Reborn As Noble

Chapter 1438: Cheeky Grin to a Cold Gaze ( 1438 )

Javier smiled, glancing at Buddy before straightening up and handling the reins again.

”I wanted to do that, but hey~ you know we don’t have enough time for the ’ceremony’ yet.”

”Cuquawked~” (Yeah, right~ I already followed your instructions to get the pekko that’s suitable for her, and yet you were too busy playing chase with that guy... oops... your half-brother over there~ along with your other brothers yesterday~)

”Hey! At least we had fun~ right?”

”Cuquawked!” (Yep! That was fun~ until we came home late and, thanks to you, master, my father scolded all of us!)

”Hey, hey~ It’s not just you. My mother also scolded me, Marcellus, and Cedric for coming home after dark.”

Gracelle watched as Javier talked to Buddy, who just squawked back while walking with his usual confident, bouncy stride. She couldn’t help but smile softly at the bond between them.

Heres moved his pekko closer, riding alongside them. ”Little brother?”

”Hmm? What now, Heres?”

”Why did Father insist that I come along with you for this mission? It feels a bit strange. Father rarely changes mission assignments at the last minute, and this has never happened before.”

Javier smirked, glancing at Buddy, who looked at Heres with a knowing smirk. Javier shrugged casually. ”Don’t know. Just follow what Father commands, so we won’t get into trouble with him.” He paused, a teasing grin spreading across his face. ”Besides, you should be grateful that Father didn’t drag you into a practice duel yesterday.”

”Yeah... ’lucky.’ So lucky.” Heres groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose with a sour expression. ”You all left me alone without warning me Father was there.”

”What? Do you think we had a choice?” Javier wiggled his eyebrows with a cheeky grin. ”Father suddenly appeared, looked at the demonstration, and then started talking about practice duels. No way we were going to wait around for that. If you were in my place, I’m sure you would have done the same.”

They arrived at the Armand northern border town. From a distance, they could see a group waiting for them on top of their pekkos, with Hesbeirn and Gilmon standing side by side at the front.

”Alright, Brother Heres. After this, we’re heading to the Armand forward base near the border between our nation and Vurghen.”

”I know.”

Javier snapped his fingers, and a thick sealed document materialized in his hand. He handed it over to Heres.

”When we arrive there, you will handle the negotiations with the surviving heirs of the Lurghen Household. This document contains the terms and conditions for their formal submission under Armand’s protection. It outlines the framework for their governance, the obligations they must accept, and the rights they will retain under our banner. You’ll need to present it clearly and ensure they understand what they’re agreeing to.”

Heres smirked, shaking his head as he took the document. He removed the seal, took a quick peek inside, then closed it again before glancing at Javier.

”Isn’t this a bit too early to hand this over to me? You should give this to me when we actually arrive at the base, not before. What if I lose it on the way?”

Javier chuckled, glancing at Heres. ”You? Lose it on the way? Interim Ruler of Arjam? Yeah, right.” He narrowed his eyes, tilting his head down slightly with a teasing, funny face. ”If you lose it~ let’s just say Father will be your next trouble~”

”Damn! I hate you. Ugh!”

They arrived at the town center, and Javier stopped his pekko in front of Hesbeirn, who crossed his arms and glanced up at him with a gruff expression.

”Yo, brat. Ready for the mission?”

Javier smirked, wiggling his eyebrows. ”Yes, ’Uncle’~”

Gilmon let out a low chuckle, his bulky frame shaking slightly as he watched Hesbeirn’s face twist in annoyance. Hesbeirn shot him a glare before turning back to Javier.

”Ugh, brat. Stop calling me ’uncle’ already.”

”What? It’s not like I have a choice~” Javier shrugged with a cheeky grin. ”I don’t want to be ’scolded’ by Mother for calling you by name~”

”Ugh! Annoying brat.” Hesbeirn smirked, shaking his head before catching the shift in Javier’s expression as it turned serious.

”Are our troops ready?”

Hesbeirn climbed onto his pekko, his movements practiced and efficient. Beside him, Gilmon mounted his own pekko, the beast shifting slightly under his weight before settling.

”Yes. As you requested, the troops are split into four groups. Seven thousand are stationed at the forward base, ready for deployment. The remaining three thousand are divided into three groups: one led by me positioned to the southwest, one led by Gilmon to the southeast, and one under your direct command.”

He paused, glancing at Javier. ”But are you sure about sending small detachments instead of moving the entire force at once?”

Javier urged Buddy forward, the massive orange pekko falling into step. Heres moved to his right, Gilmon to Hesbeirn’s left, and the rest of the escort fanned out behind them.

”We’ve already discussed this with Father. Our mission is to secure the last remaining town under Friedrich’s control and the two key towns adjacent to it. Our goal is to establish a defensive line and stabilize the region, not to push deeper into enemy territory.”

He paused, his gaze steady.

”Make sure all communication channels remain active at all times. Ensure every troop has a functioning mana talkie, checked and tested before we move out. Since we’re using pekko rider units, our mobility is our greatest advantage. We can respond to threats faster than any conventional army. Combined with our aerial surveillance from Sky Eyes and the battle drones, we’ll have real-time intelligence on enemy movements.”

Javier’s eyes turned serious, his voice cold and deliberate.

”Our forward base will serve as the command hub, coordinating all units and relaying information between the detachments. Remember, we hold every advantage over the enemy. From our weapons, our gear, our mobility, our intelligence, to our communication. And do not forget our primary objective. We are here to eliminate the enemy. There is no mercy for those who betrayed their oaths and turned on their own people. No terms. No negotiations. No survivors. We crush them, and we make it clear what happens to traitors and those who defy Armand.”

Hesbeirn’s manic grin widened, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. ”Leave it to us, brat. We’ll paint their corpses across the battlefield.”

( End Of Chapter )