Reborn As Noble Chapter 1306: Eyes on the Gate ( 1306 )

An approving nod from the elven guard was given to Mikhail after a brief exchange.

"You can approach him, but you must not cross the gate. You'll need the captain's consent before moving any further."

"Thank you kindly, sir."

Mikhail advanced towards 'Beggar Jee,' his demeanor friendly and open.

"Um... hello there?"

Javier's gaze swept over Mikhail, a wary and cautious appraisal from head to toe.

"What is it you want? I'm occupied at the moment."

"Ah... in truth... I was the one seeking you out. I've been informed that you can offer assistance."

Javier released his grip on the gate, affecting a careful posture as he remained firmly within its confines, deliberately avoiding the possibility of being 'expelled' by the elves.

"Assist with what, precisely?"

"Ah..." Mikhail ran a hand over the back of his head. "You see... a certain individual mentioned that you possess the knowledge to ensure our safe passage. He stated you are well-acquainted with the routes."

"Hmm?" Javier tilted his head. "I'm not sure what you're referring to. Who exactly conveyed this information to you?"

"A gentleman clad in full silver plate armor," Mikhail disclosed, his voice dropping slightly in volume. "He indicated that you were the proper contact for securing safe passage."

"Someone in complete silver armor?" Javier stroked his chin, feigning deep contemplation. "Who could that be... hmm..."

With a sudden snap of his fingers, his eyes widened as if a memory had just surfaced. "Ah! You must mean that peculiar fellow who never removes his helmet and is perpetually encased in full plate armor?"

Mikhail's smile widened, and he rubbed his palms together in a gesture of goodwill. "Yes, that's him precisely!"

"Tsk." Javier muttered, turning his head away with a distinct expression of displeasure. "It's been ages since we last encountered each other, and that oddball still acts as though he owns me simply because he once treated me to a meal."

He picked up his bread, broke off a small piece, and began to eat it leisurely before Mikhail. His movements were unhurried yet deliberate, as if relishing each mouthful.

"Did that eccentric truly say such a thing?"

Mikhail offered a pleasant smile, his gaze briefly lingering on the bread in Javier's hand. "Indeed. He mentioned that if we required assistance navigating this area, contacting you would be the correct course of action."

"Tsk!"

Javier averted his eyes, settling onto the ground and crossing his legs as he continued his 'meal.' He spoke between bites, his tone laced with a hint of complaint.

"I haven't got the stamina for such a long journey, and I'm quite hungry. I'm certainly not inclined to undertake this merely because that strange fellow suggested it. You've already consumed my valuable time. Had I been positioned by the fountain, I might have acquired several more copper coins for my sustenance and that of my companion."

Mikhail beamed, rubbing his palms together with palpable eagerness.

"Ah... regarding that matter... we are prepared to offer you a substantial compensation for your undertaking."

"Oh?" Javier's eyes gleamed. He rose swiftly, his movements conveying animation as he continued to munch on his bread in Mikhail's presence. "What is the proposed remuneration?"

Mikhail glanced over his shoulder, casting a subtle look towards Jaigar and Gorak, who stood in the distance. They offered confirming nods, arms crossed, signaling their silent assent.

"Well... perhaps one silver coin?"

"Hah?" Javier squinted, feigning astonishment at the modest sum. "Do you genuinely believe I would squander my time for such a pittance? Let me remind you, positioning myself near the fountain or in the vicinity of the Armand carriage merchants would yield me this amount with minimal effort. Do you take me for a fool?"

"Ah..." Mikhail, flustered, waved his hands in a gesture meant to placate. "No, no, esteemed Sir Jee! My intention was not to cause offense!"

Javier turned away, making a dismissive motion with his hand. "Cease wasting my time. If you have no genuine proposition, then I bid you farewell."

"Ah, worthy Sir Jee! Pray, deign to hear me out first!"

Javier paused, then turned back, his gaze falling upon Buddy, who was energetically scraping the ground outside the gate. Dust billowed as Buddy's talons dug into the earth, his beak probing the dirt in a manner akin to a foraging chicken.

"You had best present a compelling offer," Javier stated, his tone sharpening. "My hunger is considerable, and this endeavor must prove worthwhile for my time."

Mikhail fell silent briefly, his expression contemplative, before offering 'Jee' a cordial, apologetic smile.

"Kindly grant me a moment to confer with my associates. I shall return presently."

Javier emitted an exaggerated sigh, rolling his eyes as he regarded Mikhail with palpable impatience. "Yes, yes... five minutes, no more. My patience is limited. The longer I stand here idle, the more potential earnings I forfeit by not begging at the fountain."

Mikhail acknowledged this with a nod and quickly proceeded to join Jaigar and Gorak, engaging in a hushed discussion amongst the three.

Observed from a distance.

The guard post.

The elven guard who had guided Javier stood alongside the captain, both observing the unfolding scene with subtle amusement.

The captain let out a soft chuckle, his head shaking. "Cast your eyes upon the youngest son of Sovereign King Garius. His performance is so remarkably convincing, I myself nearly fell for the ruse of him being a mere beggar. While all Armand personnel possess significant skill, the Armand prince operates on an entirely different plane."

"Indeed, Captain," the guard replied with a grin.

"I had to adopt a realistic approach when apprehending him earlier. Had Prince Javier not granted his prior consent, and had the Elder Queen discovered I laid hands upon him without due authorization..."

He shook his head, a nervous laugh escaping his lips. "My head would undoubtedly be severed from my body, or I'd be facing the gallows. My seventy-ninth year would be coming to an abrupt end."

The captain erupted in laughter, his head still shaking.

"Fear not such a grim fate. This undertaking has received explicit approval from the palace, and all arrangements have been meticulously coordinated with the highest echelons of command. We are merely executing directives, and Prince Javier is fully apprised of the roles we are fulfilling. No one's head is in jeopardy."

The captain cast a sideways glance at the guard, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Following this, our sole responsibility is to lend any necessary assistance to guarantee the plan's seamless execution. Maintain the veracity of your act and support Prince Javier discreetly, without raising any suspicion."

"Understood, Captain."

The captain gave a nod, his gaze fixed through the guard post window upon the assembling group. With a subtle gesture of his lips, he indicated Jaigar and Gorak's contingent.

"Those two individuals and their accompanying party members require unwavering observation once I grant them clearance to proceed. Our covert units will maintain surveillance throughout their presence within Elven territory. We must prioritize the security of our people, even with Prince Javier possessing the capability to manage them adequately on his own."

"As you command, Captain."

( End Of Chapter )