Reborn As Noble Chapter 1302: A Keen and Alert Gaze ( 1302 )

Two days have elapsed.

"Stop!"

With a gentle tug on the reins, the coachmen brought the horse-drawn carriages to a halt. From all sides, elven patrols emerged, their movements a display of practiced efficiency. Some moved on foot, while others were mounted on magical steeds, beasts with elegant forms and spiraling horns that caught the morning sun.

The patrol leader, a tall elf with sharp, refined features, was clad in the distinctive uniform of an elven forest patrol officer. A tunic of deep green, intricately embroidered with silver threads, was complemented by a flowing forest-green cloak, fastened at the shoulder by a silver leaf brooch. Polished leather armor allowed for his silent, nimble movements. A curved blade hung at his hip, and his eyes scanned the surroundings with keen alertness.

He guided his horned steed towards the first carriage, his hand resting near his weapon as the other elven guards kept their own hands close to theirs, their gazes unwavering.

"State your purpose here, humans," the patrol leader declared, his voice calm yet authoritative. "It is uncommon to find humans traversing these lands, particularly so near our borders. What brings you to this region?"

The coachmen raised both hands in a gesture of appeasement, a cordial smile gracing his lips. "We are merely a group of merchants, sir, en route to the Elven border town for trade."

The elven leader’s eyes narrowed, his gaze growing suspicious as he scrutinized the carriage and its occupants.

"A merchant group? From the Human Nation? That is peculiar. Most merchants from the Human Nation intending to trade with ours opt for the route via the Beastkin Nation before entering our territory. It's unusual for merchants to approach from the Dwarven side, especially without prior notification."

The coachmen swallowed, his smile faltering slightly as he hastily formulated a response.

"Ah... that was indeed our initial plan, sir. However, we encountered unforeseen circumstances. We were conducting business in the Dwarven Nation initially and intended to proceed towards the Beastkin border afterward. Unfortunately, the planned route was infested with monsters, forcing us to take a more perilous path. We traveled from the Dwarven Nation through the Halfling Nation, diligently avoiding the Amazarak region, and have now arrived here."

The elven leader's gaze remained fixed upon him, his suspicion palpable.

"Have you reported this monster activity to the Dwarven authorities? It is standard protocol for travelers to inform the local guards of such dangers."

The coachmen offered another smile, striving to maintain an amiable facade. "We intended to, sir, but the situation necessitated our swift departure. We could not afford to linger, so we chose to press onward in search of a safer route."

The elven leader gave a slow nod, his attention shifting towards the rear of the carriage where Gorak and his companions were seated, their weapons visible but their postures relaxed.

"And those individuals in the back? They appear to be adventurers."

The coachmen nodded enthusiastically once more. "Indeed, sir. We employed them as guards to protect the carriage and our merchandise during our travels."

The elven leader’s eyes narrowed slightly. "If they are hired guards, why did they not engage the monsters you encountered? Surely a group of adventurers would be capable of fending off a few creatures on the road."

A nervous chuckle escaped the coachmen as he rubbed the back of his head. "Ah... well, sir, these adventurers are only D-rank. The monsters we faced were too formidable and too numerous. Engaging them would have posed excessive risk. Our priority was to escape and safeguard our goods."

The elven leader let out a slow breath, his hand still near his weapon. "I understand. In that case, I must inspect the goods you are carrying. It is our standard procedure to verify the cargo of merchant carriages entering our territory. Kindly open the storage compartments for inspection."

The coachmen smiled and nodded, descending from his seat. "Certainly, sir. This way, please."

The elven leader dismounted his horned horse with fluid, silent grace, following the coachmen to the rear of the carriage. The coachmen unlatched the cargo compartment and swung the doors open, revealing crates of dried provisions, preserved fruits, salted meats, stored grains, and bundles of herbs, all neatly arranged.

The elven leader examined the contents, picking up a piece of dried fruit to inspect it closely before returning it.

"Mm... Are you certain you intend to trade these items within our nation?" The elven leader smiled and shook his head. "I doubt these will find much demand here. Our people favor fresh produce, fresh meats, fruits, and vegetables. While dried goods are practical for extended journeys, they are not typically sought after by most Elven individuals."

A nervous chuckle escaped the coachman. "It's... rather difficult to transport fresh goods without them spoiling, sir. We figured these would be more practical for the journey."

The elven leader let out a soft chuckle, a tilt of his head accompanying his words. "You must be new to trading, aren't you? Most merchants hailng from the Beastkin Nation and Armand Nation utilize magical freezing carriages for transporting fresh provisions. These carriages can successfully deliver frozen meats, fresh fish, and ripe fruits without any sign of spoilage. This is a widely common practice among seasoned traders."

The coachman scratched the back of his head, a sheepish laugh escaping him. "Ah... I see your point. We are still in the learning phase, sir. We shall certainly keep that invaluable advice in mind for future ventures."

"Very well," the elven leader responded with a smile, his attention then shifting towards the assembled adventurers. "However, before I grant you passage, I must first see all the adventurers you have hired. Kindly have them step forward."

"Yes, sir." The coachman nodded and gestured towards the second carriage, signaling for the other coachmen to have Jaigar and his companions disembark. He then turned and called out to Gorak and his group, who gradually emerged from the first carriage, adopting casual stances against its side.

"My, my," the elven leader remarked, his eyebrows raising slightly in surprise. "That's quite a considerable number of adventurers for a fledgling merchant to have hired. Are you absolutely certain you require such extensive security?"

The coachman nervously rubbed his palms together, a sheepish grin on his face. He leaned in slightly, making a discreet rubbing motion with his fingers. "Well... they were all quite desperate for employment, sir. And, you see, they came at a remarkably low price. Ehehehe... It was too good a deal to pass up, you understand?"

A soft chuckle rumbled from the elven leader as he shook his head. He humorously raised a finger, pointing it at the coachman with an amused expression. "Clever. Truly quite clever~. Just ensure they maintain proper conduct once you arrive at the border gates. We elves value our peace and do not tolerate disturbances lightly. Should any of them overstep their bounds, they will face the full extent of our authority."

With practiced grace, he turned and remounted his horned horse, adjusting his cloak before leaning forward slightly.

"May your merchant career flourish. I trust your goods will fare better than your navigational endeavors."