Chapter 31

The knight who had gone ahead returned. The other knights, including Barbarot and Leoard, listened to his report.

"I report. I have confirmed three goblins straight ahead from here. One of them is equipped with a rusty sword."

"Was there anyone else?"

"Yes. I explored the surroundings, but it seems there are only three of them."

"I see. Thank you for your hard work."

"Hai!"

Barbarot received the information from the knight who had gone ahead, thanked him, and then placed his hand on his chin in thought. He glanced at Leoard and made a decision.

"Lord Leoard. I believe you have heard the report. The enemies are three goblins, one of which is armed. Shall we exterminate them?"

"Hmm, yes."

"Of course, Lord Leoard, you will do it alone."

"No, no, wait a moment. That's the last thing I want to hear!"

"It's fine. With your current skills, Lord Leoard, you can handle three goblins. Have confidence."

"That's not the point! It's my first real combat!"

"There's no problem at all. I've brought a healer as a precaution, and a few cuts are nothing to worry about."

"Listen to me! Hey, the others, say something!"

Leoard was desperately trying to persuade Barbarot, but Barbarot was not listening. Realizing that he was in danger, Leoard sought help from the other knights, but they avoided his gaze.

Understanding that no one would help him, Leoard was filled with despair. Determined to escape this dire situation, he steeled himself, but his resolve was fragile.

"I'll tell you, if you run away here, your next training will be discussed with Sir Gilbert."

"Ha, leave it to me. I'll take out those goblins in an instant."

"That's the spirit, Lord Leoard."

Leoard was crying inside. Whether he ran or stayed, he was in hell. There was no place for him to find peace. All he could do was put up a brave front.

With that decided, the investigation team, led by Barbarot, moved towards the goblins. Leoard, filled with the urge to flee, advanced with his heart pounding.

Eventually, the investigation team reached the location of the goblins. As reported, three goblins were wandering in front of them, likely searching for food. They had been looking around and talking to each other.

Leoard, who had not faced a monster since the wyvern, swallowed hard. He was a mix of excitement at seeing the goblins, which he had only seen in pictures, and fear of the impending battle.

"Lord Leoard, calm down."

"B, Barbarot. I, I—"

"Look me in the eyes."

Barbarot grabbed Leoard's face, which was trembling and unfocused, and forced him to make eye contact.

(He is overwhelmed by fear. If this continues, he will really be in danger...)

Leoard's gaze was unfocused due to fear, and he kept looking away from Barbarot's eyes.

"Leoard Harvest!"

Suddenly, Leoard's shoulders trembled at the sound of his full name being called with a stern voice, and he became fixed on Barbarot.

"Listen carefully. Are you afraid of goblins?"

Leoard, completely cowering, could not speak. He mechanically nodded, affirming Barbarot's question.

"Then, are you not more afraid of me? Do you think Sir Gilbert is lower than a goblin? Who do you fight every day? Remember your daily training. Who do you usually face? Me and Sir Gilbert. Compared to us, the goblins over there are not something to fear, right?"

"That's true, but—"

(Ah, Lord Leoard must be afraid of the life-or-death struggle, the act of killing.)

Barbarot's guess was correct. Leoard was somewhat encouraged by Barbarot's words but was still terrified of his first real combat and the life-or-death struggle.

Leoard's memories and personality were strongly influenced by the real person's memories. The peaceful world of modern Japan, where the real person grew up, was binding Leoard's heart with fear.

(Something... something decisive is needed...)

Barbarot deduced that another element was needed to motivate Leoard, but he did not know what it was.

"Lord Leoard, I heard that you bravely faced the wyvern when it attacked the mansion?"

"That, that was because I was focused on saving Shelia—"

"I see, that makes sense."

Barbarot understood. The key was to provide a stimulus that would overcome Leoard's fear. With the answer clear, Barbarot took a surprising action.

"What are you... doing?"

"If Lord Leoard does not fight, I will die."

Barbarot took off his armor, completely disarmed, and moved towards the goblins.

"What are you thinking! Stop this foolish act!"

Ignoring Leoard, Barbarot continued to advance. Eventually, he reached the goblins. One of the goblins noticed Barbarot's approach and scratched him with its claws.

"Wha—!?"

Leoard was shocked by Barbarot's inaction. It was not a joke; Barbarot believed that Leoard would come to his aid.

"Someone! Rescue Barbarot!"

Still not moving to help, Leoard gave orders to the nearby knights.

"Unfortunately, I cannot follow that order. This is what Sir Barbarot desired."

"Such, such nonsense! If we do nothing, Barbarot will—"

"Lord Leoard, it's time to make a decision. Will you let Sir Barbarot die, or will you go to his aid? Decide now."

"A... Ah..."

Leoard, cornered by the knight in front of him, compared Barbarot, who was being attacked by the goblins, with the other knights.

(Damn, damn, damn! I can't let Barbarot, who believed in me, die!

Have courage!

Make a decision!

I... I...

There's no other choice but to do it!!)

There was no hesitation. His resolve was set. Leoard ran to help the man who had believed in him.