Chapter 234 For The Greater Good

Suzuka, with little regard for the goblin's morning haze, yanked him from under the bed by his leg, exposing him to the sudden intrusion of light. Hermit, caught in the abrupt wake-up call, comically stirred as if he'd been whacked on the head with a club. His eyes blinked rapidly, still half-asleep, and his tiny arms flailed in confusion, occasionally slapping himself across the face. His head shook involuntarily, the floppy ears flapping like a pair of mismatched wings.

After a few moments of this morning stupor, Hermit managed to fight through the haze. He turned to Suzuka, squinting against the light, and in his characteristic broken speech, asked, "Wh-what is going on, Master? Why do you do Hermit like this? Too early for goblin's delicate senses, it is."

The goblin's eyes widened, and he struggled to get to his feet, his limbs still tangled in the blanket. With a clumsy hop, he managed to free himself, though he nearly tripped over his own feet.

Suzuka, seemingly unfazed by the goblin's disorientation, shot him a bemused look.

 "We need to talk, Hermit. Can't spend all day under the bed. We've got things to do today, and you can't waste all your time snoozing. Now, get up."

Hermit, still rubbing the sleep from his eyes, grumbled with a childish pout, "Why so mean, Master? Hermit just wanted a few more moments of delightful slumber. But okay, Hermit is awake now. We can talk."

Suzuka crossed her arms, fixing Hermit with a serious gaze.

 "We're almost ready to start the town construction, and things are going to change. No more hiding under the bed all day. You need to act like a proper goblin and not like some sniveling whelp. We've got plans to execute, and you need to play your part."

The goblin, now somewhat more alert, nodded in agreement, his floppy ears bouncing with the motion.

 "Alright, alright. Hermit is ready to listen to the Master's wisdom. What is it?"

Suzuka leaned in, lowering her voice to a conspiratorial whisper.

 "We're building a haven for goblins, a place where your kin can thrive without being treated like pests. But we need to buy resources to kickstart things, and that's where you come in."

The goblin's eyes widened with a mix of excitement and worry.

 "Hermit is not sure how to help! What does Master need from Hermit?"

Suzuka took a deep breath before breaking the news, "Hermit, as you now know, we need funds to start building the town. And I have a plan. I'm going to sell your precious treasure to get the money for the blueprint and the necessary resources, and tools to kickstart the constructions."

The goblin's eyes widened, his bulbous gaze fixed on Suzuka. He felt a pang in his chest at the mention of his treasured possessions. Hermit's eyes widened in terror, his heart sinking like a stone. The goblin had an emotional attachment to the treasure he had collected through a lifetime of hardships, experiencing a life worse than hell in goblin breeding farms. His precious collection was a testament to his survival and a source of comfort in the face of past traumas.

His voice trembled with panic, "N-no! Master, please! Not the treasure! Hermit worked so hard for it, and suffered so much! M-Master, you can't! Not my treasure! It's everything to Hermit! Each shiny rock, each piece of scrap, they all have stories and memories! Please, Master, find another way! Hermit can't bear to lose them. It's... it's all I have. Losing them feels like ripping out a piece of my soul! Can't we find another way? Master, it's all I have! The memories, the pain, they're mine!"

Suzuka, maintaining her stern demeanor, softened slightly, "Hermit, I understand it's hard for you. But this is the only way right now. Trust me; it will be worth it when we have our town. Think about the haven we'll create for goblins. It's a tough decision, but sometimes we have to make sacrifices for the greater good."

Panic etched across Hermit's face. He stammered in a panicked, sorrowful plea, "Master, please! Hermit beg you! It's all I got, Master. My dreams, my hopes. Don't take them away. Hermit will find other shinies for the town. Just don't sell these."

Suzuka, feigning sympathy, patted the distraught goblin on the head.

 "Oh, my dear Hermit, it's a tough decision, I know. But sometimes, sacrifices are necessary for the greater good. Trust me, it's the only way."

As Suzuka continued her convincing act, she added, "Hermit, this town is going to be a haven for goblins, a sanctuary where your kin can live without fear. Just think of the countless goblins whose lives we can change. Your sacrifice will be remembered as the cornerstone of our new home."

Hermit's eyes welled up with tears, torn between his attachment to the treasures and his desire to create a better life for his fellow goblins. He mumbled in a trembling voice, "But, Master, they are all I have. The memories of my struggles, my victories, and even my pain. Selling them feels like losing a part of myself."

Suzuka, maintaining her facade, placed a hand on Hermit's tiny shoulder.

 "I understand, my little goblin. It's a difficult choice, but sometimes we must let go of the past to embrace a brighter future. I promise, that once the town is thriving, you'll have new treasures, and new memories to cherish. Just think about all the happy smiles on your fellow gobbies."

Hermit sniffled, wiping away a tear.

 "Promise, Master? A sacred promise?"

Suzuka nodded solemnly, her eyes gleaming with hidden intentions.

 "I promise, Hermit. Our town needs this, and you'll see, it'll be worth it in the end."

Suzuka continued her crafty charade, spinning a web of lies to manipulate the gullible goblin. 

"Hermit, think about it. By sacrificing your treasures, you'll be hailed as a hero among your kin. You will pave the way for a better tomorrow for all goblins and tiny gobbies. They won't have to suffer in those cruel breeding farms anymore. You'll be their beacon of hope, the one who brought about change and freedom. They'll sing songs about you, celebrating the brave goblin who gave up his precious shinies for the greater good. You'll be remembered as the savior and tiny gobbies will look up to you as a true leader. You will be a hero! A true King! A kind and caring ruler of your kin! Don't you want that, Hermit?"

Hermit, torn between the fear of losing his precious possessions and the allure of being a hero, hesitated. He muttered to himself, "Hero... Hermit a hero. Save kin. But shinies..."

Suzuka, with a reassuring tone, continued, "Hermit. I'll make sure all of the goblins will know your heroic acts. We'll spread the tale far and wide, and your sacrifice will inspire all goblins. They'll see you as a visionary, a leader, someone who looked beyond the immediate glitter of treasure to secure a better future for all."

She seized the opportunity in his weakness, patting his head with a fake warmth.

 "You're doing this for the greater good, for your kin, for the goblin town we're going to build together. Sacrifices make heroes, my dear goblin."

Hermit, still unsure but swayed by the promise of heroism, nodded reluctantly. 

"For kin... for town... Hermit wants to be a hero. Wants to save tiny gobbies from big bad goblins. Hermit will be a hero."

The gullible goblin's eyes widened with a mix of hope and naivety.

"Hermit never thought... But if Master says so, then... then Hermit will do it! For fellow goblin slaves and tiny gobbies. Hermit's sacrifice will save them from farms and beatings. Hermit will be a hero!"

Suzuka's smile widened at Hermit's gullibility.

 "Exactly, Hermit. Your sacrifice will be remembered for generations. Now, let's go. We'll turn in your treasures, and together, we'll pave the way for a better tomorrow for all goblins."

Hermit, convinced that he was about to embark on a noble quest, nodded eagerly. Little did he know that he was being led down a path of deception, with Suzuka manipulating his simple desires for a brighter future for his kin. 

She could easily sell his treasure with or without him knowing but she needed him as the shepherd to lead his goblin kin and do her bidding. This way, she will ensure that the goblin will be willing to work for her with all of his soul and won't complain or throw a tantrum over his lost treasure.

Suzuka, with Hermit in tow, made her way to the guild to meet with Lisanna, her quest coordinator. She entered the bustling guild hall, Hermit scuttling behind her, looking around with wide-eyed curiosity. The guild was buzzing with activity as adventurers prepared for their quests or shared tales of their recent exploits. Lisanna, noticing Suzuka's approach, waved enthusiastically.

"Hey, Helen! Long time no see. What brings you and Naked Scuttle here to the guild today?" Lisanna asked with a warm smile.

Suzuka grinned, "Just another day in the adventurous life, Lisanna. And I've got something interesting to show you." She nudged Hermit forward, who offered a timid wave.

Lisanna chuckled at the sight of the pitiful goblin.

 "Looks like you taught this goblin a little bit of manners. But let's forget about the goblin for now. What can I help you with?"

Suzuka's smirk matched Lisanna's.

 "Business, of course. I have a pile of gems that needs your expert appraisal and some kill proofs to get my new title on the hunter card. The spoils of my latest adventure."

With a flourish, Suzuka produced two sacks from her magic item storage and dumped a pile of colorful gems onto the counter. The jewels sparkled, catching the attention of everyone nearby. Lisanna's eyes widened with surprise.

"Well, aren't you full of surprises today? What's the story behind these beauties?"

Suzuka adopted a dramatic tone.

 "Oh, you know, found these treasures in the depths of the forest. Thought I could use them for something grand."

Lisanna chuckled, her fingers itching to examine the jewels.

 "Now that's a fine find. Let me take a look."

Lisanna, with a keen eye for appraisal, carefully inspected the pile of gems that Suzuka had laid out on the reception desk. The colorful array of precious stones glittered enticingly under the guild's ambient lighting. The goblin stood by Suzuka's side, eyes wide with a mixture of pride and sorrow.

Suzuka, wearing a confident smile, nudged Hermit and whispered, "This is it, Hermit. Your sacrifice for the greater good of goblins everywhere. Lisanna will see the value, and we'll get the funds we need for the town blueprint."

As Lisanna carefully inspected each gem, Hermit feeling proud of his contributions, stood on his tiptoes to get a closer look.