The Goblin Nation

It was a good morning in Womva Isla. The heirs came out of their dorm, hungry for food. Sun and Shuja left their room. Everyone could see a glowing aura around them. They mistakenly believed it was their dimly lit halo as they were angels, but it was just their mana leaking out their happy thoughts after spending a night together for the first time.

Those of higher ranking left the dorm last, many of them already full. Sun and Shuja waited outside next to a patio for Barov and Cirona. After an hour, they saw Barov and Cirona leave through the front lobby. They ran towards them to greet them. "You two look you had a good night's sleep," Borvo commented.

"Surprisingly, yeah!" Sun answered. Shuja smacked him in the arm while grinning.

The four of them walked to the dining hall. It was a large building that lacked any decorations with a large glossy dome. The dome reflected the morning light as if its surface was covered in eternal morning dew. But it was its polished marble finished that made it shine. The door to the dining hall was large and made of bronze. It was the only outside surface that had decorations. Relief sculptures of angels and demons fighting spherical monsters covered the surface of the bronze door. An epic battle, but for why it was fought for, Sun didn't know.

Once they entered the hall, a long table of food was in full display with caterers on the other side and a line of nobles on the other. Many of them were complaining about the food. "It's bland!" Some of them yelled, "This isn't food meant for people. It's meant for dogs!"

The food served was cooked by the island monks. Under their tenets, food that is served on the island must not be sweet or spicy. Taste is distracting because it is a worldly p.l.e.a.s.u.r.e. But the church understood that nobles are not ones that can accept humility even in their food. Condiments were served along with the food to give them the taste the nobles craved. But some wanted less artificial flavoring. The group got through between the protesting nobles and got their food.

Barov, Cirona, and Sun didn't mind. Sun went to numerous church retreats in his previous life, and the food served then was bland like the food being served to them now. Meanwhile, Barov and Cirona practiced before coming. They ate food as bland paste every night until they can stomach it. Shuja was the only one unable to adjust. "I can't believe they have so much power, and they eat trash!" Shuja said, "What is this weird gray soup supposed to be anyway. Why can't we have some grilled fish? We're in the middle of a giant sea or whatever."

"They eat like this to strengthen their humility," Barov said, "The church, at least most of it, should be a role model we nobles have to strive for. Eating their food is one step closer to that."

"Humility this and humility that. How is that going to make you a better leader?" Shuja shoved a spoonful in her mouth and forced herself to swallow it.

"To help your people, you have to understand their perspective. And to that, you have to be in the same level as them."

"I'm pretty sure they're eating better food than this."

Suddenly a commotion exploded by the catering table. A group of nobles flipped one of the tables and marched back to their table angrily. Sun recognized one of the nobles, the one with the striking blond curls. The leader of misfits, Corin Ren. He heard rumors about him from his talkative neighbors gossiping in the dorm's hallway. A noble with the worst character and his behavior at the docks and in the dining hall have proven those rumors as the truth.

"Troublesome group," Sun said.

"Yes, they are," Barov agreed, "I can't believe there are people like them."

Barov dropped his utensils and got up on his feet, "Where are you going?" Sun asked.

"I'm going to help them clean the mess they made."

"Count me in!" Sun jumped out of his feet. The two walked towards the mess and offered their hand to help. The staff assured them everything was fine and that they will handle it. While they were talking, Corin made his way back to the catering table. He took the large bowl of rice porridge and poured its contents on Barov's head.

"There, now you have to something to clean, pig!" Corin laughed.

"You son of a-" Sun was about to lunge at Corin, but Barov and held him back.

"He's not worth it," He whispered to Sun. "Let's just go."

The two of them tried to walk away, "What's wrong, pig? Scared to talk back!" Corin yelled. The staff members blocked him from following the two. Sun and Barov went to the powder room to get themselves cleaned up.

"Why did you stop me?" Sun asked.

"Did you already forget?"

"Right, no physical violence. But a little game of food fight wouldn't hurt, right?"

"Wasting food is a no-go for the church either."

"Oh,"

"If anything, I feel bad. They'll probably call him to the office for questioning and get expelled once the staff members give their testimony. He'll be kicked out before the exam starts."

"I guess being patient does get the job done."

"I wasn't trying to kick him out, Sun." Barov took a wet towel and washed his head. "I just didn't want you to get in trouble. You're my only friend I can rely on here."

"Right," Sun smiled, "I won't do anything rash."

When the two exited the room, they saw Corin and his entourage getting escorted out of the building surrounded by a group of paladins. But the small moment of victory was short-lived. Corin turned his face and stared at Barov, and he gave him an eerily creepy smile. The mock exam was going to be more troublesome than they imagine.