Reborn As Noble Chapter 1271: A Broker of Information ( 1271 )

With a fierce grip on Hanarak’s hair, Javier yanked his head back, his own golden knight’s face drawing near. His eyes burned with a menacing red glow.

"You are fortunate that my father’s orders were to bring you back alive."

His hold intensified, eliciting a flinch and a grimace of pain from Hanarak, his scalp searing under the vise-like grasp.

"If the choice were mine, you would endure suffering beyond your wildest imaginings. You would be driven to beg for death, yet I would deny you that solace. I would keep you breathing, solely to witness your spirit shatter, piece by agonizing piece."

A sneer twisted Javier’s lips as he slowly straightened, hauling Hanarak along by his hair, the latter stumbling in utter helplessness.

"There are countless torturous methods I could employ, techniques of which you haven't even conceived. Flaying, removing your skin layer by layer while you remain acutely aware. Crushing, systematically breaking every bone in your body without extinguishing your life. Pressing, piling immense weight upon your chest until your breaths become shallow gasps, only to remove it just before you asphyxiate, and then commence the cycle anew."

He paused, his voice descending into a chilling whisper.

"And these are merely the rudimentary techniques. I possess contrivances capable of making you experience every iota of agony for an eternity, without ever granting the release of death. Consider yourself fortunate to be delivered into my father’s hands."

Casting a downward glance, Javier released Hanarak’s hair, allowing him to crumple onto the ground, a trembling, broken form.

"You see, with the power of magic, I could mend your injuries, only to tear open your flesh once more, anoint the fresh wounds with salt and acid, and then magically heal them all over again. This cycle could repeat endlessly, preserving your consciousness and your agony, until you would supplicate me for the mercy of death."

He stopped, allowing the chilling finality of his words to fully resonate.

"Yet, you are fortunate. Armand possesses no inherent cruelty."

Javier moved behind Hanarak and delivered a firm shove with his foot into his back, propelling him forward.

"Now move! Or I shall drag you the remainder of the distance. And do not even contemplate escape, you insignificant wretch!"

Meanwhile.

In a remote locale within the Dwarven Nation.

A modest settlement.

Gorak and his company were seated at a secluded table within a boisterous tavern, the atmosphere heavy with the mingled scents of potent ale and grilled game. The establishment teemed with dwarves, their hearty laughter and the resonant clatter of their mugs contributing to a vibrant ambiance.

"Leader?"

"Hmm?" Gorak’s gaze shifted to the healer girl seated opposite him. "Yes, Falce?"

"What is our purpose here?" she inquired, her eyes scanning the room with a touch of apprehension, occasionally flicking towards the dwarves who cast curious glances their way.

"Hmm?" Gorak casually raised his tankard, took a deep draught of ale, then set it down before speaking in a hushed tone. "We are engaged in a mission, recall?"

Another young woman smirked, her attention drawn to Falce. "Did Leader not already brief us on the designated plan?"

Falce shifted uneasily, her gaze dropping to her plate before returning to Gorak. "B... but... every dwarf in this place is looking at us... you understand."

Gorak emitted a soft chuckle, shaking his head. "Well, as the sole humans present, such attention is to be expected. Much like our experiences in Amazarak previously. Therefore, you need not overanalyze the situation. Simply conduct yourselves as usual. Besides, it is commonplace for them to observe an 'adventurer party' such as ours."

A third woman within Gorak’s contingent offered a reassuring nod. "Indeed, Falce. Just be your natural self. Do not dwell on it excessively."

"Um... very well." Falce murmured softly before reaching for her meal.

The other woman leaned in, whispering conspiratorially towards Gorak. "Pardon me, Leader. Might I pose a question?"

"Yes? What is it, Valcrea?"

"What precisely are we doing here? Were we not scheduled to proceed to the Human Kingdom?"

"Ah~ No... I am merely awaiting the arrival of a specific individual."

Noji, another member of their group, looked up, her voice low and steady. "Is this individual of significant importance?"

"Yes," Gorak replied with a smile. "Given our objective to amass further intelligence for the others to strategize their subsequent actions, I am anticipating the arrival of someone possessing the information we require."

Valcrea leaned closer, her hand resting delicately upon the table as she spoke in a low tone. "Can we place our trust in this informant?"

Noji nodded, her expression grave. "Indeed, Leader. What if this source intends to defraud us of our currency or furnish us with deceptive intelligence?"

"Ah~ I appreciate your concern, ladies," Gorak expressed with a warm smile, valuing their solicitude. "However, according to local accounts, this source is reputed to possess extensive knowledge. Furthermore, no payment has been exchanged thus far. I intended to ascertain the nature of the information they could provide before entering into any agreements."

"Oh... so this provider of information functions as... a sort of intermediary?" Noji inquired, tilting her head slightly.

"Mmm... one might describe it as such. From what I have gathered, one can inquire about virtually any matter, and they will furnish the necessary details. Remuneration is stipulated by their terms, or a mutually agreed-upon arrangement can be negotiated."

Falce released a sigh of relief, her shoulders visibly relaxing. "That is reassuring to know. I was apprehensive that we might be walking into a deliberate snare."

"Mm... indeed. So you can all relax and savor the meal. Cease worrying yourselves over trivial matters."

He shifted back in his seat, interlacing his arms with a conceited grin.

"Furthermore, should this contact attempt any treachery... you are all aware of the necessary actions, are you not?"

A collective smirk spread across the faces of the assembled women.

"Affirmative." Valcrea's grin sharpened into something menacing as she declared in a hushed tone, "We possess the ability to eliminate them. After all, on this entire continent, no one can rival our mastery of magic and might."

"Precisely." Noji lifted her tankard of ale, indulged in a lengthy draught, and expelled a sigh of pure contentment. "Much like those Halfling soldier detachments we encountered previously."

Another individual, who had remained silent until now, softly articulated her words, a chilling undertone weaving through her voice. "Mm... I relished the sound of their cries... observed the swiftness with which those soldiers perished... dozens of them, extinguished in mere moments."

"Indeed." Gorak emitted a low chuckle. "If we so chose, we could annihilate this entire establishment within seconds." He leaned forward, his gaze narrowing beneath a dark, knowing smirk. "However, that is not permissible... at present. Our objective is the acquisition of intelligence, any and all information we can procure."

"As you command, Leader. We shall comply," Falce responded with a smile.

Valcrea reclined in her chair, a languid, sardonic grin gracing her features. "Pitiful wretches. Had they not obstructed our party, they might still be indulging in life's pleasures, swilling ale and squandering their days."

"How dare those deplorably low-life degenerates attempt to impede us, the divinely chosen?" Noji scoffed with a sinister amusement, her eyes blazing with overt arrogance.

Valcrea's smirk widened, and she leaned forward conspiratorially. "It is the truth. We stand at the apex of all highest beings." She surveyed the tavern with an expression of profound distaste. "Even sharing this space with these dwarves causes my very skin to prickle. Given any alternative, I would shun this foul establishment, enveloped by their reek and uncouth bearing."

"Alas..." Gorak offered a smile, his tone placid yet resolute. "I comprehend your sentiments entirely. Believe me, my feelings mirror yours. Nevertheless, we are bound by a mission that demands our focus. When the opportune moment arrives, we shall freely indulge and unleash our full capabilities. For the time being, we shall maintain the facade of humble adventurers and diligently gather the intelligence we require."