Reborn As Noble

Javier walked slowly, hands behind his back, calm. His father's command still sounded in his ears, but his thoughts wandered.

…Wait.

Where is Hesbeirn?

His brows lowered a little. He had brought the general along, right? He didn't forget him back in the dwarven kingdom, did he? That would be bad for his father's trust and for his own peace of mind.

He looked over his shoulder.

A long sigh escaped him.

There he was.

The tall general sat cross‑legged by a transport drone, holding a big dwarven barrel with both hands. His head leaned back as he drank strong liquor.

"Hic—this is the best!" Hesbeirn yelled, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.

Around him, Armand maids and soldiers worked in perfect order, unloading the wine barrels that Gumarak had insisted on bringing. Their faces stayed steady, but the corners of their mouths twitched, showing they were barely holding back laughter.

Javier exhaled again and shook his head lightly.

At least I didn't leave him behind. That would have earned another lecture from Alf…

Javier's steps slowed a moment as his eyes moved forward.

Ahead, his father walked with calm authority, Mr. Alf steady at his right, and Mrs. Erinnette at his left. Queen Ferya glided beside them, with her attendants, every step graceful. The group headed toward the grand hall where the feast waited.

But it wasn't Garius's calm presence or Ferya's elegance that made Javier nervous.

It was Erinnette.

From her place beside his father, her eyes flicked backward—sharp, cold, and precise. The kind of look that can cut through crowds, silence, and armor alike.

Javier's gaze turned toward the source of her anger.

Hesbeirn.

The tall general was still by the transport drone, happily hugging a dwarven barrel as if it were his own child. His loud laugh echoed across the courtyard as he gave orders to the maids unloading more barrels.

Ah, Hesbeirn is really in trouble soon.

His oldest sister is glaring hard enough to freeze lava.

Oh, you're doomed, Hesbeirn.

And neither I nor Father can help you.

You're on your own after this.

Javier's eyes wandered across the courtyard as they walked. The mana-crystal lamps cast steady light over armored soldiers and lined-up maids, all in perfect discipline.

Yet his thoughts circled back to the one loud figure that had darted off earlier.

He hesitated, then spoke softly. "Esteem Father?"

Garius glanced at him, his expression calm. "Hmm? What now, Javier?"

"About… Chieftain Gumarak…" Javier began carefully, his tone polite.

But Garius cut him off before he could finish.

"Oh, him? Let him run." Garius exhaled faintly, his gaze steady. "He won't get far. If you worry about his safety, first, he's strong. Stronger than he acts. Second, Alf's shadow units are already tailing him."

Javier blinked, his lips twitching faintly.

…Of course. Figures Father already had it covered.

"Our troops and maids are on full alert within the estate," Garius continued, his voice low but firm. "Tonight's guests are no small matter. Kings, queens, princesses… and not to mention."

Garius eyes flicked toward the group of girls following Javier

"Your harem is already full of princesses, plus Mylezra's niece."

Javier kept his expression smooth, but inside his head he groaned.

Ugh… don't remind me, Esteem Father.

I regret making too much of a harem.

Now the problem is here. If only I had stuck with Liana and Gloria.

At least then, peace would still be possible.

But now? I'm stuck in their rivalry. Liana and Gloria against Felicia, Mimi, Delya, and even Ferine. Each one sharpening their blade while pretending to smile.

His eyes lifted toward the night sky, lips still composed in polite calm.

Damn… now everything can't be turned back.

Good job, Junichi. You wanted a harem, and now you're stuck with six.

He lowered his gaze again, following his father's steps toward the grand hall, shoulders steady, outwardly the perfect noble heir.

Javier's thoughts drifted back again.

Back when he was just a baby… up until eleven years old.

Those years were simple. Happy.

Only Liana by his side.

Every time he woke, his eyes searched for her first.

Every time he slipped out, she was there chasing after him, nagging, lecturing, reminding him of manners, rules, and noble etiquette.

She was his pillow, his comfort, his constant. Never separated for long.

That time… it was enough.

But because of his own stupidity, because he let himself chase after another harem and another, now he was in this mess.

Now… he could not do anything.

He could not break those hearts, even if he wanted to.

Because he knew.

He was a man.

And a man could not simply shatter a maiden's heart by saying he had no interest.

No matter how troublesome this rivalry became, no matter how much he longed for peace, he could not turn them away so easily.

And he was certain.

Liana would never want him to become that kind of man.

She always told him the same thing.

Be responsible for any action you do.

No wonder she sighed that day… the moment more women forced their way into his world.

Then he suddenly felt two sharp pinches dig into both sides of his waist at once. His body stiffened, shoulders jerking slightly as he fought to keep his composure in front of the soldiers and nobles walking ahead.

Errr… Liana? Gloria?

He didn't dare glance back, but the faint, sweet scent of their perfume told him all he needed. And then came the voices,

"No more harem, young master~"

The tone was playful, but the dangerous smile in their words was clear.

"You can't even handle six of us," Gloria's calm, steady voice whispered in his ear, the edge behind her glasses sharp like a blade.

"And don't even think about adding more, all right?" Liana added softly, her smile lovely but cold, making Javier's spine tingle.

Javier hissed under his breath, trying not to yell as their fingers pressed harder into his waist.

"Ah… ow, ow, ow… I won't, Liana! Gloria!" he hissed under his breath, his nerves tightening.

Both maids smiled sweetly behind him, their expressions serene to anyone watching. But Javier could feel it—the quiet threat hidden in their gentle tones.

He straightened his back quickly, forcing composure back onto his face as they neared the grand hall.

Inside his mind, he groaned again.

Six is already a battlefield… any more, and I'll be buried alive.

( End Of Chapter )