Reincarnated as a random race, of course I got goblin.

Chapter 87 - Strategy Meeting

Valenas' POV

"I'm heading out now!" I shout into the empty hall before leaving for the day. Since I awoke as a Champion, I've mostly just hung around the Guild Hall's training area, working on getting used to how my body now moves.

You'd think that the difference between eighty and hundred wouldn't be that high, but let me tell you, it is. I'm unsure if it's caused by the increase in Stats alone, but in the beginning it was hard to even maintain a grip on my weapons since I'd not expect the force I'd put out and end up flinging them across the room. 

An elegant, silver haired woman is waiting for me outside, and I startle a bit. "Ah, I'm sorry if I scared you! I just wanted to let you know that the last three Champions have arrived, and we'll be having a meeting over dinner at the Blind Cockatrice around five today." Peony Amberroux, the Kings niece and second in line for the throne, informs.

The Blind Cockatrice, that's the best restaurant in town! It's the most expensive as well... 

"I'll be sponsoring the meal, don't worry. Oh, and this is strictly between the Champions, so..." She edges closer to me to whisper something. "Please don't tell anyone that you're going. I suspect there are enemy eyes among us." 

I'm taken aback. A spy? "D-do you suspect anyone?" I whisper back, blushing profusely as Peony edges even closer, looking around before she replies.

"Don't worry, they're not among any party-members of any Champion, but Brocken warned me... Someone is after them, and possibly you as well if the rumors she's heard are true. A criminal organization called the Hand of Aurellium." My face is uncomfortably hot as Peony takes a few steps back. Wait-

"Brocken is a woman? The Brocken I met looked distinctly like a man?" I forget my embarrassment as this new conundrum appears.

Peony shrugs. "The Brocken I met looked like a woman. And I got that same reaction when I met them as when I met you, Terne and Merkiv." She tilts her head, placing a hand on her chin as she thinks. "I've heard of girls becoming men and boys becoming women, but they usually stay as the gender they've chosen. Perhaps Brocken's just very undecided?" She shrugs again and smiles.

"Regardless, as long as they're my ally, I will support them in any way I can." She gives a confident pose. "Now, I've got lots to do before the five, so I'll be seeing you later." She gives me a nod, the royal farewell or dismissal, and leaves, walking towards the Church. As she exits the gate in front of my house, an armored man accompanies her. Seems he's been waiting for her.

"A dinner at five..." I mumble as I hurry towards the training hall.

Later that day, at the Blind Cockatrice

I was uncertain about the dress-code, so I ended up with picking a dress that I deemed neither opulent or plain. Seems that was the correct choice, because other than Brocken and the Champion of Dark, everyone else was similarly dressed. 

We're currently in the private hall of the Blind Cockatrice. It's mostly rented out to bigger businesses when they need a place for meetings. For that reason, the walls are actually enchanted with sound-proofing. We shouldn't worry about being overheard in here.

"I... I'm not that wealthy... I more or less only own two sets of clothes." Brocken mumbles apologetically as they fiddle with the slightly tattered coat they're holding. Seems that this time Brocken is a she, with a skirt-over-pants attire that seems easy to move in. It is worn and a bit yellowed with age though.