Reborn As Noble

Chapter 1023: The Heir’s First Command ( 1023 )

That evening.

Kayra and her escort arrived at the coast, her daughter clinging close.

Cliff bowed as they halted.

”My lady, repairs are still underway. There’s a leak below deck, and the crew is tracing the source.”

”Why wasn’t this dealt with earlier?”

”My lady, they only discovered it after we arrived. I cannot risk your safety on a compromised vessel.”

”Cliff... you understand what situation we’re in, don’t you?”

”I do. But we must be certain it is seaworthy. I believe we can depart under cover of night.”

”May I see the ship we’ll be using?”

”This way, my lady.” The ship’s owner guided them down the dock.

Kayra looked it over, the vessel was larger than she’d expected.

”But pardon me, my lady. The ship doesn’t really have separate cabins.” the owner explained. ”No quarters for passengers, but there’s room below deck to shelter from the weather.”

”It will suffice,” Kayra said. ”How soon can it be seaworthy? Can we leave before midnight?”

”We’re doing all we can, my lady.”

”And if there’s no wind?”

”We have sweep oars ready. My crew can row through the night if needed.”

Kayra nodded, her gaze lingering on the darkening horizon. ”Good. I truly hope we can set sail as soon as possible. The longer we wait, the greater the risk that the borders will fall before we can return with help.”

Meanwhile.

In Armand Region.

Armand Estate.

Javier sat at his desk, rubbing his chin as he studied his notebook.

Liana poured him a fresh cup of coffee. ”Young master, are you sure you want coffee so late? What if you can’t sleep later?”

Javier smirked. ”Heh... if I can’t sleep, I’ll just hug all of you all night. Or maybe...” He wiggled his eyebrows playfully.

But before Liana could respond, Mimi hugged him from behind and peeked over his shoulder. ”Nya? What are you doing, husband-sama?”

”Ah, Mimi... nothing. Just checking on something.” Javier patted her head affectionately.

”Oh? Is it important?” Mimi rubbed her cheek against his, her tail swaying in delight.

”Sort of. But not really that important. It’s just a design for something.”

”Oh? What is it, husband?” Felicia approached gracefully from the other side, while Liana watched them with narrowed eyes from across the table.

”Ah... a design for a ship. Since Armand now has larger merchant and trading vessels for the Demon Nation and your homeland, and we also have ships equipped with mana cannons and anti-air mana guns for Uncle Hesbeirn’s naval units... I’m thinking about maybe building something far better.”

”Nya?” Mimi tilted her head, studying Javier’s blueprint. ”Your writing is weird.” She noticed the strange characters

Javier chuckled. ”Consider it a special code.”

”Nya? Really? Teach me~”

”Maybe later. For now, Liana or Gloria can show you some of it. They’ve already started learning.”

”By the way, Liana?”

”Yes, young master?” She looked over, a soft smile on her lips.

”Where are Gloria and Delya?” Javier glanced around the room.

”Hmph.” Liana’s lips puckered in a playful pout. ”You’re looking for other girls when there are already three of us here with you?”

”Nya! That’s right!” Mimi tightened her hug, rubbing her cheek against his face. ”I’m right here!”

Felicia exhaled lightly. ”Yes, husband... we are here.”

”Ah, no...it’s not like that,” Javier said, shaking his head with a fond smile. ”They’re my girls too, aren’t they?”

Liana turned her head away, still sulking. ”Gloria is in the bath, and Delya... I believe she was called by her brother.” ”

”Oh.” Javier’s smile softened. ”Alright.”

A soft knock came from the door.

Javier glanced over. ”Who is it?”

”It’s me, Prince Javier.”

Hmm? Why would Alf come looking for me this late? Don’t tell me Father is summoning me. Does he seriously have time for work on his first night with Queen Mylezra?

”Come in.”

The door opened. Liana placed a hand over her chest and bowed. ”Sir Alf.”

Alf raised a palm in acknowledgment, then bowed slightly to Javier and the princesses. ”Forgive the intrusion, Prince Javier. You’re needed in the command center.”

”Now?”

”Yes. I believe the matter requires your attention.”

”Alright.” Javier stood and glanced at Liana and the others. ”I don’t think this will take long, but if I’m late... don’t wait up for me.”

Liana shook her head gently. ”Mm~ Don’t worry, young master. I’ll wait.”

Felicia stepped beside her. ”We’ll wait as well, husband.”

”Nya! Tehe~ I’m not sleepy anyway.”

Javier smiled and shook his head. ”Well... don’t stay up too late.”

”We won’t.”

”I’m going.” He turned, one hand in his pocket, and followed Alf out.

Once they were in the hallway, Javier spoke quietly. ”Alf?”

”Yes, Prince Javier?”

”Is this really urgent? Did Father call for me?”

”No, Prince Javier. We cannot disturb His Majesty on his first night with his new wife. That’s why Lady Francesca has commanded that any urgent matters, security reports, border assessments, command evaluations and operational decisions, be brought to you, as next in line.”

Javier exhaled. ”My parents are really taking this heir thing seriously, huh?”

”Yes, Prince Javier. You should feel honored to be next in line to rule Armand after your father.”

Javier rubbed the back of his head. ”Sigh... Alf, I still have my brothers like Marcellus and Cedric. Or my half-brothers like Aelius.”

”Yes, Prince Javier. But do not forget, Your father’s judgment has never led us astray, Prince Javier. He sees what others cannot, both the visible and the unseen. To doubt his choice is to question a lifetime of foresight.”

Javier chuckled. ”Yeah, yeah... the Eyes of Truth, right?”

Alf gave a faint smirk, adjusting his cuff. ”As you say, Prince Javier.”

”Whatever. So... this matter is that important?”

”It’s best you assess it yourself from the command center. Our intelligence unit has flagged unusual activity in the Sky Eyes feed from hours ago. The report is being finalized as we speak.”

”Hmm... Very well. Even though I could just pull up the feed on my own.”

Alf kept his tone calm. ”This matter falls under your authority, Prince Javier. We require your evaluation and decision, not just your review.”

Javier sighed. ”This better not be another one of Kimar’s useless spies. Speaking of which... what about that vampire?”

”Ah, him.” Alf’s lips curved slightly. ”He remains silent. The intelligence we’ve gathered is solely from the voice recorder you provided. With nothing further to extract... his fate is yours to decide.”

”Oh?” Javier rubbed his chin. ”So he won’t talk, even under standard interrogation?”

”As you say, Prince Javier.”

”Very well. Hand him over to Aunty Bernardita.”

”As you command.” Alf’s smirk deepened as he tapped his mana talkie. ”Proceed. Prince Javier has granted permission.”

From the other end, Bernard’s voice came through, smooth and eager. ”Really~? Ahn~ Send my regards to the prince.”

( End Of Chapter )