Reborn As Noble

Chapter 181 A Toast to Trouble ( 181 )

Gariusʼs sharp gaze moved over the three brothers, his arms crossed as he made his decision. ”You three will share one room.”

”Ehhhh!!?” the three of them yelped at the same time, their earlier confidence disappearing instantly.

”But—” Marcellus started, but he froze when his fatherʼs piercing glare fell on him. Even Cedric, the strongest Paladin in the kingdom, and Marcellus, the famous strongest mage, didnʼt dare meet Gariusʼs eyes.

Javier, younger but still defiant, opened his mouth to protest but quickly shut it when Gariusʼs gaze turned toward him.

The three stood stiff as statues, their energy drained away, leaving them with no choice but to agree. ”Yes, esteemed Father!” they said together, their voices filled with reluctant respect.

”Good,” Garius said simply, his tone calm but firm, leaving no room for argument.

Beside him, Francesca chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling with amusement. ”Dear, youʼre so good at keeping them in line,” she said, resting her hand on his arm.

”Itʼs the only way theyʼll learn,” Garius replied, a faint smirk on his face.

The three brothers exchanged helpless glances, silently accepting their fate. Behind them, Aelius, Athine, and Heres watched quietly, relieved they hadnʼt been part of the commotion.

Francescaʼs serene smile remained as she turned her attention to Liana, Meira, and Lithia, who stood quietly behind their masters. ”And you three!” she said sweetly, though her tone had a playful authority. ”Since your masters didnʼt behave well, youʼll also share a room.”

Liana, always composed, gave a small bow. ”As you wish, Madam,” she said calmly, her eyes glinting with quiet acceptance.

”Understood, Madam,” Meira replied with a polite nod, her tail flicking slightly behind her.

”Of course, Madam,” Lithia, the dark elf, added, her voice smooth and respectful as she inclined her head.

Francescaʼs smile widened, clearly pleased with their prompt obedience. ”Good. Maybe some time together will help all of you keep your young masters in check.”

Behind her, Marcellus, Cedric, and Javier exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of guilt and amusement as they watched their maids accept their shared punishment without complaint.

”Haaa...” Javier sighed quietly, glancing at Liana. ”Sorry about this...”

Liana met his gaze with a faint, understanding smile. ”Itʼs nothing, Young Master. Iʼm used to it.”

Marcellus and Cedric, meanwhile, avoided eye contact with their maids entirely, knowing better than to risk their quiet disapproval.

”Well then,” Francesca said cheerfully, turning back to Garius. ”Shall we make sure everything is in order, dear?”

”Yes,” Garius replied with a nod, giving one last glance at his sons and their maids. ”Letʼs hope this lesson sticks.”

Francescaʼs serene smile remained as she looked at her sons. ”And donʼt wander outside the mansion, okay?” she said sweetly, though her authority was clear.

”Yes, Mother!” all three brothers replied in unison, standing up straight like scolded schoolboys.

Just as Javier was about to relax, his sharp eyes spotted a figure approaching—a beautiful woman with long white hair, glowing horns, and an undeniable air of power. It was Eridith, the White Flame, walking with her usual regal grace.

”Aaaaaahhh!!” Javier suddenly pointed at her, his voice filled with shock and disbelief. ”That lizard! Why is she here?!”

Without hesitation, he stepped protectively in front of Liana. ”Liana! Get back!”

”Yes, Young Master,” Liana replied softly, stepping behind him, but her calm demeanor remained steady.

Before Javier could say anything more, a swift smack landed on the back of his head.

”Eeeeppp!” Javier yelped, rubbing the sore spot as he turned to his mother. ”Why, Mother!?”

Francesca crossed her arms, her smile unchanged. ”Sheʼs Eridith, and she will soon be your stepmother..”

”Ehhhh!!!???” Javierʼs jaw nearly dropped. ”Father is going to marry this... this lizard!?”

Eridithʼs frosty blue eyes narrowed as she crossed her arms, a smirk appearing on her lips. ”What did you just say, kid?”

Before Javier could respond, he froze as he watched his mother step forward and, without hesitation, grab one of Eridithʼs horns.

”Eeeeek!! Francesca!” Eridith squealed, her composed demeanor disappearing as she flailed in protest. ”Donʼt pull my horn! Let go! It hurts!”

Javier blinked in disbelief. The dragon woman, whom he had fought and thought was incredibly strong, was helplessly flailing under his motherʼs grip.

”This lizard is strong... yet...” Javier muttered under his breath, completely confused by the scene.

”Eridith,” Francesca said sweetly, still holding her grip on the horn, ”you promised not to scare the children. What part of that promise do you not understand?”

”I wasnʼt scaring anyone!” Eridith protested, her voice rising as she squirmed. ”Youʼre the one scaring me right now!”

Marcellus and Cedric, who had been watching the scene unfold with barely concealed unease, exchanged a quick glance. Knowing it was safer to avoid drawing their motherʼs attention, they casually turned away, pretending they hadnʼt seen anything.

”Oi, little brother,” Marcellus said quietly, nudging Javierʼs shoulder. ”Letʼs go.”

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”Fine...” Javier muttered, though his eyes were still on the spectacle of Francesca effortlessly pulling on Eridithʼs horn while the dragon woman flailed helplessly.

The three brothers walked quickly down the hallway, their steps a bit faster than usual, eager to avoid any potential fallout from their motherʼs commanding presence. Behind them, Francescaʼs voice carried faintly, her tone sweet but firm as she continued to lecture Eridith.

”You promised to behave, Eridith. Now, do you understand what that means, or do I need to remind you again?”

”Eek! No! I understand! Just let go of my horn!”

Marcellus and Cedric exchanged another glance, their expressions unreadable but in sync with the same unspoken thought: Never get on Motherʼs bad side.

”You two are way too calm about this,” Javier muttered as they walked.

”Experience, little brother,” Cedric replied with a hint of a smirk. ”Youʼll learn.”

”Or youʼll just get smacked more,” Marcellus added with a chuckle, earning an annoyed glare from Javier.

Javier slowed down when he noticed Marcellus and Cedric sneaking into one of the side rooms, their movements too careful to be casual.

”What are you guys doing?” Javier whispered, narrowing his eyes suspiciously.

”Shhh!” Marcellus hissed, glancing over his shoulder to make sure no one was following them.

”Huh?” Javier tilted his head in confusion.

”Just come in,” Cedric urged quietly, motioning for him to follow.

”What?”

”Just follow us, little brother,” Marcellus said, his grin widening as he slipped through the door.

Curious, Javier cautiously stepped inside but stopped in his tracks when he realized where they were.

”A wine cellar?” he whispered, his amber eyes lighting up as he saw the rows of neatly arranged bottles lining the walls. ”Wow...” His grin turned mischievous. ”Ehehehehe.”

”Impressive, isnʼt it?” Cedric said with a smirk, pointing at the collection. ”This is one of Fatherʼs private stashes. We found it last time we were here.”

”And now,” Marcellus added, picking up a bottle and examining it closely, ”we get to enjoy the perks of being part of the Armand family.”

Javierʼs grin widened as he walked further into the room, running his fingers along the shelves. ”Father doesnʼt know youʼre doing this, does he?”

”Of course not,” Cedric said, grabbing a bottle of his own. ”Do you think weʼd get away with it if he did?”

”Haaa... Typical you two,” Javier muttered, though he couldnʼt hide his excitement. ”So, whatʼs the plan?”

”Simple,” Marcellus said, popping the cork on his chosen bottle. ”We have a drink before Mother or Father notices weʼre missing.”

”And if they find out?” Javier asked, raising an eyebrow.

”Then youʼll take the blame for following us,” Cedric teased, clinking his bottle against Marcellusʼs.

”Hey! Thatʼs not fair!” Javier protested, but his grin showed he was enjoying the moment.

( End of Chapter )