"Here you go." Noel bought a bag of fruit and asked Rica to take some. They were going around the town after Rick's suggestion. He was thankful to them to wait for him just so that they could give the armor personally.
So, he didn't mind to spend the rest of the day to show them around. Though, Rick didn't join them.
"Thank you." She received an apple while asking, "Do you have any recommendation when visiting this fort?"
Noel thought for a moment. He had been running around the town and helping the people, so his connection was quite wide among the citizens. Hence, he had a few suggestions.
However, there was one spot that held a special place in his heart.
"There is one." Noel smiled, recalling the memory of that place.
"Oh! Do you mind if we go there?"
Noel nodded as he didn't hesitate to bring Rica to the plaza where he first met the kids. Since that day, he never appeared before them anymore, but it didn't change the fact that he still watched them from afar, feeling happy with their achievement.
Like usual, the kids had been performing in the plaza with many people waiting for them. After months of dancing, the kids had truly gotten better.
"Oh my!" Rica raised her eyebrows in amusement. The kids were actually moving in unison. Although their moves were a bit sluggish compared to a professional dancer, they had their own specialty that no one could replicate.
They were actually dancing with swords. Every swing was quite big in soldier's perspective, but they truly gave a different charm, making them look beautiful.
Soon, everyone walked in pair and brandished their sword to each other. Still, the kid had an odd number, so the last person walked forward as if he was the one leading their movements.
A different sound was produced when they hit each other's sword, but surprisingly, it created a festive mood as if they were clapping their hands in melody.
The people couldn't help but smile while clapping their hands at the same time as the sword was hit each other. Those enjoyed their performances were cheering while those who never saw them were curious.
Even Rica couldn't take her eyes off them.
Noel smiled because they were his pride and joy. Although their meeting was brief and an accident happened, the kids had truly grown from the children who grew in the slum to the kids who could change their own fate.
Noel also followed the clapping sound while enjoying the music.
Their performances lasted for another four minutes and the money started piling up in front of them.
"They're bright kids." Rica smiled while applauding.
"Indeed." Noel nodded without hesitation.
"Still, I'm kinda worried… They're still kids, so I'm afraid that adults are trying to take advantage of them." Rica sighed. "I mean there must be people who wants to take advantage of that money, right?"
The heavy atmosphere soon replaced the festive mood between them. What anyone didn't know that Noel had been spreading the rumors as Iadre, telling them that someone wanted to take advantage of them and died the next day.
He put all those scary rumors so that no one would touch them. Of course, he often beat people up in the dark, which reinforced the rumor about someone protecting them.
This way, the kids could progress without worry.
But today's performance seemed to be different. There was a guy suddenly clapping while walking forward.
"Superb! That's the first time I see people swinging their sword so beautiful!" The guy was a young man with short spiky blue hair. However, his clothes were that of the military's uniform.
The kids squinted their eyes, becoming vigilant. They didn't know who this guy was. Even Noel observed this guy's movement, making sure he didn't make any foolish move.
"No need to worry. I'm not here to ruin your performance. I'm simply amused by your unique dance that involves the sword. It's something I have never seen before." The guy placed his hand on his chest like that of a gentleman. "Let me introduce myself. I am Septa, Demon Observer Squad's squad captain.
Do you happen to be interested in joining the Demon Banner Army and become my students?
"I can't provide you with whatever you are doing right now, but I can offer you some advices that you can apply to your dance. I believe you're going to be an excellent knights because of your unique style. That's what I want to see."
Noel narrowed his eyes, wondering who this Septa was. He thought Septa was a man who tried to roleplay a knight so that the kids could follow him. After that, he would be taking advantage of the kids by fooling them.
However, Rica seemed to recognize the name. "Septa? The Youngest Knight Captain of the Demon Banner Army?"
"Do you know him?" Noel squinted his eyes, curious.
"Yes. It's said that the Demon Banner Army has received a genius a few years ago. His name is Septa. He has been racking up achievements and becoming one of the youngest knight captains in history. He manages to reach that rank at 23 years old.
But there's a rumor that the genius Anna Stargaze is becoming a knight here, so there's a huge chance that she will break the top record and become the youngest person to be the knight captain." She explained.
"I see." Noel nodded in understanding. It seemed that this guy wasn't role playing. Even if he was insane, no one would be impersonating a knight captain of the Demon Banner Army.
If the kids could learn from him and fix their mistakes in swordsmanship and polish it with their own dance, he believed they could grow even further.
So, he was a bit supportive with this choice.
But to his surprise, the children, especially the one leading them, Erica, politely bowed to Septa. "Thank you for the offer, Sir Knight. However, I'm afraid that we can't accept your invitation."
"Hoh?" Septa was amused because this was the first time someone rejected him. "Why is that?"
"We have someone we want to catch up and repay. If we join the Demon Banner Army, I'm afraid…" Erica paused, letting Septa understanding the meaning.
Meanwhile, Noel, who was watching the entire thing, was moved. Her words stabbed right in his heart.