Chapter 12: Monster Subjugation (V).
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Outside of Alamana Town: Alarie Military Camp
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Inside the tent, three people stood in place.
The first was the commander, Sebastian and Olivia.
Now was the time to talk about tactics.
"Milady Alarie, this is all the reports that we've managed. The goblin nest sighting has been worrying us for three months- the town didn't think much of it at first that's why the situation at hand has... worsened." The commander, knowing that lying his way out of this one is impossible, he decided to be honest and reported everything to the best of his capabilities.
Olivia held the report in her hands, giving a satisfied nod. "I have already read the reports in advance but thank you for telling me this. The goblin camp settlements, a few of your scouts reported it but it seems you never got to the whereabouts of the nest."
She laid out the map on the table, its surface worn. Small metal flags clinked softly as she set them down, marking the circles she had already sketched out. From the north, northeast, south, and southeast- too many goblin sightings to ignore.
The clusters formed a grim pattern, and the weight of it pressed against the air in the tent.
Her gaze lingered on the southern edge of the map. Something about it gnawed at her. A faint unease curled in her gut, though it wasn't fear- more like instinct tugging at her sleeve.
'Call it a hunch,' she thought.
"This afternoon," She began, pointing to each marked sector, "I'll have teams scouting these areas. If you see goblins lounging, patrolling, even idling- report it to me immediately. They may be resting, or simply... unaware."
She tapped the map twice for emphasis, her eyes sharp.
"But whatever you do-" she paused, looking up at Commander Lenof, "do not kill them."
"P-Pardon?" The commander looks at him in a confused manner. Not killing the goblins? Well, the mission is to exterminate them!
"Yet." (Olivia) continues, explaining more about her plan. "Goblins move in packs. Their noses are sharp- they can track the scent of food for miles. And food, without fail, gets delivered back to the nest."
She straightened, letting the room settle into silence before continuing. "I need every goblin hangout marked. Tomorrow, I'll have a few pigs slaughtered and stuffed with explosives. Buy every ounce of gunpowder you can get your hands on. The bombs will be hidden in their mouths. And I'll need an explosive that produces toxic gas."
Her tone carried no hesitation. "Those little critters don't know what gunpowder can do. Once they take the bait back to their nest... I just need one pig to make it inside."
Her finger traced the path on the map, stopping at the southern circle. "When it detonates, they'll come running out of their hole."
A simple, brutal Trojan horse plan.
"That's where we surround them- and kill them all. The commander blinked, the corner of his mouth lifting in grudging admiration. "I want archers at the ready, knights with their blades sharp and us at the very front leading them."
"T-That's... I have no words. That's a good plan, milady." He smiled looking at the bright young strategist, daughter of one of the famed military geniuses!
Duke Vernon Alarie from the main branch of the family might be doing most of the dirty work but it wouldn't be possible- not without his little brother Duke Owyn at his back.
Olivia allowed herself the faintest smile, though her eyes stayed cold on the map.
"Good. Then we understand each other." Her tone made it clear- this wasn't a suggestion, it was an order. The room seemed to stand a little straighter under the weight of her certainty.
"Once they're outside, the rest of the soldiers will storm the nest. Wear masks there could be poison left inside- the soldiers have to be careful and destroy every egg they can find. I won't let them breed to create chaos and terror in my town any longer." She slid the map toward him. "Commander Lenof, divide your men into six groups. Have them watch the marked zones. Bring me detailed reports by tomorrow, and then we'll strike."
Commander Lenof kneels down and responds, "Yes, milady."
'What a brilliant strategist... with her help, we'll be able to find the nest!' The commander thought, a flicker of renewed hope in his chest.
"I will head out now and scout southeast," (Olivia) announced, her gloved hand brushing over the map's markings. "Reports say a few carriage attacks happened there days ago- perhaps a camp is nearby. I have my work cut out for me."
"Then, milady, you should at least take a dozen men with you-" The commander urged.
"Five would be enough." Her reply was calm, but final, carrying the sharp edge of someone who'd already weighed the risks and made her choice. "Give me your best five soldiers, commander."
"O-Oh are you sure? But your safety-" (Commander Lenof) hesitated with her decision, even though he respects the young lady, still he worried because she's still an Alarie- a noble. If she gets scratched or... worse! It will be his head rolling in the ground.
Sebastian scoffs, looking offended for his young lady. "Are you questioning Milady's decision?"
"N-No! Not at all! Ahem-!" The commander straightened his back, masking his nerves. "Call out my best five troops at once!"
A moment later, five armored figures stepped forward, their stances disciplined and eyes sharp. Commander Lenof gestured to them with pride. "These five are my best knights. They will be at your disposal, Milady."
"It is an honor to serve you." The knights saluted in unison looking at Olivia with suspicion, they cannot believe that a woman this young can impress the commander so easily- she might be from the lineage of Alaries but it doesn't change the fact that she's still inexperienced.
Olivia's gaze swept over the five knights, assessing their posture, their armor, and the way they carried themselves. Satisfied, she offered a small, approving smile before turning to Commander Lenof. "Let's be off, then all of you. I'll send in a good word to my father if things go well, Commander."
Lenof's eyes widened, his stiff composure cracking into a barely contained grin. "Y-You would?! Well then, my men and I will do our best!"
Outside the tent, the midday sun spilled over the camp, glinting off polished steel and fluttering banners. Sebastian was already there, leading two sleek steeds by the reins, their coats shimmering like in the light. He moved quickly, placing the reins of the lead horse into Olivia's waiting hand.
"Gold Stride, today we'll go south-east." Without hesitation, she placed a boot in the stirrup and swung herself into the saddle with practiced ease. The leather creaked under her weight as she straightened, the posture of a leader born to command.
Before turning away, Olivia fixed her gaze on Commander Lenof one last time. "Remember- no goblin blood spilled until I give the order. I want those locations, not corpses. Tell the rest of the soldiers my plan, I'll leave you to prepare!"
"Yes, milady!" (Commander Lenof) yelled, snapping to attention.
Olivia tugged lightly on the reins, her horse stamping once before moving forward. "Good. See you at dusk."
With that, the small scouting party rode out, the rhythmic thud of hooves fading into the wilds beyond the camp.
"Hyah!"
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Outside of Alamana Town: South-East Forest Area
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The forest road stretched out before them in quiet stillness, the dappled sunlight filtering through the thick canopy above. A soft breeze rustled the leaves, carrying with it the scent of moss and damp soil. Hooves struck the packed dirt in a steady, unhurried rhythm.
"The road ahead is peaceful, nothing is here, milady." One of the knights reported, his tone almost relieved.
In the past hours they've done searching, only a few wild game came out to scare them, slimes and low-leveled monsters that are none of their interest. They expected to at least spot one goblin today... but for some reason this part of the forest is clear.
"That might be true," (Olivia) replied, her gaze sweeping over the trees. She looks down on her reins hoping that the other soldiers are having much better luck than them. "We can head back in a bit-"
She stopped mid-sentence, her expression tightening.
Something caught her nose.
"Hold on."
The party slowed to a halt, the horses shifting restlessly as her eyes narrowed.
"Can anyone smell iron?" She asked suddenly.
Sebastian, being experienced, sniffed the air and frowned upon realizing what it could be. "That's not iron..."
"That's blood," (Olivia) finished for him, her voice low and sharp. Her heels dug into her horse's sides. "Tch, follow me! Someone might be in trouble!"
The stillness of the forest shattered as they surged forward, cutting through the trees at a gallop. The scent grew stronger, acrid and metallic, until the scene burst into view-
"God-" A knight gasped.
"A noble carriage!" Another shouted. "Being attacked by goblins!"
A few guards who's lying on the ground unconscious, surrounded in blood were being bitten and some of their flesh has been eaten by goblins. It seems... that some are dead.
Panic spread upon Olivia's face for a second, so this is why they didn't see any goblin sightings today! They were attacking a noble's carriage!
"Well then don't just stand there!" (Olivia) unsheathed her sword and let the flames consume its sharp edge using her magic. Everyone of the knights has never seen magic being used that way before- and was momentarily impressed by her magical capability.
"Let's go! Kill them all, that's an order!" The moment her command rang out, steel clashed and hooves thundered forward.
The adrenaline hit hard- Olivia had fought beasts before, but only in the fading haze of memory. The rhythm of killing, however, came back as if she'd never stopped.
"Move! Hargh!" Her flaming blade tore through the first goblin, cleaving it in half. Gold Stride, sensing her intent, slowed only long enough for her to leap down before surging into the fray, trampling any who came too close.
The goblins snarled, clutching crude weapons, their beady eyes locking on her. They knew she was the greater threat- and they charged.
"Nyeh! Nyeh- kulimapar dih!" The first goblin lunged, jagged spear raised high.
Olivia sidestepped, her sword sweeping upward in a fiery arc, severing the creature's arm before plunging the blade deep into its chest. The flames hissed, searing flesh and bone.
Two more rushed her from the side. She spun, kicking one back into the dirt while her blade slashed across the other's throat. The firelight burned bright against the gray of their skin, a beacon of death in the chaos.
"Don't let them surround you!" She called, parrying another strike. The knights obeyed instantly, forming small clusters to cut the goblins down in controlled bursts rather than being overwhelmed.
A larger goblin, scarred and snarling, charged directly at her with a crude axe.
"...!" (Olivia) met the blow head-on, sparks scattering as steel clashed against steel. Her blade locked with his weapon, she let her magic flare- flames surged up the axe's haft, catching the goblin's hand. It screeched in pain, stumbling back, and she took its head clean off.
Goblin blood dripped from her face and dirtied her clothes.
But she didn't care.
"Push forward!" She roared. "Break their line!"
The knights rallied behind her, cutting down the last few stragglers.
Finally, it was over.
"Are all of you alright?" The knights nodded looking at each other with barely any scratch or wounds, Commander Lenof was right- these five knights that he picked have skill.
Sebastian on the other hand made sure that the goblins were truly dead, stabbing them in the chest one last time.
"Hmph." He stabs each of the bodies one by one, blood drips from the blade and into the ground.
The ground was littered with bodies and the acrid stench of burnt flesh.
But then-
"By the goddess..." One knight whispered, pointing. "S-Someone should be inside, right?"
The carriage door hung half-open, the wood splintered and smeared with blood.
The villainess saw the carved crest on the door.
"...!"
The Borbón family crest.
Thump!
Olivia's heart slammed against her ribs.
"Don't tell me-" She muttered, rushing forward.
"Shit, hold on!" The villainess tore the door open. "Are you in here, Mariana?!"
"M-Milady..." The voice was so faint she almost thought she imagined it. Olivia's throat tightened. She ducked inside, eyes sweeping the shadows until they landed on a figure slumped in the far corner.
Mariana's once-immaculate gown was shredded and soaked through with crimson, her hair tangled around a pale, tear-streaked face.
In her hands she was holding her newly sown Academy uniform.
"Mariana!" (Olivia) crossed the space in two strides, dropping to her knees.
She took the young woman's trembling hand- cold as winter and pressed it between her own.
The villainess grits her teeth looking at her condition, 'What the hell are you doing here?! You're not supposed to be here-! Did I miss something in the plot?! This... is not supposed to happen!'
"Ungh... I thought... you were a dream," (Mariana) whispered, eyelids fluttering weakly.
Olivia's jaw clenched, but her voice stayed steady. "You're not dreaming. I'm here. You're safe now."
She turned sharply toward the knights. "Sebastian, my horse- now! You two, with me! The rest, secure the area and tend to the wounded if there's any!"
Then back to Mariana, softer this time. Olivia's eyes wanted to cry, "I'm getting you out of here. Just hold on, look at me- you're safe."
"...Milady... I... can't believe it's you... I tried protecting... my uniform... I couldn't wait... to wear it for you- I wanted you to tell me that I was cute..." The heroine really did dream of the villainess complimenting her like there was no tomorrow.
She brushed a strand of hair from the heroine's face. "Don't speak. Save your strength. I'll get you back into town."
Olivia slid one arm beneath Mariana's knees and the other around her back, lifting her effortlessly from the wreckage of the carriage. The younger woman's head lolled against her shoulder, but her fingers clutched stubbornly at the academy uniform she had been holding.
Mariana gave a faint, content sigh and nuzzled into Olivia's chest, the tension in her body melting as if she could finally rest. Her breathing steadied in the warmth and steadiness of Olivia's embrace.
Sebastian's gaze flicked to the pale young lady with open worry.
"Milady... are you certain? She looks-"
One of the other knights stepped forward. "We can carry her for you, milady. You've fought hard-"
Olivia's eyes snapped to him, the air around her seeming to grow heavier.
"No." The single word was sharp as a blade.
The knight hesitated, caught off guard by the sudden steel in her voice.
"She's with me," (Olivia) repeated, her tone leaving no room for argument. "No one else touches her."
She adjusted her grip on Mariana, holding her closer, and without another glance at the others, started going toward Gold Stride.
"..."
Her expression was unreadable, but the rigid set of her shoulders spoke of a quiet, simmering anger- at the goblins, at the danger, at the thought of anyone else taking Mariana from her arms.
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