"I see. So, that's how it is…" Paul closed his eyes. After returning from the hunt, he regrouped with Noel and the others and listened to Noel's speculation.
It made some sense, so he couldn't dismiss it easily. He murmured, "By laying low for the duration of the holiday, we can strengthen our group in a safe environment."
"Yes. If their target is us, the fact that we're on holiday means they can ignore us for the time being since we're no longer a threat." Rose nodded in agreement. She had finally understood Noel's plan after thinking for a while.
Paul considered everything before agreeing to the request. "Alright. I don't have trouble with that. I don't know how many months we can get this time, but I'll try to ask the captain's opinion about this matter and try to negotiate with her."
"Thank you." Noel bowed his head. This was only a speculation, but he still chose to believe it. Paul might be the only one who was this friendly to a newbie like him. So, Noel had to express his thanks.
"Alright. We'll be sleeping here today and go back to our base tomorrow." Paul waved his hand, dismissing them.
They nodded and walked away. They were pretty tired since they hadn't gotten a good rest since the mission started.
Meanwhile, Rose came to him, asking to discuss their next move.
Noel invited her to the wall where they could get some space to talk.
"What do you want to discuss?" Noel asked while looking at the horizon.
"I'm thinking about using this chance to go with you."
"Hmm?" Noel frowned. Although he was happy that Rose wanted to follow him, he had to consider Rose's matters as well.
However, Rose seemed to have made her decision as she immediately supported her request with all the reasons she had prepared earlier.
"First of all, I have to inform you that I have no one left in this world… You have heard about my story.
"So, I usually use my time to improve my skills or just go to the library to learn some new stuff.
"I don't have anything to do, so I think it's better to follow you. I'm sure you need my strength this time."
Noel frowned. He still couldn't accept it since this was a precious chance they got every few years. So, he didn't want Rose to waste it.
But before he could say anything, Rose added, "I can improve myself if I follow you. I'm sure you're planning to go somewhere dangerous to get stronger. So, it's better if I go with you. Not only can I get stronger, but I could also learn about your habits and work.
"I'm going to work for you in the future, so I think it's good to know more about you during this time."
Noel couldn't help but scratch the back of his head. "Is learning from me necessary? You've understood me this much."
There was nothing Noel could say to reject her. She truly knew how to handle him.
As long as she could provide all kinds of logical reasons, there was no way Noel had the heart to reject her.
Rose smiled embarrassedly. "Hehe. I might be useless on the battlefield, but I'm good at learning."
Noel actually had a few destinations in mind. And having Rose on this trip would certainly help him a lot.
Though, he had another problem. He wondered how to contact Anna since the latter would try to find him three months later.
In the end, he believed in Anna, thinking she would know that there was no need to meet up during that time.
He was also thankful for Rose's help. Although Rose told him that she wasn't useful in a battle, Noel knew that Rose still could hold back one or two people of the same level with her illusion.
This power alone was enough to give him more options. That was why he was happy that Rose decided to follow him.
Still, Noel had to warn Rose about what she should expect from this trip. "Rose… I'm thankful for your gesture, but I have to warn you. My trip is going to be extremely dangerous. Even I don't know whether I have the strength to protect myself or not."
To his surprise, Rose answered as if she had prepared for it the whole time. "I know. Do you think following you is a joke? I know that you're bound to rise up… That path is thorny. I'm sure you have understood it well.
"Despite knowing that I might lose my life in the process, I still choose to follow you and become one of your vassals. So, there's no need to hesitate. I've prepared for the worst before even asking you to take me in." Rose assured him with a smile.
Her expression couldn't help but put a smile on Noel's face. He looked at the horizon and stretched his hand as if trying to grasp the world. "Rose… Following me might be a headache, but I'm going to make sure that the journey is something unforgettable."
"That's what I'm expecting from you, my lord."
Noel and Rose exchanged a smile as the former finally asked Rose to walk back together. They had to leave in the morning after all.
After packing up and getting a good night's rest, Noel and the others stood in front of the base with Igor and Richard seeing them off.
Before they left, Igor walked to Noel and stated, "If you still wish to join my Demon Hunting Squad, you're free to come here. I'll welcome you with open arms."
"Thank you for your appreciation. However, I still wish to stick with these guys." Noel pointed at the rest of the Demon Relief Squad. This was the squad that had taken care of him the whole time, so he wanted to repay them by sticking with them for a while.
"Is that so? Well, I won't force you. Though, I have to warn you a bit." Igor lowered his body and his head approached Noel's ears, whispering, "The blaze is everywhere: the kingdom, the army, and even the tower. I can smell it, the big blaze that will envelop this kingdom and spread its poison to the others."
