Noble Reincarnation: Born Blessed, So I'll Obtain Ultimate Power

Thinking that secret meetings would increase from now on, I moved last night to a type of inn where I could rent an entire detached house.

That inn had a spacious garden, and in the morning, as I got up, I stood there in the garden.

The morning sun gently rose, and dew dripped from the trees.

The trees swayed in the wind, and a single fallen leaf fluttered and drifted down.

When it fell right in front of me, I raised my hand and tapped it with the second joint of my middle finger as if knocking on a door.

Puff!

A crisp sound echoed as the leaf shattered into pieces in midair.

Literally shattered—though the fallen leaf should have contained moisture, it blew apart like a dry leaf.

“Ah, amazing…”

From behind me came Zoe’s voice.

She had just come back from outside and had apparently seen what I did. Her eyes widened in amazement.

“Was that… Your Majesty’s power?”

“Yeah.”

“I see… uh?”

“What is it?”

When I asked, Zoe didn’t answer but instead muttered to herself.

“Leviathan-sama, Bahamut-sama, Behemoth-sama, Fuwawa-sama, Apophis-sama, Jiz-sama…”

She was listing the names of the powerful magical artifacts I possessed.

After muttering through them all, Zoe’s expression grew even more puzzled.

“Whose power was that just now?”

“Oh, I see. Since you’ve always been by my side, you have a rough idea of all their powers.”

“Yes.”

“As you suspected, it wasn’t the power of any of them.”

“Huh?”

“It was my own power.”

I had come here partly to investigate the salt tax and partly to train Zoe.

If I didn’t improve at all, that would be pointless.

Combining my current status with my past experience, I spent the whole night thinking about what I could do.

Unleashing a powerful, brute-force attack is easy.

But I took inspiration from how clapping produces a better sound when focused on a momentary impact rather than just hitting hard.

So I tried a strike that concentrated on a surface—no, a point.

The result was a technique that could shatter a leaf fluttering in the air into pieces.

“Even by yourself… Your Majesty really is amazing…”

“More importantly, have you talked with them?”

“Huh? Yes…”

Zoe said that, glancing around nervously.

“Relax, I’m controlling the surrounding wind with Jiz’s power.”

“Wind?”

“Words travel through air. I’m manipulating the wind so sound doesn’t leak outside. Indoors, sound can travel along walls, but in the garden, it’s safe.”

“I see. Then I will report to Your Majesty.”

“Good.”

“When I told them we used the 3000 Lien to bribe Kate, they were very surprised. Then when I demanded additional money and valuables, they gave it.”

“How much?”

“Huh?”

“How much was the amount?”

“Another 3000 Lien, the same amount.”

“…Hmph. I see.”

I smiled faintly, and Zoe tilted her head in curiosity.

“Is something the matter, Your Majesty?”

“If someone like you came, I would pay at least double, maybe ten times. You’re a rare treasure.”

“I see…?”

“That’s why it seemed strange they only gave the same amount.”

“So… you mean?”

Seeing Zoe still didn’t quite get it, I smiled again.

“They sent only the same amount even though someone who would spend money like you appeared. They’re at best B-rank—someone who might become A-rank with advantage. They’re not idiots, but nothing extraordinary.”

Using the status and the “+” as an analogy, I explained.

“I see! That might be true.”

Zoe nodded with understanding.

“Hm?”

“After I told them Your Majesty’s reaction, they seemed divided about whether to continue as is or change tactics. Even I could tell there was some troubling hesitation.”

“I see.”

“Also, I asked what Your Majesty likes.”

“What do I like? What did you say?”

“Humans—especially talented women.”

“I see.”

That answer was almost perfect.

It wasn’t a lie. Considering what I’ve done so far, that answer was truthful enough.

But also a bit limited.

“Well done, Zoe.”

“Thank you!!”

Zoe beamed happily.