Beasts. That was the common perception people had about goblins. It was a prejudice that had been solidified over a long time. However, Jared, who had not been in this world for long, didn't have such closed-minded thoughts. Open-minded! He always had the idea in his head that for the development of himself and his territory, he would gladly join hands with anything, not just beasts.
"They will be a great help to our territory. I assure you."
"But..."
The retainers trailed off, intimidated by the threatening gaze of Rakis, who was standing next to Jared.
"Let's break the prejudice. Trust me, even if you think you're being fooled," Jared laughed. His eyes showed no sign of worry. The retainers, not understanding the situation, just tilted their heads in confusion and followed Jared.
It was quite a long journey to the territory where the Red Goblin tribe lived. It was more than half a day further than the Kasgard Snow Mountains, where they had visited to attack Deluc. Before meeting the goblins, we stopped by a village near the Nightmare Forest. Avila had mentioned that monster hunters were gathering there, and I wanted to observe the changes myself.
We watched from a block away as Aki's trading post was busy selling goods.
"Welcome, customer! How can I help you?"
"I heard from a colleague who bought medicine here that they recovered completely. Is Crivia the only place where you can get the medicine for 39 gold?"
"That's right! You won't find it at this price anywhere else. Hurry and cure the Ronella disease and head to the dungeon!"
"Exactly. I took a quick look around the Nightmare Forest before coming here, and it seemed relatively untouched. Hunters will love it."
"Indeed, the Nightmare Forest has its merits for exploration, doesn't it?"
"Right. Honestly, I avoided this territory because of the lord's notorious reputation, but now I see it was a false rumor! There's no illegal slave trade like in the Mayorca territory, and the village atmosphere is very peaceful."
"That's right. It's rare to find someone as devoted to their territory as our lord. I'm confident that Crivia will soon become a new hub for many hunters!"
"Why do you think so?"
"Because this is the only place where you can buy high-quality medicine, potions, and pure magic stones all at once!"
Aki's eyes were filled with certainty as he spoke. Just then, a group of hunters rushed over, eagerly speaking to Aki.
"Medicine! Do you have any extra medicine? I really need it! I want to cure this wretched disease quickly!"
"Those Itima Empire scoundrels! I heard they're planning to raise the price to 200 gold because of the increased demand for medicine! I can't fatten the pockets of those shameless people. I'm planning to make the Nightmare Forest my new target!"
"You've come to the right place. We have plenty of medicine, and the price hasn't changed. However, you must consume it here; no taking it outside."
"Of course! Sell it to me quickly! I want to recover and tackle the Nightmare Forest!"
"Hahaha, please wait a moment. After taking the medicine, you'll regain your energy in a few hours."
"Thank the heavens! I'm finally saving my life in Crivia!"
"I heard rumors that the lord developed this herbal formula. Is it true?"
"Yes, it is. We kept it a secret initially for external security. The lord said there would be many more surprises for you all in the future."
"I admit I underestimated this place because it's so remote, but I need to reflect on that. By the way, your name is Aki, right?"
"Yes, that's correct."
"Please take care of me in the future. I'll be a regular, so I'd like you to handle purchasing the necessary items for me."
"Of course. Trust me, and feel free to request anything! The lord is planning to build many facilities for the hunters soon, so please visit anytime!"
While their conversation continued, I, along with all the retainers, listened intently. When their lively conversation ended, all the retainers had big smiles on their faces.
"The great changes in our territory are all thanks to the lord."
"I'm more excited about tomorrow than today. There's a reason why monster hunters are flocking here!"
"I'll do my best to elevate the status of our territory, starting with myself."
It seemed that the conversation between Aki and the hunters had a significant emotional impact on everyone. Aki was performing splendidly, just as I had expected. As long as he was around, I wouldn't have to worry about the sale of herbs for a while.
Six hours later, my retainers and I rode diligently eastward and finally entered the territory of the Red Goblins. Since most of the retainers had never directly encountered goblins, they seemed slightly scared. So Rakis divided the security team on both sides to guard a wider area. I was at the forefront.
Just then, with familiar voices, goblins emerged from what seemed to be ordinary trees and rocks. They looked just like goblins but with bright red skin. These were the Red Goblins. In <Paradiso>, unlike regular goblins, Red Goblins were intelligent beings. Of course, not all of them were like that, only those at the upper levels of Red Goblin society. The goblins that moved with their characteristic sounds, like just now, were the ones with significantly lower intelligence, mainly used as combat personnel.
"Everyone, defensive stance! No attacking first!" I quickly calmed the soldiers who were about to panic. Just to be sure, I randomly checked the status of a goblin using my inner sight.
[Red Goblin Mupama – Lv. 2]
[Strength: 9]
[Stamina: 9]
[Magic: 0]
[Wisdom: 0]
[Agility: 3]
[Charm: 1]
[Physical Defense: 1]
[Magic Defense: 0]
[Special Traits: None]
[General Traits: Food, Sleep, Poop]
"Food, sleep, poop. Incredible."
It was like that. If I decided to fight, they were weak enough that I could handle them myself. I could probably flick them away with my fingers. Of course, since they were driven to the outermost part of the territory, their combat power might be relatively low.
Just then, with the sound of hooves, a goblin came riding through the bushes. As the figure became clearer, the goblin's appearance was unmistakable. It was the Red Goblin Lord, Ivaniba.
"Ah?"
"This can't be..."
The retainers gasped almost simultaneously upon seeing Ivaniba. His crown wasn't made of gold or silver but seemed to be made by connecting several stones. Stones were proudly embedded all over his fully armored body. Every part of his body was adorned with Nightmare Stones, common stones in our territory. Each stone was polished to a shine, as if carefully crafted over a long time, and Ivaniba seemed proud as he touched them.
"Could it be?"
Avila, watching from behind, seemed to have realized something and looked surprised. It seemed like he understood why I came here. Of course, the retainers who weren't as perceptive still tilted their heads in confusion.
"Everyone, dismount. As long as we don't attack, they won't attack us. Trust me and come down to show your respect."
After instructing the retainers, I immediately dismounted. I then respectfully bowed to Ivaniba, who was still looking down at me from his horse. The retainers would describe it as 'bowing to a goblin worse than a dog,' but I didn't care. For the sake of my goal, I didn't care about means, methods, or face. Formalities were unnecessary, and petty pride was even more so. As the lord, my command was absolute. The hesitant retainers soon followed suit, bowing to Ivaniba just like me.
Then I carefully began to speak.
"Nice to meet you, Lord. I am Jared, the lord from the neighboring Crivia territory, here to see you."
"Welcome to the territory of the Red Goblins, stranger. I am Ivaniba, the enlightened goblin who watches over my wonderful goblins."
It sounded like a welcome speech I'd heard somewhere before. Anyway, Ivaniba greeted me with a very friendly look. He understood me. Since I hadn't specifically studied the goblin language, it was clear that he had learned the language of the Nars Continent. He soon dismounted, and our eyes met. Given the goblin's characteristic short stature, I was worried our eye levels wouldn't match. But once he dismounted, we were the same height, over 180cm.
"Lord, after establishing an official diplomatic relationship, I wish to exchange the gold and iron the Red Goblins possess with the resources of our territory."
Ivaniba seemed intrigued by my proposal and showed interest by stepping forward slightly. I continued to elaborate.
"I want to exchange Nightmare Stones, a resource from our territory, for the same amount of gold and iron."
"My lord!"
"That's absurd..."
At that moment, the confused voices of the retainers mixed chaotically behind me. It was the reaction I expected. Offering worthless stones in exchange for precious gold and iron! The retainers thought it was fortunate if it was just overlooked, but they also feared it might be taken as a serious provocation, leading to a dangerous situation.
'Why would the wise lord suddenly do this?' Rakis was dumbfounded. He had followed Jared's orders and judgments without question. But this time, he couldn't understand. If they were offering gold coins or magic stones in exchange for the gold and iron the Red Goblins had, that would be one thing. But to offer stones that were abundant near the Nightmare Forest in Crivia as a trade item was unimaginable.
Rakis tried to think from the perspective of the goblin lord Ivaniba. If humans suddenly appeared, wanting to establish official diplomatic relations and offering to trade gold and iron for stones, how would he react? He thought Ivaniba would feel insulted and humiliated, leading to retaliation! 'This is dangerous.'
Srrrng. Rakis began to slowly draw his sword. If the goblins made a move against Jared, he was ready to charge in and cut down any threats. The retainers were no exception, preparing to draw their concealed weapons just in case.
But just then, something surprising happened.
"That's wonderful. I sincerely thank Lord Jared for personally bringing the most precious Nightmare Stones to this place!"
Suddenly, Ivaniba bowed his head, bending his waist to show respect to Jared. "How is this even possible...?" At that moment, the retainers' faces were filled with confusion, astonishment, and indescribable shock. There was a true alchemist in the territory who could turn stones with no material value into iron and gold. And that alchemist was the lord himself!