Reborn As Noble

Inside the grand hall.

Garius let out a long sigh, his gaze fixed on the two kings across the table.

Veldrac and Lioness were leaning in, their arms locked tight, muscles tensed, laughter booming as they pressed against each other in a heated arm wrestle.

"Look like you're still at your peak, huh, Veldrac~" Lioness grinned, sweat glistening on his brow.

"Of course! Same goes for you, Lioness~ you're still in your peak too."

Their attendants gathered close, their sons and officers cheering them on like it was a battle worth writing down. The Queens sat back in quiet resignation, while the guards tried their best to look dignified despite the rowdy display.

Alf leaned down slightly beside his lord. "My lord… should we stop them?"

Garius shook his head faintly, a small smirk tugging at his lips. "No. Let them burn their energy. Better the table than the walls."

The heavy oak table creaked under the strain of their locked arms, the cups and plates rattling with each push and shift.

"Ugh… damn it, you demon ox!" Lioness barked, gritting his teeth.

"Hah! Same to you, beast brute!" Veldrac roared back, grinning ear to ear.

Garius only exhaled softly, his eyes sweeping the hall.

Inside, Garius's smile lingered faintly as he watched Veldrac and Lioness wrestle like boys rather than rulers.

Despite being kings, their relationship is still strong…

His eyes softened, though the weight in them deepened. If only time could be turned back. Back before Edmund, Gurdan, and even Gumarak chose to claim those so-called "Celestials."

Memories stirred.

Days when they were only reckless youths, hunting together. Back when "raw" fragments of those beings appeared in wild lands, unclaimed by vessels. They had faced them shoulder to shoulder, laughing even in danger.

But Garius knew the truth.

Those things were never divine. They are filth… born from the cracks of this world. Or perhaps dragged here from somewhere beyond. Parasites given shape.

How lucky… that Javier chose to spare Gumarak.

To save him from the same fate that devoured Edmund and Gurdan.

He exhaled slowly, gaze narrowing as the echoes of laughter filled the hall.

At least one of them still has a chance to stand on his own feet… without corruption.

Then he looked up, eyes drifting toward the vaulted ceiling as if the stars beyond could hear his thoughts.

If only Gumarak were here to enjoy this feast as well… to laugh like before.

But reality was not so kind. Garius knew the dwarven kingdom still struggled, still clawing its way back from the ruin left by war and the filth.

But at least..

There was comfort in this: every stretch of land had been cleansed. Purified.

From the Armand region to the Beastkin kingdom, from the Demon lands to the Elven forests and Human kingdom to Dwarven soil.

Piece by piece, the continent had been reclaimed.

We have paid dearly… but at least for now, the land breathes again.

Garius's gaze shifted again. Across the hall, Francesca sat in serene poise, her fan resting lightly in her hand as she conversed with Mylezra and the other two queens. Their laughter was soft, graceful, yet the subtle glances and delicate gestures told Garius enough.

Probably the wedding…

"Alf," Garius murmured.

"Yes, my lord?"

His right eye glimmered faintly, the pattern shifting as he peered beyond the hall. He exhaled. "Can you call Javier here? He's nearby."

Alf bowed slightly. "As you command, my lord."

He turned at once, giving a small signal to one of the shadow guards positioned near the walls. The figure melted away in silence, slipping through the grand hall's doors like a passing shadow.

Swift, precise, unseen by the reveling guests.

Garius leaned back in his chair, his fingers brushing the hilt of his ceremonial blade. His eyes softened faintly.

Javier… it's time you step into this hall.

"Garius!!!"

The booming voice rang across the grand hall. Garius turned slightly, his brow lifting at the sight before him.

Veldrac was grinning ear to ear, flexing his arm like a victorious champion while Lioness rubbed his wrist with a scowl, muttering under his breath. The table between them creaked, one leg half-splintered from the strain of their bout.

Garius sighed. "...What is it now?"

Veldrac leaned forward, pointing at him with all the confidence of a drunk victor.

"Bring Gumarak here! Eheheh! We're both bored!"

Lioness snorted, his pride wounded yet his grin returning as he slammed his palm on the table.

"Yes! Call that stubborn dwarf! Let's make him drink until he begs for mercy!"

The nearby attendants groaned softly but kept their composure, already used to this chaos. The Queens exchanged weary glances, Francesca's fan hiding a subtle smirk.

Garius rubbed his temple slowly. These two… every time.

"I'm sure you want him here too!" Veldrac bellowed, his grin widen.

"Besides, he's a king! A ruler of the Dwarves! He must attend the coronation of Kliatana, the soon-to-be Queen!" His eyes gleamed with mischief as he leaned forward, smirking in excitement.

Lioness matched his energy instantly, waggling his brows at Garius while grinning like a boy who had just discovered new trouble to stir.

Garius only sighed, pressing two fingers against his forehead. "...Fine. Let's see if Javier wants to bring him here."

"Yes!!!"

The two kings slammed their palms together in a loud smack, their booming laughter echoing through the grand hall. They shook the table with their excitement, like boys who had just convinced their strict older brother to join in mischief.

Francesca, watching from her seat with the Queens, hid her soft chuckle behind her fan. Honestly… they never change.

Garius exhaled again, his lips curving faintly.

Javier, looks like they're already planning to drag you into this nonsense.

Meanwhile…

Javier walked at an unhurried pace, hands tucked loosely behind his head. Behind him trailed Liana and Gloria, as well as Felicia, Delya, and Mimi, each still brimming with their own unspoken rivalry.

Then, suddenly, Javier stopped.

A faint shiver ran through him. His eyes narrowed as he scanned the courtyard, the hairs on his neck prickling.

Crap…

His lazy expression hardened slightly, his instincts whispering louder than any sound around him.

I know this feeling. Trouble's coming. And this time… I'm not going to like it.

His lips twitched into a wry smile.

And worse… I'm sure this time I can't avoid it.

Behind him, Liana stepped closer. "Young master?"

Gloria adjusted her glasses, noticing his change in posture. " What's wrong young master?"

Javier exhaled softly, his lazy grin returning just enough to mask the unease.

"Looks like tonight won't stay quiet after all."

( End Of Chapter )