Noel's mouth was covered by Milfa.
Of course, Milfa understood Noel's concern.
There was even a discussion about it previously. Some even thought that the Royal Family was related to the Supreme Devil Organization as the Royal Family used them to control the kingdom.
After all, when there was fear, the royal family would become a hope, continuously reinforcing the royal family's position.
However, they had no proof, so it was better not to say it. If someone heard it and told the people about it, they might get executed.
Some of the Arbiters might be dispatched to execute people at their level.
"I don't mind speculation, but some things are better to be unsaid. You should have heard some rumors about the way they handle the kingdom, right? You are guilty until proven otherwise."
"I don't like to do the same. In fact, I believe the other way around is better. So, don't speak ill without any proof. If you have proof, then I will apologize right now."
Noel nodded with a serious expression.
"I apologize."
Milfa sighed. "In that case, it's time for me to leave."
"Before that, how long was I unconscious?"
"Four hours," Milfa answered while walking to the door.
But before she left, Noel stated one last thing. "Captain Milfa. You can consider my recruitment to be a joke."
Milfa abruptly stopped, looking at Noel with a frown. On the one hand, she didn't plan to leave the Demon Banner Army. On the other hand, she felt displeased to see Noel giving up just like that.
However, Noel added, "Without your help this time, I wouldn't be able to survive. You were not even included in my plan. And despite such a failure, you still told me about the Supreme Devil Organization. So, please… this is the responsibility of my failure… this is… a lesson for me."
Milfa sighed and opened the door. She left while giving a message. "Failure is not the end. Stopping to improve is the end. Take this as a lesson then."
Noel closed his eyes. He was truly hurt by this failure. This kind of price felt a bit too light for his blunder this time.
But before he could rest, Rose opened the door, taking a peek at Noel's condition. When she saw Noel was awake, she entered the room while bringing water and fruit. "Iadre. Are you alright? I bring you some food and water."
Noel looked at Rose's face. Instead of harboring hatred or disappointment, it felt like Rose was blaming herself for the recent failure.
Noel couldn't help but grit his teeth. He looked at Rose with a determined expression. "Rose… can you gather everyone here? There is something I want to tell them."
Rose obviously didn't want to do it if he didn't look adamant.
"Alright then. But you have to at least drink the water for a speedy recovery." Rose brought the water to him and helped him drink. Since the latter had shown his determination, she decided to help him.
It didn't take too long before the entire team was assembled. Unlike Noel, they only suffered small injuries.
There were various responses to the recent failure. Stella and Paul seemed to be tense as if thinking they couldn't protect the group. Zion and Ben had a troubled look as if they still couldn't believe they lost. Jonathan was different. He was intensely glaring at Noel as if he wanted to berate him.
As soon as everyone gathered in the room, Noel tried to rise from the bed.
"Kh." Noel let out a groan as the pain was still all over his body.
"You should lie…" Rose wanted to stop him, only to end up helping him.
Noel sat with a serious expression. Before saying anything, Noel lowered his head.
This action startled everyone. Although Noel was a former noble, it was still rare to see Noel lower his head.
"I am sorry, everyone. My decision seems to have made all of you suffer. Without Captain Milfa helping us, all of you would've been in danger."
"I have become overconfident after our success. And this is the reason for our failure. I am going to take responsibility for this. If you want me to leave the group, I will immediately give my resignation letter to Captain Clara."
Noel was ready for them to berate him, beat him, or even punish him severely.
But surprisingly, Paul said, "Alright then. You are forgiven."
"Huh?" Noel's body shook. He stared at Paul as if telling him that it was his fault and that the mistake wasn't something that could easily be forgiven.
However, Paul added, "I have told you previously. Everything that happens to the group is my responsibility. It's my fault that I have misjudged your condition. If I had a better eye and noticed your confidence, I would have stopped it. That's why the problem lies with me."
"That's…" Noel was speechless, but Stella gritted her teeth, glaring at Paul. She raised her voice. "Your fault? No, it's me! I once said I would take care of him, but this is the result!"
"Huh?" Paul and Stella ended up glaring at each other.
Ben shook his head helplessly and said, "Well, they have said everything. We are a unique bunch, you see. Instead of focusing on the mistakes of the past, it's better if we focus on improving so that we don't make the same mistakes anymore. That's how our Demon Relief Squad has survived this whole time."
"He took the words out of my mouth." Zion nodded in agreement.
"Oi, be more creative and tell him something else." Ben chuckled.
"Though, it's true that you have brought all this danger." Jonathan stepped forward, saying something else. It looked like he was going to berate him. Even the others were ready to stop him.
But once again, he surprised everyone by kneeling in front of Noel.
Jonathan said, "I told you back then. Stop fighting alone. That's why… instead of blaming you for this mistake, I wish you could involve us a bit more. We are there for you, so please talk to us about the problems. It's not like we will turn you away."
Noel's body was trembling as his head looked down. He had just realized that he had made one of the biggest mistakes in his life. The mission wasn't a mistake, but turning away from the family he had around him was the mistake.
He couldn't help but want to cry.
"I'm sorry."
