Reborn As Noble Chapter 1297: Smug Strides and Sheepish Grins ( 1297 )

Javier let out a chuckle, a dark amusement coloring his tone.

"Even if I wished to finish them myself, my Father never grants anyone mercy once they're marked. Knowing him, he won't allow even a sliver of escape or a chance to retaliate. He will utterly crush them."

He sat up, stretching his arms high above his head.

"So my task is to lure and apprehend the next wave they send. And from the reconnaissance I conducted earlier with my mana glasses, particularly utilizing the audio micro drone and my newly updated magic system, that fellow Vane will dispatch both of them, along with their retinue."

Javier's expression shifted to one of grim seriousness, his voice lowering to a quiet murmur.

"They presume to trespass upon our lands, butcher the innocent, and expect to depart without consequence. They've slain, inflicted torture, and plundered with nary a shred of remorse. Their transgressions are etched in the very blood of those they’ve wronged. And I shall ensure they face retribution for every single misdeed."

Glancing around his surroundings, Javier slowly rose, brushing nonexistent dust from his tattered beggar's attire.

"Well... since there's nothing pressing and sleep eludes me, perhaps we could take a stroll? A walk to the nearby forest, maybe?"

"Cuquawked!" Buddy responded with evident excitement, his feathers ruffling in eager anticipation.

A grin spread across Javier's face as he leaped up, mounting Buddy in a single, fluid movement.

"Let's explore a bit while we await them. Those scoundrels won't stir until the next dawn, and their arrival here will take a good two to three days, seeing as they're still relying on horses. Had they utilized pekko, they'd be here in under five hours."

"Cuquawked!" Buddy puffed out his chest with pride, letting loose a triumphant squawk before commencing his stride with an air of smug confidence.

Leaning back slightly, Javier rested both hands behind his head, a roguish grin playing on his lips.

"Indeed... I'm certain Father is already reveling in the golden knight I presented him. And knowing him, he'll infuse it with his mana and make some adjustments once his Eyes of Truth scrutinize it. He'll discern every imperfection, every avenue for enhancement. That cursed eye... it perceives all, every vulnerability, every possibility for improvement."

"Cuquawked!!" Buddy let out an affirmative squawk.

Javier smirked. "Well... let's anticipate how formidable those golden and silver knights become once Father imbues them with his magic and mana. And I've no doubt he'll guide Alf in refining the silver knight as well."

He rubbed his chin, a pensive expression on his face. "Given that pekko feathers possess inherent magical properties, I do wonder if Father will employ Giddie's golden feather to elevate its capabilities further. Am I right, Buddy?"

"Cuquawked!" Buddy narrowed his eyes, casting a sharp sideways glance at Javier.

"What? Giddie is your father, the sovereign of all pekko." Javier offered a teasing smile. "Still apprehensive of your old man, are we?"

"Cuquawkedd!!" Buddy emitted an indignant squawk, his feathers bristling.

Javier ran a hand over the back of his head, a sheepish laugh escaping him. "Ah... I suppose we share a similar sentiment, don't we? Fearful of our fathers. Ahahaha."

While Buddy maintained his self-assured gait, Javier's gaze became fixed upon his companion's iridescent orange feathers, shimmering brilliantly under the sunlight.

"Hmm?" Javier tilted his head, his eyes locked onto the feathers as a novel idea began to form in his mind.

He continued to stare, the corners of his lips slowly curling into a grin bordering on madness.

"Wait a moment..."

"Cuquawked?" Buddy turned his head, observing Javier with suspicion. His eyes narrowed as he perceived that familiar, dangerous grin spreading across his rider's features.

"Considering Father and Alf already possess the golden knight and the silver knight..."

"Cuquawked?"

"And that they will augment them with their respective powers..." Javier's grin expanded, his eyes alight with a burgeoning excitement. "I suspect I shan't be retrieving those. Father is likely already plotting to retain them for his own use."

"Cuquawked..." Buddy expelled a sigh of resignation, shaking his head subtly.

"What if we were to construct a new motion control knight, tailored specifically for me? Heheheh~" Javier's voice escalated with manic delight. "One adorned in a bronze hue~ And we shall enhance it using your magnificent feathers, Buddy~"

"Cuquawked..." Buddy slowly shook his head, continuing his steady, proud march.

"Oh, come now! Doesn't that stir your spirit? We are on the verge of creating the ultimate motion control knight, a masterpiece designed exclusively for me! Incorporating the magical essence of your feathers and colored in your likeness, my most esteemed pekko!"

"Cuquawked, cuquawked." Buddy bobbed his head in contemplation, his large beak dipping slightly as he considered the proposition.

Javier grinned, undeterred. "Just envision it, Buddy! A knight of bronze, shining as brightly as your plumage, empowered by your innate magic! It shall be an unstoppable force!"

"Cuquawked~"

Javier affectionately patted Buddy's feathered neck. "I shall interpret that as a 'yes'! As soon as this mission concludes, we commence this grand project. Bronze armor, accents of orange feathers, and perhaps a few select surprises~"

With a proud and dismissive squawk, Buddy lifted his head haughtily, continuing his smug strut, his vibrant orange feathers catching the sunlight.

Meanwhile.

Within the Armand Estate.

Francesca emitted a long, weary sigh, Erinette standing in graceful attendance beside her. Both ladies observed Garius and Alf, who were huddled together, excitedly whispering in front of the golden knight and the silver knight. The chest plates of these knights had been opened, exposing their intricately designed magical cores, which pulsed with soft, glowing runes.

"Erinette..."

"Yes, my lady?"

"Just look at our husband." Francesca gestured with a slight turn of her head towards Garius, who was enthusiastically pointing at a core while Alf nodded along, equally engrossed. "They resemble children who have just unwrapped new toys. Now that they've grasped the possibility of enhancement, they're practically bursting with excitement."

Erinette adjusted her maid dress and offered a smile, gracefully pushing her glasses up her nose.

"Men are simply like that, my lady, particularly when it pertains to the domains of craftsmanship, power, and innovation. As soon as they perceive the potential for advancement, their inherent curiosity and excitement take the reins. It truly showcases their passion and commitment."

Francesca shook her head, a fond smile gracing her lips. "I suppose you are correct. At the very least, they are enjoying themselves."

Resting her cheek on her palm, Francesca's gaze remained fixed on Garius from a distance, a soft, affectionate smile playing on her lips. He was completely absorbed, his hands moving with meticulous precision as he scrutinized the golden knight's core, murmuring to Alf about the intricacies of rune alignment and mana flow.

"I do wonder what my youngest son will think upon discovering his father is modifying his own invention without prior consent."

Erinette responded with a smile, her voice calm and insightful. "I suspect Prince Javier is already privy to this, my lady. He is quite familiar with His Majesty's tendencies. If anything, he likely foresaw this. After all, he presented His Majesty with these knights, fully aware they would be subjected to study, improvement, and adaptation. Indeed, I surmise he deliberately left certain aspects open for modification."

Francesca let out a soft, amused chuckle. "That certainly sounds like something he would do."