Chapter 189 Thalen The Ruler Of Rockmine Town

 Valerius leaned in, his tone dripping with theatrical sincerity, "Ah yes, I understand your impatience with my veiled words regarding your role in all of this. However, I wished for you to grasp the magnitude and significance of our mission."

Suzuka couldn't help but smirk at Valerius's theatrics and decided to cut through the pompous facade. With a wry smile, she said "Okay, let's all be honest here and just say that you want to enslave these pathetic wimp goblin hatchlings for yourself. You basically want to turn these pathetic goblin hatchlings into your personal army of subservient lackeys. No need to sugarcoat it."

Valerius paused for a moment as if considering Suzuka's blunt assessment. Then, with an air of reluctant confession, he revealed, "Well, I suppose it's not entirely incorrect. Our plan does involve constructing a specialized containment facility for these goblins... 'temporary subjects,' as I like to call them. We intend to extract what information we can from them and then dispose of them, and if any of them happen to exhibit exceptional skills, we may decide to keep them around."

Suzuka rolled her eyes, "So, 'dispose of them' means killing them, right? I don't want to be your executioner to kill off your failed goblins."

Valerius chuckled, the corners of his lips curling into a sly smile.

 "Ah, Helen, my choice of words may have been a tad severe. What I meant to convey is that we shall release them back into the wild. You won't have to dirty your hands with any hatchling executions, I assure you."

 "Releasing them back into the forest, huh?" she mused, her tone still laced with doubt.

 "Well, I suppose that sounds marginally better than 'disposing' of them. But don't get me wrong, I am not saying that goblins should live. I just don't want to kill goblins all day long swinging my sword at their heads."

Valerius nodded earnestly. 

"I agree, Helen. That would be a rather boring activity. But you have nothing to worry about, we have more action involving plans for you."

Valerius leaned in closer, his tone now conspiratorial, "What we truly seek, dear Helen, is your partnership. You are exactly the kind of talent we desire. Your role in our noble cause will be to lead an assault on these goblin breeding farms, and fear not, your efforts will be generously compensated with a handsome sum of coins."

"Alright, but you haven't convinced me entirely. Why should I join your cause? What's in it for me, apart from coins?" She said, slowly warming to the idea.

Valerius smiled, his gaze fixed on Suzuka.

 "Fair question," he replied.

 "Apart from the monetary compensation, joining our cause would mean playing a pivotal role in restoring balance to these lands. It's a chance to be part of something larger, to make a real difference. And, should you choose to accept, you'll have the support of Wara and his guild, along with our resources. I am sure you have some grand plans of your own, think of it as using each other for our personal goals."

Suzuka considered his words carefully, her thoughts racing. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on her. She had been prepared for many challenges as an adventurer, but becoming part of a plan involving goblin captivity and violence against hatchlings was a moral dilemma she hadn't anticipated. She knew that the decision she was about to make could change the course of her life and the lives of many others. It was a matter of great proportions and consequences, she had to think this through carefully. After one second of reflection, she extended her hand towards Valerius.

"Alright," she said firmly. 

"I'm in. Let's put an end to these goblin breeding farms and enslave the hatchlings. But remember, Valerius. If I sense anything amiss, if you fail to deliver what you promised, I won't hesitate to walk away."

Valerius shook her hand with gratitude and sincerity.

 "Thank you, Helen," he said. 

"You won't regret this decision. Together, we can make a real impact on the fate of these miserable yet fascinating creatures and the future of our town."

Larry, who had been mostly quiet during this discussion, finally spoke up. 

"Valerius, I can't speak for Helen, but I have reservations about this plan. It doesn't sit right with me to use these creatures, even if we release them later. Have you considered alternatives?"

Valerius nodded thoughtfully, "I understand your concerns, Larry. We've discussed this at length, and it's not a decision we take lightly. But time is of the essence, and our town's prosperity depends on the information we can extract. Luckily for us, Wara and his guild stand firmly with us in this venture, while MIS and the other guilds maintain a neutral stance. We need to extract all the information from that goblin you brought from the bandits as fast as possible, even if we have to torture him to speak. But, you can leave that part to me. I will make him talk."

Larry's words hung heavy in the air as he suggested a non-violent approach toward the captured goblin. He firmly stated, "No need for violence against the goblin; I will speak with him. He might willingly tell me everything. There's no need to harm him."

Valerius regarded Larry with a skeptical gaze, his voice tinged with concern, "Larry, I hope you're not sympathizing with these creatures. They are nothing more than goblins, vile monsters. I admit, that they act, speak, feel, and show emotions like us but they are monsters. I find them intriguing subjects for experimentation, but in the end, they are just that - monsters. Do not emotionally attach to them, Larry. Because when the time comes to strike one down you may hesitate and it can cost you your life."

Larry nodded thoughtfully, his gaze unwavering.

 "I understand your perspective, Valerius. I will not hesitate to kill all of these vile goblins, you don't need to worry about that. However, there must be some trace of goodness in them, even in this specific goblin. Despite the pain and adversity, he displayed no hostility. Instead, he yearned for friendship and peace. I believe it's possible for us to establish a mutual understanding between our kind and the goblins. Hermit, this goblin calls himself that, told me that all of the goblin hatchling slaves are peaceful and friendly, longing for nothing but peace and warm hugs. I know It sounds ridiculous but maybe there is a chance."

Valerius sighed, willing to entertain Larry's notion for the time being.

 "Very well," he conceded, "you can attempt your peaceful approach. But do remember, goblins are unpredictable, and their trust is not easily won. Proceed cautiously. I do not want to see more of our friends with blades in their backs after trusting a goblin word."

Ruler Thalen's voice carried a note of satisfaction as he chimed in, "So! It seems we have reached an agreement. Splendid! Now that our official business is settled, I would like to have a private word with my good friend Larry in person."

Valerius nodded respectfully, bowing before excusing himself from the room. He addressed Suzuka with a polite nod. 

"Well then," he said to Suzuka with a polite smile, "It was nice meeting with you, Helen. Now, if you'll excuse me, I will be on my way."

Larry turned to Suzuka and said, "Helen, wait for me outside. Give me a few minutes, I will be right behind you."

Suzuka replied with a casual tone, "Sure, take your time. No rush."

As Suzuka walked out of the throne room, she leaned against the wall just outside the entrance, behind closed doors, awaiting Larry's return. Although she was no longer in the room, her enhanced senses allowed her to catch snippets of the conversation between Larry and Thalen.

Larry approached Thalen, and their exchange began with lighthearted banter. 

"Thalen, old friend," Larry remarked with a playful grin, "Seems like sitting comfy in your throne yielded a few pounds on your gut. How about going for a hunt sometime?"

Thalen chuckled heartily, his laughter echoing in the chamber. 

"Oh, Larry, dear friend," he said, "Sitting on the throne did not make me fat, don't be ridiculous. All the feasts and tasty food did! Hahaha!"

Their jovial banter continued for a few minutes, reflecting the camaraderie of old friends. However, the mood turned somber as Thalen's voice took on a more serious note.

 He asked, "Larry... how is David doing these days?"

Larry's expression shifted from mirth to concern, and his voice held a touch of sorrow as he replied, "Thalen, I'll be honest with you. It only gets worse with him. And I can't put up with him anymore, Thalen. You asked me to look after him many years ago, and I did, I did all I could. But that's it. Today, I gave him a last chance. If he fails to keep his promise, I will not look after him anymore, even if it is a request from you. I'm sorry, Thalen. If he fails, you will have to find someone else to look after him."

Thalen's voice carried a sense of regret as he responded, "It's that bad, huh? After all these years, I thought that boy would learn from his mistakes. But I see, I understand, Larry. Thank you for looking after that silly boy for all these years, and thank you for giving him one last chance."

Larry's demeanor shifted, his voice carrying a weight of concern, "I really hope he keeps his word this time, I really do but if not... Well, it will be the end between him and me."

Thalen asked, "Wha-what did you ask of him, Larry?"

"I left him with the goblin for the rest of the day," Larry somberly recounted, his gaze distant as he recalled the events. 

"I explained the importance of the goblin to him and asked him to look after it. Yet, he stood there and lied straight to my face. I know he will do horrible things to it. But a small part of me hopes that he does the right thing and changes his mind."

Thalen's voice trembled with concern as he responded, "Oh no, Larry, no. Why did you do that? Oh no, the asset, he will cripple or kill it. Oh no, Larry, Larry, why did you do it? We needed this goblin."

Larry sighed deeply, a heavy weight on his shoulders. 

"I did it so you would understand that there is no hope left for that boy and that you should finally give up on him. But all said and done I still have a small hope, who knows, maybe a miracle will happen."

Thalen ran his hand through his hair, his voice quivering with responsibility.

 "Maybe you're right, Larry, maybe you're right. Well, what's done is done. If he kills the goblin, that's that. We'll just get another one, and as you said, I will cut my ties with him for good."

Larry turned to leave, a hint of sadness in his eyes. 

"I hope he comes to realize the importance of that goblin and keeps it alive. I really hope so. But I have to go now, old friend. We will know the fate of that goblin tomorrow. Until then, I bid my farewell."

"Goodbye to you too, Larry."

With that farewell, Larry exited the throne room, his steps heavy with the weight of his decision. He stopped by Suzuka and said, his voice strained, "We're done here, let's go."

Suzuka, feigning ignorance of the conversation, asked with a concerned tone, "Why the long face, Larry? Got in trouble or something?"

Larry simply replied, "Don't ask. I'm not in the mood to talk about it. Let's go. I'll escort you out of the main town, and we'll call it a day."