Reborn As Noble Chapter 1311: Eyes from the Palace ( 1311 )

The following day arrived.

Evening.

Having successfully passed the Elven western border, the journey continued towards the Beastkin Nation's initial border town.

Buddy moved with a proud, rhythmic pace, his head held high, a cheerful squawk escaping his slightly parted beak. Javier, seated comfortably on Buddy's back, savored the unfolding scenery as the descending sun bathed the plains in a warm, golden hue.

Within one of the carriages drawn by pekko, Gorak sat with his companions, arms crossed, his expression discontented. "This beggar claimed this method would be swift. Yet, it’s hardly fast at all."

Valcrea voiced her agreement with a scowl. "He misled us. These foolish birds are sluggish. We should have stuck with our horses."

Gorak's temper flared. He thrust his head out the carriage window, yelling, "Hey, beggar!"

Javier glanced back, raising an eyebrow. "What is it now?"

"Hey! You insisted we swap our horse-drawn carriages for these peculiar, enormous bird conveyances, asserting they were faster! But this is a farce! They are merely slow, dim-witted birds!"

Javier shook his head, letting out a dramatic sigh. "We've only just passed the Elven western gate, you realize. Within Elven territory, the pekko must adhere to their stringent road regulations and reduce their speed. We are prohibited from traveling at full velocity while inside their borders."

Gorak scoffed, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Excuses. You're simply attempting to swindle us and squander our funds on this lumbering, monstrous bird. Look at it! It appears as foolish and vacant as its owner!"

Javier smirked, picking his nose with his little finger before flicking it away, casting a nonchalant, mocking gaze towards Gorak. "Do you truly desire them to accelerate to full speed? Are you certain you and your companions can endure it?"

Gorak emitted an arrogant laugh. "Endure it? This sluggish creature won't exceed the pace of a horse. There's nothing an expert archer like myself cannot handle. Go ahead. Prove your claims wrong."

From the adjacent carriage, Jaigar leaned his head out the window, his demeanor impatient. "Why is this journey so unhurried? I thought you maintained these birds possessed speed. We must reach our destination promptly. Can you actually deliver on your promises, beggar?"

Javier's smirk broadened. "Very well... you brought this upon yourself. Do not hold me accountable if you are ejected from the carriage when it achieves maximum velocity."

Gorak sneered. "Hah! There's no conceivable way this pathetic monster bird's speed could hurl me anywhere. Just attempt it."

Javier’s eyes shifted to the two Armand coachmen. Both met his gaze with knowing smirks before leaning down, whispering instructions to their respective pekko. The colossal birds let out squawks of excitement, their eyes gleaming with impish anticipation.

"Well..." Javier leaned forward, his smirk widening as he looked back at Gorak. "You had best brace yourselves."

He then directed his attention to the two coachmen, offering a casual nod. "Let’s reach the first border town within five minutes."

The coachmen grinned. "As you command."

"Huh? What are you implying..."

Before Gorak could finish his taunt, the pekko unleashed a deafening squawk, and the carriages jolted forward with a sudden, explosive surge of momentum.

In an instant, the world outside the windows dissolved into a streak of motion. The immense G-force pinned everyone within both carriages against the rear walls, their bodies plastered flat, unable to find purchase as they were violently thrust backward.

Gorak's companions shrieked, Jaigar swore, and Gorak himself was flattened against the carriage interior, his face contorted in astonishment.

Meanwhile, Buddy had already soared ahead, his powerful legs propelling him at peak speed, leaving the carriages far behind. Javier remained comfortably seated on his back, one hand shielding his eyes from the wind as he chuckled.

"See you all at the first border town!!!"

Simultaneously.

Beastkin Nation.

Eastern Border.

Atop the ramparts.

A beastkin guard narrowed his eyes, gazing toward the distant horizon where a colossal dust cloud was rapidly approaching, churned up from the cobblestone path.

He mused, "I wonder what that could be?"

He retrieved the mana communicator from his hip and pressed the activation button, establishing a connection with the guard post situated before the main gates.

"Guard post at the main gate, do you read me?"

A series of soft static crackles ensued, followed by a voice responding. "What is it?"

"Do we have any intel regarding a pekko approaching at full velocity? A massive dust cloud is bearing down on us with great speed."

"Ah... regarding that. We've just received confirmation from our command center. Princess Felicia herself has instructed us to ensure all proceedings are seamless. The elite units from the Beastkin Royal Palace are already present with us."

"Ah... understood. So, I suppose we proceed as usual, correct?"

"Affirmative. Rest assured, just continue performing your duties."

"Roger that."

The guard scratched his head, then offered a dismissive shrug.

"Well... if the royal special force is here, then we have nothing to worry about. Probably just another joint mission with Armand Nation."

He peeked down from the battlement as an orange pekko came to a sudden stop and lowered its head, grooming its feathers with its beak. A cart full of fruits was pushed to the side, and the pekko snapped a few with its beak, gulping them down with a satisfied squawked.

"Cuquawked!"

The guard chuckled softly, wiping the barrel of his bolt-action rifle.

"An orange pekko... that means the guy in those ragged clothes is the Prince of Armand."

He shook his head with an amused smile.

"No wonder Princess Felicia came back to personally lead this operation. Her own fiancé is here."

Meanwhile.

At the main huge gate.

Javier narrowed his eyes as he glanced around, noticing something unusual. He quickly leaned in and whispered in a panicked tone to the guard who had just saluted him.

"H... hey!"

"Yes, Prince Javier?"

"O... oi! Don’t call me that! I’m on a mission!"

"Ah... sorry." The guard rubbed the back of his head with a sheepish grin. "Is there anything I can help you with, sir?"

"Why are Nukiz and Zhanik from the Royal Special Force here?"

"Ah... about that... It’s an order from Her Highness, Princess Felicia of the Beastkin Nation. She wanted to ensure your safety during the mission."

"Ihhh." Javier glanced around in panic. "Give me your mana talkie. Fast! Before those bastards arrive."

The guard smiled and shook his head before handing over his mana talkie.

Javier pressed the button and hissed, "Felicia! I thought you were in Armand? What are you doing?"

Silence. No reply.

"Felicia. Don’t try to hide. I know you’re there. Why did you send the Royal Special Force?"

A soft crackle, then a shy voice came through. "I... I was just worried about my husband. Is that wrong?"

Javier exhaled. "Not really, but I don’t want to risk their lives for this mission."

"They’re just there to check on you and make sure everything is going well. We won’t blow your cover, I promise."

Javier exhaled again, his tone softening. "Fine. But don’t worry too much. And don’t risk your life or anyone else’s for this mission. I’ll meet you back in Armand."

"Mm... okay~"

"Is Mimi also with you?" Javier asked, narrowing his eyes.

A pause before the reply.

"No. That little sister of mine refused to come back. She’s just having video calls with our parents from the estate."

"Oh... good to know." Javier sighed in relief. "Anyway, don’t risk your special forces, even if I know how strong they are. This mission is mine to handle."

( End Of Chapter )