A Time of Tigers - From Peasant to Emperor

"Ah, we must make you a set of the finest sort!" Verdant said enthusiastically.

That made Oliver wince. "Actually, I would prefer if we didn't… There are other matters that I would rather be spending my gold on. I don't need an extra shiny bit of plate, when something a tenth of the price might do the job."

"Will you not allow me to make a gift of it to you, my Lord?" Verdant said. "It would not do for you to be dressed in a manner that does not reflect the magnitude of your being."

"The magnitude of my being?" Oliver repeated with a raised eyebrow, sharing a look with the others, trying to find someone else that realized just how odd a phrase that was. Apparently, it was only Amelia who did, for she was pulling a face at it. Everyone else seemed to be of the same of opinion. "No, Verdant. I can't have my retainers buying equipment for me.

It is I that is meant to do that for you."

"You would not accept a gift?" Verdant said. Oliver noticed that Blackthorn was also looking on with particularly round eyes.

He hadn't expected the priest to put up such an attack. He scratched the back of his head, wondering how he might worm his way out of the uncomfortable situation. "I'm also in need of a horse," he realized, changing the subject. "Damn it, this week is seems as if all that extra gold that Greeves brings in will be spent."

"Do not begrudge it so strongly, my Lord," Verdant said. "I understand your impatience, but these are items that will only need to be bought rarely, and it's about time that you had the sort of equipment that you need."

"I suppose so… But I'm just as fine with cheaper items. It took so long to just get the sword that Lord Blackwell gave me repaired – it seems all-around easier merely to go for the low end of the price range. They do the job just as effectively, and they kill just the same," Oliver said.

"Yes, but you're a noble…" Blackthorn said, giving a rare bit of input. "You should be dressed finer than your men. Your armour should be a symbol of your rank."

Verdant nodded, appreciating the support. "Indeed, and with your strength, my Lord, none would call you vain for spending the coin necessary for something more spectacular. You're not some city noble after all, who is being given such finery by the wealth of his family. You've earned every piece of it yourself.

"Alright," Oliver said, waving his hand. "You don't need to try so hard to press me. I do not like it, but I will at the very least ensure that what I buy is passable."

Apparently, that reply wasn't satisfactory, given the good few sighs that met it. They didn't simply want him to buy something that was passable, after all. The entire conversation had been an attempt at convincing him to dress well, rather than passably.

"Fine, my Lord," Verdant said, seeming to understand that Oliver was in no mood to be pressed on the trivial. "Then, will you at least allow me to discuss matters with the smiths in advance of you making a choice? Perhaps I might be able to have their prices reduced somewhat." Experience tales with My Virtual Library Empire

"Do as you wish," Oliver said. "Actually – that would be a great help. If you could get any of these prices lower, that would be a great weight off my shoulders. Now, I suppose, we'll jump straight into the final tests, and get this cleaned up."

…

…

The day would never have been complete without a visit to the Hobgoblins. And for Oliver, it never would have been complete if he did not slay one of those Hobgoblins himself.

They found two such creatures in the usual clearing, where that giant tree in the centre of it stood. A tree which the Hobgoblins seemed to delight in climbing, hiding themselves amongst its foliage and throwing themselves on any passersby that dared to come too close.

That was exactly what happened again, and Oliver came nearer to the tree, leading by the front, a few steps in front of the rest. He'd detected the creature's presence amongst the branches with the aid of Ingolsol, and he'd wandered closer, feigning indifference.

It took the bait, and launched itself from the upper branches, a massive club in its hand, primed for Oliver's head, even as it fell. It didn't seem to mind at all the height, and had a great amount of trust in the robustness of its legs.

Only when its attack was irreversible did Oliver give it his full attention. He stepped off to the side, freeing himself of the reach of the club, and setting himself up for a strike of his own. The Hobgoblin's fingers twitched, unable to keep up with what was happening.

It spun its neck, attempting to look behind it as it flashed by, pulled by gravity, but by then the only thing it could see was the white of flashing steel.

Before the creature even hit the ground, Oliver had cleaved its head straight through, in a single overwhelming strike, making the fullest use of his strength.

The body hit the ground first, and the head followed soon after, with a single light plop.

"Now," Oliver said, turning to his party. "See if you can do something of that sort, Verdant. Everyone else has already been tested in one manner or another – though I did say I'd give Lady Blackthorn a greater opportunity to show her worth. It's up to you to bring us full circle again."

"It would be my honour, my Lord," Verdant said, his armour clinking as he bent his head in a bow, his trusty spear ready at his side.

Oliver stepped back, rejoining the others. They'd already discussed how they would proceed. Given that there were two Hobgoblin's, with Oliver having killed the closest, it was left to Verdant to kill the remaining.