Reborn As Noble

”We do have the option of a proxy war,” Javier continued, tapping the table thoughtfully. ”We could supply them with older magic weapons from our inventory such as magic bows, enchanted swords, the gear we no longer use. But that doesn’t guarantee a win, or even that they’ll be able to hold the enemy back. But weapons alone don’t guarantee victory. Training, morale, and strategy do.”

He rubbed his chin. ”And legally... inheritance and regional law only matter if Kimar, that stubborn fool, is willing to follow his own rules. Given what’s happening now, I doubt he cares about anything that doesn’t profit him directly.”

Alf, standing beside him, simply smiled. ”It is as you say, Prince Javier. That is also why your father refused to support Kimar’s coronation and chose to make Armand an independent nation. Being part of the Human Kingdom only bound us to obligations that served us nothing.”

”Yes...” Javier nodded slowly. ”Even under their banner, their laws never truly applied to us. But staying as one of its regions wasn’t good for us either. We’d still be forced to accept refugees, pay tribute, follow edicts that brought us no benefit, even with the autonomy we had.”

”So the day we gained full independence was the best outcome we could achieve. Of course, not without being labeled traitors for declaring it without the council’s approval. Though for me, there was no need to seek approval from those who never respected us to begin with.”

Liana chuckled softly, side-glancing at Javier with a playful smile.

”But someone tried to fail it once~”

”Ugh! That was because of the inheritance thing. This heir business, Liana.”

”And yet, now you have no choice but to do it~” Liana whispered again.

Alf cleared his throat gently. ”Prince Javier. You are the next heir, already confirmed and supported by all your siblings. No matter what, you have no choice but to accept it. Now, back to the discussion, what is your decision on this?”

”Ugh! Fine...” Javier grumbled, then reached for another report and read it properly before stamping approval for a small budget.

”Hmm... We have no option left other than direct military intervention. But I won’t send our soldiers there. I’ll send my Knights only. No way I’m going to risk our soldiers for this matter, since it doesn’t benefit us much in their conflict.”

Javier checked another report before noticing it was one for his father’s approval and set it aside.

”But it also depends on how or what this noble lady is going to ask. No way I’m just going to agree to something I haven’t even heard yet.”

Alf smirked and nodded while placing another report in front of Javier.

Javier took it, read it, then set it aside for his father to handle later.

”It’s all up to how she requests, or what she’s going to ask. If her request or plea is something impossible or too heavy for us to handle, I don’t think I’ll accept it. But I won’t reject her empty handed either. Perhaps there’s another arrangement that could benefit both Armand and Tybalt.”

Alf tapped his mana talkie in his ear.

”Mm... I will inform Prince Javier about it. Ensure our guest is treated carefully.”

After tapping the mana talkie again, he turned and looked at Javier.

”Prince Javier... our guest has arrived at the Armand estate main gate.”

Javier leaned back in his chair as Liana straightened the remaining paperwork.

”Alright. Let’s get this over with and hear what the lady has to say.”

Meanwhile, at the main gate.

Kayra climbed down from the Pekko drawn carriage, feeling weak in the knees while Cliff was already vomiting not too far away the moment he set foot on the ground.

Her daughter just woke up and yawned, still sleepy.

”Where are we, Mom?”

”We’re at the Armand estate now.”

Kayra’s daughter glanced around and her eyes widened. ”Ohhh! It’s beautiful!”

”Yes... yes, it is.” Kayra smiled at her.

”Are we going to look around?” she asked Kayra, eyes gleaming.

”Maybe... I can’t promise, sweetheart.” Kayra gently stroked her hair.

”But, Mom...” She looked up.

Kayra exhaled and saw a group of Armand maids approaching them.

While Gilmon and Hesbeirn were about to leave.

”Y... you’re not going to accompany me, Gilmon?” Kayra asked.

”Ah... sorry, Kayra... but this big guy here really...” Before Gilmon could continue, Hesbeirn’s hand was already over his shoulder. ”Alright, Gilmon! Let’s go!”

”Ugh! I’m still talking to Kayra.”

”Yeah, yeah! Whatever.” Hesbeirn looked at Kayra. ”Don’t worry, lady. No one gets hurt inside here... except if they try to do harm~” He wiggled his eyebrows, then hauled Gilmon away.

Kayra watched them go, then noticed the maids simply shaking their heads.

”Now, Lady Kayra. Please follow me to the throne hall.”

”Are we going sightseeing, Mom?” her daughter asked again, hopeful.

What can I say to her?

If I say no, she’ll be disappointed. But even if I wanted to say yes, I’m just a guest here. I don’t have permission yet.

She knelt and smiled, stroking her daughter’s hair.

But before she could speak, someone approached them.

Kayra noticed all the maids and the Armand Knights bow toward the newcomer.

”Lady Athine.” The maids placed their palms over their left chests and bowed in unison.

Athine approached Kayra and her daughter, then bent slowly with a warm smile.

”Hello, little lady~”

Kayra’s daughter stared, eyes wide, taking in the beautiful face and graceful presence.

Athine looked up at Kayra. ”If you don’t mind, I can show her around. Don’t worry about her safety. I’ll ensure it.”

She turned back to the girl. ”Want to come with big sister? There are lots of fun things to see~”

”R... really?” Her eyes gleamed.

”Of course. Sweets, food, a playground... I can show you everything.”

”Mom! Can I go? Pleaseeee?”

Kayra hesitated.

Who is this beautiful girl?

But the way the maids and soldiers bow... she must be important.

”Mmm... okay... but don’t go too far... and don’t cause trouble... okay?”

”Okay, Mother! Ehehehe!” She reached for Athine’s hand, and they walked away, with Athine escorted by her group of maids and several other elite knights.

One of the remaining maids smiled gently at Kayra and gave a slight bow.

”You needn’t worry about your daughter’s safety, my lady. The one who took her is Princess Athine.”

( End Of Chapter )