Reborn As Noble-Chapter 116: Secrets and Surprises ( )

Inside Lord Garius’s study room, the air was filled with camaraderie and nostalgia as the trusted circle of the Armand household gathered. Rasdingen, the giant dwarf with his towering, bulky frame, leaned casually against the wall, a smirk plastered across his rugged face.

"Oi, lads, check this out," Rasdingen said, his deep voice resonating through the room as he placed a massive, gleaming andamantite sword on Garius’s desk.

The sword caught the light, its pristine craftsmanship a testament to both the rare material and the meticulous design. Beside it, Rasdingen placed a notebook filled with notes and schematics—Javier’s work.

Garius arched an eyebrow, his smirk barely concealed as he picked up the notebook. Each page was filled with detailed diagrams, innovative suggestions to improve the army’s armor and weapons, and notes written in Javier’s handwriting.

Rasdingen chuckled. "Heh, reckless and adventurous, cheeky like you, huh?"

Garius leaned back in his chair, a glint of pride flashing in his eyes. "So, my youngest son is full of secrets," he mused aloud.

Errinette, standing with quiet poise nearby, let out a soft laugh. "Just like a certain someone when he was still a child."

Alf, the butler, nodded, a rare smile tugging at his usually reserved expression. "The resemblance is uncanny."

Hesbeirn, the gruff general, sighed as he pinched the bridge of his nose. "Haaa… just like his father. Always up to something, never sitting still."

The room fell silent for a moment as memories filled the air. They all remembered Garius as a mischievous, cheeky boy—a forward thinker who had survived the annihilation of his family at the hands of the Klimbert household. Back then, Garius had been just a twelve-year-old boy, shielded by this very group.

Errinette had been his personal maid, her sharp instincts and fierce loyalty protecting him. Alf had been his caretaker, always at his side, guiding him through the chaos. Hesbeirn, already a seasoned soldier, had led the private army that ensured Garius’s survival. And Rasdingen, a novice blacksmith at the time, had fought alongside them.

Garius closed the notebook. "He really is my son."

Rasdingen let out a hearty laugh. "Aye, and this notebook here—" He pulled out another notebook from his satchel, worn and yellowed with age. "—reminds me of a bratty lordling I once knew." He slapped it onto the desk beside Javier’s pristine notes.

Garius leaned forward, his eyes narrowing as he recognized the old notebook. It was his own work from when he was a boy, filled with ideas about armor and strategy. But Javier’s notes were far more detailed, the designs improved, the concepts expanded.

"Well, well," Garius muttered, running a hand over the old pages. "It seems he’s even more thorough than I was."

Errinette smiled knowingly. "It seems the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree."

Hesbeirn grunted. "The boy’s got potential, no doubt about it. What’ll you do with him?"

Garius leaned back in his chair, folding his arms. "Nothing."

"Nothing?" Rasdingen tilted his head.

Garius’s smirk deepened. "I’ll let him live as he likes. I’ll pretend I don’t know about his talents or his power. Let him play his games, build his plans."

The room fell into thoughtful silence as each of them considered the young master. Javier’s boldness, his secrets, his potential—they were all pieces of a puzzle that none of them could fully predict.

"By the way," Alf began, breaking the quiet, "Gloria hasn’t reported anything yet."

"She will," Garius said with a small wave of his hand. "For now, let’s wait and see what my cheeky youngest son will do next."

After the evening meal in the grand dining hall, Garius retired to his private study, accompanied by Alf, his steadfast butler, and Errinette, the head of all maids. The trio discussed the affairs of the estate in the quiet of the study.

A knock broke the silence.

"Come in," Garius called, his voice calm yet commanding.

The door opened to reveal Gloria, the serene head of household maids. She stepped inside gracefully, her composed smile as steady as ever. "My lord, you called for me?"

"Yes," Garius replied, gesturing for her to approach. "Report about Javier’s land."

Gloria presented a neatly bound set of parchments, placing them on the desk with practiced efficiency. "Here is the full report, my lord."

Garius leaned forward, flipping through the pages. "And? What does he plan to do with the land?"

Gloria folded her hands neatly, her expression unchanging. "From my observations, and based on what I overheard while young master was boasting to Miss Liana... it appears he intends to cultivate sugarcane and cocoa."

Garius blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "Sugarcane? Cocoa?"

Gloria nodded. "Yes, my lord. Those are the crops he mentioned."

"Huh," Garius muttered, leaning back in his chair. "Sugarcane... Isn’t that the plant adventurers sometimes bring back from the southern forests? Sweet when chewed, but no one’s ever thought to grow it on a large scale. And cocoa... that bitter fruit from the western jungles?" He frowned. "The dried seeds are sold as a delicacy, but only at outrageous prices. And even then, it’s so bitter, I can’t imagine anyone truly enjoying it."

Gloria inclined her head slightly. "That is correct, my lord. However, I cannot determine his exact intentions for these crops."

Garius sighed, rubbing his temple. "Haa... very well. Let him do as he pleases for now. He’s always been full of surprises."

"As you wish, my lord." Gloria bowed and exited the room, leaving Garius with Alf and Errinette.

Once the door closed, Garius leaned back in his chair, his gaze turning thoughtful. "By the way, Errinette."

"Yes, my lord?" she responded, her tone attentive.

"What do you think of appointing Gloria as Javier’s second personal maid?"

Errinette raised an eyebrow, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Ah... I don’t think a certain someone would take kindly to that idea."

Garius chuckled, understanding the unspoken reference to Liana. "Hmmm... true. Javier’s serious about her. Even if he hasn’t said it outright, he sees her as his future wife."

Errinette nodded. "Indeed. But if Gloria is appointed, it may complicate things. What if young master develops feelings for them both?"

Garius waved a hand dismissively. "It’s his choice. I’ve no intention of forcing him to marry a noblewoman. Unlike his brothers and half-siblings, Javier’s different. He should follow his own path."

Errinette inclined her head respectfully. "As you wish, my lord. But may I ask—if Gloria becomes young master’s personal maid, who will take charge as head of household maids?" Enjoy exclusive adventures from novelbuddy

Garius tapped his fingers on the desk. "Choose the best candidate you think suitable, Errinette. But first, ask Gloria if she’s even interested. Javier isn’t exactly... easy to manage."

Errinette allowed herself a small laugh. "As you command, my lord."

Garius let out a tired sigh, standing from his chair. "Haaa... I think that’s enough for tonight. I’ll retire to my bedroom."

Alf stepped forward, already prepared to escort him. "Very well, my lord. Sleep well."

Once inside his lavish bedroom, Garius closed the door behind him, his thoughts lingering on his youngest son’s mysterious plans. A smirk crossed his lips.

"Hmmm... I wonder what’s more he’s been hiding," he murmured to himself. Then, with a quiet chuckle, he added, "Enjoy your life, son. Don’t worry about anything. The world will be your playground soon enough."

His musings were interrupted by the soft sound of water droplets and the faint scent of lavender. Turning his gaze, he saw Francesca stepping out of the bathing chamber. Her long, chestnut-brown hair fell loosely over her shoulders, still damp and glistening under the gentle light of the room. She was wrapped in an elegant silk robe, the delicate fabric clinging to her graceful form.

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Noticing him, she smiled warmly. "Darling, what are you thinking about?"

"Nothing, dear," Garius replied casually, his smirk softening into a fond expression.

"If you say so," Francesca replied with a playful raise of her brow, clearly unconvinced but not pressing further.

As she moved past him, Garius closed the distance between them, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind. Francesca let out a soft gasp as he pulled her close, resting his chin on her shoulder.

"Darling..." she began, her voice teasing yet affectionate, "what are you up to now?"

Garius’s lips brushed against her neck, placing tender kisses along her skin. "Just admiring my beautiful wife," he murmured, his tone low and filled with affection.

Francesca giggled, her cheeks flushing. "Is that so?"

"Hmm..." Garius hummed, his hands gently tracing her waist. "How about tonight, my love?"

Francesca tilted her head slightly, giving him better access as she laughed softly. "If you want it, darling," she whispered, her voice tinged with both love and amusement.

The two shared a moment of intimacy, their bond as husband and wife rekindling in the quiet of the evening. Whatever concerns or plans Garius had for the future, they could wait. For now, he was content to cherish the time with the woman who stood by his side through everything.

( End of Chapter )