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

Chapter 163: Ch 163: Selling the Stone – Part 3

Melissa looked visibly frustrated, her fists clenched and eyes locked in the direction the assassins had fled.

Her whole body was ready to leap into action, to chase them down and reclaim what had been taken.

But then she saw Kyle’s expression—calm, composed, certain. She took a deep breath, biting back her instinct to argue, and slowly lowered her stance.

“…If that’s what you want, Young Master.”

She said, clearly displeased but willing to obey.

Bruce had been watching the exchange silently. He looked between Kyle and Melissa, then raised an eyebrow.

“Do you… have a plan to retrieve the mana stone?”

Kyle gave him a small smile.

“I don’t need one.”

Bruce blinked.

“Why?”

“I never lost the mana stone in the first place.”

Kyle replied, his voice steady.

Melissa’s head snapped toward him.

“You tricked them?”

Kyle nodded.

“What they stole was a replica I had prepared in advance. Just enough residual mana to pass a quick test. They won’t know the difference… until it’s far too late.”

Realization hit Bruce first, followed by a slow chuckle.

“So that’s why you didn’t even flinch. I should’ve known. Still, you scared the hell out of us.”

Melissa’s tension bled out all at once. Her shoulders relaxed, and she let out a breath she hadn’t even realized she’d been holding.