[Goblin Distribution near the Village]
[Breadth (Phoenix Feather Forest-30)]
[Density (Phoenix Feather Forest-30)]
Note: If multiplication exceeds 2500, a high-tier map appears
After washing up, the Hero, having eaten the breakfast prepared by the servant, prepares to study the village's map.
Grandfather is robust and doesn't need looking after, so there are no permanent servants here.
However, since grandma passed away, grandfather seldom leaves the house and is known in the village for keeping to himself like a reclusive Noble.
Housework and meals are handled by part-time helpers from outside.
After cooking and washing the dishes, the servant leaves, and cleaning is done regularly.
Since the hired help is from the village, there's no worry about unclean practices.
The Hero is used to this relatively luxurious lifestyle.
After all, her family is an ancient lineage of Nobles; considering her parents' Merit, in the city, she is indeed considered a top young lady.
Although often teased by her friends, it's hard to see this self-awareness in her.
While detailed maps are not common in ordinary homes, grandfather's little library naturally lacks nothing.
Having found the nearby village map, the Hero spreads it over the desk. Grandfather, attracted by her actions, couldn't help but raise his eyes, puzzled by his granddaughter's sudden change in demeanor.
"Why suddenly looking at maps?"
But just as the Hero is about to start studying the map, the doorbell rings suddenly.
'I'll get it!' she volunteers, dashing toward the entrance.
"Don't rush!" grandfather watches her back helplessly.
9. Hero's Childhood Friend
10. Critical Success/Extreme Failure
Before putting the map back and going to open the door, the Hero might soon realize a disappointing but somewhat reassuring fact.
——Near the village, there are hardly any Goblins.
Goblins, just like rats, are almost certainly found near human settlements, yet they can never be entirely exterminated.
Just as city dwellers have definitely seen rats,
on the other hand, the rats ordinary people see are generally just a few scattered here and there.
For both rats and Goblins, as long as there's enough nutrition, within a short period, the population exploding by thousands of times is quite normal.
However, thousands of rats swarming like a tidal wave, including magic rats bigger than a Chocobo... such sights are something ordinary people probably never and also never wish to encounter in their lifetimes.
It's not that the rats have any particular sympathy for humans, but the system known as civilization is perpetually exterminating these pests.
The same is true for Goblins.
The local Militia Group regularly clears out Magic Creatures in the area, and after the nearby forest evolved into Phoenix Feather Forest, the habitat of Goblins further compressed.
The remaining Goblins, presumably can only struggle to survive concealed within certain areas.
But the Hero, unaware of this yet, is somewhat surprised upon opening the door and seeing the visitor.
[Village Chief's Age]
[Village Chief's Purpose (the higher, the more serious)]
[Are you here for a chat?]
1. Brought a grandson along
2. Is a friend of grandfather
3. Both are folklore scholars
4. An old Martial Monk
5. Come, let's play chess
6. Regarding the village's harvest festival
7. Gave a mysterious smile(?)
8. Heard about Hero's matters
10. Critical Success/Extreme Failure
[Representational Color]
The Hero opens the door and blinks in mild surprise at the old woman standing in the yard.
With age, her hair has turned azure blue, yet her eyes are clear, as profound as the ocean before dawn.
The Hero looks back at her approaching grandfather, casting an inquiring glance.
"She is the village chief, you might have seen her when you were a child, but you probably don't remember."
Azure reflected in the deep green pupils; seeing the visitor, grandfather speaks with a complicated expression.
[Does the Village Chief recognize the Hero?]
[Relation between Village Chief and Grandfather (visit+10)]
Sitting on a soft chair at home, the Hero looks curiously at the woman whose face bears wrinkles but still shows the charm of her youth.
"You must be the granddaughter he often mentions."
Village Chief Grandma smiles lightly.
"I heard you've decided to come back to live here, and as the village chief, I felt it was my duty to pay a visit.
"Additionally, to check on your reclusive grandfather."
Village Chief Grandma's calm smile directed across the table made grandfather's stern face look a bit uneasy.
The Hero, sitting between the two, glances left and right, sensing something unusual in the atmosphere.
[Hero's Perception (Perception+30, you child-20)]
[Relation between Village Chief Grandma and Grandfather is]
1. Childhood Friends♛
9. Knowledge and Inheritors
10. Critical Success/Extreme Failure
But as she looks from left to right, the curious Hero, observing the two, still can't make any conclusions.
"I have known your grandfather since we were kids; in young people's terms, you could say we were Childhood Friends.