System vs Rebirth

"Isn't that right, Mentor?" Milfa glanced at the side, specifically at a certain tree. The shadow flickered because Milfa had recognized it.

"I guess I can't hide from you anymore." Dimitri's voice echoed from behind the tree.

"You are not planning to show yourself?" Milfa asked with a smile.

"Do you still need me to come out and wipe your tears?"

"…" Milfa chuckled and said, "I guess not. I was surprised when you suddenly retired without any apparent reason. So, I couldn't help but investigate you a little bit."

"Surprisingly, you ended up working for the Ardagan Family. After making some connections and shifting some conversations for a bit, I realized that this child was Noel Ardagan."

"There were two reasons why he managed to survive this whole time. First and foremost, it was his own ability. As for the second one, it should be your protection. It must be the reason why they could escape a Devil Bishop when investigating the Fagant Leaf."

"You are truly great for doing all that. I guess I have taught you too much. Despite having that kind of power and brain, you choose to remain hidden. Even your squad isn't among the top five and that brat Shale is taking the first spot as the strongest person among the captains…" Dimitri chuckled.

"Thanks to you. I am more comfortable protecting something from the shadow. As long as the higher-ups understand my strength and can rely on me, that is enough." She chuckled.

"Is that so? I'm pleased to hear that. Though, I don't think you are calling me just for this, right?"

"Of course. Though, I end up answering that question myself… I don't know what to do now." Milfa chuckled.

The question she mentioned was Noel's question. The reason why she did all this was because of Dimitri's training. Dimitri influenced the way she lived, and she ended up enjoying living in the darkness like this despite her strength and brain.

Dimitri chuckled and said, "Still, don't forget about this…"

"What is it? Are you going to lecture me again?"

"I'm just reminding you something." Dimitri's tone suddenly turned serious as he stated, "Don't forget that you are talking with my Young Master over there."

"!!!" Milfa widened her eyes and turned around, finding Noel staring intensely at her.

The stare was different from what she had experienced this whole time. This stare was filled with curiosity.

She had told him that Dimitri would answer the previous question, meaning that he would get to ask another question.

And it seemed he was planning to take advantage of it. He observed her first and formulated the question in his mind.

The stare felt like he was stripping her naked.

"Oh my. What an intense gaze. Are you that interested in this big sister?" Milfa tried to make Noel's concentration waver a bit.

But it was too late. Noel opened his mouth, startling Milfa. "I see. No wonder why the Demon Banner Army can be this sturdy. There is always a debate. Some people say that offense is the strongest defense. Some people say that defense is the strongest offense."

"However, the truth is that if you both have the strongest offense and defense at the same time, it's far better."

"In the Demon Banner Army, the Commander is acting as the spear that can pierce through anything. Meanwhile, there is someone like you who remains in the shadow and acts to protect the Demon Banner Army."

"If the enemies don't know about your existence, they would be crushed by you, resulting in their loss."

"Of course, it seems that despite being a shield, you are trying to expand yourself to the point you are about to become an armor…"

Milfa fell silent after hearing Noel's words. She understood what he was talking about. It was already hard to stop the commander alone, so if they wanted to stop the commander, they would have to use a lot of resources.

After stopping the commander, they would sneak attack and crush the inside of the Demon Banner Army.

However, they didn't realize that they were walking into traps. There was a sturdy shield that protected the Demon Banner Army.

With her personally making her move, the enemies would end up getting defeated. If she continued to launch a counterattack with the help of the commander, no one could stop them anymore.

This was the reason why the Demon Banner Army could stand tall recently. In fact, she was one of the reasons why the Demon Banner Army could restore their reputation after his uncle, Laufey Ardagan, incident.

Noel politely bowed to Milfa and said, "I'd like to offer my thanks and apology. The thanks are for taking care of my Ardagan Family's matter. The apology is because our family has harmed the Demon Banner Army."

"!!!" Milfa widened her eyes in shock. She had heard that Noel was pretty clueless about almost everything from Shale. Yet, the one standing before her looked so resourceful. It felt like they were two different people.

Meeting such a straightforward attitude from Noel, even Milfa was speechless for a moment. She waved her hand and said, "You don't have to apologize. I have met your father a few times and to be honest, Sir Luke has helped me a lot."

"In fact, I was one of the people Sir Luke helped. I was a criminal and was ready to be sent for labor. Or I might end up becoming a military lady. He paid the officers so that my crime was pardoned before I was sent to the Demon Banner Army."

"At that time, I asked him why he would save someone like me. It was true that I felt guilty for what I had done and wanted to atone for it, but I never had the chance to do it. He only asked me, 'If I'm busy protecting yesterday, will I be able to fight for tomorrow?'"

"I guess that question changed my life." Milfa made a genuine smile as if she had just recounted a wonderful memory.