Re-written date: 7 / 13 / 2025
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Chapter 44: Journey to the North
Contrary to Eliza's initial assumptions, Edward wasn't just some guy who could only write cheerful, fairytale-like stories like "Konosuba: Blessings on This Wonderful World." His new script, "Goblin Slayer," might still need refinement in terms of realism and research, but it already captured exactly what Eliza had been looking for: brutality.
Initially, she had considered forcing a renowned novelist to draft the kind of gritty, grounded story she wanted—if Edward couldn't deliver. But after reading the opening pages of Goblin Slayer, she knew immediately—this was it.
The story began with a group of rookie adventurers, overconfident and naïve, ignoring the guild's warnings about goblins. They entered a goblin cave expecting an easy win... and were wiped out. Only one novice—a nervous priestess—was saved, and only thanks to a grim, seasoned adventurer known only as the Goblin Slayer. From there, a harsh and uncompromising journey unfolded.
From that first chapter alone, it was clear that this was a world where foolishness meant death, where experience and caution were everything. It was dark. It was brutal. But within the blood and ash was a flicker of hope—the kind forged through courage and wisdom. And that was what gave the story its soul.
Eliza nodded slowly, setting the script down. "This is a brilliant script. Some of the descriptions of goblins and adventurers feel... off, but in terms of story, it perfectly captures the reality of an adventurer's life."
Her praise was sincere—but she also recognized the potential problems. The script didn't pull its punches. It featured goblins kidnapping and assaulting women, using female villagers as breeding stock. Not only was that disturbing, but the Goblin Slayer himself didn't fit the typical heroic archetype. He was obsessed, antisocial, and ruthless. And then there were the combat scenes—vicious, bloody, hard to film. Not to mention those scenes… Eliza wasn't even sure if they should be filmed.
Overall, it was the kind of movie that would absolutely stir controversy once it was released. Even Eliza, as the Northern Territory Adventurer's Guild Master, wasn't entirely certain how the public would react.
Sensing her hesitation, Edward calmly reassured her. "This is just the first draft. When it comes time to film, we'll definitely adjust a lot of the scenes. We'll cut or reframe the harder stuff—maybe mask the sensitive bits with shadows or divine light. Don't worry, I'm not about to get arrested for indecency. As for the overall tone? I believe the world needs stories like this. We've already seen the good and beautiful sides of life through stage plays and novels. But something like Goblin Slayer—raw, real, and cruel—might just be what makes it so compelling to the audience."
"I hope you're right," Eliza replied, before giving him a sharp glance. "One last question. The way goblins are described in this script... have you actually seen them like that with your own eyes?"
That question caught Edward off guard. He blinked and quickly shook his head. "Ah—no, I haven't. I've never actually been to the North, so I'm not familiar with how goblins really act. The goblins in this story were written purely to match the tone you asked for."
Clearly, the script had left an impression on Eliza. She was now instinctively worried that such terrifying creatures might still exist somewhere in the real world.
Hearing his answer, she finally relaxed a bit and leaned back in her chair. "If it's just a fictional setting, then I have no issue. But if goblins like this did exist… I'd have to launch a goblin extermination campaign immediately."
"Uh… right..." Edward muttered, wiping a bit of cold sweat from his brow.
"I'm looking forward to seeing the final version, Director Durin," Eliza said with a smile. "Make sure it lives up to the script."
Eliza's words made it clear—everything related to filming was now in Edward's hands. And he, unsurprisingly, didn't bother being modest about it.
"Leave it to me, Guild Master Eliza," Edward said confidently. "I promise to bring the people of the North a film they won't forget. That said, before we officially begin production, there are a few things I'll need your help with."
"Of course," Eliza replied without hesitation. "If it has anything to do with the movie, and I can help, I will."
Edward smiled. "Then, before filming starts, I'd like to do a bit of on-site scouting—to determine our shooting locations."
"Ah, alright. Do you have specific requirements for the location?"
Edward thought for a moment. "Since this movie's story is set in your territory, it only makes sense to film it there too. Tell me, do you have any goblin settlements nearby? Preferably narrow caves or stone tunnels…"
"Goblin nests? Narrow caves? We do have those," Eliza replied, though her brows furrowed slightly. "But Director Durin, are you planning to shoot directly at those sites? I can't guarantee the safety of your crew. The North isn't like the South—dangerous monsters lurk just outside the city walls."
Edward chuckled and waved a hand dismissively. "Don't worry about that. I've already secured the best bodyguards I could find. You just help me locate the right places."
"O-oh… alright then," Eliza nodded slowly, still unsure of what Edward considered a "bodyguard," but willing to trust his judgment. "In that case, shall we meet here tomorrow? We can teleport to the North using a magic circle."
"Sounds good."
——
The next morning, when Edward arrived at the Adventurers' Guild, everyone involved in the journey to the North was already assembled.
Among them were the bodyguards: the Headless Knight himself and the ever-reliable lich, Viz. There was also Daphne, who had mentioned wanting to audition, along with her watchful bodyguard.
Winry, on the other hand, had returned to Durin Castle due to urgent matters.
"Viz, is everything okay with the tavern?" Edward asked casually.
The lich smiled warmly. "The moment the staff heard you were preparing for a new film, they volunteered to handle everything themselves. Didn't even ask for overtime pay. I think they're just excited for the next movie."
"That's great to hear. I was a bit worried I'd have to leave you behind." He then turned toward the towering armored figure beside him. "And you, Belldia? How does it feel to be returning to your old stomping grounds?"
At Edward's teasing, the Headless Knight merely lifted his detached head and gave it a slow, deliberate shake—an image both absurd and vaguely terrifying. Still, he spoke calmly:
"Had you asked me before, I might have resisted returning. But now, I've made peace with it. After all, this time I'm not going back to fight—I'm going to protect you, Director Durin. I'm… honored to serve in this role."
Seeing that Belldia's mood was steady, Edward gave a satisfied nod, then turned toward Eliza—who was still visibly shaken by seeing the Headless Knight in person.
"Alright then," Edward said with a grin. "Shall we get going, Guild Master Eliza? We're headed to your territory now."
"Y-yes… I'm honored to escort you," Eliza replied, her voice just a touch stiff.
She had seen the Headless Knight in the film, of course—but the movie hadn't truly conveyed the overwhelming presence he exuded in real life. On screen, he was just a skilled swordsman with a dark backstory. In person… he was a walking embodiment of death.
The oppressive aura clinging to him was something only those raised in the monster-infested North could recognize. It froze the air. It swallowed hope. And despite her usual composure, Eliza found herself momentarily stunned—unable to move or speak.
It wasn't until the pressure subsided slightly that she managed to collect herself and respond, albeit belatedly.