Reborn As Noble

The journey continued smoothly, with the convoy steadily making its way along the quiet roads until they finally arrived at the grand Armand family house outside the capital city.

As the carriages came to a stop, the elite guards quickly took their positions, securing the area while the maids helped the family members get out.

Lord Garius stepped out of the main carriage, his sharp gaze scanning the surroundings before he addressed one of the waiting household maids. ”Where are my sons, Marcellus and Cedric?”

The maid bowed politely, her tone professional. ”My lord, they are currently... drunk.”

Garius sighed deeply, pinching the bridge of his nose. ”Haaa... they didn’t even bother to attend the event to watch. Where are they now?”

”They are both in their rooms, my lord,” the maid replied, a hint of embarrassment in her voice.

”Fine...” Garius muttered, his tone resigned. He motioned for the other carriages to unload and turned toward the house with a commanding stride. ”I’ll deal with them later.”

Behind him, Lady Francesca stepped out of the carriage gracefully, adjusting her dress with a calm expression. ”Dear, you should let them off this time,” she said with a teasing smile. ”After all, they’re your sons.”

”That’s exactly why I won’t let them off,” Garius replied without missing a beat, his voice firm but laced with dry humor. ”They have titles to uphold. They can’t be acting like carefree fools.”

”Haaa... my honey bun is still more reliable than them, isn’t he?” Francesca mused, glancing back at Javier, who was helping Liana down from Pikko.

”For now...” Garius muttered.

”Marcellus! Cedric!” Garius’s commanding voice echoed through the halls, sharp and unmistakable.

From their rooms, muffled groans could be heard.

”Ugh... Brother... did someone call us?” Marcellus muttered, his voice hoarse as he sat up groggily, clutching his head.

”Ugh... I don’t know...” Cedric groaned from the next room. ”My head hurts... why did we drink so much...?”

As heavy footsteps approached, they both realized what was happening.

”Ah... umm... Who is it?” Marcellus stammered, his face going pale.

The door creaked open, revealing Garius standing in the doorway, his sharp gaze fixed on them.

”Gyaaaahhhh!!!” The two brothers screamed in unison as they scrambled to sit upright, trying—and failing—to look presentable.

”Haaa...” Garius sighed deeply, rubbing his temple as he looked at the sorry state of his sons. ”You didn’t even bother attending the event, and now I find you like this?”

”F-Father, we can explain...” Cedric stammered, still holding his pounding head.

”Now, both of you!” Garius barked, his voice firm. ”Go take a shower! Haaa... Why do I have the two strongest sons in the kingdom, yet you act like children? Just like your little brother.”

Marcellus and Cedric exchanged a worried glance, clearly too hungover to argue.

”Umm... umm...” Marcellus started, but Garius’s sharp glare silenced him instantly.

”Go. Now!” Garius ordered, his tone leaving no room for discussion.

”Yes, Esteemed Father!” they both shouted in unison, scrambling to their feet despite their grogginess. They staggered toward the bathroom, tripping over themselves as they went.

Watching them leave, Garius let out a deep sigh, shaking his head in disappointment. ”Haaa... Sometimes I wonder if the titles of ’strongest mage’ and ’strongest paladin’ are wasted on those two.”

From the hallway, Lady Francesca chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling with amusement. ”Dear, they may be powerful, but they’re still your sons. And like all our children, they have their moments.”

”Moments?” Garius grumbled, raising an eyebrow at her. ”They’ve had enough ’moments’ for a lifetime.”

Francesca laughed again, placing a gentle hand on his arm. ”Haaa... Be patient with them, dear. At least they’re not as mischievous as our honey bun.”

”Maybe I should marry them off to a girl,” Garius muttered, rubbing his temple in frustration.

Francesca, standing nearby, smiled and shook her head. ”Dear, do you really think marrying them off will solve their behavior?” she asked teasingly, though her tone suggested she knew better.

Garius let out another sigh, crossing his arms. ”It might give them some focus. But for now, I’ll make sure they continue their ’mission’ with the summoned heroes.”

He turned slightly to address Alf, who stood silently at attention. ”By the way, Alf,” Garius said, his voice curious. ”I didn’t see the ’Hero’ party at the event earlier. Any reason why?”

”Yes, my lord,” Alf replied, his tone steady. ”According to our informants, the summoned heroes’ party is currently... busy.”

”Busy?” Garius raised an eyebrow.

”Yes, my lord. They are reportedly spending their time flirting with women, sleeping, and... other activities,” Alf said, choosing his words carefully.

Garius’s eyes narrowed as he considered the implications. ”Hmph! I wonder why the king even summoned them,” he muttered coldly. ”The kingdom isn’t at war with the demons or any neighboring country. Summoning heroes for... this? What a waste.”

Francesca placed a gentle hand on his arm, her calm voice breaking through his irritation. ”Dear, it’s not our place to question the king’s decisions. At least, not openly.”

”Perhaps,” Garius conceded, though his frown remained. ”But mark my words, Francesca. If those so-called heroes cause more problems than they solve, We have to deal with them.”

Francesca chuckled softly, shaking her head. ”Haaa... Dear, let’s hope it doesn’t come to that. You have enough on your plate with our children as it is.”

”True,” Garius admitted with a smirk. ”But at least with them, I know what to expect.”

”Alf?”

”Yes, my lord?” Alf replied, stepping forward attentively.

”It seems the bracket for the event has been... ’adjusted,’” Garius said, his tone calm but hinting at amusement.

”Yes, my lord,” Alf confirmed. ”However, according to our other informants, there’s nothing they can do to interfere with the final outcomes.”

Garius smirked slightly, a glint of pride in his eyes. ”Don’t worry about it, Alf. I’m sure he can handle it... easily.”

”It does seem so, my lord,” Alf agreed, a faint smile appearing on his usually serious face.

Garius leaned forward, his tone shifting to one of command. ”By the way, Alf, Errinette, prepare for us to leave for the Armand region before sunrise. I don’t want to risk any of my people getting hurt unnecessarily.”

”Understood, my lord,” Alf replied with a bow. Errinette, standing nearby, nodded gracefully, her calm demeanor unwavering.

Francesca, seated elegantly nearby, smiled knowingly. ”I see, dear. We won’t be attending tomorrow’s event then?”

”I’m sorry, Francesca,” Garius said with a sigh. ”We have important duties in the region that need our attention.”

”Don’t worry about it, dear,” Francesca replied with a warm smile. ”I’ll explain to our youngest son that we had an urgent matter to attend to in the Armand region.”

”Please do,” Garius said, his tone softening slightly. ”And those two—Marcellus and Cedric—make sure their personal maids are helping them as needed.”

”Yes, my lord,” Alf replied.

Garius turned back to Francesca, his expression serious but calm. ”And, Francesca?”

”Yes, dear?”

”Tell Eridith that once we pass the capital city border, she is to escort us in her dragon form. I want no unnecessary risks during the journey.”

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”Understood, dear,” Francesca replied with a nod, her serene smile never wavering. ”I’ll let her know.”

Garius leaned back, his sharp mind already planning the next steps. ”Good. Let’s move quickly and quietly. I want everything ready before dawn.”

( End of Chapter )