Reborn As Noble Chapter 1294: Three Months to Infiltrate ( 1294 )

Vane, maintaining his casual posture with arms crossed upon the throne, adjusted his spectacles and cast his gaze down upon Jaigar and Gorak.

"Jaigar. Gorak."

"Y... yes, Sir Vane."

"You two are to undertake a joint mission. I require you to ascertain if the intelligence furnished by that individual in silver armor has been compromised. Journey to the border town of the Elves and seek out this 'Beggar Jee.' Should you succeed in locating him, confirm the validity of the information we received and ensure that Gorak's recent actions have not alerted him.

A brief silence followed, his tone sharpening.

"If the silver-armored man has not yet warned 'Beggar Jee,' then you will proceed with the original strategy, ensuring your infiltration of Armand occurs without arousing suspicion. Should the information be compromised, you will report back to me without delay. Do not act independently. Do not proceed without my express approval."

He met the gaze of both men, his eyes conveying a chilling, unwavering resolve.

"Your focus must remain on the mission. Personal grievances, conceit, or avarice must not impede your judgment. Should you falter this time, my leniency will not extend. Is that understood?"

Gorak and Jaigar straightened, nodding in unison. "Understood, Sir Vane."

Vane produced a small wooden case, placing it upon the table before opening it to reveal carefully arranged documents and a pouch shimmering with gold coins.

"Within this case are your travel permits and identification papers, purportedly certifying you as merchants from the Human Kingdom, along with a considerable sum of gold for your expedition. Our operatives within the Human Nation have meticulously prepared these for us, and they will be instrumental to your operation. Their work is complete; now, it falls to you to utilize them."

He indicated the pouch with a nod. "We are uncertain of the price 'Beggar Jee' might demand for his services, nor the expenses incurred traveling through the Elven territory and into Armand. However, this sum of gold should suffice for guides, lodging, sustenance, and any unforeseen expenditures."

Gorak and Jaigar inclined their heads. "Yes, Sir Vane."

"Given the unknown distance from the Elven frontier to Armand, particularly by horseback, your journey planning must be meticulous. Upon reaching Armand, you must integrate seamlessly with the populace. Gather as much intelligence as possible regarding their military strength, defensive capabilities, resources, and leadership structure. Observe, listen, and relay your findings. Avoid drawing any undue attention to yourselves."

Vane fixed them with a stern look.

"I will not tolerate any further complications. No unnecessary killing, no plundering, no attracting attention. We have a three-month window to acquire the final piece of intelligence we require – the only intelligence that remains elusive. Even our agents within the Human Kingdom have been unable to secure complete data on Armand."

He unfurled a map of the continent, pointing to the region south of Armand, a land bridge connecting to the Demon Kingdom.

"Your need to blend in extends beyond Armand itself. It is crucial for the final phase of our operation: the assassination of the Demon King. Armand represents the last barrier before our entry into the Demon Kingdom. Infiltrating Armand will allow us to gather intelligence on their defenses, their alliances, and their weaknesses. This information is paramount for our decisive strike."

He looked up, his voice resonating with cold authority.

"Do not fail. This is our singular opportunity to secure the necessary intelligence. Your success will render our invasion irrepressible. Failure, however, will postpone our entire campaign and forfeit our advantage."

Vane rose, clasping his hands behind his back, his gaze surveying the chamber.

"All present, with the exception of Gorak and Jaigar, are dismissed. I must confer with them privately."

"As you command, Sir Vane."

The others gradually departed the room, closing the door with a soft click.

Once they were alone, Vane snapped his fingers, activating a skill that enveloped the room in a subtle, shimmering barrier. The atmosphere grew heavy, and external sounds diminished into silence, guaranteeing absolute privacy.

"Now, listen to me intently, both of you."

"Y... yes, Sir Vane."

"It has been over seven years since our arrival in this world. Our preparations have been extensive for such a long duration. You are also aware that our primary objective, the vanquishing of the Demon King, is the linchpin of our entire endeavor. Its accomplishment will trigger the granted wish from the goddesses. Some among our summoned heroes have awaited this moment for years, and several are profoundly desirous of returning to their original realms."

A heavy silence descended upon Gorak and Jaigar, their expressions etched with tension.

"This is why your cooperation is paramount for the success of this endeavor. I am uncertain about what each of you desires upon its completion. However, I am certain that failure means none of us will attain our objectives. Therefore, set aside your animosities, your pride, and your minor disputes. Concentrate on the mission. Let the goal be your sole focus. And for this one instance, cooperate."

Vane's expression became grave, his power surging forth, suffusing the chamber with an intimidating, oppressive presence that rendered the atmosphere heavy and stifling.

"I surmise the path to Armand is not distant, and thus I anticipate regular dispatches from you and your respective teams. I require updates on any intelligence and information acquired, at a minimum, once every lunar cycle."

He fixed his intense, unwavering gaze upon both Gorak and Jaigar.

"A month. Within that time, I expect at least minimal intelligence concerning Armand’s fortifications, their command structure, and their weaknesses. Should I not receive word from either of you as the month concludes..."

Vane paused, his aura intensifying, causing the very air to vibrate with formidable power. "I shall personally seek you out. And if I discover you engaging in idleness, defying directives, or failing to deliver, I will personally bring about your demise..." He drew his falcata, channeling his spiritual energy into the weapon, its blade igniting with a chilling, ominous luminescence.

"...with this blade in my grasp."

Gorak and Jaigar began to shake uncontrollably, their knees buckling as they fell to the floor, their countenances ashen with dread.

"Y... Yes, Lord Vane!"

"Excellent. Now depart this chamber and make your preparations. You and your affiliated groups are to embark from this outpost at the break of the next dawn."

Vane returned his falcata to its sheath, folded his arms behind his back, and turned, his voice resonating with an air of absolute resolution.

"My expectations are for nothing less than victory. Do not falter."

( End Of Chapter )