System vs Rebirth

The next person he met was a middle-aged man. His age seemed to be similar to Dimitri's. Luckily, Dimitri managed to find him hiding among the people to observe him.

And there was only one more influence that would find out about his real identity. He was none other than the Greenwood Kingdom's representative. His grandfather should have figured out that Noel was Iadre due to the few clues he had left.

He would tell the king and finally cause this meeting to happen. There was no way his grandfather would allow such a danger to befall his grandson, so he persuaded the king to have a peaceful approach.

That was why he chose to meet this person. Though, Dimitri was a bit skeptical since this person's strength was similar to his.

Ultimately, Dimitri had to accompany Noel in the meeting since he couldn't allow Noel being kidnapped or getting killed during the negotiation.

Noel sat in front of the middle-aged man with a calm expression. The middle-aged man had long blue hair that was tied neatly on his back. Noel could tell by the cross scar on his left cheek and from the smaller scars visible on his arms that this man had gone to at least hundreds of battles.

His calm demeanor was like the calm before the storm. However, his eyes gave him a feeling that he was able to see through his character.

In addition to his strength, he could understand why this person was the representative of the Greenwood Kingdom.

"I am Noel Ardagan. It's a pleasure to meet the representative of the Greenwood Kingdom." Noel stated with a calm expression.

That introduction couldn't help but slightly change the middle-aged man's expression. He said, "I never thought you would give away your identity that easily, considering there were only a few people who knew about it."

"If I didn't plan to introduce myself like that, there was no need for me to meet you." Noel shook his head helplessly.

The man fell silent for a moment before glancing at Dimitri. It seemed that he had seen through Dimitri's strength.

'I see. With a bodyguard of that level, there's no way the Ardagan Family would fall without a fight. It seems that there is a deeper scheme playing in it. Though, that's not my mission.'

The man paused before introducing himself. "I am Damian Fletcher, the vice commander of the Royal Family. It's my pleasure to meet you."

"…" Noel didn't show it on his face, but he was a bit startled when he learned that the man in front of him was that important. "The pleasure is mine."

The corner of his lips slightly curved as if he was amused by Noel's reaction. He said, "I don't think we both like to deal with pleasantries, so I'll cut to the chase."

Noel nodded in agreement, giving him the time to tell him the request.

"His Majesty expresses his intention to become your friend. He has recognized your talent and achievements."

"Hence, His Majesty has given you three options. First, he would like you to become one of the royalties. He is aware that your ancestry is linked to the royal family, but due to being separated by a few generations, your royal blood has become extremely thin."

"So, if you want, he is planning to marry you with the second princess. She is extremely smart and I can list a few of her achievements, including the fact that she has become a team leader in the Royal Magician. According to your grandfather, you are not someone who considers a woman as an accessory to make you shine brighter, so he is planning to give you the most talented unmarried princess. Of course, she is still one of the most beautiful women in the kingdom."

Noel didn't have any change of expression, but he could understand how far the king could go. And if he became royalty, the king could easily reinstate the Ardagan Family, but in the Greenwood Kingdom.

When that happened, he would surely dedicate the Rune Book to the Greenwood Royal Family. The benefits were a lot, but the price to pay was also heavy.

Seeing Noel's poker face, the man continued, "The second option is to become your friend. He is aware that the first option might get rejected since if you are someone that desires power, you would have gone to the Greenwood Kingdom and presented your achievement through the Ezenholm Family."

"By becoming a friend, His Majesty can exert some of his power to protect you. It also means that you are not going to be a threat to us. However, there is no such thing as a free meal. I'm sure you can imagine the price you have to pay…"

Noel closed his eyes for a moment. Of course, he understood it. In fact, that was the reason why the king placed such importance on Noel.

He wanted Noel to develop the Rune and present it to them. He could add some conditions, but it would still restrain him since the priority should be in the Greenwood Kingdom.

That was why he added the last condition. Though, judging from its content, the one who suggested it must be his grandfather.

"As for the third option, considering you are from a Merchant Family, his majesty is planning to have a business with you."

"In exchange for the Rune Development, he will help you on some occasions. This will give you the most freedom."

Noel knew that for a country, a threat was something that had to be eliminated. That was why there should be the fourth condition, but there was no way this man would tell him.

Of course, Noel could see some benefits by engaging in a business relationship with him. With the Greenwood Kingdom getting priority over the rune development from the developer itself, it was clear that the Greenwood Kingdom would become the most developed country. It was enough to gain prestige, influence, and money. They would benefit the most from this deal.

"These are the three options His Majesty has given you. I hope that you can make the right choice."

Noel's expression remained calm as if he had already chosen the option before the negotiation even began.