Reborn As Noble Chapter 1274: A Leather Map on the Table ( 1274 )

He cast another look at Gorak. "So, don't squander my time. State your purpose."

Gorak offered a smile before gesturing towards the nearby waitress. "Umm... Pardon me, one ale for myself and another for this gentleman."

"Certainly. Coming right up, sir."

The man in armor carefully set aside his book, closed it, and directed his full attention toward Gorak. "I'm only doing this as a courtesy to the merchant. Since he arranged this meeting for a single individual, I expected no companions would be joining at this table. If they do, I will depart this area and continue my travels."

He settled back into his chair, arms crossed. "I'm certain the merchant already conveyed the terms of our negotiation. I do not work without compensation, nor do I tolerate disrespect. Payment is contingent upon the value of the intelligence provided."

Gorak gave a nod before signaling Valcrea to return to their own table. She shot him an annoyed glare but complied, retreating with visible irritation.

With her departure observed, the armored individual refocused his gaze on Gorak.

"So, tell me, sir. What sort of intelligence are you seeking? Monster classifications? Unconventional beasts? Undisclosed locales? Scarce artifacts? Or perhaps... details concerning specific individuals? Or something else entirely?"

Gorak reached for the ale the waitress had just delivered to the table, taking a slow, deliberate sip before meeting the armored man's eyes.

"Are you confident you can address my inquiries or furnish the information I require?"

"Perhaps. Perhaps not. That hinges on the nature of the intelligence you seek."

Gorak nodded, his gaze fixed on the helmet of the man opposite him. "Will you pledge that if I request information you may or may not possess, you will uphold your promise not to divulge it to any other party?"

The armored individual released a prolonged breath, his voice maintaining a calm, even tone.

"I am not one to disseminate the confidences of those who seek my expertise. The knowledge I impart is based on my understanding, and I have no vested interest in your identity or your intentions for it. Have you ever heard me inquire about your name? No. Because it is unnecessary to me. I will be unable to inform anyone about you, as I do not even know who you are. And unless you choose to reveal your name, that will remain the case. As far as I am concerned, you are merely another traveler in search of information."

"Excellent... excellent." Gorak let out a smirk, his expression softening somewhat. "I appreciate your commitment to confidentiality."

"Mm... now, let us dispense with pleasantries. My time is of the essence. It holds greater worth to me than any gold or treasure."

Gorak smiled, leaning forward and adopting a low, serious tone.

"Do you possess any intelligence regarding Armand?"

The armored man shook his head before retrieving a small, leather-bound map of the continent and unfurling it upon the table.

"You're requesting a general overview? Seriously? That’s akin to asking if water is wet. It's common knowledge."

"Ah... well..." Gorak hesitated, his demeanor becoming guarded. "I am unfamiliar with the region, and I cannot reveal the reason for my inquiry."

"Mm... you are indeed an odd one." The armored man pointed to the map. "The Armand region is located here. Proceeding north from our current position in the Dwarven Nation, you will encounter the Beastkin Nation." He traced a path eastward, crossing through Beastkin territory. "East of the Beastkin lands lies the Armand region. Is that the extent of your query?"

"Ah... actually, I was hoping for a bit more detail... you understand."

The armored man sighed softly. "Then articulate what you wish to know."

"Do you have any further information concerning Armand? Perhaps a secure route for travel, or current conditions within the region?"

The armored man took a leisurely sip of his drink before exhaling. "Get to the point. If you require intelligence on their military or personnel, I regret to inform you that such information is beyond my scope. It does not align with my interests. I do not monitor military movements or political developments."

"Then could you inform me..." Gorak leaned closer, his voice descending into a discreet whisper. "...of a safe passage? We are tasked with escorting a significant individual from the Halfling Kingdom to Armand, seeking sanctuary. I need to ascertain the most secure route."

The armored man gestured to the map once more. "Mm... Given the current strictness at the Beastkin-Dwarven border, rumors suggest enhanced security measures are in place due to recent incidents. I doubt your contingent will be able to traverse through Beastkin territory to reach Armand. Furthermore, based on my experience, the route from the Human Nation to Armand is now obstructed. Armand has fortified its border on that side."

He then indicated the Elven-Amazarak border. "Therefore, the sole remaining passage, and the least restrictive, is through the Elven Nation."

"Ah... but are the elves not... you know..." Gorak inquired in a low voice, his tone laced with caution.

"Mm... yes. They maintain a reclusive existence and harbor significant distrust towards outsiders." The man in armor affirmed with a nod. "However, a method exists to gain passage. A guide is essential for this purpose. Without one, your journey will be restricted to the Elven border town. With a guide, however, you can bypass the second border, proceed directly into Beastkin territory, and then make your way towards the Armand region. This particular individual is the sole guide capable of assisting you."

"Oh... in that case, how can we arrange a meeting with this guide? Where might I find him? Would you be able to facilitate such an arrangement for us?" Gorak inquired, his voice laced with palpable eagerness.

"Hmm..." The armored individual stroked his chin in contemplation. "I cannot guarantee my ability to arrange such a meeting. Nevertheless, he can typically be found within the Elven border town, either near the main gate or in the vicinity."

Gorak leaned forward, his tone becoming increasingly insistent.

"Even if we manage to reach the Elven border, who can say whether the border guards will grant us entry? Might you offer assistance with that particular aspect?"

"That is a valid concern. However, there is a way. For this additional information, my fee will increase. Do we have an agreement?"

"Very well. Please, enlighten me."

The man in armor reached for his flask, replenishing his cup with liquor before taking a deep draught. He then gestured towards the Halfling Nation depicted on the map. "Pray tell, from which specific area within the Halfling Kingdom are you escorting this noted figure?"

"Ah... that segment of our journey is already secured. We are confident in our ability to reach Amazarak without incident. What we require now is unimpeded passage to Armand and a viable means to circumvent the Elven border."

"Mm... understood." The armored man slowly inclined his head. "Upon reaching their border, you will inevitably be halted at the gate. Their fortifications and walls form an unbroken span, leaving you no alternative but to stop. When the guards pose their inquiries, simply state that you seek an audience with a specific individual."

Gorak's eyes suddenly brightened with understanding. "So... who is this enigmatic person?"

"Ah... this individual is known by the moniker Beggar Jee. He frequents the interior of the border town, often seen begging along the thoroughfares. Furthermore, he is perpetually accompanied by a large, strikingly orange monster bird that remains close by him."

"Oh... Beggar Jee, is it."

( End Of Chapter )