CHAPTER 211: CHAPTER 211: NEW MISSION

The soft morning light filtered through the high windows of Noel’s room. The once-oppressive heat had finally begun to fade, giving way to a more bearable warmth. Noir lay curled up near his legs, her black fur with subtle purple accents gently rising and falling with her quiet breaths. She didn’t seek shade anymore—just the comfort of being near him.

Noel groaned, lifting a hand to his forehead.

"Ugh... my head feels like it’s about to explode. We really shouldn’t have drunk that much..."

The night at Mirae’s came back to him in fragments—Charlotte’s bright laughter, Elena’s flushed cheeks as she tried to keep pace, and Elyra’s smug grin as she poured glass after glass of Estermont vintage, clearly enjoying her role as the instigator. They had all eaten well, talked too much, and drank more than they should have.

"We’re getting the announcement today... two days until we leave. Daemar will probably tell us during training since Nicolas is still out."

Just then, the familiar chime echoed in the air, and a bright system window flashed in front of him.

[New Mission: Find the 5th Pillar and deal with him. Reward: ???. Time limit: 40 days.]

He blinked at the screen.

"Great. Just like last time... no clue what the reward is. Forty days though... Guess the system factored in the ten-day sea trip. How thoughtful."

He exhaled and leaned back on the bed, careful not to disturb Noir.

"The Circle’s been quiet lately. Too quiet. In the novel, the Fifth Pillar made several moves before the actual event kicked in. Guess I’ll have to attend the event and investigate on the side. If Nicolas found anything, we’ll probably cross paths in the Dwarf Kingdom. That’s where the bastard is hiding, after all."

He paused for a moment, tapping his fingers on the bedframe.

"I should check with Balthor. He said he’d come, but knowing him, that depends on how bored he is. Still, his gear would be a huge help."

Noel’s tone grew colder as he sat up.

"The Fifth Pillar isn’t exactly strong. Weaker than Kaelith and Arya, honestly. But he’s smart—runs things from the shadows, commands others, controls the funds. Taking him out would hurt the Circle more than losing a heavy-hitter."

Suddenly—

Knock knock knock.

"Come in," Noel called.

"Good morning, Noel. I came to cut your hair, like you asked yesterday."

"Right. Thanks for coming. Let’s go to the bathroom—I’ve got the scissors, comb, and mirror ready."

Elena followed him in silence. The room was still cool from the morning breeze, and a quiet calm settled between them as they entered the small bathroom. Noel sat down on the wooden chair he had placed in front of the mirror.

As Elena tied back her sleeves, she glanced at him in the reflection. "Just remember, I’m not a professional, so try not to move too much."

Noel smirked. "Don’t worry. I actually liked how you did it last time."

That made her pause for a second, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Alright then. I’ll try not to ruin it this time either."

She began trimming his hair carefully, running the comb through the blond strands with gentle movements.

Elena’s hands moved steadily, but her voice broke the quiet, a little more serious this time.

"Noel," she began softly, "the girls and I... we’ve been talking."

Noel opened one eye lazily, looking at her reflection in the mirror. "That already sounds dangerous."

She rolled her eyes. "I’m serious. About the trip."

He frowned slightly. "What about it?"

Elena hesitated for a second, then sighed. "We just... we feel like something’s going to happen. You haven’t said anything, and we know you won’t unless you’re forced to, but we can still tell when something’s not right."

Noel remained quiet, letting the scissors click a few more times before speaking.

"It’s just a diplomatic mission," he said with a shrug. "And a tournament. It’s nothing we can’t handle."

Elena didn’t buy it. She placed a hand gently on his shoulder, her voice quiet but firm.

"Noel. Don’t lie. Not to me."

He let out a low breath, then nodded slowly. "Okay. Maybe... maybe there’s a chance things could get complicated. I’m not sure yet. But nothing dangerous has happened so far."

Elena’s grip on his shoulder tightened for a moment before she spoke again. "You always say that. Then you come back half-dead, or covered in blood, or passed out in the infirmary."

Noel smirked a little. "It’s part of the charm, right?"

"No," she said bluntly. "Clair won’t be with us this time to heal your reckless ass. So you’ll have to rely on us."

He tilted his head slightly. "Alright, if things get complicated."

"I want you to rely on people who care about you." She met his gaze in the mirror. "Promise me that if something happens, you’ll tell us. You’ll ask for help."

He paused. The weight of her words settled in his chest. After a moment, he gave a small nod.

"I promise."

Elena’s expression softened. "Good."

She resumed cutting his hair, the tension easing between them. Noel looked down at the floor for a second, then glanced back up.

The quiet rhythm of scissors slowed as Elena made the last few adjustments to Noel’s hair. She stepped back, tilting her head slightly as she examined her work with narrowed eyes.

"All done," she said, brushing a few stray blond strands off his shoulders. "Not perfect, but I’d say you’re about seventy percent less like a wild animal now."

Noel gave a small laugh. "That’s generous. I’ll take it."

He stood up and stretched his arms, feeling lighter. "Thanks, Elena. Really. I was starting to look like one of those scarecrows in the training fields."

"You were," she said without hesitation, folding her arms. "You’re lucky I didn’t charge you."

"Do I get a discount if I promise not to die on this trip?"

"Hmm..." She tapped her chin dramatically. "Maybe. I’ll consider it if you also help me pack."

Noel grinned and leaned against the doorframe. "Speaking of packing—have you even started yet?"

Elena groaned. "No. After yesterday, my head was pounding. I think I still smell like Estermont wine."

"That’s probably because Elyra tried to drown us in it."

"Probably?" Elena raised an eyebrow. "Noel, she pulled out a second bottle and said, ’We drink until we can’t pronounce our last names.’"

"...That sounds about right." He shook his head with a smirk. "At least the food at Mirae’s was good."

Elena nodded, smiling. "It was. I liked the roasted boar with sweetroot glaze."

"Same. Charlotte nearly cried over the dessert though."

"She was so dramatic," Elena laughed. "But it was funny."

There was a pause. A calm one.

Elena stepped closer, holding the comb one last time to fix a strand near his ear. Then, slowly, without a word, she reached forward with her free hand, fingers grazing his jaw.

Noel blinked, confused, as she gently turned his face toward her.

"Elena?"

She didn’t reply. Her cheeks were already a soft shade of pink, but her golden eyes were steady—determined. She leaned in and, in one smooth motion, pressed her lips to his.

The kiss was gentle. Short. But enough to freeze Noel in place for half a heartbeat.

When she pulled back, Elena cleared her throat awkwardly, her face flushed now from nose to ears.

"Now you’re ready," she mumbled, avoiding eye contact.

Noel blinked again. "...That was unexpected."

’She’s getting bolder.’

"I know," she said, hugging the comb to her chest. "But... I wanted to."

He looked at her for a moment, then offered a small smile.

"Thanks. For the haircut... and the motivation."

Elena finally met his eyes, lips curved in a shy smile.

"You’re welcome."

They stood there for a moment longer, the air filled with something unspoken. Then Noel glanced at the clock.

"We should probably get ready. There’s a meeting later today, and I bet Daemar’s going to announce the departure."

"Right," Elena nodded, brushing past him on her way to the door. "Come find me when you’re packed. I’ll need help folding robes."

"Only if I don’t have to iron them."

"No promises."

She left with a soft laugh, leaving Noel alone in the bathroom—still slightly stunned, a hand absently brushing his lips.

"...Right," he muttered to himself. "Definitely didn’t see that coming."