Reborn as a Useless Noble with my SSS-Class Innate Talent-Chapter 97: Ch : Do not cause a Scene - Part 1

The morning sun had just begun to stretch its golden rays over the training grounds when Bruce strolled in, expecting to enjoy the quiet before his own warm-up.

But the sharp, rhythmic thwack of a wooden sword hitting a training post greeted him instead.

He followed the sound and wasn't surprised to find Melissa already there, her hair damp with sweat and her breathing heavy. Her swings were focused but forceful—too forceful.

"You're up early. Or should I say, you haven't slept?"

Bruce said, approaching with a casual grin.

Melissa didn't stop swinging.

"This is my way of relieving stress."

Bruce crossed his arms and leaned against the nearby post, watching her carefully.

"You stressed about something?"

Melissa finally paused, her expression weary but composed.

"I'm worried about our young master."

Bruce let out a soft sigh.

"You and me both."

"He attracts trouble wherever he goes. And every time he leaves on his own, it feels like he's carrying the world on his back."

She said, lowering her sword and staring at the ground.

Bruce nodded thoughtfully.

That was true—but something in Melissa's voice made him glance up again.

There was more to her words than concern. There was fear.

Not just fear for Kyle's safety, but something deeper… more personal.

A teasing smile crept onto Bruce's lips as he nudged her lightly with his elbow.

"You afraid he'll find someone else to take your place while he's gone?"

It was meant as a light jab, but Melissa froze.

The color drained from her face ever so slightly, and she gripped her sword tighter.

Bruce's smile faded.

"Wait—you're actually thinking that?"

Melissa didn't answer at first. When she finally did, her voice was quiet.

"I know I'm not the strongest. Or the most skilled. I don't have a noble title or a powerful background. I only have my loyalty… and hard work."

Seeing her so vulnerable made Bruce's heart sink. He scratched the back of his neck awkwardly.

"Hey, hey… that's not it at all. You're not some placeholder until someone better shows up."

Melissa glanced up at him, her eyes searching for sincerity.

Bruce gave her a confident nod.

"You're special to him. We both are. The young master doesn't just keep people around for convenience. If you're by his side, it's because he wants you there."

Melissa bit her lip, then finally exhaled, tension slowly leaving her shoulders.

"Sorry… I didn't mean to get so emotional."

"It's fine. Just don't forget who you are to him."

Bruce said gently.

She gave a small smile, then lifted her sword again.

"I'll work harder. For his sake."

Bruce watched her for a moment, debating whether to tell her to rest. But he decided against it. Melissa needed this right now.

______

Meanwhile, Kyle had finally arrived at the outskirts of Dusk Haze Village.

At first glance, it was picturesque—lush greenery, well-paved paths, and clean streets.

The homes were sturdy, and the shops were well-stocked. But that's what bothered Kyle the most.

'It's too clean.'

There were no beggars, no workers lounging about after a long shift, no children playing unattended.

It was as if the entire town had been scrubbed of anything remotely "ordinary."

Kyle's gaze sharpened.

He casually wandered through the market square, pretending to be a traveler. But his senses were on high alert.

That's when a merchant called out to him.

"Looking for anything, traveler?"

Kyle tilted his head.

"Just curious about the place. I heard it's… peaceful."

The merchant gave a practiced smile.

"Best place in the region. No crime, no chaos, and the people are happy. Can't ask for more."

'Too rehearsed'

Kyle thought.

He approached the stall, glancing at the goods while trying to probe further.

"You hear much about travelers these days? Anyone new pass through here recently?"

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Before the merchant could answer, Queen gave a sharp cry from above.

The hawk dove down, landing heavily on Kyle's shoulder, shifting his balance just in time.

A figure in a hooded cloak had been walking straight toward Kyle—too quickly, too directly. The sudden shift caused the figure to veer, stumbling slightly.

Kyle stepped aside, his hand instinctively going to his blade, but he never pulled it out. His sharp gaze locked onto the figure, who quickly raised their hands.

"I'm sorry—I didn't see you there."

The person said hastily.

But Kyle didn't miss the tension in their shoulders or the slight delay in their retreat.

Guards arrived seconds later, surrounding the area with well-practiced precision.

"You there! what's going on?""

One barked, The hooded figure stiffened.

"It was nothing. Just an accident."

Kyle glanced at Queen, who fluffed its wings with irritation.

'That was no accident.'

The merchant's friendly smile had vanished. Kyle met the figure's eyes again, noting the flicker of panic behind them.

Trouble had already found him.

Of course it had.

Even the hooded figure looked uncomfortable, but there was also anticipation in that figure.

It almost looked as if this whole thing was staged and Kyle was the poor victim who got caught in this trap laid out by these people.

'Tsk, if these kids think I am going to be easy prey, then they are in for a world of shock.'

The guards were quick to close in, forming a circle around Kyle and the hooded figure like vultures circling prey.

One of them stepped forward, a hand resting on the hilt of his weapon.

"What's going on here?"

He demanded.

Kyle raised both hands slightly in a non-threatening gesture.

"Nothing happened. It was just a close call—no harm done."

The hooded figure nodded quickly in agreement, clearly uneasy under the scrutiny of the guards.

But rather than easing off, the guards' expressions darkened.

"Funny. Because it looked like you were trying to start something with this poor local."

Another guard muttered, eyes narrowing.

Kyle's gaze sharpened.

'So that's how it is.'

He glanced around, his senses extending.

The mana surrounding the guards was twisted—tainted in a way that made his instincts scream.

It was subtle, but the corruption wasn't something an ordinary person would notice.

Kyle knew that aura well. It was greed. The guards weren't here to uphold order—they were here to shake him down.

The leading guard took a step closer, his tone condescending.

"If you're here to cause trouble, outsider, maybe we should take you in for questioning."

Kyle gave a short, unimpressed laugh.

"Is that so? Because from where I'm standing, I was just about to hire this local for a job. I came here looking to expand business ties, and I was just about to hire this person to be my guard."

That made them pause.

Kyle took a confident step forward, his eyes cold and sharp.

"Now tell me—am I the one causing trouble for the locals, or are you the ones getting in the way of honest work?"

The sudden shift in tone caught the guards off guard.

Their bluster faltered for a moment, and they exchanged uncertain glances.

The hooded figure looked up at Kyle in surprise, clearly realizing he was being defended in a way he hadn't expected.

The lead guard clicked his tongue but didn't press further.

"Hmph. Watch yourself, outsider."

They backed off, but Kyle could still feel their eyes watching him as they melted into the crowd again.