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

Melissa pushed her way through the sea of noblewomen with practiced ease, using her training to slip past them without much effort.

Despite their desperate attempts to keep her out, she reached Kyle's side in mere moments.

She took a deep breath and put on a determined expression before addressing him.

"Young master, I need to speak with you. Alone."

The women surrounding Kyle bristled in outrage.

"How dare you interrupt us?"

One of them sneered.

"You're being incredibly rude. Go back to where you belong."

Another huffed, arms crossed in irritation.

Usually, Melissa could ignore such insults.

She had trained herself to withstand the verbal attacks of nobles, knowing her status as a servant meant she would always be looked down upon.

But tonight, she was not sober.

The alcohol coursing through her veins made her reckless. It made her care less about decorum and more about the burning irritation in her chest.

Melissa scoffed and crossed her arms.

"Rude? You're all trying to use my young master to get back at the Grand Duchess. You just want to stir up rumors and drag him into your petty games."

A tense silence fell over the group.

The noblewomen stiffened, their carefully crafted masks cracking. Their faces went pale, then red with embarrassment as the truth of Melissa's accusation settled over them.

"How dare you!"

One of the women shrieked, lifting her hand to slap Melissa.

Melissa caught her wrist before it could reach her face.

She wasn't just a servant. She was a trained fighter, one who had survived through situations far worse than an offended noblewoman's temper tantrum.

The woman gasped, struggling against Melissa's grip, but Melissa's hold was firm.

Kyle, who had been silently watching the situation unfold, decided he had entertained himself long enough.

A subtle wave of his mana swept through the air.

The noblewomen shivered, visibly uncomfortable as his power pressed down on them, a silent reminder of his status.

With a cool smirk, Kyle finally spoke.

"It seems my person has something important to tell me. If it's urgent enough for her to cut through this crowd, then I should hear her out."

His words were final. No one missed the way he said those words either.

Though the noblewomen wanted to argue, they knew better. Kyle was not just the son of a duke—he was also the Grand Duchess's fiancé.

Aside from Amanda herself, no one in the room held more authority than him.

Reluctantly, they stepped aside, allowing Kyle to lead Melissa out of the hall.

The moment they entered the empty corridor, Kyle turned to face her fully.

His sharp gaze swept over her, taking in the flush on her cheeks, the slightly unfocused glint in her eyes, and the way she swayed just a little.

"Melissa, are you drunk?"

He drawled.

Melissa immediately straightened, shaking her head.

"No."

Kyle arched an eyebrow.

Melissa realized that the warmth on her face was a dead giveaway. She let out a small, irritated sigh and muttered.

"Fine. Maybe a little."

Kyle smirked.

"I see. And whose fault is that?"

"Bruce's…."

She replied instantly, as if the blame belonged to anyone but herself.

Kyle let out a sign.

"Of course."

Melissa suddenly felt awkward under his amused gaze.

Kyle leaned against the wall, arms crossed.

"So? What was this important news you needed to share?"

Melissa hesitated.

Now that they were alone, now that Kyle's undivided attention was on her, she realized she had nothing to say.

She had stormed over because she saw him struggling with the noblewomen, feeling the ridiculous urge to save him from their advances.

And now?

Now, she was standing here like an idiot.

Melissa let out a slow breath, forcing herself to hold his gaze.

"I…I didn't really have anything important to say."

She trailed off, looking away for a moment before gathering her courage.

Kyle raised an eyebrow.

Melissa clenched her fists.

"I just… I saw you looking uncomfortable, so I called out to you."

Kyle stared at her for a long moment.

Then, much to her surprise, his expression softened.

He tilted his head slightly, watching her with an unreadable look.

"I see."

Melissa shifted under his gaze.

"I won't bother you anymore. I should get back."

But before she could turn, Kyle reached out and flicked her forehead.

"Ow! What was that for?"

She winced, rubbing the spot.

"For lying."

Melissa scowled.

"I wasn't—"

"You didn't just call out to me because I looked uncomfortable. Your expression tells me that you were jealous."

Kyle said casually.

Melissa froze.

Her stomach twisted, heat rushing to her face for an entirely different reason now.

"I wasn't—"

"Melissa, you're drunk, and you're a terrible liar. Don't embarrass yourself further."

Kyle interrupted smoothly,

Melissa bit the inside of her cheek.

Kyle didn't sound mocking, just… amused.

She hated that he had seen right through her.

With a huff, she turned on her heel.

"Whatever. I'm leaving."

Kyle chuckled but didn't stop her. Instead, he felt another headache incoming.

"Well, this was an unexpected development. I guess I will feign ignorance until Melissa comes out and confesses to me. As for a response…I will think about one later to give to her."

Melissa might not have admitted it outright, but tonight had told him everything he needed to know.

She wasn't just a loyal servant.

She was someone who liked him.

And whether she realized it or not, she had already started viewing him as someone she didn't want to lose.

______

Melissa clenched her fists as she walked back into the banquet hall, cursing herself for letting her emotions slip so easily.

She had always prided herself on her control, on her ability to mask her feelings behind a cool exterior.

But tonight?

Tonight, her jealousy had been written all over her face for her young master to see.

And he had noticed.

Kyle was sharp—too sharp.

And while he had merely teased her instead of reprimanding her, Melissa knew that her feelings had been exposed.

Thankfully, Master Kyle was an understanding man. He wouldn't punish her for feeling this way… but that didn't mean she was off the hook.

She took a steadying breath and lifted her gaze—only to meet the piercing eyes of the Grand Duchess.

Amanda stood across the hall, poised as always, her wine glass in hand. But the moment their eyes met, Melissa felt a new surge of jealousy rush through her.

That woman had everything—power, status, and now, Kyle.

The very thought made Melissa's grip tighten at her sides.

On impulse, she narrowed her eyes, shooting the Grand Duchess a silent challenge.

Amanda, who normally would have dismissed such a look, paused.

A challenge?

Melissa was challenging her?

For a brief moment, Amanda was surprised by the sheer audacity of the gesture. But instead of ignoring it, something within her stirred.

Slowly, she placed her wine glass down and, with graceful confidence, made her way toward Melissa.

Melissa squared her shoulders, refusing to back down.

As soon as Amanda reached her, Melissa smirked.

"You might have won this round! But I'll make sure I win in the end."

She said, her voice low with defiance.

Amanda arched an eyebrow. It didn't take much to realize what this was about.

Kyle.

The realization ticked her off.

She leaned in slightly, her gaze turning sharp.

"You? You think you can take Kyle from me?"

She scoffed lightly.

Melissa refused to be intimidated.

"I won't back down."

Amanda smiled—cold and confident.

"You misunderstand something. I never let go of what's mine."

She said smoothly.

Their eyes locked, the challenge now fully accepted.