Reborn As Noble

Elven Nation.

Noble Mansion.

Celine walked down the hallway, her hand gently resting on Lyzia’s arm as they made their way toward the front courtyard. Behind them, Ashara and Jiowana followed in silence, their heads slightly bowed. Ahead, Warden Faelar and High Councillor Nyvorlas led the way, flanked by elven guards on both sides.

Celine smiled softly, leaning closer to Lyzia. ”Thank you, Lyzia. For helping me with Ashara and Jiowana. I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t...”

Lyzia tilted her head in genuine confusion. ”Hmm? I didn’t do anything. What do you mean, Celine?”

”Eh? Really? I thought you spoke to someone...”

Lyzia shook her head, her expression innocent. ”No. I was with you the whole time after we ate in the main dining room. We took a bath together, and then we slept together, remember?”

Celine blinked, a thoughtful look crossing her face. ”Ah... right. Now that you mention it, you’re right. But then... how did they...?”

Before Celine could continue, Lyzia let out a soft exhale, her gaze fixed ahead. Celine tilted her head, her voice gentle with concern.

”Lyzia? Is something wrong?”

Lyzia pursed her lips for a moment, then turned to Celine with a warm, genuine smile. ”I was just thinking... I had so much fun with you, Celine. These past few days have been wonderful. I just wish... we could have spent more time together.”

Celine’s expression softened, a hint of sadness flickering in her eyes.

”Mm... me too, Lyzia. I had more fun here than I’ve had in a long time.” She paused, her voice dropping slightly. ”And I’m sorry if my escorts caused any trouble for you or your people. I hope you can forgive us.”

Lyzia exhaled softly, then glanced over her shoulder toward Ashara and Jiowana, her expression turning stern.

”Next time, don’t do it again.”

Ashara and Jiowana lowered their heads further, their voices trembling. ”Yes, Princess Lyzia.”

Lyzia’s tone sharpened as she continued.

”Your recklessness could have caused far more trouble than you realize. If the person approaching your princess had been truly dangerous, my units would have been the first to act. And you should know that the ones watching over this area weren’t just Warden Faelar’s unit or High Councillor Nyvorlas’s soldiers. There are special royal forces and other units stationed nearby, units I won’t name.”

”We... we’re sorry, Princess Lyzia.”

”Mm...” Lyzia let out another sigh, her tone softening slightly. ”You two are lucky. This is the first time I’ve seen anyone spared after committing such a serious offense. From what I’ve heard from my sister and my family, when it comes to this level of transgression... no one is ever spared.”

”R-really?” Celine glanced at Lyzia, her eyes wide with concern.

Lyzia let out another soft exhale, her gaze steady. ”Yes. Especially when it comes to risking civilian lives and endangering the innocent. Even our nation, the Elven Nation, does not tolerate such recklessness. Those who put innocent lives at risk, whether by accident or intent, face severe consequences.”

”Oh...” Celine’s voice was quiet as she glanced down at the floor, her steps slowing slightly.

Lyzia continued, her tone thoughtful.

”And from what I’ve read in the reports and news, Armand is even stricter. They despise betrayal, any action that endangers civilians, and soldiers who turn their backs on their lords, especially when those lords are just and fair rulers. There was a region in the Human Kingdom where the lord was a good man, but his own soldiers betrayed him, siding with a corrupt noble. Armand stepped in, and those traitors were dealt with without mercy. No second chances, no pardons. That’s just how they are.”

”I see... Then... my escorts are truly lucky to still be alive...”

Lyzia paused, a thoughtful smile crossing her face. ”Mm... but I believe their punishment is still there, just reduced. I wonder what kind of punishment they’ll receive though.”

Celine’s eyes widened with concern. ”Lyzia... do you think you could ask for their punishment to be reduced even further? Please... they’re like family to me.”

Lyzia tilted her head thoughtfully. ”Hmm? Since they’ve already been spared, I don’t think they’ll face the death penalty. But...”

A sudden flick to her forehead interrupted her words, and a charming, teasing voice rang out from behind.

”Over explaining again, Lyzia? You don’t need to worry them with all the details~”

Lyzia turned with a pout, rubbing her forehead, as Javier stepped up beside them, a calm, amused smile on his lips.

Celine’s gaze shifted to the voice, and her breath caught in her throat.

Her heart skipping a beat as she took in the sight before her. A tall, broad-shouldered man, his features sharp yet gentle, his dark hair slightly tousled, and his eyes carrying a warm, teasing glint. His smile was effortless, charming in a way that made her cheeks flush a deep crimson.

Her lips parted slightly, words failing her as she stared.

Lyzia, meanwhile, pursed her lips, rubbing her forehead as she glared at Javier.

”Mou! That hurts, Brother-in-law!”

Javier chuckled, slipping both hands into his pockets. ”What? It was just a little flick. It’s not even that bad~”

”Hmmph! I’m going to report this to Liana! How dare you attack a beautiful, cute elven princess like me!”

Javier wiggled his eyebrows, lifting his nose in a playful, teasing expression. ”Ooo~ Scary. Someone’s going to run to her sister~”

”Mou! Hmmph!” Lyzia crossed her arms, turning her head away with an exaggerated pout.

Javier chuckled softly before turning his gaze toward Celine, then back to Lyzia.

”Alright. I hope you’re ready.” He lifted his arm, checking the time on his mana watch. ”If we depart now, we’ll reach Armand in a few hours at full pekko speed. If not, it might take more. Let just hope we arrive before nightfall.”

Celine remained frozen, still stunned, until Lyzia tilted her head and gently shook her shoulder.

”Celine?”

”H... huh?” Celine snapped out of her daze, quickly turning her gaze away, her cheeks still burning. ”Umm... I don’t see my future husband, so... I can’t leave without him...”

Lyzia tilted her head, her brow furrowing in confusion. ”Future husband?”

Celine nodded with a soft smile. ”The one in the beggar disguise. I...” Her smile grew a little brighter. ”He agreed to take me as his wife, and he said he was a delegate sent by Armand. I believe his name is Javier de Armand.”

”Umm... Celine?” Lyzia blinked, slowly lifting her palm and gesturing toward Javier, who was standing nearby with calm expression.

”This is Javier de Armand. My brother-in-law. Who also happens to be the Prince of Armand.”

Celine’s head snapped toward Lyzia, her eyes widening in shock. Her mouth fell open as she stared at Javier, then back at Lyzia.

”Eh!?”

( End Of Chapter )