Reborn As Noble Chapter 1172: Burden of Protection ( 1172 )

"Yes, esteemed Father." Javier bowed once more. "I grasp the duty and embrace it fully."

"Excellent." Garius offered a subtle grin before shifting his gaze to Marcellus and Cedric.

"You two shall manage the administrative tasks from now until my return from the Mathrias Region. Make certain that the kingdom's matters proceed without a hitch while I'm gone."

"Ehhh!?" Marcellus and Cedric shared a look, their faces plainly showing displeasure.

They both cast a quick peek toward Javier.

Javier caught their eyes and replied in a hushed tone. "I apologize, brothers."

"You realize we're no pushovers, and our forces are robust. Plus, with Hesbeirn selecting the finest soldiers, and us at the helm, victory seems assured." Marcellus flashed a slight smile, murmuring quietly.

"I regret it, Brother Marcellus. Yet with my puppet knights, there's zero chance of harm or wounds. And as this task aids a neighboring area, it's wiser for Armand to guard our homeland rather than venture abroad."

Javier let out a breath and went on. "Though outsiders recognize Armand's might, they could bide their time for a weak moment, such as when our troops move to support the Mathrias region. Despite boasting more than 120,000 seasoned warriors, sending out even 20,000 might hint at diminished power to lurking foes."

He looked at them both, then shook his head. "Sure, our unique healer squad could help minimize losses, but peril to our fighters lingers. I refuse to expose our troops to that when I can achieve identical results with no sacrifices."

Garius reclined on his throne, fingers intertwined before him, observing Javier detail the hazards to his siblings.

"Thus, I refuse to endanger my brothers' lives, my family's, or our citizens'. Should Armand face invasion, I'd gladly send any kin to command the defense or a campaign. Safeguarding our realm falls under our royal obligations as Armands."

"Yeah, yeah." Marcellus grinned wryly and shook his head. "Now Cedric and I get stuck drowning in documents."

Cedric let out a quiet laugh. "I wager you're thrilled deep down, getting revenge for all our jabs about your desk duties."

Javier simply grinned and whispered. "No... It's since you've both wed so lately. I wish for you to cherish moments with your spouses, not gamble your safety on distant fields of battle."

"Alright then. If you're so set on it," Marcellus replied, halting to shoot Javier a stern look. "You mustn't perish during this endeavor."

Cedric laughed lightly. "Right. As the primary successor to the crown, you'll wind up handling paperwork for eternity regardless."

Garius wore a gentle smile, eyeing his sons banter while revealing their profound bond.

He cleared his throat lightly, prompting all three to snap to attention, faces growing solemn.

"Have you all reached a consensus?"

"Yes, esteemed Father," they chorused together.

Francesca beamed, her face radiating pride and fondness for her boys.

Garius inclined his head and eyed them. "Marcellus, Cedric."

"Yes, esteemed Father?"

"Your aides will aid you in the clerical work. I'm unsure of the duration in that place, but it won't drag on. With Aelius and Athine's wedding set for the day after next, I intend to attend."

"Yes, esteemed Father."

He lifted his eyes to Javier.

"Javier?"

"Yes, esteemed Father?" Javier regarded Garius, who folded his arms and eased back into his seat.

"Ready the GAASAD. Choose the number of units required for the journey. I'll request Alf to provide guards, and Hesbeirn will accompany us with select elite squads, plus Erinette and her dedicated special battle maid group." Garius halted, eyeing Alf before returning to Javier. "You understand who else joins us, so handle the preparations accordingly."

"Yes, esteemed Father."

"Fine. Departure happens in half an hour. See to it that all is set and primed."

Once Javier exited the chamber, Garius turned to Marcellus and Cedric.

"Marcellus, Cedric."

"Yes, esteemed Father?"

"You should comprehend why Javier claims this task personally. He's long been a shield for his kin, particularly since the initial conflict, when Liana and Gloria almost slipped away. That ordeal reshaped him."

"We get it, esteemed Father." Marcellus dipped his head. "Our younger sibling's nature is clear—he treasures family above all and abhors the thought of bereavement."

Cedric chimed in with a quiet, admiring grin. "That's his way always. We respect him for it."

Francesca's smile softened. "It's not favoritism toward Javier alone. Rather... he bears a unique weight that compels him to shield us all, often sacrificing himself."

Garius looked toward Alf and Erinette. "Gear up your squads for protection detail, and ready yourselves too."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Alf and Erinette grinned, hands on their left chests, offering a courteous bow.

"Also, reach out to Hesbeirn. Have him arrive here with a handful of our top elite forces. And summon Gilmon to the estate; he'll oversee the family's security in our stead."

"As you command, Your Majesty."

"Good." Garius peered back at Marcellus and Cedric. "If concerns about your spouses linger, consider having them join you, but spare them the drudgery of papers."

"Yes, esteemed Father."

"Fine. Now go inquire if your wives wish to come along." Garius smirked. "They're no strangers to the tasks, given Lithia, Harny, Meira, and Zania served as your personal attendants once."

He grinned, eyes narrowing playfully at them. "Ensure they avoid strain. With all four expecting, prioritize their well-being and ease."

( End Of Chapter )