The Goblin village, though now mostly managed independently from Sol’s direct involvement, is naturally still visited by her for occasional check-ins.
During these visits, Sol receives reports from those managing the village.
And currently, while receiving these reports, Sol had a stern expression on her face.
“Huh? Sol? What’s wrong? From what I heard, there weren’t any particular problems,” Kousuke tilted his head, glancing at Sol as he spoke.
As far as Kousuke could tell, the village’s operations were proceeding smoothly, and the number of goblins and their evolved species was steadily increasing. In particular, the evolved species had become noticeably more numerous compared to before. It was unclear whether this was due to a more stable life or a decrease in deaths from battles with monsters, but it was certain that the evolved species were increasing.
Responding to Kousuke’s question, Sol’s expression turned dejected, and the other Oni exchanged glances or looked puzzled. Feeling their gazes, Sol looked at Kousuke and replied with apparent difficulty, “No… it’s just that I felt it was going better than when I was always present, so I just….”
As Sol said this, she began tapping her index fingers together, making Kousuke burst out laughing involuntarily. Seeing Sol, whose appearance could be described as bewitching, making such a gesture, it was understandable why he would react that way.
In contrast, the other Oni were looking back and forth between Kousuke and Sol with dumbfounded expressions. The two of them now seemed to have a completely different relationship than before. Before Sol left the village, she treated Kousuke with such reverence that she hesitated to even touch him, like an absolute deity, but that distant feeling had considerably faded. While it was undeniable that Sol still deeply admired Kousuke, it no longer felt like she was handling a delicate item. This wasn’t a change for the worse; rather, it was a positive development for Kousuke as well, so there was no problem. Furthermore, the change in the relationship between Kousuke and Sol would also lead to a positive change for the Oni, but they would understand this a little later.
For now, Sol, with slightly teary eyes, looked at Kousuke. Receiving her gaze, Kousuke, managing to suppress his laughter, said, “Sorry, sorry. It’s not like I’m making fun of you. If things went well after you left, then there’s no problem, right?… Though I guess Sol won’t be satisfied with that.”
As Kousuke said this, he looked up at the ceiling as if thinking, then clapped his hands together and continued, “The village until now has been entirely dependent on Sol, like a mother carrying her child. By her leaving, they’ve started to stand on their own. —Don’t you think that’s a good way to look at it?”
“Stand on their own….” Hearing Kousuke’s words, Sol looked as if she hadn’t considered that at all and muttered, “Stand on their own….”
As Kousuke said, the village before Sol left did have a reliance on her in some aspects. Of course, those who had evolved into high-ranking Oni were active in their respective fields. Nevertheless, the final decision was always made based on Sol’s instructions. With Sol being forced to leave the village, the other Oni began to make decisions independently to manage it. This could be said to have been a positive development for the village.
However, even the well-managed village operations wouldn’t continue in the same state forever. “So, Sol, regarding the village’s management, perhaps you can just watch over it like a parent watches their child? However, if the child goes down the wrong path, it’s a parent’s duty to scold them, of course.” As Kousuke added this as if to emphasize his point, Sol nodded with a serious expression. “I see. You are absolutely right.” When Sol said so, the other Oni looked resolute. Sol had come to an understanding after hearing Kousuke’s words. If she decides to do something, she will surely do it.
The Oni present here were all individuals who had intimately experienced the terror Sol could unleash in a pinch. Sol, having internalized Kousuke’s words and harboring a resolve, was not someone to be defied. Knowing this, it was impossible for them to go against her.
Sol, having recovered from her dejection, began a tour of the village with the Oni. Kousuke accompanied them, with Kouhi in tow. The village, now managed by the Oni, had transformed over several decades from a hunter-gatherer settlement into a village that had adopted farming life. Not only were there many fields, but houses were also built to facilitate proper living, ensuring the fields could be managed diligently. Additionally, it was impressive to see that, as if to protect these fields, simple castle walls (or something like them) had been erected. In an environment where monsters appeared, such walls were, after all, essential conditions for living stably.
As someone who remembered the village in its early days, Kousuke felt a deep emotion as he witnessed its development. He had known Sol since she was Gabo, so this was only natural. Some of the people who now served as Sol’s right-hand individuals were not even present back then.
Sol, perhaps sensing Kousuke’s thoughts, directed a searching gaze at him. “—Was there something?” “No. I was just thinking about how much things have changed. Compared to when you were Gabo, it’s on a completely different level, isn’t it?” Nowadays, Kousuke is perhaps the only one who can call Sol by the name Gabo. Part of this is because Sol herself doesn’t permit it, but also because fewer people remember that past. Furthermore, Sol’s prohibition isn’t because she dislikes the name Gabo; quite the opposite, it’s precisely because she cherishes it that she doesn’t allow anyone but Kousuke to use it. Those around who remember the name understand this, which is why they would never address her as Gabo.
After being called Gabo by Kousuke for the first time in a truly long time, Sol’s expression momentarily showed surprise before breaking into a smile. “Yes, that’s right.” “This is undoubtedly the result of Sol’s hard work until now. Even if no one else acknowledges it, I do. —Is that not enough?” Kousuke said this, looking at Sol with a mischievous smile. Sol, seeing this, took a slight breath and replied, “—Not at all. To me, these are the most encouraging words.” To Sol, who bowed her head upon saying this, Kousuke simply responded with a short “I see.” The relationship between Kousuke and Gabo (intentionally so) has also changed.
I wonder how many people remember the name Gabo? lol
