Reborn As Noble

He paused, letting the truth sink in.

"That is the nature of nobility. No single house, no matter how powerful, can decide the kingdom's future alone. Decisions about succession, about who will sit on the throne, must be weighed by all the peers of the realm. Dukes,marquise, counts, viscounts, and barons, all their voices form the body of the Great Council."

Garius folded his arms.

"Even if Kliatana is the sole heir by blood, bloodline alone does not crown a ruler. The council must approve. The nobles will weigh her character, her ability, her alliances, and whether she can bear the burden of ruling a kingdom."

"Understand this. Lineage gives the right to claim, but governance is secured only when the nobles acknowledge it. That is why the council cannot be ignored. That is why you must attend."

"This is also why I do not follow their laws in Armand,"

Garius continued, his voice steady.

"Their ways are full of endless debate, turning law into chains that serve greed rather than justice. That is why this may not go smoothly. Even if I alone want to support Princess Kliatana in her succession… knowing how greedy nobles are, I do not think this will end well."

He took a deep breath, steam swirling around him.

"And since the council will be held soon, I want each of you to join and attend with me. You may not yet own land, but this is how we show the strength of Armand."

His gaze sharpened, moving from Marcellus to Cedric, then to Aelius, Heres, and finally Javier.

"We show them that we are not a divided house of quarrelling heirs. We show them that we stand united. The weight of our presence alone will silence many tongues."

He leaned back against the stone edge, his voice lowering but still commanding.

"This is how Armand commands respect. Not only through armies, wealth, and strength of arms… but by standing as one family, unshaken before the rest of the realm."

"Let me warn each of you."

Garius's voice deepened, echoing against the stone walls.

"This council will be filled with heat, with arguments, and with bitter debate. Do not fool yourselves into thinking it will be orderly."

His eyes narrowed, sharp as blades.

"I am certain that even now, some among the high ranks have already set their plans in motion, gathering allies, whispering promises in secret chambers, buying support in advance."

The steam shifted as he leaned forward slightly, the ripple of water punctuating his words.

"You will be expected to endure it. To watch, to listen, and above all, to learn. Do not be swept into rash words, nor into careless pride. Once spoken, a word cannot be recalled, and in the council chamber, every word has weight."

For a moment, silence reigned.

Then Garius sighed.

"If it were my choice… I would not attend the council at all. But since Kliatana is the only heir of Edmund, the last of that bloodline… I must."

He rested his arm against the stone edge of the bath, the faintest smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.

"If it were me alone, I would simply send the next heir of Armand to the council."

His gaze flicked toward Javier.

"But since none of you have yet attended such a council," he said, his tone even but edged with command, "this will be the day you all learn how it truly works."

His hand traced lightly along the surface of the steaming water, ripples spreading outward like the weight of his words.

"You will see how nobles twist words like blades, how they bargain with favors instead of coin, how they smile at each other while sharpening daggers behind their backs. You will learn that power is not only measured by armies and gold, but by influence, by who can sway a room with silence, or bind an agreement with nothing more than a nod."

He exhaled slowly, his expression calm.

"This is what it means to stand among nobles. This is what it means to carry Armand's name. Watch carefully, listen deeply, and remember every move, every exchange, every subtle glance. For one day, each of you will need to use it."

"And all of you will become part of it," Garius said firmly.

"Whether you like it or not."

Marcellus, Cedric, Aelius, and Heres straightened at once. "Yes, Esteemed Father."

Garius's eyes lingered on them, sharp yet calm. "Each of you must understand. Javier has been appointed as the next heir, with the approval of this family. But that does not free you from burden. His path may be chosen, but your roles are no less important."

The brothers exchanged quiet glances, tension tightening their shoulders.

"Should something occur… should fate twist in ways none of us desire… you must be ready. At any moment, you may be called to bear responsibility in his stead. To uphold Armand's name. To preserve the stability of this region."

He leaned back slightly, letting the steam coil around him like a mantle of authority.

"Being sons of Armand means more than privilege. It means that each of you carries duty in your blood. Even if Javier stands foremost, each of you may, one day, be tested as well."

"Now… after this,"

Garius continued, calm but with a firm edge, "go and get your equipment ready. And remember, only one maid will go with you. I've told Erinnette to tell all your personal maids. Only one should join."

"Yes, Esteem Father," the brothers answered together.

"We go to the council with only a few people for a reason. We will not look arrogant by marching in with a whole army of attendants. Power should be shown with restraint, not with excess."

The water rippled softly as he leaned back, his voice steady.

"Alf, Erinnette, and Hesbeirn will come with us. Along with them, Hesbeirn has chosen several troops to accompany us on the road."

His gaze hardened, and his tone grew heavier.

"And learn from this, all of you. For any event like this, you must always prepare. Always."

"Along every road, every town, every village toward the council, our people will stand by. Vigilant. Ready. Because we never know what might happen. And do not forget…"

His eyes moved across each son, his voice grave.

"No matter how strong you become… no matter how powerful your maids, your troops, or your allies may be, never be careless. Always think ahead. Always stay one step ahead of others. That is how Armand endures."

( End Of Chapter )