Chapter 273 Fear, Responsibility, and Gratitude

Larry approached Hermit with a solemn expression, his voice gentle yet firm as he addressed the trembling goblin before him.

 "Hermit, little buddy," he began, "I need you to listen to me carefully."

He paused for a moment, allowing his words to sink in before continuing.

 "You are their leader now, Hermit. Your fellow goblins look up to you, they trust you to guide them through this difficult time. You need to look after them, protect them, and keep them safe. They are your people now, and you are their only hope."

As he spoke, Larry could see the fear of responsibility flickering in Hermit's eyes, the weight of the task ahead seemed almost too much to bear. But beneath the fear, there was also a glimmer of resolve, an eagerness to help his kin in whatever way he could.

He continued, his tone softening with reassurance.

 "I had some people build you and your fellow goblins this shelter, now I know it is small and cramped but it's only temporary. Helen has plans to take you to a place where you can build a new goblin district, a place where you can live in peace and safety. Until then, all you need to do is relax, rest, and recover. Save your strength for the journey when the time comes."

With a reassuring smile, Larry placed a hand on Hermit's shoulder, offering what comfort he could in the face of uncertainty. 

"Don't worry, Hermit. I'll make sure you have food and water, whatever you need. You're not alone in this. We're all here for you, every step of the way."

As Larry's words sank in, Hermit's emotions surged like a tide, overwhelming him with a potent mix of fear, responsibility, and a profound sense of gratitude. Tears welled in his eyes, glistening like diamonds.

"Thank you," he whispered, his voice choked with sobs, "thank you, Larry. You are my friend. I... I don't know what to say. I never imagined... I never dreamed..."

His words trailed off into a soft sob, his shoulders shaking with the weight of his emotions.

"I'll do it," he declared, his voice trembling but resolute.

 "I'll protect them, I'll lead them. I won't let you down, I promise. I won't let myself down or them! I won't! I will be their leader! I will be a good and caring leader!"

Larry's tone turned serious as he addressed Hermit, his voice conveying urgency and caution. 

"I'm glad to hear that Hermit but listen. For now, you and your fellow goblins must always stay inside the shed. Do not wander into the forest, and do not approach the town under any circumstances. The shed may not be much, but it's sturdy enough to withstand wild animal attacks and hidden well enough from prying eyes. As long as you stay inside and make no noise, you should be safe. I know it's not ideal, but it's the best we can do for now. Trust me, Hermit. Your safety depends on it. No matter what happens, no matter what you hear or see, you are not to leave. Do you understand?"

Hermit nodded and said, "I understand, stay silent and not frolicking around, I got it!"

Larry paused, as he listened to the goblin before repeating his warning one more time so that Hermit would not forget. 

"If you wander into the forest or towards the town, you'll be putting yourselves in danger and others. There are dangers out there that you can't even imagine, Hermit. Promise me you'll stay put."

Hermit nodded once more, his resolve firm as he met Larry's gaze.

 "I promise, Larry, I promise! Promise is sacred, not to be broken! We'll stay inside the shed and keep quiet, no matter what. We won't make any trouble. We are good gobbies."

"Max, Jake, and I will come by every day to check on you. But until Helen returns to take you to the goblin district, you must stay here. Do you understand?" Larry repeated himself once more just to be safe.

 "I understand, Larry. I do! We'll stay here, we won't leave," Hermit said, his shaky voice betraying fear.

Suzuka's irritation bubbled beneath the surface as she listened to Larry's lengthy instructions to Hermit. Her fatigue from the long journey, coupled with the dirt and grime that clung to her weary body, only served to increase her impatience. All she could think about was the soothing embrace of a hot spring bath at the Mystic Oasis Inn and the promise of a soft, warm bed awaiting her.

As Larry's words droned on, Suzuka tapped her foot impatiently, her gaze drifting off into the distance as she yearned for the moment when she could finally get going. She had little patience for lengthy discussions and was eager to move on.

"Come on, Larry. We don't have all day. Let's wrap this up so we can get going. I'm tired, dirty, and bored out of my mind. The sooner we get to Valerius the better."

The shed was a hive of activity as the goblins settled in, their whispering chatter and laughter echoing off the walls in a hush of excitement and relief. Larry and Suzuka, however, had other matters to attend to, and with a shared glance, they stepped out of the shed and made their way to Valerius's office.

They left the four-wheelers in the back alley and entered Valerius's secret residence, the same bodyguard opened the door recognizing their faces. With a short greeting, he escorted them to the office door. 

As Larry and Suzuka entered Valerius's office, they were met with an unexpected sight that took them aback. On the desk sat two hatchlings, tiny and delicate, just a few hours removed from their eggs. Their diminutive bodies were adorned with miniature white coats, a striking resemblance to the uniforms worn by the members of the MIS. Valerius himself wore a wide smile, he was happy with the successful hatching process.

The hatchlings, with their minuscule frames and disproportionately large ears, frolicked and played within a pile of toothpicks under Valerius's watchful gaze. According to Hermit's knowledge, the size of a hatchling's ears determined its health condition; these hatchlings, with their sizable ears, were prime examples of vitality.

Breaking the stunned silence, Larry voiced his confusion and concern. 

"What the hell is going on? Where did you get these hatchlings, and what's the meaning of this, Valerius? Explain yourself, what in the world is going on here and what do you intend to do with them? " Larry demanded answers, confused. 

Valerius, clearly delighted by the hatchlings' progress, turned his attention to Larry, a gleam of pride in his eyes.

 "Ah, Larry, Helen, isn't it marvelous?" he began, his voice tinged with excitement.

 "I am teaching these little marvels to be smart goblins. They hatched mere hours ago and already grasp our language. It's simply remarkable! And now, as they play with these toothpicks, they're learning to count. It's amazing how quickly goblin hatchlings can develop their intellect."

Larry's skepticism lingered as he pressed for answers. 

"That's not what I asked," he insisted, his voice firm.

 "Where did you acquire these hatchlings? And don't think for a second about using them for some twisted MIS experiment or causing them harm."

Valerius waved off Larry's concerns with a dismissive chuckle.

 "Hurt them? Nonsense!" he shouted, his tone incredulous. 

"These hatchlings are far too precious to be subjected to harm. They possess great potential and promise. They are meant to be nurtured and trained, to see how far a goblin's mind can truly soar."

Larry's tension eased slightly as he accepted Valerius's assurances.

 "Well, as long as they remain unharmed, I won't interfere with your plans, but remember, Valerius, they are not pawns for your experiments."

With the matter seemingly settled, Larry launched into a detailed report of their mission, recounting the failed raid on the goblin breeding farm and the subsequent successful rescue operation. Suzuka, meanwhile, settled into a seat on the couch, her mind drifting as she waited for her chance to speak with Valerius privately about their next steps.

Larry's conversation with Valerius had been brief but to the point, and as he rose from his seat, a sense of urgency tinged his movements.

 "That will be all with my report. I'll be heading off to check on Mia now and see how she's feeling. Catch you later."

With Larry's departure, Suzuka wasted no time claiming the vacant seat beside Valerius' table, her demeanor one of casual confidence as she settled in as if she owned the place.

"Well then," she began, her voice carrying a hint of disappointment, "now that Larry's gone, I have some rather unfortunate news to share. Despite my best efforts, I wasn't able to, let's say 'procure' any goblin slaves as per our arrangement. And to make matters worse, the breeding farm had no goblin eggs for me to collect. It seems luck wasn't on my side this time."

Engrossed in the antics of two goblin hatchlings frolicking on his table, Valerius waved off her concerns with a dismissive laugh, his gaze never leaving the playful creatures before him. 

"Ah, worry not, Helen," he laughed, his voice laced with amusement. 

"You needn't worry about such insignificant matters. I won't be needing any new specimens for the time being. And besides, I did promise you immunity from getting your hands dirty in the process. When the time comes, David will handle the acquisitions for me. All I require from you is your cooperation and turning a blind eye should anyone inquire about the missing goblins under your protection."

"And you have nothing to worry about," he remarked, his voice smooth and velvety, carrying with it an air of confidence that bordered on arrogance. 

"The goblins you've been smuggling for me will be in better hands than they ever dream of. You needn't feel any guilt, my dear friend. Trust me when I say they will be better off with me."

"Ah, yes!" Valerius said, his voice carrying a hint of satisfaction as he reached into his pocket and produced a folded piece of paper.

 "Almost forgot to mention, MIS has given me a notice that your town project is approved without any problems."

He extended the permit towards Suzuka, his gaze lingering on the goblin hatchlings as they continued their playful antics.

"You can start building or whatever you want with your lands," Valerius continued.

 "You can start tomorrow, next month, or next year, it matters not. But it would be beneficial for both of us if you would not delay needlessly. We can't afford to hide a large number of goblins so close to town, even if they are harmless. And Larry's temporary shelter will not suffice. I hope you understand that."

With a playful grin, she accepted the permit from Valerius, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Thank you, Valerius, I appreciate your support, and I assure you, I won't waste any time getting started on the project. I might even begin as soon as this week if everything goes according to plan."

"I look forward to seeing the progress of your project. Good day to you, Helen. If you ever need any assistance or guidance, you know where to find me."

"Thanks again, Valerius. See you later."

Her words were met with a nod of approval from Valerius, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer. With a final smile and a wave of her hand, Suzuka turned to leave, her mind already racing with plans and ideas for the town project.