When Michael cautiously dodged traps outside the cave entrance, Rebecca sensed him immediately. Her demonic race’s heightened perception jolted her awake—but recognizing his familiar presence, she stayed still, simply watching the cave mouth. *He must have followed me after I left without saying goodbye,* she thought. Though honestly, she’d been unconscious then. This whole "rescue" was pure coincidence… Besides, Rebecca had already planned to visit the Kasmo Empire to find a cure for the gender-binding Demon Potion. She wasn’t heading back anytime soon.

Demons naturally possessed night vision. Rebecca found it utterly bizarre watching Michael creep toward the cave entrance, tense and tiptoeing. But the moment he spotted her gaze, his eyes widened at her hair and eye color—before quickly composing himself.

Michael pressed a finger to his lips, then shuffled closer on cat feet. Rebecca watched him oddly. *Why’s the Goblin King acting like a thief in the night?* Those four humans—Laura’s group—were rare talents among mortals, yes. But compared to Michael, sovereign of a Dark Realm race? They were leagues weaker. What was this ridiculous stealth act about??

Laura’s group slept deeply. Michael reached Rebecca’s side, shot a nervous glance at the girls, then frantically beckoned her to flee.

Rebecca merely arched a brow, a mischievous grin curling her lips.

That smile. Michael knew it too well. Back in the Dark Lord’s palace, Rebecca wore that exact expression whenever her potion experiments failed and she plotted pranks on unfortunate demons…

Before Michael could react, Rebecca grabbed a nearby stone and tossed it at his feet.

*Clack.*

The sound was faint, drowned by the storm. Yet for warriors hardened by relentless training, such a tiny noise right beside them was impossible to miss.

Not a word was spoken. Lilia, the mage, recovered from momentary disorientation fastest. Her palm flared—a fiery orb the size of a washbasin hurtled toward Michael.

Chaos flooded Michael’s mind. *Princess Rebecca was captured! The Dark Lord’s daughter! Only immensely powerful beings could subdue her!* He’d tracked her scent here to rescue her… only for this mischievous Demonic Princess to pull a prank now. *Oh gods—the four humans are awake!* Four mortals strong enough to capture Rebecca? Michael doubted he’d survive this. *Your Highness! This joke went too far!*

Then the fireball struck—a pathetic, ticklish flicker against his chest. Michael froze, utterly bewildered.

*That’s… a Fireball spell? Why such a weak, beginner-level spell? A test?*

Light suddenly flooded the cave as Kami cast a Radiance spell. The four finally saw their intruder clearly.

“…A Goblin?” Laura recognized Michael’s species.

Lilia stared at the soot-covered Goblin blinking huge, dazed eyes. He looked pitiful—and ridiculous. “Ugh, just a Goblin. Seriously? This thing disturbed my sleep?”

“He’s probably hungry,” Kami chuckled, pulling dried rations from her pack. She knelt beside Michael, pressing the food into his stiff hands. “Poor little guy. Roughed up by Lilia’s temper… and starving, I bet. Eat up.”

No one took Michael seriously. Goblins were the world’s most widespread race—even outnumbering humans—and universally seen as weak, sneaky pests. They stole food like vermin in villages and cities alike. Yet Goblins were clever; many integrated into human and other societies. Their craftsmanship was legendary—delicate artifacts and even magical devices often bore their touch, earning rare respect. But… prejudice ran deep. With their vast numbers and scattered presence, even honest Goblins couldn’t escape the stereotype: weak, thieving nuisances.

Few elites knew the truth: Goblin strength was wildly uneven. Like extreme wealth disparity—but with power.

Ninety-nine percent were feeble. The remaining one percent? Terrifyingly strong. Michael was one such nightmare—a thorn in every race’s side. Only his loyalty to the Demon Race kept him from pillaging realms as he once did.

Goblin strength was innate. Almost none grew powerful through training. It was as if the universe mocked them: 99% born harmless, while the 1% absorbed all the might meant for the rest. This imbalance made their race a paradox.

Laura’s group might’ve heard rumors of powerful Goblins… but never dreamed they’d meet one.

Michael, still convinced these four had captured Rebecca, stayed rigid as Kami offered food.

Rebecca watched him, sensing his tension. *He traveled so far just for me…* Warmth flickered in her chest. *Alright, no more teasing.*

“Michael…”

He turned at her voice.

“Huh? Rebecca, you know this Goblin?”

“He’s… my… friend,” Rebecca said.

Michael understood Hobish. *Friend.* Whether true or not, those words struck him like rebirth. *The Dark Realm’s princess calls me her friend?* Tears welled—he’d die happy right now.

“Michael. Come here.”

He scrambled over, seized Rebecca’s ankle, and burst into heartfelt sobs.

---

Next morning…

Lilia glared at Michael dangling from her horse’s flank. There was no way she’d let a Goblin ride *with* her. So she’d strapped the small creature sideways—swinging wildly, occasionally kicked when he bumped her boot. Michael seethed silently, stomach churning from the motion.

Last night, Rebecca had explained: Michael was her childhood friend, a Goblin who’d tracked her scent. Moved by his tearful reunion—clutching her ankle like a lost pup—they’d praised their “pure friendship.”

This morning, while packing camp and disarming traps, Rebecca finally told Michael how she’d been “rescued.”

His green skin flushed visibly. *Embarrassment.* All that sneaking… no wonder she’d pranked him. *Damn it, so humiliating. I should just run away—wait, no! Go home!* When he confessed his mistaken belief—that Laura’s group were mighty captors—Rebecca laughed without mercy. Michael wanted to vanish.

Humiliation aside, he stayed. He knew Rebecca sought a cure for her potion. Honestly? He preferred the princess over the prince—*who wouldn’t adore such beauty?*—but he’d never dare say it. He’d follow her quietly, pretending to be a weak Goblin accompanying a “human girl” kidnapped by the Dark Lord…

His act soon backfired.

At departure, Kami swept Rebecca into her arms first. Lilia erupted in protest—until Laura, still sore about yesterday’s cuddle interruption, snapped at her. “Rebecca rides with Kami today. *You* take the Goblin.”

Trading beautiful Rebecca for a “sneaky Goblin”? Lilia’s fury was instant. Hence Michael’s current predicament: dangling from a saddle.

The King of all Goblins, strung up by a human girl. Unbelievable… yet true.

Rebecca caught Michael’s pouting face and smiled. *What a delightfully memorable sight~*