Reborn As Noble

Vane walked along the road toward the docks, his soldiers flanking him as he made his way through the camp. His eyes narrowed as he spotted the captain escorting the princess in the distance, with only two female royal guards flanking her.

Hmm?

Weird...

Why is she here with only two escorts?

For an official visit from a princess of Divinity Nation, this is far too light.

How strange.

Royalty of her standing should have at least have a full royal procession. A least a dozen of Royal guards, attendants, perhaps even a few advisors. But she comes here with only two guards.

He studied the two guards more closely.

And not just any guards... those two are Ashara and Jiowana. The strongest among the female royal guards. From what I know, they refused to participate in the yearly tournament, claiming they had no interest in ”showing off” for the heroes.

Vane’s eyes narrowed slightly.

For an official royal visit, especially to a forward base like this this is far too discreet. Too... personal. A princess traveling with only two guards, no matter how strong they are, is unusual. Either she is hiding something, or she is here for a purpose that requires secrecy.

He continued walking, his expression calm but his mind racing.

Something doesn’t add up.

Is she here for something else? Something that requires discretion rather than spectacle?

I need to find out why she’s really here.

He continued walking, maintaining a composed and measured pace, both hands clasped behind his back. His expression remained neutral, but his mind was sharp and alert.

I wonder if Julius has some connection with her. I don’t have any information about how close they are. Julius is not picky when it comes to women, he would sleep with anyone if given the chance. Could she be one of his... conquests?

If she is one of his conquests, or if she’s loyal to him, her presence here could be a threat.

His eyes narrowed slightly as he walked.

She’s the princess of Divinity Nation, the daughter of King Garreth. She’s also one of the few royals who hasn’t been seen openly associating with Julius or the other heroes. But that doesn’t mean she isn’t connected to them.

Vane’s thoughts raced, his mind piecing together possibilities.

Don’t tell me...

Did Julius suspect something? Did he catch wind of my plans? Is she here to gather information on me, to confirm his suspicions?

Vane’s jaw tightened, but he forced himself to take a slow, steady breath.

Calm down, Vane. Don’t jump to conclusions. If Julius suspected me, he wouldn’t send a princess since he doesn’t have that much power to command her. He would send the heroes from our team, or Angrar, or come himself.

Don’t let paranoia cloud your judgment.

You don’t have enough information yet. For now you should observe first. Assess her intentions, listen, and then decide.

If she is really coming here to investigate me, then I should be ready to use the backup escape plan I’ve been preparing.

I don’t know how strong those two female royal guards are. I can fight them, but if I’m exposed, fighting a full contingent of warriors and soldiers won’t be easy.

Not to mention, I don’t have the slightest information about Princess Celine’s power. Her class, her magical abilities, or what kind of weapon she wields. But knowing royalty, their training and magic are always on a different level from ordinary soldiers.

I can’t afford to underestimate her.

He arrived at a respectful distance, stopping as he placed his palm over his left chest and bowed slightly, his voice calm and measured.

”Your Highness, it is an honor to receive you at our humble outpost. I am Vane, the acting commander assigned to oversee operations here. If there is anything you require, I am at your service.”

Celine smiled, her expression gracious as she returned the greeting with a slight, elegant nod.

”Sir Vane, the honor is mine. Your reputation for efficiency precedes you.”

She began walking, her two female guards falling in step behind her. Vane walked slightly to her side, maintaining a respectful half-step behind her.

Celine raised her fan, covering her lips as her eyes swept the surroundings with practiced grace.

”I must say, the progress here is remarkable. I’ve heard reports of the improvements you’ve made since taking command. It is quite impressive.”

Vane bowed his head slightly as he walked, his expression calm and composed. He nudged his glasses up with a finger, his voice steady.

”Your Highness flatters me. I am but a humble servant carrying out the duties assigned to me. A lowly servant such as myself does not deserve such praise from royalty.”

Celine kept walking, her eyes sweeping across the camp with quiet observation. She noticed the Amazarak people working at a steady pace, their bodies healthier, their movements more purposeful than she had expected.

”Sir Vane, I must say, the condition of the laborers here is rather... surprising. They appear far more capable than I was led to believe. One might almost think they are being treated with a certain level of care.”

Vane kept his tone measured, his words carefully chosen.

”Your Highness is most perceptive. I have found that even a blade dulled by neglect can be sharpened with proper maintenance. A sick or weakened laborer serves little purpose, but one who is fed, rested, and treated with a modicum of dignity can produce far greater results. There is more use for them before and during the first invasion than there is in letting them waste away.”

Celine’s fan fluttered slightly as she smiled behind it, her eyes glinting with quiet amusement.

”A most pragmatic approach, Sir Vane. It seems your mind is as sharp as your reputation suggests.”

Her eyes swept the area once more, a subtle, deliberate pause settling in her expression.

”I do notice, however, that Jaigar and Gorak have not come to greet me. I had expected at least a semblance of courtesy from the chosen heroes. I trust they are well? Or has my arrival here been deemed... unworthy of their attention?”

Vane bowed his head slightly, his voice calm and respectful.

”Your Highness, please pardon their absence. They, along with their chosen parties, have been dispatched on a reconnaissance mission under Supreme Leader Julius direct orders. They departed before your arrival was announced. It was not a matter of disrespect, but of duty. I hope you will understand.”

Celine’s smile remained graceful, but her eyes sharpened slightly, taking in his words.

”Of course. Duty comes first. I would not wish to interfere with the orders of our heroes.”

( End Of Chapter )