Reborn As Noble Chapter 1263: Shifting the Conversation ( 1263 )

In the Armand Nation, within a new edifice at the Armand Estate, Garius observed from a first-floor observation room. This chamber, enclosed by glass walls, offered a clear view of the central courtyard within the circular structure. Sunlight poured from above, bathing the area in a warm luminescence. He watched Javier navigate the courtyard, outfitted with advanced gear: a specialized headset and futuristic helm, mana-enhanced spectacles projecting live data, a small microphone positioned near his mouth, and motion controllers clasped to his wrists and hands. Javier’s precise movements were perfectly replicated by a golden knight engaged in a distant battle.

Garius was seated comfortably in a chair adjacent to a small side table, where Erinette poured a rich, crimson wine into his golden crystal glass with practiced grace. Alf stood nearby, exuding an aura of attentive yet relaxed readiness.

Garius stroked his chin, his gaze fixed on his youngest son's animated actions as he commanded the golden knight remotely. “Hmm... it appears Javier is thoroughly enjoying his latest invention,” he mused aloud.

He took a deliberate sip of his wine, his eyes unwavering from his youngest son. “He upgraded the primary material to pure gold from his previous mana remote knight, the one utilized to apprehend the vampire spy. And he successfully integrated new functionalities into his own creation within an hour after I outlined the mission parameters.”

A slight smirk played on Garius’s lips, a flicker of paternal pride in his eyes. “I am curious about his strategy for executing the primary mission following this demonstration.”

He paused, his expression shifting to one of contemplation. “I also wonder how he intends to gather intelligence on those unidentified groups, the summoned heroes originating from the other continent. I have intentionally allowed him to devise his own approach. I wish to ascertain the true extent of my youngest son’s acumen in matters of intelligence gathering and strategic planning.”

He glanced towards Javier, who was making a series of gestures while murmuring softly to himself. “Hmm... I’m intrigued as to his words. I cannot discern them from this distance, but his actions appear purposeful, as if he is meticulously testing the knight’s combat capabilities.”

“I am eager to verify if these gestures correspond accurately with the knight’s maneuvers on the battlefield,” he added.

Shaking his head with a faint smile, he continued, “Regardless. It is fortunate that he has developed a novel type of remote-controlled knight that establishes a direct synchronization with the mana satellite, ensuring an uninterrupted connection. This implies that if he were to produce more units for our personnel and train them in their operation, we could deploy these knights in high-risk scenarios, thereby safeguarding our soldiers from direct peril.”

“These units could reconnoiter enemy territories, infiltrate heavily defended positions, and engage in combat without exposing our troops to immediate danger. Given that he can already simultaneously control all 130,000 of his existing puppet knights, this new remote knight system grants us a significant advantage in intelligence acquisition, infiltration, and precision strikes against critical targets.”

“Dear~?”

Garius turned as the door swung open, revealing Francesca entering gracefully, attended by her retinue of elite maids. “Yes, honey?”

Francesca offered a smile, taking a seat beside Garius and resting her head gently on his shoulder. “Observing our youngest son indulging in his latest invention?” she inquired.

“In a manner of speaking,” Garius replied with a soft chuckle. “You know, with the approaching adversaries, particularly those three self-proclaimed goddesses... Maekaria, Zeyrinda, and Rafazelia.”

Francesca’s demeanor shifted to one of sternness upon hearing the names. “How dare such insignificant spirits presume to hold the title of goddess,” she declared.

Garius smiled, casting a glance at Francesca, his voice gentle yet resolute. “Do not allow them to spoil your mood, my dear. They are not worthy of your anger.”

He turned his gaze back towards Javier, who was now standing with his hands on his hips, a broad smile on his face. “Soon, we shall obliterate those fraudulent goddesses,” Garius stated, the intricate pattern of light within his right eye flaring to life as the Eyes of Truth activated. “With our own hands.”

“Mm~” Francesca murmured, a faint, luminous white light beginning to emanate from her skin, her eyes and body glowing softly. Her voice lowered to a serious tone. “But do not even think about laying a hand on them, dear. That task falls to me. I alone will be the one to finish all three of them.”

Garius emitted a soft laugh. “I apologize, honey. I cannot offer you such a guarantee. The future is uncertain, and you are aware that I do not make promises lightly.”

“My~ Is that so? Hmm?” Francesca directed a teasing sidelong glance at him, a playful smile gracing her lips. “Ah~ I do wonder... back in the day, there was someone who was quite generous with his promises to the ladies. Like Eridith... and Mylezra~”

Garius averted his gaze and raised his wine glass, taking a slow, deliberate sip. “I... well... that was in the past. And since you were the one who insisted I take them as my wives... I truly had no choice, did I?”

"Arara~ But I still recall there remain two more young ladies who have yet to become my co-wives. I do wonder how much longer they will be made to wait before they can be officially wed."

"Ah..." Garius cast his gaze about, then feigned intense focus on Javier, who was in the open courtyard. Javier was making grand gestures with his arms, striking a dramatic pose as if he were a soaring hero.

"Look at our youngest son, my dear. He’s truly reveling in the moment, isn’t he?" Garius managed, attempting to steer the conversation away from Francesca’s playful jabs.

"My my~ It appears someone is attempting to evade the subject~" Francesca let out a soft chuckle, resting her chin upon her palm while gracefully crossing her legs. "Ah~ Poor Nyxara. Her brother is your most trusted confidant, your staunchest ally, yet she never gets to hear you uphold that promise you made to her."

She leaned in closer, her voice a gentle yet teasing murmur.

"Aw~ Even though she’s a demon girl, who also happens to be the elder sister of our youngest son’s fiancée, Delya... hmm~ Quite shy and reserved. You know, she only recently got in touch with me after the Demon Nation received their mana radio. We conversed for a bit, and she subtly brought up certain promises that remain unfulfilled. You understand, living longer than humans doesn’t imply she should be kept waiting eternally, dear."

Garius gently set down his wine glass and offered a smile, his eyes meeting Francesca’s.

"But haven’t I already fulfilled my promises to Eridith and Mylezra?"

"Yes~ you have. However, there are two more you have yet to honor." Francesca lifted her hot chocolate mug, taking a delicate sip before turning her smile back to Garius. "Therefore, I believe it is high time for you to fulfill your promise to Nyxara, wouldn’t you agree? She has waited for you for a considerable duration, and it is only proper to honor your word."

Garius let out a breath, then idly scratched his cheek while glancing back towards Javier in the courtyard.

"Might we... perhaps discuss this once all other matters are resolved? You are aware of the missions, the various troubles, and the persistent problems that still require our attention..."

Francesca’s smile was warm and inviting. "Well... if you insist." She took another sip of her hot chocolate before carefully placing the mug down. "In any case, dear~"

"Hmm?" Garius turned his head slightly, tilting it towards her. "What is it, my love?"

"Nyxara is planning to visit Delya this very week~"

Garius, who had maintained a calm demeanor with his characteristic stern expression, sharply turned his head towards Francesca, his eyes widening almost imperceptibly.

"W... what did you say?"