Reborn as a Useless Noble with my SSS-Class Innate Talent-Chapter 96: Ch : I Wish to be Useful - Part 2

The early morning air was crisp, the sun barely rising over the horizon when Kyle stepped out into the training grounds.

He hadn’t expected anyone to be awake yet, let alone already swinging a sword with such intensity.

Kyle’s senses flared, catching the flicker of another presence.

He followed it, quietly weaving between the columns of the estate until he saw her.

Melissa stood in the center of the grounds, breath fogging the cold morning air, sweat already soaking through her training shirt.

Her moves were precise but unrefined—driven more by desperation than form. Her muscles trembled with exertion, her strikes erratic and wrong in a way only someone deeply familiar with combat would recognize.

And Kyle could recognize it instantly.

He stepped in just as she raised her wooden sword for another overhead slash.

Kyle’s hand shot forward, catching the weapon mid-swing before it could fall.

Startled, Melissa’s instincts flared. She twisted with surprising speed, ready to lash out—but froze the moment she saw him.

"Y-Young master?"

She stammered, flushed and trying to force herself to look composed despite being caught in such a vulnerable state.

Kyle didn’t say anything right away. His gaze swept the empty field, then shifted back to Melissa’s stiff form.

"Don’t overdo it. Rest is just as important as training. Pushing past your limits every day isn’t strength. It’s just slow suicide."

He said calmly.

Melissa’s hands trembled, but she didn’t lower her head.

"I don’t have a choice. I have to get stronger. If I can’t be of use to you, then what’s the point of me being here?"

She said, voice firm despite the rawness in it.

Kyle let out a small sigh and rubbed his forehead.

He recognized the tone too well. It was the same one he had once used in a past life—when desperation bled into obsession.

"You’re already of use to me. And rushing toward a future you’re not ready for only hurts the people you’re trying to protect."

He replied, lowering her wooden sword to the ground.

Melissa’s composure broke slightly. Her hands clenched at her sides, and she looked away as her voice dropped.

"It’s just… the Grand Duchess can give you things I never can. She was born strong, born noble. I have nothing like that. All I have is this body—and I’m trying to turn it into something worthwhile."

Her voice cracked.

"But it’s not enough. Not for you."

Kyle’s eyes softened.

He stepped closer, placing his hand on her head and gently ruffling her hair.

Melissa flinched at first, but then froze as his fingers lingered there—not as a commander, not as her superior, but simply as Kyle.

"That’s not how worth works. You promised to be my sword, and I want you to be as sharp as you can when the time comes. So don’t think about useless things in the meantime."

He said.

Melissa’s eyes shimmered, but she held back the tears.

"Then why won’t you take me with you? If I’m enough… why am I not good enough for that?"

She asked quietly.

Kyle withdrew his hand and gave a small smile, patient and knowing.

"This mission requires stealth. It requires me to move alone, unnoticed, and unburdened. Even if you were a grandmaster with the blade, I still wouldn’t bring you—not because I don’t trust you, but because I need someone I do trust to stay behind and protect the front I leave behind."

He looked her squarely in the eyes.

"You think I’m leaving you behind because you’re weak. But I’m leaving you in charge because you’re strong."

Melissa blinked, visibly shaken by the shift in perspective.

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It wasn’t the answer she wanted—but it was one she hadn’t considered.

Slowly, her fists unclenched. She nodded, though her voice was still laced with pain.

"I understand. I don’t like it… but I understand."

Kyle gave her one last nod.

"Good Girl. Trust me a little longer. We’re building something here—and you’re a pillar of it."

Her lips curved, barely, into the ghost of a smile. There was also a small blush colouring her cheeks, but Kyle pretended he did not notice that.

"Alright, young master. I’ll stay. I’ll do my best to hold things together here."

Kyle stepped back, watching her expression closely. She still looked a little sad—but steadier. Her usual fire was there again, rekindled, if only a bit.

As he turned to leave, Melissa called out.

"But you better come back safe, okay?"

He paused, then gave her a rare, genuine grin over his shoulder.

"That’s the plan."

Kyle sighed as he leaned against a wooden post near the training grounds, his gaze fixed on Melissa as she resumed her practice.

Her movements were more measured now, less frantic, but still far too intense for a morning session.

He rubbed his temple and muttered under his breath.

"She’s going to tear a muscle one of these days…"

He let his eyes drift to the sky for a moment, lost in thought.

’My people are too eager… ’

He mused. Melissa wasn’t the only one.

Bruce had nearly gotten into a fight with one of the castle knights because they had dared to speak dismissively of Kyle.

Their loyalty was unwavering, yes—but it was also impulsive, emotional, and dangerously self-sacrificing.

They were good people.

Too good.

And that worried Kyle more than he cared to admit.

Their enthusiasm could easily lead them to prioritize the mission above their own safety, even their own lives.

If they kept walking this path without tempering themselves, they’d burn out before ever reaching their full potential.

’That’s something I’ll need to fix. I need them alive—not just loyal.’

He thought grimly.

______

After breakfast, Kyle prepared to leave for his mission.

He had packed light, dressed plainly, and wore a hooded cloak to minimize attention.

As he stepped into the common area, he found Bruce and Melissa already waiting for him.

Bruce gave a short nod, while Melissa looked slightly more composed than earlier.

"I’m heading out alone. You two hold the fort here. Don’t let anyone get suspicious."

Kyle said, strapping his light blade to his hip.

Bruce crossed his arms and replied with a grunt.

"You sure about this, young master?"

Kyle nodded.

"This mission needs to be handled quietly. Stealth is more important than force. If things go well, I’ll be back in a few days."

Melissa opened her mouth to say something but stopped herself. She simply nodded and bowed slightly.

"Understood."

As Kyle turned to leave, he felt another set of eyes on him—sharper, colder, and far more calculating.

Christan.

From the shadows of a hallway, his older half-brother stood watching, arms crossed, with a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.

The message in his gaze was clear: I’m watching you. Waiting.

Kyle didn’t falter.

He kept his expression neutral, even as he returned Christan’s gaze with one of cool defiance.

’If you want to play games, brother, then I’ll be happy to win.’

Outside the castle walls, Kyle gave a low whistle. Queen, his hawk, descended from the rooftop and landed gracefully on his arm. He reached up and gently ran his fingers along her feathers.

"Keep an eye on things. Let me know if anyone follows"

He murmured.

Queen gave a sharp cry and launched into the air, circling above as Kyle began his walk out of the town. For now, it seemed no one was tailing him.

Still, Kyle remained alert. This was only the beginning.