Chapter 33

Leord stood at the center of the investigation team, the highest-ranking member. However, since Barbarot was in command, his word was absolute.

Therefore, when Barbarot said it was over, it was over. Moreover, Leord was also severely exhausted, making further investigation difficult.

Thus, based on Barbarot's judgment, the investigation was temporarily halted, and they returned to Zeato.

"Ouch. Can't you be a bit gentler?"

"What are you talking about? This is the result of your own actions. Even though it was to spur Leord, you still took unnecessary risks."

"I understand that, but I am injured, after all."

"You chose this harsh treatment, so you should endure it!"

The healer slapped the healing marks on Barbarot's body.

"Ouch!"

"You brought this upon yourself!"

The healer finished treating Barbarot. This time, the healer accompanying them was skilled enough to heal minor cuts, and Barbarot's injuries were completely healed.

However, the bruises were left untreated because Barbarot had taken too many risks.

No matter how much it was to get the paralyzed Leord moving, he had overexerted himself. Moreover, he had worried Leord too much. Someone needed to reprimand the reckless Barbarot.

That happened to be the healer's role, as they were treating the injured Barbarot.

Meanwhile, Leord was surrounded by knights, bombarded with questions. Initially, the knights had avoided Leord, but after seeing his performance in the previous battle, they were convinced he was not as rumored.

Now, they were curious and kept asking questions.

"Lord Leord, your performance in the battle was impressive. Was it really your first real combat?"

"Yes, it was my first. That's why I couldn't move until Barbarot encouraged me."

"How did it compare to Barbarot, who is always in combat?"

"Don't ask such obvious questions. Goblins are not even worth comparing to Barbarot."

"What do you usually do with Sir Gilbert at the mansion?"

"Mostly physical training with Gilbert. It's part of my diet, but it's incredibly tough. He holds back, but I end up fainting every time."

The conversation was lively, but the atmosphere changed dramatically with a certain question.

"Is the rumor about you in the capital true, Lord Leord?"

The knight who asked this question thought it was a good move, but it was a big mistake. The knights surrounding Leord stopped and turned to look at the one who asked the worst question.

The knight realized his mistake. However, the young knights in Zeato's knight corps were naturally curious about the truth of the rumors, especially since the Leord in front of them was so different from the rumored Leord.

"It's true. The rumors are real, and I am a scoundrel, no doubt about it."

The knights were shocked. They did not expect Leord to confirm the rumors without any excuses. They were at a loss.

"No... I mean... As the one who asked, I think you should at least deny it a bit, right?"

"What's the point of denying it? Your opinion of me might change a little now, but it will change again when you find out the truth later."

The knight was speechless. The atmosphere turned dark, and Leord tried to distance himself from the knights.

"Damn... The rumors were true. I should have known better."

The moment Leord moved away from the knights, malice appeared. Naturally, Leord heard it and turned to look, but he couldn't tell who said it. Leord didn't try to find the culprit, accepting it as deserved. He left the knights with a resigned expression.

(That's only natural. No matter how hard I try, my past actions won't be forgiven. They say you can't put spilled water back in the bowl, and that's very true.)

Even if he could do ordinary things, Leord's past actions would never be erased. Leord realized that Gilbert and Barbarot were special, and others were not. He resolved to work harder.

The recovered Barbarot led the investigation team back to Zeato. On the way back, he noticed the team's dark mood but couldn't figure out the reason.

The investigation team returned to the barracks and went back to their respective duties. Barbarot practiced swordsmanship with Leord until his escort arrived.

However, Barbarot noticed that Leord was acting strange during practice. Remembering the dark mood on the way back, Barbarot stopped the practice.

"What's wrong, Lord Leord? You seem distracted."

"Hmm, I just got a dose of reality and felt a bit down."

"What did they say to you?"

There was a hint of anger in Barbarot's voice. Leord, sensing this, tried to defuse the situation.

"Just a bit about my past. It's over now, nothing to worry about."

"How can you not worry? Then why do you look so pained?"

Leord realized he had a pained expression.

"This is... I'm just hungry—"

"Lord Leord, I will gather the knights who accompanied you on the investigation. Please wait."

"Wait! It's fine, Barbarot. I did feel sad, but my past is undeniably that of a despicable person. You don't need to worry about it."

"But, Lord Leord is trying to clear your name! It's unacceptable to let someone insult your efforts without seeing them!"

"Thank you. I'm glad you say that. But, there are few people who see me the way you and Gilbert do."

"That's...!"

Barbarot couldn't argue because it was true. Who would praise someone who had done irreparable damage?

"I am still a scoundrel in the eyes of the world. I did things that can't be undone, so it's only natural. Let's drop this. Understand?"

"But, if you keep this up, Lord Leord will—"

"Say no more. It's enough that there are people like you and Gilbert who see me this way."

"Lord Leord...!"

(Why did such a person go astray...!)

In fact, he was barely holding on. If the world had progressed as in the original Fate 48, Barbarot would never have changed his opinion of Leord.

It was only because of the memories of the real person that the current Leord exists. In a sense, it could be called a miracle.