He walked up to the Hero and handed the notebook back to her.
Should he really confide his worries to someone like the Border Count, especially at such a critical time?
Yet, looking into the Count's eyes, it felt as if an old friend were knocking some sense into him. The Hero took a deep breath, accepted the notebook, and began to write.
[Count's Suggestions]
1. This is not something you need to worry about yet,
2. Just do whatever you want to do♛
3. A King has a King's talents, a Chef has a Chef's talents,
4. The two are not necessarily opposed,
9. Didn't say anything,
10. Critical Success/Extreme Failure
Sitting beside the Hero and having read the deeply perplexed handwriting, the Count gave a slight smile as he met the young girl's apprehensive gaze.
"Miss Hero, you should know that in the world of adults, everyone has their own responsibilities and their own battlefield.
"Just like I can't follow the soldiers to the front lines but can make ample preparations for them, that is my way of fighting as a Border Count.
"And I can't know all the border's information without leaving my mansion, it's only through you as a messenger that I know what decisions I must make."
The Count hadn't foreseen that the Hero, merely going out to buy something and strolling to the military camp, would bring him such big news.
"When I was young, some thought I should learn magic or study leadership, but I finally chose this path and think I've done fairly well."
The Count's smile lacked pride, but bore a hint of bitterness.
"I kept more soldiers alive, made the people of the border more prosperous...
"But sometimes I wonder if I had the powerful strength like those Heroes, would I have been able to protect my wife?
"Yet ultimately, there is no 'if.' No one can define the right or wrong of different choices, and beautifying a future you didn't choose is a meaningless act.
"Moreover, if I hadn't chosen this path, I might never have met my wife, as she is also a strong-willed person," the Count chuckled nostalgically.
The Hero listened intently.
Though the Count actually hoped the Hero could use the legendary Phoenix Power in a way he preferred, he didn't voice it at the moment.
"There's no need to doubt your current path, for the right answer isn't necessarily singular—often, it may not even exist.
"So, do what you want to do—because, to be frank, no matter what you choose, this Kingdom still has us."
Seeing the Hero's eyes widen in surprise, the Count chuckled.
"Do as you please; it's the privilege of the young.
"And, I almost forgot to mention, your dyed hair looks beautiful; should I send a bottle of that dye to my daughter...?"
[Hero's Next Actions—]
2. Look for Magic Creatures with poison resistance,
3. Ask the Water Mirror Crane King♛,
4. Go to the Adventurer Guild,
9. Sign up for the Reconnaissance Team,
10. Critical Success/Extreme Failure
Do what you want to do—
After a brief heart-to-heart with the Count, the Hero returned to the military camp.
She moved through the hustling crowd and found the black Chocobo in the aviary.
"Excuse me, are there many Goblins on the Highland?"
The black Chocobo looked a bit puzzled as the Hero seriously raised the notebook in her hand.
[Highland Goblin Density (Goblins' Reproduction Rate +10)]
D100+10=d100(43)+10=53
"Well, it's quite a lot, I'd say."
The Communication Array hadn't been lifted; a faint light shimmered in the black Chocobo's eyes, and then the voice of the Water Mirror Crane King emanated from its throat.
"Though in the Highland's ecosystem, Goblins are like weeds,
"However, the Highland is vast, and ordinary animals are not lacking either. Our clan doesn't prey on them, so their reproduction is quite decent."
Upon hearing this answer, the Hero's eyes lit up as well.
"Occasionally, they'll travel long distances to assault the villages below the Highland, as these green skins seem obsessed with human flesh, though I can't quite understand it..."
The Water Mirror Crane King's voice carried subtlety; clearly, its use of 'obsession' had another meaning.
1. If I help you solve the anomaly, would you help me kill Goblins?
2. I understand, thank you!♛
"I understand, thank you!"
Having gotten the answer she wanted, the Hero neatly wrote out her thanks, bowed to the Chocobo, and then confidently turned to leave.
"...Did she come all this way just to ask that? What a peculiar girl."
Although possessing wisdom comparable to a Sage, the Water Mirror Crane King couldn't completely see through the young girl's heart; it muttered to itself, somewhat puzzled.
[Hero's Next Actions—]
2. Head to the Magic Tool Store,
3. Head to the Armor Store♛,
4. Go to the Church for Reincarnation advice,
9. Head directly to the Highland!(?)
10. Critical Success/Extreme Failure
After handling all affairs, the Hero returned to the Count Mansion.
Once she had her dinner and walked through the streets again, the Border City was already under the canopy of night.
At the dinner table, it was just her and an unfamiliar Maid attending her.
After all, the Hero's message to the Count didn't just bring simple news; it also heralded a series of tasks to follow.