“The eyes of a hawk, the cunning of a fox, the timidity of a rat, the loyalty of a dog, and the hands of a bear. Such is the source of my strategy.”
The room was bigger than he expected. Perhaps it was used as a dining hall. There was a fireplace along the wall and some kind of tapestry that gave hints of the previous owner.
“Good. Everyone is here now.”
There was a robed goblin, a few hobgoblins in leather armor, and in the back, there was a giant ogre.
“Is that the runt they’ve been talking about? The one that killed Kaide.”
Spat the ogre. He had dark red skin over tight muscles. Something like bearskin was wrapped around his waist, giving a strong barbaric impression.
However, he also wore a necklace made of bones, and had tattoos on his face and arms with intricate patterns.
“Sheto the kobold. As you all know, he is a Hero with a goddess’s blessing.”
All of the monsters were staring at him now. But unlike the ones outside, they were not immediately aggressive towards him. Though, they were still skeptical.
“I still can’t believe it. In the first place, what god would even think to use a goblin?”
Said one of the sitting hobgoblins, who was twirling a knife in his hand. Sheto lowered his stance without thinking and looked for something to hide behind.
“I see. So he isn’t just a coward.”
The yellow eyes shone as if he’d found an amusing prey.
“Stop that. If you scare him and he runs away, the Demon King will have us all killed.”
Berganda said, preventing any further protests. And then the monsters turned their attention away from Sheto.
“Now then, let the meeting begin. There is currently a problem that everyone must be aware of.”
Komos said, and they all turned to the map laid out on the table.
“As the reports stated, the Hero’s army has finished regrouping in Lindle. They appear to be active once again.”
A detailed map was drawn on cloth made of bark, and Komos was placing various pieces on top.
“The Hero’s army has been split up in three and sent out to Rimlis, Temeria and Kaitar.”
“Most are footsoldiers, and there are about a thousand mounted knights. It looks like the chief’s rampage was very effective.”
The monsters whistled and slapped the table happily. The minotaur answered gruffly.
“Don’t get carried away, idiots. Without Sheto’s help back there, I would have been burned to a crisp and served at the Hero’s feast.”
“That would be a travesty! Roasted chief would be tough and taste horrible!”
“Perhaps if he was boiled in pig fat first.”
“Still, I can’t believe it. How did the humans manage to gather so many magicians together?”
Said the monster with the knife. The room suddenly grew tense. Indeed, even Sheto had found it so removed from reality.
“That is… Hey, Sheto. You explain.”
“Huh!? Me-me!?”
Berganda’s large hand pushed Sheto towards the table. Naturally, the gazes of the monsters focused on him.
“That’s right. He is a Hero, after all.”
“Hey, can you explain it without making mistakes? Little mut?”
“Look how his tail is between his legs!”
They were clearly ridiculing him. Once he realized this, Sheto straightened his back.
And as the quiet anger welled up within him, his tail rose up and wagged lightly.
“I, don’t mind talking. But they, don’t want to hear. No point in telling them.”
“What did you say!”
“Hey, hey. I don’t know why the Demon King is interested in you, but…”
“Stop. For now, be quiet and listen to him.”
He had spoken to Salia and the dragon god in advance in regards to what to say to them.
Keep information about them at a minimum while delivering precise information about the Seer’s army.
And so Sheto relaxed a little and opened his mouth.
