Reborn As Noble

Chapter 915: The Keeper’s Final Duty ( 915 )

The marquis inclined his head, savoring the moment.

”We are all well aware that our... friend, Garius, is a man rigidly bound to rules and law, especially the Law of Nobles. I believe, Your Majesty, that within those laws lie provisions that may serve our purpose. If we cannot strike at him with force, perhaps it is time to consider other measures. There are precedents for... degradation, stripping of honors, rank, and privileges, should a noble be found in breach of duty or overstep their bounds.”

He paused, letting his words sink in.

”Perhaps, Your Majesty, it is time to remind even the Count of Armand that no one is above the noble law of this kingdom.”

Kimar’s interest sharpened. He leaned forward, steepling his fingers.

”So, you suggest...?”

The marquis’s smirk grew, his voice perfectly composed.

”Since Garius seems to believe that his autonomy and his title as Count permit him to act as he pleases, to move his army, to seize Arjam without consent, he acts with impunity, hiding behind the prestige of his noble rank. It is precisely this title that inspires the loyalty of his people, is it not?” He let his gaze travel slowly around the table, ensuring every lesser noble felt the weight of his words.

Kimar’s eyes glinted with anticipation. ”Oh? Do not keep us waiting. Please, continue.”

The marquis bowed his head.

”What if Your Majesty were to strip Garius of his rank and title? Remove from him the privileges of nobility, the very foundation of his authority. Without the shield of rank, he would stand before all as a commoner, no longer entitled to command armies or rule his domain. His supporters, those who only follow him for his noble station, would lose faith. His political allies would be forced to turn away. Even his own people, bound to him by the traditions of the peerage, might begin to question his right to rule.”

He paused, letting the implications settle like a slow poison.

”In doing so, Your Majesty, you would remind the entire kingdom, no one, not even Garius of Armand, is above the laws of the realm.”

The council chamber buzzed with excitement as the nobles whispered eagerly among themselves, some practically grinning at the prospect.

At the far end of the table, the Keeper of the Royal Tome, guardian of the laws governing crown and nobility, sat stiff, eyes wide with alarm. He started to speak, but King Kimar, focused on the marquis and the table’s rising energy, pressed on, waving the Keeper’s attempt away.

Are they all stupid? the Keeper seethed in silence.

Garius is nothing like the other nobles!

Armand’s land belongs to Garius alone. It wasn’t granted by the crown. It wasn’t conquered by his ancestors on behalf of the royal house. The right to Armand was sealed by blood, by law, and by force. Only a fool would think stripping his title would mean stripping his power.

And do they not realize? Armand controls everything, food, ore, sugar, rice, flour, meat, even frozen seafood! Only Armand has magic freezers; only Armand can supply more than half of the kingdom through the worst winter. Who do these idiots think they’re threatening?

The Keeper raised his hand, voice tentative, ”Your Majesty, if I may, ”

But his words were drowned out by the nobles, and Kimar ignored him entirely, the momentum of the council sweeping forward.

”Indeed, that was very good of you,” Kimar said, leaning back on his throne with a smirk. He turned to his newly appointed royal advisor at his side. ”Prepare the royal decree, have it drafted at once, with my seal. It is to be delivered directly to Garius.”

The Keeper of the Royal Tome raised his hand again, voice strained, ”Your Majesty, please, can you hear me out first?”

Kimar’s eyes flashed with irritation. ”What is it!? How dare you interrupt at such a critical moment? Can you not see I am occupied? What could possibly be more important than this?”

The marquis smirked, jumping in to support the king. ”Exactly! Do not interrupt His Majesty for your petty concerns. Know your place, old man.”

Other nobles joined the jeering chorus, fingers pointed and voices harsh.

”How is someone your age still clinging to royal office? Why haven’t you retired already? Surely it’s time you stepped aside and let the young handle real affairs.”

The Keeper fell silent, swallowing his protest. He looked down, resignation heavy on his face.

Fools... They’re going to ruin the kingdom with this arrogance.

He exhaled quietly, gaze distant.

Perhaps it’s time to leave this post, move away with my family before they drag everything down. I still remember Lord Garius’s kindness... Maybe, I could seek a favor from him. It would be better than staying to watch this collapse.

After a short while, the decree was finished, bearing the royal seal. Kimar turned to his royal advisor.

”Find a suitable person to deliver this decree to that bastard.”

The Keeper’s eyes widened. He rose, voice steady but urgent.

”Your Majesty, allow me to deliver the decree to Lord, ah, no... to Garius, personally.”

”Oh?” Kimar arched an eyebrow, amusement flickering in his gaze. ”And what’s brought this on?”

”Ah... pardon me, Your Majesty. I simply wish to see his reaction firsthand.”

Kimar tapped his fingers on the armrest. ”Very well. As for your escort... ”

”If I may, Your Majesty,” the Keeper interjected quickly. ”I would ask that my sons accompany me. They serve as knights in the royal order, and will ensure my safe passage.”

Around the room, nobles sneered.

”Ha! Perhaps it’s time you left this work behind, old man.”

”Let the young take over, eh? Don’t cling to your chair any longer!”

The Keeper remained calm, offering a faint, dignified smile.

”Very well. Your Majesty, please allow me this one final service to the kingdom. I am old, my hands no longer steady, my eyes no longer sharp. It is only fitting that I see this duty through before I step down and make way for a new keeper. Let me finish my service with honor, as befits the tradition of this court.”

He bowed deeply, his composure unbroken despite the jeers.

Kimar rubbed his chin, a cold smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

”Very well. But the kingdom will not waste another coin on extra escort for you. Your wish is granted. Your sons in the royal knights may serve as your guard. See to it that this decree is placed directly in that bastard’s hands, no one else.”

”As you command, Your Majesty,” the Keeper replied, bowing with composure.

The nobles around the table erupted in thinly veiled delight, their smiles sharp. Some whispered, others openly grinned, satisfied to see the last man from King Edmund’s reign finally preparing to leave his seat for good.

The Keeper’s face remained calm. Quietly, he accepted the decree, already steeling himself for the journey ahead, and for the conversation he would soon have with Lord Garius.

( End Of Chapter )