Noel furrowed his eyebrows because this was the first time he experienced this. At first, he felt suspicious, but this was the hall of the Demon Banner Army. This place was bound to have many people wanting to put on missions for the Demon Banner Army.
"That's… I'm afraid that's not something I can decide by myself." Noel shook his head while glancing at the man who handled his mission earlier.
"Ah, if you're asking for the legitimacy, I have just posted the mission. I thought someone would do the job tomorrow or the day after, but if I can go there faster, then I don't mind paying extra."
"Well, I have to ask first." Noel nodded and walked to the counter again to ask for the information of this client. "Excuse me."
When the clerk raised his head, the chubby guy immediately smiled. "Hello. I'm sure that you have received my mission. So, I'm wondering if I can give him the task?"
"Ah, right! You must be Mr. Alanton. Yes, your mission is to escort you to Slavani Town. Are you sure it's alright?"
"Yes. I am fine with him escorting me." He nodded. "Although some demons are there, I think an Apprentice Knight is enough to escort me, right?"
"That's true. Well, if you don't mind about it, then I have to ask the knight if he's willing or not."
Noel nodded without hesitation. At first, he was suspicious why the guy chose him since it would be dangerous to go with an inexperienced knight like him. But when the clerk confirmed that the situation wasn't as dangerous, he realized this guy had been aware of the situation and decided not to take the situation that seriously. So, there was no need to hesitate.
"Alright. Let me delegate the mission to him then."
"Is this count as an individual mission?" Noel asked.
"I'm not sure since this is the first time I've seen an Apprentice Knight venturing this far. But we can draft a proof of completion for you and you can bring it so that the headquarters check it. Whether they accept it or not…"
"I see. In that case, can you do that for me?"
"Sure. It won't take too long."
Noel turned to the guy and asked, "Do you mind waiting?"
"Sure. I'll have to pack up my luggage too, so I'll be waiting for you in the north gate. We'll be departing in two hours. How's that?"
"Sure." Noel agreed.
"That's right. I have agreed to pay you extra. I have to change the contract."
"No, there's no need for that. Just consider that you're lucky to meet someone who is ready to take on your mission. There's no need to spend extra." Noel shook his head, politely declining the extra money. This mission was originally for a full-fledged knight, so he thought it was better not to take it since he was still an Apprentice Knight. At the same time, he was just tagging along, so it wouldn't be that much of a problem.
After seeing the client off, Noel handled the necessary process for the proof. If this mission could be used as well, it meant he would only need to complete two more group missions and one individual mission. He might graduate early, but he wondered whether he should do it or just keep training and graduate with other apprentices.
In the end, he brushed that thought off and headed to the gate after getting the proof of completion. As long as he got the stamp from the employer, he could use this as a proof of completion.
Meanwhile, the chubby guy wasn't really bringing his luggage. He was meeting someone in a dark alley.
"Are you sure?"
"Yes. He has come. It seems that the long wait has finally been paid off." The chubby guy nodded.
"I understand. We'll stick to the plan. You bring him to the Slavani Town and I'll be heading there faster, so that I can prepare for the rest of our plans."
"Understood. How is the road?"
"I'll try to kill as many demons as possible, but I'll leave some so that you can see his prowess."
"Alright. Then, I'll excuse myself since he should be waiting for me."
"Yes." The guy nodded as he disappeared in the darkness.
After that, Alanton walked away as he brought his caravan.
It didn't take too long for him to find Noel, who had been standing near the gate, waiting for him.
"Sir Knight. I'm ready." Alanton smiled.
"That's good." Noel nodded and started getting up on his horse. "I'll be bringing you to the Salvani Town."
"Yes."
The two immediately left the city side by side.
"Still, it's quite surprising to see an Apprentice Knight venturing this far. If I'm not wrong, you need three weeks or so to reach this place, right?"
"Yeah."
"Are you alright for spending too much time in the journey? I'm sure that you only have one year to graduate…"
"There's no need for Mr. Alanton to worry." Noel smiled.
"I see. Then, I'll be counting on you." Alanton nodded. He knew that Noel seemed to not want to talk about his personal life, especially to a stranger. He had tried to be like a good elder who was just worrying about the young people, but he could feel Noel maintaining his distance. Even if he continued asking him, Noel would only give a simple answer.
'He's good. It seems that he is able to maintain some suspicion to other people. Without developing some trust, it seems that no one can take advantage of him.' Alanton thought, observing Noel.
On the other hand, Noel remained calm and rode his horse according to their pace while maintaining his surveillance, making sure no demons approach them. His family was a merchant, so he knew that the goods might be precious and he shouldn't let any harm come to it as well.
He didn't know Alanton had met someone and seemed to be targeting him.
