Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken novel Chapter 9

I glanced at the goblin.

The goblins are, from what I can see, pretty desperate. They are on guard, weapon in hand; and are politely calling out to me.

Unfortunately, many seem to have run away already.

But as expected of the leader,

He looks me straight in the eye... err, straight at me.

Alright.

I feel some intelligence from this one. Might be able to talk properly.

Will my voice reach..?

I tried attaching thought to the spoken words and sending them to goblin.

ŒShould I say, pleased to meet you? I am the slime, Rimuru.

The goblins began murmuring among themselves.

Were they surprised that a slime spoke? Or so I thought, but...

Among them, a few wearing plain clothing threw away their weapons.

I don't really get it.

ŒGuga, O strong one! We very understand your great power! We beg, lower your voice!!!

Mu? Were the thoughts I attached too strong?

So I guess telepathy is a no go. They'd just be more afraid.

ŒMy bad. I still can't regulate it very well.

I guess I'll apologize.

ŒWe unworthy. No need apologize to us!

Seems like my words are reaching them.

This is some good practice.

Oh and by the way, I'm speaking Japanese, yet somehow, they are understanding.

ŒSo, what do you need from me? I don't have any particular reason to be going this way, either.

Since they have politely asked questions, I guess I'll politely answer.

And maybe it was too much, but to make sure they continued fearing me, I said that rather forcefully.

ŒSo it like that. On this path, stand our village. We felt strong monster, so came as precaution.

ŒA strong monster's presence? One that I have not detected..?

ŒGuga, gugaga, you joke! Even clothed in that form, we will not be fooled!

It seems like they've completely got the wrong idea. (Warning! The one who's mistaken is Rimuru!)

They are completely convinced that a powerful monster took the shape of a slime.

As would be expected from goblins, who are famous for being low ranking monsters.

After talking to the goblins for a while, it seems like I'll be imposing on their village.

That is, it seems like I'm staying over.

Though they look shabby, it seems they have a big heart.

And though I don't need to sleep, taking a break might be a good idea.

With that thought, I decided to accept the offer and go to their village.

.

We discussed many things.

That, the god they worshiped had recently disappeared.

That, along with his disappearance, various monsters begun moving.

That, the number of powerful adventurers had increased.

And so on.

And, during the conversation, I finally became able to clearly hear their words.

That I can probably attribute to having gotten used to listening with [Magic Perception].

It's probably a good thing I practiced with goblins before talking to people.

Such was the conversation in the company of goblins.

The village is... where? Is what I wanted to say, considering how dirty it was.

After all, I hadn't expected goblin dig up their dens.

Even so, they guided me to the best looking building.

The roof was made of rotting straw, and so was full of holes; the walls were just piled plywood...

By my world's standards, even slum housing is preferable! That's how bad it was.

ŒWe apologize for making you wait, honored guest.

A goblin said while entering the structure.

The goblin leader who had been showing me around until now then moved to attend to this one.

ŒAh... don't mind it. I hadn't been waiting that long

I tried to respond with the best business-like smile I could foster.

Of course, the best slime-smile possible.

They say that a single smile can turn negotiation in one's favor. Got to say, even I am susceptible to that skill.

Not that I know what we are negotiating about..

ŒWe humbly apologize for the inability to provide better accommodations. I currently have the pleasure of serving as this village's chief.

Having said that, the goblins placed before me a tea-like drink.

Which I have to admit, was rather surprising.

I sip the tea. (To the onlookers, it probably looked like I toppled the cup over.)

It had no taste. Which was obvious, considering I had no taste buds.

Whether that was good thing or not"I don't know... after checking the ingredients, I confirmed that it was not poisonous.

Moreover, I could feel their sincere attempt at hospitality from this cup.

ŒSo, for what reason have you gone out of your way to invite me here?

I went straight to the point.

"Let's become friends with a fellow monster!" ... it probably wasn't that kind of benevolent reason.

Although the chief tensed and began to tremble, he seemed to have steeled himself and proceeded to ask.

And this is what he said,

ŒIf I may, you are aware of the recent increase in activity among the monsters, correct?

That I heard on the way here.

ŒWe have lived till now peacefully due to the protection from our god; however, He seems to have hidden himself about a month ago...

Due to his disappearance, the nearby monsters have begun invading these lands...

We, ourselves, did not welcome their incursion, and responded with force; but, our forces...

Hmmmm.

Would the god be... Veldora? Fits time wise...

In any case, it seems the goblins want my help.

ŒI understand your request. However, being a slime, I doubt I can live up to your expectations.

ŒHahaha, how modest! A slime could never radiate such strong demonic aura!

We are not so presumptuous as to try guess at why you have taken that appearance, but we are aware"you are a Named Monster, are you not?

Demonic aura... he said?

What's that? I don't remember emitting that...

So, I tried to observe myself with [Magic Perception].

There was some kind of ominous aura drifting about me.

Ugh... I should have noticed it when mimicking monsters or trying out [Body Armor]...