Chapter 27: Prejudices
Everyone at the scene was stunned and confused. All eyes turned to Reika, who had just spoken.
“W-What do you mean by that, Miss Reika?” Silas asked hesitantly.
“T-This whole commotion wouldn’t have happened in the first place if you had just set your prejudices aside…”
Her words only deepened their confusion.
“Prejudices…?” one of the village women murmured.
Reika raised a hand and pointed at someone in the crowd.
“Think about it. How can you be so sure they’re vile, vicious monsters?”
“Uh… because adventurers who fought them say so!” one of them answered.
“And who says they pillage villages and rob people?”
“W-Well… according to the hearsay passed around by travelers from faraway lands, multiple sightings reported goblins attacking villages without mercy!”
Reika arched an eyebrow.
“So you didn’t witness it yourselves? You just believed the words of outsiders?”
A heavy silence fell over the crowd.
“Y-Yes…” someone finally admitted.
Reika glanced at them all.
“Did any of you see these very goblins standing before us today robbing or harming your people?”
No one could answer. Shame flickered across their faces as they realized the flaw in their judgment.
“You see, making assumptions about someone just because they look different—especially based on hearsay—is the most irrational way to form a conclusion.”
She let out a sigh and shrugged.
“Just because they’re called ‘goblins’ and have a reputation for being dangerous doesn’t mean all of them are the same. You’re just generalizing them.”
“What if these goblins are actually innocent and friendly? What if the accusations of them pillaging and attacking adventurers are false? We all have different ideals and personalities, so isn’t it natural that stereotypes between groups would differ?”
The crowd murmured among themselves, debating Reika’s words and their own prejudices against the goblins.
“We are all living, sentient beings, each with a will of our own. Instead of making baseless assumptions, use that will to judge others for yourself. Try to interact with them. Form a solid connection, and only then verify whether the stereotypes hold any truth.”
Reika turned away and paused for a moment.
“I-I only spoke my mind. Whether you take it to heart or not is up to you…”
Without another word, she walked off. But as the rush of adrenaline faded, embarrassment set in, and she hurried back to her room.
The crowd stood in stunned silence, reflecting on her words. Eventually, guilt took over, and they dispersed without a word, returning to their daily tasks. Only Silas, Alguis, Aeden, Gobuchiki, the two other goblins, and Soru remained at the scene.
Silas sighed. “Miss Reika was right. Judging them based on hearsay alone… That was a mistake.”
He lowered his head before the goblins. He was deeply embarrassed by his actions.
“On behalf of the village, I apologize for the harsh words we’ve spoken about your kind. I hope you can forgive us...”
Gobuchiki chuckled, offering a reassuring smile.
“It’s alright, kind sir. We’re used to such judgments. Being looked down on for being goblins… it’s just another day for us.”
“Yes… normal, it… is,” another goblin added.
Silas let out a weary sigh. “I see…”
As he spoke with the goblins, Alguis stood off to the side, lost in thought. Reika’s words echoed in his mind, stirring something within him.
Aeden noticed his dazed expression and stepped closer.
“Are you alright, Your—Sir Alguis?”
Alguis didn’t respond right away. Instead, he lifted his gaze toward the endless blue sky.
“Being king of the Dwarven Kingdom for a century and more, I upheld the strength and glory of my people. I maintained peace within the kingdom, handled diplomacy with other nations… I’d say I did well. But there’s one thing I overlooked—truly connecting with my fellow dwarves.”
Aeden furrowed his brows. “What do you mean, sir? Your people loved you!”
Alguis chuckled at the remark.
“Hah! All my public speeches were just mere political propaganda!”
His gaze drifted toward the villagers, watching them go about their tasks.
“Sure, I could lift the spirits of the masses, but I can't move the hearts of my people...”
Meanwhile, Gobuchiki and the other two goblins decided to thank Reika for what she had done. With Silas guiding them, they soon arrived at the door leading to her room.
As they approached, they overheard a conversation inside. Gobuchiki raised a hand, stopping the others. Curious, they leaned in and listened through the wooden door.
“I can’t believe it, Master Reika! You managed to shut those annoying humans up with just your words!” Veylir exclaimed.
“Shut up! I only acted on a whim because I didn’t want to trouble Mister Alguis. Before I knew it, I blurted all that nonsense in front of everyone!”
“But still, your speech was convincing enough to end the conflict. You left them speechless—and you also saved me from taking the blame for letting them in.”
Reika sighed.
“My original plan was just to introduce you to them while keeping Mister Alguis out of trouble…”
She groaned, pressing a hand against her forehead.
“Why did I even take responsibility instead? Ugh, sometimes my so-called common sense became my downfall...!”
“W-Well, it makes sense. You’re my master, and masters sometimes take responsibility for the trouble their subordinates cause.”
Reika shot her a flat look.
“You’re lucky I saved your ass with all that meaningless yapping of mine…”
Letting out a deep breath, she flopped onto her bed and stared at the ceiling.
“Oh god… I’m too embarrassed to go outside after lecturing them… just because they were being racist!”
Hearing the silence from inside, Gobuchiki took it as the perfect moment to enter. He knocked three times, drawing Reika and Veylir’s attention.
“Miss Reika, this is Gobuchiki.”
Reika, still sitting on her bed, straightened up slightly.
“Come in…?”
As Gobuchiki stepped inside, Reika whispered to Veylir.
What are they doing here?
Veylir had no time to answer before Gobuchiki, followed by the two other goblins, approached Reika.
Without warning, all three bowed deeply before her.
“Though we’re used to being mocked simply for being goblins, this is the first time someone has ever stood up for us—telling them to their faces that they were wrong. Thank you for what you did back there, Miss Reika!” Gobuchiki exclaimed.
“Thank… you!” the other two chimed in.
“Hmph! You should be grateful,” Veylir declared proudly. “Thanks to my master’s benevolence, she saved you from being driven out of this settlement in shame—”
“Alright, alright, I’ll take it from here. Thank you very much~!” Reika quickly cut in, waving her hands to stop Veylir from running her mouth any further.
Reika turned to the goblins with a bright smile.
“You’re welcome. Just think of it… as a parting gift! So you won’t have to worry about it anymore on your way back to your village.”
Gobuchiki returned her smile and bowed once more. With that, the three goblins excused themselves and said their goodbyes.
Moments after they left, a knock came at the door, followed by Silas’s voice.
“Miss Reika, breakfast is ready.”
Reika stood up and stepped outside, with Veylir following close behind.
Now that the entire settlement was aware of Veylir’s existence, she no longer needed to hide by turning invisible. However, physical objects could still pass right through her body, making interactions with the world around her somewhat tricky.
As Reika ate breakfast, Veylir perched on a treetop nearby, idly watching the village. Just as Reika was about to take another bite, she noticed Sylva approaching, carrying a bowl.
Reika lowered her head slightly. Her embarrassment was creeping up on her.
Without a word, Sylva sat beside her and quietly began eating. The silence between them lingered until Sylva finally spoke.
“…Sorry for what we did to your friends back then.”
Reika paused for a brief moment, then resumed eating without looking up.
“I-It’s okay. I only did what I thought was right…”
Sylva let out a small chuckle. “Every time I remember that serious look on your face, it sends shivers down my spine, you know that?”
Reika lowered her head, her face heating up in embarrassment.
Agh! Why does she have to bring that up?!
“But still…”
Reika glanced at Sylva and saw her staring off into the distance.
“Your speech managed to wake those people up. I hope they take your words to heart…”
Reika didn’t respond and simply focused on her meal. Taking the hint, Sylva fell silent as well and continued eating.
Their quiet breakfast was soon interrupted by the excited chatter of children gathering around a tree nearby.
“Hey, what’s that cute-looking creature up there? It’s sooo adorable~!”
“You’re right! Can we pet it?”
“I’m gonna pet it first!”
“No, I will!”
“But how? It’s too high up!”
Hearing their endless chatter, Veylir, who had been relaxing on a branch, clicked her tongue in irritation.
“Ugh, these human children are loud and obnoxious.”
Just then, a small pebble flew toward her. However, since her body was intangible, it passed right through her and tumbled to the ground.
The children—and even Sylva—stared in shock.
“Uwah! The pebble didn’t hit it!”
One of the girls, Sylva’s younger sister, turned toward the boy who had thrown the pebble.
“Hey, what are you doing? You could’ve hurt that poor creature!” Sylva’s younger sister scolded the boy.
Instead of backing down, one of the kids picked up another pebble and threw it again. Veylir, noticing this, decided to have a little fun.
Just as the pebble reached her, she suddenly vanished into thin air.
The children gasped at what they had just witnessed. Even Sylva looked surprised.
“Don’t worry, she just turned herself invisible,” Reika reassured her.
But Sylva’s younger sister, unaware of what had really happened, burst into tears.
“Uwaaah! You killed that cute creature!”
Reika and Sylva exchanged glances before chuckling together. Sylva quickly composed herself and rushed to comfort her crying sister.
Reika watched as she tried to calm the little girl down, smiling faintly at the scene.
Meanwhile, in the distance, Soru had finished his breakfast. With his hunger satisfied, he now sat in silence, observing the bustling settlement around him.
While observing the bustling settlement, Soru noticed Aeden and Völun preparing for a spar. Curious, he stood up and walked toward them.
Aeden spotted him right away.
“Mister Soru! What brings you here today?”
“I wish to continue our training.”
Hearing his reply, Aeden’s lips curled into a smile.
“That’s the spirit!”
Before Soru could respond, Völun slung an arm over his shoulder.
“Yay! Thanks, bro! You saved me from that madwoman this time!” He then leaned in and whispered, “And please, don’t use your strange powers against me again!”
Aeden’s brow twitched.
This man's shamelessness...
Without a word, she grabbed Völun by the ear.
“Ow!”
“Who said you were excluded from practice?”
She marched toward the training grounds, dragging Völun along by his ear while Soru followed in silence.
“You’ll be our target practice, idiot!”
“What!? Please don’t do this to me!” Völun pleaded as he was dragged along.
“Come on, why not just use a wooden dummy instead? Just give me a break already!”
“Do wooden dummies dodge and counter attacks? No! Only a dummy like you can do that!”
Upon reaching the center of the training area, Aeden finally released Völun’s ear. He winced, rubbing the sore spot.
“So, what now? Should I just stand still while Mister Soru and you attack me?”
“No,” Aeden smirked. “I have a better idea.”
Aeden turned her gaze toward Soru.
“Mister Soru, today’s training will focus on your endurance. Do a hundred push-ups, a hundred sit-ups, a hundred curl-ups, and a hundred laps around the training grounds.”
Völun’s jaw nearly dropped.
“H-Hey… isn’t that a bit much? A normal human can’t handle that kind of training!”
Aeden chuckled.
“Heh. Have you already forgotten what he’s capable of?”
Völun blinked, confused. Then, as realization dawned, his eyes widened in horror.
“No… Don’t tell me…!”
Aeden turned to him, meeting his gaze with a smug smile.
“While Mister Soru trains, all of the accumulated fatigue in his body will be transferred to us instead.”
Völun froze. His eyes twitched, his mouth slightly agape.
“Y-You…!”
“Great idea, right? And while we’re at it, we’ll spar with each other!”
Völun was utterly speechless.
Aeden ignored his reaction and turned back to Soru. “Mister Soru, is it alright if we use your ability?”
“Yes,” Soru replied calmly. “Since you’re training me, fulfilling your request is no problem.”
Aeden smirked and shot Völun a sharp look.
“You heard the man, Völun!”
Völun, now in full panic mode, started backing away slowly. Aeden noticed it and took a stance without hesitation.
“Here I go~!”
Aeden suddenly leaped forward, dashing straight at Völun with manic laughter.
“You’re insane! A complete madwoman!” Völun shouted as she closed the distance.
“I REGRET TRAINING WITH YOUUUU!!!”
...
Several minutes passed since their brutal sparring session began. Both Aeden and Völun were drenched in sweat, panting heavily as they exchanged blows.
“Hahh… Hahh… I can’t believe how hard this is! It’s only been half an hour, yet it feels like we’ve been fighting for hours!” Aeden gasped between breaths.
Völun, on the other hand, was barely holding on. His breath came in ragged wheezes.
“Ghk! This is torture! My muscles are screaming in pain!” he groaned while dodging another one of Aeden’s attacks.
Meanwhile, Soru remained focused on his own training. For the past thirty minutes, he had been using his ability nonstop, continuously transferring his fatigue and muscle pain to them. He took a brief glance at Aeden and Völun, noting their exhausted state.
Seeing that they had no intention of stopping, Soru simply continued his routine without saying a word.
Not long after, Alguis arrived at the scene. He observed Aeden and Völun’s faces, his brow raising slightly.
So this is what they do in their free time, huh…
Then, his eyes landed on Soru, who was still running laps without the slightest hint of exhaustion.
Mister Soru is training too!?
Despite Alguis’s presence, neither Aeden nor Völun noticed him—they were too absorbed in their fight.
While Aeden was busy blocking an incoming strike, she caught sight of Völun’s fist swinging toward her from the right. Reacting quickly, she grabbed his wrist, aiming to parry the punch.
But Völun, utterly drained yet desperate, used all his remaining strength to drive a kick straight at her legs.
Aeden lost her balance and tumbled to the ground. Since she was still gripping Völun’s wrist, he was dragged down with her, landing with a heavy thud.
“Damn it! I almost won this time!” Völun groaned.
“Hahh… Hahh… I won’t let you take the win…” Aeden panted, refusing to admit defeat.
Before their argument could continue, a firm voice interrupted them.
“Aeden. Völun.”
Both of them looked up to see Alguis approaching. Seeing the former king, they scrambled to their feet and straightened up.
“Sir Alguis…!”
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