Reborn As Noble

Garius leaned back in his chair, the tension from earlier fading. "By the way, Alf, Errinette," he began, his tone casual but with a hint of authority, "I trust our 'partners' are being well taken care of?"

Errinette bowed slightly, her serene smile unchanged. "Yes, my lord. They are being cared for as usual by our team of caretakers. There's no need to worry; they are in excellent hands."

Hesbeirn smirked and crossed his arms. "My lord, no one knows about them, as usual. They stay hidden in the restricted part of the barracks. Access is strictly controlled."

Garius allowed himself a rare smile and nodded approvingly. "Good. I don't want anyone finding out about them yet. For now, they remain our little secret."

Turning his gaze toward Alf, he tapped a finger on the desk. "Alf?"

"Yes, my lord?" Alf replied, his expression neutral, though his eyes sparkled with quiet amusement.

"What about my youngest son? Any news from the magical academy in the capital city?"

Alf's smirk widened slightly as he reached into his coat and handed Garius a neatly compiled report. "The full report, as requested, my lord."@@novelbin@@

Garius opened the document and skimmed its contents. His lips curled into a chuckle that quickly turned into hearty laughter. "Heh… this youngest son of mine. Mocking Princess Kliatana, the only princess of this kingdom. Hahaha!"

Hesbeirn raised an eyebrow. "The princess? That's bold, even for young Javier."

Errinette sighed softly, though her smile showed amusement. "It seems the young master continues to live up to his reputation as a troublemaker." Discover more content at My Virtual Library Empire

Garius set the report down, shaking his head with a grin. "Troublemaker or not, that boy keeps life interesting. I almost pity the people dealing with him at the academy... almost."

Alf adjusted his gloves, his tone dry but respectful. "It's no surprise, my lord. Young Master Javier has his... unique way of handling things."

"Unique indeed," Garius replied, still chuckling. "Let's just hope his antics don't escalate into something that drags me into the capital personally."

Alf cleared his throat, his voice calm but with a hint of importance. "By the way, my lord..."

Garius glanced at him and raised an eyebrow. "Hmm? What's wrong, Alf?"

"The Battleground event at the noble school—where Young Master Javier attends— is scheduled for next week," Alf informed him, his tone steady.

Garius leaned back slightly, a curious glint in his eyes. "Oh? What about it?"

Alf reached into his coat again and pulled out a sealed envelope with the school's emblem. "Here is the invitation, sent personally by the headmaster."

Garius took the envelope and broke the seal with deliberate ease. His sharp eyes quickly scanned the contents. "Hah. It seems they're really going all out this year. Interesting."

He looked up and turned his gaze to Errinette. "Can you call Francesca here, Errinette?"

"Of course, my lord," she replied gracefully, bowing slightly before leaving the study to fetch the Countess.

As the door closed behind her, Garius tapped the letter against the desk, a small smile curling on his lips. "I wonder what kind of trouble my youngest will stir up during this event..." he mused aloud.

Hesbeirn smirked from his place against the wall. "If it's anything like his usual antics, my lord, I imagine it'll be memorable."

"Memorable indeed," Garius chuckled, leaning back in his chair as he awaited his wife's arrival.

Francesca was looking out the window. Without her youngest son here, it felt empty. She really missed him. Why did I agree with Garius about sending him to school? Now here I am, lonely.

Errinette gently knocked on the door to Francesca's room before stepping inside. The Countess was still standing by the window, gazing out wistfully at the horizon, her hands clasped together.

"Madam, Lord Garius is calling for you," Errinette said softly.

Francesca turned her head slightly, her warm brown eyes meeting Errinette's. "Errinette, any news about my honey bun?" she asked, her voice filled with longing and hope.

Errinette's serene smile widened a bit as she replied, "Madam, Lord Garius is calling about that very matter."

Francesca's expression lit up instantly, her cheeks flushing with excitement. "Really? Really, Errinette?" she repeated, her tone brimming with joy.

"Yes, madam," Errinette confirmed with a small chuckle. "It seems Young Master Javier's antics are once again a topic of discussion."

Francesca clasped her hands together, her chestnut-brown hair swaying as she turned toward the door. "Let's not keep him waiting, then!" she said eagerly, gracefully stepping toward the study.

Errinette followed, her calm demeanor contrasting with Francesca's clear excitement. "It seems Young Master Javier continues to be the light of your day, madam," she said with a knowing smile.

"Of course," Francesca replied warmly. "He's my honey bun, after all."

The doors to the study burst open as Francesca rushed inside, her elegant demeanor forgotten in her excitement. "Dear! I heard about the invitation! We should go, now!" she declared, her voice filled with determination.

Garius sighed, leaning back in his chair, amused but unsurprised by her enthusiasm. "Haaa... Francesca, your son isn't going anywhere. It's only been four months since he left, and there are still two months before the blessing ceremony. After that, he'll return to this house."

"And the journey by horse carriage takes seven days," he added, raising an eyebrow. "Are you really willing to go through all that just to see him?"

"I don't care, dear!!" Francesca replied with unwavering resolve, placing her hands on her hips. "Let's go meet him! And Marcellus and Cedric must attend as well. Send them letters immediately! If the headmaster hasn't given them invitations, I'll personally go there and smack his head until he does."

Garius let out a hearty laugh, leaning forward on his desk. "Really, Francesca, don't give the man too much trouble."

Francesca's eyes narrowed playfully as she crossed her arms. "Hmm? It amuses me to hear that coming from someone who gave him nothing but problems during your school days—and always managed to outdo him in every challenge."

Garius chuckled, rubbing his chin. "Ah, you've got me there. But that's ancient history. The poor man has probably had enough of the Armand family by now."

"Then he should get used to it," Francesca quipped with a sly grin. "Because our honey bun deserves a proper audience at this event. And if anyone dares to look down on him, I'll handle them personally."

Alf coughed lightly, suppressing a grin as he handed Garius a fresh sheet of parchment for the letters. Errinette, standing by the door, chuckled softly, her serene smile unchanged. "Madam Francesca's passion never ceases to amaze me," she murmured, her eyes sparkling with warmth.

Garius waved a hand dismissively. "Relax Dear. I'll send word to Marcellus and Cedric. But don't go threatening the headmaster until we see if he's already handled it."

Francesca huffed but nodded, her excitement undeterred. "Good. I'll start preparing immediately. Oh, I can't wait to see our honey bun again!" She paused, allowing her thoughts to wander. "Each day feels longer without him. I just want to hug him and tell him how proud I am."

Garius shook his head with a smile, thinking to himself, That boy truly inherited her fiery spirit. Deep down, he shared her excitement but couldn't shake the feeling that the upcoming ceremony might bring unexpected challenges.

Francesca turned on her heel, her excitement practically radiating from her as she called out, "You girls! Come with me!"

Her personal maids, who had been waiting just outside, quickly stepped forward, bowing respectfully. "Yes, Madam?"

"Help me pack! We're leaving to see my honey bun! We need to prepare immediately!" Francesca declared, clapping her hands with enthusiasm.

"Yes, Madam," the maids replied in unison, following her as she hurried down the hall with a determined stride.

Back in the study, Garius watched her go, a soft smile tugging at his lips. "She really does miss that boy," he murmured, shaking his head fondly.

Turning his attention back to the room, Garius picked up the freshly written letters, sealing them with the Armand family crest. "Alf, Errinette," he said, his tone firm yet calm, "tell our mailman to use the wyvern to send these letters. One to the headmaster, and the others to Marcellus and Cedric."

"Yes, my lord," Alf responded, taking the letters and tucking them securely into his coat.

Errinette bowed gracefully. "As you wish, my lord. They will be delivered swiftly."

Garius leaned back in his chair as he stared at the door Francesca had rushed through moments ago. He chuckled softly to himself. "That boy has no idea what kind of storm is heading his way."

( End of Chapter )