Reborn As Noble

Meanwhile, along the winding path toward the western border town of the Armand Region,

A cheerful tune floated through the air, light and carefree, matching the rhythm of soft footsteps on dirt.

"Cuquawked~" Buddy squawked proudly, his chest puffing up with each step, as if he were parading down a royal hallway instead of a dusty road.

Javier sat on the proud bird like a carefree prince, one leg casually crossed over the other, hands behind his head. He hummed a made-up tune, while Buddy provided noisy backup with every third step.

"Cuquawked~ cuquawked~"

Behind them, Liana rode quietly on Pikko, her Pekko walking gracefully. Just a step behind, Gloria followed on her pekko,Peanut.

"Young Master," Liana called out, her voice steady though her eyes narrowed slightly. "You seem to be in a really good mood today."

"Hmm?" Javier turned slightly and grinned back at her. "Oh, you noticed?"

"I think even the border guards far away can hear you humming."

"Hey, can't a man be happy when he's on an adventure with his two favorite girls and future wives?" he replied with a playful wink.

Gloria sighed softly, adjusting her glasses with a faint smile. "Ara... it must be the sun that's baked your brain."

Javier chuckled to himself and raised an eyebrow at the sky. The wind brought the scent of dust and distant pine. The walls of the border town were just visible on the horizon, slightly blurred by heat shimmer.

Despite the looming war, the threat of Celestials, and the breakdown of old peace, the mood around them was... light.

Liana's voice cut gently through the sounds of wind and squawking Pekko.

"Young Master... what are you planning to do when we get to the border town?"

"Hm?" Javier tilted his head, tapping a finger against his chin. "Sightseeing. Eating."

Liana blinked. "...That's it?"

"Yep."

"Young Master,This isn't the time for a leisurely stroll. Lord Garius already mentioned that war might be coming."

Javier shrugged, still lounging comfortably on Buddy's back. "The war hasn't started yet. Besides..." He leaned forward slightly, a faint but deliberate smirk on his face. "I have something to do at the border wall."

—"This young master of yours is a little too relaxed, don't you think? Everyone else is tense. They're preparing and watching for signs. And he's out here talking about snacks."

Gloria pushed her glasses up and sighed. "Ara... that's what makes him terrifying."

Javier didn't look back. He heard Aria clearly and just grinned.

"Huh? Why should I worry about something that hasn't even happened yet?"

His voice was casual, but there was a firmness behind it.

Liana didn't respond right away.

Then, a softer voice from within her spoke.

—"Aren't you worried, Javier? If the Celestial vessels start the war... they won't stop. They'll keep fighting until only one remains."

Javier's grin widened.

"Oh? Are you worried, Ari?"

He sat up straight, his eyes narrowing as the town walls became clearer in the distance.

"Don't worry.We're going to Armand's border town," he said slowly, his voice a bit quieter now. "Not just for sightseeing."

There was a moment of silence.

"I just have something in mind."

The border town of Armand came into view, nestled between watchtowers and fortified walls, its gates open to welcome travelers and patrols. Despite the tension throughout the kingdom, the atmosphere here still felt warm—familiar.

As Javier and his maids approached on their Pekkos, the townsfolk began to take notice.

"Oh—ah! It's the young master!"

"Young master's here!!"

"He's riding that smug Pekko again!"

Vendors and guards perked up, waving from their stalls or patrol lines. A few kids darted from behind crates to peek at the famous orange Pekko with the loud voice.

"Cuquawked~!" Buddy responded proudly, strutting as if he owned the road.

Javier swung a leg over and hopped down smoothly, his boots landing softly on the ground. He gave Buddy a pat on the side and raised a hand toward the crowd.

"Yo! Everyone good?"

"Yes, young master!"

"Welcome back!"

"The usual place is still open!"

"Yep, that's what I like to hear." Javier grinned, casually tossing his cloak over his shoulder as he walked into town.

Liana dismounted next, brushing her skirt and following silently, her eyes scanning the area. Pikko let out a refined cuquawk, settling beside Buddy like a proud older sibling.

Gloria stepped down last, adjusting her glasses and smiling softly at the sight of Javier already chatting with a vendor like an old friend.

To the people of Armand, Javier De Armand wasn't just a noble—he was their young master. His arrival—no matter how sudden—always felt like a change in the air.

"All right!!" Javier suddenly shouted, turning to his three feathered mounts. "Buddy! Pikko! Peanut! Don't mess with the vendor food today!"

The three Pekkos immediately froze mid-step like guilty children.

"Make sure you let them count first before eating," Javier added, wagging a finger at them. "I'll pay for it later."

"Cuquawked!!" Buddy squawked excitedly before charging off toward the marketplace with thunderous steps.

Pikko followed gracefully, tail feathers fluttering with pride, while little Peanut zipped behind them with stubby determination.

Liana sighed. "They won't listen."

"They'll listen just enough," Javier smirked, already turning toward the main road.

Soon after, the town guards—recognizing him immediately—escorted the trio up the stairway leading to the top of the fortified border wall.

The wind shifted.

Up here, everything felt different.

Javier's eyes scanned the defensive layout. Soldiers trained in formation below. Scouts ran between relay posts. And lining the upper wall, archers in full enchanted gear stood ready, their magic bows shimmering faintly in the sunlight. Even the standard guards wore the latest version of Armand's elite enhanced armor—lighter and stronger, optimized for mana flow.

Javier nodded, a satisfied smile forming on his lips.

Liana, standing beside him, broke the silence. "Young Master... what exactly are we doing here?"

He glanced at her sideways. "Hmm? Oh... just wait. You'll see soon."

They kept walking.

Eventually, Javier stopped at one of the elevated corners—an ideal location with a clear view over the plains.

He raised a hand, and three of his Puppet Knights immediately summon, moving silently and precisely. Next to them stood a gleaming turret-like structure: the Anti-Air Mana Gun, its barrel humming faintly with stored mana.

"Yep. This is good," Javier muttered, inspecting it with approval.

"If war breaks out... and given the chance the enemy sends wyvern riders—"

He grinned.

"—It's only right we prepare a little countermeasure."

He slapped the side of the weapon affectionately.

"Now to the next spot!" he declared. "I'm planning to place twenty of these across the entire border wall."

Liana exchanged a glance with Gloria.

Gloria adjusted her glasses. "Ara… I believe I finally understand why Lord Garius says, 'that boy is the type who looks lazy but secretly flips the battlefield upside down.'"

( End of Chapter )