Reborn As Noble

Chapter 1335: A Necessary Lie ( 1335 )

Back to present.

Vane let out a long, weary sigh, his gaze still fixed on the ceiling.

It took far too much effort to persuade her to go.

He leaned back, closing his eyes for a moment.

I told her about the seven fragments to give her a purpose, a reason to leave. But in truth, finding those fragments will take far longer than I let her believe. With her skills and resources, she won’t be able to locate them faster than I can. It was a necessary lie, to keep her safe.

His fingers tapped lightly against the armrest.

Still, I’ve already acquired one piece of information from the Amazarak chief. The previous Human Kingdom hero, Kenjirou, was apparently involved with their missing queen, Zephyra. But no one knows where he is now. Some say he died during the celestial war, others claim he fell in battle against Armand. Either way, his weapon, and its fragments remain lost.

Another dead end.

He exhaled slowly, glancing up at the ceiling while crossing his arm.

But at least...

This would keep Fayna safe. It would keep her far away from this place, from the frontlines, and most importantly, from Julius. He won’t be able to force her into his bed or use her as leverage against me. I won’t let anyone touch her.

His hands clenched into fists, his knuckles white.

She’s mine. And I’ll make sure she stays safe, no matter what.

Vane narrowed his eyes and leaned forward, reaching for a worn leather map of the continent. He spread it across his desk, smoothing it out with his hands before resting his chin on his knuckles, deep in thought.

But it’s weird...

Why do Supreme Goddess Zeyrinda, Goddess Maekaria, and Goddess Rafazelia insist on this invasion? Of all the nations on this continent, why are they always obsessed with crushing Armand?

He tapping his finger lightly on the map where Armand was located.

It’s strange. They always mention Armand before the Demon Kingdom. Over and over again, they repeat the same names... Armand... Garius... Armand... Garius. But at the same time, they claim that if we kill the Demon King, our wishes will be granted.

He tilted his head, eyes narrowing further.

If our main objective is to reach the Demon Kingdom and kill the Demon King, wouldn’t it be simpler to meet with Armand’s ruler and the Human King to negotiate a peaceful passage? If Armand’s ruler is just, they wouldn’t risk their people’s lives over a diplomatic request. They would not sacrifice their people for a passing army.

We could become allies and complete our mission without a full-scale invasion. But instead, the goddesses demand we crush them first.

He glanced at the map, tracing the route from Armand southward to the Demon Kingdom, connected only by a narrow land bridge.

But according to the Amazarak chief, Armand isn’t evil. They’re not conquerors. They’re not tyrants. They trade fairly, they treat their people well, and they don’t oppress other nations. They’re human, just like us.

So why?

Why are the goddesses so desperate to crush them?

Vane’s fingers traced the map absently as his thoughts darkened.

I don’t really have the will to be part of this invasion anymore. Not after everything Julius has done, ignoring my advice, dismissing my plans, treating me like the lowest subordinate. And especially... the way he tried to force himself on Fayna. If I hadn’t arrived in time...

He clenched his fist, his jaw tightening.

But at least I need to know why these goddesses insist on crushing Armand so badly. There has to be a reason beyond just ”they are an obstacle.”

Should I try to approach Armand’s ruler directly?

But how?

I can’t leave this place for long without raising suspicion. If I disappear for too long, Julius or the others will notice. And I can’t risk my plan being exposed before it’s ready.

He rubbed his chin, deep in thought.

Perhaps I should call for the Amazarak chief again... I could arrange something through him. A secret envoy, or perhaps...

Just as he was about to continue his thought, a sudden knock interrupted him. The door burst open, and a soldier stepped forward, saluting sharply.

”Sir Vane! Our ship has arrived!”

”Hmm? You rushed into my room just for that?”

”No, Sir Vane. The captain instructed me to inform you that Princess Celine of Divinity Nation is aboard the main ship. She will be docking at our port shortly.”

Vane’s eyes narrowed slightly before he nodded.

”Understood. I will be there soon. You may leave.”

The soldier saluted and exited, closing the door behind him.

Vane stood slowly, arranging the papers on his desk before reaching for his coat.

Weird... Why would the princess of Divinity Nation personally come here?

Meanwhile.

At the dock.

The captain of the soldiers stood at attention, his men lined up in perfect formation behind him. As Princess Celine descended from the ship, the captain bowed deeply, his voice resolute and respectful.

”Your Highness, on behalf of the Divinity forces stationed here, we welcome you to Amazarak.”

Celine nodded gracefully, her expression composed as she walked past him. Two female royal escorts flanked her, their eyes sharp and watchful. The captain rose and followed at a respectful distance, while the soldiers fell into formation, guarding her path.

She glanced around the dock, her gaze sweeping over the area with the keen, assessing eye of royalty. Her steps were measured, her posture regal.

”Captain, I trust the progress on the new bases in this continent is proceeding as planned? Is there anything I should be aware of?”

The captain nodded, keeping his pace aligned with hers. ”Yes, Your Highness. The progress has been smooth, especially after Sir Vane took over command from Sir Jaigar and Sir Gorak. The operations have become far more efficient under his direction.”

Celine paused, raising a delicate fan and snapping it open with a graceful flick of her wrist. She held it before her lips, her eyes glinting with quiet amusement.

”How delightful to hear. It seems Sir Vane has proven himself most capable. I shall have to commend him personally.”

While walking.

Celine kept her expression composed, nodding gracefully as the captain droned on about the progress of the base and the efficiency of the operations.

Her fan swayed gently in her hand, hiding the faint boredom tugging at her face.

Sigh... this is boring.

And this captain... how shameless of him to claim these soldiers as ”Divinity forces stationed here.” They are nothing but noble levies, loyal to their houses, not to my father’s crown.

She resisted the urge to roll her eyes.

He’s trying to gain favor with me. Flattery, reports of smooth progress, subtle praise for his own leadership. A typical noble-born officer seeking royal recognition.

What a tedious performance..... Now I have to listen to his flattery, pretend to be impressed, and maintain this facade of royal grace. All while knowing that half the words he says are meant to curry favor with my father or his noble masters.

She let out a soft, internal sigh.

All this flattery, all this posturing... it’s exhausting. I’ve been dealing with this since I was old enough to walk.

When will I finally be free of this endless dance of politics and false smiles?

( End Of Chapter )