Goblin Knight - Chapter 312
Only Noblemtl
EP.312 Time Problem (20)
As has never been the case on this journey so far.
In the end, this time too, as the day went by, no problem was solved.
Why is the Federation’s legion, led by Yaul, chasing them? I don’t know. What wind could blow that damned son of a bitch to repay kindness with enmity?
Have you found a way to evade their pursuit? Not yet. Fortunately, with Gilan’s help, you were able to briefly retreat into the rippling ground, but that was it.
What is Anneli’s condition? It’s the worst he’s ever seen. Even the healers he trusted are raising their hands in confusion… There’s nothing they can do.
I was unable to find out Gilan’s true purpose for hiding something, and I was unable to punish him even though I witnessed Gilan’s unimaginable evil deeds.
At night, even Nicola would barge in and throw him embarrassing topics, and she would also drop requests that smelled like something, and Ella would keep looking at him with eyes that seemed to have something on them, and he would also be curious about how the pursuit of the religious order and the empire was going, and it seemed like Gilan had a close connection with the archbishop, but what was going on, and since Annelie had been sick, he had a feeling that something was stirring inside him, but what was going on──
The time given is short, but there are so many unanswered questions.
Without even being able to get a good night’s sleep, I just held my head in my hands, wishing that Annely would wake up and give me advice like usual… … .
… … Finally, the morning dawned when we had to set off.
“Good morning, Sir Blanc. How are you feeling as we prepare for the full-scale operation?”
“… … .”
The parade ground of the forward base.
On the contrary, Gilan, who seemed to have had a good night’s sleep, greeted me refreshingly.
Blanc answered with a feeble wave of his hand, barely able to reply.
“Was that an inconsiderate question? I know you’re worried about Miss Annelie, but… from now on, you have to be strong for her sake.”
“… … Yeah. I guess so.”
“By the way, what will Miss Annelie do during the reclamation? If she goes inside, there might be a fierce battle. I think it would be more helpful for her stability if we leave her here.”
Blanc looked down at Annelie quietly.
Now Annelly was resting on a simplified pumpkin carriage, but there was no guarantee that she would be able to rest like this when combat broke out.
She’ll have to block the blind arrows from flying towards her, and maybe the dolls will target her, Blanc’s greatest weakness.
Wouldn’t it be better to follow Gilan’s words…?
While Blanc was lost in thought, Anneli opened her mouth slightly and let out a faint voice.
“No… it won’t work… … .”
“Annelli.”
“Together, until the end… … .”
“… … .”
And then silence again.
Blanc looked down at Annely with complicated eyes, then made up his mind and spoke to Gilan.
“No. I’ll go with you.”
“Really? I don’t know what might happen.”
“It’s… always been the same.”
And each time, Annelie’s role was to give him proper advice, and Blanc’s role was to protect her.
This time it’s no different.
After confirming Blanc’s will, Gilan muttered, “Well, if that’s the case,” and climbed up onto the platform in front of the parade ground.
“Well! Mercenaries, the sky is blue and the wind is cool. It’s a very good morning! And the best part is that it’s the day you finally get your money’s worth!
For those of you who don’t remember the quest outline, let me explain it again: your main role is divided into two parts: ensuring safety and direct combat!
The safety team is usually located at the rear of the line! They remove mines that I have disabled and plant copper cores underground to prevent mines that my key card doesn’t work on from being planted!
It’s easy, right? But don’t let your guard down! The unexpected can happen at any time! Who knows, lost monsters might suddenly attack you!?”
The mercenaries seemed to be chuckling, as if they thought the last comment was Gilan’s joke.
Didn’t you tell them about Blanc’s situation?
I felt a little sorry, but… Gilan is the one in charge of this operation. He must have had a reason for doing so.
“Next, the direct combat team! You will be divided into three groups and advance! I will briefly explain by categorizing them into left wing, head, and right wing!
The ‘factories’ we’re going to infiltrate from now on are by no means medium-sized facilities. Each one is the size of a keep. No one knows what will happen while exploring inside.
But be careful, the dolls are too powerful! If there are two or three that don’t work with your key card, you can deal with them with the steel net or ‘lightning’ scrolls that are given to you, but if they come in groups of five or six, there’s no hope! Those who’ve experienced it once will probably know!
So this time we’re going for a speed battle. The left and right wings will be the vanguard, scouting out their strength and occupying their main routes!
There are two main objectives. To defeat the dolls individually before they all come together, and… if that’s not possible, to stall for some time!
Remember, every second you make by dying is worth its weight in gold that will go to your family!”
Again, several mercenaries nodded their heads with determination.
Because of Gilan’s special nature, I had forgotten about it for a moment… but of course, developing the rippling land was an act of risking one’s life for the criminals.
They must all have come prepared to die. For their families, or for something else.
“And lastly, the heads including me.”
Gilan looked around at Blanc, Nicolas, and a few mercenaries who were looking for a comeback.
“We infiltrate the control room while the Wings bide their time, and we sweep up as much as we can from inside so that their sacrifices will not be in vain.
The first priority is of course the key card. If you find it, don’t even think about stealing it, and call me immediately. You won’t be able to handle it anyway.
Please take all the other artifacts that you think you can bring. Leave the ones that are too heavy or big to bring here with Sir Blanc.
This time, I really hope that a card heading to the facility comes out! To be honest, I’m slowly coming to the end of the offensive. If this continues, my goal will be in danger. What if I emphasized the importance of this place so much and the results are poor? Please give me some time.”
Another little laugh.
… … You argued? Blanc frowned.
Up until now, we simply knew that ‘the Empire gave Gilan the right to develop this place’, but is it true that Gilan insisted on developing this place himself?
Of course, it is obvious that if we can just secure this land, we can make enormous profits… … .
‘Why?’
I don’t understand the psychology of those who have already amassed enough wealth to influence the fate of a city and yet are willing to risk their lives for more money.
Didn’t he even say that he sold the city that was making a lot of money for this development?
Was Gilan really born with the mindset that everything in this world is gold, and that he couldn’t survive without earning gold, even for a single moment?
But when talking about my daughter… … .
‘… … No, let’s just throw it away.’
Blanc sighed and concentrated, trying to shake off thoughts of Gilan, knowing that there would be no answer anyway.
In the end, with time running out, there was only one thing that was important.
‘Finding the card that leads into the facility. If only I could turn into a human… … .’
Just two days ago, what he longed for most was to become human, but now, to Blanc, it is merely a means to an end.
I don’t know exactly why, but the one the Federation guys are chasing is probably the goblin knight Blanc.
If things go well and you can become human, you might be able to escape the Federation’s siege. You won’t have to worry about the Empire and the Cult chasing you.
You can freely search for Anneli’s cure.
Blanc stood up, clutching his two swords tightly.
Trasha, who had been watching the scene from the corner of her eye, barked as if to ask if she had finished organizing her thoughts, and approached the pumpkin carriage carrying the two women.
After finishing his briefing to the mercenaries, Gilan asked.
“As you have heard, we will advance to the factory while ensuring safety, so we will have to advance without letting down our guard for at least eight hours. Are you ready?”
“Right now.”
“You seem trustworthy. Well then, let’s go.”
Gilan smiled and looked up at the sky to the northeast.
“The golden wish awaits us.”