Reborn As Noble Chapter 1416: A Satisfied Smile and a Parchment ( 1416 )

Javier’s eyes widened, and he shot up from his seat, his chair scraping against the floor. "No. I don’t agree to this."

Garius raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms as he leaned back with a knowing smirk. "Oho? And why is that, Javier?"

Javier exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "I never doubt my brother’s talent, or General Hesbeirn’s capability, or even our army’s strength. I believe our soldiers, especially equipped with all the advanced magic modern weapons, assault rifles, barrier-enhanced gear, and supported by our healers with modern medical tools and healing magic, will ensure minimal to no casualties. Our forces are more than capable of handling this mission."

Garius’s smirk widened, his eyes narrowing with amusement. "Then why do you object?"

Javier scratched his cheek, averting his father’s gaze. "Heres is already busy. He has Kliatana, who is pregnant, to care for. He governs Arjam, handles its administration, and manages its integration into Armand. Sending him to the front lines now... it would put unnecessary strain on him and on his family."

Garius nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful.

"I see. But I don’t see anything wrong with sending him. He is a prince of Armand, a capable ruler, and a trained commander. His wife is strong, and she has the full support of the entire Armand household. Arjam is now stable. The timing is as good as any."

He paused, his eyes meeting Javier’s.

"So tell me, Javier... what is the real reason you don’t want Heres to go?"

Ugh! Father already knows the reason why I don’t want any of my family being sent to the front lines, and yet he’s making me say it out loud.

Javier shook his head and exhaled before meeting his father’s gaze.

"I’ve always been the one sent for these missions. Tybalt, Mathrias, and every other dangerous operation before that. That’s because each of my brothers has their own vital roles here. Marcellus handles military training, recruitment, and the endless pile of paperwork that comes with it."

Marcellus’s eyes widened at the mention of paperwork, a visible shudder running through him.

"Cedric oversees the paladin orders and the guard units, ensuring internal security and discipline. Aelius manages the economy, trade, and financial stability of the entire nation. Heres governs Arjam and oversees its integration."

He paused, his voice steady.

"All of my brothers have pregnant wives. I know that’s not the sole reason, but this is their first child. They should be here, with their families, not on the front lines. I’m the one who operates outside Armand’s borders. That’s my role. That’s where I’m most effective. I have the mobility, the resources, and the experience. Sending anyone else would disrupt the balance we’ve carefully built."

Garius tilted his head, his expression calm. "I still don’t see a problem with sending any of your brothers. They are all experienced in combat and leadership. They have led forces before and have proven themselves capable. Why should this mission be any different?"

Javier shook his head, his expression calm but firm. "Father..."

Garius raised an eyebrow. "Hmm?"

Javier straightened, his voice carrying the weight of his position.

"As the first in line to the throne, the next heir of Armand, I am invoking my authority to officially appoint myself as the Royal Envoy for external military operations and diplomatic missions beyond our borders. As the Commander of Expeditionary Forces, this mission falls under my jurisdiction. I will lead the forces to Vurghen. I will meet with Friedrich and secure the region."

The room fell silent for a moment before Fransesca smiled warmly. Marcellus, Cedric, Aelius, and Heres exchanged glances before nodding in quiet agreement. Garius’s smirk widened as he slowly let out a soft chuckle before nodding toward Alf.

Alf pulled out a parchment from his coat, stepping forward with measured grace. He placed his palm over his left chest, offering a respectful nod and a faint smirk before setting the document in front of Javier. He took a step back and returned to his usual position beside Garius.

Javier blinked, looking down at the parchment. "Err... Father? What is this?"

Garius leaned back, crossing his arms with a satisfied smile. "I am proud of my youngest son for finally taking matters seriously. That parchment is your official royal appointment as the Royal Envoy for External Operations and Commander of Expeditionary Forces. It bears my seal and signature. It is now official."

"Ehhhh!?" Javier lifted the document, scanning its contents before letting out a sheepish grin and rubbing the back of his head. "There’s no need to make it official, right? Right? I mean... I said it on the spot, but it’s not like I need an actual office..."

Garius’s smirk deepened. "Sure. If you don’t want it, I can always appoint Marcellus to lead the army instead and assign him as the one to handle all external operations from now on. After all, as Sovereign, I have the authority to assign anyone I see fit. So if you don’t want the responsibility, I’m sure your brother would be happy to take it on~"

Marcellus’s eyes widened in horror, shaking his head frantically.

Javier swallowed hard, glanced at the parchment, then at his father’s knowing smile, and let out a long, defeated sigh.

"Fine..."

Javier snapped his fingers, and a beautiful, ornate pen made of polished gold and inlaid with sapphires materialized in his hand. He signed the document with a swift, elegant flourish before setting the pen down.

Garius smiled, nodding in approval. "Good. Now, you already know what to do, right? Just like Tybalt before. Make sure they understand that joining Armand means accepting our laws, our protection, and our expectations. They will be under our banner, and with that comes responsibility."

His expression turned serious, his voice dropping into a firm, deliberate tone.

"You will lead our army to halt the advancement of the greedy Human noble coalition forces. Stop their push, break their momentum, and make it clear that any further aggression against Vurghen means war with Armand. After that, you will meet with the current ruler, Friedrich, as an official representative of the Armand crown."

He clasped his hands together, interlacing his fingers as he glanced at Javier. "I leave the other details up to you. You know what needs to be done."

Javier nodded. "Understood, Father. I will handle it the same way I handled Tybalt before."

"Mm... oh, and Javier?"

"Yes, Esteemed Father?"

"You are not allowed to use or summon your puppet knights for this mission. You may use the other assets, but not the knights."

Javier’s brow furrowed. "Eh? Why?"

Garius’s gaze was steady, his voice calm.

"Keep them hidden for the main enemy. The invasion from the other continent is the real threat. The fewer cards we reveal now, the more surprises we have for them later. Let the coalition believe that our air-to-surface attacks are merely powerful magic from our wizards. The enemy does not need to know the full extent of our capabilities yet. You will lead the Armand forces, including the Pekko units, supported by helicopter units and all the personnel you choose. Just not your puppet knights. Let them remain our hidden card."

( End Of Chapter )