Reborn as a Useless Noble with my SSS-Class Innate Talent
Chapter 238 - 238: Ch 238: The Elves- Part 3

Kyle stood in his office, fingers tapping rhythmically against his desk as he waited.

Queen lay curled nearby, Feathers twitching gently, already sensing the approaching elf through their shared link. Kyle glanced down at the hawk with a faint smirk.

"Let's hope she doesn't cause too much trouble."

Just as he said that, the alert from the outer barrier flared gently—a visitor. Queen chirped once, confirming the guest's identity.

At the edge of the village, Silvy came to a halt as her boots scraped against the glowing ruins embedded in the earth.

The entire perimeter shimmered with mana, creating a translucent wall that crackled softly when she lifted her hand near it.

"A ruin barrier? That little bastard went and upgraded."

She muttered with a whistle of admiration.

Before she could test its strength further, a voice rang out, firm and hostile.

"Step away from the barrier. Unauthorized individuals are not permitted to enter."

Silvy turned sharply and narrowed her eyes at the source.

A young woman with sharp eyes and a stiff posture stood a short distance away. Her mana was steady, but her presence grated on Silvy's nerves instantly.

"I'm not unauthorized. I'm expected.""

Silvy retorted, hand already moving to her pocket.

She retrieved the letter Kyle had sent her and handed it over through the opening that appeared in the barrier at the woman's signal.

The woman took the letter with a frown, skimmed it, and then clicked her tongue.

"Tsk. Right this way, guest."

"Could've used less venom."

Silvy muttered under her breath as she stepped inside, annoyed but curious.

She followed the girl deeper into the village, her eyes taking in the subtle changes. The paths were more refined, the structures sturdier and infused with mana.

It wasn't the shoddy village she remembered.

Her guide remained silent, brisk in her steps and cold in her demeanor. Silvy hated her already.

"Not very welcoming for a place full of beggars who got saved."

Silvy grumbled.

The girl said nothing. Instead, as they approached the central building, she paused as another figure emerged—one Silvy recognized instantly.

"Bruce."

She greeted with a grin.

Bruce blinked, clearly not expecting her this soon.

"Silvy? That was fast."

The cold young woman glanced between them, clearly displeased.

"I'll leave her to you then, sir."

Silvy turned toward the girl, ready to shoot another remark, but the expression she received—one last look before the girl turned to leave—sent an inexplicable shiver down her spine.

"Does she always look like that?"

Silvy asked once the woman was gone, rubbing her arms.

Bruce chuckled awkwardly.

"That's Racheal. And… I have no idea what's going on between you two, but she's not usually this—uh—icy."

"Could've fooled me."

Silvy scoffed.

"I've met ice elementals with more warmth. And why does she act like I kicked her puppy or something?"

"Maybe she just doesn't like elves."

"Pfft. Most humans do. She must be special case. Still, this place has changed. Your young master is doing well for himself."

Silvy said proudly, placing her hands on her hips.

Bruce nodded.

"He's built something solid. And now, he's hoping you'll help with the next step."

Silvy groaned.

"I know. I read the letter."

"Then you know what he wants."

"I do. And I haven't said yes yet"

She said.

Bruce tilted his head, amused.

"Then why are you here?"

"…Because I'm curious, alright? He talks big, but this is elf business. I still don't see why I should lead a human into the settlement."

She snapped.

Bruce smiled.

"Then maybe you should ask him yourself. He's waiting."

Silvy hesitated for a moment before muttering.

"Let's just get this over with."

As Bruce led her inside, Queen lazily raised its head from Kyle's side and blinked at Silvy. The elf scowled.

"Of course you're here. Don't look so smug."

Queen chirped, satisfied. Kyle looked up, already smiling faintly as their guest stepped into the room.

"Welcome, Silvy. We have much to talk about."

He said smoothly.

Kyle stood beside his desk, arms crossed, as he watched Silvy lounge casually in the seat across from him.

Queen sat curled on the windowsill, its small body soaking up the sunlight like a cat, eyes only half-lidded as it listened to the conversation.

"I need to get into the elf village. And I need your help, Silvy."

Kyle said, voice calm but direct.

Silvy's smile dropped immediately.

"Absolutely not. Do you know how many humans even know where our village is? None. It's not just a place you waltz into with a letter of recommendation and a smile."

She said flatly.

Kyle didn't respond to her sarcasm. He merely waited.

"I'm serious, Kyle. Even with my help, the odds of you making it to the forest, let alone being accepted into the village, are basically zero. The elders don't just open the gates because someone asked nicely. It doesn't matter how many dragons you have curled up in your window."

Silvy continued, sitting up straighter now.

Queen chirped, apparently insulted, and Kyle gave it a brief glance before returning his gaze to Silvy.

"I understand. But I'd still like to try."

He said.

Silvy stared at him for a moment, baffled.

"You're really that stubborn?"

Kyle nodded.

"Usually, yes."

She sighed and leaned back, arms crossing over her chest.

"You're impossible… but I don't dislike that about you."

Kyle raised an eyebrow, and Silvy huffed before continuing.

"Fine. I'll take you to the village. But only on one condition."

"Name it."

"You help us. The elves… we have a problem. I can't say more now, but if I lead you into the heart of our home, I need to know you'll lend your strength."

She said, tone suddenly much more serious.

Kyle's expression didn't change.

"I'll help. As much as I can. But there are things that may be beyond my control.""

He said after a pause.

Silvy nodded slowly, satisfied.

"Good enough. We leave tomorrow."

From the corner of the room, Bruce stepped forward, clearly agitated.

"Young master. I don't like this. You're going to a hidden village in the middle of a forest full of elves who hate humans… with her as your only guide?"

He began, voice low,

Silvy smirked.

"Aw, Bruce. You say that like I'm not trustworthy."

"I say it because you're not."

Bruce snapped back.

Kyle held up a hand before they could start bickering further.

"Bruce, I'll be fine."

"You think you'll be fine. But I have a bad feeling. Like something's going to go wrong. You don't even know what kind of problem the elves have"

Bruce muttered.

"That's why I'm going. To find out."

Kyle said firmly.

Bruce looked like he wanted to argue, but after a moment, he exhaled and gave a reluctant nod.

"Fine. But I want daily reports. If I don't hear from you for more than a day, I'm coming after you—with half the village."

"I wouldn't expect anything less."

Kyle said with a smile.

Silvy stood and stretched, her lithe frame moving like a cat.

"I'll prepare supplies. And don't pack too much. We'll be walking."

Kyle nodded and glanced at Queen.

"You'll stay behind. Watch the place while I'm gone."

Queen let out a questioning trill, as if insulted by the idea of being left behind.

"I need you here. If something happens, you're the only one fast enough to alert Bruce or the Duchess."

Kyle added.

Queen huffed but finally settled back down, clearly displeased but accepting the command.

Silvy watched the exchange with amusement.

"You really treat that thing like it's your lieutenant."

"It's more competent than most soldiers I've met."

Kyle replied.

Silvy chuckled.

"Fair point."

As she turned to leave, Bruce muttered under his breath.

"Still think this is a bad idea."

Kyle patted his shoulder.

"When have any of my ideas not sounded bad at first?"

Bruce gave him a long, pointed look.

"…That's not as reassuring as you think it is."

Kyle just laughed.