Reborn As Noble

After the paperwork was done, Javier leaned back in his chair and exhaled in relief, a genuine smile spreading across his face.

He glanced at everyone in the room. Varrick, Mahira, Lorcan, the shadow leader’s assistant, and the two new female staff members.

”I have to say... I’m honestly impressed,” Javier began, his tone warm and appreciative. ”Two days. Just a day and a half, and we managed to clear all of this. I couldn’t have done it without all of you. Your efficiency, your professionalism... it’s been a pleasure working alongside you.”

Varrick offered a respectful bow, his butler’s demeanor perfectly poised. ”The pleasure is ours, Your Highness. It is an honor to serve and to assist you in such important matters.”

Javier’s smile deepened, a flicker of genuine admiration in his eyes. ”I mean it. When the time comes...” he paused, his expression turning thoughtful, ”...when I eventually take my father’s place, I hope each of you will be there, working with me. I can’t imagine building a future without people like you by my side.”

Varrick offered another respectful bow, his expression softening with genuine gratitude. ”Thank you, Your Highness. Your words are a great honor. To have the opportunity to learn and work under you has been... enlightening. I must admit, when I first began, I was perhaps too rigid in my approach. But working alongside you these past two days has shown me the balance between discipline and adaptability. If I may be so bold... I almost wish this assignment were not just two days, but seven, or longer. There is much more I believe I could learn from you.”

Javier chuckled and let out a soft laugh. ”If I did that, I’m sure both our fathers would get bored, yours and mine. You know how your father is already restless for his two days off with your mother, Varrick. And despite having those days off, they always end up nearby, pretending to enjoy their ’sweet moment’ while actually keeping a watchful eye on my father’s safety.”

Varrick smiled, a flicker of pride in his eyes. ”Mm. My father takes his duty to the King, and to this family very seriously. And my mother... she would never let him go alone, even on a day meant for rest. It is their way.”

Javier nodded, his smile warm. He then glanced at Mahira, Lorcan, the shadow leader’s assistant, and the two female staff members. ”I suppose after this, you’ll all return to your regular training and duties.”

Mahira placed her palm over her left chest and bowed politely, her expression earnest. ”It has been a privilege to work under you, Your Highness. Assisting with these duties for the past two days has been both an honor and a valuable experience.”

Lorcan grinned, rubbing the back of his head with a sheepish, sweat-dotted expression. ”Yeah... I guess I’ll be heading back to train under General Hesbeirn. He’s been... intense lately.”

From the side, the shadow leader’s assistant, still invisible, spoke in a respectful, steady tone. ”I will continue to serve and protect the Armand family, Your Highness, under the guidance of the Shadow Leader and the House of Assassins. It is my duty and my honor.”

Javier looked at the two new female staff members, both of whom were blushing lightly, their expressions a mix of excitement and professional composure.

”Ah... I believe you two were selected by Varrick,” Javier said, his voice warm and engaging. ”Chosen from among Armand’s official staff and officers to assist with this work.” He clasped his hands together and smiled charmingly, with the natural, disarming grace he often carried. ”Mirielle and Tesanna, right?”

The two women straightened immediately, their professionalism warring with their visible fluster. Mirielle, a young woman with intelligent eyes and neatly tied-back hair, bowed deeply. ”Y-Yes, Your Highness! It is an honor to be recognized by name before we’ve even formally introduced ourselves.”

Tesanna, slightly more composed but with a noticeable sparkle in her eyes, added with a respectful nod, ”We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to assist you, Your Highness. To be chosen for such important work is a privilege we do not take lightly.”

Mirielle couldn’t help but let a bit of her enthusiasm slip through. ”And if I may, Your Highness. I have always admired your inventions! The holo-TVs, the mana-cams, those incredible drones... To work in an environment where such innovation is celebrated is... feel like a dream.”

Tesanna nodded in agreement, her voice softening with sincerity. ”Our families owe everything to the Armand Nation. Unlike other noble houses or regions we’ve heard of, here, merit and loyalty are truly rewarded. Our parents were able to rise from humble stations because of the fairness and opportunity the Armand family provides. Serving directly under you feels like... like repaying a small part of that debt.”

Javier’s smile softened, touched by their sincerity. ”I’m glad to hear that. Your dedication does not go unnoticed. You’ve both performed exceptionally well.”

He glanced at Varrick, Lorcan, and the Shadow Leader’s assistant. ”I bet you all are also aware of my mother’s new program about the maid beauty ranking, right?”

Varrick smiled politely. ”I am aware of it, Your Highness. It has certainly... sparked lively discussion among the staff.”

Lorcan chuckled, rubbing the back of his head with a sheepish grin. ”Yeah, the voting’s been pretty intense! I’m curious to see who ends up on top. Heard there’s some fierce competition in the single category.”

From the side, the Shadow Leader’s assistant replied in his usual steady tone, ”If permitted to participate, the shadow unit would vote in alignment with our leader’s guidance. Our focus remains on duty, but we acknowledge the... morale benefits of such initiatives.”

Javier then smiled warmly at Mirielle and Tesanna. ”Ah, don’t worry. I’m sure my mother will expand the contest to include all of Arjam and Armand’s official staff soon. This is just the beginning, especially now that we’ve installed holo-TVs in every public square across the nation. The first-ever broadcast program is going to be quite the event.”

Mirielle’s eyes lit up, though she maintained her respectful posture. ”That would be incredible, Your Highness! The entire nation would be watching!”

Tesanna nodded eagerly, a hint of playful excitement in her voice. ”And not just the maid rankings, Your Highness! I’ve heard whispers that... other categories might be added as well.”

Javier raised an eyebrow, intrigued. ”Oh? Other categories? What kind?”

Mirielle and Tesanna exchanged a quick, knowing glance, their cheeks flushing slightly again. ”Ah... it’s still just rumors, Your Highness,” Mirielle said quickly, offering a polite smile. ”Nothing confirmed yet.”

( End Of Chapter )