"I'll fight you!"
The desperate cries of resistance echoed through the blood-soaked hall. Yet the Goblin Knight remained a ruthless machine of death, cutting down goblins without pause. His blade swept through bodies like a scythe through wheat. Only when no goblins remained standing did he halt, breathing heavily and planting his bloodied sword into the stone floor.
"General," the Goblin Knight said, bowing low. "All who questioned you have been silenced."
The Goblin General nodded slowly, his face as cold as iron. His gaze lingered on the Knight, the air suddenly heavy with unspoken tension.
The Goblin Knight's brow dampened with sweat.
"Is that all you witnessed?" the General asked quietly.
"Yes, General," the Goblin Knight replied firmly. "None escaped."
"Are you certain?"
"Yes." The Knight kept his tone unwavering, but the weight of the General's gaze made him feel like a man walking a razor's edge.
For a moment, he felt as though the General might order his death.
"If that's true..." The Goblin General's gaze sharpened. "Then let this rot in your mind forever."
"Yes, General." The Knight bowed lower, relieved to be dismissed. He knew well enough — when the General wanted someone dead, no resistance mattered.
**
Kaito and Rosentine were led into a smaller, quieter cave. Despite its rough stone walls, the place felt oddly warm. Simple furniture stood neatly arranged — a crude table, benches, and a pile of soft furs for bedding. A corner held fresh fruit, their scent sweet in the air.
"You will stay here from now on," the Goblin Shaman announced. There was no warmth in his tone, but neither was there hostility — only an odd respect for Kaito.
"Oh, right..." The Goblin Shaman's gaze shifted to Kaito. "Do you have a name?"
"Kaito," he answered calmly. The Shaman's expression tightened slightly, but he said nothing more.
"Good. You've grown now — no longer an infant. You'll contribute to the lair."
Kaito barely listened, more focused on Rosentine's presence. She held his hand tightly, her smile calm despite her obvious tension.
"Mom, let's stay together," Kaito said firmly.
"Yes," Rosentine whispered. Her grip on his hand tightened.
The Goblin Shaman watched them quietly.
"If you patrol and hunt," the Shaman added suddenly, "you can bring back things your mother might like."
Kaito's eyes flickered with interest. "Really?"
"Of course," the Shaman lied smoothly.
Rosentine knew exactly what the Shaman was doing — manipulating Kaito's loyalty. But what choice did she have? She smiled faintly and nodded. "That sounds nice."
"I'll do it," Kaito said with determination.
"Good," the Goblin Shaman muttered. "You'll join the patrol team tomorrow."
As he left, the Shaman cast one final glance back at Kaito — the so-called 'Little King.'
What is the General planning? the Shaman wondered. And why keep this dangerous cub alive?