Reborn As Noble

Chapter 962: One Family, One Future ( 962 )

Javier and his siblings gathered at the grand doors leading into the newly transformed throne hall, where elite knights lined the entrance in full ceremonial armor. He spotted all his mothers already waiting, each adorned in elegant dresses.

Lady Francesca stood out, radiant in the dazzling golden gown Javier himself had designed, a perfect match for Garius’s regalia.

Garius strode over, and all four wives immediately drew close, smiling as they exchanged quiet words with him. Javier tried to eavesdrop, but their voices didn’t reach him.

What could Father be saying to them? he wondered, glancing at Athine.

”Athine?” Javier prompted in a low voice.

”Hmm? Yes, little brother?” she replied, finally turning her gaze from Aelius.

”Do you know what Father’s talking to them about?” Javier lifted his chin subtly in their direction.

Athine just shook her head. Her eyes still on Aelius. ”No idea.” She followed his gaze for a moment, then smiled softly.

Aelius chuckled, overhearing them. ”Little brother, don’t start trouble now. Today’s an important day for everyone.”

Javier rolled his eyes with a smirk. ”Since when did I say I was here to cause trouble, Prince Aelius?” he fired back, voice playful.

Aelius only laughed, Athine leaning even closer to his side.

Before Javier could reply, two firm hands clapped down on his shoulders. He glanced back to see his older brothers, Marcellus and Cedric, flanking him with their usual troublemaker grins.

”Oi, brat! Because of you, we have to wear these outfits,” Marcellus muttered with a smirk.

”Yeah! You should compensate us with some gold after this, little brother,” Cedric added, trying to keep a straight face.

Javier sighed, resigned.

Ugh, these two always find a way to extort me...

”Fine, fine. I’ll give you both gold later.”

”Ohoho~ That’s our little brother!”

Alf appeared from the grand door and made his way to Garius, bowing politely.

”My lord. Everything is ready.”

”Thank you, Alf. Tell my children to follow me from behind.”

”As you command, my lord.” Alf turned and walked to where Marcellus and the others stood. He relayed the instructions quietly, and each of the siblings nodded in turn.

Meanwhile, Francesca looked up at Garius with a bright, warm smile. ”You look handsome in that gear, dear~”

Garius couldn’t help but chuckle. ”And you look beautiful in that golden dress, my love.”

She leaned in, her voice playful. ”Of course~ Both our outfits were prepared by our youngest son.”

”I know.” Garius smiled, his eyes lingering on her. ”You truly shine today, Francesca.”

He extended his arm and Francesca slipped her hand through, resting it gently on his.

”You ready, my queen?” he asked softly.

”Yes... My Dear~” she replied, the affection in her voice clear as the family gathered behind them.

Francesca turned back, her gaze sweeping over Garcinia, Phenelopie, and Eridith. ”My dear sisters~ are you all ready? Today’s going to be a big day for all of us~”

”Yes, eldest sister~” they replied in perfect unison, their smiles soft and genuine.

Francesca teased, ”Don’t trip on your way to the throne~”

”We won’t, eldest sister,” Garcinia and Phenelopie answered gracefully.

Francesca’s eyes narrowed playfully at Eridith. ”Especially you, Eridith~”

”Mou! Francesca, I’m not a child! I’m a dragon girl, remember?” Eridith puffed out her cheeks in protest.

”Oh? So the dragon girl is talking back to me now?” Francesca’s smile was sweet but edged with mischief.

Eridith quickly looked away, scratching her cheek. ”Err... I didn’t say anything.”

Francesca stepped closer, still smiling. ”Now, now~ Put your hand down and act like a proper wife to our husband. Today’s a big day for him.”

”Hmph! I know...” Eridith muttered, trying to sound defiant, but she let her hand fall and stood a little straighter.

Alf slipped back inside.

Garius stood tall in front of the grand doors, waiting for the signal. He exhaled, allowing a rare smile as he glanced at Francesca, her hand resting gently on his arm.

”Alf really cares about ceremonies like this, huh?” Garius murmured, voice just above a whisper. ”Even though I told him we don’t need to be so formal.”

Francesca chuckled softly, giving his arm a light squeeze. ”He’s like your brother, dear. Let him have his moment. He’s been with you since you were a boy, remember?”

Garius nodded, a trace of nostalgia in his eyes. ”Yeah... He was just a teenager back then. Not even an adult yet.”

She smiled. ”But he protected you, stood by you, and watched over you all these years. Just let him plan it his way. This makes him happy, and you know he wants everything to be perfect for you, dear.”

Garius’s expression softened, warmth flickering in his eyes. ”Yeah... I know.”

Erinnette approached, bowing with practiced elegance. ”My lord.”

”Yes, Erinnette?”

”It’s time.” She offered a gentle smile, then stepped back.

The grand doors began to swing open, their heavy movement accompanied by a deep hush that swept across the assembled crowd. The guests, diplomats from three nations, high-ranking officials, and honored citizens, all rose to their feet in unison, heads bowed in respect.

Garius strode forward with deliberate, regal grace, his steps slow and measured, shoulders squared, chin lifted. His golden mantle flowed behind him.

Francesca glided by his side, her hand tucked neatly into his arm, every movement composed and elegant. Slightly behind them walked Garcinia, Phenelopie, and Eridith, each in their finest gowns.

The last row followed: Marcellus, Cedric, Aelius, Athine, Heres, and Javier. Every one moving with the poise expected of Armand’s future.

Trailing behind, eight elite Armand Knights entered, their formation sharp and disciplined. As soon as the doors closed, the knights split off, taking up their positions, standing guard.

The solemn notes of ceremonial horns filled the hall, followed by the deep, steady rhythm of the drums, echoing off marble columns and high, gilded ceilings.

Javier, walking with his siblings, fought to hide a grin. He caught sight of the newly trained broadcast team, their mana cams perfectly positioned, catching every angle just as he’d taught them.

Oho~ See this, Father? It’s all being broadcast live now.

( End Of Chapter )