Reborn As Noble Chapter 1280: A Bond Sealed by Family ( 1280 )
Previously on Reborn As Noble...
Elven Nation.
Royal Palace.
Elven Royal Command Center.
The current King of the Elven Nation occupied the head seat at the table, a mana radio positioned before him. He massaged the back of his head, enduring the lecture from his elder sister, Mylezra, the Former Queen of Elven, through the device.
"Do you comprehend, Rhalyf? Hmm?"
"Yes, Big Sis... I understand. Besides, Liana is also my daughter."
"Do not even contemplate matchmaking for her again! Do you get me? Hmm? She is destined to be my husband’s future daughter-in-law, so not a single thought about it! Her presence there is for a mission, and you will ensure its success! And adhere strictly to the plan! Now, where is Viessa!?"
Viessa, who had just ascended to the position of Queen of the Elven Nation, felt a cold dread and swallowed hard upon hearing her name transmitted via the radio.
This is bad.
Sister-in-law is truly serious this time.
She had always been intimidating, but ever since her ascension to Elder Queen of the Elven Nation and her marriage to King Garius, her aura had become even more formidable.
"I... I am present, Sister-in-law."
"Did you hear my instructions to my younger brother? Hmm? You now hold the title of Queen of the Elven, but that does not grant you permission to defy my commands. Liana is not to be utilized as a mere political pawn. Is that understood?"
Ugh... Ever since she wed the King of Armand, she has become considerably stricter...
"I... I understand, Sister-in-law."
"Excellent! Should I discover that either of you has attempted to arrange a match for her, you shall both face my fury!"
Rhalyf released a long, weary exhalation, only to flinch as Mylezra’s voice crackled through the mana radio.
"Did I just detect a sigh from you, Rhalyf?"
"Ah... no... it was not I! It was Adorellan!"
Adorellan, who had been engrossed in reviewing a report nearby, startled and reacted with alarm.
"Eh!? No, Big Sis! It wasn’t me! Rhalyf was the one, not me!"
All of them flinched, their faces turning pale with panic as Mylezra’s voice murmured softly through the radio.
"It appears a personal visit to the Elven Nation Palace will be necessary..."
An immediate freeze seized everyone. Sweat beaded on their foreheads as they exchanged apprehensive glances. The mere contemplation of Mylezra gracing the palace with her displeased presence was enough to induce trembling even in the most courageous among them.
Mylaerla quickly interjected, her voice tinged with nervousness. "Big Sis! Such a trip is entirely unnecessary! We shall heed your commands! We give you our word!"
"Yes! Yes!" Adorellan added, nodding vigorously. "We shall ensure everything proceeds without a hitch! You need not travel all this way!"
Rhalyf swallowed hard and solemnly affirmed, "I swear, Big Sis! We will not deviate from your meticulously laid plans! Liana will be treated with the utmost honor and respect!"
A brief silence ensued before Mylezra’s voice returned, its sweetness now underscored with a distinct warning.
"Good. I am pleased we have reached a mutual understanding."
Once the radio fell silent, a synchronized, tired sigh of relief escaped them.
"Big Sister’s nature remains unchanged, doesn’t it?" Adorellan commented quietly, dabbing the sweat from his brow.
"Indeed... She continues to be formidable, even after her marriage to the Sovereign King of Armand."
Rhalyf offered a faint smile. "Well... at least she has wed the one she has awaited for so many years. Moreover, it is owing to her that the alliance between Armand and the Elven Nation stands stronger than ever. A connection cemented not merely by treaty, but by the bonds of family."
Viessa exhaled, shaking her head in disbelief. "I still find it difficult to fathom that Liana is actually with him. My initial reaction upon learning she was serving a human noble was sheer indignation. Yet now... that young man is a prince, and she is on the verge of becoming his first consort. I never envisioned such a turn of events. It feels as though destiny had already chronicled their story."
Mylaerla emitted a soft chuckle, casting a knowing glance at Viessa. "Well... considering Liana is now, in essence, a princess, is this not a favorable outcome? She followed the dictates of her heart, and it has guided her towards a future she could never have dared to imagine. As her mother, you ought to feel immense pride."
Meanwhile...
Armand Estate.
Javier’s Bedroom.
Gloria fixed Javier with a sharp, accusatory glare, her lips compressed in clear frustration.
"Why must it always be Liana!?"
"Ah..." Javier raised both his hands, attempting to placate her. "Gloria, it is solely for the mission’s sake. You are aware of this."
"Hmmph! I refuse to believe that! I am certain that once you arrive, the two of you will slip away for your own private moments in the Elven Nation, leaving me entirely excluded!"
Liana exhaled softly, maintaining her concentration on arranging the bed. "Gloria, you are allowing your imagination to run wild. This is a mission, not a leisurely vacation. You should know better than to permit jealousy to obscure your perception."
Gloria folded her arms and adjusted her spectacles. "I am aware that Young Master frequently undertakes missions of this nature, but why is it invariably you, Liana? Every time a mission necessitates travel, you are the one accompanying him."
Liana shook her head slightly, endeavoring to disregard Gloria’s escalating suspicions.
Gloria’s lips tightened as she fixed Javier with another glare. "I'm coming with you!"
"B-but... I'm heading to the Elven Nation. This mission is crucial. If those shady groups spot a human girl like you tagging along with a 'beggar,' won't it raise their suspicions?"
"Ara? It seems you're becoming quite adept at making excuses now, aren't you, Young Master?"
"N-no... I..."
"Hmph! I don't care." Gloria crossed her arms, turning away with a sulky yet resolute tone. "I am going. Besides, that was my hometown too. Don't forget, Liana and I are cousins. I know the Elven Nation just as well as she does."
Just as Javier was about to voice another objection, Gloria cut him off with a sweet, playful smile.
"Ara~ Is this about Liana having visible elven features while I don't? Are you concerned I'll stand out too much, Young Master?"
Javier blinked, his brow furrowed in confusion. "Huh? What do you mean?"
Putting both hands on her hips, Gloria emitted a soft shimmer of light. Her ears began to elongate, transforming into the distinct, graceful, pointed shape of an elf. Her features subtly shifted, becoming more refined and otherworldly.
"See? I'm an elf too, remember? A half-elf, but certainly enough to pass. My ears can be every bit as pointy as Liana's when I choose."
Javier's eyes widened in astonishment. "W-wow... I had no idea you could do that."
Noticing Javier's astonished gaze, Liana gave a slight shake of her head.
"Don't look at me that way, Young Master. I've known for ages that Gloria possessed that transformation skill. She simply never saw the need to show it off before now."
Gloria glanced towards Liana before returning her attention to Javier.
"So, now I can go, correct? Furthermore, I'm already aware of the mission's details. And Young Master, you needn't concern yourself about me giving away our presence. I can blend in perfectly fine."
Javier let out a sigh and shook his head.
"So, if you two are going, who will be looking after Gracelle?"
Both Liana and Gloria turned their heads to glance at Javier.
"Hmm? Armand has an abundance of maids. In addition, Myra, Kalea, and Juria with her team are also present. And let's not forget, Felicia, Mimi, and Delya are here as well."