Chapter 29 Snuggly Adventure

The goblins, their bodies smeared with dirt and their faces adorned with a mix of victorious grins and playful smirks, scuttled away from the aftermath of their spirited brawl. I couldn't help but chuckle at their antics while turning my attention to Goblinworth, who was sprawled on the ground. With a grin, I offered him a helping hand, concern etched on my face. 

"How are you holding up, buddy? Did they manage to hurt you? Can you stand up?"

Goblinworth responded with a hint of melodramatic comedy.

 "Heh! Master Kazuki, no need to fret. Goblins, you see, we engage in these friendly clashes from time to time. It's like a tradition of sorts, a display of our... unique fellowship. These fellows," he gestured toward the departing goblins, "they might lack a few marbles upstairs, but they mean no real harm. Pity them, I do. Though I couldn't let them tarnish the divine statue of Master Helen!" He took a quick look at the statue and moaned, "Mmmm... Oh, what a beauty she is, yes she is!"

With an animated gesture, he continued, "These goblins were farmers, they grow the best vegetables in Luminecia. What our little brain lack in smarts we compensate in hard work, Master Kazuki!"

Goblinworth's voice took on a theatrical tone as he approached the grand statue of Ruler Helen. With a flourish, he executed an exaggerated bow, his imaginary top hat doffed in a prince-like manner. 

"Ah, fair lady Helen, I beseech thee to accept my humble apology for the indignities you have suffered this day. May your elegance and grace remain untouched by the vagaries of goblin mischief!"

I couldn't help but burst into laughter at Goblinworth's theatrical display, his devotion to the statue bordering on the absurd.

 "Wow! Goblinworth, I don't even know half of these fancy words you just said, are you sure you're not some prince?" I commented between chuckles.

The goblin giggled and said, "Gheheh! Master, I don't know either. I just heard some people talk fancy words and mimic them."  

A hearty chuckle bubbled from my lips as I playfully addressed the goblin. 

"Well, Goblinworth, I must confess that my initial impression of goblins painted a rather different picture. I envisioned them as menacing beasts, lurking in the shadows, executing heinous deeds under the dark of the night. Yet, having had the privilege of witnessing your spirited tussle, I find myself entertaining a most unexpected idea - that goblins, in fact, possess an endearing and even, dare I say, adorable side."

Goblinworth's voice quivered with a mixture of respect and worry, his words carrying an air of deep fear. 

"Master Kazuki, please, I beg you, never make the grave error of confusing us humble goblin hatchlings with the ferocity of true goblins. We are but mere pitiful beings, hatched into the lives of a slave, toiling relentlessly as tools. Crafted into expendables for the whims of those above. It is our wretched existence, forever bound by our purpose."

With eyes wide and earnest, Goblinworth's gaze bore into mine with a sincere look.

 "A true goblin, Master Kazuki, a wild force! Strong and ruthless! A creature borne of ruthless savagery, possessing an insatiable hunger for conquest and domination. Their cunning is matched only by their sheer brutality, and to underestimate them would be a grave folly."

I couldn't resist my curiosity and found myself asking, "So, Goblinworth, can you give me an idea of how strong a true goblin is compared to someone like you?"

Goblinworth's reaction was almost comical. He trembled as if a gust of wind might blow him away, and his voice quivered with fear as he stammered, "M-master! Comparing myself to a true goblin? Oh, n-no, I wouldn't even think of such a thing, I wouldn't even dream of comparing my utterly insignificant self to a true goblin," he babbled, his words tripping over each other like a clumsy goblin racing downhill.

"We, um, we're just humble and... well, rather feeble beings. Violence is the last thing on our minds. No, not at all. We're more like... peaceful creatures, yes we are! Our hearts yearn for quiet, peace, and the gentle embrace of friendship. We crave affection, long for warm hugs, and cherish kind masters. We prefer quiet evenings by the warm fire, sharing stories and, um, brewing tasty tea," he explained, his hands gesturing wildly as if to emphasize his point.

His voice grew more animated as he delved into the heart of goblin dreams. 

"Love and warm embraces, yes, those are the things that make our little goblin hearts go pitter-patter. We dream of snuggles and cozy moments, wrapped in the arms of affectionate masters who treat us to endless belly rubs. Oh, the joy of it all! Belly rubs! They send ripples of delight through us, and gentle cuddles... Oh! Oh! Oh! Ear massages! They are the best! Oh! Lovely it is!"

Goblinworth continued after a soft moan, "Mmmm... we seek a master who wraps us in a cocoon of warmth and affection. A clamor of sweet, tender words, a symphony of love, showering us like confetti from the heavens above. That's the precious treasure we yearn for, tucked within our goblin hearts. Yes, we are!"

"And as for peace and quiet, oh yes, we adore it! The gentle rustling of leaves, the warmth of the sun on our bellies, and the joy of finding a cozy spot to... um, snuggle... mmmmm..." he concluded with a dreamy sigh, his voice trailing off in pure delight.

 I couldn't help but chuckle at his passionate depiction as if he were reciting a heartfelt verse to goblin life.

 "It's all about the simple pleasures, Master Kazuki. We're all about lounging around, munching on tasty munchies. Oh! The luxury in tasty nibbles, and, oh, growing the most splendid of belly pillows. Ahhh! How marvelous it is to sink into the warm embrace of a well-nurtured belly pillow. I, too, yearn for the day when my own belly might rise to such esteemed heights. A snuggle-worthy belly pillow is the pinnacle of a goblin dream. Oh, how I long to grow one, too, for endless, oh-so-soft snuggles. It's like the coziest cloud you could ever imagine, right there on your tummy! I mean, who wouldn't wanna snuggle up to that? Sometimes I wish I could have a belly pillow of my own, oh yes I do. Just a big ol' squishy tummy for endless cuddles. Oh, the dream!" His eyes sparkled with a far-off glint of joy. 

His words flowed like a whimsical song of goblin desires, painting a vivid picture of their unique way of life. I couldn't help but chuckle at his heartfelt description, fascinated by the intricacies of goblin culture.

Amused, I responded, "Well, Goblinworth, your enthusiasm for comfort and coziness is truly something to behold. It sounds like goblin life is all about embracing the pleasures of the simple and soft."

Goblinworth's eyes gleamed with a mix of adoration and longing. 

"Indeed, Master! We seek the path of coziness and ease, where every day is a snuggly adventure."

"Haha, you really enjoy belly rubs, don't you, Goblinworth?"

His voice took on an almost dreamy quality, his imagination whisking him away to a world of indulgence and comfort. 

"Belly w-w-wubs and gentle cuddles, lots of affection and warm hugs that wrap us like warm blankies. To be cradled in the arms of those who care, to experience the magic of belly rubs, and to revel in the chorus of giggles that fill the air when our tummies are tickled," he cooed, his goblinish tones imbued with an adorable innocence.

 "And, and the sweetest, softest words, sprinkled with endless love, like powdered sugar on the yummiest cake!"

As he spoke, Goblinworth's tiny hands formed fists, his cheeks flushed with the sheer intensity of his desires. He emitted little squeaks and giggles that only added to his enchanting goblin charm.

Goblinworth's enthusiasm seemed to surge like a volcano on the verge of eruption. His joy was infectious, but I realized I had to reign in his liveliness before he burst with delight. I quickly changed the topic, my voice steady as I said, "Belly rubs are indeed enjoyable, but I believe there's something we might be forgetting."

The goblin's response was nothing short of theatrical. He stirred dramatically, his hands dramatically flying to his head as if struck by an epiphany. His eyes widened, and he began scratching his head in a bewildered manner, his words coming out in a comically exaggerated manner, "Hugh! What? Forgetting something? Whaaaat? My goblin brain is in a tizzy! Did I forget to give Master a belly rub?"

I turned to the goblin, trying to suppress a laugh, "No, not the belly rubs, my goblin friend. Remember, you promised to show me around town? What's next on our grand tour?"

The goblin attempted a facepalm but ended up delivering a thunderous slap to his own cheek instead. He let out a high-pitched screech, "Wreee! My face! Ouchies!"

Still massaging his aching cheek, the goblin managed to regain his composure. With a stubborn nod, he responded, "Oh, yes, indeed! Next is the Glorious fountain, it is! Follow me, Master Kazuki, to the land of splashes and sparkles!"

The goblin spun around, his moist feet slipping slightly on the ground. Clutching his shoes in his small hands, he began to walk, leading the way with an enthusiastic pitter-patter of his moist, soft paw-like feet clapping against the pavement.

As we strolled towards the fountain, the goblin began to hum a tune, his voice a curious mixture of whispered tones, hearty humming, and melodious mumbling. His tiny form swayed with uncontainable enthusiasm, his ears flapping like mischievous sails caught in the gust of his own glee.

In a voice between laughter and melody, the goblin joyfully whispered a song, his words infused with a joyful absurdity.

"Belly-pillow, belly-pillow, la la la,
 Belly-pillow, belly-pillow, la la la,
 Belly-pillow, belly-pillow, ha ha ha,
 Soft and squishy, oh so grand,
 In belly-pillow land, we stand!
 Belly-pillow, belly-pillow, ho ho ho,
 Belly-pillow, belly-pillow, to and fro,
 Goblin dreams, so wondrously absurd,
 Belly-pillow, our hearts are stirred!"

The grand fountain came into view, and with its appearance, the world seemed to freeze for a moment. Goblinworth, who had been cheerfully humming a rather ridiculous goblin song, abruptly halted in an exaggerated manner. His joyful mumbling transformed into a gaping silence as his eyes widened in disbelief, his face contorting in pure shock.

"Oh, by the goddess Lusseria! What in the cursed caverns are they doing?