System vs Rebirth

Chapter 1516: Sage Elaine

"It looks like you have come back." Noel smiled. "Have you prepared the answer, Elaine?"

There were two people who returned. They were none other than Rui and Elaine. But as one would expect, Elaine’s answer was the one Noel had been waiting for.

Elaine might fail to become a minister, but the position Noel offered was equal to that of a prime minister in this dukedom.

When she looked back, Elaine couldn’t believe how far she had come. Just a few years ago, she was worse than a slave. She was a person who was condemned by all the people in this territory.

Her life could come to an end with a single whim of Noel.

Yet, not only did she survive, but she also managed to grow this far.

From the very beginning, Noel had been giving her a chance. A chance to settle the debt of her family, a chance to realize the vision in her mind, a chance to become the person she wanted...

There were a lot of things that happened along the way, but she managed to prevail. Of course, most of the problems were solved by Noel.

This debt was something she couldn’t repay.

And finally, the person she owed this gratitude to asked her to become his adviser.

It was probably the greatest honor one could achieve in their life. It was a chance to serve directly the spirit king.

Yet, Elaine couldn’t help but question herself. Has she done something worthy of that title? What has she accomplished to garner that kind of position?

Elaine was hesitant. She looked down for a moment before having the courage to ask it. "May I ask one question before that, my lord?"

Noel nodded.

Elaine took a deep breath. "Why did you choose me? In the Ardagan family, I have seen a lot of talented people. I believe Miss Rose is more suitable to become your adviser, not someone like me, who once did something unforgivable."

Noel smiled as if he had expected this kind of question.

"Rose is my assistant. I can without a doubt confirm that there is no one more perfect than Rose to be my assistant.

"However, an adviser is different from an assistant. Rose can manage the territory in my stead, but she is unable to create something.

"You are different. You have seen everything that my territory has, whether it’s the glory or darkness.

"You, who climbed from the very bottom under everyone’s scrutiny, have seen all that is needed to be seen.

"Despite such darkness, you bear that weight and continue moving forward. You do your best for this family. I believe everyone has seen your efforts.

"I am someone who lives in the present and looks forward to the future. If I’m someone who gets entangled with the past, I probably won’t marry Anna."

That last part was indeed true. If Noel’s hatred remained, he wouldn’t marry the person that caused the destruction of his family. No matter what had changed, it didn’t change the fact that she had ordered his family’s execution.

"Elaine. What I see in you is not your past. I am looking at the present Elaine, who has done a lot of good things for this family. Thanks to your work, how many people are smiling right now? How many fathers have more time with their children now?

"That’s why I’m looking forward to your future. I want to see the moment I realize the vision I have in mind. I wonder what kind of surprise you will bring me.

"I can picture the green scenery beyond the hill. But I can’t help but want to see much more beautiful scenery when I really reach the top of the hill."

And the one who would lead to that new scenery was her.

Elaine was touched by his sincerity. In their previous life, Elaine was the one creating that scenery for the Lesen family. In the end, her authority was limited.

However, in this life, Noel wanted to see her full potential bloom. He wanted to give her that chance.

Elaine, of course, felt excited about it. Even if she became the prime minister of this kingdom, there were things she couldn’t get, such as the guarantee of a spirit king, the rune technology, or even the complete trust of its ruler.

And that opportunity was presented to her.

Elaine dropped to one knee, fixed her skirt for a bit, and finally looked up. "I, Elaine Lesen, solemnly swear.

"I will use every bit of energy in my body for the development of this territory. I will dedicate my entire life to my master, Noel Ardagan.

"As long as you don’t cast me away, I will remain by your side to the very end. All I hope is that at the end of my life, I can proudly say I have done my best for you.

"I, Elaine Lesen, greet my master." Elaine lowered her head.

"I accept your oath. In the name of Noel Ardagan, I grant you the title of Grand Advisor. You will be my left hand. Anyone who hurts you is the same as hurting me. I will do everything in my power to retaliate as if they hurt me."

Elaine smiled helplessly. There were probably only six people who had this kind of protection from Noel. They were Anna, Dimitri, Rose, Laufey, Tristan, and finally, her.

Tristan was his disciple, so it was as obvious as his wife, Anna. Dimitri had been helping him the whole time, while Rose was his assistant. Laufey was his uncle as well as his shadow.

And finally, it was her, his adviser. In the hands of the wrong people, this protection would give Noel the image of a tyrant, but it was because he knew what kind of people they were that he knew they wouldn’t misuse this protection.

Elaine didn’t know what kind of hardship she would face next, but no matter how hard it would be, she thought she could still smile while facing it.

There would come a day when her name echoed throughout the world as the one who revolutionized the world. That name is...

Sage Elaine.