before she truly manages to rope me in somehow.

Lakariss eyes go wide, and now I can see his irises have more than one color. They are green, purplish and black.

A Vanedeni asked you to help with their war?

Before I can answer that, I hear steps behind me.

Master Lakaris, we are here.

Two middle-aged men in long robes shoot an icy stare at me.

Oh, right.

The bet.

Well, lets get going!