Reborn As Noble Chapter 1171: Royal Duty and Brotherly Love ( 1171 )

Upon reaching his father's private chamber, Javier knocked on the door and stepped inside upon hearing his father's voice.

He observed his brothers positioned before their father's desk, hands folded behind their backs in a stance of strict deference, faces grave and focused.

He saw his mother, Francesca, sitting next to his father, her face bearing an uncommon gravity.

I ponder what this meeting concerns.

And the reason Marcellus and Cedric adopt such a stance.

Yet I sense this carries weight.

Merely observing Father's rigid countenance, Alf's stern look, and Erinette's composed yet intent manner.

Though I recognize their usual demeanor, this marks the initial occasion I've witnessed my mother displaying that uncommon, grave visage.

"Hmm? Javier? Excellent." Garius stood up from his chair, placing his hands behind his back as he approached his sons. His bearing exuded command, steady and resolute. "Now join your brothers in position."

Father seldom requires us to stand in this manner, save for grave events or missions of exceptional peril.

Could it involve an impending conflict?

Or maybe a foe surpassing all prior adversaries in strength?

Yet why summon Marcellus and Cedric as well?

He realizes I possess the capability to manage virtually any defensive or offensive operation. Should Kimar attempt aggression or initiate hostilities against us, there's no cause to involve my siblings.

He cast a quick look at Marcellus, followed by Cedric.

Particularly given their recent unions mere days prior.

Garius gradually resumed his seat upon the throne and inclined forward, interlocking his fingers with lips concealed behind them as he sharpened his gaze.

"Marcellus, Cedric."

"Yes, esteemed Father." They maintained rigid attention, embodying regal discipline in their forms.

"As previously outlined, amid the civil war set to erupt shortly, you both shall command our forces to support the Mathrias Region." Garius spoke with firm, commanding tone. "Displaying Armand’s emblem there shall discourage neighboring areas from launching assaults on Mathrias."

He released a prolonged breath prior to proceeding. "Alf will provide your briefing, while Hesbeirn serves as your superior officer. He shall position the forces, particularly the naval units, for this endeavor."

"Yes, esteemed Father."

Javier clenched his jaw and slammed his foot down, the noise piercing the hushed chamber. "Esteemed Father."

"Hmm? What's on your mind, Javier?" Garius regarded him, face impassive.

"Pardon me..." Javier started, voice courteous yet resolute. "However, as you're aware, an assignment of this nature falls to me. Were I to undertake it, our soldiers and my brothers would face zero peril. I guarantee victory devoid of needless losses."

Garius reclined and stroked his chin in contemplation.

He interlocked his fingers ahead and scrutinized Javier’s features.

"No. You've undertaken sufficient tasks already. Though your achievements remain impressive, we can't rely solely on you for such operations. Marcellus and Cedric require field command practice with the troops."

Garius halted and fixed his stare on Javier’s eyes. "Moreover, a weightier task awaits you."

Javier grew quiet.

Garius pressed on. "You recall Gracelle, don't you?"

"Yes, esteemed Father." Javier inclined his head, face turning grave.

Garius laid the three-sheet missive upon the desk. "Examine this."

Javier advanced, picked up the document, and perused it deliberately.

Garius breathed out gently, his voice even, severe, and weighty. "Per that correspondence, Gracelle has been ailing for some time. The nature of her affliction remains unknown. We only grasp that her days are numbered."

He went on. "Given this note dates back a week... her state might have deteriorated further. Uncertainty lingers regarding her survival."

He directed a look at Javier, who scanned the letter with strained features, then settled back into his throne. "Thus, your duty involves deploying your creation, the GAASAD-1, to transport us to the Mathrias Region. In that manner, we might at minimum..." Garius rose and pivoted away, hands clasped at his rear. "...offer her a last farewell."

Javier spotted Garius’s knuckles blanching as he muttered lowly. "Thus allowing me to confront and strike Rolland for concealing this from me, his confidant."

"I comprehend, esteemed Father." Javier offered a deferential nod.

Even as Garius pivoted toward him, Javier spoke again.

"Yet I decline."

Francesca’s gaze expanded. "Darling..."

Alf shook his head, while Erinette halted her tasks.

Garius’s right eye shimmered subtly, despite his serene expression.

Javier regarded his father. "I shall employ my devices, including GAASAD-1, 2, and 3, to convey us all for the visit. However, I reject endangering my brothers' lives over this issue."

Javier dipped in a slight bow once more. "Gracelle holds... friendship with me too. Still, I refuse to jeopardize my kin's safety for such an assignment. Therefore, esteemed Father, permit me to assume every task. Whatever dangers you intend for them that threaten their lives or those of Armand’s forces, now or henceforth, I will manage them all."

He rose upright, face determined. "And I shall ready the GAASAD in the yard in under five minutes."

Garius peered into Javier’s eyes.

Javier held his stare with a grave yet courteous demeanor, stance solid but yielding. "As the destination esteemed Father plans for them aligns with Gracelle's location, I deem it wiser and more secure for me to address both concerns."

Garius positioned both hands at his back and observed him with a subtle, perceptive grin.

"Are you certain, Javier De Armand?"

"Yes, esteemed Father." Javier bowed respectfully. "Should esteemed Father desire experience for my brothers and sister, I humbly propose clerical work or roles inside Armand and Arjam. But for perilous ventures like this... kindly allow me to proceed."

"You realize that uttering this seals it irrevocably."

( End Of Chapter )