Reborn As Noble Chapter 1208: The Robed Agents ( 1208 )

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Previously on Reborn As Noble...
Garius instructed Javier to rest and prepare detailed documentation on his healing inventions for future medical advancements. He then discussed with Alf the reinforced security at the Armand Estate, including standby forces and preparations by Princes Marcellus and Cedric. Garius reflected on the impending civil war orchestrated by the manipulative 'Terrestrials,' examined a holographic continent map noting chaos in Amazarak and surveillance limitations on distant lands, before Alf handed him a new report.

Garius examined the report and images, stroking his chin while he scanned them.

"Hmm... It appears they possess ships too, but this image reveals a wooden vessel, far superior and larger than anything the Human Kingdom boasts."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Alf chimed in. "Sky Eyes and the mana satellite captured this, verifying the advanced nature of their ships. Yet, deeper investigation remains necessary."

Garius squinted at the images and report. "If we had a complete view of their ships... But..." He hesitated. "This could just be a transport vessel, not their primary fleet..." Garius paused again. "Or maybe... they're dispatching agents and operatives."

"Shall we dispatch an intelligence team to the identified spot?" Alf proposed.

Garius shook his head. "No. They won't leave the ship lingering. Our forces would arrive too late, after they've vanished." He sighed deeply and pressed on. "Moreover, we remain ignorant of these agents' identities. Cloaked in robes, they slip through the night with cunning, probably led by those three. This has been their scheme from the start."

"If only this image or the mana satellite, or Sky Eyes, could reveal their faces." Garius flipped to the subsequent pages. "But that's unfeasible, isn't it? We can survey the entire continent, zooming only to a fixed extent." He grasped his wine glass for a sip. "Closer magnification or facial identification would let us pinpoint them and ready our defenses."

Alf straightened his glove and adjusted his glasses. "Forgive me, Your Majesty, but deploying a handful of Shadow units to tail these individuals could work. I've already notified the command center to track their paths."

Garius shook his head once more, set aside his wine glass, and resumed poring over the report. "Impossible. I won't endanger our units merely to approach their agents. We don't know whom they're deploying. And should they enter structures without doffing robes, they could alter appearances and merge with civilians. Lacking facial details, pursuit proves pointless."

Alf nodded. "Quite right, Your Majesty. Still, we could position our people nearby as the command center monitors via mana talkies—communication stays seamless."

Garius nodded. "I understand. Swift arrival demands Pekko, mana helicopters, or my youngest son's transport drone. But with strained relations to the Human Kingdom, and our monopoly on such transports, deployment risks drawing eyes and unveiling our forces."

Garius eyed Alf, rubbing his chin, his right eye shimmering softly.

"Currently, we must bar them from our lands. With Armand's northern border sealed and all of Arjam's, they'll probably head..." Garius halted, gazing at the holographic map.

"Via the Beastkin Nation, infiltrating our eastern frontier. As safeguard, notify every Border Guard and Forest Patrol to block any stealthy entry. Our fresh magical detection arrays will spot illicit magic traces or hidden auras. Furthermore, all border crossers face thorough checks and logging, particularly outsiders from Beastkin, Demon, or Elven realms."

Alf nodded. "I'll notify Border Guards, Pekko Forest Patrols, and Pekko Patrol Units at once."

"Mm... Brief Hesbeirn and Gilmon too, placing Arjam troops, guards, and staff on maximum alert for any threat."

Garius grinned slyly. "Though we all recognize my youngest son's knights, mana cannons, anti-air mana guns, and detection setups lining the full border wall, every settlement, hamlet, and key outpost... Even his mana satellite and Sky Eyes warning network..." Garius chuckled. "Overconfidence against foes spells doom."

He looked toward Francesca, who elegantly raised her palm to veil her cunning smile. "I recognize my son's tech outstrips our rivals', yet blind faith or overreliance invites peril. Complacency weakens even ironclad barriers."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Alf concurred. "This foe surpasses mere Human Kingdom rabble or ragtag groups—they're sly, potent, backed by unknown forces."

Garius nodded, returning his gaze to the holographic map. "Mm... Traversing this pass by horse, veering northeast to Beastkin lines, then this path post-clearance—they'd hit Armand's east in..." Garius rubbed his chin. "Ten to twelve days. Ample time remains. False guises won't fool us; their distinct mana signatures, born of their homeland's essence, betray them."

He flipped pages to the satellite shot, chuckling. "Should wyverns skip it all for direct border runs... they'll burst airborne."

Alf emitted a quiet laugh. "Precisely, Your Majesty. Air defenses trigger first. Mana missiles auto-lock and launch on entry. Battle drones scramble to down them pre-airspace violation."

"Mm... Blocked from approach, they'll scout visually from distance." Garius shook his head. "Utter failure awaits."

"You know, Alf?" Garius smirked.

"Yes, Your Majesty?" Alf leaned in, face lit with mirth, anticipating Garius's words.

"I wondered at Javier positioning mana cannons and anti-air guns beyond sight, mandating his 'knights' patrol ramparts with Armand troops." Garius paused, grin broadening. "Likely extra caution, concealing our arsenal's might. He plans steps ahead, guarding our edges."

( End Of Chapter )