Reborn As Noble Chapter 1283: Sharp Kick and a Sprawling Body ( 1283 )

Javier stretched, extending his arms high above him before releasing a prolonged yawn. He patted his midsection following the movement, sensing the familiar pangs of hunger.

His gaze lifted towards his pekko.

"Buddy..."

"Cuquawked?" Buddy responded with a soft squawk, inclining his head.

"Are you hungry?"

"Cuquawked!!" Buddy's eyes abruptly brightened, his tail feathers perking up with evident anticipation.

"But because we're on a mission, we can't exactly grill meat or feast like the wealthy, you understand..." Javier scratched the back of his head with a sheepish expression, glancing anew at his feathered companion. "We need to keep a low profile."

"Cuquawkeddd~" Buddy's vocalization dipped in dejection, his head lowering as a faint, pitiable sound escaped him.

"Just endure it for a few more days." Javier gently patted Buddy's form, a sheepish grin gracing his features. "I give you my word, I'll cook you the most exquisite wyvern steak once this task is concluded, alright?"

Buddy looked down at him, his eyes narrowing with a suspicious sideways glance before emitting a reluctant squawk.

"For the moment, we'll eat whatever sustenance we can find throughout the day." Javier offered a reassuring pat. "Don't fret, we shall indulge in more delectable fare once nightfall descends and the town square empties."

"Cuquawked!!" Buddy's spirits were visibly lifted, his feathers ruffling in apparent approval.

"Our immediate objective is to locate a small stream. I need to refresh my face." Javier surveyed the surrounding town square, his vision slightly narrowed against the nascent morning light. "Hmm... I wonder where a stream or perhaps a well might be situated in this vicinity."

"Cuquawked?" Buddy tilted his head, his eyes diligently scanning the environs as if in search of something specific.

"Oh? You know the stream's location?"

"Cuquawked!" Buddy affirmed with an eager nod, puffing out his chest with undeniable pride.

"Excellent then." Javier grinned, springing up and mounting Buddy's back in a single, fluid motion. "Alright, proceed at a gentle pace. Refrain from running and attracting unwanted attention. Should they lodge a complaint with Father, we'll both face significant repercussions. You certainly wouldn't wish for Father to be displeased with you, would you~?"

"Cuquawked!" Buddy issued a dismissive squawk, shaking his head in apparent denial.

"Let's ride!"

"Cuquawked!" Buddy chirped with excitement and commenced his journey with an air of smug, unhurried dignity towards the stream. The elves observed with mild amusement as the young vagrant hummed a melody atop the auburn-colored pekko, the avian creature strutting with evident pride through the settlement.

Meanwhile.

Amazarak Fallen Nation.

Jaigar stood resolute in the heart of the devastated capital, supervising a contingent of Amazarak prisoners engaged in strenuous labor. His arms were crossed, his countenance exuding a cold, indifferent demeanor. One of the prisoners faltered, struggling under the immense weight of a heavy stone slab. Jaigar's eyes narrowed menacingly.

He advanced and delivered a vicious kick to the man's flank, sending him crashing onto the ground. "Move it, vermin! Do not presume I will show leniency merely because you appear feeble!"

Another prisoner dared to meet his gaze, a spark of defiance igniting within his eyes. Jaigar's hand shot out with startling speed, seizing the man by his collar and delivering a powerful punch directly to his face, precipitating his collapse onto the ground.

"What was that insolent stare, you wretched specimen? Did you entertain notions of challenging me? I am a valiant hero graced by the Goddess's favor! You are naught but dust beneath my boots. Remember your station."

He adjusted his cloak, his gaze sweeping over the other prisoners, who swiftly averted their eyes.

"Are there any other stout-hearted individuals eager to test my forbearance?"

Jaigar's icy gaze raked across the assembled prisoners, a cruel smirk contorting his lips. "You are fortunate indeed that I refrain from executing you on the spot. Your pathetic existence is preserved solely due to your utility. Therefore, offer your gratitude and continue to toil until you collapse."

He continued to fix a menacing glare upon the laborers until the sound of rapid footsteps approaching him captured his attention.

"Sir Jaigar!" The approaching soldier halted and offered a salute, his breathing slightly labored.

"What is it?" Jaigar glanced over his shoulder, his arms resuming their crossed posture.

"An army has been sighted approaching our westernmost border."

"Hmm? An army? Halflings, I presume?"

"Affirmative, Sir Jaigar. What course of action should be taken?"

"Hah? Why do you inquire of me?" Jaigar sneered, his tone saturated with disdain. "You are aware of the procedure. Load the ordinance and unleash a barrage. Dispatch instructions to our rifle brigade to engage and eliminate them. Leave no soul alive. This territory constitutes our stronghold, the veritable launchpad for our comprehensive invasion when the time is ripe. We shall not permit those wretched, low-class scoundrels to encroach upon our primary base."

He erupted into a dark, resonant laugh, placing both hands on his hips as he threw his head back.

"Those primitive beings stand no chance whatsoever against our formidable riflemen and artillery corps. Their pathetic weaponry is utterly outmatched by our advanced firepower."

Jaigar let loose another dark, booming laugh, his eyes alight with wicked exhilaration. "I yearn to hear their desperate cries! I long to witness the sheer terror reflected in their gazes as the realization dawns that they face an unknown, formidable power! The ensuing panic, the palpable fear, the utter desperation! It shall be a truly magnificent spectacle!"

Glancing at his subordinate, a wider smirk stretched across his face. "Tell the lead captain to shoot to kill... ah, wait~ Only eliminate those who resist. Take alive the ones who surrender. We can utilize some free labor! But anyone wounded and unable to work, put them down."

He paused, his gaze sharpening with a wicked glint. "And if there are any halfling girls among their ranks, seize them and deliver them to me~ I am sure they will provide... amusement."

"Yes, Sir!" The subordinate snapped a salute before turning, hurrying to his horse. He mounted swiftly and galloped away.

Jaigar grinned, folding his arms as he observed the Amazarak captives. They were now toiling under the sun, constructing buildings, fences, and a formidable battlement wall in the distance. Forced labor was their fate, straining against ropes and heaving heavy stones, all under the sharp eyes of armed guards, their bodies slick with sweat.

"Heh~"

Once these tasks are complete, my exquisite goddess Rafazelia will surely commend my efforts.

And I will have another opportunity with her.

Ah~ the sensation of being enfolded in her divine embrace, her smooth skin against mine, her soft words of praise in my ear... nothing in this world can match it. Her beauty surpasses mortal understanding. Each moment spent with her feels like an elevation to a higher plane of existence.

Jaigar wet his lips, his eyes becoming distant with fervent desire.

Well... I eagerly anticipate discovering if any fetching halfling maidens are among the new captives later. The Amazarak girls have started to bore me. Their shrieks no longer amuse me, their whimpers sound identical to all the others, and their pleading gazes fail to stir me anymore. I require novel entertainment.

The sound of rapid footsteps approaching abruptly broke his reverie.

"Sir Jaigar!"

Ugh! What is it with everyone today? Can't I have a single day of peace!?

He turned his head, a vexed frown creasing his brow as a soldier rushed towards him.

"What is it!?"