Reborn As Noble

Chapter 1042: Diplomacy and Duty ( 1042 )

Javier leaned forward, his expression serious.

”I believe our discussion concludes for now. We will continue negotiating terms and related matters once your formal request has been submitted.”

He smiled, a faint, calm curve of his lips.

”Welcome to Armand, Lady Kayra. Hope you enjoy our hospitality here. You don’t need to worry about what’s currently happening to your people or your region, since Armand’s specialized team is monitoring the situation, and my knights...”

Javier tapped his personal mana computer and smirked, ”...have already arrived, and Transport drones are hovering over the enemy lines, and my Knights have them in their sights.”

Kayra swallowed hard. Seeing Javier smile was scary.

”I believe your daughter is with my half-sister, Princess Athine. Rest assured, she is safe.” He motioned a nearby maid forward. ”Mahira...”

”Yes, Prince Javier?”

”Please escort Lady Kayra to her guest room and arrange a proper lunch for her and her daughter. I will be available again in...” He checked the mana watch on his wrist. ”...three to four hours.”

He looked back at Kayra. ”For now, relax. Have lunch with your daughter. Our kitchens will serve you our finest. Let your escort rest as well.”

Kayra was about to say something when Javier cut her off.

”I know you wish to return quickly, but allow me time to prepare the ships and resources needed. This cannot be rushed.”

”Now, Mahira.”

”Yes, Prince Javier?” The maid bowed gracefully.

”Escort our guest to her quarters.”

Javier stood and clasped his hands behind his back, watching Kayra slowly walk toward the huge main door, escorted by the group of maids and several Armand Elite Knights.

The moment the door closed.

Javier slumped into the chair.

”Ugh! I hate formalities.” Javier exhaled heavily, running a hand through his hair.

Liana just chuckled softly from the side while Alf crossed one hand behind his back, the other rubbing his chin with a smirk as he nodded.

”Impressive performance, Prince Javier,” Alf said, his tone carrying genuine approval.

”You laid out the terms clearly, established boundaries without being dismissive, and made the consequences of betrayal unmistakable, all while offering genuine aid. You balanced your father’s compassion with your own strategic caution. That is precisely what a ruler must do.”

He adjusted his glasses slightly. ”You also handled the legal and political implications well, acknowledging the risks to Tybalt, outlining the trade and reconstruction framework, and making it clear that Armand’s core technology remains protected. You gave her hope without making empty promises, and you set expectations that protect our interests.”

Alf’s smirk softened into something closer to pride. ”And the way you used your presence, the aura, the weight behind your words to emphasize the seriousness of your warning... that was not something taught. That came from understanding what is at stake, and what you are willing to defend.”

He gave a slight nod of his head. ”Your father would be pleased.” Alf then glanced meaningfully toward a second door at the side of the hall. ”Wouldn’t you agree, Your Majesty?”

”Huh? What do you mean by that, Alf?” Javier glanced around and noticed the other door slightly ajar, seeing his mother, Francesca, peeking through with a graceful smile.

Ah... crap... if Mother is here and Alf said that, this means... Father is also here.

The door opened.

Garius stepped forward while Francesca walked beside him.

Accompanied by Erinnette, Hesbeirn, Gilmon, and at the back...

Marcellus, Cedric, Aelius, and Heres.

Marcellus started. ”Heh~ My little brother really fits to be the next heir.”

Cedric smirked slyly while rubbing his chin. ”Indeed, brother. Our little brother is really ready to be the next ruler.”

Heres just smiled. While Aelius glanced around.

Alf and Liana placed their palms over their left chests and bowed.

Javier exhaled.

Damn. They were all watching me, huh?

It’s not like I was going to risk Armand’s safety or overextend our reach. I know our limits... even though we don’t really have any when it comes to military power, but politically? Strategically? I know where to draw the line.

”Good job, Javier,” Garius said. ”Looks like you are ready. This means...” He glanced at Francesca, who was beaming with pride, then back at Javier. ”You can handle the responsibilities I’ve been carrying. And since tomorrow is our anniversary, and your mother insisted I take a proper break...”

Francesca leaned against Garius’s arm, her smile warm and triumphant. ”And since Alf and Erinnette never rest either... I believe it’s time they took a day or two off as well. Which means...”

She looked directly at Javier, her eyes gleaming. ”Starting tomorrow, you will take over your father’s duties for two days.”

Garius clasped his hand behind his back. He met Javier’s gaze, his expression serious but proud. ”You handled Lady Kayra well. You understood the stakes, set clear terms, and showed both mercy and strength. That is what ruling requires.” He paused, letting the weight settle. ”Now let us see if you can manage two days of it.”

”Starting tomorrow,” Garius continued, tone leaving no room for debate, ”you will act as the official representative of the Armand crown. You will travel to Tybalt, oversee the initial deployment of aid, ensure the formal request is properly signed, and lay the groundwork for the trade and reconstruction agreements you outlined.”

Javier stood straight. ”I will see to it, Esteemed Father.”

”Good. I will take my leave now.”Garius turned, Francesca’s hand resting lightly on his arm. Alf fell into step behind them, while Javier’s brothers and half-brothers offered grinning waves before filing out of the hall.

The moment the doors closed again, Javier exhaled heavily and slumped into his chair, dropping his chin onto the table, arms splayed across the surface.

”This is why I hate formalities, Liana.”

Liana simply chuckled and moved behind him, her hands settling onto his shoulders.

”Ohh~ Right there... that feels good, Liana.”

She continued kneading gently, her touch easing the stiffness from his neck and back.

”Mmm... this is why I love you, Liana.”

”Really... young master~” Her voice was sweet, but her hands shifted subtly.

”Liana? Why is it starting to...” His voice caught as her grip shifted, no longer soothing, but purposeful, firm.

Liana just smiled, her fingers digging deeper into the tense muscles along his shoulders and neck.

”Eeeeekkk!!! Lianaaaaa!!! Let me go!!!”

( End Of Chapter )