Except Aarav and Lady Goblin, all the monsters went to find food for themselves.
Aarav looked at Lady Goblin and said, "Why are you staying here? Don't you want to eat?"
Lady Goblin replied with a slight smile, "Master, I too am hungry, but I want to tell you something." He took a deep breath and began to speak in a serious tone, "Actually, we goblins depend on small prey. The prey that is easy for us is what sustains us. But things have changed over the years.
Orcas come into our areas and take away the prey we need. Their strength is so high that they can take down big and powerful prey, but no, they take only easy prey. And not only this, because of this behavior they have become big game hunters. They started attacking weaker monsters, like us goblins."
His voice became heavy with emotions. "The population of our village is reduced to less than half. The hunters who used to feed the orcas have now become our hunters. And the goblins who used to be hunters have now become the hunted themselves. Master, I just want to I want to know why you have made these orcas your slavesYou told them to find their own food, but they will come back to our area and do the same thing they used to do before."
Aarav thought for a moment and said seriously, "Look, I have made all of them my slaves only to bring back balance in this forest. My purpose is to teach them how to live together. If everyone If we follow the rules together, no one will have to go hungry."
A slight relief appeared on Lady Goblin's face. "Really, master? You really want to do this? You really have a big heart. But we fear the orcs will do the same again. We goblins are weak, we have no choice but to satisfy our hunger. That's why we started hunting whatever we foundLike Homo Sapiens. But they are not our victims, nor should they be. But if the Orcs come to our area..."
Aarav interrupted him and said confidently, "Don't worry. I have clearly told him that he cannot snatch the food from any other monsterEven if they try to do this, I will stop them. Now no one will break the rules and walk in this forest. And you will all be safe together."
Aarav and Lady Goblin were talking among themselves when suddenly an Orc came and bowed and said, "Master, we have taken the prey and are dividing it among us, Would you like some of that?"
Aarav took a deep breath and said, "No, I don't want anything. But I want to see what you guys have hunted. Come on, take me there." Pointing towards Lady Goblin she said, "You also come along."
All three of them reached the place where the Orcs had piled up their prey. As soon as Aarav saw those hunted monsters, he started feeling dizzy. He became completely disoriented.
Lady Goblin stood there and said happily, "Master, you were right. These people are now hunting as they shouldThis will maintain balance in the forest."
The Orc leader proudly came to Aarav and said, "Master, today we found a large group of spiders. We hunted them. They are not that good to eat, but as you said, we have to eat some other monster." "We don't want to be snatched away, so we did what was right."
Damon, who had been silent till now, said with a smile, "Aarav, it's wonderful to see balance returning to this forest after so many years. It's truly amazing. I've never been able to do it myself, but you did half the work alone." Just did it. Amazing!"
Aarav was shocked to hear her and thought to himself, "You wanted to bring more balance"I feel that you are the biggest enemy of this forest."
Damon seemed to sense her thoughts and said with a smile, "Think whatever you want. I don't care. Just keep doing this work like this."
He turned to the Orc leader and said, "All of you, please eat your food comfortably. We will meet later."
"As you say, master," the Orc chieftain said, bowing his head.
As soon as Aarav turned back, the strong smell of spider monsters in the air started disturbing him further. He tried to control himself, but the condition of those dead spiders—their severed arms, legs, and heads scattered about—disturbed him further.
Aarav muttered under his breath, "I told you, I can't bear to eat non-vegetarian food. And this... this is too much."
His health started deteriorating. Darkness started appearing before the eyes. He walked away from there with staggered steps and vomited within a short distance.
Lady Goblin saw him and came running to him. "Master, are you okay?"
Aarav nodded, closing his eyes, "Yes, I'm fine. Just... take me out of here quickly."
Aarav's condition gradually became like that of a half dead person. Lady Goblin supported him and brought him to the Goblin's house.
As soon as the Goblin opened the door, he saw Aarav's condition and said with surprise, "Hey, what happened to him? It seems as if someone has squeezed out all his energy!"
Aarav said in a tired voice, "Water… I want water."
The goblin immediately ran and brought a wooden glass filled with water. Aarav drank water quickly and took a deep breath. "Yes... I am feeling a little better now. But to be honest, after what I saw there, I don't want to even think about a big spider, leave alone seeing one.I just went to see if they were snatching away the prey of other monsters, but my condition got worse."
Aarav felt a strange fragrance spreading in the room and asked, "This…what is this fragrance of?"
The goblin smiled and said, "Today I have prepared a dish made of mushrooms for you."
"mushroom?" Aarav said, straightening a little in his place. Old memories flooded his mind.
"I had eaten mushrooms only once in my world, when I went on a date with a girl for the first time. She had ordered mushrooms. The date had gone badly, but that mushroom dish... I tasted it today. Didn't even forget. Just couldn't remember his name."
The goblin's voice brought him out of his thoughts. "The food is ready!" She placed some food items in wooden utensils and placed them in front of Aarav.
"Look, there is mushroom soup for you, sweets made from mushrooms, and this special mushroom dish made with wild vegetables and fruits. All this is available in this forestSo I hope you enjoy all this and yes, I have cooked it with great love. After eating this, your energy will come back immediately."
Aarav looked at those utensils. Fragrance was coming from every dish. She was looking really tasty.
Aarav said smilingly, "This looks really goodBut why don't you two eat with me?" He looked at the Goblin and Lady Goblin.
Goblin and Lady Goblin sit with Aarav.
Aarav smiled and said, "First you both eat and tell me how this food is. Only then will I eat it."
The Goblin laughed and said, "It is not a good thing to praise yourself after eating something you have prepared. Come on, Lady Goblin, first you eat and tell me how the food turned out."
Lady Goblin laughed and nodded. He picked up the wooden bowl of soup, took a spoonful of the soup and tasted it slowly.
Aarav started looking at her carefully, there was hope in his eyes.
Lady Goblin suddenly closed her eyes, as if trying to feel the taste of the soup. But the next moment his eyes widened. Without saying anything, she took the cup of soup in her hands and quickly ran away from there.
Aarav and Goblin were stunned to see his action.
"Why did she... run away?" The Goblin said in surprise. "I had already tasted it. The food was well prepared. Wait, let me taste it again."
The Goblin quickly tasted a little of each dish and said with concern, "The food is absolutely perfect"Looks like Lady Goblin doesn't like vegetarian things."
Aarav was sitting there staring at the food strangely, as if it was challenging him.
"Whatever happens now, remains to be seen," Aarav said, taking a deep breath. "At least it will be better than what my sister cooked for the first time."
He took a look at the food and smiled lightly. "The smell is really niceCome on, at least I won't die after eating this." He consoled himself a little and finally picked up the spoon.
Thank You.
Chapter 10 Ends.....