Konbini Ossan Volume 9 Chapter 8 — The Feast Begins
“Strong one, recognized. You all, allowed to pass, through.”
While I was speaking with Yairo, Govagova approaches us.
“And Otogi! You and your people, I recognize all! You all now comrades of our People of Va!”
“Thank you, Govagova-san. Let us continue getting along well from now on.”
I extend my hand to Govagova and we shake hands.
“Good! To celebrate new comrades! Feast begin now!”
As Govagova excitedly declares this, the other goblins who had apparently gathered as spectators all shout “Uooo!” and begin cheering and celebrating.
“A feast?”
“That’s right! Otogi, you come too!”
Being told to participate in a feast leaves me somewhat troubled. To be honest, I would prefer to head to the Demon King’s Castle as soon as possible.
I glance toward Ichiro Suzuki, hoping to hear his judgment.
“That is fine. In fact, we should participate and build friendly relations. Even if we continue traveling now, it will become dark within an hour and we won’t be able to move.
…
In that case, it would be better to attend the feast and gather information about the other tribes here. Besides, this connection will surely prove useful later when Otogi Trading Company comes to the Great Forest Autonomous District.”
Ichiro Suzuki’s reasoning is perfectly sound. I nod in agreement and turn back to Govagova.
“Understood. We will gladly participate in the feast, Govagova-san.”
“Good! Then follow me! I guide you to our village!”
Govagova heads off first. We climb back into the armored vehicle and follow after him.
Thus, having safely completed the trial of strength, we end up attending a banquet meant to establish friendly relations with the goblin tribe of Va.
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Upon arriving at the village, we are immediately guided to what appears to be a central plaza and seated on a slightly elevated platform.
Govagova and what seem to be members of his family sit on another elevated seat nearby, while the other goblins begin preparing for the feast.
When I heard it would be a goblin feast, I was somewhat cautious. However, what was served turned out to be roasted meat; boar and deer, cooked with mountain vegetables and wild nuts.
Simply put, it resembles somewhat hearty game cuisine.
As for drinks, they serve alcohol made from the milk of domesticated goats. The quality is not bad either.
It seems to contain some kind of unique spice in the aroma. While it has a distinctive flavor, it is far from unpleasant and quite impressive.
“Now then! To our new comrade! A toast to Otogi!”
Govagova raises a cup the size of a small barrel filled with alcohol and calls out the toast.
With that, the feast begins. The goblins start eating and drinking noisily, some singing and others dancing as they celebrate.
I carefully observe them, committing their figures to memory.
They are far more cultured than I imagined. Since they live in the Great Forest Autonomous District, I had expected a far more primitive lifestyle.
Yet the food is prepared well enough that even I find it delicious.
The alcohol, made from goat’s milk and flavored with spices to make it easier to drink, reflects a level of “prosperity” that could not exist without some degree of wealth.
I had imagined something like roasting meat over a fire, perhaps with crude alcohol barely better than monkey wine.
Instead, they are far beyond that.
Despite being goblins, and despite living in nature, they possess a kind of cultural richness.
Strangely, I feel something close to admiration toward them.
“So, Otogi! Is it good!?”
Govagova shouts cheerfully.
“The food and the alcohol are both very delicious. It’s wonderful.”
“I see, I see! That makes me happy! Gahahahaha!”
Perhaps pleased by the praise, or perhaps because the alcohol has begun to take effect, Govagova laughs loudly before beginning to speak.
“Long ago, it was not like this. My father’s father’s father, even further back. We were weak. Other tribes chased us. We only ran.”
Govagova speaks with a somewhat somber expression. Seeing that, I listen closely.
“Then someone said: eat good food, eat a lot. Train a lot. That make you strong. Everyone become strong and win fights.”
In the past, they must have lived day by day like ordinary goblins.
But one day, someone showed them a different path: improve their food, maintain healthy bodies, train, and grow strong.
From that moment, the goblins of the of Va must have gained wisdom.
“Little by little, we changed. We stopped stealing food. We raise goats. Hunting alone not enough. Now we raise boar, deer, horses, everything. Everyone eat full.
…
Then we become strong. Build safe village. Have time, have freedom. Make weapons. Make food taste better. Step by step, we become strong, lively village.”
This must be the history of their tribe.
By raising livestock, their food supply stabilized. Prosperity created room to breathe. Those with talents other than fighting could flourish.
Through that, the benefits produced by the group grew steadily, leading to the present.
“But still not enough. We want be stronger. Want be healthier. So we try many things. Making strong ones our comrades is one of them.”
Govagova turns toward me.
“Otogi. You strong. Strong ones always have reason for strength. I believe that. That why I make you comrades.
…
We copy you. Then we become stronger. Eat better food. Children grow strong. That makes me happy.”
After finishing his words, Govagova grins.
“That why I respect strong ones! Otogi, you amazing! I copy you!”
“Of course. Please copy as much as you like.”
“Gahaha! You good man! Good men have confidence! Confident ones are strong! Now I want copy you even more!”
(E/N: In case it sounds weird in English, Govagova meant, "I respect you, so let me (copy) follow in your steps to become strong like you.")
It seems Govagova sought interaction with us for the sake of his village’s development. That is why he held this feast and called us comrades.
Hearing that fills me with an even stronger sense of warmth.
With people like them, who possess such a strong desire to change the future for the better…
I am certain that when Otogi Trading eventually comes to the Great Forest Autonomous District, we will be able to build a very good relationship.
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E/N:
I didn't know Gova×2 was chill like that!
Also, apologies for the late upload, as compensation, enjoy 2 chappys, including today's! (1/2 chapter)
Stay tuned!
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