9 Chapter 9: Goblins! (2/2)

”You seemed to have tamed them well... ” Wilhelm commented from the side and pushed the drapes aside, entering into the spacious tent. Once he entered, he immediately inspected his surroundings and couldn't help but smile cheekily once he perceived what was inside.

A few dozen barrels and flasks of water littered the walls and even some more advanced weapons, such as knives or spears were present. This was presumably their ”treasury” which in comparison to earth, was quite lackluster.

However, to the ravenous and thirsty Wilhelm, he couldn't think of a much better sight as he took a few steps forward and directly removed the lid off one of the barrels. He then entered into the barrel with his head and spontaneously drank a few mouthfuls of water.

Immediately, a burning sensation assaulted his throat and mouth, causing him to fall back and collapse on to the ground. His body spasmed for a few moments before he raised his upper body whilst massaging his neck and breathing heavily.

”Y-you monster!” He whispered whilst glancing at Anna with a wronged look. It didn't burn as much as the lake he had discovered prior, but it was certainly not the refreshing taste he had envisioned.

Anna merely chuckled in delight after seeing his pitiful appearance, ”I simply told you that there was water, whether or not that water was palatable on the other hand, was not something you asked of me” she replied jestfully and exited the tent with a sway of her hips.

Wilhelm, who was still on the ground, rolled his eyes and subtly grabbed a small knife that was on a nearby table. He figured it was the least they could do for tricking him into this place full of obsessive beauty worshipers.

He then exited the tent and followed Anna, who was now a fair distance away from him. They continued walking in a similar fashion for about five minutes until she stopped in front of a small tent riddled with holes. It was possibly the worst one that he had seen yet. and a dark premonition overtook him.

”This will be your temporary residence since you had agreed to join us on the condition of water… I don't believe you are the type of man to go back on your word, are you?” she asked with a tilt of her head as she flashed a bright smile in his direction.

Wilhelm smiled wryly and glanced at her, ”Unfortunately, you seem to have misjudged me for someone who actually cares about measly words. I'm someone that acts based on benefits” he said with a calm smile as he took a step forward, towering over the small woman.

However, contrary to his expectations, she didn't falter in the slightest, instead, she walked away and waved, ”then I can trust you for as long as I am the one who offers you the best deal, right?” she called out after she walked a certain distance, disappearing from Wilhelms sight.

Wilhelm stared incredulously at the spot where her figure had disappeared into. The moonlight perfectly illuminated his lone figure as muffled laughter escaped from his lips, ”interesting” he said lightly and pushed aside the drapes of cloth sealing his tent.

He didn't have any particular reason for staying, other than the fact that he didn't want to sleep on the ground with the danger of animals attacking at any minute. This way, he could sleep peacefully and at the very least, eat some well-cooked food for a change.

With this in mind, Wilhelm wrapped himself up with his ragged clothes and looked through the holes in the tent, gazing at the night sky. He felt that the little encampment possessed many secrets, especially Anna. Alas, he couldn't put his finger on it, though, he didn't notice the minute details.

***

The next morning, Wilhelm woke up after a great night of sleep and lazily stretched his limbs. The smell of burning meat wafted into the air and many people could be heard talking. Something he hadn't yet experienced since arriving at the holy land.

A smile formed on his lips as he exited his tent and stretched his limbs even wider. However, his good mood was soon ruined by a piercing scream, which was generated from the eastern direction. Shocked, Wilhelm quickly rushed in that direction.

He passed by the other startled residents and soon arrived at the front of the encampment, where a few corpses struck with dozens of arrows entered into his line of sight. He then raised his eyes and couldn't help but whistle in admiration at the sheer number of goblin-like creatures just a few meters away from him.

They were stout like figures without any body hair. Not only were they extremely short, but their skin was also a dark shade of green and they carried hideous expressions on their faces. This, however, wasn't what caused Wilhelm to whistle. It was the advanced weaponry and vast numbers they possessed.

They numbered easily in the hundreds and were equipped with bows, swords, and even shields. Whereas they, the humans, wielded robust sticks and rocks. Such a sight would be unfathomable back on earth, but here, it made Wilhelm chuckle at the irony. Which inadvertently caused him to become the center of attention.

After all, his appearance was very abnormal, especially his unusual behavior in such dire circumstances. Even the goblins stared curiously at Wilhelm's laughing figure, and the person in question attempted to stop himself from giggling, but he just couldn't.