Reborn As Noble

”Esteem Father,”

Javier said quickly, bowing a little with practiced grace.

Garius’s sharp eyes studied him for a moment.

”Hmm... it’s rare for you to use the main bathroom.”

”Err...” Javier rubbed his cheek, forcing a polite smile.

”There were... some circumstances. Well... let’s just say my bathroom isn’t available right now.”

”Hm. Good,” Garius replied calmly.

”There’s a lot we can talk about inside. Now...go in.”

”Y... yes, Esteem Father,” he answered politely, lowering his head a bit before stepping toward the door.

Haaaa... I walked straight into a trap.

Inside, steam from the hot spring-like bath rose up to greet him. Javier blinked through the mist...then froze.

Marcellus. Cedric. Aelius. Heres.

All four of his brothers were already soaking inside.

Damn...I thought it was King Veldrac and King Lioness making all that noise. But no... of course. This has Father’s hand all over it.

I’m sure Esteem Father already planned this. Bringing us here, one by one. And if I know him... he’ll send Mrs. Erinnette or Mr. Alf in after to make sure nothing slips out.

He exhaled softly, bracing himself.

This isn’t just a bath. This is a family meeting.

Javier moved to the side, lowering himself onto a small wooden stool beside his father.

The steam clung to his skin, the smell of soap and hot water heavy in the air. He reached for the basin and began washing, his movements slow and deliberate.

Every gesture had to be exact, every motion graceful, controlled, precise.

Because his father was right there.

And Garius... he washed with calm discipline, his back straight, his hands never wasting a movement.

Javier kept his eyes down, carefully mirroring him. He was stiff, every muscle tight as he scrubbed his arms and shoulders with exact strokes, afraid of breaking noble decorum even a little under that watchful presence.

This is why I hate using this huge main bathroom. Ugh.

Garius finished first.

He rinsed off with the basin, every motion neat and unhurried, then stood with calm dignity. Water dripped down his body as he took the short steps toward the vast hot bath.

Without a sound of complaint or sigh, he lowered himself slowly into the steaming water, his expression as composed as ever.

Marcellus, Cedric, Aelius, and Heres, all four of them stiffened at once. Their casual chatter died instantly, each carefully straightening their backs, adjusting their posture.

The hall grew quiet, except for the faint rippling of water.

”Javier,” Garius’s voice carried evenly through the steam. ”If you’re done, come inside.”

”Y... yes, Esteem Father.”

Javier rinsed off quickly, his chest tightening. He rose from the stool and stepped forward, each movement cautious, careful.

”Hmm...” Garius’s low voice rumbled as his eyes swept across the steam-filled bath, resting on each of his sons in turn.

Javier, stiff but composed, eased himself into the water beside Heres. The heat bit into his skin, but he kept his face calm, matching his father’s discipline.

Then... a soft knock.

All heads turned as the great door creaked open.

Alf stepped inside, bowing with his usual precision.

”My lord, Young Master Javier is not in his room.”

”Don’t worry, Alf,” Garius replied calmly, his arms resting on the edge of the bath.

”He is already here.”

His eyes flicked briefly toward Javier before shifting back to Alf.

”And Alf?”

”Yes, My Lord?”

”Make sure you prepare our Pekko. Ready for use.”

Alf bowed. ”Yes, my lord. I will prepare them.”

”And their Pekko as well,” Garius added, his hand gesturing toward his sons.

”Especially Muddy.”

Javier’s brow twitched.

Buddy, Father. It’s Buddy.

”As you command, my lord.” Alf smirked, bowing once more before stepping back toward the door.

”If I may, Esteem Father,” Marcellus spoke carefully, his voice respectful.

Garius turned his head slightly, his calm gaze resting on his eldest. ”What is it, Marcellus?”

”May I ask... what is the purpose of preparing our Pekko?”

”Hmm?” Garius exhaled softly, leaning back against the stone edge of the bath. His tone was even, noble, measured.

”To attend the Great Council before the coronation date is set.”

”Eh? We all thought the date was already decided,” Cedric said, surprised. ”Then why are the kings from the Demon Kingdom and Beastkin Kingdom here?”

Garius’s eyes closed briefly, then opened again, sharp and calm.

”They are simply enjoying their stay here in Armand. In truth, they are also testing their second and third sons, shaping them as heirs, to see if they are ready to rule.”

The steam shifted as silence fell, his words weighing on them like heavy stone.

”And to your question...” Garius’s gaze moved across all four sons, lingering briefly on Javier.

”Did you not learn, since childhood, that every important event is decided by the Great Council of nobles? Hmm?”

His tone was calm, but its weight pressed firmly on them.

”For such an important event as this. Especially one to decide who will rule the Human Kingdom. It is not a mere celebration. All decisions, all matters of weight, must be discussed and decided at the Great Council.”

His gaze moved from Marcellus to Cedric, then to Aelius and Heres, before resting firmly on Javier.

”This is the way of nobles. The law of governing. Coronations, wars, alliances... none are sealed until the council has spoken.”

”Did you all not learn this during your time at noble school?”

Garius’s tone was calm, but it cut through the steam like a blade. His gaze sharpened as it passed from son to son.

”Even if it was only six months... or a year at most?”

The brothers stiffened in unison, none daring to answer right away.

”I believe Alf and Erinnette, along with the other high-ranking staff and officers of this household, taught you all of this since childhood. Am i right?”

Garius exhaled slowly, his hand rising to his chin. ”Or perhaps... I should make you attend the teachings once again?”

”Now, each of you, listen carefully.” Garius’s voice carried over the bath, steady and firm.

”During this meeting... things may go smoothly, or they may not. Even though Armand is the strongest region in the Human Kingdom, we alone cannot decide such things. Even with our strength, our armies, our wealth, and our influence, our word is not absolute.”

( End Of Chapter )