Reborn As Noble

After they headed inside, Javier glanced around the manor. His eyes traced the walls where faint outlines and lighter patches of paint suggested paintings or decorations had once hung, now likely sold to pay salaries or keep the estate running.

He glanced around again.

He noticed the maids and manor staff moving quietly, their expressions weary, their postures lacking the lively spirit of a thriving household.

I wonder how I can persuade him to accept the aid. The terms are fair, more than fair. But pride and fear of Kimar’s wrath might blind him to the lifeline we’re offering.

Not only that... their guards’ equipment is in barely serviceable condition. Dented breastplates, worn leather, blades that look like they haven’t been properly sharpened in months. They’re not just outnumbered, they’re outmatched in every way.

”This way, Your Highness.” Cliff gestured toward a heavy oak door.

Javier nodded and watched as Cliff slowly opened the door and stepped inside.

From within, Javier could hear Cliff’s respectful murmur:

”My lord... Prince Javier de Armand is here.”

Javier glanced at Gloria and whispered.

”Gloria.”

”Yes, young master?” Gloria whispered back.

”Have you seen their condition?”

”Yes, young master. As someone who was once trained to manage a noble household, I was taught to observe everything, the state of the staff, the upkeep of the manor, the morale of the guards. It tells a story without words. And here... the story is one of exhaustion, dwindling resources, and quiet desperation.”

”Let’s hope everything goes well and this lord may accept our terms.” Javier exhaled softly.

”Young master, I believe you might be able to persuade him, or at least give him time to consider. This is a huge decision, not just for him, but for every soul in Tybalt. He carries the weight of their survival on his shoulders.”

”Yeah. Looking at the condition of his manor, his guards... I can only assume it’s even worse for their people. And the way Turka and Garka are attacking civilians...” Javier’s voice tightened. ”It’s not just conquest. It’s cruelty. They’re not just seizing land, they’re breaking spirits. If we walk away, we’re leaving them to be crushed.”

He straightened his posture, his expression settling into the calm, resolute mask of a prince.

”Let’s go. Whether he accepts or not, he deserves to hear the offer clearly.”

The grand door opened, and Cliff stepped out, bowing politely.

”Your Highness, Lord Tybalt is ready to meet you.”

Javier nodded, clasped his hands behind his back, and moved inside, followed by Gloria. He noticed Kayra and her husband standing not too far away.

Javier stood with a calm, serious expression.

Kayra bowed gracefully. ”Your Highness.”

”Mm.” Javier nodded.

Meanwhile, Garzin swallowed hard.

Garius’s son is here. Not only is he as serious as Garius, but his aura is the same. And his face shows no nonsense.

”P... please... umm... take a seat... Prince Javier.” Garzin stammered, gesturing toward a chair.

”Mm.” Javier nodded and sat after Gloria helped pull the chair out for him. He glanced around, taking in the room, the worn tapestries, the slightly dusty mantle, the faint scent of damp stone and old wood. The condition inside mirrored what he’d seen outside: a household clinging to dignity while slowly fraying at the edges.

They’re holding on by threads. Pride might be all they have left. I need to offer them a way to keep it while still accepting help.

Javier snapped his fingers, and the document his mother had prepared, sealed with the official Armand emblem, materialized on the table.

He picked it up and handed it to Gloria.

”Gloria... if you please.”

”As you command, Your Highness.” Gloria said, taking the document, her fingers brushing against his a moment longer than necessary, a subtle, knowing smile touching her lips.

Javier felt a shiver run through him when she called him by the formal title.

Ugh! I prefer when she calls me ’young master’... but with an audience, i know she won’t. She’s maintaining the proper image, showing them how Armand’s staff conduct themselves: polite, respectful, flawless. I get it... but still.

Her hand was smooth, her touch lingering just enough to remind him of her closeness. Ah... I wonder when I can finally have some proper time alone with her again... His eyes traced the sway of her hips, the curve of her waist beneath her maid’s uniform.

Javier maintained his calm, serious expression while rubbing his hand discreetly on his thigh.

Damn! I want to slap that ass!

Gloria moved gracefully toward Cliff, who stepped forward to receive the document, his expression respectful but guarded.

After handing back the document, Javier watched Gloria head back toward him with that graceful, swaying walk of hers.

The bounce of her breasts, full, heavy, and natural made him swallow hard.

Ugh! So damn perfect... I want her. I want Liana too. But there’s no way they’d ever agree to do it together.

They’re always competing, always trying to outdo each other for my attention. It’s why none of them will ever agree to sleep separately, it’s always all five of us in the same room, same massive bed. No one gets left out, but no one gets alone time either.

I wonder if I can at least persuade them to let me have my moments individually. But they all agreed on that schedule after Aelius and Athine’s wedding...

Which is another week.

And knowing them, they’ll stick to it like a royal decree.

Ugh! I hope I can persuade Liana and Gloria to agree one today. And perhaps tomorrow.

After Gloria took her place beside him, adjusting her glasses with that prim, professional air, Javier kept his eyes on Kayra and Garzin as they examined the document. He slowly reached for Gloria’s hand where it rested at her side.

His fingers brushed hers, then closed gently around her palm. Her fingers curled gently around his, and a small, secret smile touched her lips. Her posture remained perfectly composed, the picture of a proper maid attending her prince.

( End Of Chapter )