Chapter 37

27th place in the daily overall ranking! 8th place in the weekly overall ranking!

It's also in the high fantasy ranking!

Thank you very much!

"Damn it, you've destroyed the village that was just starting to recover!"

The Ledas who stepped outside were speechless at the flames engulfing the village.

The trees that covered the village and the houses were burning, sending up black smoke.

Especially after seeing the elves trying to rebuild the village just the other day, they felt a strong sense of anger towards the black dragon.

Hildegarde's anger was particularly clear.

"Do you know how much effort we put into fixing the burned houses! And now, you again, you bastard!"

Leda held the elf girl, who was about to rush out, in a bear hug from behind.

"Hey, no matter how attractive I am, don't hug me! Be aware of the situation, in front of a girl, no less!"

"If you can say that, it means your head isn't completely filled with blood, right?"

"Shut up! Just let me go! Let me fight the dragon!"

"Sure, if that were possible..."

"Just let me go! I told you to stay hidden inside the house! Why are you outside, even bringing Mina... You fool!"

Hildegarde continued to kick and resist, flailing her legs.

If Leda let go, she would surely charge recklessly towards the black dragon.

Fortunately, the flames burning the village were still at a level that the elves could extinguish.

The adults, with children in tow, were evacuating.

The elf warriors had their bows ready, glaring at the black dragon circling in the sky, ready to fight at any moment.

"I was worried about you, Onee-chan... I'm sorry."

"There's no need to apologize. But if anything happens to you because of me, I would feel terrible. Do you understand?"

"Okay."

"Then go and evacuate. I'll be fine. Thanks to Leda, my body has recovered, so there's no need to worry."

After confirming that Mina had regained her composure, Leda gently placed Hildegarde's small body on the ground.

She kicked Leda's leg in retaliation.

"I'm grateful to you. You've given me another chance to fight that hateful dragon."

"...Aren't you afraid of losing? You might die this time?"

"Who else will fight if I don't? I'm the best warrior in the village!"

"But..."

She knew Hildegarde was a warrior.

However, Leda didn't want her to fight, as she looked to be about the same age as Mina.

"What... If the worst happens and I get burned again, I'll ask you to heal me. With your power, you won't let me die, right?"

"Even so, I can't allow you to charge in recklessly."

"I'm not fighting without thinking. This time, I'll make that hateful lizard crawl on the ground."

"Then I'll fight too."

"---What? Are you in your right mind?"

"Leda!?"

Hildegarde was stunned by Leda's sudden declaration, and Mina let out a scream.

"What are you saying! What can a healer do!?"

"It's not like I can only use healing magic. I can fight a little."

"A little won't be enough against that opponent!"

"I know that!"

"Then!"

"If I'm on the battlefield, I can heal the injured right away."

"---That's true, but..."

"I can't use a bow or an arrow. I can barely use a sword like a child's plaything. But I can use magic. I can attack. I promise I won't be a burden."

"..."

Feeling the strong will in Leda, Hildegarde was at a loss for words.

Leda knelt in front of Mina, who was worried, and gently hugged her.

"I want to protect everyone, including Mina."

"...Leda."

"Don't worry. I won't leave Mina alone. I'll definitely come back safely. So please evacuate to a safe place."

"That's a promise? Absolutely, absolutely, come back safely, okay?"

"Yes, it's a promise."

Mina's arms wrapped tightly around Leda's neck.

Feeling the warmth and scent of the girl, Leda renewed his resolve to fight the dragon, not just for the village, but for this child as well.

"I'm off."

"Be careful, Leda!"

The girl, who had reluctantly let go of Leda, the middle-aged adventurer, showed as much energy as she could.

That alone made Leda feel he could fight anyone.

That's how he felt.

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