Reborn As Noble Chapter 1316: Complaints and Threats ( 1316 )

Delya cast a gentle gaze toward Liana, a soft smile gracing her lips as she inquired,

"Big Sis?"

"Hmm?" Liana tilted her head upwards. "Yes, Delya?"

"Do you have any idea when Felicia will be returning?"

"Ah... I believe she is currently en route." Liana replied.

"Really?"

"Mm... She made contact yesterday evening while we were still at the Elven Royal Palace. She mentioned her intention to return this morning, utilizing her pekko for travel. She ought to be arriving momentarily."

Meanwhile.

Armand Eastern Border.

At the gate, individuals of various races, forming a lengthy queue for inspection and processing, turned their attention as three pekko riders drew near, with Felicia leading the vanguard. She guided her pekko to a halt with practiced grace before the main gate, the morning sun illuminating her silver-white hair.

The Armand Guard Captain, observing their approach from his vantage point, advanced and offered a respectful salutation by placing his fist over his left chest.

"Welcome back, Princess Felicia. It is an honor to see you return to Armand."

Felicia responded with a warm and gracious smile. "Thank you for your kind welcome. I trust all is proceeding smoothly here?"

"Yes, Your Highness. Everything has been running without issue," the captain affirmed with a smile.

Felicia's gaze swept over the considerable line of people, noting the respectful bows offered by the Beastkin individuals within the crowd. She returned their deference with an elegant and beautiful wave, a gentle smile gracing her lips as she acknowledged her people conducting business within the Armand Nation.

Her eyes then met the captain's, her voice tinged with a hint of eager anticipation.

"Has my husband, Prince Javier, returned yet?"

The captain's smile faltered slightly as he shook his head. "Not yet, Your Highness. Had he been close, we would have received word. Or, as is his usual custom, his pekko Buddy would be creating a lively spectacle either within the town or even outside the gates."

Felicia emitted a soft chuckle, bringing her knuckles to her lips as she smiled. "That certainly sounds like Buddy. He is perpetually brimming with energy."

The captain concurred with a warm nod. "Indeed, Your Highness. We are all quite familiar with the prince's pekko's temperament. Buddy's spirited nature is well-known among the guards."

Felicia nodded, her expression composed as she directed her gaze toward the road ahead. "I shall take my leave now. I do not wish to impede your duties any further."

The captain acknowledged her statement with a nod, then tapped his mana talkie. "Princess Felicia has arrived at the Eastern Gate. Requesting escort and clearance for travel to the Armand Estate."

A faint crackle preceded a voice's reply. "Elite Pekko Rider Units are en route. Estimated arrival: three minutes."

The captain looked up at Felicia, who remained seated atop her pekko. "Kindly proceed inside and await the arrival of the Elite Pekko Unit before continuing your journey to the Armand Estate, Your Highness."

Felicia offered a gentle smile, shaking her head slightly. "You ought not to trouble yourselves on my account. I am already accompanied by two members of the Armand Special Unit."

The captain smiled and politely declined with a shake of his head. "I am merely performing my duties, Your Highness, and adhering to directives from higher command, specifically from Her Majesty Queen Francesca, the First Queen of Armand. She was insistent on ensuring your safe return."

Felicia smiled and nodded with grace. "If such are Her Majesty's orders, then I shall certainly comply."

She guided her pekko through the gate, the two Armand Special Unit members closely following. However, she paused to extend a graceful wave toward the assembled people, who responded with respectful bows.

The captain gave a nod, observing her departure before returning to his responsibilities.

Meanwhile.

Beastkin Nation.

The second route.

"Oi, beggar!"

Javier glanced back over his shoulder, his expression nonchalant as he regarded Gorak, who was impatiently leaning out of the carriage window with a scowl.

"What is it?"

"How much longer will this journey take?!" Gorak bellowed, his voice sharp with irritation. "We have been traveling for days! Are you leading us on a wild goose chase?!"

Javier thoughtfully rubbed his chin, while Buddy continued its walk with a self-important, strutting gait, its head held high and its beak slightly agape, embodying the very image of a proud, oversized monstrous bird.

"Armand is distant," Javier stated casually, his tone light. "We still have a considerable distance to cover."

"I am convinced you are fabricating this, you wretched beggar!" Gorak retorted, his voice escalating with frustration. "You are intentionally delaying our progress to extort more payment from us!"

"Wooo~" Javier pursed his lips, narrowing his eyes as if feigning offense. "The agreed-upon payment was settled earlier. I am not so base as to impose additional charges." He paused, then wiggled his eyebrows with a sheepish grin. "However... if you were inclined to offer more, well... ehehehe... that would be... appreciated~"

Jaigar had had enough, his patience worn thin. He thrust his head out the carriage window, directing a sharp, irate yell towards Javier.

"Oi, beggar! Get yourself to Armand by the quickest route possible, or those remaining five gold coins won't be yours!"

Javier pursed his lips, his gaze narrowing towards them as he let out a heavily exaggerated sigh.

"Man... this is precisely why I despise taking jobs like this, especially with obnoxious individuals such as yourselves. ~Sigh~ It would honestly be more profitable to just sit by the elven fountain and beg for coin... far easier and certainly more peaceful."

Shaking his head, he muttered his grievances. "First, you demand haste, so I provide the swiftest possible journey, which could have delivered us there by now, yet you complained. Now, I opt for a leisurely pace, and you persist in your complaints. It's impossible to satisfy anyone these days..."

"You better do your job, or I'll ensure you live to regret it, you pathetic, low-life beggar."

Javier merely shook his head. He then cast a glance at the two coachmen, subtly raising his hand as if to scratch the back of his head. His fingers, however, formed a swift, concealed gesture.

"We shall be taking the shortcut," he announced.

The coachmen inclined their heads, suppressed smirks playing on their lips as one responded, "Yes, Mr. Jee."

Javier turned his gaze back towards Gorak and his companions, his expression utterly impassive. "There? Satisfied?"

Before they could offer a reply, he pivoted his head forward, focusing intently on the path ahead, a subtle, enigmatic smirk beginning to form.

Ah well...

Since these arrogant fools insisted, I might as well give them what they're asking for.

This also presents the perfect opportunity to gauge their true capabilities.

Should they manage to endure this particular route, it would indicate a greater strength than I initially presumed, necessitating cautious future actions. However, if they falter... they are merely boastful weaklings.

Javier's smirk broadened as he gently patted Buddy's neck.

"Alright, Buddy, old friend. Let's treat them to the scenic route."

Buddy responded with a low, eager squawk, the curve of his beak transforming into a knowing grin.