Tatsuo awoke late the next day, the sun already dipping towards the horizon. He blinked, disoriented, and glanced around his room. "What... why is it evening?" he mumbled.
Ahtris, seated by the window, smiled gently. "You slept all day," she explained. "I didn't want to disturb you. And I told Rota to inform the Hobgoblins that you were exceptionally tired today." She paused, then added, "Also, Tsuru left a while ago. She was eager to see your new warriors, but she had to return to the Yōgan Domain. There's another conflict brewing on the Untouchable Forest border. She said she'll return when she has time." Ahtris then added with a small smile "You really did tire yourself out naming 2000 Goblins."
Tatsuo groaned, rolling onto his back. "It was exhausting," he admitted. He closed his eyes, then promptly fell asleep again.
The following morning, Tatsuo, feeling more refreshed, met with Jiasraal and his sons. He was eager to learn more about the Hobgoblins' capabilities. "Tell me about your prowess," he requested. "How much stronger are you compared to your previous forms?"
Jiasraal, his voice deep and resonant, explained that, on average, they were ten times stronger than their goblin predecessors. Tatsuo, impressed, knew that this brigade would be a formidable addition to his forces.
He then summoned Baron Kael Elmsworth, the Baron of Stonebridge Town and a 2nd Class Rare Commander of the Prince Guard Battalion. "Baron Kael," he announced, "I am promoting you to 1st Class Clash Commander of the Hobgoblin Brigade."
Turning his attention back to Jiasraal and his sons, Tatsuo decided to bestow upon them a surname and minor noble status. "From this day forward," he declared, "your family shall be known as Solidcrest." He couldn't knight them, as tradition dictated that knighthood was reserved for humans, dwarves, and elves.
As he spoke, his Naming skill activated once more, an unexpected surge of power enveloping the four Hobgoblins.
Ding! Congratulation: Getting a Rare Hobgoblin - Noble Hobgoblin. Their characteristic change to green skin to a dark red skin and they become more human like.
Tatsuo was stunned. This was an unforeseen development. The four Hobgoblins knelt before him, their expressions filled with gratitude. "My lord," Jiasraal said, his voice filled with emotion, "we are forever indebted to you. You have helped us evolve and become Noble Hobgoblins."
Tatsuo, recovering from his surprise, congratulated them on their transformation. He then instructed them that Jiasraal would serve as a 1st Class Rare Commander, while his three sons would serve as 2nd Class Rare Commanders.
He also tasked them with establishing a village one kilometer west of Dragonsden City, providing a permanent settlement for the Hobgoblin tribe. "We need a place where they can live and be readily available when needed," Tatsuo explained.
Then, a question that had been lingering in his mind surfaced. "Jiasraal," he asked, "I haven't seen any females among your people. Are there none?"
Jiasraal explained that goblins were incapable of producing female offspring. They required mating with other races, such as humans, elves, or dwarves, to reproduce. However, now that they were Hobgoblins, they were capable of producing female Hobgoblin children.
Tatsuo pondered this information. He needed to find a way to help the Hobgoblins reproduce, ensuring the continuation of their unique bloodline. He decided to consult with his advisors, seeking their counsel on this delicate matter. He knew that this situation needed to be handled with care, both for the Hobgoblins and for the stability of his domain. He knew that this situation could cause many problems if not handled correctly.
The council chamber hummed with a low murmur as Tatsuo's advisors pondered the delicate issue of the Hobgoblins' reproduction. The air was thick with unspoken questions and cautious suggestions. How could they facilitate the continuation of this unique race without compromising the moral fabric of their society?
Tatsuo, his brow furrowed in thought, suddenly snapped his fingers. "I have an idea," he announced, his voice ringing with newfound clarity. "We have prisoners of war in Greywall, and women imprisoned for various crimes. This could be a solution."
He turned to Reeldos. "Reeldos," he commanded, "provide me with a list of all female prisoners currently held in Greywall."
Reeldos, ever efficient, returned with the requested information. Tatsuo scanned the list, his eyes narrowing. There were 56 women, former soldiers of the Skylance Kingdom, captured during their failed assault on Greywall. Additionally, there were 22 women sentenced to death for murder and banditry.
"These women," Tatsuo declared, his voice firm, "will be sent to the Hobgoblin village."
A wave of unease rippled through the chamber. Some advisors shifted uncomfortably, their expressions betraying their reservations. Tatsuo, anticipating their concerns, raised a hand to silence them.
"This will be the law from now on," he stated, his voice leaving no room for argument. "Any woman convicted of murder or banditry, and any female prisoner of war who refuses to surrender, excluding nobles, will be sent to the Hobgoblin village."
He explained the biological reality of Hobgoblin reproduction, the rapid three-month gestation period, and the certainty of female Hobgoblin offspring. "This will serve a dual purpose," he continued. "It will provide the Hobgoblins with a means to reproduce, and it will serve as a form of punishment for those who have committed heinous crimes against our people."
The advisors, though still hesitant, recognized the logic in Tatsuo's decision. It was a pragmatic solution, albeit a controversial one. It addressed the Hobgoblins' needs while simultaneously serving as a deterrent against future crimes.
Tatsuo then turned his attention to the practicalities of implementing his plan. He instructed Reeldos to oversee the transfer of the prisoners to the Hobgoblin village, ensuring their safe passage and integration. He also tasked Jiasraal with establishing clear guidelines for the treatment of the women, emphasizing the importance of respect and cooperation.
"This is not a matter of exploitation," Tatsuo stressed. "It is a matter of survival. We must ensure that the Hobgoblins thrive, not only as warriors but as a community."
He also instructed that the village be designed with adequate living space and resources to accommodate the growing population. He wanted to ensure that the Hobgoblins and the women would have a place to live comfortably. He also wanted to ensure that the offspring of the Hobgoblins and the women would be raised properly.
The following days were filled with activity. The prisoners were transferred to the Hobgoblin village, their arrival met with a mixture of apprehension and curiosity. Jiasraal, displaying his newfound leadership, established a system of order and cooperation, ensuring that the women were treated with respect.
The Hobgoblins, initially hesitant, began to interact with the women, their curiosity overcoming their apprehension. The women, in turn, began to adapt to their new surroundings, finding a sense of purpose in their shared circumstances.
Tatsuo, observing the developments from afar, felt a sense of cautious optimism. He had taken a bold step, a step that could potentially reshape the future of his domain. He knew that the path ahead would be fraught with challenges, but he was confident in his ability to navigate them.
He also had a feeling that this situation could cause many problems in the future. He needed to be prepared for any eventuality. He also needed to be prepared for the opinions of the people. He knew that this situation would not be accepted by everyone. He was prepared to defend his decision, and his people. He would do what was needed to protect his domain, and his people.