Reborn As Noble

Alf waited at the foot of the dais, hands steady even as his heart beat with pride. He watched as Garius approached, his entire family arrayed in solemn procession, and the golden hall alive with mana-cams capturing every moment.

On the right, King Lioness, King Veldrac, and Queen Mylezra had already risen from their ceremonial seats, witnesses to history.

Garius couldn’t help the amused sigh inside his mind.

Javier really went all out. Gold everywhere, even those puppet knights look like statues. Is he trying to embarrass me? He nearly smirked, catching the subtle angle of the mana cams, knowing the live broadcast was showing every detail.

Well played, my youngest son. Two can play this game.

Alf stepped forward, withdrawing the Armand Scepter from within his coat. He moved to the center of the dais, paused, and, knocked the scepter three times against the polished stone. The clear, ringing sound silenced the entire hall.

Alf’s voice carried, steady and deep:

”By the will of the people, by the unity of noble blood and the spirit of our common folk, and with the blessing of our honored friends and allies, I, Alf of House Armand, in the presence of our ancestors and the world, do hereby proclaim.

That from this day forth, the Armand Region stands as a sovereign nation, free and unbound, answerable to none but its own. By the unanimous voice of her people and the courage of her leaders, let it be known.

From this moment on, the rule and stewardship of Armand shall be entrusted to His Majesty, Garius De Armand, our first King and the true heart of this land.

May his reign be wise, his judgment fair, and his strength unbroken as he leads us into a new era. Where peace, prosperity, and justice will flourish under his hand.”

Alf lowered the scepter, then offered it, kneeling, to Garius.

Garius stepped forward, accepting the scepter with both hands. He met Alf’s gaze, a silent exchange of pride and acknowledgment passing between them. Garius offered a dignified nod.

He smiled. ”You have served this house with unwavering loyalty, Alf. Stand and bear witness as Armand rises as a nation.”

”Thank you, Your Majesty.” Alf bowed his head deeply, then stepped back to resume his duties as master of ceremony.

With every eye in the hall now on him, Garius raised the scepter high, letting its golden gleam be captured by every mana cam in the room. He paused for a heartbeat, the image of a king, resolute and unshakable, before lowering the scepter.

Erinnette approached with quiet poise. Garius handed the scepter to her with a nod, and she accepted it with both hands, carrying it to the ceremonial table where the regalia and symbolic gifts would be displayed.

Alf’s voice rang out, formal and clear, ”By the will of our allied nations, let their sovereigns now offer their pledges to Armand’s future.”

King Lioness was the first to rise. He strode to the dais, his presence filling the hall. In his hands, he bore a gleaming crystal sword.

”Garius, my old and best friend, I offer you this crystal sword, a token of our shared battles and unbroken trust. May your reign be as steadfast as the roots of the old forests, and may our nations stand together as one pride against all storms.” Lioness leaned in, voice low for only Garius to hear. ”Let’s finish this ceremony fast and have a drink until we’re all drunk like before.”

Garius smirked, whispering back, ”Heh... you’ll have to keep up with me, Lioness. You’re not Gumarak.” He let out a rare, genuine chuckle.

He then raised the sword for all to see, the blade catching the light as the mana cams broadcast the moment across Armand and beyond. Lowering the weapon, he inclined his head to Lioness.

”Your gift, and your friendship, honor me, Lioness. May our nations stand side by side, as always.”

Erinnette stepped forward again, taking the sword with smooth confidence and placing it beside the scepter on the velvet-draped table.

King Veldrac stepped forward, bearing a crystal box that encased a small, beautifully crafted shield. He stood tall and addressed Garius before the entire hall.

”My dear friend Garius. With this shield, I affirm the Demon Kingdom’s pledge: Armand shall never stand alone. The Demon Kingdom will be your shield, as always. May you wield justice with resolve, and may the bonds between our peoples cut through any darkness that dares threaten your throne.”

Veldrac leaned in, lowering his voice with a smirk. ”Aw, Garius... let’s wrap this up quick. This ceremony’s dragging on. We need another hearty drink, like old times.”

Garius exhaled, keeping his regal smile as he accepted the shield. Both men made sure to face the mana cam, projecting composure to the nation. Under his breath, Garius replied, ”I already told Lioness the same thing. You both aren’t dwarves like Gumarak... I doubt you can outdrink me.”

Veldrac grinned into the lens. ”We’ll see about that, Garius. Today, you can’t run, it’s your special day. No duties, no excuses. We’re making sure you’re drunk by sundown.”

Javier, already growing bored, slouched at the back with his siblings and let out a silent exhale.

He watched his father and Veldrac, both smiling for the mana cam, though he could tell by their lips they were probably whispering about drinks and ending the ceremony.

Look at Father and Veldrac. Putting on a show for the nation, but I bet all they’re thinking about is who’ll outdrink who tonight.

Marcellus, still facing forward, caught Javier’s eye and murmured, ”Don’t cause trouble now, Javier.”

”Heh... I’m not dumb enough to make trouble today, Prince Marcellus~” Javier whispered back, a mischievous glint in his eye.

Cedric, not turning, grinned. ”Yeah, yeah, you say that, but the moment there’s a chance, chaos follows.”

Javier smirked, standing up a little straighter. ”Aw, come on. It’s not like my name is Chaos De Armand~”

”Shh! Be quiet,” Athine murmured gracefully, her smile serene, eyes never leaving the ceremony.

Javier grinned, undeterred, and reached over to poke Aelius in the side.

Aelius’s lips barely moved as he kept his gaze forward. ”Little brother... don’t poke.”

”Aw, come on, it’s just once.” Javier smirked, then leaned over to nudge Heres.

Heres, ever reserved, tensed and hissed quietly, ”Stop that.”

”Oho? Trying to look perfect in front of Princess Kliatana~?” Javier teased.

Heres kept his posture flawless, not rising to the bait.

Javier chuckled under his breath. ”Heh... everyone’s so stiff. What a...” Suddenly, a chill ran down his spine.

He glanced up to find Francesca’s eyes on him, her expression sweet, far too sweet.

Javier straightened instantly, shoulders back, chin lifted.

Alright... better act proper before Mother gets mad.

( End Of Chapter )