Reborn As Noble

Garius's voice dropped slightly, the air around him growing heavier with the weight of responsibility.

"But know this, Javier," he said firmly. "We won't make the first move."

His eyes swept across the room—Mylezra, Lioness, Veldrac. All three gave subtle nods in agreement.

"We'll prepare for defense only. Not offense. If war comes to our doorstep… then we respond. But we won't be the ones to ignite it."

Then he pulled out a sealed envelope from his coat. Thick parchment, sealed with Armand's golden crest.

He handed it to Javier.

"Read this once you've left the Beastkin Kingdom and returned toward Dwarven territory. No sooner."

Javier accepted it with both hands, bowing slightly.

"Yes, esteemed father."

"And, Javier…you'll need to decide something else."

Javier straightened.

"Yes, esteemed father?"

"You know Liana and Gloria each carry a Celestial within them—Ari and Aria. That alone puts a massive target on their backs. If you bring them with you, they'll face danger greater than anything they've seen before."

Garius paused, letting the silence speak.

"I won't forbid you from bringing them. But I won't sugarcoat it either. Their presence will shift the balance—and attract attention from all sides. The choice is yours. Make it with clarity."

Javier lowered his gaze for a moment, eyes thoughtful.

"…Understood."

Garius gave him a long, steady look.

"So choose, Javier. Do what you think is best. Bring them… if you truly believe you can protect them."

Javier took a deep breath. Then nodded firmly.

"Yes, esteemed father."

Garius closed his eyes for a brief moment, then turned away.

"Now go. Those two have already been briefed by Erinnette. They await your decision."

He glanced over his shoulder, voice quieter but firmer.

"All the choice is yours. And if you bring them…" his tone sharpened, "make damn sure you protect them with everything you've got. No hesitation. No excuses."

Javier bowed once again.

"…I will."

Once Javier stepped out of the room, the heavy doors quietly closed behind him.

Silence lingered.

Then Mylezra turned toward Garius, her eyes narrowed slightly.

"…Garius. Are you sure about this? Exposing those two to Edmund's reach—it's dangerous. Even if Edmund doesn't yet know who bears the seventh Celestial…"

Lioness folded his arms, thoughtful. "It's a gamble. Ari and Aria aren't ordinary Celestials. If Edmund learns they're inside those two girls…"

Garius didn't respond immediately. His eyes were fixed on the table, brows furrowed deep.

Then, he slowly spoke.

"You've never seen how serious my youngest son is. Not truly."

He lifted his gaze, the weight behind them like iron.

"If Javier removes his limiter… if he stops holding back and truly goes berserk…"

He paused, then said quietly.

"…The only ones who can stop him—are me and Francesca."

Garius lowered his head, eyes shadowed by painful memories.

"But... I really don't want to see it again. That face of his—cold, blank… empty."

His voice softened, becoming heavy with the weight of past tragedy.

"The face of someone who has lost too much. Someone who's broken everything, even himself."

He clenched his fists slightly, recalling a memory that still burned sharply inside his chest.

"He'd tear apart even his own body, if it meant revenge."

A heavy silence fell over the room.

Meanwhile, outside the royal palace…

Liana and Gloria sat quietly beneath the shade of a tall tree in the inner courtyard, a gentle breeze brushing against their hair and skirts. Nearby, their Pekko birds rested calmly.

Liana stared at the sky, expression calm on the surface, but inside, a storm swirled.

Young master… he's going on another mission again.

Her fingers tightened slightly on her lap.

And this time… he's the one who decides whether to bring us or not.

She didn't blame him—this wasn't a matter of trust. It was about risk. Erinette had already warned them: "This mission will be more dangerous than anything before."

But still…

She bit her lip, eyes narrowing with quiet frustration. We've already finished our special training. We're ready… I'm ready. So why does it feel like I'm being left behind again?

Beside her, Gloria sat with a serene smile, hands folded neatly. But her voice betrayed a quiet hope.

"Do you think… he'll bring us?"

Liana didn't answer right away. She looked down at her hands.

"I want to go," she finally whispered. "Not because I'm worried. Not even because I want to fight."

Gloria glanced at her.

"Then why?"

"…Because I want to be there when he smiles… when he's in pain… when he's making reckless decisions."

Gloria chuckled softly. "Ara… That's very much like you."

Liana turned her head slightly.

"And you?"

"I'd follow him into hell," Gloria said with her usual calm smile. "But I'll accept his decision. Even if he leaves us behind… I'll wait."

Liana exhaled deeply.

"But… I really, really hope he brings us this time."

Their eyes met. Neither said it out loud—but both were thinking the same thing.

Please… choose us.

Javier walked casually, hands tucked into his pockets, the sound of his boots soft against the courtyard stone. The midday light filtered through the trees as a gentle breeze brushed past, but his eyes were locked on only two figures ahead.

Liana and Gloria.

They were standing under the shade, side by side—poised, graceful, and calm. Yet the moment they saw him, both instinctively stood straighter.

"Young master," they said in unison.

Javier smiled lightly.

"Buddy!"

Cuquawked!!

The orange Pekko let out a loud cry and dashed toward him. Javier casually hopped onto his back in one swift, smooth motion.

Liana's expression remained calm, but her eyes shimmered.

Her hand trembled as she tried to keep her composure.

"Be careful on your journey… young master," she said, her voice soft and trembling.

Javier looked down at her.

Then smirked.

"What are you both waiting for?" he said casually. "Call your Pekko. We're going."

Liana froze for a second. Her lips trembled. "Y-Young master…"

Gloria's eyes softened. "Ara… we're coming?"

"I said we're going," Javier repeated.

Liana wiped her tears and nodded while biting back a happy sob. "Yes… young master."

Gloria gave a gentle smile and whistle. "Come, Peanut."

From a distance, their Pekko birds squawked in excitement.

They weren't left behind.

They were chosen.

Their young master had decided.

To bring them both.

( End Of Chapter )