Chapter 12

"one, two, three, four!"

"..."

(Well, I've been making him swing the sword ever since, but he hasn't complained even once.

Is the rumor true?

I heard he was arrogant and selfish, but is that not the case? Generally, noble boys tend to neglect the basics...)

While observing Leord, who has been practicing only the basic swings, Barbarotto ponders about the rumors surrounding him.

Leord is satisfied with the thorough training he is receiving. However, if he were to be picky, he would like some breaks. Occasionally, receiving advice is very helpful, but his body is craving rest.

However, Leord cannot ask for a break. After all, Barbarotto is watching his swings with a serious expression.

Unfortunately, they are both misunderstanding each other.

Barbarotto is not seriously observing Leord's swings. He is merely puzzled by Leord's serious attitude, which is different from the rumors.

Despite the significant misunderstanding, Leord continues to swing the sword. However, the current Leord finds it difficult to endure such prolonged exercise.

Even during grappling practice with Gilbert, there are breaks, but Barbarotto's training has no breaks. As a result, a pig that reached its limit collapsed with a groan.

"Oink...!"

"Wh-What!?"

(Damn! I was so focused on thinking that I forgot to give him a break!

This is bad. If I'm not careful, I might be punished...)

"Are you okay!?"

"Zee... Haa... Zee... Haa..."

Barbarotto rushes to Leord's side, who has collapsed, to check on him. Leord seems to be struggling to breathe and does not respond. However, his gaze is firmly fixed on Barbarotto.

Barbarotto misinterprets Leord's glare and braces himself. He easily imagines being scolded and fired. If that were the worst of it, it would be fine. But there's a chance he could be expelled from Zeato or, worse, executed.

Either way, his future is over, Barbarotto resigns himself to this fate. However, an unexpected response reaches his ears.

"Water... Water... please..."

Barbarotto hurriedly fetches water. While drawing water from the well, his mind is not at ease.

(Why isn't he angry? I thought he would at least yell at me...)

Barbarotto rushes back to Leord with a bucket of water, puzzled by his reaction. Leord takes the bucket and gulps down the water, apparently very tired, drinking all the water in the bucket. Seeing this, Barbarotto realizes the extent of his mistake.

He had left Leord to the point of exhaustion.

(Once he recovers from drinking water, he'll probably scold me fiercely...

Of course, it's my fault for leaving him until he collapsed.)

"Phew... Thank you, Barbarotto. I'm sorry. If I had asked for a break without hesitation, this situation could have been avoided. I've caused you trouble."

"Huh...?"

For a moment, Barbarotto is at a loss to understand what Leord is saying. It takes him a few seconds to comprehend.

"W-What are you talking about! The fault is mine—"

"Hmm? You haven't done anything wrong, have you? You've been watching me swing the sword all this time."

"W-Well, that's true, but—"

"Then, it's my fault for continuing the swings beyond my limits and collapsing. You bear no responsibility."

"..."

Words fail Barbarotto. He is shocked by Leord's magnanimity.

Leord is nothing like the rumors he had heard, and he doesn't know how to interpret this. One thing is clear: rumors are unreliable.

Though deeply moved, Barbarotto is making a huge misunderstanding. The rumors are mostly true. Barbarotto cannot verify the truth because he is not in the capital, and sometimes it's better not to know.

"Shall we resume?"

"Huh...?"

"Huh? The training isn't over yet, is it?"

"Y-Yes, there's still time."

"...What's wrong? Are you not feeling well? You've been acting strange since just now."

When Leord asks, Barbarotto straightens his posture and bows. Surprised by this sudden action, Leord is about to ask why Barbarotto bowed, but Barbarotto apologizes first.

"I am truly sorry. At first, I doubted you, Leord. I thought you would get bored with training quickly, based on the rumors I heard.

However, you continued to swing the sword seriously, and I began to doubt the rumors. I was so worried about myself that I didn't even realize you needed water when you collapsed.

I thought I would be scolded and treated harshly...

But you forgave me with a generous heart!"

"O-Oh..."

(The pressure! The pressure is intense!!!)

Overwhelmed by Barbarotto's pressure, Leord steps back. However, Barbarotto continues to press forward.

"I now understand that rumors are just rumors. I apologize for my numerous discourtesies!

Please, punish me!"

"You are misunderstanding. The rumors are true. Your doubt and suspicion do not warrant punishment.

As I said, it was my fault this time, so I have no intention of blaming you."

"Wh-What...?"

"Today's training is over. Also, ask Gilbert for more details about the rumors.

If you still want to train me after hearing the truth, I'll ask you again."

Leaving the stunned Barbarotto behind, Leord returns to the mansion. Barbarotto stands there for a while, rooted to the spot.

Back in his room, Leord collapses on the bed, burying his face in the pillow.

(Damn it! Damn it! It was just a misunderstanding, aaaaaah!!!)

Leord realizes that Barbarotto was not seriously observing his swings but was assessing whether the rumors were true, and he wets his pillow.

Later, when Barbarotto confirms the truth from Gilbert and agrees to continue the sword training, Leord wets his pillow again.