Chapter 10 Gilbert's Dilemma

Chapter -10.

"Though I don't think I'd killed twenty goblins, if it's to protect the village and its people, then I'll do what I can," Lucien said honestly. If he could slay the goblins effortlessly, he would kill one group after another. But if those creatures turned out to be strong, he would let his human instincts take over as well; after all, he was just a normal human, not some hero.

Barbara's eyes continued to stay on Lucien, a mix of admiration and something else visible in her gaze. She had seen many like Gilbert, who would boast about their strength and willingness to protect the village. However, when it came to the real thing, their area of influence was so small that, despite being well-prepared, they often encountered losses.

Looking at Lucien, her hand unconsciously moved to her milk-like skin on her throat, her pulse quickening as she watched him with interest.

"Very well, I like your honesty and modest attitude," she said, unable to help herself, as she found truth in whatever Lucien said.

"That's right! That is the spirit a man should have," Gilbert chimed in. Seeing Barbara praise Lucien, he slapped him on the back, his expression somewhat mixed. "Anyway, since you're now willing to join us, I'll let the others know and set out tomorrow. Our brave scouts have located a nearby goblin camp not far from here; we'll take care of that first and see how it goes."

"You need to be careful as well," Barbara rolled her eyes, seeing Gilbert flare up all of a sudden. "Those creatures are crafty and dangerous, especially in their own territory," she said, looking in Lucien's direction, as he had definitely left a good impression on her with his simple yet firm nature.

The group continued their discussions for a few more minutes, and then Gilbert suddenly said, "Alright then, we should take our leave. We've taken up too much of the village head's time."

Lucien cast a glance at him, but seeing him already standing up, he too got up and nodded his head toward Barbara, who smiled at him in return and said, "If you have something you want to discuss, you can drop by my house anytime. My home will welcome you."

*Sigh,* Gilbert thought, *this punk really is a charmer.* Seeing Barbara smile, which he could only see occasionally, he couldn't help but feel slightly jealous. But since Barbara was allowed to smile at anyone, all he could do was take that charming punk out of the house and keep him away from her.

With those thoughts playing in the back of his mind, Gilbert, without giving Lucien a chance to bid Barbara farewell, pulled him out of the house and said, "Alright, Lucien, you can head back home from here. I'll be back after meeting a few people regarding tomorrow's task."

The sun was almost about to dip below the horizon, casting the village in a warm embrace. Lucien breathed in the fresh air as he walked back along the familiar cobblestone street and arrived in front of a well-known house.

*Knock, knock...*

Lucien knocked on the door twice, and upon opening it, he walked inside to see the beautiful face of Aleena staring at him. As Lucien looked at Aleena, the face of her husband appeared in his mind, who seemed to have certain thoughts about Barbara. He couldn't help but feel his earlier reservations loosening up a little.

"So, how was the trip around the village?" Aleena asked with the most beautiful smile she could offer.

Lucien, feeling his heart slightly melting, walked inside the house while saying, "It was good. It would have been even better if you had been with us."

"Is that so?" Aleena said, her gaze sizing up Lucien before stopping on his waist for a second, where he had equipped the sword. "I see you dropped by the smithy too. Did Bronk give you trouble?"

"So you know that guy well, huh?" Lucien couldn't help but joke, extending the sheathed sword toward Aleena and saying, "Want to check it out?"

Seeing Lucien's action, Aleena looked a little surprised for a moment and then asked, "Can I touch it?"

"Yeah! That's what I said, didn't I?" Lucien replied, confused, as he hadn't expected this kind of reaction.

"Well, Gilbert doesn't allow me to touch weapons, saying they could be dangerous for someone like me, so I thought..." Her soft voice trailed off as Lucien grabbed her delicate hand, pulling her closer to him. He placed the sheathed sword in her hand and said, "Well, it could be dangerous, but I don't think having a little go at it under professional guidance could be harmful."

"Professional? What's that?" Aleena, whose face was now only a few inches away from Lucien's, asked while staring into his eyes.

Lucien's smile widened at her innocent expression, and pushing his head a little closer, he said, "Someone who knows a bit about something and can teach others too, or something like that. So, do you want to try swinging it a bit?"

For a second, both of them stared at each other, their warm breaths mingling. Just as Lucien thought he was about to get his first kiss, Aleena pushed her lips slightly forward; however, instead of their lips touching, she whispered in his ear, "I don't mind having you as my teacher."

Lucien felt his hair stand on end, as a woman whispering in his ear was also a first-hand experience for him. However, he didn't want this moment to end here, and since Gilbert wasn't going to come home anytime soon, what better time to teach Aleena swordsmanship than now?

"Then, Let's get started, shall we?" Lucien said, turning his head slightly, which caused his lips to brush against her cheek as she pulled back. Ignoring the small advantage he had just taken, he continued, "But before that, what will my reward be if I impart my swordsmanship to you? You know there's nothing free in this world, right?" His question concealed a deeper meaning that did not escape Aleena's notice.