Reborn As Noble

Chapter 905: Paths Beyond Allegiance ( 905 )

He turned to glance at Liana and the others.

”I’m not wasting time capturing one town and waiting before moving on. That’s inefficient. We strike fast, claim the territory, and make it clear, Armand isn’t here to negotiate. We’re here to restore order.”

The map shifted again, highlighting the upper edge of the Arjam Region where the chaotic northern fronts lay.

”My main mission hasn’t changed: capture and secure the border walls. The noble forces up there are still fighting among themselves, and that chaos needs to end. I’ve already dispatched another special operation unit to advance from the top of the battlement and secure the first stronghold from above.”

He looked over the hologram one last time, then crossed his arms.

”This time, we end it quickly. No more delays.”

”My~ what’s the rush, Young Master~?” Gloria asked playfully, arms behind her back as she leaned in slightly, though her eyes already held the answer.

Javier didn’t respond right away. He watched the map flicker as his fingers slowly closed the hologram. Then he turned to them, his expression calm but firm.

”Since Felicia, Mimi, and Delya are all princesses from other nations... I don’t want to risk them. No,” he glanced at each of them, ”I don’t want to risk any of you.”

”But Husband,” Felicia stepped forward, hands resting on her hips. ”You do know we can fight, right?”

Mimi puffed out her cheeks and leapt to Javier’s side, her tail swishing in defiance as she jabbed a finger at his chest. ”You also know I can fight!”

Delya slid in with her usual dreamy smile, tilting her head as she peered up at him. ”Mm~ I can fight too, Danna-sama~” she said, lightly tugging on his sleeve.

Javier sighed, rubbing the back of his neck, then spoke in a more casual tone.

”Yes, I know... all of you can fight. And honestly, in terms of raw power and strength, Liana and Gloria are far above the rest. That’s not the issue.”

He looked at each of them again, this time with the full weight of his position.

”The problem is what happens if one of you gets hurt, especially during a conflict that isn’t even tied to your own kingdoms. Just imagine what message that sends. Political fallout, broken trust, angry kings. A war that isn’t ours could suddenly become one.”

His gaze settled briefly on Felicia. ”Your father is still my father’s ally and best friend. But if you got wounded, or worse, under my command, how do you think he’d respond?”

Felicia went quiet.

Mimi’s ears twitched as her expression shifted to something more thoughtful.

Delya blinked slowly, then pouted softly.

Javier looked at Liana and Gloria, hands behind his back.

”That’s why I have the puppet knights, the drones, the relay towers. I’ll do the dangerous work. You... stay alive. That’s an order.”

Javier turned and looked out toward the horizon, the wind gently brushing against his coat.

”Besides... I’d rather live peacefully back in the Armand Region. Enjoy our usual time, Liana, Gloria...” His voice softened as he spoke their names. ”And with Felicia, Mimi, and Delya here too, Armand is honestly the safest place for all of you. If you ever miss your homeland, you can go back anytime... and come home to Armand whenever you want.”

He smiled, glancing back at them with a familiar glint in his eye.

”The faster this is finished, the better it is for me,” he said with a grin.

”I know it won’t be easy,” he continued, his voice steady again. ”King Kimar will probably see all this as rebellion. Even if he can’t move his army against us, since the Right of Arm protects us, and because Armand’s army has never lost a war, he’ll still find other ways. Underhanded ones.”

His smile faded slightly, and he exhaled deeply.

”And when that happens... my father will be dragged into the mess.”

He looked down, brows furrowed, and gave another sigh, heavier than before.

”And all that mess... will probably be mine to inherit.”

Gloria tilted her head. ”What do you mean, Young Master?”

He turned toward them with a dry expression.

”Something related to paperwork... and inheritance,” he grumbled. ”Grrr... Marcellus, Cedric, Aelius, and even Heres, all of them keep pushing the responsibility onto me.”

Liana chuckled softly, covering her mouth. Gloria followed with a graceful laugh, shaking her head knowingly.

Felicia and Mimi blinked, confused.

Delya just swayed slightly and smiled, clearly lost in her own world.

Javier scratched his head with both hands in frustration.

”I hate paperwork!” he cried.

”Shall we call you My Lord now... Lord Javier~?” Liana teased, resting a hand on her hip as Gloria added with a sly grin, ”Ara~ It suits you rather well, Young Master~”

”Gih!” Javier recoiled as if struck. He shivered, glaring at them. ”Don’t. Just, don’t!”

He let out another long sigh, then crouched down, elbows resting on his knees, fingers raking through his hair.

”The problem’s not the title...”

”Hm?” Gloria tilted her head, curious.

He stared at the ground for a moment. ”It’s... something bigger. Something I don’t think I can run from.”

Liana stepped closer. ”What do you mean, Young Master?”

Javier waved his hand dismissively. ”Nothing. It’s not that serious...”

But in his mind, the thoughts churned.

I’m sure Father’s been waiting for this.

He swore loyalty to the Human Kingdom long ago, not for glory, not for power, but because of his promise to his best friend... the late King Edmund, the rightful ruler back then. And as long as Edmund was alive, as long as the crown passed to Princess Kliatana, Armand would remain loyal, even if it meant staying under the Human Kingdom’s flag.

But now... that time’s gone.

Princess Kliatana was stripped of her title. She’s no longer the rightful heir. And without her, Father has no reason to bow his head to that throne.

Father has no reason to remain loyal.

But Father isn’t someone who acts without justification. He’ll never betray the kingdom outright unless there’s a cause. A reason. Something that makes it legal... something that makes it justified.

He’s waiting for the moment when Armand’s path becomes undeniable. A move that gives him every right, by law and by custom, to act.

That’s why he agreed to my plan for military intervention in Arjam... and why he’s letting Kliatana rule here under Armand’s banner. He’s setting the stage, one careful step at a time.

That’s how he moves.

Javier ran a hand through his hair and let out a tired sigh.

He’s planning something again. Something only he can see the end of.

And whatever it is, I’m sure it’ll be a massive headache for me.

”Damn it...” Javier grumbled under his breath. ”I swear, his brain must have a built-in simulator.”

( End Of Chapter )