Goblin Reincarnation in Another World (Anime/Manga)

Page 42

When faced with Joel's question, Niu Zida flatly denied it. After all, Joel's forte was assassination, and her somewhat socially awkward personality with strangers was not suitable for communicating with outsiders.

For the next two or three days, Ayaka simply had her servants treat Ushikota and his party to good food and drink, without showing herself. Whenever asked, she would say that she was busy with government affairs and had no time to come, hoping that Ushikota could understand. After all, Ushikota was just a guest and could not expect Ayaka to come and accompany him every day. After a few days, Kuroyukihime's belly grew bigger, and Ushikota asked that Ayaka provide a place for her to give birth.

Ayaka was surprised that Kuroyukihime would give birth here in just a few days. She hurriedly ordered someone to prepare a clean room and asked servants to serve her. However, Niu Zida refused and told Ayaka that she only needed to prepare clean bedding and hot water and not to let servants into the delivery room.

That night, when Kuroyukihime was giving birth, Ayaka, who hadn't shown up for several days, came to visit her. Ushiko told her not to worry, as Yoru and Misato Shizuku both had extensive experience in childbirth and delivery. Kuroyukihime wasn't giving birth for the first time either, so she could handle everything herself. Besides, if the servants saw their beautiful maid give birth to a goblin, who knew what kind of rumors would spread?

The delivery went smoothly, and Kuroyukihime successfully gave birth to five goblin cubs. To take care of the cubs, the delivery room was temporarily used as a nursery. Misato Shizuku and Yoru took turns looking after them. After three or four days, the goblin cubs grew up and became mature goblin bodies.

Chapter 114 Returning Home

Chapter 114.

"They've grown so fast?"

Upon learning that the goblin had matured in a few days, Ayaka looked surprised. She had visited Kuroyukihime a few days ago when she gave birth to the goblin, but hadn't come back since because she was busy. Today, after hearing that the goblin had matured, she came to Ushiko-da's place again.

"Of course, if the conditions are right, my maid could give birth to hundreds of goblins a month without any problem."

Niu Zida could tell that Linghua was interested in the growth and reproduction of goblins. After all, it was obvious that a large number of goblins meant a large number of magic cores. Although the quality of magic cores in goblins was not as good as those of orcs, half-orcs, elves, or dark elves, and was about the lowest grade, they could still win by sheer quantity if the production was large enough.

"So that's it..."

Linghua, resting her pretty chin on her hand, began to ponder. Niu Zida knew very well what this beautiful girl was thinking. At this moment, she was probably assessing how many magic cores could be extracted from the goblins she had bred to determine whether cooperation was necessary.

"If that's the case, there must be a lot of goblins in the Dore territory right now, right?"

"That's not necessarily the case; after all, we still need to consider the issue of food supply."

Niu Zida honestly explained this point. In any case, what truly impresses Ayaka at the moment is not how many goblins he has, but the combat strength of his maid.

"It's really impressive that the Dorei Territory has someone like Mr. Niu Zida."

"No, I'm just a goblin, merely serving as a leader..."

Chapter 128

It's just the main service.

Faced with Ayaka's praise, Niu Zida deliberately humbled himself, the subtext being that he was just a goblin, born with political flaws that prevented him from posing a threat to the Kamisato family's position. Therefore, cooperating with the Dore territory would only be helpful to the Kamisato family, not a way to cultivate potential political rivals.

"Mr. Niu Zida is indeed very capable."

Linghua held a delicate fan, covering her red and tender mouth. Her beautiful big eyes blinked as she looked at Niu Zida. The noble and beautiful girl made such an expression, which made Niu Zida almost drool. If he didn't still have some reason, he would have pounced on her and pinned her down and ravaged her.

"Speaking of which, I should take my leave now, since it's been a long time since I've returned to my territory."

"Sigh, are we leaving already? We could have stayed here for a few more days."

"After all, they're worried about things back in the territory. By the way, Miss Ayaka, about the cooperation..."

"Well, this matter is of great importance, and I think I need to consider it further..."

“That’s no problem either. If you’re determined, Miss Linghua can send someone to the Dore Territory to contact us. We’re always welcome.”

Niu Zida's clear meaning was that he wouldn't give Ayaka any more time to consider and wouldn't stay at the Kamisato family's place. After all, if the other party was still hesitating, and he kept delaying, it would make it seem like he was asking the other party for something, which would inadvertently raise Ayaka's value. Besides, he had been away from the Dore territory for almost a month, and he really should go back and see. Niu Zida was also worried about Aponia.

"I see. Since Mr. Niu Zida insists on going back, I will not try to stop him."

It seems that Linghua hadn't thought things through until the very end and still didn't agree to Niu Zida's conditions. Niu Zida wasn't annoyed; politics is about strength, and it seemed that the strength he had shown wasn't enough to impress Linghua. He would just wait and see. Anyway, his main purpose in coming to the capital was to find sources of intelligence, and now at least he had met a legitimate nobleman, which was much better than before when he came to the capital and couldn't find his way in.

After staying at Linghua's house for a day or two, Niu Zida and his maid prepared to leave. Unfortunately, Nilu had returned to the Zuber Theater two or three days earlier. Although he was reluctant to part with the beautiful girl, Niu Zida had no reason to keep her there. At most, he asked Nilu about the theater's address and next steps before she left. He learned that Nilu's Zuber Theater was currently on tour, and their next plan was to go to the neighboring Duchy of Kumani. After all, Futini was still at war with Altaïr, so it was impossible to go there directly from Altaïr. Therefore, the tour would have to take a detour.

The Grand Duchy of Kumani is located north of the Kingdom of Altaïr. It is a smaller country than the Kingdom of Altaïr and shares a coastline with the Grand Duchy of Heatherlink. Continuing southwest along the coastline leads to the Grand Duchy of Heatherlink, and further southwest of the Grand Duchy of Heatherlink is the territory of Dore, which is the western border of the Kingdom of Altaïr.

It seems we're not too far from the Dore territory, but if we go there, we'll have to take a different route. And from what Nel said, it seems we'll only be staying there for a short while, and will eventually go to the Kingdom of Fortini. If I were to actively seek out Nel, I might not be able to find her even if I went to the Grand Duchy of Kumani.

If Niu Zida wants to find Nilu in the future, he will probably have to go to her hometown, the Kingdom of Taisifeng, which is at least a thousand kilometers away from here. It is a country in the northeastern corner of the continent. Niu Zida doesn't know when he will be able to recruit this little girl. He just feels sorry.

Because he brought back several goblins, Niu Zida specifically asked Linghua to prepare an extra carriage for them. Linghua naturally agreed, and in addition to the carriage, she also assigned them a coachman, along with a lot of supplies they could use on the road and a travel permit.

"This is a special passage document from our Shenli family. If we encounter a local lord on the road and show him our family's document, he generally won't make things difficult for Mr. Niu Zida."

As expected of a great noble family, this will save a lot of trouble on the way back. At least they shouldn't get involved in all sorts of strange incidents caused by the misdeeds of lords in various places. After thanking Ayaka, Niu Zida left the Kamisato family's manor with his men and embarked on their journey home.

On the way back, even with the written proof issued by the Kamisato family, Niu Zida didn't want to take the main road. After all, his other carriage was carrying goblins, and if they were discovered, it would be difficult to explain. The document was mainly used as a deterrent against harassing knights, so that at least the problem could be solved without force. After all, using force would cause trouble and would be difficult to resolve, and Niu Zida didn't want to attract special attention from the kingdom right now.

After walking for two days, Niu Zida stopped at a small rural restaurant on a side road to rest. Suddenly, a familiar-looking businessman approached him and greeted him.

Chapter 115 The Heart of Haiqi Island

Chapter 115.

"Hello, Mr. Niu Zida?"

Originally, Yor, carrying Niu Zida, kept a low profile while eating out. After all, as goblins, even in the countryside near the heart of humanity, they needed to be discreet; otherwise, being discovered would surely cause a commotion. However, the newcomer directly called out Niu Zida's name, surprising him. Upon closer inspection, he realized that this person was none other than Liu Zhu, the merchant he had helped on the way to the capital. No wonder he recognized him; it was no wonder he was here again.

Chapter 129

We met.

"I am extremely grateful for your help last time."

After exchanging pleasantries, Rokujo found a secluded spot where they wouldn't be easily discovered and sat facing each other. Rokujo, sitting to one side, expressed his gratitude to Niu Zida for his previous help. Niu Zida naturally returned the courtesy. After some casual conversation, Rokujo asked:

"Where is Mr. Niu Zida going?"

"Of course, we'll go back to the Dore Territory."

During their conversation, Rokuzaku had already learned some basic information about Niu Zida. Hearing Niu Zida say this, Rokuzaku took the initiative to speak:

"If we can't cooperate with the Kamisato family, why not go to Umijima Island? I've said before that if Mr. Ushiko Tatsu could go to Umijima Island, Umijima Island would definitely welcome you."

"Huh? How did you know about my collaboration with the Kamisato family?"

"To be honest, I've been in the capital since we parted ways, keeping track of Mr. Ushiko-ta's and the Kamisato family's movements, especially the battle at the Evil Eye Factory where they rescued Kamisato Ayaka. As expected, Mr. Ushiko-ta's maids are incredibly powerful. If possible, please go to Umi-gi Island. The current ruler of Umi-gi Island is Lady Coral Palace Heart Sea, who has been seeking ways to help Umi-gi Island become stronger. To be honest, besides selling coral pearls, I also came out this time to find a path to obtain magic cores, but if someone like Mr. Ushiko-ta exists, the matter of magic cores can be put aside."

It's another magic core! Is this thing really that strategically valuable? I still know very little about magic cores. Although Amelie and Seritina are both nobles, they don't know much about them. I didn't feel comfortable asking Ayaka before. If I have the chance this time, it would be good to ask Xin Hai for more useful information.

“Alright, in that case, I’m willing to go to Haiqi Island.”

"However, the sea route to Haizhi Island is not very convenient. How can we leave Altaïr? After all, we have to take a boat there."

Upon hearing this, Niu Zida proactively produced the travel document given to him by the Shenli family and said:

"Would it be okay to use this?"

"Wow? Mr. Niu Zida, you're really amazing! How did you manage to get your hands on this?"

Rokusuke looked at the snow bud crest on the customs document with surprise, then explained that this kind of customs document was a privilege granted only to high-ranking nobles who were authorized to act on behalf of their own families. As long as it was issued at the ports and checkpoints of the empire, it would be granted unconditional passage.

"However, the drawback is that if such a document is used, local passes and ports will report it to the Kamisato family for verification. In other words, Lady Ayaka might know that Mr. Ushiko-da went to Haigi Island instead of returning directly to Dore Territory."

"That's alright."

Rather, Niu Zida wanted this effect, to tell Ayaka that if she didn't cooperate with him, he had plenty of other partners. But thinking about it carefully, maybe Ayaka gave him this document to find out where he was going.

Rokusuke and Ushio quickly reached an agreement, and Ushio immediately led his men away from the path towards Inhol, a port in the northern part of the empire. This port was also the center of trade in the northern empire, with sea routes to the duchies of Hetherink and Kumani. After arriving at the port, Rokusuke wrote a letter to the Dore territory, informing Aponia and Amelie that he would be away from Haizhi Island for some time and that they should not worry.

Although he had the travel documents, to avoid trouble, Niu Zida had his goblins hide well. Rokusuke used his documents to smooth things over and boarded the merchant ship to Haiji Island without being checked. The sea route from Inhol Port to Haiji Island would take about four or five days. During this time, Niu Zida could only suffer and reluctantly use the three maids, Yoru, Kuroyukihime, and Misato Shizuku, to vent his desires.

Before arriving at the port of Haiji Island, Ushiko-tada had sent the members of the Kamisato family who had come with him back, so when they arrived at the port, the goblins he brought could only follow behind the carriage. Fortunately, Rokusuke had already asked someone to communicate with the army of the Coral Palace, so they were allowed to pass through.

"I didn't expect Haiqi Island to be so heavily guarded."

"After all, there is still a war going on on Haiqi Island."

During their casual conversation, Rokusuke told Niu Zida that Haiqi Island was currently at war with some surrounding islands inhabited by demi-humans. Although the nobles on the mainland were not interested in these barren islands, they were the best places for the people who could only live on Haiqi Island to expand. After all, given Haiqi Island's strength, it was impossible for it to expand onto the mainland. It was already good enough to maintain peaceful relations with the various noble territories on the mainland and protect itself from invasion.

From the port of Umijima, you can easily reach Coral Shrine, which is also the ruling center of Umijima. There are many villagers living around Coral Shrine. Judging from this, the development level of Umijima is relatively poor. There are no decent cities. Compared with many towns in Altaïr, this place can be considered a large rural area.

Upon arriving here, Rokusuke specially arranged for Ushiko-ta to stay in a guest room at the Coral Shrine. His original intention was for Ushiko-ta to rest before going to see Shinkai, but Ushiko-ta disagreed, saying:

"No need to make it so complicated. I'm not tired from the journey. If possible, let's go see Lord Xinhai."

Upon hearing Niu Zida's words, Liu Zhu went to report to Xin Hai and quickly received a response from Xin Hai, as it was Xin Hai who came to see Niu Zida in person.

"Hello Mr. Niu Zida, I am the living goddess priestess of the Coral Palace on Haiqi Island, Coral Palace Heart Sea."

A slender, pink-haired beauty with white stockings and a supple waist.

Chapter 130

She greeted Niu Zida directly, her beautiful blue eyes revealing no pupils, and her delicate, snow-white face adorned with a faint smile, making Xin Hai seem like a gentle and polite girl, completely lacking the airs of someone who governs Haiqi Island.

"Hello, Miss Xinhai."

Niu Zida had Joel carry him as he met Kuroyukihime, Misato Shizuku, and Kokoro. After exchanging a few brief pleasantries with Kokoro, Niu Zida went straight to the point and asked:

"If I provide magic cores, what kind of terms of exchange will Haiqi Island offer me?"

Chapter 116 The Deal with Xin Hai

Chapter 116.

"Is Mr. Niu Zida really that direct?"

"Of course, I think it's better to be straightforward since this is a transaction."

"Then why don't I ask Mr. Niu Zida what kind of bargaining chips you want?"

As expected of Xin Hai, she followed Niu Zida's tone, asking what price the other party could offer. While she seemed to be relinquishing the initiative, she was actually the one setting the question, always maintaining control. However, Niu Zida had already anticipated this counter-strategy and directly said:

"My deal is that I won't provide you with a magic core, but I will make you stronger. Of course, the price is that I want your body, and you will become my maid."

Unexpectedly, Niu Zida would go this far. Xin Hai showed a surprised expression, then bit her rosy lips, a blush of shame appearing on her fair and alluring face. Clearly, she had not expected Niu Zida to make such a bold request.

In fact, this was exactly the effect Niu Zida's plan aimed to achieve. Niu Zida knew that Xin Hai had calculated everything perfectly, and that slowly negotiating with him in a mind game might put him at a disadvantage. It would be better to confront him directly, offer a deal, and reduce the other party's thinking time, which might be more advantageous for him.

"Such conditions??? That's shocking!!!"

"Of course, the magic core can be discussed further. As long as you become my maid and sign a service contract, the power you gain will be enough to wipe out the area around Haiqi Island and gain enough room for development. I can even send troops to help you, and it's not impossible for Haiqi Island to fight for territory on the mainland in the future. Wouldn't that be better for the future of Haiqi Island?"

In the game Genshin Impact, Niu Zida saw through Xin Hai's painstaking efforts to provide the people of Hai Zhi Island with land for development, and knew that this was the most likely condition to move the other party's heart. The most important thing in negotiation is to use various techniques to find out the other party's bottom line. As long as you know the other party's bottom line and make corresponding conditions accurately, it is hard for anyone to resist such a scheme. This is human nature, and even the highest wisdom cannot resist it.

The reason why he didn't have such a strong impact on Ayaka during the previous negotiations was that Niu Zida knew that his current strength was not enough to sway Ayaka. After all, it was too difficult for Ayaka to believe that the Dore territory could help the Shenli family expand their power within the Kingdom of Altaïr with his current strength. He could only wait for a future opportunity.

"But... how can I believe that you, Mr. Niu Zida, really have such an ability?"

"It's very simple. I can have my maid help you in one battle, and you'll naturally understand the difference in combat strength."

Niu Zida knew that he had to demonstrate his strength to back up the conditions he had proposed, so he directly asked for help in sending troops to Xinhai. He believed that as long as he demonstrated his strength on the battlefield, he could subdue Xinhai directly. When dealing with someone as ambitious as Xinhai, it was better to offer him tangible benefits. Otherwise, just playing mind games with him would only be a waste of energy.

Hearing Niu Zida say this, Xin Hai frowned slightly. As expected, Niu Zida's direct approach left her uncertain and unable to accurately assess the situation. However, the conditions Niu Zida offered were indeed hitting the bullseye. After thinking for a moment, Xin Hai said:

"If it's really possible, I hope to subdue an island about several dozen kilometers away, where ferocious beast-like hunting dogs live. If we use the army of Haiqi Island to attack it, the losses would be too heavy. It would be great if Mr. Niu Zida could help."

"Beast Hounds? There are abysses in this world too?"

"Huh? It seems Mr. Niu Zida also knows about the Abyss?"

"Ah, I've heard a little about it?"

Xin Hai discovered that Niu Zida actually knew about the Abyss. She narrowed her beautiful eyes and scrutinized Niu Zida. Niu Zida also knew that his words seemed to have exposed some secrets, so he could only give a vague answer.

"Well, if that's the case, then I won't need to explain how terrifying the abyssal monsters are. Mr. Niu Zida, are you really going?"

“Of course I’ll go, but if I can really clear out the beast hounds in that place, Xin Hai, will you be my maid?”

"Of course, since he has demonstrated the power to defeat the Beast Realm Hounds, it means that Mr. Niu Zida can really help Haizhi Island expand its territory, which is exactly what I want."

Since Niu Zida had already adopted a straightforward confrontation strategy, Xin Hai had nothing to hide and openly admitted his inner thoughts. Faced with absolute power, it was better to propose a cooperative strategy that was most beneficial to one's own side than to resort to tricks and schemes. This was also a kind of strategy.

"Okay, it's a deal. Approximately how many Beast Hounds are there on that island?"

"You're only asking now? The number isn't small. I haven't investigated carefully, but there are probably several hundred."

Niu Zida also realized that he had rushed into proposing the conditions for battle too quickly in order to force Xin Hai to agree, and had even forgotten to ask about the specific details of the island. This was not a good thing; they could discuss it later.

Chapter 131

This is also something to keep in mind when making a judgment. It's better to gather intelligence and analyze it before making a decision. Let's take this as a lesson learned.