Reborn As Noble

Alf grinned. "Fast mobility, high firepower, and unpredictable attack patterns. The enemy forces won't know what hit them."

"Exactly," Garius replied. "Their job is to harass enemy formations, disrupt their charges, and break their ranks. We'll keep them mobile, striking from unexpected angles before retreating behind our defenses."

Hesbeirn smirked. "A cavalry force that relies on agility and precision rather than brute force. I never expected to see something like this outside of skirmisher units."

"Javier understands the battlefield in ways most don't," Garius admitted, a hint of pride in his voice. "But for now, we focus on holding the line. If they come at us, they'll find the Armand region is not easily taken."

Hesbeirn cracked his knuckles. "Heh. Does that mean I get the honor of welcoming them first?"

Garius smirked. "Don't get too comfortable. If the enemy retreats or hesitates, don't chase them. We don't need reckless charges—we need control."

Erinette, who had been listening silently, finally spoke. "And what about our special operations, my lord?"

Garius glanced at her. "Alf, your assassins will work in the shadows. The moment the enemy camp is set up, I want sabotage teams disrupting their supply lines, cutting off reinforcements, and eliminating key targets. Make them bleed before the battle even begins."

Alf grinned. "It will be done, my lord."

Rasdingen, who had been sipping his liquor in the corner, let out a chuckle. "Hah! This isn't a battle; it's a slaughter. You've already planned their funeral."
Read latest stories on My Virtual Library Empire

Garius folded his arms. "We are outnumbered, but that doesn't matter. They rely on blind faith; we rely on tactics. That's why we will win."

The command room fell silent, the weight of war looming over them. Then, Hesbeirn grinned.

"Well then, let's make sure these fanatics regret ever stepping foot on our land."

The officers in the room nodded in agreement. The plan was set—the only thing left was for the enemy to make their move.

As Garius made his way back to his room in the main command center, Francesca walked beside him, her expression calm but tinged with concern.

"Dear, do you think we can hold out for long?" she asked softly.

Garius exhaled and rolled his shoulders. "I think we can, dear. Don't worry too much about it."

Eridith, who had been walking slightly behind them, clicked her tongue in irritation. "This is exactly why I despise those power-hungry nobles. They're never satisfied. Always scheming and wanting more—if they can't get something through diplomacy, they resort to war like spoiled children throwing a tantrum. Greedy bastards, every last one of them."

Francesca sighed, rubbing her temples. "It's always the same. They use faith, power, or politics as excuses, but in the end, all they really care about is expanding their influence."

Eridith crossed her arms, her eyes flashing with disdain. "Greedy parasites, the lot of them. They hide behind their titles, pretend to be righteous, but in reality, they're just cowards who send others to die for their ambitions. They use faith as a shield and war as a tool, never stopping to consider the suffering they cause."

Francesca glanced at Eridith before turning to Garius. "She has a point. The nobles backing this war don't care about faith—they just want power, using any excuse to get it."

Garius smirked. "That's exactly why we're going to crush them. When we do, they'll learn that Armand is not a prize to be claimed—it's a grave for those who dare challenge it."

Meanwhile, in the estate,

Marcellus and his mage unit were in the meeting room, discussing strategies and preparing for potential magical defenses. Cedric and his newly formed paladin unit patrolled the estate grounds, ensuring every corner was secure.

Athine and Aelius were deep in conversation, planning the distribution of food supplies to the villages. Nearby, Heres carried his little sister in his arms while their mother, Lady Phenelope, sat quietly, enjoying her meal.

In Javier's room, Liana stood by the door, watching her young master with curiosity. Javier was finalizing the Mana Talkie, his usual mischievous demeanor replaced by an unusual seriousness.

"Young Master?"

"Hmmm?"

"Nothing…"

"Okay…"

Liana rarely saw Javier so focused. He was usually cheeky and playful, but today felt different. On his table lay a detailed layout plan and a map. She couldn't help but wonder what he was planning.

Liana stepped closer, her eyes scanning the map spread across the table. Various markings and notes indicated strategic points, patrol routes, and defense positions. Next to the map, the newly completed Mana Talkie units were neatly arranged, ready for testing.

Javier, normally playful and carefree, was completely absorbed in his work, adjusting one of the Mana Talkie devices. His usual grin was absent, replaced by a focused expression that made him seem much older than his twelve years.

Liana hesitated before speaking again. "Young Master... is something wrong?"

Javier paused and let out a small chuckle. "Hmm? No, nothing's wrong. Just thinking about a few things."

Liana didn't fully believe him. She had known him too long to miss the subtle changes in his demeanor.

"You're planning something."

Javier finally looked up, smirking. "Ehehe~ Liana, you know me too well."

She sighed, crossing her arms. "And? What is it this time?"

Javier leaned back in his chair, twirling the Mana Talkie in his fingers. "Let's just say... I don't plan on sitting here while everyone else prepares for war."

Liana frowned. "Young Master, you know Lord Garius forbade you from going near the battlefield."

"I know, I know~" Javier waved a hand dismissively. "That's why I won't be 'on' the battlefield. I'll just be... observing. Gathering intel. Maybe testing out a few of my inventions. You know, helping from the shadows."

Liana's frown deepened. "You're impossible."

Javier grinned, tugging on her sleeve playfully. "That's why you love me, right?"

Liana sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "You're not going to listen no matter what I say, are you?"

"Nope!" Javier beamed.

Liana gave him a long look before finally shaking her head. "At the very least, let me come with you."

Javier blinked in surprise. "Eh? You're not going to scold me?"

"I know you well enough to know you're going regardless. So I might as well be there to keep you from doing anything too reckless."

Javier chuckled, tossing the Mana Talkie into the air and catching it. "Then it's settled! Liana, welcome to 'Operation Secret Observation'! Ehehehe~"

Liana sighed. "I'm going to regret this."

Liana's eyes studied the strange object on Javier's desk. It was unlike anything she had ever seen—a small metallic construct with delicate, rune-inscribed wings. Beside it lay a peculiar pair of glasses, also etched with tiny magical symbols.

"Young Master?" she asked, tilting her head. "What is this?"

Javier grinned mischievously, picking up the device. His fingers traced the runes as he infused it with mana. A faint glow spread across the object, and suddenly, the wings began to hum with energy.

"This, Liana," he said dramatically, "is what I call a Magic Drone! Ehehehe!"

Liana blinked. "Magic… Drone?"

"Oho~ soon, you'll find out what it does," Javier smirked, adjusting the glasses onto his face.

Liana stepped back slightly as the small construct lifted into the air, its wings vibrating rapidly. It hovered, spinning gently in place, the soft blue glow of its core pulsing as if it were alive.

Javier tapped the side of his glasses, and suddenly, the drone moved, gliding smoothly across the room before stopping right above Liana's head.

"Wha—?" Liana flinched slightly, staring up at the floating object.

"Hehe~" Javier snickered. "With these glasses, I can see through the drone's eyes! It's like having eyes in the sky!"

Liana's expression turned serious as she observed the hovering construct. "This… Young Master, are you planning to use this in the war?"

Javier's playful smirk didn't fade. "Of course! A scout that doesn't need food, doesn't tire, and can go places normal people can't? Imagine the possibilities!"

Liana crossed her arms, eyeing him carefully. "And how many of these do you plan to make?"

Javier scratched his cheek. "Well… I only have one right now, but I'm working on a few more. I just need more mana crystals to power them long-term."

Liana sighed but couldn't help but smile. Even in serious times, her Young Master was always thinking ahead.

Javier leaned back, hands behind his head, watching the drone float above him.

"Ehehe… soon, everyone will know the greatness of Magic Drones!"

( End of Chapter )