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Both the villagers and Prince Barbro thought it was the Prince’s reinforcements. The only difference was whether they knew of anyone who might be sending the reinforcement or not. But everyone changed their mind after taking a closer look.

The formation was made up of goblins. The demi-humans called “goblins” were smaller than average humans and roughly the size of a child. However, their aura made them look bigger than they actually were.

Their bodies were sheathed in steel armor, and their well-used weapons gleamed with lethality. This was equipment befitting of true warriors. They were no militia, but an army comprised of professional soldiers.

“Now! Anyone alive, run like hell! It’s the reinforcement! We have reinforcements! Run towards them!”

Jugem shouted out loudly.

Their identity was a mystery. It was unclear whether they were enemies, allies, or an unrelated third party. Running towards them just because they were the same species was in itself not a good decision. The correct course of action would have been to run towards the village.

However, Jugem felt something that told him that they were comrades. A feeling that that they somehow served the same master. A feeling that he would be welcomed by them.

The survivors from Carne Village raced towards the goblin army without hesitation.

The encirclement loosened with every step he took. Even though the Kingdom’s army knew it had to give chase, they were sluggish. It was only natural. Carelessly approaching such a well-disciplined army was a foolish course of action.

There were two other reasons why they just allowed the villagers to escape. The first was because the main camp had signalled for retreat, after deciding that it was the time to reform the line rather than to give chase. The other reason was because they were afraid of possible retaliation for chasing down the members of the same species as the new army.

The goblins received Jugem and the others who were fleeing with all their strength. Jugem and the company stumbled through the loose gaps in the formation and the army closed the gaps once they were through. It was like a steel door sliding shut.

Jugem looked around at his comrades, who were collapsed on the ground from exhaustion. There was no one who was unscathed, and many had fainted after reaching safety. Even for Jugem, just looking around caused his vision to blur. The number of goblins, the number of ogres and the number of villagers had all decreased from before the battle.

“Well I suppose I should consider it lucky… that over half of us survived. Konaa!”

He called for the only goblin capable of using healing magic, but Konaa shook his head. He had exhausted all of his mana during combat.

“Then anyone who knows first-aid…”

The moment Jugem tried to shout, a goblin holding a feathered fan, wearing a headscarf and sporting a long beard walked over.

His attitude made Jugem guess that he was someone important in the goblin army.

“Hohoho, so you are part of General Enri’s retinue. I am the one in charge of this army, the Goblin Strategist. No one will be able to harm you any further since we have arrived. Please, rest easy. We will escort you to the medical corps immediately.”

The Goblin Strategist extended his fan and a group of stout-looking goblins ran over with stretchers.

“Now, now, please carry them over as soon as possible. It would bring shame on us if anyone died under our care.”

The injured were swiftly carried off.

“It seems that you are injured as well. It would be best for you to check in with the medical unit and come back…”

“No, sorry. I apologise, since you’ve been so kind to us, but I want to hear something first. I’m not that badly hurt.”

After making sure that Jugem was not putting up a show of bravado, the Goblin Strategist nodded once before speaking.

“Of course, as expected of the leader of General Enri’s retinue. What do you wish to know ―

Hohoho, no, there would be only one thing you would be more interested in than your own safety.

General Enri is in the tent behind us. She would be very happy if you went to see her.”

“Is that so? That’s good.”

Jugem breathed a sigh of relief from the depths of his heart. He was so relieved, he felt all the strength leaving his body and wanted to collapse, but he could not show such an ugly sight to his junior.

“Then I’ll go over there. I don’t think my group will be participating in the upcoming fight either.”

“Hohoho, I thank you for giving us newcomers a chance to show off.”

“Well, it’s ok. It’s the job of seniors to yield opportunities to the juniors.”

“Hohoho, then I shall put on a good show for the seniors. Now then… the only thing left to do is to obtain an absolute victory. Order the heavy infantry to advance.”

♦ ♦ ♦

“What is that! We were just about to finish them off! Damn it!”

Barbro opened his eyes wide and glared at the intruders who had ruined everything.

Nothing had gone as he had planned. Why was he facing a goblin army at this tiny village? He wanted to tear out his hair in a fit of rage.

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