Reborn as a Useless Noble with my SSS-Class Innate Talent-Chapter 22: Ch : Punished another way- Part 1

'So, my father finally decided to call for me? I knew that man had someone keeping tabs on me. Ah well, I can turn this situation in my favor.'

Kyle walked through the grand hallways of the Armstrong estate, his footsteps calm and measured.

He had expected this summons the moment he left the slave house in ruins. It was only a matter of time before his father, Lord Armstrong, called him in for questioning.

As he reached the massive wooden doors of his father's office, the guards stationed outside bowed slightly before pushing them open.

'These guards sure are good at pretending to like me. I can feel their hostility everytime they look at me.'

Kyle gave the guard an amused look as he walked past him. The guard glared a little before pretending as if nothing happened.

Inside, Lord Armstrong sat behind his heavy oak desk, his expression unreadable. The room was dimly lit, the fireplace casting flickering shadows across the shelves of books and ancient artifacts.

Kyle stepped inside without hesitation, the doors shutting behind him.

"You called for me, Lord Armstrong?"

Kyle said in his usual polite but indifferent tone.

Lord Armstrong leaned back in his chair, studying Kyle with sharp, calculating eyes.

"Do you have anything to confess, Kyle? Or perhaps something you wish to say?"

Kyle met his father's gaze, tilting his head slightly.

"Hmm. Nothing comes to mind."

Lord Armstrong remained silent, waiting. Kyle smirked before adding.

"Ah, actually, I did pick up a subordinate today. And I'll be picking up a few more soon, so I'll need a place to house them."

There was a brief silence before Kyle felt a weak pulse of mana attempt to push against him.

It was subtle, almost unnoticeable, but Kyle, with his keen senses, caught it instantly. The mana pressure wasn't strong enough to be a real attack—more like a test, a probe.

Kyle didn't react outwardly. Internally, he was amused.

'So, the great Lord Armstrong doesn't even know how to properly use his own mana? How disappointing. Or maybe this is just the level of this world.'

Despite the attack, Kyle stood firm, completely unaffected. The mana simply rolled off him like water on a stone.

He observed his father carefully and noticed a slight twitch of frustration in the older man's features—so subtle that most people wouldn't have caught it.

Kyle smiled to himself. Interesting. So he's not as emotionless as he pretends to be.

"If there's nothing else, I'll be leaving now."

Kyle said casually, turning toward the door.

"Stop."

Lord Armstrong's voice cut through the room, and Kyle paused.

Kyle turned back, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes?"

"We still have much to discuss."

His father said, his tone as neutral as ever.

Kyle decided to humor him. He leaned against one of the chairs in front of the desk, crossing his arms.

"I'm listening."

Lord Armstrong studied him for a moment before speaking.

"The incident you caused this time is too big. Do you realize what you've done?"

Kyle simply smiled.

"I simply took out some more trash."

Lord Armstrong's fingers tapped against the desk.

"That slave house was under the protection of several noble families. By destroying it, you have made powerful enemies."

Kyle shrugged.

"Then they all need to have better tastes."

Lord Armstrong's gaze sharpened.

"Your recklessness is going to cost you, Kyle. You will take responsibility for this."

Kyle didn't flinch.

"Of course."

Lord Armstrong's fingers stopped tapping. He seemed slightly surprised by how easily Kyle accepted responsibility.

There was a pause before the older man spoke again.

"If you admit your mistake and apologize before the nobles, I can reduce your punishment. Public repentance will smooth things over."

Kyle's smirk widened into an outright grin. He leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand.

"Apologize? Repent? For what, exactly?"

Lord Armstrong's jaw tightened.

"For your reckless actions."

Kyle let out a short laugh.

"I regret nothing. I will not apologize."

His words were final. Absolute.

Lord Armstrong sighed, his fingers tightening around the papers on his desk.

"Then I have no choice. You will be punished another way."

Kyle's eyes gleamed with curiosity.

"Oh? And what will my punishment be?"

"There have been reports of 'Frozen Armored Bears' rampaging near our northern borders. You will be sent to eliminate them."

Kyle blinked, then tilted his head as if considering it.

"Ah, the bears. You mean the ones that our knights were complaining about recently?"

Lord Armstrong nodded.

"Exactly. Even experienced warriors struggle against them. Consider this a lesson in humility."

Kyle's smirk didn't fade. Instead, his golden eyes glowed with excitement.

"Finally, something interesting."

His reaction seemed to catch Lord Armstrong off guard. He had expected fear, hesitation, or even anger. Instead, Kyle looked genuinely pleased.

"You're not afraid?"

Lord Armstrong asked.

Kyle chuckled.

"Afraid? I don't know her. In fact, I should thank you for this opportunity."

Lord Armstrong narrowed his eyes.

"Do not take this lightly, Kyle. If you fail, you will not return."

Kyle turned toward the door, his voice light with amusement.

"Then I suppose I'll just have to succeed."

Without another word, he walked out, leaving Lord Armstrong behind with a rare look of uncertainty on his face.

The doors shut behind Kyle, and the room was left in tense silence.

For a few seconds, Lord Armstrong remained motionless, his fingers tightening around the edges of his desk.

His usually stoic face twisted slightly as frustration boiled beneath his skin.

Then, in a rare and uncontrollable outburst, he grabbed the antique vase sitting on his desk and hurled it at the wall. The porcelain shattered into countless pieces, shards scattering across the floor.

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The loud crash echoed through the estate, drawing immediate attention.

Within moments, Butler Bernard rushed into the office, his sharp eyes scanning the room. When he saw the broken vase and his enraged lord standing over it, his expression darkened in concern.

"My Lord, what happened? Is everything alright?""

Bernard asked cautiously.

Lord Armstrong exhaled sharply, rubbing his temples.

"That boy has finally lost his mind."