System vs Rebirth

Chapter 1410: Unexpected Return

Just like the third princess, Noel was also waiting for Duke Lorelei since he was traveling with his wife.

They had one goal on this trip. Duke Lorelei wanted to become a spirit transcendence expert, while Anna wanted to have enough spiritual energy to reach the spirit king stage.

Because of Anna’s goal, they might have to wait for much longer, considering how hard it was to find an ancient demon.

Both of them had to venture inside the demon territory, deeper than even their ancestor one thousand years ago. It was an extremely dangerous journey, but they had no choice.

Noel expected that the other group, consisting of Layla, Leysha, Dimitri, and Milfa, would be the first one to return.

In the end, Leysha was already aware of her transcendent path, while Dimitri and the others had his tricks. So, it shouldn’t take too long for them to find the transcendent path.

Unlike Duke Lorelei, each of these individuals was extremely talented, meaning they only needed some peak-level demons or superior demons to fill up their spiritual energy.

That was why Noel thought they would be the first ones to return.

To his surprise, the first ones to return were actually Anna and Duke Lorelei.

That was right. After a peaceful three months with nothing much going on in the kingdom, Anna and Duke Lorelei returned.

”You’re back...” Noel widened his eyes in shock, staring at these two figures right outside their gate.

”What’s wrong? Do you not want me to return?” Anna grinned, teasing Noel.

Noel shook his head furiously. He simply couldn’t believe Anna would return so quickly.

Although she was reborn, she shouldn’t have any knowledge about the ancient demons.

Noel couldn’t help but think that Anna returned because she had given up or planned to revisit the demon territory later. Yet Noel could feel her spiritual energy was actually so high that she had a hard time hiding it.

It was clear that their spiritual energy was at a similar level. Noel was still higher due to him having two spirits and a higher absorption rate, but Anna should also have enough energy to become a spirit king.

It would only be a matter of time for her to reach it. Of course, Noel had the secret, but he couldn’t tell Anna about it so as to avoid messing with her foundation.

Nevertheless, all that didn’t matter. What mattered to him the most was the fact Anna had returned.

Without hesitation, Noel hugged her tight, missing her so much. He had been worried about her the whole time, so he was glad Anna had returned without any injuries.

”Welcome back.”

Anna closed her eyes with a smile. ”Yeah. I’m back.”

Duke Lorelei just smiled quietly. Despite his strength, Noel seemed to not have lost his humanity. Anna had helped her a lot on this trip, so he was happy to find both of them reunited.

Anna patted his back while whispering to Noel, reminding him that Duke Lorelei was still there and they were still in front of the gate. It was better for them to enter first and talk inside.

”Ah!” Noel’s body shook as he took a step back, finally greeting the duke. ”Welcome back, Duke Lorelei.”

”Hahaha! It’s nice to be young again.” Duke Lorelei chuckled.

Noel hurriedly extended his hand. ”Please enter first. I’d like to express my gratitude for taking care of Anna for me. It must have been hard for you.”

Duke Lorelei shook his head. ”Unfortunately, I don’t think I can afford to do that. The fact that I’ve become a spirit transcendence will definitely create a huge wave throughout the kingdom, so it’s best for me to not show my face yet.

”I should return as quickly as possible. However, there is one thing I’d like to say. Thank you, Noel. Thank you, Anna.

”Without both of you, I wouldn’t be able to step into this realm, no matter how hard I tried.

”This completely changes my life. Please thank Mr. Khalid as well, since his pill was ultimately the cause of my advancement. Please tell him that if he needs anything from the Lorelei Dukedom, please don’t hesitate to inform me. I’ll do my best to fulfill it.

”The same applies to you two. Please don’t hesitate to tell me what you want.”

Noel smiled. ”I see. It’s a shame that you have to return immediately...” He paused for a moment before adding, ”Well, if I have to say it, I do have one thing in mind.”

”Oh! That’s even better. If I can repay you this quickly, I will be glad to do so. No need to hold back. Do you want me to support you in court? Do you want me to pull some tricks on the arbiters?”

Noel shook his head. ”No. All I wish for is one thing. Duke Lorelei. Please protect this kingdom.”

”!!!” Duke Lorelei didn’t expect this request from Noel. He thought Noel didn’t have that much loyalty to the kingdom.

However, he misunderstood Noel a bit. Noel didn’t have loyalty to the royal family. But he was a patriot who would do his best to protect the kingdom.

In other words, the kings and the royal family could be changed, but the kingdom should never fall. This was Noel’s view of his country.

Duke Lorelei liked Noel even more, understanding his request. ”Hahahahaha! You truly surprised me. Don’t worry. I’ll protect this kingdom for the rest of my life.”

Noel nodded, satisfied. ”In that case, please take care, Duke Lorelei.”

”Please take care, Duke Lorelei.” Anna politely bowed.

”Yes. I’m off now. Once again, thank you for helping me.”

Noel suddenly remembered something and stopped him. ”Ah, wait. There’s something you probably need to know. The rest can wait until you get the report.”

”Hmm?” Duke Lorelei tilted his head in confusion.

”I destroyed the Supreme Devil Organization a few months ago. And there will be a little present when you get back. What you will do after that is up to you.” Noel winked playfully.

”!!!” Duke Lorelei was shocked. Even Anna couldn’t contain her expression as though she came to a realization.

Duke Lorelei soon smiled while glancing at Anna. ”In that case, I also have another surprise for you, but I believe she should be the one telling you about it. See you later, Noel.”

”Yes.” Although confused, Noel bid his farewell to the duke as the latter disappeared into thin air.