Reborn As Noble

After half an hour of riding their Pekko at full speed, occasionally stopping when Pikko slowed down at Liana’s request, they arrived at the Armand estate.

After climbing down from their mounts, Buddy and the other Pekko were already excited and dashed toward their pen, kicking up a cloud of dust that made Javier cough hard.

Liana, who had just climbed down from Pikko, exhaled softly.

”Young master?”

”Hmm? Yes, Liana?”

”Can I request... a few hours to rest?”

”Eh? Why?” Javier asked, glancing at her sideways.

Liana gave him a side glare and whispered in a low voice, ”Whose fault do you think this is? Hmm?”

Javier rubbed the back of his head with a sheepish smile. ”Sorry, sorry. But... who’s going to accompany me today?”

”I won’t be long. Just two or three hours of rest is enough.” Liana bowed slightly, her voice soft. ”And since you won’t be going outside, I’m not too worried about that, with Gloria, Felicia, Delya, and Mimi around.”

”Well... if you say so.” Javier nodded. ”Just contact me through the mana talkie if anything.”

”Mm... I will, young master. Thank you.”

Just as Javier was about to walk toward the manor with the others following, he saw a figure standing in front of the manor’s huge doors.

Someone tall, who looked just like Alf but younger and handsome, with a no-nonsense attitude. One hand was clasped behind his back, the other adjusting his glasses as he rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

”Hmm. Welcome back to the Estate, Prince Javier.” His tone was crisp, formal, and carried the same disciplined air as Alf and Erinnette. ”I trust the matter in the Tybalt region has been fully resolved and requires no further attention?”

Javier glanced at the person.

Crap. Alf and Erinnette assigned their own son as my advisor? Seriously?

”Ah, pardon me, Prince Javier. It is a lapse in protocol for me not to introduce myself formally, regardless of our prior acquaintance. I am Varrick. I have been tasked with overseeing your schedule and ensuring your conduct remains beyond reproach during these two days of official duties.” He glanced at Javier and the others.

”Ah, good morning, Varrick.”

”Incorrect, Your Highness. You will find that ’Good morning’ is a greeting for peers, not a dismissal of status. You are the next heir of the Armand Nation and will be the next ruler in line. Therefore, your conduct must reflect that authority at all times.”

Ah, crap... he’s all about rules and etiquette, just like Alf. Damn.

Javier rubbed the back of his head and smiled. ”Aw~ Come on, Varrick... don’t be that strict~”

”That is not a request, Your Highness. It is a standard. As the one designated to serve as your butler and advisor upon my father’s retirement, it is not merely my duty, it is my responsibility to ensure discipline, decorum, and proper conduct are upheld. I will not be remiss in that.”

Ugh! This is why I don’t like formality. I can’t believe Alf and Erinnette assigned this strict one to me. I thought at least their first son, Varzin, or the second, Varman, but they assigned their youngest. Ugh!

Javier exhaled softly and adjusted his posture. ”Fine, fine. Let’s get this over with, Varrick.”

”Mm... That is an improvement, Your Highness, but the tone must be measured, authoritative, and unwavering, just as His Majesty, King Garius, your father, would command. A ruler’s voice is not merely heard; it is felt.”

Ugh! Another headache is coming. And two days straight? Damn! I’ve got to find a way to make sure Father stays king for a long, long time.

Varrick glanced at Liana and Gloria, his eyes sharp and assessing.

”Hmm. It appears from your bearing that you both enjoyed a... ’productive’ evening. I trust you will maintain decorum in the presence of the crown prince, regardless of personal... exertions.”

”Ara~?” Gloria clasped her palms together in front of her, her smile sweet but edged. ”Someone younger than us is trying to lecture us on decorum?”

”It is, Gloria. Looks like someone is looking for a lesson in how to address a personal maid of the royal household.” Liana added, her tone cool and poised, carrying the subtle authority of her rank.

”Ah, pardon my rudeness.” Varrick calmly adjusted his glasses, not even flinching. He took out a small, official-looking scroll bearing King Garius’s personal seal. ”This document outlines my authority and duties for these two days. It includes the mandate to ensure all personnel, regardless of rank or personal relationship to the crown prince, adhere to the standards of conduct befitting the Armand royal household.”

Liana and Gloria exchanged a glance, their expressions unreadable but their lips pressed into thin lines.

”And I believe you two, as former heads of household maid, are well aware of the etiquette and decorum required in the presence of the crown prince.”

”Ara~ Are you looking for a fight with us, Varrick?” Gloria adjusted her glasses, her hand subtly moving to the small of her back, where the hilt of a concealed weapon might rest.

”Looks like someone is trying to pick a fight here, right, second wife?” Liana’s hand drifted toward the hidden pocket of her maid dress.

”Whoa, whoa! Chill, everyone!” Javier tried to step between them.

Varrick just stood calmly, his posture unyielding, one hand clasped behind his back, the other adjusting his glasses with deliberate slowness.

”Ah, pardon me. Perhaps I have touched upon something... personal. My intention is not to provoke, but to ensure protocol is maintained.”

He turned and glanced toward Javier. ”Your Highness, I will await you in His Majesty’s private office. Please do not be late.”

”Mm... I won’t be late.” Javier clasped his hands behind his back.

Varrick paused and glanced over his shoulder. ”By the way, Liana, Gloria. Neither of you is to disturb Prince Javier during his official duties for these two days. Lady Francesca has already assigned appropriate staff and officers to assist him. Therefore, you may... rest.” His tone was final, carrying the same stern authority as his father, Alf.

After Varrick was gone, Liana and Gloria glared at Javier.

”Why not let us fight him?”

”Yeah, young master! I want to at least land two or three punches on his face.”

Javier exhaled and shook his head. ”Nope. No can do. You both aren’t in full condition, so no.”

”Why? I don’t think he’d be able to lift a finger against the two of us.”

Javier shook his head and smiled faintly.

”Nope... even with Ari and Aria assisting you with their power, he wouldn’t be easily defeated, you know.”

( End Of Chapter )