Reborn As Noble Chapter 1254: A Smile with a Sharp Edge ( 1254 )

Vane shook his head, observing how readily everyone embraced the strategy Julius had presented.

Julius, sensing Vane’s unease, folded his arms and fixed his gaze upon him.

"Is something amiss, Vane? You’ve seemed rather agitated throughout this entire discussion."

"No..." Vane took a deep breath, striving for composure. "However, the Supreme Goddess herself cautioned against recklessness. She advised that we gather further intelligence on Armand and this individual Garius before proceeding. Lacking comprehensive details, we risk exposing ourselves to gratuitous peril."

"Oh?" Julius’s smile remained serene, yet a sharp undertone laced his words. "So, you are now invoking the Supreme Goddess’s name to challenge my strategic approach?"

Angrar, who had been lounging casually in his chair with his hands clasped behind his head, cast a mocking grin toward Vane. "If you harbor such a strong concern for minutiae and intelligence, why don't you venture there yourself? I have no doubt your carefully selected team would be most eager to accompany you on such a critical endeavor."

"Indeed~ I believe Angrar’s suggestion holds merit. How about it, Vane?" Julius smirked. "Why don’t you assemble your chosen 'elite' and undertake the task of gathering intelligence firsthand?"

"Wh... what?" Vane’s eyes widened in evident surprise.

"What’s with that astounded expression?" Angrar smirked darkly. "Julius’s proposal is quite logical. I’m certain you are far better equipped for this particular assignment. Furthermore, during your intelligence-gathering excursion, perhaps you might uncover what transpired with the agents and hired assassins we dispatched to investigate Armand."

"Precisely." Julius nodded, his expression unchanged. "You will have a period of two months to procure this intelligence and present your findings to us. I trust this timeframe is acceptable, Vane? After all, you were the one most vocal about the necessity of acquiring more information."

"B... but..."

Julius’s gaze sharpened as he looked at Vane, his eyes narrowing slightly. "What is it? Do I dare assume you are retracting your stance after such fervent insistence on needing more data?"

"Two months is insufficient for the proper collection of intelligence, and you are well aware of this fact." Vane’s eyes briefly met Angrar’s before returning to Julius. "Intelligence gathering is a time-consuming process, especially considering the vast distance to Armand. Coupled with the impending civil strife within the Human Kingdom, the travel routes will undoubtedly be perilous. Reconnaissance, infiltration, and a subsequent report within such a narrow window is, frankly, unrealistic."

Julius’s countenance shifted, settling into a placid, innocent smile, yet his imposing presence grew palpably heavy.

"Hmph. You were the one incessantly emphasizing the need for supplementary information. You repeatedly urged for intelligence gathering, meticulous planning, and avoidance of hasty actions. And yet, upon being entrusted with the very responsibility you championed, you resort to fabricating excuses and challenging the established plan?"

He paused, his smile unwavering, though his eyes radiated a frigid intensity.

"And still, you presume to question the judgment of your appointed leader? Hmm?"

"N... no..." Vane shuddered, his gaze falling towards the table as the others studiously avoided his eye.

Julius’s innate aura surged, pressing down upon the chamber like an intangible burden. His voice was resolute and measured, carrying the unimpeachable authority vested in his position.

"As the designated leader for this mission, personally appointed by the Supreme Goddess, I am issuing you a direct command. You shall assemble your select team and proceed to gather intelligence concerning Armand. I shall extend your allotted time to three months. Should no communication or report be received from you by that juncture, I shall proceed with the execution of my established strategy, with or without your acquired intelligence."

Julius resumed his seat, crossing his arms, his sharp glare fixed intently on Vane.

"Now, depart. Your presence is no longer required at this assembly. Concentrate on your assigned objective and commence your mission effective immediately."

Vane rose and offered Julius a stiff, formal bow before stepping back. He then turned and made his way towards the primary exit.

Having exited the chamber, Vane clenched his jaw, his knuckles whitening as his fists balled tightly.

That utterly foolish, incompetent, deplorable scoundrel.

He carries himself as if he stands superior to all, as if he is beyond reproach.

Merely because his strength surpasses ours, his abilities are beyond our comprehension...

And now he presumes to issue orders to me as if I were a mere subordinate.

He halted abruptly and slammed his fist into the wall, his eyes contorting with pure fury.

Why in the blazes was I summoned to convene with such a reprehensible individual?!

Ever since acquiring augmented power, receiving unparalleled blessings and skills, and subsequently becoming the Supreme Goddess’s favored companion, her personal chosen partner, he has adopted an air of absolute ownership.

Consequently, he acts according to his whims, disregarding all plans, strategies, and warnings.

Damn it! I was the one designated as the strategist! The Supreme Goddess herself decreed that I should orchestrate the invasion, coordinate the various teams, and make the critical tactical decisions. Yet, he dismisses me as if I were insignificant.

He continued his egress, his steps heavy with the weight of his incandescent rage.

And now, I am compelled to execute a mission that bears no conceivable relation to the mandate entrusted to me by the Supreme Goddess herself.

The guards stationed nearby cast respectful bows as Vane made his way past them.

"Sir Vane."

Vane paused, casting a look at them. He compelled himself to maintain composure, though a simmering rage brewed within.

"Relay my message to my team: convene in the courtyard. Also, procure the finest steeds for our use and inform the ship to make ready for our voyage to Amazarak."

"As you command, Sir Vane."

With a slow exhale, Vane watched the two royal guards depart swiftly to execute his directives.

Very well... you have emerged victorious this time, Julius.

However, I shall procure intelligence while there. My objective is to uncover all details regarding the divine armaments of the fallen Human Kingdom heroes.

Perhaps a path exists to enhance my own weapon, or to acquire skills from those seven lost artifacts. Securing even a single one of these weapons could grant me the crucial advantage I require.

He proceeded towards his chambers, entered, secured a pouch of gold coins, and then exited, navigating the corridor towards the main entrance that opened into the courtyard.

The transit across the sea to the opposing continent is estimated to take approximately seven days. Hmm.

I ought to secure provisions for emergencies. Even with the royal vessel equipped with sustenance, the unpredictability of sea voyages is a factor.

Upon reaching Amazarak, my immediate action will be to obtain a map of the continent, identifying secure routes en route to Armand.

One can only hope the civil unrest has not yet erupted.

It would be prudent to instruct my team to adopt the guise of an adventuring party. We will traverse from one settlement to another, frequenting adventurer guilds, and meticulously gathering any obtainable information.

This includes the whereabouts of the fallen heroes' weaponry.

( End Of Chapter )