Reborn As Noble Chapter 1312: Shadow and Steel ( 1312 )

Javier spared a glance at the guards before replying into the mana talkie.

"Felicia?"

"Yes, husband?"

"I should return to Armand by tomorrow or the day after. If you wish to remain with your family a bit longer, you are free to do so. Simply contact the Armand Command Center or myself when you are ready to come back."

"Mm... I will, husband. And do not fret. Although Karu is currently residing at the Armand estate, I have already secured another pekko from the Armand Pekko Units in case I need to return swiftly. Furthermore, the Armand Special Force is providing escort, so your worries are unnecessary."

"Mm... alright. If you insist." Javier chuckled softly. "In any case, with the main road expected to be crowded, could you instruct your soldiers to clear the secondary route? I do not wish for those individuals in the pekko-drawn carriages to be delayed any longer. We intend to press on until dusk."

"Mm... very well, husband. I will inform the patrols and guards to ensure the second route is clear."

"Thank you, Felicia."

"Mm... husband?"

"Yes?"

Javier tilted his head, catching a faint mumble from her that he couldn't quite discern. "Felicia?"

"U... ummm... n... nothing. J... just... be safe... okay?"

"Okay~"

The communication ended, and Javier returned the mana talkie to the guard.

"By the way, I have two pekko-drawn carriages following closely behind me. Could you facilitate their passage? Just until they clear the gate."

"Certainly, Sir Javier." The guard retrieved the mana talkie, tucking it into his waist before signaling his companions. The Beastkin Royal Special Forces, still in civilian guise, assisted in clearing the path, motioning for the assembled crowd to make way.

"Buddy?"

"Cuquawked?" Buddy's head tilted back, eyes meeting Javier's as he continued to devour a piece of fruit.

"Refrain from overindulging. We still need to maintain speed after this. Reserve some for the two other pekko trailing us. Once this mission concludes, I promise to procure ample roasted meat for you."

"Cuquawked!" Buddy let out a casual squawk, snatched one more fruit, gulped it down, and then proceeded past the gate to await further instruction.

Javier surveyed his surroundings, arms crossed, perched atop Buddy.

Mm... I anticipate they will be enraged and plot my demise, along with that of the two coachmen, once I reveal the plan during our next rest stop.

A smirk played on his lips, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

It seems I must prepare that particular item~

He addressed the guard once more. "Could you contact your command center and relay this message to the Armand Command Center?"

"Indeed, Sir Javier."

"The message is as follows: Proceed South towards the Eastern Border. Coordinates: V-7. Advance to SH FT. Ensure it is relayed verbatim."

The guard nodded, retrieving his mana talkie and commencing the transmission. "Command Center, this is East Border Gate. Message from Prince Javier: Proceed South towards the Eastern Border. Coordinates: V-7. Advance to SH FT. Repeat, South to the Eastern Border. Coordinates: V-7. Advance to SH FT. Relay to Armand Command Center immediately."

A crackle of confirmation reached them. "Message received. Relay in progress to Armand Command Center."

Javier smirked, relaxing his posture on Buddy.

Well... Father will undoubtedly grasp my intended destination and make the necessary preparations.

Meanwhile.

Armand Nation.

Gaze City.

Armand Main Military Headquarters.

A female officer moved with haste through the corridors, a folded document clutched firmly in her hand. She paused upon encountering several Armand soldiers on patrol.

"Where might His Majesty be located?" she inquired, the urgency evident in her breathlessness.

One of the soldiers gestured. "Our last sighting placed him in the briefing room. Why did you not attempt to contact him via mana talkie?"

The female officer bit her lower lip, casting a reproachful glance at the soldier, who responded with an awkward grin.

"Ah, you are correct... We cannot simply contact the King directly without proper protocol." He rubbed the back of his neck. "Perhaps contact Sir Alf instead?"

Her lip trembled slightly again as the female officer let out a frustrated sigh and resumed her hurried pace towards the briefing rooms, her grip tightening on the paper.

"Such a peculiar young woman~"

Another guard merely shook his head and commented to his companion. "She seldom speaks, you know."

"Is that so?"

"Indeed. Rumor has it she only vocalizes when absolutely essential. Otherwise, she maintains her silence, dedicating her full attention to her duties."

"I see..."

A few moments later.

Garius stood in the primary briefing chamber, observing the holographic map projected onto the central table, his arms folded. Alf stood by his side, while other high-ranking Armand officers were assembled around the table, engrossed in analyzing the strategic display.

A distinct knock sounded at the door.

The entrance opened, revealing the guard from outside. He placed his fist over his left chest in a formal gesture and bowed towards Garius.

"Your Majesty. Officer Falme is here with an urgent dispatch from Prince Javier."

With his hands clasped behind his back, Garius turned his gaze toward the guard. "Have her enter."

"As you command, Your Majesty." The guard acknowledged the order with a nod before motioning for Falme to come in.

Falme entered the room, and the door shut behind her. Placing her right hand over her heart, she bowed deeply to Garius before presenting the parchment with both hands.

"Your Majesty, we have received an encoded message from Prince Javier."

Garius tilted his head, looking briefly at Alf and then back at Falme, a slight, amused smile gracing his lips as he shook his head.

"I do wonder why he chose to send a message in this manner rather than communicating directly via the mana talkie."

Garius’s gaze returned to Falme as he extended one hand, the other remaining behind his back, his posture exuding calm authority.

Falme moved forward, placing the paper into his offered hand with meticulous care and respect.

Garius accepted it, casting a brief look in her direction. "Thank you. Continue your excellent work."

Falme bowed once more, took three steps back, turned, and departed without another word.

Raising the small scroll, Garius began to read its contents. A slow, knowing smirk played on his lips as he chuckled softly and shook his head.

"This youngest son of mine..." he murmured, his voice barely audible, before turning his head to meet Alf’s eyes with a knowing grin.

"Alf?"

"Yes, Your Majesty?"

"Summon Hesbeirn and the Shadow Leader. Prepare our finest unit. We are embarking on a journey."

Alf’s smirk widened as he nodded. "As you command, Your Majesty."