Reborn as a Useless Noble with my SSS-Class Innate Talent

Melissa stood a little apart from the others, her hands clenched tightly over her horse's reins as the crowd around them slowly began to thin.

Laughter and celebration still rang out all around, but none of it touched her. She glanced at Kyle, who rode ahead, his back straight, his presence composed as always.

But now that the battle was over—now that they'd returned as victors—Melissa's thoughts were a storm.

'Now's the time. Just say it.'

She swallowed hard and urged her horse closer to Kyle's. Her voice trembled slightly as she spoke.

"Young master… may I walk beside you from now on?"

The question was soft, but it echoed in her head like thunder. A former slave asking to stand beside a noble wasn't a small request.

It was the kind of question that carried weight—a declaration.

And though it took all her courage, she asked it not as a servant, but as someone who had stood through fire and blood beside him.

Kyle turned slightly as if about to answer—only to be interrupted by the sound of another horse drawing near.

"Sir Kyle! Come with me. The crown prince awaits. He wishes to see both of us."

Grand Duchess Amana said smoothly, riding up beside them.

There was no room for refusal in her words, and Kyle gave Melissa only a brief glance before nodding.

"Understood."

Melissa's heart dropped as she watched him turn away to ride with the Grand Duchess toward the palace. She quickly lowered her eyes, hiding the sting behind her lashes.

Bruce came to her side with a sigh, folding his arms.

"You're doing it again."

"Doing what?"

"Holding back. You keep waiting for the perfect moment to speak when life's already passed you by." His voice wasn't cruel—just blunt.

"I don't have a place beside him. I just thought… maybe…"

She muttered, voice quiet.

"Then take a place. You think nobles wait for someone to give them permission to stand tall?"

Bruce interrupted.

Melissa looked away, guilt and frustration twisting in her gut.

Meanwhile, Kyle and the Grand Duchess rode in silence through the inner gates of the royal palace.

The once-lively streets gave way to manicured gardens and polished stone, lined with royal guards who stood still as statues.

Despite the cheers outside, the mood between them was heavy. Amana's brow furrowed slightly as she tried to find something to say.

She wanted to thank him—for everything—but it felt hollow somehow. She had witnessed what Kyle looked like in the heat of battle, when gods themselves trembled beneath his feet.

And now here he was, silent, composed… but distant.

"I didn't think we'd see the capital like this again."

Amana said, trying to break the quiet.

Kyle only nodded.

She tried again.

"They say we're heroes now. But it doesn't feel like victory, does it?"

"No. It never does."

Kyle replied at last.

More silence. The weight of everything that had happened—Charrin's fall, the price they paid, Silvy's unconscious form still in the healer's ward—it was too much to sweep away with idle words.

Amana finally turned her head to look at him directly.

"I'm glad you're back, Kyle."

He didn't smile. But he did meet her eyes.

"I saw what you did. While I was sealed away. You held the line. You didn't run. You commanded our forces with strength and clarity."

He paused.

"I respect that. And I'm grateful."

A faint flush touched her cheeks at the rare compliment.

"We had no other choice. We had to keep going."

"You did more than that. But next time—don't risk your life for mine."

Kyle said.

She blinked.

"What?"

"I know you tried to stop the goddess yourself when I couldn't. I know how close you came to dying."

"I couldn't just stand by and do nothing."

"You should've. If you fall, who will lead the army? Who will keep them from collapsing?"

Kyle said firmly.

Amana looked away, guilt swirling inside her.

"I don't say this because I don't value you. I say it because your value is greater than you realize."

Kyle continued.

That brought silence again—but this time it was warmer, less heavy.

They reached the steps of the royal palace, where heralds were already preparing to announce their arrival.

The Grand Duchess glanced sideways at Kyle one last time.

"You're not the only one who feels the weight of this war, you know."

"I never thought I was."

He said quietly.

And with that, the doors opened to receive them, and the celebration inside began. But both of them knew the real battle had only just begun.

The silence between them returned as their horses trotted down the marble path leading to the inner courtyard of the royal palace.

The noise of the celebrating crowds faded behind the thick walls, replaced by the soft sounds of hooves on stone.

The Grand Duchess glanced sideways at Kyle. His face remained unreadable, as always—calm, poised, and a little distant.

But something in the tension of his shoulders told her he wasn't at ease.

She took a breath, steadying her nerves. This wasn't how she had wanted to bring it up—not in a moment overshadowed by war and wounds. But life rarely offered the right moment.

"Kyle, once this war is over… I would like us to go through with the marriage immediately."

She said quietly.

Kyle's eyes shifted toward her, but he didn't say anything for a few seconds. Then, with a small smile, he responded.

"We'll talk about it after the war ends."

She frowned at his deflection.

"You don't sound too convinced."

Still smiling, Kyle looked forward again.

"I'm only being realistic. You should have a backup plan—just in case I don't make it to see the end of this."

The Grand Duchess blinked, caught off guard.

Don't say that. You're being modest. You're the strongest person I know."

She said quickly, her voice a little too high.

"I'm not being modest. I'm being honest. This war has too many pieces moving at once. Too many players with their own agendas. No matter how strong I am, I'm still just one piece on the board."

Kyle said, tone even but heavy.

Her expression faltered, but she tried to laugh it off.

"You've already defeated a goddess, Kyle. There's no one left who can match you."

He didn't respond to that, which only deepened the unease curling in her chest.

By then, the gates of the royal palace stood tall in front of them.

The guards standing on either side of the entrance immediately straightened, their eyes widening as they saw the duo approach.

"Grand Duchess Amana. Sir Kyle Armstrong. Welcome."

One of them said, bowing deeply before signaling the others to open the gates.

The tall golden doors swung wide, revealing the lush palace gardens beyond. They rode in silence once more, their thoughts heavier than their footsteps.

And though they entered as heroes, both of them knew the hardest trials still lay ahead.

As they dismounted inside the courtyard, servants rushed forward to take their horses, but neither Kyle nor the Grand Duchess moved immediately.

Amana looked at Kyle again, searching for some reassurance in his expression.

"You're not alone, you know. No matter how dangerous it gets, I'll be there."

She said quietly.

Kyle glanced at her, a flicker of warmth in his eyes.

"That's why I need you to survive, Amana. Even if I don't."

He replied.

Before she could argue further, a royal attendant approached them with a formal bow.

"His Highness awaits you in the throne chamber."

He announced.