Reborn as a Useless Noble with my SSS-Class Innate Talent-Chapter 33: Ch : The Grand Duchess- Part 1

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After a week of rigorous preparation, the day had finally arrived—Kyle and his small group were set to embark on their hunt for the Frozen Armoured Bear.

Melissa, her usual energetic self, bounced on her feet with excitement, stretching her arms as if she was about to face the most thrilling challenge of her life.

Bruce, however, looked like a man marching toward his execution.

"We're all going to die. I just know it. This is insane. Completely insane. We are three people—only three! And we're going after a monster that even experienced hunters struggle to take down!"

Bruce muttered, running a hand down his face.

Melissa rolled her eyes but didn't argue.

She was excited—not because she thought it would be easy, but because it was a chance to prove herself to Kyle.

On the other hand, the butler, Bernard, was on the verge of a breakdown.

"Young master, please reconsider! You don't need to do this! The world is vast, and there are so many other ways to prove yourself that don't involve you marching into certain death!"

He pleaded, looking at Kyle with teary eyes.

Kyle, already expecting this, simply sighed and shook his head.

"I've already made my decision."

His voice was calm, but final.

Bernard looked devastated.

Even Guard Captain Lancelot had come to see them off, looking more exasperated than concerned.

"At least take some soldiers with you. That beast isn't something to take lightly. You'll need more people."

Lancelot insisted.

Kyle, however, waved the offer away.

"I don't need extra burdens. I already have two people to carry."

Bruce, who had just taken a sip of water, choked violently.

Melissa, however, took it in stride.

"I'll do better next time, master!"

She declared with a salute, looking proud.

Bruce groaned loudly, covering his face with his hands.

"Do you have no honor?"

He grumbled.

Melissa gave him a blank stare.

"Honor? Does honor help you when you're dead?"

She repeated.

Bruce paused, realizing he had no comeback for that.

"You have a screw loose."

He muttered under his breath.

Kyle cut their banter short with a sharp look.

"Enough. It's time to leave."

The butler looked as if he wanted to cry, but he knew his young master well enough to know that Kyle wouldn't change his mind.

So instead, he turned to Lancelot, his voice dropping into a whisper.

"Please, Captain, I beg of you—send some of your men after them. Just in case."

Lancelot, who wasn't nearly as invested in Kyle's survival, raised an eyebrow.

"That fragile young master of yours seems to know what he's doing."

He pointed out.

"That's exactly why I'm worried!"

Bernard hissed back.

Lancelot sighed, rubbing his temples.

Truth be told, he didn't particularly care whether Kyle lived or died—but Bruce was his former vice-captain. If nothing else, he wanted to make sure Bruce made it back alive.

"Fine. I'll have some men follow them from a distance. But they won't interfere unless things get truly dire."

Lancelot finally agreed.

Bernard exhaled in relief.

At least now, his young master had some backup.

Even if Kyle refused to accept it.

______

The heavy boots of the Head Knight echoed down the castle corridor.

Every guard in sight bowed their heads in deep respect as the figure passed. The sheer presence of the Head Knight was enough to command absolute discipline.

The destination was clear—the Grand Duke's office.

Upon arrival, the Head Knight didn't wait for permission to enter. Instead, the large double doors burst open with a force that startled the man inside.

The secretary, seated at an ornate desk, had been in the middle of stamping documents. He looked up at the new arrival and, for a moment, relief flashed across his face.

"Your Grace, is everything alright?"

the secretary asked, setting down his quill.

The Head Knight reached up, unfastened the heavy helmet, and pulled it off.

From beneath the armor, short white hair framing a sharp, beautiful face.

A woman's face.

"How many times must I tell you—if you value your life, do not address me as a woman?"

The Head Knight snapped, her piercing blue eyes locking onto the secretary's in warning.

The secretary froze for a second, realizing his mistake. A bead of sweat rolled down his temple.

"I—I misspoke."

He stammered, quickly looking away.

Inside, he was mentally berating himself.

'Idiot! You should know better!'

The woman before him was no ordinary knight—she was Amanda, the Grand Duchess.

But that was a secret known only to a select few.

To the rest of the world, the Head Knight was a man. A powerful, undefeated warrior, leading the knights of the Grand Duchy with iron discipline and unwavering strength.

The truth, however, was far more complicated.

Amanda had assumed this identity out of necessity.

The nobles—her own people—had never believed a woman could rule them.

If they had known that the true Grand Duke had passed away, leaving only a young woman in his place, the Grand Duchy would have fallen into chaos.

So she took up the sword, donned armor, and became the Head Knight instead.

A ruler in secret.

And for years, it had worked.

The people obeyed. The enemies of the duchy feared her.

But now, something was threatening her delicate rule.

"Did you look into what I asked?"

Amanda's voice was sharp, dragging the secretary back to reality.

The man nodded hurriedly, fumbling through the stacks of parchment before pulling out a sealed document.

"Yes, Your Grace. I've compiled a list of all eligible bachelors within the noble ranks. As per your request, these are men who are foolish, incompetent, or otherwise unfit to challenge your position."

He confirmed.

Amanda took the document and scanned the names.

This was a necessary move.

Her knights and advisors had begun pressuring her to marry—arguing that the Grand Duchy needed a 'Duke' to secure its future.

She knew what they really meant.

They wanted her to step aside and allow a man to take control.

'Over my dead body.'