Reborn As Noble

Command Center – Gaze City

Inside the command center of Gaze City, Garius sat at the main table, reviewing the latest battle reports. Beside him, Francesca sipped her tea gracefully.

Across from her, Eridith—was devouring meat like a child. Her plate was already stacked with bones, yet she continued tearing into another piece of roasted meat, her sharp teeth making quick work of it.

Francesca sighed softly, watching the scene unfold. Then—she smiled. "Eridith…"

Eridith paused mid-bite, looking up with wide, innocent eyes. "Hmm?"

Francesca tilted her head slightly, her warm smile unchanged. "You are a lady. Garius's wife now. You shouldn't act like a child anymore."

Eridith froze, her cheeks puffed out with food, as if she had just been unfairly scolded. "But…!" she mumbled, still chewing.

Francesca's eyes narrowed slightly. "No but! Act properly."

Eridith swallowed her food quickly and sat up straight, pouting like a scolded child. Garius, without looking up from his reports, chuckled slightly. "She's a dragon, dear. You know how she is."

Francesca sighed, shaking her head. "Even dragons can learn proper table manners."

Eridith grumbled under her breath, "I liked it better when I was just a scary dragon…"

Francesca's eyes slowly narrowed. "Oh?"

Her voice was sweet. Too sweet. A soft, dangerous smile spread across her lips. "Someone dares to talk back?"

Eridith's entire body stiffened. "N-No! Nothing! I said nothing!!"

Francesca stood up gracefully, placing her teacup down without a sound. Then—she slowly started walking toward Eridith. Her steps were gentle. Calm. Terrifying.

"Fr-Francesca? Umm… errr… l-let's talk about this—"

Francesca didn't stop. Finally, she reached Eridith's seat. And then—

She grabbed her horn.

"EEEEEEEEEKKKKK!!!"

Eridith flailed instantly, her tail twitching in panic. "FRANCESCA!! I'M SORRYYYY!!!"

Francesca smiled even brighter. "Good girl. Now behave."

Garius, still reading his reports, let out a small chuckle. "...You'll never win against Francesca, Eridith."

Eridith pouted but nodded rapidly, still held captive by Francesca's grip.

Just as Eridith was still recovering from Francesca's lesson in proper behavior, the door to the command center opened.

Alf stepped inside, his expression calm and professional. "My lord."

Garius glanced up from his reports. "Go ahead."

"Erisa, from the Elite Battle Maid Unit, has arrived," Alf reported. "She has brought the latest Mana Talkie, along with the—"

Alf paused for a moment, then clarified, "The Mana Relay, my lord."

Garius nodded, understanding immediately.

The Mana Relay—a specialized communication device installed in the command center—allowed the entire chain of command to listen in when someone reported via Mana Talkie. With it, officers, squad leaders, and key personnel could all hear orders in real-time, ensuring instant battlefield coordination.

Garius smirked slightly. "Good. Bring it in."

Alf bowed slightly before stepping aside, signaling for Erisa to enter. As the Elite Battle Maid stepped in, carrying the newest piece of military-grade communication technology.

Eridith rubbed her head, pouting—but as soon as she heard "Mana Talkie," her eyes sparkled with interest. "Ohhh! New tech?!"

Garius chuckled, leaning forward slightly, his eyes sharp with focus. "Alf."

Alf stood at attention. "Yes, my lord?"

"Status on the installation of the Mana Relay Tower?"

Alf nodded. "The first tower is completed, my lord."

Garius raised an eyebrow. "And its effectiveness?"

"The patrol units and troops stationed along the wall can now report instantly. The signal reaches Gaze City without interference."

Garius smirked slightly. "Good. That means we now have full control over battlefield communications."

Francesca sipped her tea elegantly. "With this, our response time will be unmatched."

Eridith, still rubbing her head from earlier, perked up. "Ohh~ So now we can hear everything from the front lines?"

Alf confirmed with a nod. "Yes. With each additional tower, the signal will extend further, allowing seamless coordination throughout our territory."

Garius rested his chin on his hand, deep in thought. "Then continue with the expansion. Prioritize areas near the border. I want full coverage before the enemy tries anything desperate."

Alf bowed slightly. "It will be done, my lord."

Garius grinned slightly. The enemy still thought they were fighting a conventional war. But with this? Armand was already playing on an entirely different level.

Garius leaned back slightly, his expression calculating. "And Alf."

Alf stood firm. "Yes, my lord?"

Garius tapped his fingers against the table, contemplating his next order. "Tell Hesbeirn to distribute the Mana Talkie units carefully. Priority goes to—"

Squad leaders of the patrol units along the borders.

Leaders of the frontline troops managing active battles.

Key officers and scouts responsible for relaying urgent reports.

"The Mana Talkie units are still limited for now," Garius continued, "so only those in charge of critical communications should have them."

Alf nodded. "Understood, my lord. I will inform Hesbeirn immediately."

Francesca sipped her tea, listening calmly. "With this, no movement on the battlefield will go unnoticed."

Garius smirked. "Exactly."

Just as Alf finished his report, Erinnete entered the command center, her presence calm yet authoritative.

"My lord."

Garius looked up. "Go ahead, Erinnete."

Erinnete stepped forward, holding a sealed letter. "We have increased the patrol units along the western border, between our region and the Beastkin Kingdom. Additionally, a delegate from the Demon Kingdom has delivered a message from the Demon King himself."

She placed the official letter on the table before Garius. Garius casually broke the seal and unfolded the parchment.

Letter from the Demon King

To Garius De Armand,

I extend my apologies for the trouble caused by your kingdom's internal conflicts. Despite this, I hope that our trade routes will continue as usual, maintaining the prosperity between our people.

As always, should you require my aid, I will gladly send my forces to assist you—just as I once did when you were still a child.

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Furthermore, if your region ever faces a great threat, I will not wait for your request. I will deploy my troops immediately to ensure that my borders remain safe from the chaos of war.

May our alliance remain strong.

—Demon King Dragan Veldrac

Garius smirked, folding the letter and placing it on the table. "Good."

But his expression quickly turned thoughtful. "However, if we allow the Demon King to send his forces now, King Edmund will surely be displeased."

Francesca nodded in agreement. "He may tolerate Armand's autonomy, but he would never accept demon troops openly marching under his rule."

Garius leaned back, tapping the table lightly. "Tell the Overseer to send the best wine and a suitable gift to the Demon Kingdom as a gesture of thanks."

Erinnete bowed slightly. "Understood, my lord."

Garius sighed, his smirk turning into a cold smile. "King Edmund understands that it is our region that maintains peace with the Demon Kingdom. But those nobles?"

He scoffed. "They're too stupid to see the bigger picture, still clinging to their outdated fears."

Let them play their political games. Because in the end—Armand was the one holding everything together.

( End Of Chapter )