215 I name you Iris

“Not to brag on who has it the hardest, but I also bring misfortune. This mark is called the Mark Of Heroes, and it proves I am not a human of this world. However, I will get hunted by humans if they see this mark and recognizes I came from a different world.”

“It’s ironic, really. I was summoned to this world as a hero and to save the world, yet the people don’t want me, hate me, and even hunt me because a few humans many centuries ago decided that heroes from another world are invaders and wish to destroy the world. But, haha, I want to settle down and live my life with my family in peace.”

“I have others to depend on, but so do you. Don’t you have your father? He is waiting to see you alive and healthy. And if one isn’t enough, you can rely on Kazumi and me for a start. Later you can also depend on your new two sisters Ester and Lupa.”

“So, what do you say? I can give you a second chance in life if you come with me. This is the kind of rebirth I am offering.”

“Ahh, before I forget. I also agreed with your father to treat you like a family member if you decided to live and come with me. To love and protect. To respect and care. I am a gentleman and not a disgusting man.” Vincent said his recruiting pitch with honest words. He hoped his words could touch the gray goblin’s heart and help her decide to live.

The gray goblin frowned and retorted, “You lie. My father will never...”

Kazumi was trying to help Vincent during his speech. After a few tries later, she managed to use Vision Projection and displayed a large image of the gray goblin lying on blood and her father gently pinching her cheek with a devastated expression.

“Your father wanted to tell you what happened isn’t your fault, and there is no need to blame yourself. As I said, your father agrees to let you come with me if you decide to live.” Vincent relayed the message while pointing at the hologram.

[I can’t project sound, but I also heard your father say those words. He wanted you to stop blaming yourself and live a better life. If you think about it, if you didn’t make the humans follow you and cause a ruckus, then the giant snake might have come to your home and ate every one.]

.....

[You saved your goblin tribe, and you helped those suffering in secret. You stopped the grizzly bear from continuing killing and saved your father’s life. You are a great goblin, and I am happy to me you. So, smile and show us how this was all a misunderstanding. Smile and show yourself your will to change. Show...]

“Don’t force her to smile. I understand how... huh?” Vincent was saying before the gray goblin raised a slight smile showing a pair of cute dimples.

“A smile on your face is the expression you should have. You look cute like this.” Vincent complemented.

[Look at who is flirting, haha. Your compliments are getting better by the day, casanova, hahaha.]

Vincent cleared his throat to change the subject and said, “Ahem, ignore Kazumi. She is a sly green soul, and she loves to tease.”

“Did... did my father say that?” The gray goblin appeared to be interested in what her father said. She wanted to know if it was real.

Vincent extended his hand and spoke with a firm tone, “Do you accept to become my retainer, stay by my side, trust me, and stay loyal? Do you accept having a new family and new sisters? Do you want to live a new life? And lastly, do you want to hear your father say those words directly to you?”

The gray goblin felt intimidated. She took a step back and held her hands together.

“I told your father that you would not be my slave. You will be my family instead. Like a friend or a sister, you decide what you want to be in our family. I can also let your father come with us if you want. Because when you are with me, I will try to make you smile and feel happy as much as I can. I want your sad life to end and a happy one to begin. A rebirth.” Vincent continued while remaining in the same place. Only his warm tone and gentile smile changed while saying this.

The gray goblin hesitated, yet her eyes couldn’t stop looking at Vincent’s smile. She never thought a human could show a smile warm enough to make the body feel hot.

The gray goblin blushed for the first time and slowly extended her trembling hand forward. Her hand soon landed on Vincent’s hand. As their skin touched, a notification window appeared.

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[Start [Blessed Retainer] test?]

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[Agree] [Cancel]

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“I bet you can’t read this, right?” Vincent asked a question he knew the answer of, yet it couldn’t hurt to ask, he thought.

“I’m sorry...” The gray goblin apologized.

“Don’t worry. This bright display is asking if you want to become my retainer. If you say “I agree,” you will become a part of my family.” Vincent informed.

“If you do not dislike my unlucky presence, then... I agre...” The gray goblin was about to agree when.

“One moment! One moment!” Vincent interrupted.

The gray goblin expressed a saddened frown and lowered her head while feeling troubled, “I thought you wouldn’t want me, but didn’t you say you wouldn’t lie to me?”

Vincent touched her chin and gently raised her head. “You have it all wrong. I want to give you a name before you agree. It’s a new life after all.”

“So, do you want to choose a name for yourself, or do you want me to pick one for you?” Vincent asked.

The gray goblin blushed, and her lips curved a smile. Vincent believed this smile was the greatest reward possible for saving her from herself.

‘Did I smile like this when Kevin saved me? I remember him laughing at me. ‘ He pondered.

“Give me a name, please. My friends are plants... and goblins have bad names in goblin tongue.” The gray goblin said.

historical

“Hmm, let me think of a good one then.” Vincent rubbed his chin while a feature of the gray goblin caught his eye. It was a feature so alluring it makes a person want to keep looking.

“Your eyes a purple, and you have a green thumb. I was...” Vincent was thinking out loud when.

“My thumb is gray. I am not a normal goblin. I’m not like the others.” The gray goblin misunderstood.

*Chuckle* “Green thumb means having a natural talent for growing plants. You probably grow plants as well, right?” Vincent asked with a light chuckle.

The gray goblin smiled as she talked about plants. “Yes, I grow a few herbs. I once grew a few flowers, but they take more time to grow and can’t be used to help others.” She looked happy after mentioning herbs.

“Thanks for telling me about the flower. Now I know a great name suited for you. How about Iris? The iris of your eyes is purple, and it’s similar to the color of an iris flower. So, do you want to be my flower?” Vincent thought of a name and hoped the gray goblin would accept.

The gray goblin raised a radiant smile and vigorously nodded as words couldn’t exit her mouth. The before and after Iris was like night and day.

However, Vincent didn’t think the name Iris would make the gray goblin jump and hug him. “I agree.” She managed to say while hiding her red cheeks. Having the name of a flower brought her joy.

[Nice name if I say so myself. Congratulations, Iris, for joining the harem.]

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[[Blessed Retainer] test starting.]

[Checking compatibility...]

[Checking personality...]

[Blessed Retainer extra test start...]

[Checking seven deadly sins...]

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[Test passed.]

[Iris has passed the important factors.]

[Blessed retainer gained.]

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“Argh! My neck is burning!” Iris yelled in pain.

“It will only last for a moment. Please resist the pain while the Soul Bridge disconnects and sends our consciousness back to our bodies in the living world. You will completely heal the next time you open your eyes. I won’t lie to you because you are my Iris. My family.” Vincent kept embracing Iris until his vision became dark, and he could start hearing a commotion next.

“It worked.” Said Ester with a smile.

“Yeah! A new sister in my pack.” Lupa added with a smile as well.

“Gobu! Goobu!”

“Goba, gobi.”

“Gob... Goba!”

The goblins became bewildered and made a ruckus. In front of their eyes was an unbelievable spectacle. Not even in their wildest dreams could the goblins ever fantasize of watching a goblin levitating in mid-air and enveloped in bright green light. A majestic scene breaking the bonds between reality and dreams.

“What. Happened. To. Progeny?” The goblin elder urgently asked Vincent.

“Your progeny is healing at the moment. Ohh, and her name is Iris now. She decided to live instead of blaming herself for every bad thing happening to your tribe. At least she doesn’t wish death anymore.” Vincent informed.

“My. Progeny. Wished. Death?” The goblin elder didn’t seem to know what was on Iris’s mind.

Iris kept her father in the dark in fear of worrying him to death. Iris didn’t want her father to die for worrying about her, not like what happened to her mother. So Iris did everything in secret, allowing her to raise her speed and perception stats in the process more than her peers.