Asta's Adventure

After everything that had happened, they returned to the church. As always, Noelle walked closely behind them.

Asta was enthusiastically telling Yuno about his adventures, and Yuno listened with interest. Once Asta gave a brief summary of his experiences, Yuno decided to share everything that had happened in the village during his absence, especially the major improvements.

"We've got so many new things now. The most remarkable one is the school. We all built it together as a village," Yuno said proudly.

"A school? Whoa, that sounds amazing!" Asta exclaimed, visibly impressed.

Noelle listened to their conversation attentively, her curiosity piqued.

At that moment, they approached Hage. Many villagers were gathered near the entrance, seemingly waiting for those who had returned from the grimoire ceremony. Most of them were there to greet Yuno, but when they spotted Asta, the crowd burst into cheers.

"The Beast of Hage is back!" someone shouted.

"The little monster has returned!" joked another voice.

"Who are you calling little?!" Asta yelled, glaring at the crowd.

His outburst only made everyone laugh, including Yuno and Noelle.

Suddenly, the children from the church ran towards Asta. They jumped on him, hugging and happily welcoming him back.

But the most notable reaction came from Father Orsi. Tears welled up in his eyes as he rushed over to embrace Asta.

"You rascal! Do you have any idea how worried I was when you disappeared?" Orsi exclaimed emotionally. "First, we found your note, and then I couldn't stop stressing! My hair has turned even whiter because of you!" he added, pointing to his head.

"Whoa, it really has!" Asta said, staring at his hair in amazement.

Father Orsi's expression quickly shifted to annoyance.

"You didn't even apologize, you brat!" he shouted, raising his hand and smacking Asta on the head.

However, Orsi immediately winced in pain, as if he had just struck solid iron.

"Why are you so mad, old man? What's gotten into you?" Asta asked, rubbing his head lightly.

"Why?! You ran off without my permission or even informing me! And on top of that, you didn't bother to apologize! What do you think makes me angry?"

Realizing his mistake, Asta looked down apologetically.

"Sorry, Father Orsi…" he said quietly.

At that moment, Orsi's gaze shifted to Noelle, who stood beside Asta, watching him with concern.

He glanced back and forth between Asta and Noelle, as if piecing something together. With a gentle smile, he stepped closer to her.

"Hello, young lady. My name is Father Orsi," he said warmly, suddenly taking Noelle's hands in his own.

Startled by the gesture, Noelle flinched but quickly regained her composure and introduced herself.

"H-hello, my name is Noelle," she stammered, choosing not to mention her surname.

Orsi studied her intently, as though analyzing her, before asking with a wide smile:

"Are you Asta's girlfriend?"

Noelle's face immediately turned bright red, and it almost seemed like steam was rising from her head.

Seeing her reaction, Father Orsi nodded, as if confirming his suspicions.

"Take care of him for us. He's our little idiot and troublemaker," Orsi said with a grin.

"Who are you calling little, old man?!" Asta shouted, clearly offended.

But Orsi paid him no attention, keeping his gaze fixed on Noelle, patiently waiting for her response.

Understanding what was expected of her, Noelle lowered her head and softly replied:

"O-of course, I'll take care of Asta."