Reborn As Noble Chapter 1272: Full Armor and a Hidden Face ( 1272 )

"So, Leader?" Falce inquired, her gaze fixed on Gorak after she had finished her meal.

"Hmm? Yes?" Gorak responded, looking up from his drink.

"This individual you intend to meet... how did this arrangement come about? Where did you learn of him? And who facilitated this meeting?"

"Ah, regarding that..." Gorak displayed a smile. "A few days prior, while traversing the last town, I encountered a merchant. Our conversation led to me mentioning my search for information on certain... sensitive matters. It was then that the merchant spoke of an individual possessing knowledge on nearly anything."

"Wow... is that truly so?"

"Indeed." Gorak smirked. "The merchant conveyed that this person has been a solitary wanderer for an extensive period, journeying from village to town, undertaking various quests, and dedicating much of his time to reading and gathering information. He is consistently observed with a book or scroll in hand, recognized for his extensive knowledge and his commitment to discretion."

"Hmm?" Valcrea tilted her head. "This individual... is he an adventurer?"

"Ah, that is an interesting point..." Gorak chuckled. "The merchant indicated that while he engages in activities typical of adventurers, he has never been formally affiliated with any adventurer’s guild. He operates entirely independently."

Noji let out a snort. "Heh... the regulations for adventurers on this continent are quite peculiar."

"Agreed." Gorak chuckled once more. "From what the merchant shared, this individual always dons full armor and has, to this day, never revealed his face. No one has ever beheld his true appearance, yet the information he provides is invariably accurate and dependable. Should he lack knowledge on a subject, he will candidly admit his ignorance."

Gorak's smirk adopted a slightly arrogant edge. "Furthermore, he does not probe into the identities of those seeking information, so long as the requester honors their agreement or accepts the terms of negotiation, he readily imparts his knowledge."

Valcrea surveyed her surroundings briefly before refocusing her gaze upon Gorak.

"So, Leader, where is this person you are scheduled to meet?"

Noji scoffed, her expression betraying impatience. "Indeed. How dare this individual keep our Leader waiting! Who does he presume himself to be, hmm?"

Falce directed a glance at both of them, her tone laced with contemplation. "Mm... but Leader mentioned this person never shows his face and is always in full armor. How can you two be certain this individual is a man?"

Both Gorak and Noji were poised to retort when Gorak offered a gentle smile and a shake of his head.

"Falce... the merchant did specify that this person is a man. Moreover, women generally do not undertake extended solo wandering journeys. It is typically a man who possesses the requisite endurance and sheer stubbornness to travel alone for years without establishing roots."

"Oh..." Falce nodded, then cast another look around the establishment.

The other girl, Zume, remained silent, her countenance dark and her irritation palpable. "Ugh! I will personally ensure this individual meets his end if he dares to keep us, the chosen ones, waiting."

Noji chuckled, then turned her attention back to Gorak, resting her chin in her palm. "Leader?"

"Yes, Noji?"

"Is this individual human? Or perhaps one of the lesser races?"

"Heh... who can say for certain... but..." Gorak paused, his characteristic smirk returning. "You are all aware that only humans exhibit a true thirst for knowledge. The other races seem content with their simpler existences. And the merchant did confirm this individual is human. However, his region of origin remains unknown."

They continued their vigil, ordering another round of drinks as the minutes stretched into an agonizing delay.

Valcrea finally lost her composure, her jaw clenching tightly. "I will put this individual to death later. How dare a common human from this continent impose a wait upon our esteemed Leader, the venerable hero! Who does he think he is?"

"Yes!" Noji hissed in furious agreement. "I too wish to eliminate this person the moment he graces us with his presence!"

Gorak maintained his composure, raising a hand to quell their rising anger. "Calm yourselves. Do not dispatch him before we have secured the essential information. Exercise a modicum of patience. I am confident he will arrive shortly."

He took a slow draught of his ale before continuing. "We shall wait for a few more minutes. However, should this individual arrive any later, we shall eliminate him after he has imparted the necessary information and depart with our gold."

"Agreed." Valcrea smirked darkly. "I shall slit his throat and forcibly open that helmet to reveal his face. If his visage is unappealing, I shall bestow upon his corpse the indignity of a final spit."

Zume narrowed her eyes, her voice dropping to a chilling, possessive tone. "No... the final blow will be mine. I wish to witness the light extinguish from his eyes as he realizes the magnitude of his transgression in keeping us waiting."

Gorak merely smiled, his tone calm yet resolute. "Very well, very well. However, until we have obtained the crucial details, ensure your blades remain sheathed. Once we have acquired what we seek... then you are free to enact your desires."

Just as they were about to voice further sentiments, they abruptly paused, their attention drawn outward as they observed every dwarf within the tavern, irrespective of their state of sobriety, turning their collective gaze towards the main entrance.

A figure entered, clad in gleaming full plate silver armor, a crimson-striped cape billowing dramatically behind him. A feathered plume crowned his complete helm, obscuring his face. In one hand, he held a book, engrossed in its pages as he walked, utterly lost in its narrative.

Noji clenched her jaw, her hand instinctively hovering near her weapon.

Valcrea's sharp gaze fixated on the armored individual, a palpable hostility barely contained within her stare.

Zume seethed, her face a mask of dark fury, yet she fought to maintain composure, her knuckles white as she gripped the table's edge.

Falce merely cast a brief look at the silver-clad warrior, her expression a mixture of intrigue and apprehension.

Across the room, Gorak, arms folded and leaning back in his chair, observed the approaching figure with an air of cool amusement, a subtle smirk gracing his lips.

Anticipation hung heavy in the air, but the waiting guests fell silent as the silver-armored man proceeded to a different table, his attention still riveted to the book he was reading.

A dwarven maiden approached his table, her voice bright and laced with respect. "Good evening, sir. What can I fetch for ye?"

The silver-armored individual looked up from his tome and gave a slight nod. "Bring me your finest dwarven liquor." He drew a purse, placing two silver coins upon the table. "And a portion of roasted meat to accompany it, if you please."

The dwarven maiden's eyes widened with delight, a broad smile illuminating her face as she accepted the coins with a deep, respectful bow. "Right away, sir!"

Gorak tilted his head, his gaze scrutinizing the silver-armored man from his vantage point across the establishment.

Hmm... wasn't that supposed to be the person I'm meeting?

Or perhaps... have I mistaken the individual?

But the merchant was quite clear: full plate silver armor, a red-striped cape, and a full-face helm topped with a feathered crest. The description is an exact match.

Curious...

Should I approach him directly?

Yet, what if I am indeed mistaken?

His musings were cut short by Noji's voice calling out to him.

"Leader? Leader?"

"Hmm? Yes, Noji?" Gorak turned his attention to her, his expression thoughtful.

"Is that the individual you were meant to meet? But why isn't he approaching our table?"