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 won't make any excuses. If you wish to hit me, then don't hesitate. I won't 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 don't 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 you'd done so much for me.
"I'd 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 couldn't repay you."
Rose was thankful to everyone on the team for helping her in the revenge. But Noel's 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 don't have to repay me. I actually pretty much like the Zero Squad. You treated me, an outsider, like your own family. I couldn't help but feel the same way.
"You are like my family, Rose. So, I won't hesitate to do things for you. That's how much the Zero Squad matters in my heart." Noel smiled. "Besides, everything wouldn't have worked properly if I had missed any of you.
"Without you, we wouldn't be able to notice the enemies among the people. There wouldn't be any communication network in the group as well.
"So, please don't think too much. You've helped me… helped us enough."
"That's not it." Rose furiously shook her head. "This and that are different. I'm not talking about us or the Zero Squad. I'm talking about you and me as individuals.
"You've 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. "I've heard from the introduction the headquarters gave about you. It seems that you're trying to reach either Vice Captain or Captain position this time to become a noble and rebuild your family.
"That's why… When you're retiring after reaching your position to become a noble, I'll do the same and follow you.
"Though, in the premise, you still want to accept a Spirit Master who can't even fight." Rose made an awkward smile, embarrassed for her lack of strength.
That lack of strength was the complete opposite in Noel's eyes. He was shocked beyond belief that Rose would become a part of the Ardagan Family.
From Noel's 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 didn't 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 couldn't help but ask, "Are you sure about this? We're 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, that's not something I want.
"I might be a commoner, but it doesn't mean I have no pride. For others, marrying into a noble household might be the best goal. But for me, it's nothing but a burden.
"I don't wish to be someone's possession whose sole purpose is to make them shine. I want them to know me not as a certain noble's wife… but as Rose. That's why if you don't 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 it's dangerous. I know the risks. However, this is a decision I've made. Please, Noel."
Noel closed his eyes, contemplating. On the one hand, he didn't 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. "I'm looking forward to being with you. I can't 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 Noel's hand without hesitation.
In that instant, Ardagan sent a notification to Noel.
[Mission: Help Rose's Revenge.]
[Description: Kill the Blood Berserker with whatever means.]
[Reward: Rose's Loyalty.]
