Chapter 339 Little Boy of Joy

Steven’s amazement lingered in his eyes, but his expression hardened as he crossed his arms and leaned forward, his tone serious.

 “Even with all your power, Suzu, I still think this is a bad idea. These creatures - goblins - they’re not like us. They’re wild, filthy, and dangerous. You may have your reasons, but I can’t wrap my head around why you’d risk everything to help them.”

He shook his head, frustration creeping into his voice.

 “You’ve seen what goblins can do. They’re vicious. They raid towns, steal, kill, and cause misery wherever they go. Even if these are different, how do you know they won’t turn on you the first chance they get? Power or not, some things just can’t be changed.”

Steven’s gaze locked onto Suzuka, his concern unmistakable.

 “You’ve come so far. Done things I couldn’t even imagine but this path you’re taking is risky. You’re betting on creatures that most people would rather see wiped out. But don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to tell you what to do, just… be careful, Suzu. I don’t want to see you get hurt trying to save something that’s beyond saving.”

Megan nodded in firm agreement, her eyes narrowing as she backed up Steven’s concerns.

 “Your father’s right, Suzu. You might have all the power in the world now, but that doesn’t change what these goblins are. We’ve seen what they’re capable of, how they’ve attacked innocent people, and destroyed lives. They’re not like us. They’re dangerous, and no amount of pity or goodwill is going to change that.”

She leaned in, her voice stern and filled with worry. 

“It’s one thing to want to help those who are suffering, but goblins? They’re not like other races, Suzu. They’re vicious by nature. It’s in their blood. Even if these are different now, who’s to say they won’t revert to what they are? It’s just not worth the risk.”

Megan’s expression softened slightly, her concern for Suzuka shining through.

 “I know you have a good heart. You’ve always wanted to help others, even when you were little. But you’re playing with fire here. These creatures could easily turn on you and ruin everything you’re trying to build. Please, think carefully about this. We’re proud of how far you’ve come, but we don’t want to see you put yourself and others in danger for something that could blow up in your face.”

Olivia took a deep breath, seeing how tense the atmosphere had grown, and decided it was time to speak up. Her voice was calm but carried a deep intensity as she began her story.

“When I was younger,” Olivia started, locking eyes with both Steven and Megan, “I used to hate monsters with every fiber of my being. I was consumed by anger, especially toward goblins. They were the monsters of my nightmares, and I can’t tell you how much I wanted them wiped off the face of the earth. I understand where your worries are coming from, believe me. Evil goblins, the kind that raid, kill, and cause suffering, deserve nothing less than total eradication.”

She paused, letting her words sink in before continuing with a softer tone. 

“But one day, I met a goblin named Hermit. He was the first one Suzuka saved. At first, I couldn’t see him as anything but a creature to be hated and loathed. His appearance was almost identical to the vile goblins I’d grown up hating. But then, I noticed something - his mind, his heart, were nothing like the monsters I’d known. Where evil goblins only care about cruelty and causing pain, Hermit’s only concerns were friendship, kindness, and protecting those who needed help.”

Olivia’s voice grew more impassioned as she leaned forward slightly.

 “I’ve seen the horrors that happen in those goblin breeding farms. The evil goblins are the ones running those places, and what they do there is beyond anything you can imagine. The goblins Suzuka saved were born into slavery, into lives of torment and misery from the moment they hatched from their eggs. They were tortured, beaten daily, and treated worse than animals left to starve. And their hatchlings...”

Olivia’s voice cracked slightly as she described the scene.

 “The poor hatchlings have been selected only a few from many and those were barely given a chance to live. They were starved, beaten, and forced to work until they couldn’t even stand. They were treated as disposable tools, and those who survived grew up knowing nothing but pain and fear. Hermit was one of those slaves, and despite everything he’s been through, he’s managed to hold on to his kindness and his hope. That alone should show you the difference.”

 “It’s easy to hate what you don’t understand, especially when there’s so much evil tied to it. But what Suzuka’s doing is giving those who were born into suffering a chance at something better. She’s not siding with monsters - she’s standing up for those who’ve been crushed under the weight of the very monsters you fear.”

The room fell silent, even Steven and Megan, who had been so firm in their rejection, seemed taken aback by the raw emotion in her words. The horrors of the breeding farms, the image of tortured hatchlings, and the thought of creatures like Hermit being twisted into something so different from their nature left a powerful impact.

Olivia leaned back, her voice now softer.

 “I’m not saying you have to change your minds right now. But I hope you’ll at least see that what Suzuka’s doing isn’t reckless or misguided. She’s giving hope to those who’ve never had it. And I think that’s something worth standing behind.”

Suzuka nodded, her grin widening.

“Exactly! I promise nothing's going to go wrong with me in charge. They are a good bunch of silly goobers. So you can stop worrying.”

Megan’s face lit up with a mix of pride and disbelief.

“Suzu, I always knew you had a strong spirit, but this is a whole new level. I don't know what to think anymore. I guess you're a big girl now and can decide for yourself. If you say you are fine then I will believe in you.”

“You've been doing so much, it’s amazing to see how far you’ve come. Even though I don't entirely agree with your idea of housing the goblins I guess it's your call. If you say it's fine then it's fine with me.” Steven finished, shaking his head in disbelief.

Suzuka’s smile grew warmer, and she reached out to take her parents’ hands.

“It will be fine, trust me. They won't cause any trouble but enough talking about goblins. I’m glad to be back and to share a bit of my world with you. Let’s enjoy the time we have together now. How about telling me what I missed while I was gone? Anything exciting happened?”

Steven’s chest puffed up with pride as he responded, “Well, after hearing about your grand achievements, what we’ve done might seem like small potatoes in comparison, but I’m proud to say I finally rose to Chief of the city guards! It wasn’t easy, but after two years of hard work, I made it. We’ll be moving to a new home within the city walls next month. Much better place, safer streets, and more conveniences. We’re excited to settle in.”

Megan, smiling warmly and proud of her accomplishment, said, “And I finally landed a job at one of the most prestigious cafes in town. It’s nothing like the old job, where I was just getting by. Now, I’m working at a place where people from all walks of life come in - business folks, travelers, even some minor nobles. The pay’s better, and I’m surrounded by a team that’s like a second family. Plus, the tips aren’t little either!”

She glanced at Steven, and the two exchanged looks filled with quiet pride, clearly relishing the chance to share their successes with their daughter. Megan added with a playful grin, “But I’m sure none of that compares to running a whole town, huh? Still, it’s nice to be moving up in the world, even if it’s just one little step at a time.”

Suzuka's eyes sparkled with genuine happiness as she looked at her parents. 

“I’m so happy for both of you. Dad, I know how much you wanted that Chief position, and it’s great to see your hard work pay off. Congratulations! And Mom, I’m really glad you found a good place to work. Honestly, the old inn was a bit shady, and I often worried about you being there. I’m relieved you’re in a better spot now.”

She leaned in a bit, her curiosity piqued. 

“But enough about work and achievements - how about the little boy? My little brother! What’s his story? I’m dying to know all about him. Tell me everything!”

Megan's expression softened with nostalgia and bittersweet emotion as she began to speak.

 “Oh, the little boy - he’s such a joy. His name is Ethan. He’s got your old spark, Suzuka, with those wide, curious eyes and a little bit of mischief. I know you’ll love him. You see, I found out I was pregnant a few months before you were kidnapped. I was so excited to surprise you with the news. I’d planned everything perfectly for when you came home from school that day. I wanted it to be a special moment for us all. We waited, and waited, but there was no word from you. You never returned, and then everything just spiraled.”

She took a deep breath, her eyes misting with the memories of that difficult time.

 “It was tough waiting and hoping for you to come back. We were trying to keep it together, and then the baby came. It’s been a whirlwind, but having him has been a blessing. I’m so glad you’re finally here, and I’m sure he’ll be thrilled to meet his big sister. We’ve all been waiting for this moment, hoping for a reunion like this.”

Steven leaned back in his chair, rubbing the back of his neck as he gathered his thoughts.

 “Yeah, it’s been a wild ride, Suzuka. Your mom’s right. Those first few months after you disappeared were some of the darkest times for us. We searched everywhere, and talked to everyone, hoping for any clue, but nothing came up. It felt like you just vanished into thin air. Honestly, we were barely holding it together.”