Chapter 30

Due to Leord's impulsive response to Gilbert's sudden proposal, he was now heading to investigate the water source and exterminate monsters, with Barbarotto as his guard.

The investigation team, including Leord, was exploring the forest bordering Zeato. They were basically moving on foot, walking around the forest, but one person was on the verge of death.

“Haa… Haa…”

“Lord Leord, it’s a bit early to be out of breath at this level.”

“That’s… easy for you to say… walking around in this dense forest is exhausting…!”

“Besides… I’m using magic… for the water source… investigation… and doing parallel work…!”

Leord, barely able to form words, tried to explain to Barbarotto just how difficult it was for him.

“I understand that. However, taking frequent breaks for this reason is not good. This is also part of your diet.”

Indeed, as Barbarotto said, this was also part of Leord’s diet. There was also the intention to give him some practical experience, but of course, Leord was aware of this. Initially, he wasn’t enthusiastic, but he must have had a desire to go on an adventure at least once. He was excited and his heart was racing halfway through.

However, now he was in a sorry state. His body, full of excess fat, made every movement a struggle, and even taking a single step was painful for Leord.

(My knees feel like they’re about to collapse… and why can the knights move so easily in their heavy armor?)

Leord, puzzled, asked Barbarotto.

“Barbarotto, why can you all move so easily in such heavy armor?”

“It’s because we have enhanced our bodies. It’s a basic skill for knights.”

“What? Then, I should—”

“Ah, Lord Leord, you are not allowed to use it. It’s only permitted during combat, not otherwise.”

“What!? Why not?”

“It’s an order from Lord Gilbert. He doesn’t want you to get used to the easy way out with body enhancement.”

“No, but, if I can move, isn’t that fine!?”

“No, it’s not. If you don’t listen, I’m allowed to be a bit rough.”

Leord could only manage a wry smile as Barbarotto cracked his knuckles with a smile. He could complain, but he knew exactly what the outcome would be.

“Alright… I’ll follow Barbarotto…”

“Yes. Then, let’s continue the investigation.”

Leord, now unable to resist, dragged his heavy body and continued the investigation as Barbarotto had said.

The knights, who had been watching the interaction between Barbarotto and Leord, were greatly surprised. Leord was different from what they had heard. This interaction could be seen as a challenge to the duke’s family. If he were to incur their displeasure, the consequences were unknown.

Thus, the knights were at a loss on how to handle Leord. Not knowing the right way to approach him, they kept their distance and observed him. However, after seeing the interaction with Barbarotto, they realized that Leord was different from the rumors. They couldn’t speak to him like Barbarotto, who was training Leord in swordsmanship as part of his duties, and thus had a different relationship with him.

In reality, Leord wouldn’t get angry no matter how the knights treated him. Of course, if they were too harsh, he would be upset, but he was willing to accept most of their treatment. He felt guilty for suddenly forcing himself into the group and spoiling the atmosphere, so he was prepared for some harsh words.

The knights couldn’t possibly know this.

The knights kept their distance from Leord, while Leord, wanting to deepen his relationship with them, was inwardly depressed by being openly avoided.

(Ugh… the knights are avoiding me. They keep glancing at me, but they look away immediately when I meet their eyes… I must have a bad impression.)

Even though he knew the reason, he couldn’t do anything about it. To dispel the rumors, he needed to spread even bigger rumors. Leord had no achievements to erase his past misdeeds, so he needed to perform well in the future. Moreover, it wouldn’t be easy. Even if he resolved this issue, his image might not change, as people might think he was taking credit for others’ work.

Therefore, to change his image, Leord needed many achievements.

However, at least the people around Leord were changing their evaluations. Gilbert, Barbarotto, and Shelia, who were close to Leord, knew that he was changing. Unfortunately, Leord himself was the only one who didn’t know.

“Barbarotto, there’s a monster.”

Leord’s sudden statement caused tension among the knights. They were also on guard, but only Leord had sensed the monster’s presence.

“Lord Leord, are you sure?”

While asking Leord, Barbarotto glanced at the knight responsible for vigilance. The knight, meeting Barbarotto’s gaze, shook his head, indicating that he hadn’t sensed any monster.

“Yes. It’s ahead. The distance is probably… 100… 150… I’m sorry. I can’t tell the exact distance, but I’m certain it’s ahead.”

“Understood.”

Barbarotto gave instructions to the other knights, and one knight went ahead. The other knights, including Barbarotto and Leord, stayed behind to wait.