Reborn As Noble

Armand Region.

Border town.

Javier leaned against Buddy's warm side, the big pekko's feathers puffing softly beneath his hand. The bird tilted its head and let out a quiet squawk.

His gaze wandered over the border town.

Wooden stalls lined the cobblestone road, owners hawking their goods.

Despite the battle that had only just ended a few hours ago, the people stayed. They laughed, bargained, and called out to customers as if nothing had changed.

Inside Javier's mind, a thought stirred.

Father must be assigning soldiers to gather the bodies, to ensure Edmund's men' families can bury their dead. Even in defeat, they deserve dignity.

Javier's eyes softened. The weight of exhaustion didn't dull his awareness.

He chuckled softly.

"Heh… I guess they know the risks. They'd rather face danger here than abandon the land. Loyal to the core, huh?"

A small smile touched his lips, though a shadow lingered in his gaze. That's the difference, the kind of loyalty his father inspires. Not through fear, but through trust. That's why they stay.

Buddy nudged him gently, snapping him back to the moment. Javier rubbed the pekko's neck with a tired grin.

"Yeah, yeah… we'll head home soon."

Javier crouched a little, patting Buddy's feathery neck with a smirk tugging at his lips.

"Buddy?" he asked in a low voice.

Cuquawked? The big pekko tilted its head.

"Wanna go eat meat from that stall?" Javier jerked his thumb toward the busy food stall, where the smell of roasted meat drifted through the border town street.

The vendor called out prices, and a small crowd clustered eagerly in front.

Cuquawked!!! Buddy's eyes gleamed as his beak opened, a drool threatening to drip.

Javier chuckled and shook his head.

"Heh… alright, let's go. But let me warn you…" He narrowed his eyes at the giant bird, wagging a finger.

"Don't go stuffing yourself before the vendor counts everything."

Cuquawked. Buddy straightened, puffing out his chest with a dignified look.

Javier sighed, already imagining the scene that was about to unfold.

"…You're totally gonna steal a piece the moment they turn around, aren't you?"

Buddy looked away, pretending to admire the sky.

Javier pinched the bridge of his nose and groaned.

"Just don't make a mess, okay, Buddy? At least let them count the price so I can pay fairly. I'm serious," Javier warned again, narrowing his eyes.

Cuquawked.

The pekko gave a smug nod, as if promising obedience.

"Alright… let's go," Javier muttered, shaking his head as he walked forward. Buddy followed with a proud strut, chest puffed out like a noble beast rather than the glutton he truly was.

When they arrived, Javier dropped several silver coins onto the counter. "Old man… give me meat, this much."

The vendor grinned broadly, scooping up the coins. "Coming right up!" he said, his hands already moving to prepare the order. The scent of fat sizzling filled the air, mingling with spice and smoke.

The moment the first skewer was ready, Javier grabbed it and without hesitation, tossed it to Buddy.

SNAP!

Buddy's beak clamped down mid-air, and in a single gulp the meat disappeared. His throat bobbed as he swallowed, then he let out a sharp, satisfied squawk, wings fluttering as if applauding the perfect meal.

Javier rubbed his temple, watching his mount's theatrics.

"You didn't even taste it, did you?"

Buddy only puffed out his chest higher, smug.

The vendor laughed heartily, clearly entertained by the sight.

"Your pekko's got a fine appetite, young lord. I'll keep cooking, you'll both need plenty more!"

Javier exhaled, a faint smile tugging at his lips.

"Yeah, just don't let him near the counter, or you'll run out of stock in seconds."

Buddy, ignoring the jab, leaned closer to the grill, eyes fixed on the next piece of meat.

While Javier and Buddy continued devouring skewer after skewer at the meat stall, Garius stood tall among his soldiers on the other side of the border town.

He issued final orders, flanked by Alf, who kept pace beside him, offering quiet nods as he confirmed the logistics passed down to each squadron.

Behind them, Francesca gracefully followed. Her presence, though gentle, commanded attention. She dressed simply but with unmistakable nobility, and her warm smile softened the air around her.

Garius turned slightly, noticing her pace beside him.

"Francesca?"

"Yes, dear?" she answered with a tender smile, walking in step.

"Where's our youngest son?" Garius asked, eyes narrowing a touch as he scanned the crowd.

Francesca tilted her head, unfazed.

"Hm? I believe he mentioned heading toward a nearby stall earlier. He should be easy to spot with that Pekko of his around," she said, smiling as she folded her hands in front of her.

"And of course," she added with a wink, "we can detect his mana signature anytime we wish. There's no hiding from us."

Garius let out a low hum, amused.

"That glutton of a bird is probably drawing a crowd again."

Francesca giggled behind her hand. "As long as Javier doesn't start eating like the Pekko too…"

Alf cleared his throat discreetly, trying not to smile. "Shall I dispatch someone to inform the young master we'll be departing soon, my lord?"

Garius shook his head slightly. "Let him eat. We'll find him when it's time. No need to rush him."

Francesca nodded with quiet amusement. "Let the boy enjoy his little peace before everything shifts again."

Garius smirked faintly.

"Yes… after this, he won't have room to laze around. Javier will be busy soon. Just like his brothers, Marcellus and Cedric."

Francesca's smile softened, her eyes glinting.

"Not only those three," she said gently, "but Athine and Aelius as well. They'll carry their part of the weight too."

Garius gave a single nod, his gaze turning to the horizon as if his thoughts stretched beyond the border walls.

"…I believe it's time I see my other son. Heres is out there, on a mission as well."

Alf, riding alongside him, looked up with calm composure.

"Are you certain, my lord?" His voice carried no doubt, only quiet inquiry.

"Yes," Garius replied firmly. "Even his mother, Penelope, has said so. It's time we see where his talent leads him and what path he chooses."

Francesca exhaled softly, her smile lingering.

"Our children… each walking their own road. But no matter how far they go, they are still bound by the blood of Armand."

( End Of Chapter )