Reborn as a Useless Noble with my SSS-Class Innate Talent-Chapter 215: Ch : The Clash- Part 4

Chapter 215: Ch 215: The Clash- Part 4

The morning sun filtered gently through the wooden shutters of Kyle’s study as he looked up from a stack of notes to the Grand Duchess, who had only recently settled into a more presentable state.

Though her hair was still slightly damp from the bath and she wore a simple robe, there was no denying the dignified air that clung to her like a second skin.

“I plan to introduce you to my people today. I think it’s time you meet them. After all, they are going to be your people as well.”

Kyle said casually, watching her reaction.

Amanda froze.

“What?”

Kyle raised a brow.

“You’ll be meeting my council and some key villagers. I want them to know who’s standing beside me.”

She sat up straighter, flustered.

“I—Kyle, I’m not ready for that. I didn’t even bring gifts or anything to make this proper. It’s a formal event in all but name. I… I can’t just barge in like this!”

Kyle shook his head with a faint sigh.

“You’re not barging in. You’re here as someone I trust. If they need gifts to recognize your value, then I’ve failed them as a leader.”

The Grand Duchess pursed her lips, visibly torn.

“Still, there’s protocol…”

“There’s common sense. And you don’t need to prove yourself to anyone here. You being here matters. That’s enough.”

Kyle interrupted gently.

Amanda studied him for a long moment before giving a soft sigh.

“Fine… I’ll do it. But only because it’s your council. And we’re— important to each other.””

She hesitated briefly

Kyle’s expression warmed at her words, but he didn’t say anything more.

Instead, he called out to a passing villager and gave quick instructions.

“Bring the Grand Duchess something appropriate to wear once she’s done with her bath. Take care of her”

He told the young woman.

The villager bowed slightly, smiling brightly.

“Of course, young master. I’ll make sure she has everything she needs.”

After Kyle left, the Grand Duchess found herself alone with the girl.

The villager—likely no older than twenty—led her gently toward the wardrobe prepared for her and began selecting a few elegant pieces. Amanda watched her, thoughtful.

“What’s your name?”

She asked.

“Lina. Is something wrong, my lady?”

The girl replied, surprised by the question.

Amanda gave a faint smile.

“Not at all. I just have a question. Are you happy here, Lina? Is Kyle taking care of you all?”

Her tone softened.

Lina blinked, startled.

“Of course! Young Master Kyle… he’s kind. And fair. He listens, which is more than I can say for most nobles. I feel safe here. We all do.”

Amanda nodded slowly.

“That’s good. I expected no less… but I had to hear it for myself.”

Lina tilted her head curiously.

“Do you… not trust him?”

“Oh, no. That’s never been in question. I trust Kyle more than most people in this world. That’s why I worry… someone so good at carrying burdens tends to hide how heavy they are.”

Amanda said with a laugh.

Lina looked quietly at her for a moment.

“You care for him a lot.”

Amanda didn’t deny it.

“Yes. I do.”

With a knowing smile, Lina turned to the wardrobe and held up a deep blue gown with silver accents.

“Then let’s make sure you look perfect. They’ll remember you, my lady—and not just because you’re a duchess.”

Amanda gave a low chuckle, shaking her head.

“You’re good at this, Lina.”

“I’ve had practice. Now, let’s get you dressed before Kyle sends someone to drag you out.”

Lina said, grinning.

As Amanda allowed herself to be pampered and dressed, her heart settled a little.

Perhaps meeting Kyle’s people wouldn’t be as terrifying as she imagined. And just maybe… it would mark the beginning of something more permanent.

______

On the other side of the village cliff, where the trees thinned and the wind howled louder than it should, two eerie figures stood still as statues.

Their skin was pale as bone, their hair as white as snow, and their eyes held no irises—only a bottomless white, like blind mirrors reflecting nothing.

The two figures stared silently down at the peaceful village nestled in the valley below.

A lone bird circled once above them before swooping down.

It dropped a small scroll, neatly tied in black thread, at the feet of one of the figures. The taller of the two bent down, picked it up, and unfurled it with delicate fingers.

No words were spoken aloud, but both figures seemed to understand the message within instantly.

The command was simple:

[Anything that opposes us must be erased. Let it drown. Let it vanish.]

Without hesitation, the two turned back toward the edge of the cliff, their eyes fixed on the unsuspecting village.

One of them raised a hand and nodded. They both opened their mouths—and began to sing.

But their voices were not songs. They were torment. A scratchy, rasping screech like rusted metal grating against stone, like nails dragged across glass.

Their throats trembled with strain, and it was evident that the act of singing caused them pain.

Blood began to trickle from the corners of their mouths, staining their pale skin crimson. Still, they continued.

Their painful chants drew energy—divine and unnatural—from the very air around them.

The sky above them began to swirl. Clouds churned and twisted like something alive, darkening within seconds.

The birds that had once flown overhead scattered in terror as thunder growled across the cliffside.

The divine energy built and built, and the air grew thick with pressure.

Then, the clouds cracked open, and rain began to fall.

At first, it was just a light drizzle, cool and refreshing. The villagers looked up, surprised and delighted.

Rain was a rare blessing, especially one so sudden. Children ran into the streets, arms outstretched, laughing.

Farmers cheered, for it meant the soil would be soft, the crops nourished.

But Kyle didn’t smile.

He stood near the barracks with Bruce, discussing the arrival of supplies from the outer regions when he felt it—a heaviness in the air, a tingle along his skin that made his instincts scream.

He looked up at the sky, at the dark clouds swirling unnaturally fast above them, and narrowed his eyes.

“This rain isn’t normal.”

He said slowly,

Bruce glanced at him, surprised.

“You think something’s wrong, young master?”

Kyle’s gaze darkened.

“I don’t think. I know. There’s something off about the mana in the air… it’s foreign. Wrong. Just like the Queen’s influence. This isn’t a blessing. It’s a warning.”

He turned slightly, eyes scanning the cliffs to the north.

Bruce immediately tensed, one hand moving to the hilt of his blade.

“Then we should act. What do you want to do?”

Kyle didn’t answer right away. He was still staring at the sky, watching the clouds shift. Rain was now pouring in sheets, soaking the streets and rooftops.

The villagers still didn’t suspect anything. Not yet.

For now, it was a cause to celebrate and maybe nothing would happen in the end.

It could just be a coincidence that it was raining when the measure of divine energy was so heavy in the air.

There was no need to be concerned about it…just yet.