Reborn As Noble Chapter 1214: A Full Stomach, A Sharp Mind ( 1214 )

There’s no cause for concern regarding those novel cannon variants, as they offer no danger to the Armand defense network I’ve established.

Should they attempt to deploy them, my automated defense arrays will obliterate everything well before it nears the Armand border fortifications.

Safeguarding the Armand citizens and my family stands as my utmost priority.

Arjam falls under that protection as well.

The real concern emerges if they turn those weapons on our allies.

Near Amazarak lies... the Elven Kingdom.

He cast a look at Garius, immersed in his breakfast, then toward his mother.

Best to wrap up this meal beforehand... raising such issues at breakfast could sour the ambiance.

Hmm... constructing extra anti-air mana missile systems might prove wise. Though I’ve already assembled roughly 2,000 and positioned multiples at crucial sites around Armand and Arjam, strengthening our barriers further carries no downside.

Requiring only mana—which Armand’s Mana Relay Towers supply abundantly—ammo poses no issue. Regular maintenance and additional puppet knights stationed with Armand troops for security will do.

I ought to confer with Father on erecting a fresh defense framework for our nearest allies.

These enigmatic new humans, source unknown, wield quasi-modern armaments, leaving no room for complacency.

Garius, spotting Javier’s halt in eating, laid aside his knife and fork, then grasped his beverage.

"Javier?"

Javier shook off his musings. "Yes, Esteemed Father?"

"Cease plotting plans and actions during meals. Much burdens your thoughts, I know, but attend to your food first. A hearty breakfast refreshes the mind and fuels superior reasoning."

"I’m sorry, Father."

Garius smirked lightly. "I know plenty weighs on you. Yet at times, a brief pause to rest and renew is vital. The world won’t crumble if you finish eating first."

Garius set his drink aside, glanced at Francesca—who smiled tenderly—then returned his attention to Javier.

"Should the world shatter, should all our creations dissolve into dust by tomorrow, rebuilding paths always exist. History unfolds as endless cycles of ruin pursued by sturdier foundations. Fallen ancient walls furnish the exact stones required for grander reconstructions. Only the man shunning tools amid rubble-lamentation truly dooms his legacy."

He exhaled deeply and eyed Alf and Erinette.

"Armand once succumbed to invaders in my youth—you’ve heard the tale from your mother, surely."

Javier dropped his gaze to the table. "Y... yes... Father."

Garius smiled warmly, retrieved his utensils, and regarded Javier.

"No issue, crisis, or trial ever sours my supper. Lose all tomorrow? We rebuild the day after. A filled stomach and keen mind hasten the task immensely. Hunger fogs decisions; a nourished, rested intellect reveals sharper trails and robust remedies."

For the moment... Garius grinned. "Tend to your tasks. Examine Gracelle’s status first, then bring your desired report when set."

"Yes, Esteemed Father."

"Good. Eat."

Javier nodded and resumed his breakfast.

After breakfast.

In the adjacent building’s initial zone, Myra aided Javier as he donned surgical scrubs, cap, and face mask.

"Myra?"

"Yes, Your Highness?" Myra replied, fine-tuning his garb.

"Did you and the healers rest sufficiently?"

"Yes, Your Highness. Shifts are organized separately—four hours apiece—to keep all refreshed while ensuring nonstop care."

"Oh." Javier nodded, securing his surgical mask. "What’s her status?"

"Gracelle fares well currently. She’s rested soundly, with monitors displaying steady vitals and advancing recovery."

"Relieved to hear that." Javier moved to the sink, scrubbing his hands meticulously.

Geared in full surgical attire, cap, mask, and gloves, he advanced to the second zone, locating Gracelle’s chamber.

Escorted by Myra and Kalea, he grinned beneath his mask.

They entered upon reaching it.

He examined the monitoring devices and her arm’s IV line.

Gracelle roused gradually, sensing nearby figures.

"Ah... Umm..." Shy and frail in her patient gown, Gracelle fidgeted, tugging her blanket to veil her lips.

"Good morning." Javier smiled under his mask. "How do you feel?"

Gracelle squirmed, blanket still over her lips, peeking up as Javier inspected her arm tube. "Umm... I’m... I’m good."

"Any stomach pain?"

Gracelle suppressed a giggle as Javier softly thumb-pressed her abdomen.

"U... um... no... I don’t feel any pain... anymore."

Myra sidled next to Javier, smiling masked. "This is the doctor who saved you."

"Re... really?" Gracelle eyed Javier’s gaze, then yanked her blanket to hide her eyes. "Umm... thank... thank you."

Javier smiled. "We’ll reassess in a few hours. Alert them to any pain or unease, alright?"

"Mm..." Gracelle nodded from behind her blanket, then lowered it to reveal her eyes. "I’m..."

"Hmm?" Javier met her eyes. "Yes?"

"Umm... I’m... I’m thirsty..."

Javier chuckled lightly. "Ah, apologies. Post-surgery monitoring requires no food or drink for several more hours."

"So... umm... I... I can’t drink or eat?" Gracelle eyed Javier.

"Not quite yet. Fluids will resume gradually once your system’s prepared."

"But... without drinking... won’t I... die?" Gracelle queried anxiously.

Javier chuckled gently. "Don’t worry." He indicated the IV. "This delivers fluids and nutrients straight to your blood, preventing dehydration. It aids healing sans digestive stress."

"B... but... I feel thirsty." Pleading with puppy-dog eyes, she gazed at him. "Can I at least... umm... drink some water?"

"Okay. Endure a bit longer, and I’ll have them offer a tiny sip."

"Umm... okay." Gracelle fidgeted, murmuring. "Th... thank you."

( End Of Chapter )