It didn't take long for the goblins to prepare a carriage filled with fruits and provisions to be taken to the land of the elves in order to receive the 'blessing'. Something that had become an annual event for each race to ensure a good harvest for the following season. However, due to the tense situation, not all races could enter the land of the elves, especially humans. They had to undergo identity checks or they wouldn't be accepted at all.
Although elves are the second-largest kingdom after humans, they are a peaceful race and never seek to use violence unless absolutely necessary.
That's why they prioritize elven customs, such as forest preservation and the continuous study of magic, over training for warfare, which is one of the reasons why elves don't have a large army. Thus, facing the kingdom alone, they would surely be overwhelmed and end up in a dire situation. That would be the best-case scenario. The worst-case scenario would be their extinction from the world.
The destruction of the dwarf race made other races anxious whenever they had dealings with humans. News of the destruction spread so quickly, causing every race to be stunned with fear resurfacing in their hearts.
Fear of the human race.
Something that hadn't happened for so long. Moreover, humans had the largest population on the continent, not to mention their remarkable inventions that could combine magic with alchemy, creating various terrifying new creations.
They are indeed a race with the least mana and physical strength that falls in the middle compared to other races. However, their intellectual abilities are far superior, serving as a dangerous weapon that makes other races wary. They worry that if humans were to regain control of the continent with tyranny, as their predecessors did in the past.
The era known as the 'Dark Ages'.
"I'm truly afraid it might happen again," said one goblin while loading provisions onto the carriage, where Ailord was at the bottom, amidst piles of fruits and provisions.
"Let it be, there's no need to dwell on it further. There's no use in constantly looking back at the past when it may not necessarily happen in the future," replied another goblin, doing the same task. "We'd better focus on covering this iron construct so the village head's plan can proceed smoothly."
The goblin who spoke with a fearful expression nodded in agreement and then turned curious. "But won't he be crushed to death down there?"
The mature-looking goblin glanced towards the nearly covered iron construct. "He should be fine. Besides, don't you believe in Miss Teena's magic? Even though she's young, her level of magic has reached the Golden Core! Something that's rare even among humans. Miss Teena is a genius, a genius from our village. I'm sure nothing will happen to the figure inside the Construct."
The young goblin nodded in understanding, imagining Teena's figure, so beautiful and graceful, like a goblin angel. Especially with her beautiful smile that could turn every tired feeling into enthusiasm. "That's true, Miss Teena can surely do it," he replied with a grin, unaware that his face was turning red and receiving a gentle slap on the head from the mature goblin.
"What are you thinking? Stop having strange thoughts. Miss Teena will soon marry the young master," he said, placing a sack right on top of the Construct's foot.
"What? Miss Teena is going to get married already?" asked the young goblin, surprised. There had never been any news about this. "How did you find out?"
"No need to wait for news, you can see it from their behavior. Haven't you noticed? How Miss Teena and the young master have been acting lately? It's clear they like each other. It won't be long before wedding invitations are sent out," explained the mature goblin.
The young goblin felt skeptical, especially because from his observations, Miss Teena seemed just as usual. She was always seen as happy and cheerful to everyone. Meanwhile, the young master still seemed a little too excited. Not long ago, he was carrying provisions just like them. The only difference was he was carrying more than five sacks at once while grinning widely with a more fiery enthusiasm.
"Excuse me! Excuse me!" called out Glok as he ran, carrying five sacks on his right and left shoulders. Sweat was clearly streaming down, soaking his muscular body. It was a sight for the women who continued to watch him from the sidelines, hoping they could feel those muscles themselves.
Teena could only clench her fists in annoyance at so many women eyeing her man. However, she couldn't do anything because ever since his teenage years, Glok had become a popular figure among women. It had become a habit; there would always be spectators whenever Glok did strenuous work that made sweat pour.
But this time, Teena wasn't just imagining what those women were thinking. Because after their marriage, she could feel it firsthand, when Glok's body pressed against...
Her face flushed quickly accompanied by a rapid heartbeat, unaware that Glok was calling her and now approaching. Only when Glok was right in front of her did she realize, screaming in surprise and falling backward, accidentally pulling Glok's arm, causing him to fall too.
Now, he was on top, looking so big and powerful that her mind went blank. Without being able to control it, her breath became heavy with warmth spreading throughout her body, especially—
But before she could feel it, Glok quickly got up, apologizing, "Are you okay? Are you hurt or something?" he asked worriedly, helping Teena to stand up as well.
Teena could only accept his hand, once again imagining when the hand holding hers was on the same bed—
Before she could continue speaking, Teena ran away, leaving Glok confused by Teena's behavior since he returned to the village. Somehow, she always avoided him, making Glok's heart feel a little painful because she had never acted like this before. They were always together, even from childhood. Two figures that would never be separated except by circumstances.
Still, they persisted in trying to meet each other even if it meant breaking some rules. Like when Teena was undergoing her training as a mage in the women's special dormitory, Glok would climb the wall, appearing in front of her window with a wide grin, bringing her favorite food to eat together.
"Did I do something wrong?" Glok muttered, watching the figure running away from him.
Rako approached, patting his friend's shoulder several times. "Don't worry, she'll come back. You two are so close, even from childhood. Haven't you understood her even a little?" A smile formed on Rako's lips. "A woman will feel embarrassed when facing someone she loves. You should realize that, Glok. You don't doubt her feelings, do you?"
Glok was startled by Rako's words, his eyes sparkling as he turned to him. "Is what you're saying true? Does she have feelings for me? I sensed something different, but could someone like her really fall in love with me?"
"Glok, look at yourself. Someone incredibly strong, the son of the village head. Our next leader! You should know how remarkable you are. What woman wouldn't fall in love? Don't you see how many of your admirers envy Teena's position? Spend more time understanding her rather than entertaining your fans. Her heart could get hurt, you know?"
Glok was truly grateful to have a friend like Rako who always supported and advised him, regardless of being the son of the village head and the Captain of the elite goblin knights. "Thank you so much, Rako. Without you, I might not have realized it. I have to go after her," Glok said, barely a second passing before he was in front, chasing after Teena who had disappeared somewhere. "Thanks again!" he exclaimed.
Rako smiled, sighing and shaking his head. "You should pay more attention to her, Glok. Who knows what might happen to her if you become careless."