Reborn As Noble

Chapter 88 Provocation at the Estate ( 88 )

Liana knew Javier could defend himself. Just days ago, he had effortlessly dealt with a skilled assassin group sent to eliminate Lord Gariusʼs family. He hadnʼt just defeated them—he toyed with them, dismantling their formation and striking fear into their hearts before finishing them off mercilessly.

Still, leaving him unsupervised often led to mischief, so as she hurried toward the manor, she hoped he wouldnʼt cause too much chaos in her absence.

As Liana reached the grand halls of the Armand estate, she spotted Mrs. Errinette, the head of the personal maids and leader among the household staff. The woman carried herself with the stern grace of someone who had served the family for decades, her sharp eyes immediately catching Lianaʼs approach.

”Liana?” Mrs. Errinette asked, pausing her task.

Liana bowed politely, her movements crisp and respectful. ”Mrs. Errinette, I have something urgent to report.”

Before Mrs. Errinette could respond, the imposing figure of Mr. Alf, the butler, emerged from a side corridor. His presence was commanding, his silver hair neatly combed and his expression unreadable.

”Liana,” Mr. Alf began, his deep voice carrying authority. ”Isnʼt your duty to attend to young master Javier? Why have you left his side?”

Liana straightened, her tone unwavering. ”Yes, it is my duty, Mr. Alf, but this matter requires immediate attention. It concerns the estateʼs security and the safety of the household.”

Both Mr. Alf and Mrs. Errinette exchanged a glance, their expressions hardening. They could tell from Lianaʼs demeanor that she wasnʼt exaggerating.

”Speak, then,” Mrs. Errinette urged, folding her arms. Your journey continues with empire

Liana nodded and explained everything, her words precise and measured. ”A group of nobles from the Klimbert household, led by their young lady, entered the estate unsupervised. They harassed young master Javier, mistaking him for a commoner. When he dismissed them, one of their guards attempted to strike him down. This happened within the pekko pen, with no guards present to patrol the area.”

Mr. Alfʼs eyes narrowed. ”No guards? Are you certain?”

”Absolutely,” Liana confirmed. ”Iʼve observed no patrols near the outer sections and around the estate all morning. This negligence allowed the Klimbertsʼ people to wander freely.”

Mrs. Errinetteʼs lips thinned in disapproval. ”This is unacceptable. The security of this estate is paramount, especially with the recent assassination attempts.”

”Indeed,” Mr. Alf agreed, his tone grave. ”Viscount Garius entrusted us to ensure the safety of this household. Allowing outsiders to act with such impudence is a failure on our part.”

”Just because thereʼs a grand party tomorrow evening, and most noble houses are attending to congratulate our lord on his promotion to Count, how dare these guards neglect their duty!” Mr. Alfʼs voice was sharp, his usually composed demeanor cracking with fury. His clenched fists and icy tone revealed the depth of his frustration.

Mrs. Errinette adjusted her posture, her stern gaze turning sharper. ”Indeed. Their complacency is inexcusable. The safety of this household should never be compromised, no matter the occasion.”

Liana, standing firm, added, ”The Klimbert householdʼs arrogance and lack of respect are equally troubling. They acted as if the Armand estate was their own territory, threatening the young master without hesitation. Their guard even attempted to harm him within our own grounds.”

Mr. Alfʼs expression darkened further. ”The Klimberts have always been envious of our lordʼs progress. To act so brazenly during a time of celebration… itʼs not just arrogance—itʼs provocation. A reminder of their past animosity.”

Mrs. Errinette nodded solemnly. ”We must ensure this doesnʼt escalate. Viscount Klimbert has been quiet for years, but this incident could signify deeper motives. However, the immediate concern is the negligence of our own guards.”

”This party must proceed without a single flaw,” Mr. Alf declared. ”But the Klimberts will not leave this estate without understanding the consequences of their actions.”

”Agreed,” Mrs. Errinette said firmly. ”This is the Armand household. Disrespect will not be tolerated.”

Lord Garius appeared from the shadows of the corridor, his presence commanding and stern. Behind him trailed a group of personal maids, their expressions alert and focused.

”Hmm? Errinette? Alf? Whatʼs wrong?” Gariusʼs sharp tone cut through the tension.

Errinette and Alf exchanged glances before stepping forward. ”My lord,” Errinette began, her voice steady despite the gravity of the situation. ”There has been an incident involving the Klimbert householdʼs entourage. They disrespected the young master and even attempted to harm him. Liana intervened, but the lack of patrolling guards within the estate is concerning.”

Gariusʼs eyes narrowed dangerously. ”The Klimberts...” He mulled over the name, his voice laced with disdain. ”Their audacity knows no bounds. And our guards? Slacking during a time like this?”

Alf bowed slightly. ”Yes, my lord. I take full responsibility for this failure. Iʼve already instructed for their negligence to be addressed immediately.”

Gariusʼs gaze shifted to Liana, who stood resolute amidst the tension. ”Liana,” he called, his deep voice tinged with authority.

”Yes, my lord?” Liana responded promptly.

”Who is protecting your young master right now?”

”Buddy and Pikko, my lord,” she answered without hesitation.

A faint smile tugged at Gariusʼs lips. ”Hmm, those two are strong monster-type birds. Good. But Liana…”

”Yes, my lord?”

Gariusʼs eyes bore into hers, sharp and unwavering. ”Go directly to him. Ensure his safety. Use any means necessary if the situation escalates further.”

”Understood, my lord.” Liana bowed deeply before swiftly exiting the room, her movements purposeful and precise.

Garius then turned to Alf and Errinette. ”Alf, Errinette.”

”Yes, my lord?” they responded in unison.

”Summon Hesbeirn immediately. He will handle the dismissal of all negligent guards. Inform him to replace every single one of them, except for those who are actively guarding the manor and those proven to be doing their jobs properly.”

”It will be done at once, my lord,” Alf replied with a firm nod.

Gariusʼs expression remained cold, his sharp eyes gleaming with determination. ”No one compromises the safety and dignity of this household. The Klimberts will learn their place soon enough.”

Errinette bowed. ”We will ensure that, my lord.”

Lady Francesca gracefully walked into the manor, her composed demeanor radiating elegance. Her dress flowed with each step, showcasing her refined taste. She paused when she spotted Garius standing in the corridor, giving orders to Alf and Errinette.

A soft smile graced her lips. ”Darling...”

Hearing her voice, Garius turned. The hard lines of his face softened instantly as his sharp eyes lit up. He approached her without hesitation and kissed her passionately, his hand gently resting on her cheek.

”My love,” he murmured as they parted, his deep voice warm.

Francescaʼs smile widened, her gaze fond. She noticed the slight relief in his features, knowing her presence always soothed him. Behind her stood her personal maids, a group of highly trained women, watchful for her safety.

Garius glanced at them and nodded approvingly. ”Iʼm glad to see youʼre not walking alone. I trust your safety to these capable maids.”

Francesca chuckled softly. ”Of course, my dear. Youʼve ensured that Iʼm always well-protected. But tell me, whatʼs caused you to look so serious?”

Gariusʼs smile faded slightly as he looked toward Alf and Errinette. ”There was an incident involving Javier. Some from the Klimbert household dared to disrespect him. The lack of proper patrols on the estate adds to my concerns.”

Francescaʼs eyes narrowed, her calm expression shifting to anger. ”The Klimberts again... Theyʼve been a thorn in our side for generations. How is Javier?”

”Liana intervened before anything serious happened. Sheʼs with him now, ensuring his safety. But I wonʼt let this negligence slide,” Garius replied firmly.

Francesca nodded, her confidence in him unwavering. ”I trust youʼll handle this, as always. Let me know if you need my assistance with those pests.”

Garius smiled, taking her hand and pressing a kiss to her knuckles. ”With you by my side, my love, I have all the strength I need.”

Francesca chuckled, her mood lightening as she leaned closer. ”And donʼt forget, you have a grand celebration day after tomorrow. Letʼs not let these matters sour the occasion.”

Garius nodded, resolve firm. ”Of course. But I wonʼt allow anyone to think they can undermine this household, especially not on the eve of my ascension to Count.”

( End of Chapter )