Reborn As Noble Chapter 1192: Marked by the Prince ( 1192 )

Liana let out a soft sigh, shaking her head. "Come now, Young Master~ You must keep your focus.”

"Right, right. Sheesh." Javier offered a small smile, glanced over at Gracelle, and muttered beneath his breath.

"I truly hope this first operation succeeds. Father assured me that if I adhere to his instructions, we shall be able to save her."

Liana stood beside him and offered a reassuring smile.

"Do not fret, Young Master. I have full confidence in your abilities." She reached out, her hand gently wrapping around his arm.

Javier exhaled, a calm smile gracing his features.

"Very well. It is time to prove that Father’s advice rings true. I will apply every ounce of my knowledge, experience, and skill to ensure this operation is executed perfectly."

Meanwhile.

Inside the temporary structure positioned next to the surgical ward.

Garius and Francesca occupied seats at the table while their maids attended to their needs with food and drink.

Gloria sat with the others, including Felicia, Delya, and Mimi. Her lips were pursed, her eyes fixed blankly on the meal before her.

Mou! It is always Liana, Liana, Liana.

It was only because she had managed to master two rare healing arts from the Golden Tome of Knowledge, which Lady Francesca had graciously permitted them to study, and the tome itself had selected the most fitting skills for each of them.

Hmph! She was the only one fortunate enough to acquire two special abilities. Moreover, one of them was exactly what the Young Master required today.

Gloria pouted, stabbing at her plate with a fork as she sighed.

Francesca caught the sound, offered a gentle smile, and turned her attention to her.

"Gloria?"

Gloria startled slightly, snapping out of her internal monologue.

"Y... yes, Lady Mother?"

"Is all well? Is the food not to your liking?" Francesca set aside her cutlery and dabbed her mouth with a napkin.

"Ah... no, it is excellent." Gloria forced a soft smile and continued to eat.

"Ara~ Gloria~ Honey Bun is just nearby. He is right in the room next door, and I am certain the operation will not take long. Try not to worry so much~" Francesca gave a light chuckle, raising a palm to her lips.

Gloria nodded with a faint smile. "Mm~"

Garius surveyed all of Javier’s companions before turning his gaze toward Alf.

"Alf?"

Alf bowed slightly as he stepped forward.

"Yes, Your Majesty?"

Garius took a slow sip of the wine provided by Erinette before resting the glass on the table. "What of Rolland and Sylvia?"

"They are currently upstairs, Your Majesty. Our unit is observing them to ensure their physical and mental state is stable following the ordeal. We are also verifying that no residual curses or mental manipulations remain active."

"Mm... excellent." Garius leaned back into his seat. "Tell me, Alf."

"Yes, Your Majesty?" Alf wore a faint smirk.

"I believe we are familiar with that butler. Regardless of his disguise, he is Hanarak, is he not? From that organization—what do they call it?" Garius laughed softly. "The Dark Veil?"

Alf chuckled and shook his head with amusement. "Indeed, Your Majesty. It appears he never learned his lesson for he has established his own network of assassins."

Garius shook his head, a faint smile on his face. "He served under Klimbert back in the day, correct?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. He functioned as a third-rate assassin for Klimbert before striking out on his own to form his current group."

Francesca laughed gracefully, setting her utensils down to wipe her lips with her napkin.

"Ah~ The very man who became obsessed with shadow magics, yet failed to seize those wretches who dare style themselves as 'celestial'~"

"It is as you say, My Lady." Erinette chuckled and refilled Francesca’s glass with golden wine. "That man never changed, never learned, and never intended to repent. He is simply too consumed by his erroneous pursuit of power."

Garius smiled. "Do you recall those days, Alf?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. I remember well when I was poised to finish him." Alf smiled. "But you granted him his life, offering him the chance to choose a different path."

"And yet, he chose the wrong one," Garius noted, his voice calm but shadowed by a layer of disappointment. "Does this imply that the true butler of Mathrias, Farajan, has been killed?"

Alf’s expression hardened. "I believe so, Your Majesty. Hanarak is masterfully skilled in infiltration and mimicry, and the real Farajan was a model of loyalty. It is highly probable he was disposed of long ago to facilitate this deception."

"So, Hanarak and his associates wormed their way into Mathrias, posing as loyal staff, and systematically weakened the region by keeping Gracelle afflicted. By prolonging her state, they drained Rolland and Sylvia’s attention and resources, leaving the land ripe for a foreign takeover."

Alf tightened his glove. "It appears they were setting the stage for a full-scale assassination effort masked as a demon raid, utilizing rift-summoned monsters and manipulation magic to hide their tracks."

Garius rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Alf?"

"Yes, Your Majesty?" Alf bowed from his position at Garius's side.

"There are two territories neighboring Mathrias, are there not?" Garius leaned back, arms crossed, his gaze fixed.

"Indeed, Your Majesty. Northeast of Mathrias lies the Haghrab Region under High Baron Blaszen, and to the northwest is the Bardigas Region held by Viscount Dasmen."

Garius let out a chuckle. "Ah, yes, Dasmen... the man who spends his time currying favor with King Kimar... one of the King’s favored nobles~ This feels connected." Garius shot a side-glance of amusement at Alf.

"However, we cannot lodge accusations without concrete proof, and we aren't yet certain who employed Hanarak or provided the coin to the House of Dark Veil for this job." Garius sighed, his expression lingering in deep thought. "Though, it is certain the House of Dark Veil is at the heart of this, especially since Hanarak himself handled the infiltration and orchestration of this plot."

Alf smirked. "If Your Majesty requires a plan or preparation to dismantle the House of Dark Veil, I am ready."

"Ah, Alf~ I know you are merely goading me, but pray don't forget the point you made earlier."

Alf smirked and bowed. "My apologies for the rudeness. I nearly forgot the 'important matter' I mentioned. According to the intelligence from our command hub, Prince Javier has already set his sights on them."

"Precisely." Garius leaned forward and reached for his wine again. "I gave him my word that he would be the one to handle this, particularly regarding Gracelle’s condition." He chuckled lightly. "And I am certain he will refuse to let any of us intervene. He would not listen to me even if I forbade it... well, I suppose we shall simply observe from the periphery."

Garius glanced at Alf and smiled. "Do not fret... when the time comes, I am certain Javier will grant you the honor of finally dealing with Hanarak, just as you were meant to do long ago."

( End Of Chapter )