System vs Rebirth

"Is she the famous Anna Stargaze?"

"She shouldn't be here."

"She must be trying to ruin everything. Don't forget about that rumor, she was the one who requested the royal family to execute the former master and mistress, and she even tried to kill the current lord."

The people were discussing Anna's appearance. Only a few people, like Dimitri and Rose, knew the truth.

Unfortunately for them, Noel had asked them to pacify the rest of the people while he dragged Anna to the house in the center of the village. They hadn't specified the living quarters of the mansion and other things, so he just used the one in the middle to talk to Anna.

"Seriously… Do you even need to do something like that?" Noel let out a long sigh while closing the door. He even covered the windows with ice, preventing anyone from seeing or listening to their conversation.

"I have to. I don't know if there are any spies or not. And I go all the way here with that kind of excuse, so I should at least put up that kind of show." Anna shook her head helplessly.

"Well…" Noel paused for a moment. "You've gotten good with your acting."

"Thanks to you." Anna chuckled while pointing at the table. "Why don't we have a seat?"

"This is not going to be long. If we talk too long, people will suspect something." Noel rejected the invitation and asked, "Still, what are you doing here? I thought that staying with the royal family shouldn't pose any problems for you, right?"

"Does that mean you don't want me here?" Anna couldn't help but furrow her eyebrows.

"Of course not. I don't mind having you here. It's just… you will be tired if you have to put up the act every single time." Noel explained his concern. It was rare that Noel was this considerate. In fact, she felt Noel had changed somehow.

"I…" Anna scratched the back of her head. She recalled what her father said back then and the realization that came afterward.

about everything, but the words stuck in her

was because that person was bound to become a burden. What if he fell for someone and the royal family kidnapped that person to

experience, and talent were far better

the one shielding him. Even with this power, he didn't know whether he could win against Anna or not. Though, he would probably become stronger than her when they both reached the limit of absorption

importantly, he had experienced a lot with

not all matters could be solved rationally. Sometimes, he just had to drop everything and do what his

Noel couldn't help but say, "You see… I believe I haven't asked you this question… Have I caused you any inconveniences like acting as enemies

and raised her head. She had a hard time saying everything and ended up taking a few deep

him of Anna's outburst when they were inside the previous Ardagan's mansion. At that time, Anna was tired because everything she

past, you've never wanted me to say it, and the longer I wait, the harder it becomes for me to say it. But… sorry… I apologize for all my

asking for forgiveness, I turned out to be forcing you to change. Yes,

more considerate. I simply used my strength

life. With Noel's schemes, there were a lot of times he could kill her. Yet, he didn't do it. To

other hand, the current Noel didn't have the strength and was forced to abandon that thought. Of course, if one looked from her perspective, she also had the strength but chose not to kill him. But the problem came from her, not the other way around. Ultimately,

while biting her lips. "I am sorry

say something like this. He froze, trying his best to come up

She wanted to end everything

shoulders." Noel closed his eyes for a moment. "As you said earlier, my parents' execution tore me, and my exile broke me apart. When you came to the Demon

know you, the more I realize that you are just

beginning and worked hard to become strong?

happen?" Noel scratched the back of his head. "How do I say this… would

the beginning. His family might even go beyond this, and his father

he and Anna might be best friends

nothing could change the