Reborn as a Useless Noble with my SSS-Class Innate Talent-Chapter 127: Ch : Are you Jealous? - Part 1

The thought made his stomach churn.

If his operation was being watched, he couldn't afford to stay any longer.

With his link to the Margrave's household practically severed, he was on borrowed time.

"This village… it's finished."

He needed to cut ties. Wipe everything clean.

Burn the evidence. Hide the trails.

But to do that, he'd need help—more than what the weak minds of this town could offer.

And that's when he saw them—two figures walking calmly through the village's edge.

They didn't belong. They were too confident, too well-armed, too sharp.

Power. That's what they had. Exactly what he needed.

"Perfect."

______

Melissa tugged her gloves tighter as she walked beside Bruce, her sharp eyes scanning the quiet streets.

"It's too quiet here."

Bruce nodded slowly.

"Something's off. The whole village feels… wrong."

Melissa frowned, trying to pin down the unease in her gut.

"I don't see anything dangerous, though."

"Look closer."

Bruce murmured, motioning subtly toward the market stalls.

Melissa narrowed her eyes. The stands were open, but barely stocked. The shopkeepers looked anxious. And the prices? Absurdly high. Her lips pressed into a thin line.

"They're starving the locals."

Bruce said.

"…But why?" Melissa's tone was low, dangerous. "Shouldn't the Margrave have kept things under control?"

Bruce shook his head.

"Maybe she isn't in control anymore."

Melissa bit back her comment.

"We don't have time. We need to get to the young master."

Bruce nodded.

"After we find him, we'll figure out what's going on here."

As they turned to move on, a smooth voice called out.

"Travelers! Looking for something… special?"

Both turned sharply to see a man with slicked-back hair and a wide grin standing in front of a stall full of colorful pouches.

"Herbs. Rare and exotic. Not something you see just anywhere."

He said, eyes gleaming.

Melissa didn't hide her frown.

"We're not interested."

"Oh, but you should be. I think you'll find my wares quite… enlightening."

The herb keeper pressed, stepping closer.

Bruce subtly shifted his stance, placing himself just slightly in front of Melissa.

"We said no."

The man's grin faltered for a split second—just long enough for Melissa to notice the flicker of mana weaving subtly through the air. Her hand dropped to her waist.

"You trying to spell us?"

She asked, voice cold.

The herb keeper chuckled, trying to play it off.

"Just a little charm. You looked tired. Thought I'd help."

Melissa's eyes narrowed.

"We don't like strangers trying to help."

Bruce gave him a hard look.

"Back off."

The seller raised his hands, still smiling.

"No offense meant. Just being friendly."

Melissa didn't respond. She just turned and walked away, Bruce following silently.

From behind them, the herb keeper watched with narrowed eyes.

"So… you two aren't ordinary, huh?"

His smile returned, sharper than before.

"Fine. Let's see just how strong you really are."

The herb master stood near the edge of the market street, watching the backs of the two unfamiliar "guards" as they disappeared into the crowd.

A smug smile curled his lips.

"Heh… go on. Walk proud. You've already stepped into my web."

He murmured to himself.

He turned back toward his stall, seemingly relaxed, but inside, he was positively giddy.

That little encounter? It had been perfect. A little charm here, a light mana imprint there. Subtle. Harmless-looking.

But now… they were marked.

He could feel it clearly—his mana clung to them like dust. Imperceptible unless you knew what to look for.

He'd embedded just enough of his signature into their body to be able to track them anywhere. And more importantly, to exploit it later.

"Won't even know what hit them."

He chuckled.

There was still much to do. His next step was preparing the village-wide array.

One strong enough to bury the whole place beneath layers of mana mist and illusion, erasing it from the outside world.

He'd already laid the foundation—just a few more adjustments, and it would be done. Then, he'd disappear… and take whatever was useful with him.

"No one gets in. No one gets out. And no one finds a thing."

His grin widened.

Meanwhile, Bruce and Melissa were moving quickly through the dusty streets, cutting through the village with sharp eyes and sharper instincts.

"That was weird."

Melissa muttered under her breath.

"Yeah. That man was too friendly."

Bruce replied quietly.

Melissa nodded.

"He gave off the wrong kind of energy. Like he knew something."

Bruce glanced at her.

"I didn't feel any hostility, but…"

Melissa frowned.

"Still. We should keep an eye out. That guy wasn't normal."

They reached the edge of the Margrave's mansion in record time.

The towering gate loomed in front of them, flanked by two armed guards who immediately stepped forward, weapons lowered cautiously.

"Halt. State your business."

One of the guards demanded.

Melissa's hand twitched toward her sword. She was tired, annoyed, and her patience had thinned somewhere around the fifth empty shop they'd passed in the village.

"We don't have time for this.|

She snapped.

"Melissa—wait!"

Bruce said quickly, stepping in front of her before she started something unnecessary. He raised his hands calmly and addressed the guards.

"We're here on orders from our young master—Kyle. He's expecting us. You can confirm with him if needed."

The guards exchanged uncertain glances.

"Master Kyle? No one mentioned—"

"

One of them murmured, hesitating.

But he stopped mid-sentence as another presence entered the courtyard.

Kyle.

The guards straightened up quickly, eyes widening as they caught sight of the Margrave's precious guest approaching.

"Lord Kyle!"

the guards called out, bowing immediately.

Kyle raised a hand lightly, his voice calm and composed.

"They're with me."

The two guards stiffened.

"Of course, Lord Kyle. Forgive us, we weren't informed—"

Kyle smiled gently.

"It's fine. Just let them through."

The guards practically tripped over themselves moving out of the way, their earlier confidence evaporating under the weight of their mistake.

Bruce gave a short nod, his voice respectful.

"We're just glad to see you safe, young master."

Kyle gestured for them to follow.

"Let's head inside. I'll explain everything on the way."

The trio moved past the embarrassed guards and through the polished courtyard, the tension of their separate missions slowly starting to merge into a new understanding.

Behind them, the guards remained frozen, exchanging glances of pure confusion.

"…That was the Margrave's guest?"

One whispered.

"And those were her subordinates?"

"Do you think we're getting reassigned?"

"…I hope so."