Goblin Girlfriend: Haydee (special preview)

The stone Ifrits and the Goblins had a very close relationship. For years they had worked together under horrible conditions, and now in war, they had aligned their kingdoms to become one of the most impassible forces on the Eastern continent. Your home had been decimated by such war, and now, you were leading what remained of your town to the safety of this kingdom.

The high rock walls that now surrounded it were peppered by various stone Ifrit and Goblin guards. They watched from on high, or in strategic places along the ground. There wasn’t much left of your people, many had been wiped out during the battles, some had gone north, but you were convinced further north was the safest place to go.

Once you and your people reach the main gate to the kingdom of the Goblins, you meet with with a goblin who interviews each of you to assure you’re not spies or agents on the other side of this war.

“You will be sent to a village where you will be watch by the locals. They will assure us that you are refugees as you say. As the leader of these people-”

You cut off the goblinq quickly. “I accept responsibility. I know everyone here, most of them all my life. Should any of them have been hiding all this time, I accept punishment for not seeing it.”

“Strong words, young man. Perhaps uplifting, perhaps depressing. We shall see in the coming months, won’t we?” He hands you a necklace. “You and your people must wear these for the time being I am afraid. You will not have to wear them long, just until we confirm the stories you have told.”

The necklace is a simple leather strand with a heavy metal hoop at the end. You put it on and you return to your people, taking them to the village which will be hosting you. Each family is taken in by a goblin family. Since you were a blacksmith in your home, you were taken in by a Goblin blacksmith and his family. 

The old Goblin reminded you of your own father, including the glasses and mustache he sported. “Strong young man like you ought to bring in all sorts of business for me. I’ll put you out front so the ladies can ogle you.”

“Sir?” You ask anxiously. “I want to work, not get ogled.”

He waves his hand at me. “Oh hush, young men like you never know what you want. I have several of you myself.”

He did have a large family, three sons and three daughters. His eldest girl was away, helping out another village where wounded had been brought in. You were told she would return soon.

You worked hard, placed close to the front where you were indeed watched by some of the women in the village. Even despite your shyness, you began to build a relationship with some. You were able to make friends, which helped solidify your place in the village.

One day, as you came in from work, the family was all gathered in the kitchen celebrating, the eldest daughter had returned home.

“Boy!” The old man said, “come meet my daughter Haydee!” He drags you into the room, placing you before her.

She had fluffy black hair that curled at the ends. Her bright brown eyes looked up at you, surrounded by thick lashes. Her ears were sharp, rising up from her hair and tipped with gold jewelry. She was dressed modestly, especially compared to you being half naked from the shop.

Her gaze goes flat and she pouts. “This is him?” 

Her father bobs his head excitedly. “Yes! He’s been a wonderful worker.”

“I see,” she says dismissively and looks away. “I should go to my room and rest them before supper. I’ll be better help tomorrow.” She kisses and hugs her family one last time before shuffling off to her room.

“I think she likes you,” her father says with a smile.

“No,” you sigh. “I don’t think there was any indication that she likes me. I’ll just go and wash up for supper.”