Reborn As Noble

Francesca sat at her table, sipping her tea with an elegance that commanded admiration. Her warm smile remained steady, unfazed by the mention of Duke Nyxara. After all, the girl they were discussing was not just anyone—she was Francesca's best friend long before she married Garius.

She remembered those days vividly. The bond she shared with Nyxara was unshakable, built on years of trust and mutual understanding. She also recalled the promise Garius had made—how he agreed to marry Nyxara after marrying Francesca. At the time, it had seemed reasonable. Nyxara was smitten with Garius, and Francesca had no objections; she had supported the idea wholeheartedly.

And yet… Francesca's smile wavered slightly as she glanced at her husband. She didn't understand why he seemed reluctant to follow through with that promise. Was it stubbornness? Or perhaps something deeper he wasn't sharing?

She wouldn't press him, of course. Garius was a man of his own convictions, and she respected that. But it puzzled her. Nyxara was a formidable woman—passionate, intelligent, and fiercely loyal. She would have made a fine addition to their household, Francesca was certain.

Francesca's gaze shifted back to Garius, who was now rubbing his temples while enduring more of Jintox's teasing. Her smile returned, this time with a faint hint of amusement. Poor Garius, she thought. He's always been terrible at dealing with persistent women.

Perhaps she'd speak with him about it later—gently, of course. For now, she would let him handle the situation in his own way. After all, even the most capable men needed a bit of time to sort out their hearts.

Letting out a quiet sigh, she set her teacup down and leaned slightly toward her personal maid, who stood at her side. "Erisa," she said softly, "make sure to prepare the guest chambers for our visitors tonight. I have a feeling Marquis Jintox's party will need a place to rest after their long journey."

"Of course, my lady," Erisa replied with a polite bow, immediately leaving to carry out her orders.

Hearing this, Jintox's sharp ears perked up. A mischievous grin spread across his face as he turned toward Francesca. "Ah, no need for that, Lady Francesca. I cannot stay long. But thank you for the thought."

Before Francesca could respond, Garius raised an eyebrow, his tone laced with mild annoyance. "Really, Jintox? We're not strangers anymore. Surely you can stay for a proper meal and rest."

Jintox scratched the back of his head awkwardly, his grin faltering for a moment. "Err… You do know how my wife is…"

Garius let out a knowing sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Ah, yes. Lady Cordelia. How could I forget? Her presence are enough to make even the bravest of men tremble."

"Exactly!" Jintox exclaimed, throwing his hands up in mock despair. "If I'm late returning home, I'll never hear the end of it. You have no idea how much she interrogates me whenever I visit. 'Why were you so late? Who were you meeting?' Honestly, I sometimes think she's part of the demon intelligence network herself."

The room chuckled softly at his exaggeration, Francesca included. Her warm smile remained as she responded, "You're lucky to have someone so devoted to you, Marquis Jintox. But I understand. Please, at least let us send some provisions with you for the journey back."

Jintox's grin returned, and he bowed slightly in gratitude. "You're as gracious as ever, Lady Francesca. Thank you. But I'll only accept if Garius stops pestering me about staying."@@novelbin@@

Garius crossed his arms, leaning back in his chair with a mock look of defeat. "Fine. But don't blame me if Cordelia sends you back here to apologize for cutting your visit short."

Jintox let out a hearty laugh. "If that happens, I'll have to bring her along next time. Maybe then she'll be the one pestering you."

The banter lightened the atmosphere, with Francesca's melodic laughter blending seamlessly into the warmth of the room. Even Jintox's stern escorts relaxed slightly, though they remained alert and observant.

Jintox took the signed document in his hands, giving it one last glance before tucking it into a protective case. "So, thank you, Garius. With this document, we've officially extended the peace treaty for another five years."

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Garius nodded, leaning back slightly in his chair, his expression calm yet thoughtful. "Yeah, Jintox. I hope we can extend it for much longer, but rules are rules. Five years at a time is all the council will agree to."

Jintox let out a soft sigh, concern etched on his face. "True enough. Let's hope the peace holds. But Garius… let's also hope your king keeps to the agreement. If he doesn't…" He hesitated, his crimson eyes glinting with unease. "I'm sorry, Garius, but if war between humans and demons starts again…"

Garius held up a hand, his tone steady and reassuring. "No need to apologize, Jintox. I understand the stakes. If that day ever comes, let's hope for…" He paused, choosing his words carefully. "…clarity and wisdom on both sides."

Jintox nodded slowly, his expression softening slightly. "Agreed. But still, be wary, Garius. You know how your nobles are. Some wouldn't hesitate to stir trouble if it serves their interests."

Garius let out a wry chuckle, rubbing his temple as though the thought gave him a headache. "Believe me, I know. I can't promise I'll handle them all, but I'll do my best to keep things in check."

Jintox's serious demeanor cracked slightly as a small smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "That's all I can ask, old friend. I'll do my part on my side too. For now, we'll keep the peace and hope it lasts."

Both men stood, their gazes meeting in a moment of mutual respect and understanding. Despite the differences in their worlds, they shared the same burden: to protect the fragile balance between humans and demons.

With a firm handshake, Jintox said, "Until next time, Garius. Let's hope we meet again under peaceful skies."

Garius nodded, his voice calm yet firm. "Until next time, Jintox. Safe travels."

As Jintox made his way toward the exit with his escort, he suddenly stopped in his tracks. Turning back to Garius, a mischievous grin spread across his face.

"Oh, by the way, Garius…" Jintox began, scratching the back of his head sheepishly. "Can I take some wine from you? Ehehe... My wife loves that red wine of yours. And, well… it'll also be proof that I came straight here without, you know, wandering off anywhere."

Garius couldn't hold back his laughter, the sound echoing warmly through the grand hall. "You really are something, Jintox. Always finding a way to charm your way out of trouble."

Before Garius could say another word, Alf, ever the efficient butler, appeared at his side. In his hands, he carried a neatly arranged basket filled with an assortment of wines—the finest vintages the Armand household had to offer.

"Already prepared, my lord," Alf said, presenting the basket with his usual calm demeanor. "I anticipated Marquis Jintox's request."

Jintox's eyes lit up as he took the basket, inspecting its contents with an approving nod. "Hah! You know me too well, Alf. This will save my hide. My wife's temper can be… let's say, 'fiery,' if I come back empty-handed."

Garius smirked, crossing his arms. "Consider it my contribution to your domestic peace. Just don't drink it all before you get home."

Jintox laughed heartily, patting the basket. "No promises, Garius. No promises."

With a final wave, he turned and left the hall, his escort following close behind. The faint sound of his laughter lingered in the air as he departed.

Garius watched him go, shaking his head with a small smile. "That demon might be a marquis, but he's still the same old Jintox."

Alf adjusted his gloves, his tone matter-of-fact. "Indeed, my lord. But his requests do make our dealings a bit more… entertaining."

Garius chuckled, turning back toward his seat. "Entertaining is one way to put it."

( End of Chapter )