"This is the proof of completion." Jasmine handed the letter to Noel.
After taking some rest last night, Noel immediately got back to work the next day, making sure that no more demons would come to terrorize them.
Now that he had finished his job, Noel got his proof of completion.
"Are you going to stay here for the rest of the day?" Jasmine asked while glancing at the window, finding the orange color from the light.
Noel thought for a moment. Since he had promised to meet Anna three days later, he still had some time. "If you don't mind, that is."
"Of course, I don't mind." Jasmine was delightful to host Noel again. There was also a regret in her heart. "I also want to apologize to you for my interruption in your fight. If not for my shout, you would have completed your job perfectly."
"Not at all. I can understand that normal people won't easily know about the demons' behaviors. So, I have considered it before fighting them." Noel waved his hand as if telling her not to mind it anymore.
"Is that so?" Jasmine believed Noel was the only one who had this kind heart. If it was any other knights from the Demon Banner Army, they would have berated them or even taken some advantages.
"As long as you don't make the same mistake again, it's all good," added Noel.
Jasmine realized Noel was actually comforting her despite her making a mistake. She looked at Noel for a while as though she was recalling something. "That's right. Don't worry about the villagers, I'll be taking care of them. I don't know why but you seem to be a bit rushing. Do you have an appointment or something?"
"Yeah. That'll help. Thank you."
"No, I should be the one thanking you." She paused for a moment before changing the topic. "Anyway, you said you want to talk about your father. What do you want to know?"
"Everything you know about my parents."
"Mhm. I have only met your father, so I'll just talk about him. The first time I met your father was twelve years ago. Back then, your father was hosting a banquet and I came with my father there.
"I slightly felt left out and tired, so I walked to the outside to get some air. It was then your father came to me, asking whether I'm sad or not. I had a sullen look back then.
"But he soon changed his words and asked whether I'm troubled or not. Do you know why?"
Noel tilted his head in confusion. "I'm not very sure."
"Your father said 'A wise man once said people said a word, but you heard two.' That saying was always in my head ever since."
"People said a word, but you heard two…" Noel muttered in a low voice, looked down, and fell into deep thought.
Jasmine smiled upon Noel's reaction. It seemed that Noel had caught something and was pondering about it.
"I think I've got it, but I can't put it in words." Noel scratched the back of his head.
"Well, your father didn't say anything as well. I tried to figure out and what I found was that… you listened to others but also saw their expressions and gestures. For example, I had a sullen look, so your father thought I'm sad.
"But when I heard that question, my expression was distorted a bit, making your father realize I'm not. So, he changed whether I'm troubled or not."
"Ah! That is possible too." Noel nodded in understanding.
"Well, I wasn't sad at that time because I had accepted my fate to become a political tool. However, I also shared my problem with him."
"About you wanting to escape the political marriage?"
"Yes." Jasmine confirmed it without hesitation. "Then, your father asked me to work for him and he even bought me from my house. He paid a huge sum of money that my father couldn't endure and even promised the favor of the Ardagan House.
"Back then, it was basically a better deal than a political marriage, so he agreed and sent me to work for him. Of course, he didn't do it out of pity. I was already known as a nerd back then, who loved to read books and experiments stuff.
"He set up a laboratory for myself to learn and experience stuff. Getting such an overwhelming favor, I worked earnestly. I wanted to repay his favor.
"That's why I've been producing all kinds of things. One of them being an irrigation in the flatland. It can increase the harvest in Ardagan's territory, so the increase in profit is a way for me to repay him.
"And until now, I'm still researching many things about agriculture." Jasmine paused for a moment to look at Noel's face, reminding her of his father, Luke Ardagan. "Do you plan to reinstate your family, Noel?"
"Yes." Noel answered without hesitation.
Jasmine thought Noel answered it as formality or his words were driven of his anger or anything. But when she saw his expression, Jasmine was astonished.
The man before him seemed to want to do it because it was a part of his ambition. And he looked like he already had a plan to climb his way back, unlike any other people who wanted to rebuild their family but not thinking a single plan.
Jasmine fell silent for a moment before rising from her seat. She walked to Noel and dropped to her knees.
Jasmine politely lowered her head to him and said, "Young Master Noel. When you've successfully reclaim your territory, Jasmine will ride to your place without hesitation. I hope that Young Master doesn't reject me at that time."
Noel's body trembled. This was a kind of pledge of loyalty that Jasmine offered to him. However, he was only a fallen noble right now.
That was why this pledge weighed even heavier. This was Jasmine entrusting her future to Noel.
Noel closed his eyes for a moment, steeling his resolve. He clenched his fists and looked at Jasmine with a serious expression.
"I am nothing but a commoner right now. However, I have a desire to ride back to my territory as the lord, not a visitor. I don't know if I can be a good lord, but I'll do my best to become a good person. If you can overlook of my inability and inexperience, and assist me, I shall strive forward to become a good lord."