Chapter 9 – The Prisoner's Meal
Food harvest had to be increased without hidden dangers, but how could this be done?
Altair pondered for a long time. They had just repelled the first wave of human invaders, and the crisis of human incursion was not yet fully resolved. Now, they faced a new problem.
The old Violet Goblin held a wooden staff taller than its body, muttering strange, unintelligible incantations. It knew the goblin territories outside the Qirwood Forest very well. Though the current situation was somewhat dire, there was still a way out.
What was called the goblin area was simply a region with many goblins. Other predators sometimes appeared here, and goblins sometimes appeared in other areas.
The northern part of the goblin area bordered human lands, the western side belonged to the Dire Wolves, the eastern side was home to the Ledgebreak Monkeys, and to the south behind them lay the central area of the Qirwood Forest, blocked by the Dire Wolves' territory, established by the goblins living in the center.
However, whether wolf packs or monkey clans, there were chaotic zones along their borders. In these regions, various races appeared, competing for prey. If they could secure such areas, they could expand their territory without attacking other races or provoking inter-ethnic wars.
"NO."
Altair rejected the suggestion outright. Expanding territory was a sign that almost every race possessed high-level individuals. Now, humans in Earl Rejerson's domain were watching their every move closely. Expanding recklessly would surely draw attention.
His existence must not be exposed to outsiders.
Altair stood and gazed out of the cave into the night. He thought of another way—adding recipes.
Goblins were omnivores, able to eat almost anything, just like humans. Moreover, their immunity was stronger than humans'. Insects were rich in protein, while wild vegetables could provide healthy nutrition.
There was nothing they couldn't eat—whether flying in the sky, crawling on the ground, swimming in the water, growing on trees, or sprouting from the soil.
The human siege had only just begun, and the number of mouths to feed would shrink as goblins perished. As long as the menu expanded, there would be no major food shortages before they could enter the central region to escape the encirclement.
However, if goblins were to eat insects and wild vegetables, he had to take the lead.
Later, creatures like pheasants and rabbits must be reserved for Lyra. The other goblins would have to tighten their belts and eat insects and wild greens.
Goblins had no fixed schedules. They could appear by day or night, but were more active at night. Night was the time to hide from the most dangerous creatures—humans.
The old Violet Goblin summoned dozens of goblins, and before them appeared the great Goblin Emperor. All goblins rejoiced and bowed in worship.
Now, Altair was about to hold a live feast. Without television stations, filters, special effects, or dubbing—only his spirited performance.
All the goblins gathered, watching Altair light a pile of firewood the traditional way. He pulled out insects usually ignored, broke off their heads and tails, removed the spines, skewered them, and roasted them. He ate with gusto, showing a satisfied expression.
The goblins were horrified at first, then cheered, eager to try.
Next came wild vegetables. The method was similar, except they could be eaten raw, boiled, or fried. There were many varieties, always something suitable, and the goblins' reactions were enthusiastic.
Altair was very pleased with the results.
Some old goblins did die from poisoning while testing which parts were edible. But this was seen as a noble sacrifice for the tribe.
The next morning.
When Lyra awoke, she felt fine and full of energy. Aside from her belly bloating from overeating the previous day, there was no issue.
But the noble girl still did not realize how serious the real problem was.
The questions on her mind: What will I eat today?
The lingering worry: Will anyone come to rescue me?
And the most troubling thought: If I really escape, how will I face my family and fiancé?
But she had little time to dwell on it. Altair had already ordered goblins to bring a roasted boar. Hunger overtook her.
At dinner, Altair sat with her. The boar was so large, enough for both of them.
The more Lyra ate, the larger her belly grew. The feminine etiquette instilled by her mother made her realize her beautiful figure was starting to change. She felt nervous and sad.
"Le, my stomach hurts…"
But just as she spoke, Altair placed a large boar leg before her, gazing softly.
"Come, eat more, so our baby can grow stronger."
"Ah?"
Lyra was stunned.
That day, she finally realized how serious this matter was. She screamed, even went on a hunger strike for ten minutes.
But unable to resist hunger, she eventually gave in.
Altair patiently comforted her. In the end, Lyra surrendered, tears streaming, leaning against Altair's arm, clutching the boar leg, chewing while crying.
"Mother, Father, Orren… I'm carrying a goblin's child. What should I do…"
"Don't worry. No matter what our child is, I will always protect you and stay with you."
Altair embraced her, soothing her fears.
Lyra's Hope Value: 18
That day, the humans appeared again. Still the same team, but larger in number.
Yet they were once again overwhelmed by the fire magic of the Violet Goblin Shaman.
The battle ended with three humans dead, along with over a dozen goblins.
That very day, news of Lyra's abduction by goblins reached the territory of Earl Borran.
Upon hearing it, Lyra's fiancé—Orren Borran—fell to his knees in despair, weeping bitterly.
"NO!!!"
At the same time, Earl Rejerson received the news and immediately rallied his forces in fury to march into the Qirwood Forest.