Overpowered Extra Noble in a Novel

13.

“Macbilian…!”

Arthur’s furrowed gaze met mine. The boy glared at me with brimming confidence, but as soon as our eyes met, he looked away.

“It’s good to see you again, Arthur Briarten. However, I must ask—have we become close enough friends that you feel so casual in addressing me?”

“Grr…!”

The boy, visibly trembling, soon spoke in a subdued tone.

“…I apologize for my rudeness, Baron Macbilian. In my confusion, I breached etiquette. Would you kindly forgive me?”

“Of course. It’s pleasant to see your improvement, second son of Briarten.”

Grinding teeth were clearly audible.

‘Hmph.’

It seems he’s easily swayed by emotions at this young age. His thoughts are laid bare on his face and through his actions—different from most nobles.

It’s easier to deal with someone whose intentions are transparent.

As I teased Arthur and locked eyes with the stern knights surrounding me, a woman approached in the distinctive navy uniform of the Northern Gate Police Station.

A statuesque figure emerged beneath the neatly pressed uniform, with jet-black hair cropped to her shoulders.

Her eyes, blue as ice, were tranquil.

Her composed demeanor was nearly frosty. She seemed to be about my age—quite young indeed.

As I silently observed this woman, cool as a summer breeze, she spoke to Arthur.

“Briarten Inspector, are you acquainted with this candidate?”

Her voice matched her calm and poised appearance, smooth and appealing.

The woman’s gaze had transfixed Arthur, whose face reddened as he responded.

“N-No, Officer Aria. This is our first meeting.”

“Is that so?”

With a slight nod, the woman turned her attention to me.

The height difference meant she had to tilt her head up as she quietly inspected me. Her gaze traveled upwards, starting from the sword on my hip, then passing my jacket’s emblem until it finally met mine.

After an initial moment of hesitation, she saluted with precision.

“To the Empire’s order. I am Officer Aria, Captain of the 3rd Northern Gate Security Unit. I will be providing support as you undertake your assignment at the Foreign Palace.”

Her calm but stern eyes and rigid tone gave a sense of her character.

‘So, she’s a commoner-turned-security officer.’

Security officers, holding a rank equivalent to captain, command troops and are classified as lower officials. Usually, the position is almost exclusively held by nobility.

“I am Baron Cain Macbilian. It’s a pleasure.”

Lower officials, though treated similarly to minor barons, are generally shown mutual respect among the nobles. Outwardly, there’s no outright discrimination toward them.

Though I hold a temporary clerk position at the Inner Palace, where I might act superior to commoner-born officers, it’s different at the Foreign Palace.

I replied formally, and Aria responded again.

“The candidate has been temporarily granted security officer authority. Please speak freely.”

“Understood. Officer Aria, my trust rests with you during our time together.”

*

The assignment at the Foreign Palace was shorter compared to the Inner Palace.

This time, we’ve been given three days.

I will be assisting the Northern Gate Police Station, which handles security for one of the four outer districts of the capital city, Palamtiar.

The Security Command within the Foreign Palace is divided into ranks: Chief of Police, Inspectors, Officers, Sergeants, and Corporals.

Among these, Sergeants and below manage patrols and gate security for the outer walls. Thus, I am essentially a middle manager overseeing them.

“Officer Macbilian will team up with Briarten Sergeant and myself for suppressing disturbances in the lower sectors of the northern regions.”

Aria’s delicate finger pointed to a marked area on a large map spread over the desk.

It was a simplified map of the capital, Palamtiar, littered with complex symbols. The spot she indicated was an area near the northern gate of the outer wall, shaded black.

“This area is prone to crime. In fact, thievery guilds and slum gangs reside deep within these lower sectors.”

Tap. Tap. Tap.

“The security forces often disregard the lower sectors as a sort of garbage dump. They merely monitor for disturbances and won’t interfere unless chaos reaches the capital.”

Her finger traced the edge of the shaded area. She gave a broad overview and then continued.

“Recently, however, an increase in missing persons, violence, and homicide reports has occurred. There are even confirmed intelligence reports of slave traders operating. We launched an investigation and…”

Her finger hovered over one of the several organizations within the lower sectors marked “Greydog,” with a small star next to it.

“Command has decided to clear out this emerging force, the Greydog gang. One security unit from each precinct will help encircle the lower sector while our Northern Gate 2nd and 3rd Security Units will enter.”

Summarizing, her gaze turned from the map back to me.

“The operation begins in two days; that was a general outline. Do you have any questions?”

In essence, what Aria said was a plan to put a stop to emerging forces causing problems in the lower sectors.

This kind of straightforward, brute-force operation is exactly what I enjoy.

“What should we do in the meantime before the operation begins?”

In response to my question, Aria presented navy uniforms and plain, worn clothes.

“To ensure a smooth operation, we will conduct covert patrols to familiarize ourselves with the terrain. You can change into these civilian clothes. Briarten Sergeant, prepare yourself as well.”

*

As I entered the northern sector that extends beyond the northern gate, my first impression was that of decay.

Unlike the eastern sector I entered through, the buildings here were taller, their walls visibly marred with cracks and faded colors, signs that the area is poorly maintained.

The inner districts near the Inner Wall were still fairly normal, but the further we ventured toward the northern gate, the cleaner sections disappeared, replaced with visible disorder.

Clouds, heavy with impending rain, filled the sky.

With the sunlight blocked, the already drab northern district seemed even darker. The grime and squalor were more apparent in this dim, muted light.

‘The lower sectors.’

Turning my head, I gazed at the Inner Wall where the Imperial Palace stood.

Interestingly, the northern district of the capital, Palamtiar, descends gently, unlike the other areas.

The closer you get to the outer walls, the bigger the height difference between the Inner Wall and the northern regions.

From the northern gate, looking toward the Imperial Palace was like seeing a colossal structure seated atop a steep hill.

The terrain itself clearly divided the sectors. It was easy to understand the term “lower.”

Turning back, I whispered to Aria, who was walking by my side.

“Officer Aria, while I agree with the need for reconnaissance, do we absolutely need to employ this form?”

We were disguising ourselves as we patrolled the northern district.

I had exchanged my formal uniform for a merchant’s disguise, complete with a wig. Arthur’s group was dressed in worn-out clothes resembling those of the lower classes, following at a distance.

Aria, on the other hand, was…

Quite scandalous.

She wore a thin gown that only barely covered the necessary parts, revealing her curvaceous figure.

It was the kind of outfit typically seen on prostitutes in the brothels of the lower sectors.

The disguise of a wealthy young merchant and his favored, charming prostitute made our infiltration into the lower sectors necessary, or so she explained. But wouldn’t just dressing as paupers suffice?

With folded arms and a snack in her hand, Aria answered without changing expression.

“The northern district is heavily monitored by gangs and thievery guilds. To appear as natural as possible, this is the most reliable option. Please be cautious with your titles and words.”

“…Understood. Ria.”

Nodding, Aria leaned closer as I placed my arm around her shoulder. She adjusted and pressed even closer, sticking to me tightly.

Behind us, the sound of something breaking loudly echoed.

‘There you go.’

No wonder the looks Aria received from the Security Command were less than ordinary.

Arthur clearly shows significant interest in Aria. His behavior was an open book, easily readable, and Aria must be aware of how he feels.

“Regrettable.”

“Hm?”

Shaking my head slightly at my own muttering, Aria responded.

We naturally strolled through the northern district, eventually delving deeper into the lower sectors.

It was even more dim and sullen here, a strange power that could make your spirits sink.

“The lower sectors are a labyrinth of complicated, interconnected alleys. There’s a high risk of getting lost, so care must be taken not to stray too far.”

Unlike the muted exterior of the sector entrances, there were clear signs of habitation further inside.

Of course, this made sense.

Even in broad daylight, there were many women dressed provocatively, flirting with men.

Without Aria clinging to me, I might have been the target of overt flirts as well. Several people were drawn into buildings by these women.

Their clean appearances alone suggested they were from different districts. Besides local visitors, mercenaries, guild members, and merchants naturally followed these prostitutes inside.

Surprisingly, I even spotted a face vaguely recognized from the Imperial Palace.

“Someone I recognize.”

At my comment, Aria whispered,

“…Some individuals are deeply tied to the lower sectors. Should we encounter them, it might cause trouble, so we’ll turn back.”

Having explored and mapped the lower sectors, and compared the locations of the gangs,

As the sun set, Aria guided us calmly through the lower sectors.

“Truly maze-like.”

“It’s due to the random building placements that the streets have become so complicated. That’s why advance reconnaissance is necessary.”

“Do you have all the streets memorized, Ria?”

“Yes, because I’ve been here for a long time.”

While maintaining our roles, the change in tone gave her confident smile a refreshing air.

When gangs passed by, we hugged each other tight to mask ourselves.

We carefully observed the distinguishing features of the Greydog gang and noted their hideouts.

We identified potential escape routes and the hidden terrain.

The covert patrol was a success.

‘All the operation zones have been identified.’

Without any special incidents, the operation should run smoothly.

Despite her unchanged expression, Aria also seemed content.

“Hey, merchant sir, stay still. If you move, we won’t be responsible for what happens…”

…until strange fellows brandishing weapons blocked our path.

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