Reborn As Noble Chapter 1282: A Small Crowd of Curious Elves ( 1282 )

She shot a look towards Gloria. "Ah... Gloria~"

Gloria executed a perfect curtsy, uttering the traditional elven salutation. "May the Eternal Grace of the Stars bless you, Your Majesty."

"My my~ such proper deference." A smile touched Viessa’s lips as she redirected her attention to Liana. "Your cousin certainly knows how to greet royalty."

Liana released a breath laced with weariness. "Mother, I must beg your pardon, but my focus must remain on the mission. We haven’t the time for..."

"No." Viessa’s expression turned grave for a moment before melting into a sweet smile. "I am sure your youngest sister, Lyzia, is also eager to meet you~" Her gaze drifted back to Gloria.

"And Gloria, your mother is present as well. Genevieve has been inquiring about you. Surely you wouldn’t depart without bidding her hello, would you?"

Viessa turned, casting a glance over her shoulder, her fan closing with a neat snap in her hand. "Do not concern yourself with it. I suspect by now, your youngest sister has already reached out to her future brother-in-law~"

Liana let out another long, drawn-out sigh.

"Very well... but I shall not linger."

Viessa began to move with graceful steps, Liana and Gloria following in her wake.

"At the very least, stay for breakfast and share a few moments with your sisters. It has been years since you last graced the Elven Nation with your presence, not since your sister Azariah’s wedding. While I understand the mission's importance, family holds significance too, does it not?" Viessa looked back, her smile gentle. "Besides, I have no doubt the mission will proceed without a hitch with my future son-in-law handling it solo. He appears more than capable, don’t you agree?"

Liana folded her arms, her steps casual, her gaze directed sideways with a slightly pouting expression. "Nevertheless, I will not permit my Young Master to shoulder the entire burden alone."

Viessa merely offered a smile, continuing her elegant progression toward the dining hall.

Meanwhile.

The Northern Border of the Elven Realm.

Nanrion Town.

The inhabitants of the town, going about their day, cast glances toward the central fountain. There, a colossal orange pekko was at rest, and beside it, a human lay sprawled on the ground, emitting loud snores. His attire was tattered and patched, dirt-stained and frayed at the edges. His hair was disheveled, and his face was obscured by a worn hood.

"What business does a human have in this place?"

"No clue..."

"Where are the city guards? Why aren’t they addressing his presence?"

"Who can say? The guards simply walk past him."

"I believe he’s been here for two days now, has he not?"

"Indeed. Some claim he arrived with that creature and has remained since. Others suggest he hails from Armand."

"From Armand? A mere beggar? Astonishing... it’s the first I’ve heard of Armand having individuals of such circumstance."

"Aye... but according to a friend who serves as a guard, his designation is Jee. So, one might refer to him as Beggar Jee, or some such title."

"Ah... so he solicits alms?"

"Hmm... I cannot ascertain. However, I have never observed him presenting any receptacle for coin collection. No bowl, no cup, nothing."

Another elf joined the hushed conversation, his eyes settling on the still-slumbering human. "However, this human poses no disturbance, correct?"

"Precisely, all he does is acquire sustenance and partake in meals alongside that enormous... er... pekko, is that not so?"

"Yes, a pekko. That certainly implies this supposed beggar is genuinely from Armand."

"Yet, does this not strike you as peculiar?"

"Peculiar? In what manner?"

"You understand, he possesses that pekko. Should he elect to sell it, acquiring twenty gold coins would be a simple matter."

A fellow elf emitted a chuckle, shaking his head. "Nay~ I do not believe any individual from Armand would part with a pekko. Furthermore, I have visited Armand myself; pekko are ubiquitous there. They are, in essence, an integral part of their cultural fabric."

"Indeed, as have I. Even with pekko freely roaming, their settlements remain remarkably immaculate."

"Truly?"

"Affirmative. Moreover, perhaps that Pekko is genuinely his companion. I have heard from the people of Armand, particularly those who drive the Armand Pekko carriages, that befriending a Pekko is a challenging endeavor. However, once a bond is formed, the Pekko exhibits unwavering loyalty to that individual for the remainder of its life."

The first elf glanced at the one who had proposed selling the pekko, a teasing smirk playing on his lips. "What sort of heartless individual would auction off a companion? Such an act is utterly cruel. Pekko are not mere monstrous avians; they are devoted companions. One would be considered quite peculiar to even contemplate selling one."

The other elf nudged his friend. "Look... the human is rousing."

The assembled group of elves, who had congregated for idle gossip, now directed their full attention towards the fountain, their gazes fixed with keen interest upon the awakening human.

Javier stretched his limbs upwards, a prolonged, languid yawn escaping him. He rubbed his eyes before gently patting the orange pekko’s wing, murmuring a few soft words to it.

"Observe... he is stretching."

"Yes... and he yawned as well."

They watched intently as he continued his affectionate ministrations to the pekko, whispering words that elicited a soft, rumbling squawk from the bird.

"I do wonder what sentiments that human is conveying to his pekko."

"Yes... I too wish to know."

More elves joined the onlookers, their numbers swelling into a small crowd that observed the unfolding scene with keen interest.

"Ah... look, he's touching his ear and muttering something."

"Is the fellow unhinged?"

"M... maybe... but he doesn't seem dangerous, does he?"

"No, I don't believe so. The guards are just casually disregarding him."

"Yeah... besides, Armand has equipped our soldiers with new gear, like these detectors and such. So I doubt this human poses any real threat to us."

"Hey, don't fret. If anyone from Armand causes trouble, we simply lodge a complaint with the guards, and they'll contact Armand. Armand is quite strict about disciplining any of their citizens who cause disturbances or endanger others."

Another elf nudged his companion. "Look. He's starting to talk to himself again."

Javier sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck, his lips moving as he murmured softly. The enormous orange pekko by his side tilted its head, regarding him with curious eyes.

"Perhaps that's the reason he's a beggar from Armand," one elf mused thoughtfully. "We all know Armand never has homeless individuals, let alone beggars. Their government consistently aids those in need. Maybe this individual just... doesn't fit the mold."

"True. But perhaps because he talks to himself, they couldn't assist him," another elf chimed in.

"Yeah... or maybe he's simply someone free-spirited and carefree, relishing his life by doing peculiar things like this, traveling the world. There's absolutely nothing wrong with that."

"Mm... I suppose there's nothing to be concerned about."

"Hey... he's getting to his feet now."

"And whoa... that pekko is absolutely massive!"

A different elf let out a chuckle. "I'm off now. The breakfast special at Miss Squina's won't wait!"

"Ah, right! The special breakfast prepared by that beautiful woman~"

"Mm~ Despite being 500 years old, she's incredibly cute."

Another elf began to sprint. "I'm first!"

"No way!"

The group rapidly dispersed, leaving Javier alone once more as they hurried towards the popular elven breakfast establishment.