Reborn As Noble Chapter 1209: More Than a Civil War ( 1209 )
Previously on Reborn As Noble...
Erinette's face lit up with a smile.
"Armand’s foes, particularly the nobles and the Human Kingdom, merely recognize that Armand has progressed far. Yet they fail to grasp the full scope of our armaments and fortifications."
Alf nodded. "Indeed, Your Majesty. Their awareness stops at the flying metal contraptions, the weapons that fire and burst, the mana relay towers, our formidable forces, our thriving economy, Armand's dominance as supplier of ores and provisions—especially white gold, cocoa, Pekko fertilizer, frozen goods, and naturally, our adored Pekko. They've witnessed our iron vessels afloat, our warships, and various overt innovations, but the finer points elude them."
"Yes, Your Majesty." Erinette dipped into a graceful bow. "Only those who clashed with our might in combat... and fell... truly comprehend our power. No enemy spies have infiltrated to document or unravel Armand’s genuine strength."
"Mm..." Garius nodded, his eyes flicking back to the map.
"Since they might remain ignorant that Tybalt enjoys our safeguard and can reach Armand by sea, allowing his folk to dock at our harbors, we must still notify our naval forces and port overseers."
Alf let out a chuckle, shaking his head. "Your Majesty, our Pekko already lounge leisurely across Armand and Arjam. They eye strangers with suspicion, trailing any oddballs while shrieking loudly all the way."
"Ah..." Garius burst into a booming laugh. "You refer to that recent event, right? When a wild Pekko knocked a shady figure flat, pinned him with its claws, and squawked triumphantly, acting like it had nabbed a foe spy all by itself in Arjam?"
"Precisely, Your Majesty. Our port guards and watchmen were on high alert then, yet the Pekko wouldn't hold back. They mobbed the spy, pecking relentlessly, with one kicking him down and clamping him under its talons before he could utter a word... Our staff at the scene were rather... taken aback."
"Aren’t they just adorable~?" Francesca beamed sweetly. "That’s the Pekko’s charm. Beyond us and our troops, no one realizes their extraordinary traits: wielding magic skills, sharp instincts and senses, plus the ability to strike back fiercely."
Garius grinned, nostalgia softening his features. "I was fortunate to encounter Giddie as a boy. Soon after, he led his entire flock. I recall Giddie back then wasn’t nearly his current size. No records exist on Pekko origins. They’re utterly unique, popping up abruptly in Armand, and now..." Garius chuckled lightly, shaking his head. "They roam freely all over Armand."
Francesca smiled quietly, murmuring under her breath. "Good thing they’re with us..."
Garius cocked his head. "Honey?"
Francesca met his gaze, her smile innocent. "Yes, dear?"
"Did you say something?"
"Nothing, dear. Nothing at all. I just think the Pekko are so cute~"
"Oh..." Garius looked up at the ceiling.
I wonder what my wife just muttered.
Well... it probably doesn’t matter much.
Garius shrugged and resumed scanning the report, flipping pages before halting.
"Alf?"
"Yes, Your Majesty?" Alf leaned closer, eyeing the section Garius indicated.
"This... Amazarak?" Garius looked up at Alf.
Alf pressed his palm to his left chest. "Yes, Your Majesty. We obtained this image yesterday, per your orders."
"Wasn’t the Amazarak Kingdom meant to vanish, ceasing as a nation? Conquered by the Halfling Kingdom... wasn’t it?"
"That was the plan, Your Majesty," Alf clarified. "However, the ongoing civil strife in the Halfling Kingdom has left Amazarak rulerless."
Garius studied the image and report. "So Amazarak is rising again... but with their queen no longer governing, her location unknown? Even her sister Zania lacks word on her. Our scouts and intel haven’t located her either, correct?"
"Correct, Your Majesty," Alf confirmed. "Zephyra’s position is still a mystery. Our last intel dates years back, during Kenjirou’s assault on the Halfling Kingdom alongside her, which ended in defeat. Even in the Celestial War, as Prince Javier battled the fallen King Edmund, Kenjirou targeted Prince Javier yet fell to Kliatana. Zephyra wasn’t close by then—our intel and Shadow teams verified her absence."
Garius stared at the image. "If Zephyra isn’t the one restoring her realm... then who?"
A particular photo drew his sharp gaze, sharpening his focus intensely.
His expression grew grave.
"Alf."
"Yes, Your Majesty?"
"Alert Hesbeirn, Gilmon, Jarman, and Savran. Warn them our time is short. Ensure all preparations surge forward, drilling soldiers, units, elites, and all hands to peak readiness."
He clutched the report firmly. "Alf... drill every assassin we have, and instruct our Shadow Master to hone and pick his top operatives. Erinette?"
"Yes, Your Majesty?" Erinette advanced, her demeanor composed and resolute.
"Prepare all battle maid units, special to elite. Guarantee full readiness. Have Rasdingen and the seamstresses forge superior armor and gear for our troops. Arm everyone with Javier’s creations: mana guns, magic blades, mana bombs—whatever they can wield."
"As you command, Your Majesty."
"Alf?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Ensure Pekko riders from every Pekko unit reach utmost proficiency. Provide the finest feed for all Pekko, keep them in prime shape, and boost their care budget."
Garius eyed the map once more.
"We could confront threats... far beyond mere civil unrest."
Francesca peered at the report Garius held, her face hardening.
"So... they possess that too, do they?"
Garius rubbed his nose bridge. "Seems we’ll tangle with even thornier adversaries."
Meanwhile, within the chamber.
Liana eyed Javier, who gazed intently at his mana personal computer.
"Young Master?"
"Hmm?" Javier turned to Liana.
"Yes, Liana?"
"Why such a grave look?" Liana inquired softly, curiosity lacing her voice.
"Oh? Hmm... it’s nothing. Probably just fatigue."
"Then rest up, Young Master~" Gloria shot him a sly, knowing look. "And maybe we can... you know~"
Javier offered a slight smile. "Perhaps later. I’ll unwind after finishing this check. It’ll be quick."
"What’s on the screen, Young Master?" Liana approached, peering over at it.
"Hmm? This picture’s in motion... Watching a video?"
"Ah... no. It’s a live stream from... select locations." Javier maneuvered his mouse, tapping keys to zoom fluidly until centering on men in distinctive armor beneath mana lamps.
( End Of Chapter )