Reborn As Noble

”Huh? What agreement, esteemed Father?” Javier looked at him with confusion.

”The one you made with Tybalt Region when you assisted them,” Garius said in a calm voice while Alf slid one of the agreement papers toward Javier.

Javier stood straight and slowly moved forward, leaning down to check the document.

Garius looked at him. ”Now explain to me what you offered to the Tybalt Lord.”

Javier stood casually, hands slipping into his pockets as he began to recall the terms.

”The first thing I offered, which esteemed Father already knows, was Immediate Military Aid to defend Tybalt Region from the Turka and Garka invasion. This was reported and shown live in our command center. The result was Garka’s retreat and Turka’s main attack force facing total annihilation.”

Garius just nodded. ”I know about that. Tell me what I don’t know.”

Gih... He’s just testing me. He already has Eyes of Truth, there’s no way he doesn’t already know everything.

”I also offered Economic and Reconstruction Terms, such as building a new trading hub in Tybalt, constructing a shared trade port, sending economic advisors to help them stand on their feet again, fully connecting Tybalt to Armand’s entire trade network and allied routes, and granting protected merchant access for Tybalt ships, which they’re also purchasing from us. Bigger ships.”

Garius rubbed his chin and leaned back in his chair before clasping his fingers again, his gaze steady on Javier.

Guh! He’s clearly not interested in that, since he knows it far better than I do, and he knew about it long before I could even explain.

Sigh... There’s no way to trick this stern father of mine.

Javier rubbed the back of his head, letting out a sheepish grin.

”Ah... is this about... Armand royally recognizing Tybalt as a noble family, even if the Human Kingdom stripped their titles and privileges?”

Garius exhaled, still clasping his hands. ”No... not that one. I would have done the same if I were there. As we speak, the Tybalt Lord, Garzin, and his wife, Kayra, are also attending yesterday’s wedding since our military brought them here after they agreed to attend as their first official invitation to rebuild diplomatic relations.”

Garius looked at the document and exhaled, shaking his head slightly. ”They are now staying in one of the guest houses as official noble visitors from Tybalt Region. Garzin has already met me and asked for... let’s just say, forgiveness.”

Alf chuckled softly, a faint, knowing smile on his lips.

Garius put down the document. ”I’m sure you already know that the first port in Tybalt for their new ships, and for our merchants to officially begin trading with them, has already been completed and started operations two days ago. That’s also why Garzin, his wife Kayra, and all his sons and daughters were able to attend your brother’s wedding yesterday.”

Garius leaned forward, clasping his hands again, his gaze sharp and steady. ”So tell me the thing you promised them that wasn’t included in the original agreement your mother and I already approved.”

He reached for one document and placed it on the table.

Javier leaned down and his eyes widened. Before he could look away nervously, his father’s gaze held him.

”Ah... about this... I... I can explain.”

”Oh?” Garius said, his voice low and expectant. ”Do tell.”

”About that... while discussing the terms, he asked for a loan. A sum of gold coins.”

”A sum?” Garius smirked faintly. ”Two full large chests of gold is not just a ’sum,’ and you know it. Even if you managed to secure an agreement for our bank and merchant guild to operate there, which, I’ll admit, was well-negotiated, how do you expect a man like Garzin to repay that amount?”

Javier glanced away with a sheepish smile.

Garius exhaled slowly. ”You know Garzin is older than I am. No human can live long enough to repay such a massive loan, especially one you just... handed over without proper collateral.”

”I... I gave him the loan after seeing how dire their condition was,” Javier explained, his voice softening. ”They were selling family heirlooms, paintings, anything of value just to feed their people and keep their soldiers armed.”

”Still, that’s not an excuse for lending such a large sum of gold. Even if it’s your own money, it’s... reckless.” Garius leaned back slightly, his expression thoughtful. ”Especially with the kind of man Garzin is. Though I will say... his sons show more promise. They have discipline, integrity, and a clearer vision for their people’s future.”

Garius exhaled softly and set the document aside.

”You’re lucky I managed to make him put up proper collateral for this huge sum after he met me yesterday and... begged,” Garius smirked before continuing, ”...asked for forgiveness.”

Javier exhaled softly and glanced down. ”I’m sorry, esteemed Father.”

”What’s done is done. I know you have a good heart, and I respect that about you. But you should never act without proper checks, especially when dealing with sums this large. At the very least, make sure the loan has solid collateral, or start with a smaller amount before committing more.”

”Anyway, I have to admit you did well,” Garius added, his tone shifting to one of measured praise. ”Securing an exclusive trading hub and increasing Armand’s future profits while gaining a valuable ally... Garzin’s sons and Kayra, his wife, have also been cooperative in ensuring the agreement benefits both sides. They’re helping oversee the reconstruction efforts and have shown genuine commitment to rebuilding Tybalt’s stability.”

”Well... I have...” Garius paused, his expression thoughtful. ”Let’s just say I don’t have the highest faith in Garzin himself. He’s always been... spineless. Too easily swayed, too fearful, and lacking a solid character to lead.”

He looked at Javier and smirked. ”But at the very least, you were able to make him meet me and... let’s say, show proper humility.”

Javier puffed his chest slightly, a proud but respectful smile on his lips. ”Thank you, esteemed Father.”

”Now...” Garius’s face turned serious again. ”There’s another thing we should discuss.”

Ah... crap... I sense something more troublesome than this...

( End Of Chapter )