Noel scanned his surroundings with both his senses and Spiritual Energy, ensuring that no one was following him. Since he had piqued the interest of the Great Protector, he thought there would be people following him.
Fortunately, after scanning a few times and in a few different places, he didn't notice any presence around him.
With that thought in mind, Noel left the city to discuss what they would need to do with Dimitri.
After explaining about the Great Protector Legolaz as well as the underground ruin, Noel asked, "What do you think, Dimitri?"
Dimitri looked down, pondering the situation. "I don't think there is a problem. However, the fact that there is a Superior Demon… even if it's only a probability, it has increased the level of the threat that you're going to face. If you still want to visit this ruin, then you have to prepare for yourself to be known by a lot of people."
"Now that I think about it… it's already weird enough for a Spirit Master to clash with a Spirit Grandmaster. If I show that I can fight against the Superior Demon, I'll certainly become famous. Not that I like to brag, but…" Noel let out a sigh.
"Yes. Because there are a lot of people coming from different places, they will definitely spread that news. In other words, there is a chance that our enemies can easily find our location… if they haven't found it already." Dimitri nodded in agreement.
"There is a chance that I can't visit their capital to find other interesting people. Well, I can still do it, but I'll be fighting with time. Once the news reaches their side, I'm afraid that they are going after me, either by eliminating me or cooperating with me. Either way, it'll be bad news."
"Indeed. Since the Supreme Devil Organization is most likely chasing us even to this kingdom, they will hear about it as well. So, your identity as Iadre will become useless because the royal family will hear about your true identity."
"Logically speaking, the Supreme Devil Organization should have seen through my disguise. And there's a possibility that the Royal Family has known about it, but they haven't tried to kill me or anything." Noel felt like the problem escalated once the possibility was opened.
"I don't think they have yet to figure out your true identity. It seems that the Supreme Devil Organization is planning to monopolize you for themselves. But once the rumor about you spreads from this kingdom, everyone will know about it." Dimitri explained, reminding him about Anna's statement. "She also said that no one mentioned your name yet."
"If that's the case, should I change my plan? After this, instead of visiting the capital, I should go straight to the Greenwood Kingdom myself?"
"With your grandfather's protection, there is no doubt that you will be fine. However, your existence will be recognized by the Greenwood Kingdom's royal family. If you stay for too long, you might get dragged into the throne war."
"I understand. If I want to visit my grandfather, then it'll be only for two or three weeks. So, in total, we're probably going around the two kingdoms in just two months before returning to the Muivell Kingdom."
"That's probably the case. We're only half the promised time."
Noel tried to calculate what would happen within those two months and the next two months after that. It was only a rough calculation, but he had to make sure that his plan succeeded in order to rebuild the Ardagan Family.
However, he noticed something in his situation. "If I think about it, shouldn't I feel thankful if my identity spreads?"
"What do you mean?"
"Since they hate me, they will certainly kill me. It's easier to manipulate them." Noel smirked. "Besides, the fact that I return sooner means I can start moving my plan ahead of schedule and have some time left to officially break through to the Spirit Grandmaster."
Dimitri frowned, feeling a bit worried. If Noel truly wanted to do it that way, then he would return to the Muivell Kingdom in the third month. During that time, he would be able to launch his plan to become a noble.
In the fourth month, Noel would officially become a Spirit Grandmaster. After all the process, the Royal Family would call him and he would arrive at the palace in the fifth month and finally become a noble.
Noel said, "If I go this route, you will have a huge burden on your shoulder, Dimitri. You're going to fight against time after all."
"I know." Dimitri. "If Master plans to go this route, I'm ready to do it. I'll also prepare my schedule to visit all kinds of workers I could find to build the city."
"Then, the last problem will be how to manipulate the court in my favor. It seems that I have to rely on Anna a lot." Noel scratched the back of his head. He thought he had repaid all the favor, but it seemed that he ended up with more debts.
"It's normal to rely on other people. She is also not an outsider." Dimitri sounded like Anna was a part of the Ardagan Family.
Noel's eyebrows twitched, but he didn't say anything because it would just cause Dimitri to say more things about Anna. "In any case, we'll go with this route. Although it's a shame that I can't visit their capital city, I can achieve my goal a bit sooner."
"Understood. So, you're going to use your full power in this expedition?"
"Yeah. So, here's the plan." Noel took out the map of the region. "We're planning to head to the ruin around this area. So, you're going to bring Tristan and Sandra around this place. You don't have to participate unless it's necessary. Instead, it seems that you believe that the Supreme Devil Organization can find us…"
"Indeed. You shouldn't underestimate the Supreme Devil Organization. The organization's information network as well as their hunting dogs are better than any influences in the kingdom. Even the brothels can't keep up with their information network."
"Is that so?" Noel nodded. "In any case, we have put a lot of distance. I don't know when they will come… It might be during the expedition or during my trip to the Greenwood Kingdom. Either way, I want you to stay sharp."
"Understood. I'll show Tristan and Sandra the expedition so that they can learn since they're going to experience more dangerous things than the expedition."
"Yeah. I'll teach Tristan more runes for the next two days. If you have anything you want, I'll bring it back from the city."
"No. This is enough for now."
After reaching a conclusion, Dimitri finally called Tristan and Sandra.
Before continuing to the lesson, Noel couldn't help but ask, "That's right. I've heard about a few similar terms like the Protector, Great Protector, and Grand Protector. Is there anything different for them?"
Tristan explained without hesitation, "There are four levels of Protector in the Atracaeca Kingdom. They are Normal Protector, Elite Protector, Great Protector, and Grand Protector."
"Hoh? What's the difference between them?"
"I heard from my parents that a normal Protector is the one protecting a single city. An Elite Protector is usually the one overseeing multiple cities. Sometimes, they are involved in choosing normal Protectors in case the previous ones don't have a successor or a worthy person to take over the mantle. As for the Great Protector…" Tristan fell silent.
"Is there something wrong with a Great Protector?"
"A Great Protector could be said to be the highest level authority. They are only beneath the Grand Protector. The Grand Protector is a kind of king in this kingdom. However, the royal family is often changing because this country respects one's strength. If the royal family is not strong enough to hold their position, the next Grand Protector will belong to the victor.
"There is a relationship between the Grand Protector and the Great Protector. A few Great Protectors are actually the current Grand Protector's disciples."
"Is that so? Do you know Legolaz? I should pronounce that name correctly, right?"
"Legolaz… Ah!" Tristan gasped. "I've heard his name before. It was said that he might not be the brightest disciple, but he was certainly the most extraordinary one. His strength was proven by all his achievements. However, for some reason, he doesn't have any intention of becoming the next Grand Protector.
"Instead, he is tutoring the second prince and is said to groom him to become the next Grand Protector."
"Huh?!" Noel became confused. "Why does such a person come to this place? No, does he stay in this place? No, if that person is here, then…"
From Tristan's words, the fact that Legolaz was here meant his disciple would be here as well.
"This is going to be more complicated than I originally thought." Noel narrowed his eyes.
"Will there be a change of plan, Master?" Dimitri asked.
"Not for now. But don't let them see these two… If such a person knows that we're helping these two illegally like this, then it'll cause another wave of problems. These two might even be tortured or executed."
After hearing Noel's words, Tristan and Sandra's faces became pale. Dimitri understood his concern.
"In any case, Dimitri will be protecting you. So, feel at ease." Noel smiled at Tristan and Sandra. "Let's continue our lesson."
Noel decided to shift the topic and continued with the lessons.
Just like Noel predicted, Legolaz had reported everything to the second prince. Although he and Noel hadn't met yet, it was clear that the second prince had put a lot of interest in Noel.
