Reborn As Noble

Chapter 1339: A Grudge from the Past ( 1339 )

Javier exhaled and shook his head, leaning back in his chair. He clasped his hands behind his head, fingers interlocked, as he stared up at the ceiling."I wonder why they insist on plotting an invasion against Armand and this continent. What’s so special about us that they’d go through all this trouble?"

Garius smirked, stamping a document in front of him before setting it aside.

"Those spirits have history with someone from Armand. Someone who humiliated them, crushed their pride, and forced them to flee. They’ve been nursing their grudge ever since, waiting for the chance to take revenge."

Javier’s eyes widened as he leaned forward, his voice eager. "Eh? For real? Who?"

Garius glanced at him, his expression calm but unreadable.

"You don’t need to know who. The only thing you need to do is prepare for what’s coming. The civil war has already begun between two regions in the north of the Human Nation, Jambar Region and Lugrak Region. Soon, a massive civil war will engulf the entire Human Nation. When that happens, refugees will flood toward safer territories, including Armand. We need to be ready."

"Esteemed Father!" Javier rushed to his feet, leaning forward with eager eyes. "Who is it? Who humiliated them?"

Garius smiled and shook his head, ignoring Javier as he continued reading the documents in front of him. Alf adjusted the cuff of his butler outfit, while Erinette simply smiled softly and smoothed her maid dress.

Javier started pacing back and forth, his steps slow and thoughtful as he rubbed his chin.

"There’s no way those heroes are willing to fight for those spirits without some kind of reward. It has to be something... but I wonder what... hmm..."

Garius shook his head again, a faint smile on his lips.

"Javier, I believe Liana is waiting for you for lunch. You should probably head there before she comes looking for you."

But Javier wasn’t listening. He was too absorbed in his thoughts. He opened his notebook, scribbling down a mind map of possibilities, connecting dots and theories.

"Hmm... Could it be that if they kill the Demon King, they’ll be granted a wish? But that doesn’t make sense..."

Garius paused, letting out a soft laugh.

"Killing the Demon King won’t grant them a wish. But..." he narrowed his eyes, a smirk playing on his lips, "if they kill a certain someone, they might just get what they want."

"Ehhh!? Who!? Esteemed Father!" Javier exclaimed, his eyes wide with curiosity. "Don’t leave me hanging with a question like that!"

"Alf?" Garius smirked, glancing at his trusted butler.

"Yes, Your Majesty." Alf nodded, a knowing smirk spreading across his face as he moved toward Javier and gestured toward the door. "Your Highness~"

"Eh!? Alf! Not you too! Just tell me who!!!"

Garius shook his head, a warm smile on his lips as he watched Alf ushered Javier toward the door.

Alf guided Javier out, closed the door behind him, and turned back to face Garius. He adjusted his cuff before moving back to the desk near Garius, taking a seat and beginning to review another document.

Garius’s eyes remained focused on the papers in front of him, his expression calm and thoughtful.

"Alf? Erinette?"

"Yes, Your Majesty?" Both bowed in unison, their postures respectful and attentive.

"How are our preparations?"

Alf glanced up, his voice low and measured. "The preparations are nearly complete, Your Majesty. All operational personnel and special units have been trained to their peak. Hesbeirn is overseeing the final drills for his soldiers, ensuring they are ready for any scenario."

Erinette smiled softly, continuing where Alf left off. "The maid units as well, from the battle maids to the elite and special battle maid units, are fully prepared and awaiting your command."

Garius nodded slowly, his expression turning serious.

"Good. Soon, when the invasion begins, we must be ready. Everything must proceed according to plan."

Meanwhile...

Outside the room.

Javier grumbled and mumbled to himself as he continued walking down the hallway.

Tch...

How stingy. He calls me all the way there, drops a mysterious hint, and then tosses me out like that. Leaves a question hanging in the air and makes me feel like a curious child begging for candy.

He shoved his hands into his pockets, his brow furrowed.

Damn... Looking at Alf and Erinette, I’m sure they both know who Father meant. But they’re not going to spill either.

I wonder who the hero needs to kill to get their granted wish...

He paused mid-step, his eyes narrowing.

But that’s weird.

From what I know about summoning heroes from other worlds, the usual pattern is that they’re summoned to defeat the Demon King, and in return, they get a wish granted. That’s how it always works. So why would Father say that killing the Demon King won’t grant them a wish?

He resumed walking, his mind racing.

Unless... the wish isn’t tied to the Demon King at all. Maybe it’s tied to someone else. Someone whose death would grant them what they desire.

He rubbed his chin, deep in thought.

But who? And why?

Should I ask Mother about this?

But I don’t think she’ll answer the question either. They always keep secrets, the two of them. It’s like they enjoy watching me piece things together on my own.

Maybe I should go to Hesbeirn. He’s the general of the Armand army. If anyone knows about military secrets, it’s him.

Javier made a face, his expression twisting in distaste.

Geh... no. I don’t think he’ll spill anything either. He’s just like his brother-in-law, Alf, and his sister, Erinette. Tight-lipped and loyal to a fault, especially to Father.

Damn!

Should I ask Brother Marcellus or Brother Cedric? I’m sure at least one of them must know something.

But they’re both busy with their wives’ pregnancies, and also with training and duty.

Heres? No... he’s busy handling Arjam since Kliatana is pregnant too.

And I don’t think Aelius knows either. Or even Athine.

He let out a frustrated sigh, running a hand through his hair.

Sigh...

Looks like I have to find out who these heroes are supposed to target on my own.

But even the summoned heroes don’t know that killing the Demon King won’t grant them a wish.

What if they’re being tricked by those Abyss Spirits into believing a lie?

That would explain why they’re so desperate to invade. They think they’re fighting for their ultimate reward, but in reality, they’re just pawns in someone else’s revenge plot.

I need to find out who the real target is... and fast.

( End Of Chapter )