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

Kyle stepped out of his room just as the early morning mist lingered over the mansion's garden.

The faint aroma of dew and smoldering hearths filled the corridors. He adjusted his collar, muttering under his breath.

He initially wanted to go as himself during the herb exchange, but his common sense told him that it wouldn't be a good idea to expose himself.

So Kyle decided to disguise himself.

"Better if they don't recognize me."

With long strides, he made his way to the guard post near the east wing. A tall guard stood at attention, visibly startled when Kyle approached.

"Ah, young master. Is something the matter?"

"I need your armor,"

Kyle said calmly.

"…Pardon?"

"Armor. And helmet. I need to disguise myself before I meet someone."

The guard blinked, confused.

"Are you expecting danger?"

"Not exactly. I'd prefer to keep my identity hidden, just in case. Better safe than sorry."

He gave a faint smile.

"O-Of course. Please, use it as you see fit."

The guard quickly began removing his gear, setting it before Kyle with a respectful nod.

A few minutes later, Kyle stood stiffly in the oversized armor. The pauldrons slid down, the chest plate hung loose, and with each step, he rattled like a kettle full of stones.

"This is ridiculous."

He muttered, struggling to adjust the helmet as it tilted forward and blocked his vision.

Just as he was peeling the helmet off, a kitchen worker came around the corner, arms full of vegetables. She nearly jumped at the sight.

"O-Oh! Forgive me, young master. I didn't expect to see you here."

Kyle looked over.

"I was… trying something. But clearly, it's not working."

Her gaze swept over him in the ill-fitting armor.

"If I may say, it doesn't seem to suit your frame at all."

"I noticed."

He said dryly, pulling off the helmet with a sigh.

She hesitated before speaking again.

"Pardon me for suggesting something strange, but… are you looking for a disguise?"

"I am. The armor's useless, though."

Kyle said, brushing his hair back.

She bit her lip in thought.

"In that case… I might have something better. But… I worry it may not be to your liking."

Kyle raised an eyebrow.

"If it hides my identity, I'll consider anything."

She nodded gently.

"Would you mind giving me your word, young master? That you won't be upset by what I suggest?"

He tilted his head, mildly suspicious, but then gave a nod.

"Alright. I promise."

With a small bow, she led him quietly to the servant quarters, where freshly cleaned clothes hung neatly from wooden racks.

She moved to a chest and pulled out a folded outfit: a light pastel robe embroidered with delicate floral patterns, along with a sheer scarf meant to cover the lower face.

She looked up at him hesitantly.

"You have a rather fine, delicate face, young master… if I may be so bold. I believe… with this, you could pass as a noblewoman. Quite convincingly."

Kyle stared blankly at the robe.

"You're suggesting I disguise myself… as a woman?"

She flinched slightly.

"Forgive me if I have offended you. I only thought… given your features, and the need for secrecy…"

Kyle exhaled, glancing to the mirror on the wall.

His reflection stared back—smooth skin, sharp lashes, and a slender neck. He had to admit it… she wasn't wrong.

"…Of all the plans…"

He muttered.

"I truly meant no disrespect. But this might be the most effective method."

She added quickly, wringing her hands.

He rubbed his temple.

"Fine. I said I wouldn't get mad."

She brightened a little.

"I'll help you change, if that's alright."

Soon enough, Kyle stood in the robe, his hair tied back neatly and his lower face concealed by the scarf. It was soft, comfortable—unfortunately so.

The maid stepped back and gave a small, appreciative smile.

"You look… well, you carry it better than I expected, young master."

Kyle gave her a look.

"That's not a compliment I needed."

Just then, Queen fluttered into the room, perched on the mirror, and chirped what sounded suspiciously like laughter.

"Don't say a word."

Kyle muttered at it.

With his new disguise, he nodded to the kitchen worker.

"Let's go. I'll see this 'herb master' myself."

She bowed politely.

"Yes, young master. The delivery should be arriving shortly."

They made their way toward the kitchen courtyard, where servants bustled in preparation for the morning shipment.

Kyle moved carefully, feeling oddly graceful in the robe, despite the absurdity of the situation.

He narrowed his eyes toward the gate, watching and waiting. Whoever this supplier was… they were walking into Kyle's hands now.

Kyle walked stiffly down the hall, each step slightly more frustrating than the last.

The skirt swayed with too much enthusiasm for his liking, brushing annoyingly against the backs of his heels. It tangled beneath his feet just enough to be a hazard.

"Tch…"

He stumbled once—just once—but it was enough to make him instinctively draw on his mana to stabilize himself before he fell face-first into a potted plant.

Behind him, Queen fluttered along silently, watching with something Kyle swore was amusement.

"Laugh, and I'll throw you in a soup pot."

He muttered under his breath.

It gave a short, sharp chirp and turned its head away, which Kyle took as an insult.

Trying to focus on something else, he reminded himself.

'This isn't the worst thing I've done to gather intel.'

He had infiltrated enemy strongholds, posed as a blacksmith's apprentice, even delivered packages for a few weeks just to observe a noble estate.

In fact, this wasn't the first time he'd dressed up as a woman either.

Once, in his past life, he'd impersonated a noble's concubine just to assassinate the man. But that had been all before Kyle gained power…

So why did this feel… so wrong? Is it because he used to be at the top?

He glanced at his reflection in a passing window.

The robe flowed smoothly, accentuating his slender frame, the scarf softening his face. If he didn't know any better, he would've thought it was a noblewoman staring back.

"…I'm pulling this off way too well."

"Young master? Are you alright? You looked… a little troubled."

A soft voice called beside him. It was the kitchen worker again, holding a tray of fruit.

Kyle quickly composed himself.

"I'm fine. Just tripped."

She looked uncertain.

"Would you like assistance in… playing the part, perhaps? If it would make you more comfortable."

He straightened slightly, expression sharpening.

"There's no need."

"Oh. I see…"

Kyle gave her a confident smile.

"I've played spoiled noble ladies better than actual noble ladies. By the time we're done, they'll all be too stunned to question a thing."

The worker covered her mouth to hide a giggle, though her eyes still held some doubt.

"I… will take your word for it, young master."

"You should. You won't find someone as good as me at playing this role."

He replied with mock arrogance, flicking his sleeve like a lady swatting away bad perfume.

Queen gave another chirp from behind him.

Kyle didn't look back.

"I said, not a word."

The kitchen worker bowed slightly.

"Then, if you're ready, I'll take you to the kitchen entrance. The herb master should be arriving soon."

Kyle nodded.

"Lead the way."

And with that, Kyle swished after her, doing his best to ignore the skirt swaying mockingly behind him.