Reborn As Noble

"Esteemed Father."

"Good, you're here. Sit."

Javier nodded and took his seat in the main meeting room.

Across the table, Alf stood at attention, silent and composed. Beside him, Hesbeirn gave a small nod in greeting.

Javier raised an eyebrow.

Where's Mrs. Erinnette...?

Then he remembered—his father had just ordered Liana and Gloria to meet her.

…Right. That explains it.

He sat straighter as Garius placed a rolled-up map on the table and tapped it.

"Javier."

"Yes, Esteemed Father?"

"You'll be going on a sightseeing trip."

Javier blinked.

"…Eh?"

"To the Beastkin Kingdom. Specifically, the border town shared with the Dwarven Kingdom."

Javier stared for a moment, then leaned forward.

"And my mission is…?"

"Sightseeing."

The room fell silent.

Even Alf's usual unreadable face seemed to twitch slightly.

"…Father, if this is your way of sending me on a mission, couldn't we just call it that—?"

"No." Garius's voice cut clean through the air. "This is a sightseeing trip. And due to how unstable the Dwarven Kingdom is right now, you'll be traveling alone."

"Huh—!?" Javier stood slightly from his seat. "But Father, what about Liana and Gloria? What if—"

"No." Garius's tone didn't rise, but it left no room for argument. "Those two will remain in the Armand estate. They are scheduled for special training."

Javier sat back down, a small frown forming.

"…Training?"

Garius turned his gaze toward Alf and Hesbeirn briefly, then looked back at his son.

"You've seen how strong Erinnette is. And how powerful Alf and Hesbeirn are."

Javier nodded slowly.

"Yes, Esteemed Father. They're in a different league."

"That's because of their experience, but also because of the training they've undergone." Garius's voice was steady. "Now, it's time for Liana and Gloria to receive the same."

"And Ari, Aria?"

"They'll undergo synchronization training as well. With the help of Erinnette."

Javier fell silent.

He didn't like the idea of traveling without Liana and Gloria. Not because he couldn't handle it—he could—but because he wanted them nearby.

Still…

"…I understand."

Garius nodded, pleased with his son's response.

Then his tone shifted slightly—becoming calmer, but deeper.

"It's better if you don't bring them with you."

Javier looked up.

"Liana and Gloria—if the other celestial vessels discover who they are, they may try to capture them… or worse."

Javier's eyes narrowed, but he remained silent.

"I know you're strong, Javier. I know you'd protect them with everything you have. But even so… we can't risk their safety. And you—" Garius leaned back slightly, "you can't afford to lose them. Not again."

Javier lowered his gaze, his jaw tight for a moment.

"…Yes, Esteemed Father."

"That's why those two will undergo special training… in a special place." Garius turned to Hesbeirn briefly before continuing. "Don't worry about their safety. Hesbeirn, Mrs. Erinnette, and our other 'shadows' will handle everything. Their synchronization with Ari and Aria must be complete before the next wave begins."

Javier took a slow breath.

"…If they're guiding Liana and Gloria, then… who will protect you, Esteemed Father?"

A grin tugged at Garius's lips.

"Worry about yourself, not me. Or your mother." He tapped the table lightly. "Do you think Marcellus and Cedric are weak?"

"No, Esteemed Father."

"Exactly." Garius folded his arms. "We all have our roles to play."

He stood up, glancing toward the window where sunlight cast warm golden rays into the chamber.

"And by the way, Javier…"

"Yes, Esteemed Father?"

"Enjoy your time with Liana and Gloria tonight." Garius's smirk returned. "You'll depart tomorrow morning. Your mission may take time… and so will their growth."

He turned back toward his desk, his voice calm.

"If you're lonely, you can bring Buddy."

Javier blinked, then laughed softly.

"Understood."

Inside, though, he knew—this journey was no simple sightseeing trip. And once they parted tomorrow, the road ahead would grow far more complicated.

Garius's gaze lingered at the window, a smile spreading as he watched the scene outside.

Buddy—puffed up and smug—was proudly strutting in circles around a group of wild Pekko, squawking boastfully. The once unruly wild birds now huddled together like obedient recruits, recently 'conscripted' into Giddie's growing flock. Their confused squawks echoed softly in the distance.

"It seems," Garius muttered with a chuckle, "that your Pekko has… evolved."

Javier glanced over his shoulder and grinned when he spotted Buddy doing his usual dramatic prance, wings slightly flared, beak held high like a proud general.

"He's getting cocky," Javier snorted.

"No," Garius corrected, his tone half-teasing, half-proud. "He's growing. Stronger… faster. His instincts are sharpening. Just like his master."

Garius turned back to Javier, his expression serious once more.

He reached into his coat and placed a sealed letter on the table between them. The wax seal bore the Armand family crest, etched with magical reinforcement.

"Once you arrive in the Beastkin Kingdom," Garius said, "open this. It contains your true mission."

Javier looked at it but didn't pick it up yet.

"Don't worry about your journey," Garius added. "King Lioness has already been informed. He'll be expecting you. Do not disappoint him."

Javier picked up the envelope and nodded.

"Understood, Esteemed Father."

"One more thing." Garius's voice slowed. "Whatever happens in the Beastkin lands… do not act recklessly. You're my son, but more than that—you carry Armand's future now."

Javier's expression shifted, a mix of pride and quiet burden in his eyes.

"...Yes, Esteemed Father."

Javier stepped out of the meeting room and, as expected, the two figures dearest to him were already waiting outside.

Liana stood still, her hands clasped in front of her apron, eyes lowered slightly. She looked composed, as always, but Javier knew her well. Her calm demeanor only made the subtle tremble in her eyelashes more obvious. Her lips quivered, as though she was holding back words… or tears.

Gloria, standing beside her, tried to keep her usual teasing smile. But even she couldn't fully hide the tightness in her cheeks or the flicker of worry in her gaze.

"Young master..." Liana spoke gently, her voice warm but slightly thinner than usual.

Javier looked at both of them. The silence between them was heavy—thick with unspoken feelings. He knew what they wanted to ask.

Instead, he smiled.

"Liana. Gloria." He stepped forward casually, hands slid behind his head as if it were just another normal day.

"I'm hungry. Can you cook for me?"

Liana blinked, startled. Gloria's eyes widened.

"Y-Yes, young master," Liana said, bowing her head slightly, her voice steadier this time.

"Of course we will!" Gloria added with a grin that almost turned into a tearful laugh. "And you better finish every bite, okay?"

"Heh. Then don't burn the stew this time," Javier teased, walking ahead of them with his hands in his pockets.

Liana and Gloria exchanged glances.

"I didn't burn it," Liana whispered.

"You did."

"I added extra spice, that's all."

"Too much is also called burning."

( End Of Chapter )