Reborn As Noble

At the same time.

Forest path.

The carriage rumbled along the uneven forest path, the wheels creaking softly as they rolled over roots and stones. Inside, the dim glow of a small mana lantern cast a warm, gentle light over the weary travelers.

Sophia sat with her youngest daughter nestled on her lap, her arms wrapped protectively around the little girl. The boy sat near the window, his eyes fixed on the floating mana lights that hovered around the ”adventurers” riding their mechanical beasts outside, their soft blue glow cutting through the darkness of the forest like gentle fireflies.

The silver-armored knight rode ahead, his silhouette sharp against the dark forest backdrop.

Her other daughter leaned against the frame, her old bear toy clutched tightly to her chest.

”Mama?”

Sophia glanced down at her youngest, a soft, tired smile spreading across her face. ”Yes, sweetie?”

The little girl tilted her head up, her eyes searching her mother’s face before she leaned back against her chest. ”How long until we arrive at Papa’s cousin’s place?”

She gently stroked her daughter’s hair, her voice soft and soothing. ”Soon, sweetie. I’m sure soon we’ll arrive.”

”Really?” The little girl’s eyes lit up with hope.

Sophia nodded, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead before reaching into the small bundle beside her. She pulled out a piece of sweet bread and handed it to her daughter. ”Yes, really. Now, now~ here’s some sweet bread for my sweetie~ go sit with your brother and eat, okay?~”

The little girl took the bread with a small smile before climbing off her mother’s lap and shuffling over to sit next to her brother, who was still staring out the window, mesmerized by the floating lights and the silent, powerful knights.

Sophia slowly moved toward her husband, who sat across from her. She settled beside him, leaning close and whispering softly.

”Dear... do you know where exactly we’re heading?”

George, her husband, offered a faint, tired smile before shaking his head. ”I don’t know much, honey. The path has been winding, and the knights haven’t said much.”

Just as he finished speaking, Nathan shifted from the coachman’s seat at the front, opening the small door that connected to the carriage’s interior. He ducked inside, settling on the bench opposite them with a weary sigh. He crossed his arms and leaned his head back, closing his eyes for a moment.

”Nathan?” George called softly.

Nathan opened one eye, adjusting his posture slightly. ”Yes, George?”

George leaned forward slightly. ”Do you know where we’re actually heading? I mean... do the adventurers have a destination in mind?”

Nathan let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head. ”I asked the leading coach, Mister Khazan, about that. He said they’re planning to head toward either Mathrias or Vurghen. This forest path leads toward both regions, so they’ll decide once we get closer.”

Sophia’s brow furrowed, a flicker of concern crossing her face. She turned to her husband, her voice hushed.

”George... isn’t Vurghen the region bordering Armand?”

George nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful. ”Yes, it is. But that doesn’t mean we’re heading there. It’s just one of the options.” He paused, a faint smile tugging at his lips. ”Though... Armand Nation is known as the best place to live. Low taxes, plenty of job opportunities, and the people there are well taken care of. I’ve heard stories of how prosperous their towns are, how safe their streets are, and how fair their laws are. It’s like a dream compared to what we’ve been through.”

Nathan let out a soft chuckle, leaning his head back and glancing toward the window. ”I really wish we could go there. But since they closed their borders before, I doubt we can get in even if we tried. They’re not exactly welcoming to refugees from the Human Nation, especially with the civil war going on.”

Sophia let out a soft, weary exhale, glancing at her children before mumbling quietly. ”If only our lord had never been so hostile toward Lord Garius... even back when Armand was still part of the Human Nation. Now... I doubt Armand would welcome refugees like us, especially from the Jambar Region. They probably see us as nothing more than trouble.”

George chuckled softly, shaking his head. ”It’s Sovereign of Armand, King Garius, you know. He’s no longer a lord. He’s a king now. And from what I’ve heard, he’s a fair and just ruler.”

Nathan smiled gently, shaking his head. ”When we reach Vurghen or Mathrias, perhaps we can find a way. Maybe do some business, become merchants again...” His voice grew softer, carrying a quiet hope. ”We can start over. Build something new, something better than what we’ve been suffering under our lord.”

He glanced at George, his tone shifting slightly. ”By the way, George, you and I should take turns coaching the carriage. Let our wives and the children rest properly inside.”

George nodded slowly. ”I’ll take over after this. But why the sudden change?”

Nathan leaned in, lowering his voice. ”Mister Khazan mentioned that the adventurers want to cut the stopping time. According to them, it’s better if we keep moving. Monsters aren’t the only problem out here. There are bandits, deserters, and worse roaming these forests. The faster we arrive, the less risk we face. Every hour we stop is another chance for something to find us.”

George nodded, a serious expression settling on his face. ”Alright. I’ll take the coachman’s seat now.” He moved toward the front, opening the small door and stepping out onto the coachman’s bench. He glanced back at Nathan’s wife, who was sitting nearby, and offered a gentle smile. ”I’ll take over from here. You should go inside and rest. You’ve been driving for a long time.”

Nathan’s wife hesitated for a moment before nodding gratefully. ”Thank you, George. I appreciate it.” She slipped inside the carriage, settling beside Sophia and the children, while George took the reins, his eyes fixed on the path ahead.

( End Of Chapter )