Chapter 43

It had been a week since the signs of the monster panic were confirmed. In Zeato, the knights were busy with the emergency, moving around without a moment's rest.

Naturally, the mansion where Leord lived was no exception. The servants were running around the house, preparing for evacuation.

However, Leord and Gilbert were not among them. Leord was confined in Zeato and could not escape.

And Gilbert was staying under the pretext of protecting Leord.

At first, many of the servants tried to persuade the two to flee, but Leord explained that he could not move because of the punishment imposed by the head of the household, Beluga, which silenced the servants.

Similarly, Gilbert was persuaded by his granddaughter, Shelia, but he refused to leave Leord, so she had no choice but to give up.

When Shelia started to insist that she would stay because Gilbert was staying, Gilbert convinced her to evacuate.

The servants, led by Shelia, would evacuate to the Duke's mansion, Leord's family home. The mansion, with only two people, was quiet and felt lonely.

"What did Father say?"

"…He said to defend Zeato with the knights."

"Hah. I see. Then, I must live up to Father's expectations."

(What is Sir thinking…

Sending his son to a place of death…

No, did other nobles interfere?

Or is it to confirm Leord's growth?

Even so, there must be other ways…

It's no use thinking about it. I will do my best to protect Leord as per Sir's orders.)

Gilbert had been reporting the monster panic information to Beluga in detail.

Beluga probably reported to the king and shared the information. There was no room for Beluga's son, Leord, in this, but it was likely that a noble who did not like Beluga had plotted to add Leord to the defense as a form of harassment.

However, without concrete evidence, Gilbert could not say for sure. Therefore, he decided to devote himself to protecting Leord as per Beluga's orders.

"What's the situation?"

"Probably, we have no more than a day left."

"Have they been informed that I will join the knights?"

"Yes, they have already been notified."

"Understood. Then, let's go."

Leord and Gilbert headed to the Zeato fortress, where the command center was set up.

Inside the fortress, knights who had already gone out were returning, some recovering their strength and others receiving treatment for injuries.

Leord, seeing the gruesome scene for the first time, almost turned away, but he burned it into his memory, knowing that this was a path he could not avoid in this world.

"What is the damage report?"

"Sir! The first unit has retreated with continuous injuries, the second unit is currently engaged, and the third unit is on its way to support!"

"Thank you. You may step down."

"Sir!"

As they entered the command center, Leord and Gilbert passed by a knight coming out.

The elderly knight in charge of the command center hurriedly stood up and saluted Leord and Gilbert.

"Good. I want to hear the battle situation more than greetings."

"Sir! Since the scale of the monster panic is small, the knights stationed in Zeato are managing to maintain the front line."

"How many casualties?"

"Fortunately, zero. However, the number of injured is increasing, and the situation is not good."

"Understood. I believe you have received word from the capital that Gilbert and I will join the defense. I would like to be assigned to a unit."

"Then, the first unit is currently resting in the fortress, so they can join the next sortie."

"Thank you for the quick response."

"No, we are in a dire situation and need all the help we can get, so your addition is welcome."

"Gilbert is one thing, but I am not much of a fighter…"

"I have heard from Barbalot. If it's Leord, you will do something."

"I hope you don't expect too much… but I will do my best."

"Thank you."

Leord and Gilbert walked through the fortress, nodding to the knight who bowed.

"Gilbert. What should I do?"

"What should you do?"

"I lack practical combat experience. I fought a monster during a forest survey for a water source, but since then, I have only had mock battles with you and Barbalot."

"So, what should I do?"

"Ah… then, it's simple. Leord, just do what you want to do."

"But won't that cause trouble for others?"

"Don't worry, Leord. I am here for you."

"…I see. Yes, I will trust you, Gilbert."

Eventually, the first unit, with Leord and Gilbert added, set out again.

They were to replace the second unit, which was retreating.

"Battle report! Currently, the third unit is engaged with the monsters at the front line. The number of monsters is estimated to be between two hundred and three hundred. The confirmed types are goblins, kobolds, and orcs. Be cautious, as there are also higher-level types among them!"

"Understood!"

As the second unit retreated, the first unit headed to the front line.

After a while, the shouts of knights and the roars of monsters could be heard. It was clear that a battle was taking place ahead.

"Everyone, stay focused!"

"Ou!!!"

"Leord, you can move as you please. Just give clear instructions when using magic."

"Understood."

"Then, let's go!"

The first unit, excluding Leord and Gilbert, joined the battle.

Although they were late, they quickly joined the front line. There, Leord saw Barbalot, drenched in blood, fighting like a demon.

"Oooooooooo!!!"

With a swift slash, Barbalot bisected the orc in front of him. Roaring as loudly as the monsters, he moved on to the next enemy.

(Oh… if this were a movie, it would be a thrilling and highly praised scene, but in reality, I feel like I might wet my pants.

Ah, this is reality.)

Leord, who had slightly wet his pants, joined the battle to survive.