With my victory over the Quiet Black Beast, the townsfolk couldn’t deny my strength now. I continued to hold my blade near Damian’s neck as I waited for his response, all the while it seemed the black bear was trying to keep up with his stoic expression. I could only guess what kind of emotion he was going through… and we really didn’t need that right now!

  “Now do you submit!?” I declared loudly for all to hear.

  Damian was silent for a bit; I was satisfied that it seemed he managed to keep his emotions under control as he eyed everyone in town before he finally answered. “…. I submit.”

  With his submission I got off him as I returned to my followers, Damian following right behind me. All the while I could hear the townsfolk whispered among themselves. Many of course expressed shock and worry.

  “…I…I can’t believe it…”

  “That was our best fighter now what are we going to do….”

  It seemed like it was working. I turned and faced the crowd, many of them were on guard. As if expecting me to do something to them. I began making a speech to them and raised my arms so I could get their attention. “Now as you can see, me and my minions are now your best chance in defending against the invaders come tomorrow. Unless you wish to risk fighting them off yourselves.”

  There was silence among them, they didn’t feel confident in their chances against the invading kingdom.

  “Now if there are no objections, why don’t we start negotiating some terms if you wish for our help.”

  The same fool whose sword I had broken was the first to speak up, but his attention wasn’t directed at me but to Damian, who was avoiding looking back at them. “H-hey… you’re not actually thinking of working with a little monster, are you?”

  He kept silent, his expression seemingly unchanged though I couldn’t help but notice a slight blush coming from his cheek and it seemed I was the only one who did. “…. yes, it is for the best.”

  The fool gave a disgusted look as he clicked his tongue and continued to rant. “What am I saying, you’d fit right in with the monsters being one yourse-”

  Before he could finish his sentence, I had conjured multiple rock spikes to appear. Just barely missing the fool’s skin. I wasn’t about to tolerate letting someone insulting what was mine after all.

  “…I don’t think it’s a good idea to finish that thought don’t you agree?” There was a look of maliciousness coming out of my glare, it seemed to send the message as the fool nodded frantically as I released him from the spikes.

  My expression returned to normal as I looked back at the other residents, all the non-combatants keeping their distance while the rest were on edge. “Now as I was saying, shall we get into negotiations? I would like this town to have as little bloodshed as possible. My minions have informed me that the kingdom’s forces will be invading tomorrow and yes, they are quite a large number of them. ~”

  Left with no other choice. The town’s mayor came forth, he looked like he was around his sixties with graying hair and wrinkles, he looked at least capable of running if it was necessary. Like the other residents he had a look of fear across his face, though he was steeling himself as he walked towards me.

  As he looked down at me, he began to question me. “And what is it you wish from us little kobold?”

  I looked up at the old man, smiling as I stated my terms. “Quite simple really, I’d like your whole town to be under my command. That’s all. ~”

  He didn’t know what to say, after all the idea of a monster being in charge of a human settlement was unheard of from what I gathered everyone say. Even though they have some able-bodied fighters, there was just too large of a group to face off with the limited number they have. They were banking on Damian to protect them in which I shot that plan down.

  The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

  Though it seemed the mayor wasn’t going to give it up that easily “…. I can’t speak for everyone here but if you and your followers are willing to face them in the frontlines first, I’m sure we’d be willing to accept you mister….”

  “You can call me Vladimir, and sure thing after all if we all are on the front line that could possibly get rid of both your problems, right? ~” I said smiling while pointing my claw at him.

  The mayor started to panic, shaking his hands. “O-oh no I didn-”

  “Veehahahahaha, I don’t mind for this arrangement at all. Just makes taking over here a lot more interesting. ~”

  With the negotiation out of the way I began directing my minions to prepare for tomorrow’s battle. “Alright everyone, it’s time we set up some defense perimeters. Gather everyone together, it’s time to protect this new town of mine! ~”

  Meanwhile as I was focused on leading my minions the mayor was having his own discussion with his residents. I could just barely hear their conversation.

  “Are you crazy old man!? Why would say we would accept that tiny monster as our leader?!”

  “I know I know, but I had no choice. But if that little kobold can beat the Quiet Black Beast, then it’s our only hope to survive.” The mayor tried to reassure them.

  One of the residents asked what they were all thinking “And if they somehow win?”

  The mayor could do nothing but shake his head, “Then we pray to the Goddess that we are spared to whatever the monsters have planned for us….”

  As everyone was discussing the turn of events a familiar blacksmith was rubbing his chin as he stared in my direction. I’m not sure why but maybe he was curious about me.

  Whatever the case, for now I needed to focus on getting everything set up, I don’t expect the residents to help me, so it was up to just me and my followers. It took us the rest of the day, having them cut down enough trees while I reshaped them as borders as well as setting up a few towers for my archers.

  Those were for show though. I did promise my weaker minions they wouldn’t have to fight directly with them, and I wasn’t planning on breaking that promise. Plus, it’ll hopefully make the residents feel safer.

  But enough about that. After the end of the day, I had each orc assigned with a different group of the weaker minions, just as a precaution as I had them set up inside our makeshift border. Meanwhile, I waited outside with Mordred to greet V and their group back.

  “Good job V! So how close are they coming?” I happily greeted them, who in turn were brimming with joy.

  “Thanks Mr. Vlad! They’ll be here in the morning!”

  “Good now when the time comes there’s going to be one more important job for you think you can handle it?”

  V upon hearing I needed their help again jumped for joy. “Oh, I get to help you again Mr. Vlad? Yay!!”

  Once they calmed down, I began giving them their instructions “Tomorrow, I’ll need you in the middle of town to focus on your [Map] and keep track of the town and its surroundings. Pay attention to any bad guys that may come in from any other direction. Think you can do it?”

  V raised one of their hands into a fist, giving me the impression that they understood. “I can definitely do this Mr. Vlad!!”

  “Great then I’ll have Damian in guard duty with you.” I patted their shoulder in praise.

  Upon hearing his name, the black bear pointed towards himself in confusion. “…. Me?”

  “Yup, if the residents see you and V work together maybe it’ll ease their worries of having a monster leader. ~”

  “Yay I get to be with the nice bear man!” Without hesitation, V jumped into his arms who I noticed slightly tighten his grip on them.

  I could see Damian’s expression starting to change, seeing as we were still within sight, I was worried he was going to start smothering me in front of them. I could only sigh in relief when he managed to control himself. I sometimes forget he actually has the capacity to control his emotions considering all those snuggle sessions I had to deal with in only a few days…

  With that settled everything was ready. Following V’s direction, me and Mordred set ourselves at the side of the border where the kingdom soldiers were headed towards. As we both settled down, prepared for the coming battle tomorrow, Mordred started to talk to me. Not in his usual enthusiasm I noticed but in something much calmer.

  “…Boss, are you sure you want to face them with just us two in the frontlines?”

  I nodded as my answer, Mordred looked around the area. “I wanted ask because I’ve been curious boss, I’ve noticed whenever you’re about to set out on your conquest you always insist on being in the front and center.”

  “Is that all? Well, I have a simple reason really.” I began to fidget my claws over my weapon’s handle, deep in thought.

  “I just think as someone who’s going to rule this entire world it’s only right for me to be there to watch it happen before my eyes. Veehahahahaha~” That’s all to it really.

  Hearing my answer my large Minotaur laughed in what sounded like satisfaction “And that’s why I follow your lead boss! ~”

  He then proceeded to clench his fist as he smiled. “Tomorrow is going to be very exciting! I can’t wait to fight by your side boss!”