Reborn As Noble

Chapter 608: Duty Before Heart ( 608 )

The next day.

The morning sun cast a warm glow across the stronghold, and the air was calm—until voices clashed just outside the command building.

“We’re going to follow you, young master,” Liana said firmly, arms crossed.

“That’s right,” Gloria added calmly, her expression as serene as ever. “There’s no reason to let you go alone.”

Javier stood in front of them, armor half-equipped, eyes narrowed.

“No!” he snapped. “This is my command. You all stay here.”

Gloria blinked , surprised by his serious tone.

Liana’s lips tightened. “But—”

Before she could continue, Felicia stepped forward.

“I’m a Beastkin princess,” she said coolly, her eyes sharp. “You don’t have the right to command me.”

Javier turned his gaze toward her.

He exhaled slowly, then said coldly:

“Hmm? If you’re still hard-headed and insist on following me…”

“…then consider our engagement gone.”

The air fell silent.

“Since it was just a verbal pact,” he continued calmly, “and not officially signed between houses yet—there’s nothing to bind us.”

Felicia flinched, Her lips parted.

Gloria’s calm smile faded, and Liana looked stunned.

Javier looked away, adjusting the gauntlet on his wrist.

“I’m going to do something dangerous. I won’t risk any of you getting caught in it. That’s my decision.”

“This is a mission I need to do alone.”

His tone was low, resolute. “It’s a direct command from my father.”

He turned his head toward Liana.

“And you know what that means, Liana. When Lord Garius gives an order… you follow it.”

Liana’s lips tightened, but she said nothing.

Javier then glanced at Gloria.

“That applies to you too, Gloria.”

Gloria lowered her gaze in quiet acknowledgment.

“I don’t want to risk any of you,” Javier continued. “Your mission coming here was to deliver my father’s letter… and to assist me while I’m stationed here. Isn’t that right?”

There was a brief silence.

Liana and Gloria stepped forward—hands placed respectfully on their right chests, heads slightly bowed.

“Yes, young master,” they said softly.

Javier nodded.

“Then both of you stay here. That’s my order.”

He paused. His voice softened, just a little.

“I don’t want to lose you again.”

He turned to Felicia next, her golden eyes fixed on him without blinking.

“And you too, princess.”

“If you really want to marry me… then hear me out. Just this once.”

Felicia’s voice was soft, almost a whisper.

“You said you’d do anything…”

Javier didn’t flinch. He stood still for a moment, then slowly turned to face her directly.

His expression was calm. Serious.

“No.”

“This is my final word.”

“Stay with them. Help manage the stronghold. Assist in administration until I receive another command from my father.”

“I did say I’d do anything. And I meant it.”

“But not if it risks their lives… and yours.”

He looked at her with steady eyes.

“So you better hear it. Stay.”

Felicia looked at him for a long moment.

Her ears twitched. Her hand clenched gently at her side.

“Mm… okay.”

“We’ll hold the fort, young master,” Liana and Gloria said softly, hands on their chests.

Javier nodded once, then raised his palm toward the open courtyard.

With a low hum of magic, 3,000 puppet knights in full mithril plate armor materialized in rows—helmets gleaming, shields lifted, swords at their sides.

Javier turned to the mithril and adamantite units.

“Command: Secure the stronghold. Let no enemy pass this area.”

[Command received. Executing defensive protocol.]

They moved immediately, spreading across the perimeter with mechanical precision.

Then Javier stepped toward the white ore units.

“Command: Guard my girls. Don’t let any enemy come close.”

[Command received. Primary objective: Protection. Engaging perimeter defense mode.]

The white ore knights moved as one, positioning themselves, forming a silent circle of guardians.

Javier took a final glance at the girls.

“Liana. Gloria. Felicia.”

He paused for a moment, then spoke firmly.

“Don’t engage with the enemy unless you need to defend yourselves. If anything happens, prioritize your safety above all else.”

He looked at them seriously.

“You don’t need to worry about the dwarves. They can fight. I already set the remaining knights to guard the civilian sector. Their commanders have been briefed—protecting their people comes first.”

“Yes, young master,” the three replied in unison.

He looked directly at Liana and Gloria, voice low but firm.

“I mean it. I’m not playing, Liana. Gloria.”

Liana’s expression softened and nodded. “We understand, young master.”

Gloria adjusted her glasses and gave a calm smile. “Ara… we’ll be fine. But please—you come back safely too.”

“You don’t need to worry about me,” Javier said, his voice calm but firm. “I know you’re all strong—especially you and Liana.” He looked at Gloria, then glanced at Liana. “But don’t act reckless.”

His eyes narrowed slightly as he raised his hand and pointed to the sky—where the Armand drone silently hovered above, scanning the area with magical precision.

“If it’s just halfling troops or soldiers from the Human Kingdom… those can be handled.” His tone grew serious. “The drones can wipe them out before they even get close.”

Liana’s lips parted. “Young master…”

Javier turned toward her, gaze sharp.

“The problem is,” he said quietly, “if they send something unknown. Something new… or someone we have no data or intel on.”

He trailed off for a moment.

“That’s what worries me.”

“Be careful. That’s not a request.”

“Yes, young master. We will prioritize our safety,” Liana said softly, her expression calm yet serious.

Gloria gave a graceful bow, one hand to her chest. “Please come back safely, young master.”

“I will,” Javier nodded. Then he turned toward Felicia. “And Felicia—”

“Yes?” she replied, ears twitching slightly.

“Don’t be too strict on the dwarven soldiers stationed here,” Javier said, his tone firm but understanding. “They’ve already endured more than enough. They were guarding this stronghold before I took over. I need them focused, not pressured.”

Felicia nodded slowly. “Understood.”

“Good,” Javier said. “Now I just need to finish this mission… then we all go back home. Back to Armand.”

“After that… we get married?” Felicia asked quietly, tilting her head, ears twitching

Javier sighed. “I’m still thirteen, you know… and besides—Liana will be the first. Then Gloria.”

Felicia’s eyes narrowed slightly. “So I become third?”

“Uhh…” Javier looked away, scratching his cheek awkwardly. “That… you’ll need to ask Delya and Mimi. They already met Liana, so… it’s complicated.”

Felicia’s tail flicked once. “But you said you’d do anything.”

Another long sigh from Javier. “We’ll discuss it later. Please.”

Felicia didn’t push further. She just gave a tiny nod, quietly murmuring, “Mm.”

( End Of Chapter )

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