Reborn As Noble

As the rulers walked ahead, deep in conversation, Queen Mylezra suddenly furrowed her brows and murmured to herself.

"Where have I seen that girl before…?"

The other rulers turned to her in curiosity. "Which girl?" King Edmund asked.

Mylezra tilted her head slightly, glancing back at the young woman walking behind them. "The one with glasses. That human-looking maid."

Garius raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

Mylezra tapped her chin thoughtfully. "Her face… it reminds me of someone in the elven government."

King Lioness stroked his mane, considering this. "An official?"

Mylezra nodded slowly, a hint of amusement in her voice. "Yes. My grandson, actually."

There was a brief silence before she added with a smirk, "The one who insisted on marrying a human woman despite all the opposition."

A few rulers chuckled. Interracial marriages weren't frowned upon, but it was amusing that an elven noble was so stubborn about it back then.

"Hmm… Could be a coincidence," Veldrac mused.

Garius stayed quiet, a small smirk forming. 'So even she noticed, huh?'

Meanwhile, behind them, Gloria adjusted her glasses, completely unaware that her presence was raising silent questions among the rulers.

Queen Mylezra chuckled softly. "Well, it's not a big deal, but their families did ask about them."

Some rulers looked at her with mild curiosity, but she kept her tone casual. "Since I'm attending this summit and have a… friendship with Garius, they simply wanted to know if there was any news. But they didn't push the matter too much."

Her words were careful and diplomatic. She wasn't here to cause a scene—just an old friend sharing a quiet concern.

Garius, however, only smirked. "Well… you've found them, haven't you?"

Mylezra subtly glanced back, her sharp eyes lingering on Liana and Gloria before returning to Garius.

He continued, unfazed. "But as I've said before, I never forbid my staff or anyone in my household from taking leave." His smirk deepened. "I just don't understand why those two never take a day off."

There was a moment of silence before King Lioness let out a deep laugh. "Loyalty or stubbornness? Sometimes it's hard to tell the difference."

Veldrac shrugged. "Maybe they just don't want to leave the young master alone."

Mylezra hummed in thought. "Perhaps."

But in her mind, she wondered—was it really just duty? Or was there something more that kept them by Javier's side?

But looking at them… the way they glanced at that boy…

It wasn't just duty.

Liana's gaze softened just a bit when she thought no one was watching. Gloria adjusted her glasses—not out of habit, but to observe the boy's every move. They instinctively positioned themselves near him, as if guarding something precious.

Certainly, that confirms it was…

Well.

Never mind.

Mylezra smiled to herself, shaking her head slightly. Some things were better left unsaid.

Once they arrived at the banquet hall, Garius turned to the gathered rulers and spoke. "Pardon me, everyone, but I must go to my wife now."

Edmund smirked. "Heh… lucky guy."

Garius smirked back. "Well, she chose me."

"Damn…" Edmund chuckled, shaking his head. Then he addressed the other rulers. "I must excuse myself as well. I can't stay longer with you all."

"Aw, come on, Edmund," Garius said.

"No can do, Garius. You know our kingdom isn't stable yet, and I have more important things to handle right now."

Garius shrugged. "Fair enough. Just don't overwork yourself, old friend."

Edmund scoffed. "Says the man who takes on half the world's problems himself."

The two exchanged knowing smirks before Edmund turned to the other rulers. "Well then, I'll be taking my leave first. Safe travels to all of you."

The rulers nodded in acknowledgment, some raising their goblets in a casual toast.

King Lioness chuckled. "Even at a banquet, that man can't sit still."

Veldrac smirked. "It's a wonder he hasn't collapsed from exhaustion yet."

Sroku took a sip of his drink. "He probably has, just refuses to let anyone see it."

Garius let out a small chuckle before facing the direction of his wife. "Well, gentlemen, I'll leave you all to enjoy the feast. I have a more important duty to attend to."

With that, he strode off toward Francesca, leaving the other rulers to their discussions.

They all enjoyed the banquet in King Lioness's Grand Banquet Hall. The air was filled with laughter, the clinking of glasses, and the rich aroma of roasted meats and fine wines.

Near Garius and Francesca, Eridith was completely focused on her meal, devouring meat without pause. Her plate was piled high, and she attacked it with enthusiasm, paying no mind to anyone around her.

"Eridith…" Francesca said gently.

"Hmmm?" Eridith looked up, still chewing.

Francesca sighed. "At least try to eat with some grace in a setting like this."

"Okay, okay~" Eridith replied lazily before diving back into her feast, though at a slightly slower pace.

As the music began to play, Garius reached for Francesca's hand. Without hesitation, she placed her hand in his, and they gracefully moved to the dance floor. The melody flowed through the hall, and other guests watched in admiration as the Count and his wife danced in perfect harmony, their movements elegant and effortless.

Meanwhile, off to the side, Javier sat at a long banquet table, gnawing on a large piece of meat. He glanced at the dancing couple and then back at his plate.

"…Boring," he muttered, taking another bite.

For hours, they enjoyed the grand feast, savoring the finest dishes the Beastkin Kingdom had to offer. Conversations flowed, laughter filled the hall, and the warm atmosphere made it a night to remember.

However, as time went on, rulers began to excuse themselves. Their responsibilities awaited them back in their respective kingdoms, and while they had enjoyed the gathering, duty always came first.

King Lioness watched them leave with a touch of reluctance. He had hoped they could stay in his castle a few more days to strengthen their bonds, but he understood their roles. They were rulers—kings, queens, and chieftains, each bearing the weight of an entire nation.

With a sigh, he nodded respectfully to each departing guest, wishing them safe travels.

Then, it was Garius's turn to leave.

"So, old friend, I must take my leave as well. You know the risks of indulging for too long," Garius said with a knowing smirk.

"Yeah, yeah… You gather all the rulers here for this grand summit, and now you're the one leaving too," King Lioness huffed.

"Aw, come on, old friend." Garius stepped forward and extended his arms.

Lioness smirked before pulling him into a firm, brotherly embrace.

"Safe travels, my friend. May fortune and strength guide your path."

"You too, you too," Garius replied with a grin, patting Lioness on the back before finally stepping away.

Meanwhile…

King Gurdan soared through the evening sky on the back of his mighty wyvern, the cool wind whipping against his dark cloak. Surrounding him were his elite wyvern riders, their beasts cutting through the air in perfect formation.

Beside him, his trusted advisor adjusted his grip on the saddle, his expression serious.

"Is the preparation complete?" Gurdan asked, his voice carrying a dangerous edge.

"Nearly, my liege," the advisor replied, his tone cautious.

Gurdan's lips curled into a wicked smirk, and his eyes gleamed with anticipation as he gazed at the distant horizon.

"Good… I can't wait."

( End of Chapter )