Reborn As Noble

”Yes, esteemed Father.” Javier bowed again. ”I understand and accept the responsibility.”

”Very well.” Garius gave a knowing smile before turning toward Marcellus and Cedric.

”You two will be assigned to handle the paperwork from today until I return from the Mathrias Region. Ensure that all affairs of the kingdom run smoothly in my absence.”

”Ehhh!?” Marcellus and Cedric exchanged glances, their expressions clearly dissatisfied.

They both glanced sideways at Javier.

Javier met their glance before speaking in a low voice. ”I’m sorry, brothers.”

”You know we’re not that weak, and our army is strong. Not to mention, with Hesbeirn choosing the best troops, and us taking command, we’re confident in success.” Marcellus gave him a faint smile, speaking softly.

”I’m sorry, Brother Marcellus. But with my puppet knights, there’s no risk of casualties or injuries. And since this is a mission to help another region, it’s better for Armand to focus on our own nation’s defense, not on foreign lands.”

Javier exhaled and continued. ”Even if others know Armand is strong, they might wait for an opportunity, like when we mobilize our army to assist the Mathrias region. Even with Armand having over 120,000 elite troops, deploying even 20,000 could signal a reduction in our strength to potential enemies.”

He glanced at both of them before shaking his head. ”Even with our special healer unit to assist and reduce casualties, the risk to our soldiers remains. I won’t let our men face that danger when I can ensure the same outcome without a single loss.”

Garius sat back in his throne, leaning back and clasping his fingers in front of him, watching Javier explain the risks to his brothers.

”So I don’t want to risk my brothers’ lives, my family’s lives, or our people’s lives. If Armand were attacked by others, I wouldn’t hesitate to have any of my family lead the army or a mission. Defending our nation is part of our responsibility as the royal family of Armands.”

”Yeah, yeah.” Marcellus smirked and shook his head. ”And now me and Cedric end up buried in paperwork.”

Cedric chuckled softly in a low tone. ”I bet you’re happy inside, thinking you got us back for all the times we teased you about paperwork.”

Javier just smiled and said in a low voice. ”No... It’s because you both just recently married. I want you to spend time with your wives, not risk your lives on a foreign battlefield.”

”Very well. If you insist,” Marcellus said, pausing to glare at Javier. ”You’d better not die on this mission.”

Cedric chuckled. ”Yeah. Since you’re the main heir for the next throne, you’ll be the one stuck doing paperwork for the rest of your life anyway.”

Garius just smiled faintly, watching his sons tease each other yet still show deep care for one another.

He cleared his throat softly, and all three of them immediately stood straight, their expressions turning serious.

”So, I believe you all have come to an understanding?”

”Yes, esteemed Father,” everyone said in unison.

Francesca smiled, feeling proud of all her sons, her expression warm and affectionate.

Garius nodded and glanced at them. ”Marcellus, Cedric.”

”Yes, esteemed Father?”

”Both of your aides will assist you with the paperwork. I don’t know how long I’ll be there, but it shouldn’t take long. Since your brother Aelius and your sister Athine are getting married the day after tomorrow, I don’t want to miss it.”

”Yes, esteemed Father.”

He glanced up at Javier.

”Javier?”

”Yes, esteemed Father?” Javier looked at Garius, who crossed his arms while leaning back in his throne.

”Prepare the GAASAD. You decide how many units will be needed for transport. I will ask Alf to assign an escort, and Hesbeirn will be joining us with a few of his best elite teams, along with Erinette and her assigned special battle maid unit.” Garius paused, looking at Alf before glancing back at Javier. ”And you also know who will be coming with us, so make the necessary arrangements.”

”Yes, esteemed Father.”

”Good. We will depart in thirty minutes. Please ensure everything is prepared and ready.”

After Javier left the room, Garius glanced up at Marcellus and Cedric.

”Marcellus, Cedric.”

”Yes, esteemed Father?”

”You both should understand Javier’s reasoning for taking on this mission himself. He’s always been protective of his family, especially after the first war, when he nearly lost Liana and Gloria. That experience changed him.”

”We understand, esteemed Father.” Marcellus nodded. ”We know how our little brother is. He cares deeply for his family and doesn’t want to risk losing anyone.”

Cedric added with a subtle, proud smile. ”He’s always been like that. It’s one of the things we admire about him.”

Francesca smiled softly. ”It’s not that we favor Javier over the rest of you. It’s just... he carries a different kind of burden, one that drives him to protect everyone, even at his own expense.”

Garius glanced at Alf and Erinette. ”Prepare your units for escort duty, and ensure you both are ready as well.”

”Yes, Your Majesty.” Alf and Erinette smiled, placed their palms over their left chests, and gave a respectful bow.

”Oh, and contact Hesbeirn. Tell him to come here with several of our best elite troops. And inform Gilmon to come to the estate, he will be responsible for ensuring the safety of the rest of the family while we’re away.”

”As you command, Your Majesty.”

”Good.” Garius glanced back at Marcellus and Cedric. ”If you’re worried about your wives, it’s best to bring them with you, but don’t push them to do the paperwork.”

”Yes, esteemed Father.”

”Good. Now go and ask your wives if they’d like to accompany you.” Garius smirked. ”It’s not like they don’t know the work, since Lithia, Harny, Meira, and Zania were once your personal maids.”

He smirked while narrowing his eyes toward them. ”Just make sure they don’t overexert themselves. All four of them are pregnant, so their comfort and safety come first.”

( End Of Chapter )