Reborn As Noble

Chapter 1415: The Illusion of Choice ( 1415 )

Garius paused again, his gaze hardening.

“Second, we intervene militarily, sending forces to reinforce Vurghen and push back the coalition. Sending forces is not an issue. Our army is more than capable. The enemy might think twice the moment they see the Armand banner on the battlefield. But that does not guarantee they will retreat. They have new heavy cavalry, new weapons, and a belief that their technology can match ours. A direct confrontation, while winnable, would still result in unnecessary bloodshed and risk escalating the conflict further.”

Garius paused, his gaze steady as he continued.

“Third, we could intervene indirectly. We could supply the Vurghen forces with more advanced weaponry than what the Human Nation currently fields, but less advanced than what our own army uses. We have already supplied Tybalt and Mathrias with bolt-action rifles, artillery cannons, and basic defensive gear. Those weapons have proven effective enough to hold their own against conventional forces.”

He paused, his eyes sharpening.

“However, supplying Vurghen with such weapons is not a simple matter. It would be a clear political statement, an open declaration of support. To Klimar and the other nobles, it would be the same as direct involvement. They have likely been watching Tybalt and Mathrias closely, and they are probably waiting for us to make a move. Supplying Vurghen would give them the excuse they need to unite against us.”

He leaned back, his voice calm but carrying an edge of authority.

“Even though Armand is known as the strongest, richest, and most technologically advanced nation on the continent… we cannot afford to act recklessly. While we have no fear of them, a prolonged, large-scale war would still cost lives and resources. It would distract us from greater threats, such as Julius and the forces from the other continent.”

Garius smirked while glancing at all his sons before landing on Javier, who was pretending to read a document.

“So… Javier… what do you think?”

Javier smiled and pulled out his notebook, scribbling something while thinking.

Gihh! Father is deliberately saying that because it sounds cool. He already knows what the best option is. He’s the main strategist, the brain, and he has not just the Eyes of Truth but the Soul of Command talent.

It’s like asking a chef how to boil water.

He knows the first and third options are just ‘optional.’ He’s just laying them out to make it sound like we have a real debate, to make this meeting feel official. He’s giving everyone the illusion of choice when he already knows which path we’ll take. He just wants us to say it out loud so it feels like a council decision rather than a direct order.

He knows our army’s capabilities. From our naval fleet to our mana helicopters. From Pekko units to Special Operations units.

He knows that if he sent me, I could easily repel the enemy, crush them, just like I crushed the Turka army when defending Tybalt Region before with only two hundred puppet knights and a Gaasad air-to-surface strike.

Or when I led our forces combined with my puppet knights to crush those ‘new Mathrias army’ that betrayed their people and their lord. He knows we have a massive advantage in air superiority, from battle drones to Gaasad units, to the Sky Eyes weapon system itself.

I know Father just wants to have this meeting to make it look like it was ‘official’ when he could just say.

“You go here and lead this to here and here.”

Javier noticed everyone was looking at him, their gazes expectant. He caught Garius’s smirk and let out a quiet, resigned sigh.

Ugh… I know this. I can feel it. This has happened before.

Just like when they all decided I was the first heir in line for the throne. They all voted for me without even telling me beforehand. They just presented it as a ‘done deal.’

He let out a long, defeated exhale before clearing his throat and straightening in his seat.

“Direct military intervention is our only real option.”

He paused, tapping his finger on the map.

“The first option, doing nothing, would leave us with a hostile northern border and no strategic gain from reopening it. The third option, supplying weapons indirectly, would only delay the inevitable. The coalition would see it as an act of war anyway, and they would use it to rally more support against us. Either way, conflict is coming. The only question is whether we fight on their terms or on ours.”

He looked up, his voice steady.

“By intervening directly, we control the battlefield. We choose when and where to engage. We send a clear message that Armand does not abandon those who seek our protection, and that any nation that threatens our interests will face our full strength. A swift, decisive victory will not only secure Vurghen but also deter other hostile factions from testing us.”

Javier snapped his fingers, and a detailed holographic map materialized in the center of the table, glowing softly with intricate terrain and troop movement markers.

“It’s also our chance to see if their new ‘technology’ is as effective as they claim.”

He gestured toward the map with an open palm.

“Our intelligence has provided detailed reports, but nothing beats firsthand observation on the battlefield. By engaging directly, we can assess their heavy cavalry, their reinforced armor, their upgraded muskets and cannons, and determine whether they pose a genuine threat or if they are merely an overhyped attempt to close the gap between us.”

He traced a line across the holographic map, highlighting key terrain features.

“A controlled engagement would allow us to gather real-time combat data. We can test their capabilities, identify their weaknesses, and refine our own strategies accordingly.”

He paused, his expression turning thoughtful.

“If their equipment proves less effective than they claim, we can avoid a huge bloodshed by crushing their key assets early, dismantling their morale, and force a surrender before the battle escalates into a full-scale war.”

Garius smirked while rubbing his chin, listening to Javier’s explanation before nodding in agreement. Marcellus, Cedric, Aelius, and Heres all exchanged glances, some nodding thoughtfully, others leaning back with approving smiles.

Javier caught the subtle exchange and let out a quiet mental sigh.

Ugh! I Knew it.

Father already knew all of this.

And yet he ‘pretends’ he doesn’t, just to make me say it out loud. He wants it to sound like a collective decision, like a council’s will, not just his own.

I’m sure after this, Father will assign me the task. Go there, use my puppet knights, secure Vurghen, and meet this second son.

Well… it’s not like I’m against it. I don’t mind if this benefits Armand and ensures the safety of our people. And beyond that, if we can help the people caught in the crossfire of a war, the civilians who have nothing to do with the greed and ambition of their rulers, then it’s worth the effort. Protecting the innocent has always been part of our family’s principle.

Garius smiled, his gaze shifting to Heres.

“Heres?”

Heres stood, placing his fist over his left chest. “Yes, Esteemed Father?”

Garius’s voice was calm and deliberate.

“As the interim ruler and current King of Arjam, I am entrusting you with a mission. You will lead the Armand forces alongside General Hesbeirn with ten thousand troops toward Vurghen. You are to meet with the current ruler, Friedrich, and extend our support. Secure the region, stabilize the defenses, and ensure that the surviving heirs of the Lurghen Household understand the terms of our protection.”

( End Of Chapter )

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