Reborn As Noble

"Where's Father?" Javier asked, looking up at Francesca from her lap, curiosity lighting up his eyes.

Francesca chuckled softly. "Oh, your father? He's going the town hall. He left earlier with the butler, several of his personal maids, and, of course, his group of elite guards."

"Ohhh!! Elite guards?!" Javier's excitement was palpable as he turned toward Liana. "Liana? You didn't explain anything about this to me!"

Liana bowed slightly, her expression calm. "Not yet, young master. I was planning to, but it seems Madam has taken the liberty to enlighten you first."

Francesca smiled , brushing Javier's hair aside. "The elite guard is a necessity for someone of your father's rank. They are not just ordinary soldiers. They are the best of the best—highly trained in swordsmanship, tactics, and magic. Only the most talented individuals are chosen. Even the butler who manages this estate isn't just a servant. He's a highly skilled assassin, you know."

Javier's jaw dropped. "What?! That old man? I thought he only knew about running a household and lecturing me on table manners!"

Francesca laughed, amused by her son's disbelief. "Oh, honey, there's much more to him than you realize. Your father surrounds himself with capable people. It's why our family has maintained its standing despite all the challenges."

Liana added softly, "It's also why you must be cautious, young master. These individuals may act as servants, but their true loyalty lies with the head of the household."

Javier rubbed his chin, intrigued. "Hmm... so even the butler's a secret powerhouse? I wonder if I can spar with him someday."

Francesca smirked, giving her son a playful pinch on the cheek. "Don't get ahead of yourself, honey bun. For now, focus on learning and growing. Leave the elite guards to your father."

"You do know Liana is also one of the strong maids here, right?" Francesca said with a gentle smile, stroking Javier's hair. "All the maids in this household are trained to the best of their abilities and chosen from the most talented."

Javier grinned mischievously. "Yeah, but she's my favorite. Ehehe."

Liana, walking a few steps behind, sighed. "Young master, this is not the time for flattery."

Francesca chuckled softly at their exchange. "It wasn't always like this, you know. Before I married your father, things were very different. Your late grandfather... well, let's just say he didn't manage things the way your father does."

Javier tilted his head, curiosity gleaming in his eyes. "What do you mean, Mother?"

Her expression darkened slightly, and she held him closer. "Your grandfather was not as cautious or forward-thinking as your father. Because of this, your father family was nearly destroyed. During the war between the Armand household and the Klimbert household, your grandfather's missteps led to a devastating tragedy."

"What happened?" Javier asked, his voice soft.

Francesca's tone became solemn. "The entire family, except for your father, was killed. Assassinated during the conflict. At that time, your father family held only a lower baron rank, and were vulnerable. The Klimbert Household wanted to erase his bloodline completely. Your father is the only one survived because of his personal army and the butler who still serves us today."

Javier's eyes widened. "Wait, you mean that butler? The one who nags me about proper posture and table manners? He's the assassin who protected Father?"

Francesca nodded, a faint smile returning to her lips. "Yes, the very same. He's not just a skilled butler; he's one of the finest assassins of his time. He dedicated his life to keeping your father safe, even when your father was just a child at that time."

Liana added quietly, "That's why every servant here is not just a servant. Everyone has a role beyond their title, including myself. This estate is protected by strength and loyalty, young master."

Javier leaned back, a mix of awe and determination on his face. "I see... so Father rebuilt everything from scratch? That's impressive. But it also means I have big shoes to fill, huh?"

Francesca smiled warmly, kissing his forehead. "You do, my honey bun. But I know you'll be ready when the time comes. For now, enjoy being a child while you still can."

"Ehehe... sure, Mother. But I'll make sure to be just as strong as Father one day. Maybe stronger," Javier declared, his smirk returning.

"Achooo!"

The sudden sneeze echoed through the carriage, causing the butler sitting across from Lord Garius to glance up.

"Lord Garius, are you feeling unwell?" the butler, Alf, asked with concern.

Garius waved it off, rubbing his nose. "Guh... no, no. Someone must be talking behind my back." He adjusted his coat and glanced out the carriage window as the town came into view.

Behind the carriage, the Viscount's elite guard rode in disciplined formation, their polished armor gleaming in the sunlight. Several personal maids, armed and alert, accompanied the group, ensuring that the entourage was prepared for anything.

One of the guards approached the carriage window and saluted. "Don't worry about anything, Lord Garius. We are here to protect you, no matter what."

Garius gave a rare approving nod. "I trust you. Your unit has never failed me."

Turning back to Alf, Garius's sharp gaze softened slightly. "By the way, Alf, I heard some good news about your family. Your eldest son has been accepted into the magic academy, hasn't he?"

Alf straightened with pride, though his voice remained humble. "Yes, Lord Garius. My eldest has indeed earned a place at the academy. He's been training hard for years, and the opportunity is a great honor for our family."

Garius's lips curved into a small smile. "He must take after you, then. And what of your younger son? I hear he's been working alongside Cedric's team."

Alf nodded again, his expression calm but proud. "Yes, my younger son has joined the squad under Master Cedric's leadership. He has much to learn, but the experience will shape him into a fine warrior."

Garius chuckled, a rare sound. "It seems your family is thriving. Your loyalty to this house is not forgotten, Alf. I see that same dedication in your sons. They may well be the future pillars of this estate."

Alf bowed deeply. "Thank you, Lord Garius. It is an honor to serve the Armand family. My sons will not disappoint you."

As the carriage continued toward the town, Garius leaned back in his seat, his mind momentarily drifting to his own children. "Marcellus and Cedric… even that rascal Javier... I hope they grow to match the strength and loyalty of men like Alf's sons. This family's future depends on it."

The butler, noticing the Viscount's rare contemplative mood, refrained from speaking further, leaving Garius to his thoughts

"Suddenly, a sharp cry pierced the air: 'Attack!'"

Alf moved in an instant. His hand darted to the inside of his coat, drawing a small but deadly blade. With a quick flick of his wrist, the blade flew through the air, embedding itself in the throat of an assassin lurking in the shadows. The man crumpled to the ground without a sound.

The commotion spurred the Viscount's personal maids into action. In synchronized motion, they tore through their skirts, revealing hidden weapons strapped to their thighs and waists. Daggers, short swords, and concealed crossbows gleamed as they moved with lethal precision, countering the ambush with remarkable skill.

"Neutralize them all!" one of the maids shout, her voice firm yet calm.

The maids surged forward, taking down attackers one by one, their movements honed from years of training. Within moments, the assailants were overwhelmed, falling swiftly under the flurry of calculated strikes.

Meanwhile, the elite guards surrounding the carriage closed ranks, their shields forming a protective wall. The mages among them chanted in unison, creating a shimmering barrier around the carriage to ensure Lord Garius's safety.

Inside the carriage, Garius remained calm, his eyes cold as he assessed the situation. "Impressive response time," he muttered.

Alf approached the carriage after ensuring no immediate threats remained. "The attackers have been dealt with, Lord Garius. No injuries among our group."

The Viscount nodded. "Good. Investigate their motives. I want to know who dared to attack me on my land."

Alf bowed. "Understood, my lord. We will extract information from any survivors." He turned sharply, gesturing to one of the elite guards. "Secure the perimeter. Double-check for stragglers."

One of the maids, holding a bloodied blade, returned to the group near the carriage. Her face betrayed no emotion as she spoke. "The attackers bore no visible insignia, but their tactics suggest mercenaries or hired assassins."

Garius leaned back in his seat, his fingers steepled. "A bold move, but poorly executed. Someone is testing the waters. Keep me informed."

As the group resumed their journey, the air was thick with tension. Alf and the guards remained on high alert, scanning the surroundings for any further signs of danger. The Viscount's calm demeanor only solidified his men's resolve: no one would harm him or the Armand family under their watch.

( end of chapter )