CHAPTER 223: FOUNDATIONS

For now, I pushed the thought aside and turned my attention back to the gathered goblins.

"As for the rest of you," I said, raising my voice enough for everyone to hear, "let me introduce your new brothers."

I gestured toward the group that had arrived with me. "This is Thok, Gobbo, Zonk, Dribb, and Sir Narg." I motioned to the goblin standing proudly beside me. "He’s my second-in-command. His orders are my orders."

Narg’s wrinkled face brightened immediately.

He straightened his back and bowed deeply, his voice booming with enthusiasm.

"Chief, you honor me! Truly, you do. But..." he trailed off, scratching the back of his head nervously.

"Putting the Chosen under my authority..." He whispered.

I gave him a knowing look.

He was trying to tell me it’s a bad idea, but there was no need to worry.

"Don’t worry," I said, waving a hand dismissively. "They only listen to me anyway. If you ever need something done, just tell me, and I’ll make sure it happens."

I could have taken it a step further—used the oath to bind them to obey Narg directly. It would’ve been simple, one command, and they’d have no choice but to comply.

But I didn’t.

Misusing the oath for convenience was tempting, but it wasn’t the kind of power I wanted to rely on. I didn’t want obedience born from fear or magical compulsion.

In the end, I wanted loyalty, real loyalty, something that wouldn’t vanish if the system did.

I turned back to the rest of the goblins and continued the introductions.

"This is Snib," I said, gesturing toward the small, jumpy one at the edge of the group. "Krosh. Zox. And..."

My voice trailed as my gaze settled on Zarah.

She looked up, meeting my eyes, her expression calm but warm.

"This is Zarah," I said, my tone softening almost instinctively. "My queen. Her words are also mine."

The moment lingered for a heartbeat before my voice hardened, dropping into something colder.

"And let me make something very clear," I said, my eyes sweeping across the crowd. "For no reason should she ever be put in danger because of your carelessness... or else."

Silence fell like a blade.

The warmth in the air evaporated.

Every goblin froze, their breath held as my glare cut through them one by one. No one dared move.

Zarah, however, flushed bright red at my words. She turned her face away quickly, pressing her hands against her cheeks in an attempt to hide it. Her ears twitched slightly, a dead giveaway of how flustered she was.

The others, Narg, Thok, and the rest, were still frozen stiff.

And I could almost see the realization dawn on them, the pieces falling into place.

So that’s why she had been in my arms when they saw us earlier.

A few exchanged looks, whispering quietly, but I ignored them.

I let a grin slip through, the edge of it breaking the tension just enough to breathe again.

"And finally," I said, turning toward the back of the group, "the most important member of the clan: Granny Flogga."

"Granny?" Flogga said, arching a brow, her tone dry as dust.

"Why...it suits you," I murmured to Flogga with a small grin.

Turning back to the rest of the clan, I raised my voice.

"Her word is law," I said. "Enough to make even me hesitate. No one is exempt from her orders; you all listen when she speaks. That’s an order."

Flogga gave me a sidelong look that was half amusement, half disbelief, but she didn’t argue. The others, however, straightened immediately, a few exchanging nervous glances at the thought of the old goblin’s authority.

Once I was satisfied, I continued, "Alright, everyone, settle in." I scanned the group before pointing toward one of the newer recruits.

"You...Bundi, was it? You’re the first one who swore an oath to me. Show them around. Help them get settled."

Bundi blinked in surprise, then nodded quickly.

"Y-Yes, Chief!"

"Gork and Nira," I said, shifting my focus to the Chosen couple. "You’ll watch over Jael’s kid. The fox should already be there. Make sure she doesn’t cause too much trouble."

Both nodded, understanding the weight behind the command.

Then I turned to Talia. "You’ll assist Granny Flogga."

Talia let out a sharp scoff, clearly unimpressed with the assignment.

She opened her mouth to protest, but before she could speak, she caught Zarah’s sharp gaze. At first, she was confused as to why Zarah was staring, but it soon became terrifying for her, and her defiance melted.

With an awkward bow of the head, she walked toward Flogga, muttering something under her breath.

Trying to be helpful, she reached out to take the heavy sack slung over the old goblin’s shoulder, but a loud smack echoed as Flogga’s wrinkled hand slapped hers away with surprising force.

Paah!

Talia froze, wincing as she held the back of her stung hand.

"No one touches my things," Flogga snapped, adjusting the strap of her sack higher on her shoulder. "Just point me to where I can brew my potions."

Talia muttered quickly, keeping her distance.

"Yes, ma’am."

"It’s Granny Flogga to you," the old goblin corrected sharply without even turning around.

"Yes, Granny Flogga," Talia replied at once, voice small and resigned.

She lowered her head, guiding the grumpy elder toward one of the empty tents, muttering something under her breath that I pretended not to hear.

I couldn’t help but chuckle at the sight of it, a Chosen being bossed around by a wrinkled old potion maker. It was a small, satisfying reminder that power came in more forms than raw strength.

Once they were out of sight, I turned to Narg.

"Get everyone to settle in," I said. "Make sure there’s order. I’ll be back soon."

Narg tilted his head. "Where are you going, Chief?"

I started walking, my gaze drifting toward the northern edge of the settlement. "To make our graveyard," I said simply.

He blinked, then gave a slow nod of understanding. "Ah... yes. That’s important."

"Yep," I said, stretching my neck slightly. "We’ve been living on the edge for too long. It’s about time we had some guarantees."

Narg nodded firmly. "Leave things here to me, Chief. I’ll get everything sorted out."

I gave him a brief nod in return before