System vs Rebirth

Chapter 177 Unexpected Visit

He never expected that the children wanted to repay him this much, even after learning about Septa.

What he didnʼt know was that the children had understood the rumors. No, Erica was the one to figure out the person in the rumor as the smartest kid in the group. She told them that Noel had been protecting her this whole time, making the children feel moved.

Even though he wasnʼt with them anymore, their ʼBig Brother Noelʼ was still protecting them.

Their pure hearts truly wanted to repay Noel for everything because they knew that Noel would still take care of them until they truly grew up.

Septa seemed to be more and more interested in them as he asked again, ”So, who is this man that you want to repay?”

”He is big br—” The children seemed to want to show Noelʼs kindness in front of everyone, but Erica hurriedly shut them up with a glare. If they gave away the name, the knight who seemed to be superior than Noel might make it difficult for him. She didnʼt want to repay Noel with trouble.

Erica shook her head and said, ”I believe we canʼt tell you that.”

”You are truly a smart kid. You think Iʼll make trouble to him after knowing his name. I heard that youʼre from the slum… so, Iʼm quite surprised to see such a smart kid like you. Alright, you donʼt have to tell me! How about this? I will guide you a bit after your performances and you donʼt have to enter the Demon Banner Army.”

Erica squinted her eyes, feeling suspicious. She looked at Septa and said, ”Something that is too good to be true shouldnʼt be trusted.”

”As expected!” Septa was truly satisfied with Ericaʼs intelligence. So, he added, ”Then, I can guide you in front of these people. Fixing some mistakes here and there. Iʼm sure that I canʼt do anything to you that way!”

”But I donʼt see any reason for you to help us.”

”I just want to see how far can you go with this style. After all, this dance is a new branch that has yet to be explored. As a swordsman, I obviously want to see how far can you grow… Thereʼs a chance that it will become popular in the future, so Iʼm just leaving my mark in that history.” Septa explained while smiling.

”Thatʼs…” Erica thought for a moment. There was no demerit in this deal. If the person wanted, he could simply kidnap them instead of letting people know about his intention. And with him showing his status as the knight captain, it would make everyone suspect him in case something happened to them.

And Septa seemed to understand that implication because he added one more condition. ”If someone harass you in the next three months, feel free to go to the barrack and tell the soldiers that Captain Septa is protecting you. Alright then, itʼs time for me to go. Make sure you think about it, kids. Give me the answer tomorrow… Iʼll visit your performance again.”

After leaving the message, Septa left the plaza with a smile.

Meanwhile, Noel kept staring at his back, wondering whether the man had a hidden intention or not.

Seeing Noelʼs serious face, Rica couldnʼt help but say, ”You seem to care about them.”

”Ehm, I guess?” Noel scratched the back of his head, realizing he forgot to handle his emotion. The kids were truly his soft spot. They were the same as him, who were once useless but wanted to change their fate.

”In any case, the children seems to be wonderful. I can understand why you bring me here. Thank you, Iadre.”

”No, itʼs fine. Since the performance is over, itʼs time for us to leave as well. I have a few other places that I can bring you.”

”Alright.” Rica agreed and shifted the topic so that the atmosphere didnʼt become awkward.

Even though it was coincidence, Anna was actually among the crowd and noticed Noel and Rica walking together.

ʼThatʼs Noel, right? Who is that woman beside him? This is the first time I see her and I donʼt think sheʼs someone from this fort either. I was buying my dinner and watching the childrenʼs sword dance, but I would never expect Noel to be here with a woman.

ʼWho in the world is that woman? Has Noel actually gotten involved in that kind of situation? But then again, I canʼt seem to remember the womanʼs face… I donʼt think I know her in my past life. She mustnʼt be someone important…

ʼWell, whatever. Itʼs not my place to intrude on his privacy. I donʼt think itʼll last that long anyway…ʼ Anna squinted her eyes. She didnʼt realize that Noelʼs matter was actually much more important in her head compared to the appearance of another knight captain, Septa.

ʼStill, why am I that bothered after seeing Noel with a woman? I donʼt feel anything when the female knights hanging around him.ʼ Anna scratched the back of her head, confused. ʼDo I actually know her or do I not?ʼ

She couldnʼt remember anything about the woman, so she just gave up and stopped concerning herself with Noel. Of course, on the way to her room, she was trying to recall all people related to Noel, wondering if there was an event she was missing.

Meanwhile, Noel and Rica continued walking around the town as Noel showed some good spots that he got from the local. It was a relaxing mood since he almost never stopped practicing every day.

Rica also told him that she would be leaving to another town to finally work as a merchant group recognized by her father. Noel wished her luck and continued until the night arrived.

But it seemed that fate still connected him to the man called Septa.

The next day.

”Noel, Anna. There is someone that wants to talk to you.” Shale suddenly called them in the middle of their spar.

They were confused but still followed Shale to meet this person, only to find the familiar figure. This was the same person as the one they saw yesterday. The Demon Observer Squadʼs Squad Captain, Septa.

”Hello.” Septa smiled while waving his hands.