Noel stood in front of a middle-aged man with a tired and sad expression. Although he had seen some hope in his revenge, he couldn't show it yet because they might eliminate him when there was a chance.
The atmosphere in the room turned cold for a while, so much so that even the middle-aged man couldn't help but shake his head as he stopped glaring at him.
The previous fierce gaze from him vanished into thin air, replaced by a gentle stare full of pity.
"I know your family, especially your father. Your father didn't know me, but I often saw him when he visited the third prince." A deep voice resounded inside the room.
"…" Noel remained silent, but in his mind, he was quite shaken when the third prince was mentioned. His father also told him to go to the third prince because he supported him previously.
Even though the third prince had been stripped of his status after losing the throne war, he still had quite deep connections.
"I'm not your father's ally, but the third prince has agreed to take care of you… It seems your father knew his fate and wanted to save you." The middle-aged man pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling troubled.
"Did my father truly…" Noel suddenly fell silent and looked down. Although he wanted to be careful, he was still a naive 15 years old boy. He couldn't contain his curiosity when the guy brought up his father.
"That's right. So, the third prince gave me two instructions." The middle-aged man nodded.
"Two instructions?" Noel squinted his eyes, observing the man's expression. This man was the lord of this ford, Baron Oscar.
Because of his overwhelming battle prowess, he, who was a commoner, was granted a title of baron by the previous king. With such a status, there was nothing he couldn't do in this fort. If this person helped him, Noel might be able to start his revenge.
Unfortunately, not everything went according to his expectation. Oscar said, "First of all, you're going to have two identities. Noel Ardagan and Leon."
"Two identities?" Noel tilted his head in confusion, not understanding the need for double identities.
"That's right. If you die so easily, the people will think you have no effort. You need to survive for a while before 'dying.' This will make the nobles who hurt your family worry for your sudden growth but soon feel relieved because your talent is only at that level. This should match your average talent that they know about."
Noel looked down, pondering his words.
Oscar paused for a moment and continued, "As for your second identity, you'll also build up this identity. So, you're going to use both identities intermittently so that both of you don't seem to appear or disappear out of nowhere. After Noel Ardagan 'dies,' you can continue with this identity to start your revenge plan if you want."
Noel widened his eyes, amused by the plan. To think there was a reason for double identities, he thought he only needed to die and got a new identity right at the bat. But now he realized his thinking was still short-sighted.
"Of course. You can practice here so that you won't die while completing a mission."
"I understand. If you're going to facilitate me, I have no reason to refuse." Noel nodded in agreement.
"Good. As for the second instruction… your father entrusted this to His Highness and His Highness entrusted this to me. He believes you know what this means." Oscar took out a thumb-sized crystal and placed it on the edge of the table so that Noel could take it.
Noel furrowed his eyebrows and examined this black jewel. It looked like a normal mineral that didn't give off any feeling.
However, it was clear the mineral was for a purpose. He suddenly remembered there was a small dent in the sword hilt.
That dent wasn't created because of a fight, but it was made for the gem. As for the reasons, he couldn't understand it.
Although Noel had figured it out, he didn't say anything about this. After all, the sword was his family heirloom. It would be foolish of him to give information about his family heirloom, especially since the guy said he wasn't his father's ally.
"Hmm… My father never mentioned this jewel, but since he left it for me, I'll take it." Noel nodded and took the jewel with a sad expression. He placed the jewel on his chest while saying, "Father…"
Oscar felt his emotion and sighed, pitying the kid who was thrown to this brutal battlefield.
"Anyway, if you go out with another identity, make sure you get another sword. We can't afford anyone recognizing the sword, since it's… quite eye-catching. Just take it from the barrack later and tell them this is my order."
"I understand. I'll be careful."
"Then take this." Oscar took out a key and tossed it to him.
Noel hurriedly extended his hand and caught the key. Confused, he asked, "A key?"
"Although I don't know your father personally, since he once supported the third prince like I do, I won't treat you unjustly. There is a gray and white building two blocks from here. You can get a private room there… The key will lead you to the furthest room in the third floor. It's small and a bit uncomfortable, but at least, you don't need to share it with other soldiers here.
That's the least I can do for you."
Noel widened his eyes, amazed by this graciousness. He smiled for the first time after the incident and thanked him politely. "Thank you for your help, Baron Oscar. I'll remember it."
Oscar waved his hand as if it wasn't a big deal and said, "Go put your belongings there. Tomorrow, come to the barrack and get some basic training. Your first mission will be handed one week from now."
"Yes. Please excuse me." Noel nodded and turned around, leaving the room. He felt a bit happy to get a decent start for his revenge. He thought, 'I'm not going to waste this chance. Just you wait, I'm going to destroy the Stargaze Family and put the royal family to shame.'