Reborn As Noble

Javier sighed, still lazily sprawled on top of his Pekko, Buddy.

"Ugh… I have to meet Father now. Damn…"

He kicked his legs slightly.

Gloria adjusted her glasses calmly, riding beside him on Peanut.

"Young master, there's no use trying to avoid him. You know that."

"Heh… you say that, but both of you also shiver when he gets serious."

Javier smirked, glancing over his shoulder.

Liana crossed her arms, giving a quiet huff.

"That's because he's our lord. Count Garius. A single glare from him is scarier than a thousand arrows."

Javier stretched his arms, his expression playful.

"I was honestly so happy when I got permission to leave the estate. Doing quests, going on missions, no lectures, no sudden combat drills, no scary old man behind my back."

Liana narrowed her eyes.

"No… you were happy because it meant you could seduce more girls without getting caught."

Javier sat up straight, waving both hands in panic.

"Wha?! I'm not! Don't just accuse me like that out of nowhere!"

Felicia, riding slightly behind, calmly added,

"Mmhmm. Then how do you explain Princess Ferine joining us?"

Gloria chuckled softly behind her hand.

"Ara~ Should we list them all alphabetically, young master?"

Javier groaned.

"I swear you're all ganging up on me…"

Liana smiled gracefully, but her voice was calm and cold.

"You reap what you sow, young master. Better prepare yourself. Count Garius is waiting."

Javier climbed down from Buddy with a light hop, brushing off his coat.

The beastkin guards immediately stepped forward and bowed.

"This way, Lord Javier. We've prepared the Pekko resting area," one said respectfully.

Felicia dismounted gracefully and gave a slight nod.

"Treat them with care."

"Treat them with care. They're special."

The guards bowed again and gently took the reins of the Pekko one by one.

Giddie stood nearby — tall, majestic, and radiating quiet dominance.

Even without moving, the golden Pekko exuded an aura that made every other bird straighten up like nervous soldiers at inspection.

Buddy stood awkwardly stiff.

Pikko froze mid-waddle.

Peanut adjusted her stance.

Felicia's Pekko, who had been puffing its chest a moment ago, suddenly folded its wings tightly and stood quietly.

Javier crossed his arms, grinning smugly.

"Heh… Look at Buddy. Stiff as a board. Hahaha! That's funny"

He waved his hand teasingly toward Buddy.

"What's wrong, pal? Did the 'King of Pekko' scare you?"

Buddy let out a tiny, pitiful squawk.

Didn't even dare to raise his head.

No usual pecking at fruit stalls.

Just pure obedience under Giddie's watchful eyes.

Liana covered her mouth and smiled.

"That's the power of true dominance."

"Ara~ Even our rebellious ones become little angels under Giddie's gaze," Gloria chuckled softly.

Javier wiped a tear from his eye, still laughing.

"Ahhh… this made my day."

"Ahem."

That single sound froze time.

Javier's whole body went stiff.

"A…Ah… Father."

His voice cracked like a guilty child caught red-handed.

Garius stood at the palace entrance, arms crossed, expression unreadable.

His presence alone silenced everyone. Even Giddie subtly turned to acknowledge his master.

Behind Garius, Erinnette appeared with her usual calm, yet imposing air.

She adjusted her gloves as she addressed the two maids with a slight nod.

"Liana..gloria...you two, follow me."

"Yes, Mrs. Erinnette," both replied in unison, straightening their posture before stepping forward.

Then, a tall beastkin in ceremonial attire stepped toward Felicia with a respectful bow.

"Princess Felicia. His Majesty requests that you accompany Princess Ferine as her guardian guest. Please escort her within the palace."

Felicia nodded calmly.

"Understood." She turned to Ferine and offered her hand with a soft smile.

"Let's go, Ferine."

Meanwhile… Javier, still stiff, slowly turned his head toward Garius.

His father's gaze was quiet. Calm.

Too calm.

He straightened his back and marched forward with a forced smile, trying to act composed.

"Father..."

Garius's gaze sharpened as they walked through the wide, open corridor of the Beastkin royal palace. His heavy boots echoed with each step—steady, commanding.

Javier trailed just a step behind, hands casually behind his back, trying to keep his smirk from turning into a nervous twitch.

Alf and Hesbeirn flanked Garius silently, like dark shadows.

"Javier."

"Y-Yes, esteemed father?" Javier straightened.

Garius didn't stop walking, his voice calm but weighty. "You've done well securing Gilikan Town and retaking the third stronghold. That allowed Beastkin Kingdom to send in their relief food and support the dwarves' rebuilding efforts."

Javier blinked.

"Eh? Ahaha... well—" He scratched his head. "It was... err, easy. Y'know. Bit of this and that. Some strategy, some charm... a bit of luck."

Garius stopped walking.

Javier stopped.

Hesbeirn and Alf didn't move, but the air felt heavier.

"Now," Garius said, turning to face him fully. "There's a more serious mission ahead."

Javier raised an eyebrow. "Huh?"

"You will choose for yourself. And take full responsibility for the outcome."

Javier's grin slowly faded. He knew what this meant.

"…Understood," he said quietly. "I'll choose carefully."

Garius studied his son's face for a moment—then finally gave a subtle nod. "Good."

"Before that, Javier…"

"Yes, esteemed father?"

"…What's with the new additions?"

"Huh?"

Garius continued, his tone now edged with something between curiosity and warning. "And not just new additions—why are they all royalty? A Beastkin princess. A demon princess. And now… Gumarak's youngest daughter?"

Javier instinctively looked to the side. "Err… err…"

Garius let out a long sigh.

"I don't know, Javier…" he muttered, almost to himself. "This isn't entirely my problem—but knowing your mother..."

Javier gulped. Lady Francesca.

"…she's strict when it comes to women. You know that. She'll test every single girl you bring home. Except Liana and Gloria. She's known them since the day you were born—fine with them, yes. But the others…"

Javier lowered his gaze.

"Careful, Javier," Garius warned, his tone calm but absolute. "This isn't a game. You're adding royalty to your harem like you're collecting medals."

Javier rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.

"Adding more… will get you more problems. Are you prepared to deal with all of them?"

"…I—uh—I mean—"

"Don't answer now." Garius began walking again. "Just think about it. And remember: Francesca doesn't miss anything."

Alf coughed lightly behind them.

Hesbeirn smirked.

Javier paled.

( End Of Chapter )