Reborn As Noble

Garzin’s gaze dropped to the table.

Is this the real strength of Armand’s army?

If this is it, they could easily take and conquer anything in no time.

Seeing how 200 soldiers were able to... wipe out... no, erase an entire enemy army in minutes...

This means if they went all out, I don’t think anyone could survive.

And yet Garius and his family have never once conquered anything, except Arjam, and even then, Arjam is now ruled by the late King Edmund’s only daughter, under Armand’s protection.

It’s better not to get on their bad side.

He looked at his wife, who sat beside him, and swallowed hard.

Kayra just nodded and offered a faint, reassuring smile.

”Alright, Garzin,” Javier said, his voice pulling Garzin’s attention back. ”Since the Formal Request for Aid has been signed, and we’ve discussed the other terms, my staff and officers will come to finalize the agreement. I believe...” Javier paused for a moment, tapping the mana talkie in his ear.

”Mm... alright... good...”

He tapped the mana talkie again, then clasped his hands on the table, leaning forward slightly, his eyes narrowing as he fixed his gaze on Garzin.

”Now... the first shipment of aid is arriving at your coast, near the fishing port. Five of our large merchant vessels are carrying rice, wheat, frozen meat, ore, fertilizer, and... what the commoners call ’white gold’ and other necessity.”

He paused, letting the list sink in.

”I believe you have stone quarries and timber we can process locally. We can start by building the first port. Agreed?”

Garzin nodded slowly, then glanced at Kayra.

Kayra exhaled softly. ”Yes, Your Highness.”

”Good. Now, about the funding for this port, you don’t need to worry about it. And we’ll hire local workers to build it: Tybalt woodworkers, stonemasons, laborers. It’ll boost your local economy and give your people paid work.”

He leaned back slightly, his expression easing into something more diplomatic.

”And about your request for the initial capital loan... I believe...” Javier paused and snapped his fingers. Two large, iron-bound chests materialized beside him with a soft thud, their lids slightly ajar to reveal stacks of gleaming gold coins. ”This should be enough, right?”

Gloria just exhaled softly and shook her head with a graceful, knowing smile.

Garzin’s eyes widened, while Kayra remained silent, her expression a mix of relief and awe.

”Now, if you will, sign this.” Javier said, handing two documents to Gloria, who accepted them gracefully and walked toward Cliff. Cliff received them and carried them to Garzin and Kayra for review.

”I believe you can confirm the total amount later. But I’ve already counted it personally.” Javier said, his face calm and unreadable. ”There’s a section where both you and Kayra need to sign and seal it with your official seal.”

Kayra and Garzin carefully read through the loan agreement, then signed both documents, pressed the family seal into the warm wax. Cliff collected the first signed copy and walked it back to Gloria, who received it and returned it to Javier.

”By the way,” Javier added, tucking the document into his dimensional storage, ”this loan will be repaid through deductions from the future profits of the new trading hub and port. We will also be building a small Armand naval facility here, and a garrison of our personnel will be stationed on site. This will serve as a clear signal to everyone, Tybalt and Armand are now allies, and your region is under Armand’s protection.”

Javier adjusted the collar of his formal tunic, the fabric rich but understated, befitting a prince on official business.

”I believe today’s discussion has concluded satisfactorily. I will take my leave now.” Javier slowly stood, while Garzin and Kayra rose and bowed politely.

Javier glanced toward them. ”Since this month is still Armand’s Celebration Month, and as a region now under Armand’s protection, it would be appropriate for representatives from Tybalt to attend the upcoming weddings of my brothers and my sister Athine. Consider it a gesture of our new alliance.”

He paused, his expression turning serious.

”But remember this: treat Armand’s people with respect, and they will return it in full. We value dignity, not arrogance. I have no tolerance for the kind of noble who looks down on others, acts entitled, behaves like a fool, or believes their title makes them superior. That kind of person has no place in our circles.”

His gaze hardened slightly.

”Even my father’s closest allies, King Lioness of the Beastkin, King Veldrac of the Demon Nation, Queen Mylezra of the Elves, never treat our people with anything less than genuine respect, despite being rulers of their own nations and equals to my father in rank and his dearest friends. The only allies that he would move mountains to aid their nations without expecting anything in return. That mutual respect is the foundation of our alliances.”

He let the words hang in the air, making it clear this wasn’t a suggestion, but a condition.

”So understand this clearly: in Armand, your title alone means nothing. Your character does. Act with dignity, and you will be treated as true nobility. Act otherwise... and you will find no welcome among us. We welcome allies, not overlords.”

Kayra bowed politely alongside Garzin. ”We understand, Your Highness. We will honor your words and act with the respect your nation deserves.”

”Mm... and Kayra.” Javier glanced at her.

”Yes, Your Highness.” Kayra bowed again.

”Please bring your daughter... what is her name?” Javier smiled faintly.

”Narcie, Your Highness... her name is Narcie.”

”Mm... please bring her to the weddings, especially to my sister Princess Athine’s ceremony. Since Athine has taken a liking to her. Do not worry about transport, an Armand vessel will be arranged to bring you to Armand.”

”Thank you, Your Highness.” Kayra bowed deeply, her voice filled with genuine gratitude. ”For your aid, for your protection, and for this gracious invitation. We will attend as your first official guests from Tybalt, and we will ensure our conduct reflects the honor of this new alliance.”

”Mm... good. Gloria?” Javier smiled toward Gloria.

”Yes, Your Highness.” Gloria placed her hand over her left chest and bowed toward Javier before moving to Cliff. She handed him the official, elegantly sealed wedding invitations. Cliff accepted them with a respectful nod and passed them to Kayra.

”Thank you, Your Highness,” Kayra said, holding the invitation carefully.

”Mm... I will take my leave now. And pardon me for not being able to stay for the feast you prepared. I appreciate the gesture, but I have pressing duties awaiting me. Another time, perhaps.”

With a final nod, Javier turned and walked toward the door, Gloria falling into step gracefully behind him.

( End Of Chapter )