Reborn As Noble

While Buddy strutted ahead with his chest puffed out.

Javier’s thoughts wandered as they made their way toward the far corner of the estate.

I wonder what the orbit or even ”space” looks like in this world...

It’d be pretty interesting to find out. I’ll be the first to discover it, too.

He grinned to himself, already feeling the thrill of breaking new ground.

Still... better not rush things. If I move too fast, the people here won’t be able to keep up. Even now, the education system is just starting to grow.

He glanced over the estate, a hint of pride in his chest.

Out of all fifty-two regions in the Human Kingdom, Armand was the first to implement basic education for commoners. Before I was reborn, Alf once told me most ordinary folks had to rely on self-study or learning whatever they could at home. But now, even if it’s just a simple curriculum, it’s opened a path for everyone here.

And with Arjam under Armand’s rule, there’ll be schools for commoners there too. It’ll change lives, create a future for kids who would have never even dreamed of holding a book, let alone reading one.

Javier smiled, a genuine sense of pride swelling in his chest.

I was too lucky to be born into the Armand family.

A family that truly cares for its people, that protects them, that makes sure no one in Armand or the lands under its care ever goes hungry. Just thinking about it... it makes me feel grateful in a way I can’t really put into words.

It’s not just about being a noble.

It’s about being part of something that actually means something.

With a father like mine, strict, sometimes relentless, but always looking out for his family... well, sure, he takes advantage of me from time to time. I already figured that out. But honestly, I don’t mind. If it’s for the people, or even just for our own family, it’s worth it.

Even when Father shut the Armand and Arjam borders, and cut off direct trade from the other regions, he still tripled the number of Armand wagons running supplies to the border towns, moving goods from the Beastkin nation to the edge of the Human Kingdom. He found a way to keep everyone fed and every market running.

He let out a quiet laugh.

He might hate King Kimar, but even then, he could never just abandon people to hunger or force the innocent to pay for Kimar’s mistakes. That’s what makes him... well, that’s what makes him the real ruler here.

I’m sure by now, that dumb King Kimar has already caught on. He probably realizes that the plan to make Armand a fully independent kingdom is already rolling, and by the end of this week, there’s nothing he can do to stop it.

With the kings and queens of the other nations coming to witness the formal recognition ceremony for Father to become Sovereign of the Armand Kingdom, there’s just no stopping this.

And since every ruler attending is one of Father’s close friends... there’s just no way for anyone to stop him now. Not with King Lioness, King Veldrac, and Queen Mylezra all lending their weight behind Armand’s independence. It’s inevitable.

He sighed, a half-laugh escaping.

Better enjoy whatever freedom I have left... my harem time, my project tinkering, everything, will disappear into a mountain of paperwork, meetings, and duty. Because once I turn eighteen, that’s it. No more lazy days, no more hiding in my workshop, goofing off with the others. Just endless work. Or, well...

He grinned to himself, a sly spark in his eyes.

Not all of it. I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve. I’ll make sure I never lose all my freedom. I’ll see that plan through, no matter what.

But for now...

Javier glanced at Buddy, who let out another smug, triumphant squawk, head held high.

Yeah. For now, I’ll just enjoy every last minute of this life with Liana and the others, before adulthood comes to collect its debt. Paperwork... paperwork... and more paperwork. I’ll worry about titles and paperwork when the time comes.

Meanwhile.

Royal Capital.

Royal Palace.

”Whatttt!!” King Kimar’s voice thundered through the halls.

”You’re telling me that Garius refused and burned the royal decree? How dare that lowborn dog defy my order! A Royal Decree!” He slapped the arm of his throne, jaw clenched in outrage. ”How dare that lowborn noble shit defy a royal order! A royal decree! He should be punished, hung from the gallows for all to see!”

He stalked back and forth in front of the throne, fists clenched.

”And he even dared to reject my appointed royal officer, right to his face... after being stripped of his title and rank?” Kimar spat on the floor. ”Unforgivable! Unforgivable!”

He whirled around. ”Call the new Keeper of Royal and Noble Law! Now!”

”Yes, Your Majesty,” the advisor replied quickly, bowing low before hurrying out of the chamber.

Kimar’s glare followed him until the doors closed. The king’s chest heaved with indignation as he muttered to himself.

”That damn Garius thinks he’s above the law. Just wait!! I’ll find a law, any law, that’ll make you regret this, Garius. I’ll see you kneel, if it’s the last thing I do...”

He glared at his other advisor.

”Call all the nobles to gather! Royal Council Meeting tomorrow. Make sure every last one is there. Now!”

”Yes, Your Majesty.” The advisor bowed and hurried out, footsteps echoing down the hall.

Kimar clenched his fists at his sides, muttering darkly, ”Just you wait, Garius. I’ll make you pay for this. I’ll make sure you’re hanged for this insult.”

The room fell silent after the advisor’s departure, tension lingering in the air. Then, the great doors opened and three robed figures entered, flanked by royal guards. They knelt in perfect unison before the throne, faces hidden in shadow.

Kimar scowled down at them, impatience plain on his face.

”What information do you have?”

The leader of the trio spoke, voice steady but respectful. ”Your Majesty. We have new information.”

Kimar tapped his fingers on the throne’s armrest. ”Hurry up. Speak.”

The robed man kept his gaze low. ”According to our sources, the kings and queen from the Beastkin Nation, Elven Nation, and Demon Nation are all en route to Armand.”

Kimar’s eyes narrowed dangerously. ”For what purpose?”

”We are not certain, Your Majesty. But all three are known as old friends and allies of Lord Garius. Their movements suggest they may be gathering for a significant event.”

Kimar let out a sharp, dismissive scoff. ”Hah! So Garius thinks he can just hide behind foreign kings and queens because they’re his friends?”

He leaned forward, voice lowering to a cold, dangerous tone.

”The Law of the Crowns is clear: No foreign power may interfere in the internal affairs of the Human Kingdom, nor offer political shelter to any noble stripped of title by royal decree.”

The robed figures bowed even lower, their voices almost whispers. ”Yes, Your Majesty. If they are seen as interfering, it would be a violation of the Royal Continental Accord.”

A slow, chilling smile spread across Kimar’s face.

”Good. If they try anything, I’ll have all the justification I need to denounce them and Garius. Let them come. They’ll only give me the excuse I need to crush Armand for good.”

( End Of Chapter )