Reborn As Noble

Chapter 369: Strategic Summons ( 369 )

Garius sat at the head of the chamber, his gaze sharp and commanding. Around him stood Alf, Errinette, Hesbeirn, Rasdingen, and several officers and city overseers.

”Hesbeirn.”

”Yes, my lord?”

Garius leaned forward slightly. ”Ensure our best elite units are deployed to secure King Edmundʼs safety and the roads leading to the meeting. Youʼve coordinated with General Gilmon of the Royal Forces, correct?”

Hesbeirn nodded. ”Yes, my lord. Troops are stationed along every major route, and weʼve reinforced the borders and forts.”

An officer stepped forward with an update. ”My lord, the Demon Kingdomʼs delegation has arrived at the border between Armand and their territory. Theyʼre requesting permission for their elite troops to pass through and station between the Human and Beastkin Kingdoms.”

Garius gave a simple nod. ”Permission granted. Inform our forts to allow their passage and ensure they are monitored.”

Another officer reported next. ”The Beastkin King has deployed his strongest armies across their kingdom, securing all roads. However, they request our assistance in reinforcing certain strategic areas.”

Garius considered this briefly before responding. ”Approve it. Deploy the necessary forces. Coordination is key.”

Finally, Alf spoke up. ”Additionally, the Elven Kingdom has stationed their elite troops near their borders. It seems every major power is taking this gathering seriously.”

Garius smirked slightly. ”As they should.”

The room fell into a brief silence as the weight of the upcoming meeting settled over them. This was no ordinary gathering; this was the moment when the continentʼs rulers would decide its future.

”Rasdingen.”

”Aye, mʼlord?” The giant dwarf grumbled, arms crossed.

”Chieftain Guramak from the Dwarven Kingdom—”

”Bah! Like I care for that fool.”

Garius sighed. ”Heʼs your cousin.”

Rasdingen shrugged, unimpressed. ”So? He can handle himself. Heʼs no weakling, and his elite troops are among the best.”

Alf stepped forward. ”Our units stationed with the chieftain report that all dwarven troops have been deployed to secure the roads leading to the Beastkin Kingdom. Thereʼs no sign of any threat so far.”

Garius nodded in approval. ”Good. What about the Dragonkin?”

One of the officers spoke next. ”They will arrive in their dragon forms and land at the designated Beastkin landing zones. Their elite units will then coordinate with the Beastkin forces to secure the area.”

Garius sighed, rubbing his temples. ”Haa… fine. Marcellus.”

Marcellus straightened. ”Yes, Esteemed Father?”

”Go call Javier here. While Iʼm away—since your mother and Eriditih will also be with me—it will be your responsibility, alongside Cedric, to ensure our region remains safe.”

Marcellus perked up. ”Yes, Esteemed Father!”

”Good. Now go fetch that brat.”

Marcellus bowed respectfully before turning on his heel and rushing out of the room.

Inside, he was grinning wickedly. Sorry, little brother, but you should accompany Father instead of me.

He strolled through the estate, knowing exactly where to find his little brother.

Javier was predictable. If he wasnʼt at the workshop, heʼd be with Liana and Gloria. And if Marcellus wasnʼt mistaken…

The pekko pen.

That meant grilled meat and a lazy afternoon.

Sure enough, as he arrived, he found Javier peacefully napping on Lianaʼs lap, with Gloria sitting nearby, flipping through a book.

Marcellus cleared his throat. ”Ahem!”

Javier slowly cracked an eye open, blinking up at his older brother. ”Hmm? Oh, big brother… whatʼs up?”

Marcellus crossed his arms. ”Father is calling for you.”

Javier groaned and sat up. ”Ehhh?! Why? He was just here before!”

”I donʼt know. You better go meet him now.”

Javier slumped forward dramatically. ”Ugh! Fine…”

Javier stood up, brushing away imaginary dirt from his clothes.

Liana and Gloria silently prepared to follow him.

Marcellus, watching them, suddenly remembered something. ”Oh? Whereʼs that Amazarak girl?”

Javier shrugged. ”Dunno… last I saw, she was chasing Brother Cedric.”

Marcellus stared at him before bursting out, ”Pfft—BWAHAHAHAHAHA!!!”

Javier frowned. ”Whatʼs so funny?”

Marcellus grinned, waggling his eyebrows. ”I thought she was going to be in your—” he made a vague gesture, ”collection.”

Javier sighed, shaking his head. ”No. I donʼt want any more headaches.”

With a casual smirk, he glanced at Liana and Gloria. ”Besides, these two are already perfect for me.”

Liana smiled shyly, her cheeks tinged pink.

Gloria adjusted her glasses, glancing away. ”…Ara.”

Marcellus grinned mischievously. ”Oh, by the way, little brother…”

Javier gave him a lazy glance. ”Hmm?”

Marcellus patted his shoulder. ”Good luck.”

Javier narrowed his eyes. ”...For what?”

Marcellus smirked. ”For accompanying Father to the meeting.”

Javier froze, then his face twisted in horror. ”EEHHH!? This was your plan, wasnʼt it!?”

Marcellus burst into laughter, stepping back. ”Bwahahahaha!”

Javier pointed at him. ”You traitor! I knew something was off when you were being polite!”

Marcellus waved as he walked away. ”Have fun, little brother~!”

Javier grumbled, glancing around to make sure their father wasnʼt nearby. ”…Damn.”

Liana tilted her head. ”Young master?”

Gloria smiled gently. ”It seems weʼll be sightseeing in the Beastkin Kingdom.”

Javier sighed. ”Yeah… Letʼs hope everything goes as planned.”

Liana placed a reassuring hand on his arm. ”Iʼm sure it will, young master.”

Javier frowned slightly. ”…You never know.” His tone turned firm. ”This time, donʼt forget to wear the accessories and the special maid uniforms I crafted for you.”

Gloria nodded. ”Of course, young master.”

Liana smiled softly. ”We understand.”

Javier clenched his fists, his gaze serious. ”I wonʼt lose any of you again. I wonʼt let anything like before happen.”

Liana and Gloria exchanged a glance, their expressions gentle yet determined.

Liana stepped closer. ”Weʼll stay by your side, always.”

Gloria added softly, ”No matter what happens, young master.”

Javier stepped into the private room, his usual carefree demeanor fading under his fatherʼs piercing gaze.

Lord Garius sat at the head of the table, flanked by Hesbeirn, Alf, and several high-ranking officers. His mere presence commanded silence.

Without hesitation, the briefing—or rather, the lecture—began.

Javier stood still, listening carefully. He knew better than to interrupt when his father was this serious; not even a joke would save him now.

After what felt like an eternity of strategy discussions, Garius finally leaned back, his sharp gaze locking onto Javier.

”And Javier.”

Javier straightened instinctively. ”Yes, esteemed father?”

”Be prepared.”

Javier blinked. ”…Huh?”

Garius narrowed his eyes. ”Youʼll understand soon enough.”

Javier felt a chill run down his spine. What the hell does that mean?!!

( End of Chapter )