Reborn As Noble Chapter 1301: Cold Fury Beneath Calm ( 1301 )

Time is of the essence. My window of opportunity is exceedingly brief; three months is all I have to bring everything to fruition. I've already dispatched Gorak and Jaigar on a critical assignment, fully aware of their mutual animosity and inability to cooperate. Their inherent arrogance and rashness ensure their inevitable failure long before they even reach Armand, which aligns perfectly with my objectives.

Their impending failure will serve a dual purpose: it will grant me the precious time I need and create a diversion for Julius, affording me the necessary cover.

During this period, meticulous planning is paramount. I must assemble my own team, secure my own resources, and gather trustworthy individuals – people I can effectively control.

However, placing my faith in anyone from our continent is out of the question. Not my party members, not the other summoned heroes; their loyalty is irrevocably bound to Julius and the Supreme Goddess. They would undoubtedly betray me at the slightest deviation from the established order.

The soldiers, on the other hand, pose less of a concern. They recognize my role as the primary strategist. Every action and plan I undertake will be perceived as integral to the mission's progression. As long as I frame my directives within the context of the invasion, they will not question my orders nor report any anomalies.

Yet, a degree of caution is necessary when it comes to the girls: Rasya, Gulia, Deliza, Erlaine... and now Falce.

They possess the potential to become suspicious, to report my movements. My strategy must involve keeping them occupied, diverted, and distanced from my true intentions.

Despite knowing Fayna's unwavering loyalty and complete trustworthiness, I cannot afford to take any unnecessary risks, especially concerning her safety.

Should Julius, Angrar, or any of the other summoned heroes uncover my plan, and if Fayna is discovered with me, she will be branded a traitor, subjected to torture, and executed before my very eyes. This dreadful outcome is something I cannot and will not permit her to endure due to my choices.

She is the sole individual who has consistently stood by me. Precisely for this reason, I must ensure she remains uninvolved.

My immediate priority is clear:

I will send my entire team away. Fayna will lead them toward the Human Nation under the pretext of gathering further intelligence. This strategic relocation will place her far from the unfolding events, ensuring her safety, and preventing any suspicion of her involvement as I proceed with my genuine plan.

He subtly surveyed his surroundings, ensuring his expression remained placid and inscrutable as he commenced his walk, hands clasped behind his back, feigning an inspection of the base's developmental progress. Two soldiers adhered to his pace, maintaining a respectful distance.

Until I successfully acquire those divine fragments, I refuse to jeopardize her life. This is the most effective method for guaranteeing her security from any potential harm.

If they are dispatched to the Human Nation to gather intelligence for this supposed 'invasion,' no one, not even the Supreme Goddess herself, will suspect Fayna's complicity. She will be perceived as merely executing my orders, fulfilling her duty as a loyal soldier. Her reputation will remain untarnished, and she will be situated far from this location, removed from the impending danger and beyond Julius's grasp.

Yet, I understand Julius implicitly. While he might grant leniency to the others caught in my eventual betrayal, Fayna would face a different fate. He would single her out, making a brutal example of her. He would subject her to agonizing torture, break her spirit, and kill her slowly, solely to inflict pain upon me.

Vane's eyes narrowed, a chilling fury simmering beneath his composed facade.

I am well aware that Julius has harbored designs on her since the moment she was assigned to my contingent. He attempted to leverage his authority and the Supreme Goddess's name to coerce her into his bed, but she steadfastly refused. She rebuffed his advances, evaded him, and resisted submission. This humiliation has never left him.

He is aware that she belonged to me from the very inception. From the day she joined my party, she has been my constant companion for over seven years. She has served as my confidante, my pillar of support, my anchor in this tumultuous existence. She alone possesses the true understanding of my being.

This profound connection provides more than sufficient reason for me to protect her, even if it necessitates sending her away from my immediate presence.

She is mine, and I shall ensure her safety, regardless of the cost.

After some time had elapsed.

Vane occupied his office, reclining in his chair as he meticulously examined the detailed leather map of Amazarak spread across the table, his fingers thoughtfully stroking his chin. Adjacent to this, a lavish spread of roasted meats, fresh bread, cheeses, and fruits had been arranged, with delicate wisps of steam still rising from the dishes.

Just as he was about to reach for his steaming cup of coffee, a distinct knock echoed from the door.

Vane's gaze lifted, his hand still en route to his cup, his voice calm and measured. "Come in."

The door swung open, and the soldier who had been stationed as a guard at the entrance stepped into the room.

"Sir Vane. The Amazarak chief has arrived."

"Mm," Vane responded, his calm gaze remaining fixed on the map, his tone unhurried. "Instruct him to enter and secure the door."

"B... But, Sir Vane," the soldier began, a note of hesitation in his voice as it lowered. "Are you certain it is prudent to meet with him alone? He might attempt something treacherous."

Vane's eyes narrowed as he turned his gaze upon the soldier, fixing him with a cold, unwavering stare. "I acknowledge your concern, but my strength is not so diminished that I must fear a single unarmed individual. Admit him and close the door. Should my assistance be required, I shall summon you."

The soldier rendered a stiff salute. "Understood, Sir Vane. We shall remain just outside should you require our presence."

He moved aside, a gesture inviting the Amazarak chief to enter, and the door was closed behind him.

With a soft click, the door sealed shut, leaving the Amazarak chief standing there, his body trembling and a sheen of sweat on his brow.

"S... Sir Vane..." the chief stammered, his voice barely above a whisper, laced with uncertainty. "Do you... require something from me?"

Vane joined his hands, interlacing his fingers and resting his elbows on the table's surface. He lifted his gaze to the chief, his expression serene and impossible to decipher.

"Take a seat."

A moment of hesitation, the chief's eyes widening slightly, then he bowed his head. "I... I am merely a prisoner, Sir Vane. A person of my station does not merit the honor of sitting in the presence of a commander such as yourself. I am not worthy."

Vane's eyes narrowed subtly, his voice unwavering. "Your opinion was not solicited. I instructed you to sit. Therefore, sit."

"As you command, Sir Vane." The chief paused, then slowly drew out the chair, taking care to make no noise as he sat down. His gaze remained fixed upon the table, doing his utmost to avoid displaying any form of disrespect.

Vane’s fingers made a snapping sound, and a subtle aura of magic permeated the room, muffling all sound so that nothing could escape.

The Amazarak chief's complexion turned ashen, his hands tightly gripping his knees in a display of nervousness.

Leaning back in his chair, Vane clasped his hands once more, observing the chief with a composed and deliberate stare.

"There is something I wish to inquire about, and I expect an honest response. I do not desire falsehoods, nor partial truths, nor do I wish for you to tell me what you believe I wish to hear. What I demand is the truth. Do you comprehend?"