Reborn As Noble

Francesca’s face was serious as she set down her teacup.

”So the Amazarak group is scattered around the human kingdom, huh?”

Garius nodded. ”Yes.”

Francesca’s emerald eyes narrowed.

”That means… Zephyra is on the move.”

Garius leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table.

”Yes, but she still can’t mobilize an army. Their kingdom is too far from us.”

Before Francesca could respond, Eridith casually spoke up.

”Want me to burn their kingdom?” She took another bite of her meat, chewing as if she had just suggested a simple errand.

Garius sighed. ”We can’t. Not now.”

Francesca nodded. ”If we do that, we risk a massive war between humans and them.” She stirred her tea, her voice measured.

”And knowing Zephyra, she won’t just attack us—she’ll mobilize against her neighboring countries too.”

Garius tapped his fingers against the table. ”Yes, but the halfling kingdom is not weak. The elven and dwarven kingdoms aren’t weak either.”

Francesca agreed. ”They would have to conquer the halfling kingdom first before reaching the dwarves.”

Eridith licked her fingers. ”And let’s say they somehow manage to take both down… the elven kingdom is even bigger and far stronger in both military and magic.”

Garius smirked. ”Exactly.”

For now—Zephyra’s hands were tied. But that didn’t mean she wasn’t planning something. And that—was the real problem.

Meanwhile...

Marcellus strolled through Gaze Town, enjoying the sights with Lithia at his side.

His hand rested comfortably on her waist, completely unbothered by the curious gazes of the townspeople. Behind them, his mage team followed at a respectful distance, giving their leader space while silently pretending not to notice his behavior.

”Master Marcellus,” Lithia spoke.

”You shouldn’t be so carefree like this.”

Marcellus grinned, leaning closer as he whispered—

”Aw, come on, Lithia. We’re going to get married anyway.”

Lithia huffed, crossing her arms.

”Hmph… like you’ve already told your father about that.”

Marcellus froze.

”Err… well…” His grin twitched.

Lithia’s eyes narrowed.

”Thought so.”

Marcellus winced.

He could handle high-level magic duels, lead powerful mages, and face deadly enemies—but explaining things to his father? Yeah… that was a different kind of battlefield.

He quickly shifted tactics.

Marcellus wrapped an arm around Lithia’s waist, pulling her closer.

”Aww~ Lithia, don’t be mad. It’s not like Father doesn’t already know about us.”

Lithia’s lips pressed into a thin line.

”But Master Marcellus, if you don’t tell him directly—”

”Shhh.” He placed a finger on her lips, grinning. ”You love me, don’t you?”

Lithia’s face flushed slightly, but her glare didn’t waver.

Marcellus smirked.

Meanwhile, in Another Town...

Cedric strolled through the town, enjoying the lively atmosphere.

The streets were bustling with activity—merchants calling out deals, children running around, and the smell of freshly baked bread filling the air.

And perched comfortably on his shoulder—

Meira.

Her fluffy cat ears twitched, and her tail flicked excitedly as she pointed ahead.

”Nya~ Master Cedric, there!”

Cedric followed her gaze, only to see a food stall selling roasted fish.

He chuckled. ”Let me guess… you want that?”

Meira grinned, fangs showing. ”Nyaa~ Of course!”

Cedric just smiled.

Whenever Father, Alf, Erinnette, or his mother weren’t around, Meira didn’t hold back at all. She clung to him, spoke freely, and acted as playful as she wanted.

Not that he minded.

In fact—

He liked seeing this carefree side of her.

Cedric’s grin turned sly.

With a sudden gasp, he pretended to stammer.

”Ahhh!! E-Esteemed Father!!”

Meira froze mid-air.

In less than a second—she leaped off his shoulder, landed gracefully, and straightened her maid uniform. Her tail stiffened, ears standing at full attention as she quickly adjusted her posture.

Back straight. Hands neatly folded. A perfect, proper maid stance.

She lowered her head slightly, her voice formal.

”M-My Lord!”

She was ready to greet Lord Garius.

But then—she blinked. Looked around. No Garius. No Alf. No Erinnette. No one.

Slowly, her fluffy ears twitched. Her eyes narrowed. She turned back to Cedric, her tail swishing dangerously.

”…Master Cedric.”

Cedric snickered. ”Yes, Meira?”

Her cheeks puffed out. ”You tricked me!”

Cedric laughed, arms crossed. ”You fell for it so easily.”

Meira pouted, tail flicking in annoyance. ”That wasn’t funny, nyaa~!”

But Cedric just grinned wider.

Oh, this was too fun.

”Nya~ You meanie~!”

Meira pouted, her tail flicking as she playfully punched Cedric’s chest.

Cedric chuckled.

”Aw~ come on, Meira. I just wanted to see your reaction.”

Meira huffed, crossing her arms.

”Hmph! That wasn’t nice, Master Cedric! What if Lord Garius really showed up?!”

Cedric grinned wider. ”Then you’d be in big trouble, huh?”

Meira’s ears twitched. ”…Nyaa~ That’s not fair!”

While Cedric enjoyed his time with Meira, his paladin unit was scattered across the town. They worked alongside the town guards, ensuring the safety of the people.

Their unit leader, equipped with a mana talkie, coordinated with the guard unit leader, patrolling every street and alley.

Every town and village under the Armand Territory now had a small military outpost established. A strategic defense base, ensuring quick response times for any emergencies or external threats.

The mana relay towers allowed instant communication between these outposts, ensuring Armand’s military could mobilize at a moment’s notice.

No enemy could make a move unnoticed. And no citizen would be left undefended.

Meanwhile, the people of Armand watched with warm smiles.

Seeing one of their lord’s sons, Cedric De Armand, enjoying himself so openly was a rare sight.

He wasn’t just some distant noble—

He was walking among them, greeting them, and even checking on their well-being.

And most of all—

He was having fun with his maid, Meira.

Their playful banter and laughter filled the streets, bringing a lighthearted atmosphere to the town.

The villagers weren’t afraid to approach.

Some greeted Cedric with respect, others with friendly familiarity.

And many of them—especially the older women—whispered amongst themselves.

”Look at that… how cute. Young Lord Cedric and his maid.”

”Fufufu~ Isn’t she always with him? It’s obvious.”

”Ah, young love.”

Cedric, of course, pretended not to hear them.

Meira?

Her ears twitched, her face slightly red, but she refused to hide behind her master.

Instead—

She stood proudly at Cedric’s side.

Because no matter what—

She would always be there with him.

Inside Meira’s mind, a quiet thought lingered.

She knew.

Cedric was a noble.

And nobles—especially those of high status—often married more than one woman.

It was normal. Expected.

But…

She didn’t care.

As long as she could stand beside him.

As long as she could be his wife.

That was all that mattered to her.

No matter how many other women entered his life—

She would always be there.

Because her place was at his side.

And nothing—not status, not tradition, not anyone—

Would ever change that.

( End of Chapter )