Reborn As Noble Chapter 1224: Trust and Control ( 1224 )

At the same time.

Inside the war room of the adjacent temporary structure.

Javier, fresh from hearing Liana's call via his mana talkie, showed clear worry and shock at her voice.

“L… Liana? What happened?”

“Young master…”

“Liana? Speak to me. Why do you sound like that?”

Garius, positioned at the table's head with arms folded, shot a look at Javier.

“Javier?”

“Yes, Esteemed Father?” Javier straightened up as Garius addressed him.

“Is something wrong?” Garius squinted, his right eye emitting a faint glow.

“It’s Liana… she abruptly…”

Before Javier finished speaking, Garius let out a breath.

“Go to her right away. I'll handle this meeting. Head over to the next building and find out what's going on. It might not be grave, but she probably requires your presence now.”

“Thank you, Father. I'll depart.” Javier offered a slight bow and started to turn when Garius stopped him once more.

“Javier?”

He halted and looked back.

“Y… yes, Esteemed Father?”

“Are weaponry systems fitted on Sky Eyes?”

“Yes, Esteemed Father. Mana missiles, mana cannons, and mana gatling guns—far superior to the battle drones or Gaasad-1 units.” Javier detailed.

“Excellent. Provide me temporary complete access to Sky Eyes. You won't make it back for this meeting or any assault strategies today. I rely on my own assessment to utilize these resources if needed.”

“Mm.” Javier nodded and flicked his fingers. A mana PC appeared on the table before him, accompanied by special mana glasses and a compact cube that cast a sharp, vivid holographic display.

Garius motioned for Alf to fetch the devices to his spot.

“Err…” Javier inquired politely, “Would you like instructions on operating it?”

“No thanks. Skip the specifics or tech talk. Just hurry and look after Liana.”

“Yes, Esteemed Father.” Javier bowed respectfully before dashing out of the room.

Once Javier departed, Garius at the table's head eyed the objects in front of him, his right eye glowing softly as a sly smile curved his lips.

Alf and Erinette positioned themselves behind him, one left, one right, alert but at ease.

Meanwhile, Rolland, Sylvia, their officers, and Captain Bhujar remained quiet, now and then eyeing Garius and the odd gadgets on the table.

Rolland’s gaze fixed on the items Alf had set before Garius.

What could those things be?

What was Garius referring to when questioning his youngest son?

Weapon systems? From what source?

And what does deploying these assets signify?

Which assets exactly?

Flying swords? Mighty magical treasures?

I recognize certain Armand weapons, particularly those from yesterday's rift monster assault. Compact black guns with glowing etchings, and black-silver rifles bearing similar radiant designs.

Yet I cannot inquire.

Not at this moment, with Garius still upset over our secrecy about our plight, Gracelle’s state.

Despite our close friendship… I feel remorse for withholding it from him.

“Sylvia.” Garius uttered, eyeing her without shifting his head.

“Y… yes, Your Majesty?”

“Exit this chamber and visit Francesca. She's likely upstairs. She could enjoy some companionship over chocolate.”

Sylvia checked with Rolland first, receiving his subtle approving nod, then rose and curtsied elegantly.

“As you wish, Your Majesty. I'll go now.”

“Mm.” Garius nodded while observing Sylvia leave, the door shutting gently after her.

With Sylvia gone, Garius grasped the cube. His right hand shimmered with gentle golden mana, complex designs flowing around his fingers like molten sunbeams. He touched the cube's core, sensing a light buzz, then lobbed it softly to the table's middle.

The cube hovered in the air, buzzing quietly as it lit up. Radiance burst from its heart, forming a dazzling 3D holographic projection over the table. A sharp, pristine live stream from Sky Eyes materialized, delivering a real-time aerial perspective of the Mathrias area with incredible clarity—forests, rivers, soldier shifts, even far-off campfire trails all laid bare.

Rolland and his officers gaped in astonishment and incredulity. Some officers murmured in awe, others bent closer, struggling to grasp the sight.

“W… what is that?” one officer muttered, voice shaky.

“H… how… do they view it all… from above?”

“Is this Armand’s secret strength? Tech beyond anyone else?”

Rolland’s thoughts whirled, his prior guilt now blended with wonder and fear.

With instant communication tools, cutting-edge weapons, knight constructs operating with uncanny precision, and this latest marvel… It's no surprise Garius remained so assured and nonchalant when King Klimar revoked his title. No wonder he boldly declared independence from the Human Kingdom and turned Armand into a sovereign nation in just one night.

If only… if only I'd realized how superior Armand truly was—not only in arms but also in medical tech and innovations… I would've confessed everything and sought his aid much earlier…

Alf grinned slyly and bent forward, murmuring quietly to Garius.

Your Majesty. I think you don't even need permission from your youngest son to operate these. You could seize control effortlessly without awaiting his approval.

Garius let out a quiet chuckle, reclining back in his seat, his eyes still locked on the radiant hologram.

I know I could seize control without effort. But that doesn't mean I should skip asking. Even though my youngest son knows I can act without his go-ahead… respect demands it. He created these systems. He entrusts them to me. I don't take that trust for granted.

Now…

All eyes turned to Garius, their bodies tensing beneath his piercing stare before they looked away. He rested his elbows on the table, fingers interlocked, lips brushing his knuckles, his gaze keen and unyielding as it swept over each of them.

Shall we begin the meeting now? Hmm? Garius questioned, his eyes fixing on Rolland.

Y… yes, Your Majesty.

Excellent. Once we're done, I'll seek your verdicts on all matters. And should I spot any weakness in your logic or decisions… He paused, eyes narrowing faintly. I'll step in with my own ruling.

( End Of Chapter )

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