Reborn As Noble

Kliatana’s words rang with the quiet dignity of a true royal. The people who recognized her began to murmur, some crying, others simply staring with hope and longing. The atmosphere shifted. Fear gave way to relief, then to gratitude.

He lowered his hand.

The gravity field dispersed. The people gasped as their limbs were freed, air finally flowing to their lungs. Soldiers slumped to their knees, some in relief, others still trembling.

Javier’s voice followed, cold yet commanding.

”You all heard her. Kliatana of the royal line asked for mercy... and I granted it. Not because of your words, but because of hers.”

He pointed at the battered townsfolk.

”But remember this: if it weren’t for her, you’d be buried right where you stood.”

He turned to Thilan.

”I don’t need your gratitude. I want your obedience. This land now belongs to Armand. You speak of justice? Then let justice begin, under Armand flag, under Armand law. Not under your cowardice.”

Kliatana closed her eyes and bowed once more, not to Javier, but to the people who now looked at her with wonder, with reverence.

The townsfolk murmured among themselves. No longer with hate... but with hope.

”That’s Princess Kliatana...”

”She’s here... she really came...”

”Maybe... maybe it’s not so bad if Armand rules... if she’s with them...”

Inside Javier’s mind,

Ugh. I want to puke. She’s so good at putting on that gentle act... Damn brat, playing the elegant princess like that. Anyone who doesn’t know her would be moved to tears. But I know exactly why she’s doing this.

He flicked a glance over his shoulder.

Heres was nearby on his pekko. Quiet, look like a proper noble. Trying his best not to draw attention. But javier could see his eyes never left Kliatana.

This idiot’s hopelessly in love with her, and she’s the same. That’s why this brat is acting so demure and proper. If Heres wasn’t here, she’d be picking a fight with me or rolling her eyes at all this drama.

Javier smirked slightly, memories of home flashing through his head.

After Father’s council ended, Javier found Heres loitering outside the door, fidgeting with the hem of his sleeve and grinning awkwardly.

”Umm, little brother?”

Javier sighed, already dreading the conversation. ”What is it now, Brother Heres?”

Heres scratched the back of his head, trying to look casual and failing. ”I... I heard... um, Kliatana was going to Arjam, right?”

”Yes,” Javier replied, giving him a flat stare. ”And?”

”Err... could you... um... ask Father if I can... join the expedition?” Heres’s cheeks flushed, eyes darting away. ”Y’know... just to, um, help out...”

Javier raised an eyebrow, deadpan. ”You want to join because she’s there, don’t you?”

Heres’s face reddened. ”N-no! I mean, well...yes, but I also want to help! It’s important, right?”

Javier sighed again, already feeling the headache. ”Fine. I’ll mention it. But if Father says no, don’t blame me.”

Heres nodded furiously, relief plain on his face. ”Thanks, little brother! I owe you one!”

Javier just shook his head, already regretting saying yes.

And now everyone here thinks this brat is their heroine, their savior.

Ugh... Father’s plan this time really felt off.

Making her the heroine. The elegant savior of the broken town. The voice of mercy standing before the wrathful conqueror.

And of course, that idiot brother Heres and this brat are now an official couple.

According to Liana and Gloria, who totally didn’t eavesdrop on purpose.

They just happened to ”overhear” everything while coincidentally scrubbing the training pool nearby.

Apparently, those two were ”enjoying the sunset” in the Armand Estate flower garden. That private spot right next to the upper terrace pool fed by the mountain stream. The one that sparkles in the evening light and smells like blooming lilies.

That’s where she finally worked up the courage to confess.

And of course, Heres looked like he’d been waiting years to say it. He blurted out all his feelings like a babbling idiot and sealed the moment with what Gloria later described as a ”heartwarming, drama-worthy kiss under the twilight.”

Yeah, congrats, brat. You got your dream romance.

At least you finally stopped pestering me to set up ”chance” meetings with Heres. Now I can stop playing cupid for your ridiculous love story.

”Thank you, Young Lord Javier, for your kindness,” Kliatana said, bowing slightly with the courtesy of a true princess.

”Mm.” Javier gave a small nod and turned away, his cloak fluttering faintly with each step as he walked toward the group waiting for him at the end of the square.

Liana, Gloria, Felicia, Mimi, and Delya stood together near their Pekko mounts, their faces calm but proud. A short distance behind them, Heres walked slowly with noble posture, like a true gentleman from Armand, toward Kliatana, looking far too eager despite his outward appearance of maturity.

Javier sighed inwardly, rubbing the bridge of his nose.

Ugh... this is my first time seeing Heres so smitten. Absolutely hopeless.

He shot Kliatana a glance. She was radiant in the sunlight, calm, elegant, the perfect image of a royal heroine addressing her people.

If only he knew the real her... Javier smirked faintly. That brat’s got a temper like wildfire and a tongue sharper than her sword. She’s only acting all proper right now because Heres is around. If not, she’d be pestering me, grabbing my hair and pulling it hard. Damn rowdy girl.

He sighed again, stepping closer to his waiting group.

Well... time for me to join them. And move toward the next plan.

Meanwhile.

Somewhere far from the town.

A group of mercenaries and rogue knights hunched over a rough map spread atop a crate.

”We’ll launch the attack from here and here,” the leader barked, jabbing his finger at two points. ”Once the signal is fired, we strike hard and seize the second town before they even know what hit them.”

”Yes, sir!”

Suddenly, one of the scouts stiffened, eyes wide.

”Leader? What... is that?”

The others turned as one, gazes snapping upward.

High above dozens of odd shapes, moving faster than any bird, their formation precise. The whirring sound grew, and a subtle tremor began to ripple through the ground beneath their feet.

Beyond the distant treeline, the banner of Armand rose. Wave after wave of armored soldiers advanced in perfect formation, silent and relentless. The golden crest of the Pekko gleamed at their head, sunlight catching on their enchanted armor.

Armand’s army was here.

( End Of Chapter )