Reborn As Noble

Once Javier reached the head of the hall, he stopped and bowed politely.

"Esteem father."

Garius's gaze lifted, steady and calm.

"Javier."

"Yes, esteem father," Javier replied, straightening.

Garius's voice carried clearly through the noise of the hall, measured and weighty.

"Since you will become the main heir of the Armand household after I retire, you will be coming to the meeting in the royal capital, before the coronation of your friend, Princess Kliatana."

"Yes, esteem father." Javier's tone remained polite.

But inside his mind, he groaned.

Ugh! Again with this heir thing… It's not like I want it! I just want to live a free life. Damn Marcellus, Cedric, Aelius, and even Heres! They all shoved the heir position onto me with good excuses. And Father, Mother, even all my stepmothers agreed with them…

"And one more thing, Javier."

"Yes, esteem father."

Garius's eyes shifted slightly, his gaze sliding toward the two loud kings now locked in yet another drinking game, mugs slamming against the table.

"Can you help me out here?"

Javier tilted his head politely. "Err… help with what, esteem father?"

"Since you're the only one with that magic technology, I want you to go to the Dwarven kingdom's castle. Inform Gumarak to come here. And if you can… bring him here."

"Err… now, esteem father?"

"If you can," Garius replied.

Javier bowed slightly. "As you command, esteem father."

Before Garius could continue, a booming voice interrupted, followed by a heavy smack against Javier's back.

"Oho! That's my future brother-in-law!!" Veldrac roared with laughter, nearly spilling his drink.

"Yeah!! And my future son-in-law!!" Lioness bellowed, slapping Javier's other shoulder just as hard.

The two kings leaned over him with wide grins, the smell of strong liquor wafting off them like a battle aura.

Inside Javier's mind, he winced.

Great. Just what I needed. Double trouble.

Javier bowed politely again. "I will excuse myself, esteem father."

"Good. Bring Gumarak here." Garius's eyes returned to calm command as the two kings resumed their noisy drinking contest.

"And make sure he comes prepared with his officers as well," Garius added.

"Do tell him I am inviting him for a feast before the coronation takes place at the capital."

"Yes, esteem father."

"But…" Garius's gaze lingered on him. "I am sorry, Javier. After you bring him here, your task will not end. You must also fly him back to the Dwarven castle once the coronation is over."

Inside Javier's mind.

Knew it. Trouble, round two. Not only fetch him, but chauffeur service as well. Damn it…

"And Javier?"

"Yes, esteem father."

"Do bring Alf this time. If you go alone, I doubt Gumarak will believe you."

Javier tilted his head slightly, masking the twitch of his lips with a polite smile. "Are you sure, esteem father?"

Garius raised a brow. "Hmm? Why?"

"Umm… I mean, Mister Alf never leaves your side. How about another candidate?"

"Hm." Garius shifted his gaze. "Alf?"

"Yes, my lord." Alf bowed slightly, his tone steady.

"Who do you think fit to follow Javier?"

"How about Hesbeirn, my lord?"

"Good suggestion." Garius turned back. "Do you agree, Javier?"

"Yes, esteem father."

Inside, Javier muttered darkly to himself.

Better than dragging Alf… but still, Hesbeirn means trouble. Looks like my peaceful night just died completely.

Javier was just about to step out when a booming voice echoed across the hall.

"My lord!!!"

The sound nearly rattled the windows. Standing there was the huge, bulky figure of General Hesbeirn, muscles straining against his armor as he stomped forward.

Inside Javier's mind, he groaned.

Ugh… this general is always so damn loud. And to think he's Mrs. Erinnette's younger brother.

But then, mid-step, Hesbeirn suddenly froze. His back straightened, and his voice dropped to a carefully controlled tone.

"Young Master." He pressed his fist to his chest and bowed slightly toward Javier.

Javier blinked, tilting his head lazily. Then his eyes shifted sideways, catching sight of Erinnette standing not far off, her gaze sharp enough to cut steel.

Her glare was calm yet lethal, a silent command that said 'Control yourself, fool.'

Hesbeirn swallowed hard, beads of sweat glistening on his temple as he maintained the bow.

Inside Javier's mind, a smirk tugged at his lips.

Heh. Even this walking mountain trembles when Mrs. Erinnette glares.

Garius exhaled softly, voice cut through the noise of the hall, steady and commanding.

"Hesbeirn."

The towering general straightened at once. "Yes, my lord?"

"You are to follow Javier. Assist him, and fetch—" his lips curved faintly, correcting himself, "Ahem… invite Chieftain Gumarak to this place."

Hesbeirn's fist pressed firmly to his chest as he bowed again. "As you command, my lord."

From the side, Erinnette's eyes narrowed slightly, ensuring her brother didn't slip into his usual booming habits again. Hesbeirn caught the glare and stiffened further, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

Garius gave a faint nod, dismissing him.

"Prepare yourselves. You leave tonight."

"As you command, my lord," Hesbeirn answered, stepping back.

Garius's gaze softened, shifting once more to Javier.

"Be careful, Javier. Even if the war has ended, danger does not vanish with the sound of peace. No matter how strong you become, never let your strength blind you. A single careless step can destroy years of effort. Power is meant to guard life, not gamble with it."

He leaned back slightly, his hand settling on the hilt of his ceremonial blade.

"Remember this: arrogance is a blade sharper than any sword. It cuts not the enemy, but the one who wields it. The stronger you grow, the more the world will tempt you to believe you are untouchable. That is when mistakes strike the deepest."

Garius continue.

"Keep your mind clear. Watch not only for enemies, but for deception, fear, and the weakness of others. A ruler, an heir, a leader… is not measured only by how he fights, but by how he safeguards those who walk behind him."

"Yes, esteem father." Javier bowed politely, his expression composed.

Inside, his thoughts stirred. There it is again… No matter what, he'll always tie his lessons back to that. Still… he's not wrong. Careless moves in this world mean death. I guess even I can't argue with that wisdom.

( End Of Chapter )