Reborn As Noble

Fransesca smiled, her fingers making one last adjustment to the regal golden mantle resting on Garius’s shoulders. She leaned in and whispered softly.

”Do you want me or the others to present the crown, dear? Or perhaps you’d like our sons to do it?”

Garius smiled, glancing at Alf as the butler set a polished ceremonial box on the table and deftly unlocked it. Alf simply smiled and gave a silent nod.

Turning back to Fransesca, Garius whispered, ”I want you to do it. You’re my first wife, the first queen of this nation. And I’m sure Alf wants you to have the honor as well.”

”If you say so, dear.” Fransesca’s eyes sparkled as she turned to Alf.

Alf gave a respectful bow and lifted the new Armand crown, its gold and gems glimmering atop a royal velvet cushion. The crown itself was an intricate masterpiece: pure gold, set with the rarest gems, its base rimmed with a thin band of adamantite and white ore for strength and purity.

Garius’s lips tightened in a wry smile. In his mind, he could already hear Javier’s smug laugh.

This was Javier’s handiwork for sure. Another elaborate creation, meant to stand out and embarrass me just enough to get even for years of fatherly discipline.

A ripple of gasp passed through the hall. King Lioness gave a broad, knowing grin from his throne, while Veldrac could only pinch the bridge of his nose, suppressing a smirk.

Fransesca stood before Garius, lifting the crown with both hands. The light from the hall caught every facet of the gems, sending shimmering patterns across the golden walls. She stepped close, looking him in the eyes.

”Ready, my king?”

Garius closed his eyes for a brief moment, then nodded.

With all the grace of a queen, Fransesca set the crown upon his brow, careful and deliberate, her touch both gentle and resolute. The weight of the crown settled, and the room seemed to grow still.

Fransesca took a half-step back, her eyes shining with tears of joy and pride, as the hall erupted in applause and cheers.

Garius met her gaze, his own eyes bright. ”Thank you, my queen.”

Alf’s voice rang through the great hall, echoing off marble and gold, clear and commanding.

”All hail His Majesty, Garius the First, King of Armand!”

A tide of applause and cheers surged through the assembled crowd and swept out to every town and village watching the broadcast. Garius turned slowly, scepter held high, his gaze firm and resolute as he surveyed his family, allies, and subjects, those present and those watching from afar.

He stepped to the front of the dais, the royal mantle trailing behind him, crown glinting beneath the enchanted lights.

His voice carried the weight of a lifetime of hardship and hope.

”People of Armand.

Today, before the eyes of the world, and in the presence of our honored friends.

King Veldrac of the Demon Kingdom.

King Lioness of the Beastkin Nation.

And Queen Mylezra of the Elven Kingdom.

I accept the trust you place in me, and the burden that comes with it.

I was not born a king. I was the son of a noble house that nearly destroyed by war and betrayal. I walked these halls as a child, stood these fields as a soldier, and learned the meaning of loyalty, sacrifice, and love from every corner of this land.

Today, I do not stand above you. I stand with you.

As one who has known hardship, as one who has shared your dreams.

From this day, before all gathered here and those watching throughout our nation, I vow.

To protect our home and our families, against any storm or shadow that dares threaten us.

To honor our traditions and our ancestors, while daring to walk boldly into the future we forge together.

To rule not with fear or pride, but with justice. A steady hand that listens to every voice, from the lowest farmer to the proudest noble.

To defend our independence fiercely, and never let arrogance or ambition break the bonds of friendship that unite us with our allies.

We are a nation born from struggle, united by the bonds of loyalty and hope. We are Armand, not just by name, but by our shared strength and resolve.

If there is hardship, I will bear it first. If there is glory, let it belong to all.

So long as breath remains in my body, I will not abandon you. Not in peace, not in war, not in darkness nor in days of celebration.

Let the world see.

Armand stands together. Armand endures.

And under this new banner, with my family, with all of you, my people, my heart.

I swear, Armand will rise and our future will shine brighter than ever before.”

The hall thundered with applause, and the banner of Armand unfurled above the throne, and the Armand anthem rose in song. Magic lights shimmered overhead, the mana cam capturing every moment for history.

Garius lowered the scepter, regal and composed, the weight of the moment settling over the throne hall. His eyes met Alf’s, his oldest friend and confidant, who bowed with a proud, satisfied smile.

Garius then turned, his gaze lingering on each of his wives and children. One by one, he caught their eyes, a silent promise passing between them. With slow, deliberate steps, he walked to the throne and seated himself as the first King of Armand, the royal mantle gleaming across his shoulders.

His family gathered close, forming a half-circle behind and beside him, the unity of Armand embodied not only in crown and banner, but in the loyalty and strength of the house that carried its name.

Alf stepped forward, voice strong and clear.

”The coronation ceremony is concluded. Let the reign of King Garius I of Armand begin!”

The great hall erupted in thunderous applause. From every corner of Armand and Arjam, cheers and celebration broke out, echoing through open squares and feasting halls.

Javier, standing with his siblings at the rear, let out a long breath he’d been holding.

About time. The stiff ceremony’s done, and you did it, dried plum. You’re king now.

This month’s going to be wild for Armand and Arjam. Free feasts everywhere, as much food as anyone wants. I made sure there’s enough budget for all of it, no matter who shows up or where they’re from.

Father’s a king now, and soon he’s renewing his vows with all his wives, and then he’ll finally marry Queen Mylezra.

And after that... weddings. Marcellus, Cedric, Heres, all in one go. It took some effort, but I managed to talk Aelius and Athine into their own exclusive wedding, three days later.

The only one of its kind. If they’re going to be the first siblings in Armand to officially marry, they deserve something special. I even promised to pay for everything, design whatever they wanted.

( End Of Chapter )