Reborn As Noble

They'll accuse us…

Of intentionally dragging the refugees in.

Claim we're doing it for cheap labor, or just to grow our tax revenue.

As if we're trying to weaken their population while fattening our coffers.

It's nonsense—but politics is rarely about truth.

And then there's the spy problem…

No doubt some lords will try to slip in agents among the refugees. Maybe to stir unrest. Maybe to gather intel.

But Father already accounted for that.

All restricted areas—military outposts, magic labs, relay tower stations—they're only accessible to original Armand citizens and verified personnel.

And as for sabotage?

We don't rely on letters anymore. No slow messengers. No pigeons or runners that can be intercepted.

We have mana talkies. Real-time communication across the entire region. The moment something's wrong, we know.

Our people don't even need to scream—they just press and whisper.

That's the strength of the Armand Region.

But still… even if I don't need to worry about any of that right now…

It's not just because Father is the best ruler.

It's because of the people standing with him.

Alf… the man who sees everything, hears everything… loyal to Father like a shadow.

He's not just a butler. He's the blade that hides behind every polite smile. The backbone of all logistics, intelligence, and internal security.

And his wife… Erinnette… the silent storm. Head of all maids, feared even by generals. Calm, graceful… but if she moves, heads roll. Not even nobles dare to raise their voices to her.

Then there's General Hesbeirn. That giant beast of a man. The strongest berserker in the region—can wield anything as a weapon, even a damn tower shield like it's paper. And he can use magic too? That's just cheating.

All of them… they serve Father. No hesitation. No betrayal. Not for gold, not for glory. Only for Father.

Damn… maybe I should start gathering people like that too…

But then again… I'm not planning to take over Father's title. I'm not aiming to be Count.

Still…

How am I going to stop this war?

Even if diplomacy fails… Even if Edmund already unleashed his unknown forces… Even if the continent burns…

I want to protect what's left.

This world gave me a second life…

And even if I keep pretending to be lazy and useless…

I'm not going to sit back and watch it fall apart.

"Young master?" Liana asked.

"Hmm?" Javier looked up after the deep thought.

"What are you thinking about?" Gloria asked.

"Hmm? Nothing." Javier shrugged casually.

"But you were in deep thought," Liana narrowed her eyes, looking straight at Javier.

"It's nothing... really."

Liana smiled. Then pinched Javier's waist hard.

"OW! Ow ow—Liana! What was that for?!"

"You were looking at that beastkin lady's cleavage over there, right?" Liana accused, still smiling dangerously.

"Wha—?! I'm not!"

"Mmhmm. We saw it. Your eyes were following her when she bent over before," Gloria added calmly, smiling in that serene, elegant way that made it even scarier.

"I swear I wasn't—!!"

Felicia sighed, her tone as quiet and strict as ever.

"…And you said Ferine would be the last…"

Javier looked at them, eyes shifting nervously.

"Err… did I say that?"

"Of course!!!" all three girls shouted at him in perfect harmony.

"Chill, girls! Jeez… I'm just joking," Javier raised his hands defensively.

Liana stood up, her smile still graceful, yet her hands moved quickly—locking his neck in a firm headlock from behind.

"Young master~" she whispered sweetly into his ear, the softness of her tone sending more fear than comfort.

Javier's hands flailed.

He slapped the table hard. "Surrender! Surrender!! I won't! I won't add more! I swear!!"

Gloria giggled behind her hand.

Felicia sipped her tea with a quiet smirk.

"Good~" Liana cooed, still locking his neck tightly. "You better listen to me, young master…"

Her voice remained soft. Serene.

But the aura behind it?

Terrifying.

"Don't go adding more girls to your harem, young master," Liana said, her voice calm but unwavering. "I don't know how many times I need to remind you."

She gently released her lock on his neck but still loomed beside him, her arms crossed.

"I don't even think you could fairly give us time once you marry all of us." She looked him dead in the eyes. "And seriously… you still haven't reached adult age yet. What can you even do if you keep adding more girls into your harem?"

Javier gulped.

"Err… errr…" He glanced around, eyes flicking to Gloria and Felicia, then at Buddy and the pekkos pretending to be busy munching at the nearby fruit stall.

No answer came out.

Liana leaned closer.

"See? You couldn't even answer a simple question like that." Her voice was gentle.

"So better think twice before adding more. You keep adding girl after girl, but don't even know if the others are serious about you."

She narrowed her eyes.

"And worse… you haven't asked yourself if you're serious about them."

Javier stared at the table, scratching his cheek awkwardly.

"...That's… fair…"

Gloria sipped her tea, smiling softly. "Ara~ That's why I leave the scolding to Liana. She always knows how to handle our young master~"

Felicia crossed her arms, her tone quiet but clear. "I agree with Liana. Don't treat love like collecting items…"

Javier sank into his seat, defeated.

"…Man, I didn't think having girls in love with me would be this scary."

Liana pulled her chair closer.

"You thought it would be all kissing and cuddling, hmm?"

Javier nodded slowly.

"...Yes."

"Wrong." Liana flicked his forehead.

"Ouch! I get it… jeez… that hurt!" Javier rubbed his forehead, pouting slightly.

Liana didn't flinch. Her calm gaze stayed locked on him.

"Hurt? Hurt? You? Young master?" Her tone was sweet.

"Err… I mean… not that much…" Javier looked away quickly.

"Please stop adding more girls during this time," Liana said softly, but with finality.

"I know… I will…" Javier muttered.

"Good." Liana nodded once. "Now, I'm sure Lord Garius is waiting for you at the Beastkin Royal Palace."

Javier blinked and looked up.

From the shadow of a rooftop beam, the faint outline of a masked figure appeared—barely visible unless someone knew where to look. The leader of the Armand Shadow Unit was there. Watching. Waiting.

As soon as Javier's gaze met him, the shadow figure placed a closed fist over his chest and bowed slightly—wordlessly confirming the message.

Javier stood and brushed off his coat.

"Well, looks like my break's over."

Felicia glanced at him, her voice quiet. "Be careful."

Gloria rose gracefully, smoothing her skirt. "Ara~ Shall we escort you to the palace, young master?"

"Mm. Let's go." Javier turned toward Buddy, his Pekko, who was still chewing aggressively on someone's stolen fruit.

He patted Buddy's neck. "Time to move, boy. Duty calls."

Cuquawked!!

As they mounted their pekkos, the shadow figure silently vanished from the rooftop.

( End Of Chapter )