Reborn As Noble

Once they all arrived at the staircase leading up toward the hilltop, Javier immediately noticed something unusual.

The entire area was heavily guarded. A watchtower stood tall in the distance, manned by soldiers scanning the surroundings. Several armored guards patrolled the perimeter, making it clear that this place was extremely important.

Hmm? Why is this place so well-protected?

A quick glance at his brothers confirmed they were thinking the same. Marcellus, Cedric, Aelius, Athine, and Heres all wore slight frowns, silently questioning the scene before them.

Javier’s sharp eyes caught something else—several bulky figures lurking around the military huts scattered across the area. They weren’t just ordinary guards. Their presence, stillness, and the way they were positioned suggested they were elite soldiers or special forces.

Nearby, a group of men—some sitting, others leaning casually—were gathered at a post. They looked relaxed at first, but the moment they spotted Garius, Alf, and Erinette, they immediately stood at attention and bowed in perfect sync.

Who are they? Javier’s curiosity deepened. What was this place, and why was it so secure?

This area was even more heavily guarded than the borders near the Beastkin Kingdom or the fortress and defensive walls separating the Armand Region from the Demon Kingdom.

Javier couldn’t ignore it anymore. What the hell is so important here?

Unable to hold back his curiosity, he finally spoke up.

”Umm… Esteemed Father? Why is this place so heavily guarded?”

Garius stopped in his tracks and turned to look at Javier with a knowing smirk.

”You’ll all know soon.”

That was all he said before continuing forward.

Javier frowned. That answer only made him more curious. He exchanged glances with Marcellus and Cedric, both of whom clearly wondered the same thing.

Just what the hell are we about to see?

Liana, Gloria, Lithia, and Meira—each possessing exceptional combat skills—quickly noticed something unusual.

The entire area was filled with unfamiliar maids, all wearing uniforms embroidered with the Armand emblem. However, these uniforms were different from those of the household maids or even the elite battle maids.

Their presence was everywhere—standing by the pathways, positioned near the watchtowers, and stationed around the military huts. These weren’t just regular maids; their movements, posture, and the way they subtly scanned their surroundings made it clear that these women were trained professionals.

As soon as Lord Garius arrived, they immediately bowed in unison, displaying the utmost respect. Their bows weren’t just for him—they also acknowledged Erinette, their leader, with the same level of deference.

Liana’s sharp eyes swept across the area. Another unit?

Gloria, adjusting her glasses, exchanged a subtle glance with Lithia and Meira. None of them recognized these maids.

Just how many hidden forces does the Armand family have?

Javier’s sharp eyes quickly caught sight of a familiar figure standing in the middle of the stairway leading up the hill—Hesbeirn.

The grizzled general of the Armand Household stood there, arms crossed, his expression as unreadable as ever.

What is this? Javier thought, his instincts kicking in.

He glanced at Marcellus and Cedric, noticing their serious expressions. Aelius, Athine, and even the usually unfazed Heres shared the same look.

Something about this place wasn’t normal.

The siblings subtly leaned toward each other, whispering in hushed voices.

”What is this place?” Marcellus muttered.

”Why is Hesbeirn here?” Cedric added.

”This level of security… it’s beyond anything at the borders,” Aelius noted, his eyes sharp.

Athine glanced at the unknown maids stationed around. ”And those maids… they’re not part of our household staff.”

Javier’s mind raced, piecing everything together.

This place wasn’t just a training ground. It wasn’t just a fortified watchpoint. It was something else.

Javier’s ears caught a tense exchange between his father and Hesbeirn.

”Are you sure, my lord? Bringing them all here? What if something happens?”

Hesbeirn’s voice carried a rare hint of concern.

Garius, however, remained unfazed. His usual composed demeanor hardened as he replied, ”Don’t worry about it. We’re all here. I’m here. And they…” He gestured slightly toward the surrounding area. ”They are also here, right?”

Javier felt a chill run down his spine. They? Who was they?

Hesbeirn let out a long sigh, his fingers tightening slightly around the hilt of his sword.

”Ugh… I had to bring my best sword and wear my best armor just to be here. Just look at Alf and Erinette—they’re also wearing their best.”

Javier’s gaze shifted toward Alf and Erinette. True enough, both weren’t in their usual attire. They were clad in their finest battle gear. Erinette’s usually refined and composed expression had a sharp edge, while Alf’s relaxed demeanor carried a quiet tension.

Marcellus, Cedric, Aelius, Athine, and Heres all exchanged glances. They were thinking the same thing.

What the hell is up there?

Garius merely smirked at Hesbeirn’s concerns before continuing his ascent up the stairs.

With no choice, the siblings followed.

Once they arrived at the top, Garius signaled for everyone to stop.

”You all wait here.”

Without another word, he stepped forward alone, climbing the last stretch of the hill.

Alf, Erinette, and Hesbeirn followed behind but stopped at a distance, standing like silent sentinels.

Javier and his siblings remained where they were, eyes darting around the heavily guarded area. The atmosphere was thick with tension, their instincts screaming that something serious was happening.

Then, a sultry, almost teasing voice drifted through the air.

”Ahn~ Garius… you brought vessels for me? How sweet of you~”

Javier’s body tensed. His instincts screamed danger, but at the same time, the voice was… too sweet. Almost unnatural. Who?

His siblings seemed just as confused, exchanging glances. None of them could see the speaker yet, but the tone sent shivers down their spines.

Javier flinched at the unexpected sound of a smack!

”Behave!” Garius scolded.

A playful giggle followed.

”Ahn~ Garius, you’re so mean. But I like it.”

Javier and his siblings stiffened.

Marcellus and Cedric glanced at each other, their expressions wary.

Athine and Aelius instinctively moved closer together.

Heres furrowed his brows, his grip tightening slightly.

Even the elite battle maids—Liana, Gloria, Lithia, and Meira—seemed more alert.

Javier gulped and whispered, ”Father… what exactly did you bring us to?”

Javier’s confusion deepened as the mysterious voice continued.

”Garius… I’m bored. You came here with the vessel, right? I can feel it. I know you brought someone for me.”

SMACK!

”Ow! Garius, you meanie!”

Garius let out a long sigh. ”Haa… If Francesca were here, I’m sure you wouldn’t dare to talk to me like that.”

There was a sudden pause, followed by a panicked voice.

”H-Huh? Francesca’s here!?”

Javier was suprise. So even this mysterious entity fears Mother, huh?

But before he could process that, the voice spoke again—this time with a teasing whine.

”Awww… Garius, at least let me take Erinette as a vessel.”

Javier snapped his head toward Erinette, who stood with her arms crossed, her expression dark with annoyance.

”I don’t want to,” she said flatly. ”If you take me, I’ll start acting like that, and Alf won’t like me after that.”

Javier looked at Alf, who stood still with his usual unreadable expression, but there was a slight twitch in his brow.

Marcellus leaned in and whispered, ”What… the hell are we dealing with here?”

Javier whispered back, ”I have no idea…”

( End of Chapter )