Reborn As Noble

Javier nodded slowly, his usual playful attitude melting into quiet resolve.

”Understood.”

”Aria, Ari!” Gariusʼs voice was calm, but it carried a weight that silenced the room.

”Y-Yes, Garius!?” Aria and Ari answered in unison, clearly flustered.

Garius sipped his wine casually before speaking again.

”Make sure you donʼt lose... to whatever Celestial shows up.”

His gaze, sharp and unblinking, lingered as if peering directly into their souls.

Aria and Ari stiffened even further.

”…Y-Yes, of course!” Aria stammered.

”W-We wonʼt! Promise!” Ari added quickly.

Even Javier felt a chill crawl up his back.

”Scary as always…” he muttered under his breath.

Garius didnʼt respond—he didnʼt need to. The message was clear.

Francesca, elegantly sipping her tea beside him, gave a soft smile.

”Make sure you all listen to him. Especially you, Honey bun~.” She directed her gaze at Javier.

He chuckled nervously.

”…Yes, Mother.”

As the room remained silent under the weight of Gariusʼs presence, he rose from the sofa with a graceful ease that belied his overwhelming strength. Francesca followed beside him, still holding her teacup, serene as ever. Alf and Errinette trailed just behind them, as composed as the shadows they moved like.

Just before they reached the door, Garius paused.

His sharp eyes turned toward Javier one last time—piercing, unwavering.

”Take this seriously,” he said, voice low but firm.

”Donʼt test it. Donʼt try it. Donʼt play with it. Make no mistake, Javier.”

Javier, for once, didnʼt have a quip or smirk ready. He stood tall and answered clearly,

”Yes, esteemed father.”

Garius gave the smallest nod, then turned away without another word.

The door closed softly behind them.

Only then did Javier exhale.

”…Whew.”

Liana gently placed a hand on his arm, while Gloria adjusted her glasses, her usual calm expression returning.

”That was… intense,” Javier muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.

”Seriously, how do you all stay so calm around him?”

Liana smiled gently.

”Weʼre not. We just hide it well.”

”Ara… you shouldʼve seen your own face just now, young master,” Gloria teased softly.

Javier gave a tired grin.

”…Yeah, yeah. Iʼm just glad he didnʼt ask to ʼsparʼ or something…”

( End of Chapter )