System vs Rebirth

Chapter 400 Roseʼs Decision

After listening to his story, Rose could finally raise her head again, staring into his eyes.

”Mhm… I thought I would lose you forever.”

”I wonʼt make any excuses. If you wish to hit me, then donʼt hesitate. I wonʼt blame you for it.” Noel put on a gentle smile while spreading his arms as if inviting her in.

Rose shook her head. ”No. I donʼt hate you or blame you for this. I can understand everything after your explanations.

”You were the one to bring the idea of revenge and fulfill it even if it cost you your life. I felt helpless this whole time for not being able to help you after youʼd done so much for me.

”Iʼd talked big by saying I would pamper you after all this, but I never had the opportunity to do so. I was just afraid that I couldnʼt repay you.”

Rose was thankful to everyone on the team for helping her in the revenge. But Noelʼs contribution was on a whole different level. It became even higher when she considered Noel a Spirit Wielder while the others were Spirit Masters or even a Grandmaster.

With that weak strength of his, he overcame all the challenges and fulfilled her revenge. That was why Rose felt this indebted to Noel.

Noel shook his head and said, ”You donʼt have to repay me. I actually pretty much like the Zero Squad. You treated me, an outsider, like your own family. I couldnʼt help but feel the same way.

”You are like my family, Rose. So, I wonʼt hesitate to do things for you. Thatʼs how much the Zero Squad matters in my heart.” Noel smiled. ”Besides, everything wouldnʼt have worked properly if I had missed any of you.The origin of this chapterʼs debut can be traced to n(0))vel(b)(j)(n).

”Without you, we wouldnʼt be able to notice the enemies among the people. There wouldnʼt be any communication network in the group as well.

”So, please donʼt think too much. Youʼve helped me… helped us enough.”

”Thatʼs not it.” Rose furiously shook her head. ”This and that are different. Iʼm not talking about us or the Zero Squad. Iʼm talking about you and me as individuals.

”Youʼve done a lot for me as an individual. I want to help you.” Rose looked down for a moment. ”I have been thinking about what I can do to help you during the past month if you are still alive.

”And after seeing you here, I seem to have found the answer.” Rose smiled, staring into his eyes. ”Do you mind if you take me under your wing?”

”!!!” Noel widened his eyes, startled. ”Under my wing?”

”Yes.” Rose nodded with a serious expression. ”Iʼve heard from the introduction the headquarters gave about you. It seems that youʼre trying to reach either Vice Captain or Captain position this time to become a noble and rebuild your family.

”Thatʼs why… When youʼre retiring after reaching your position to become a noble, Iʼll do the same and follow you.

”Though, in the premise, you still want to accept a Spirit Master who canʼt even fight.” Rose made an awkward smile, embarrassed for her lack of strength.

That lack of strength was the complete opposite in Noelʼs eyes. He was shocked beyond belief that Rose would become a part of the Ardagan Family.

From Noelʼs perspective, Rose was the smartest among the original Zero Squad. She had good judgment and was a hard worker. She even focused on the very details.

If everything went according to his plan, Dimitri would submit to him and become his right-hand man.

What he lacked was someone like Rose. If Rose actually followed him, Noel would gain a left hand. He didnʼt need Rose to fight since Dimitri would take care of it.

He needed her to help him with all his work as a noble like a secretary. She might not possess an overwhelming strength, but her strength as a Spirit Master was enough to protect herself.

There was no secretary as capable as her.

That was why Noel was shocked when Rose volunteered to follow him.

He couldnʼt help but ask, ”Are you sure about this? Weʼre talking about your future, you know. If you continue on the Zero Squad, you might receive a lot of benefits and could become a noble yourself…”

Rose shook her head. ”I have put a lot of thought into this. I might be able to become a noble myself… Or at the very least, marry into a noble household. However, thatʼs not something I want.

”I might be a commoner, but it doesnʼt mean I have no pride. For others, marrying into a noble household might be the best goal. But for me, itʼs nothing but a burden.

”I donʼt wish to be someoneʼs possession whose sole purpose is to make them shine. I want them to know me not as a certain nobleʼs wife… but as Rose. Thatʼs why if you donʼt mind, would you like to take me under your wing.”

”Joining me might make you lose your wings… There is a chance that you will lose your name.” Noel was implying that she might become nothing but an average person whose life had nothing to be remembered. ”In fact, you might even lose your life by following me… I have told you the reason.”

But Rose shook her head. ”I know itʼs dangerous. I know the risks. However, this is a decision Iʼve made. Please, Noel.”

Noel closed his eyes, contemplating. On the one hand, he didnʼt want Rose to choose him. After all, his path was filled with big rocks, while her current path was smooth sailing. On the other hand, he had to consider that this was a decision Rose made herself.

After a few minutes, Noel extended his life. ”Iʼm looking forward to being with you. I canʼt promise you anything right now, but I will continue to strive for a better future for my own household. For that, I need you, Rose.”

Rose smiled and took Noelʼs hand without hesitation.

In that instant, Ardagan sent a notification to Noel.

[Mission: Help Roseʼs Revenge.]

[Description: Kill the Blood Berserker with whatever means.]

[Reward: Roseʼs Loyalty.]