Demon Relief Squad.
"I heard that he's coming back." Stella nonchalantly said, informing them of the news she got from their captain.
"Is that so?" Paul looked down. His expression darkened a little.
"Why is your face like that, Paul? You don't want him back?" Stella asked.
"It's not that." Paul shook his head helplessly, recalling what had happened in the past year. "Just take a look at that kid, the last time he was with us was… what? Almost a year ago?"
"Yeah. It was almost a year. At first, we were resting due to the ambush of the Supreme Devil Organization. He was gone for a few months before going again." Ben nodded, remembering the details.
"That's why I'm annoyed. Once he returns, he's going to become a noble, right? And more importantly, he is becoming a noble under the banner of the Demon Hunting Army. If he wants to become a noble, why don't the Demon Relief Squad? I'll immediately give him my position as the vice captain." Paul sighed. "Are we that unreliable?"
All of them didn't understand much about the situation. However, there was one person who should understand Noel's plan in this room. So, all their gazes turned to that person.
Rose maintained her calm face while explaining, "The big reason is that Igor owes him. You should remember that bet, right? And since Captain Igor is going to choose a successor, he is using that opportunity to sneak in to become a Captain to get a higher rank."
"Still, why would he choose them? I can understand the higher rank, but does he have that little feeling for us? Even after everything we've done together?"
"It's not that. I believe he doesn't want to harm any of you. After all, having to relinquish one's position will cause a backlash to that squad. So, he doesn't want our squad to receive the backlash… He believes that this squad can reach a higher place even without the fame he brings." Rose explained carefully.
"Our squad, huh?" Stella looked at Rose. "You are going to leave the squad as well, right, Rose?"
Rose closed her eyes with a pained look. However, she couldn't deny it because she had promised Noel that she would follow him as his vassal.
"I guess I will be the only girl in the zero squad." Stella sighed. "And we will have to fill up the hole that Rose will leave behind… right after we've gotten used to not having Noel."
That was right. After the rest, they returned to their duty. It was a bit hard to get used to not having Noel, but in the end, they returned to their previous state before Anna and Noel came to this group.
However, Rose, the original member of the squad, would leave the group soon, meaning that they would be lacking someone of Rose's caliber. It would severely weaken the group, considering Rose was their brain and observer.
"Uh, more work." Jonathan hung his head low. His gloomy aura started to become even darker as though all hope had been lost.
"Is the captain fine with it?" Zion asked Paul.
"She has given her recommendation."
"Oh!" Zion thought for a moment. "Should we bring up someone from the First or Second Squad? Or do we have any promising rookie this time around?"
"If you're searching for Anna or Noel's caliber, then none." Stella shook her head. "I'm not sure about picking any random person to fill up the gap."
"Actually, I have been in contact with someone. I believe he can fill the gap I'll leave behind. At the very least, I don't want to cause more problems than necessary when leaving this squad. And I'm sorry for my selfish action and my lord's situation." Rose politely lowered her head. She even called Noel her master to show that she was already a part of the new Ardagan Family.
If they said they weren't angry about Noel and Rose's departures, they would be lying. However, they had prepared about this at some point, considering Noel had told them that the Demon Relief Squad would be a stepping stone for him to become a noble.
However, the memory and experience together couldn't help but become their frustration. They wished Noel could stay with them longer.
However, the gloomy atmosphere in the room was suddenly interrupted by a loud slapping sound.
Slap!
"!!!" Everyone instinctively turned their gaze to the source of the noise, finding Paul was the culprit. It turned out Paul slapped his own cheeks as if trying to pump himself.
His eyes were more determined as he stated, "That doesn't matter anymore. If you want to leave, then leave. No one is holding you back. Besides, he has done enough for the squad and the Demon Banner Army. I'll take care of the group to ensure that the Demon Relief Squad remains as the top five squad."
"Reliable, aren't you, Vice Captain?" Ben whistled.
Just seeing his determination made Rose more guilty.
As if understanding her concern, Paul placed his hand on her shoulder. "Rose. This is my last order as the vice captain of the Demon Relief Squad. If you're going to walk across this new path, make sure you go big. I don't allow you to be mediocre."
"Paul…" Rose shuddered.
Stella couldn't help but chuckle. "That one was great, Paul. That's right. If you're going to become a noble's assistant, make sure Noel becomes big."
"Shut those people up and make us proud." Zion nodded in agreement.
"Yeah. I hope that in the future, I can say, 'Look! Aren't my teammates amazing?' or something like that." Ben smiled.
"You guys…" Rose opened her mouth, but words refused to come out. Her teammates were amazing. Despite her selfish actions, these guys still encouraged her. "Thank you… I'm glad that I'm a part of the Demon Relief Squad. If you guys need anything in the future, don't hesitate to send me a message. I'll do my best to help you guys!"
"Talk big, aren't you?" Stella smirked, teasing her. But before Rose could reply, Stella had hugged Rose. Because of the same gender, Stella and Rose's rivalry was quite high in the group. But Stella dropped everything and just hugged her like a best friend. "Good luck, Rose. It will be hard without you, but we will manage."
"Uhm." Rose could only mumble while nodding her head. She wanted to cry.
"That's right. You don't have to worry about us." Ben gave a thumbs-up before pointing at Jonathan. "We can overwork Jonathan to get rid of his gloominess."
"Why me?" Jonathan rolled his eyes.
The group only chuckled as Paul said one last thing. "That's right. I think this is the most important. Before he officially becomes a noble, let me punch Noel once. How dare he disappear for almost a year."
"Haha." Rose chuckled. "You could say it to him directly. After all, he should be arriving soon or he might already meet the captain."
"Is that so?"
…
As Rose said, Noel had arrived at the Demon Relief Squad's headquarters. After leaving Tristan, Sandra, and Livia to Dimitri, he immediately rushed to the Demon Relief Squad.
Clara looked at him coldly. "So, the famous Noel Ardagan has the heart to come back?"
"Ahaha…" Noel scratched the back of his head. "Please don't say it that way, Captain Clara."
"Alright, alright, Captain Noel. How can I be rude to another squad's captain." Clara shrugged.
"…" Noel didn't know what to say. After all, he had asked a lot from Clara despite leaving the squad.
However, his expression turned serious as soon as he replied, "I won't forget everything I learned here. I come here to thank you for everything you've done. If the Demon Relief Squad ever comes to my territory, I will definitely treat them as my esteemed guests."
Without hesitation, Noel lowered his head, showing the weight of his gratitude. "Thank you, Captain."
After getting confronted by Noel's sincere gratitude, even Clara knew that she was just acting like a child. She rubbed her cheek embarrassedly before saying, "I haven't done much for you. I could only help you with the recommendation. The one who you should thank is not me but the zero squad. You're going to meet them after this, right?"
"Yeah. Although I don't have a lot of time left, I will meet them." Noel confirmed it without hesitation.
"That's good. You don't have to waste your time with me here and talk with them instead." Clara waved her hand. "Besides, I should be the one thanking you for killing one of the Devil Saints."
Noel nodded in understanding before walking to the door.
Before he exited, Clara said, "There is one thing you need to know. Just like you said, your territory is open for us. We're the same. If you ever need our help, don't hesitate to send a request. We'll help you build everything you want… after all, your territory is extremely dangerous. See you soon, Earl Noel."
Noel didn't turn around, but a smile formed on his face. There was no need for parting words. This was the end of the relationship between a captain and her subordinate. But this was also the beginning of their new relationship between a captain and an earl.
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