Reborn As Noble

While the Armand family stood atop the peaceful hill, the sky stretched wide above them, and the wind gently brushed against their.

The newly finished contract for Aria and Ari lingered in the air—soft traces of celestial power dancing around Liana and Gloria.

That's when Fransesca's gaze shifted—drawn instinctively toward the stone marking embedded at the center of hill. Her serene expression stiffened.

"…The markings," she murmured.

Garius turned to look, his expression growing tense.

The stone slab bore seven seals, carved long ago to represent each of the Celestial Spirits bound to the world.

The first, second, and seventh seals were glowing. But what stood out was the second seal—its glow was blood-red.

"Dear," Fransesca called softly.

"Yes... I know," Garius said grimly, his eyes narrowing. "The second one has already been devoured… by the first."

Javier furrowed his brow. "Wait, how do you both know that?"

Fransesca turned her eyes to him. "Look at the colors, Javier."

Garius pointed at the markings. "The first and seventh seals glow golden. That means the Celestial and vessel are contract are completed."

He paused.

"But the second seal—it's glowing red."

"And the first seal, what its color?" Fransesca added.

"…Golden-red," Javier replied slowly.

Fransesca nodded. "Which means the first Celestial's vessel absorbed the second one. It didn't just defeat it—it devoured it."

Javier's expression hardened.

"So someone out there has two Celestials inside them now…"

Garius's voice dropped, firm and cold.

"Yes. And whoever they are… they just became a much bigger threat than before."

Garius's voice was steady but filled with gravity, the weight of his command echoing across the top of the hill.

"Hesbeirn."

The towering general straightened, his hand across his chest.

"Yes, my lord?"

"Ensure our troops are immediately deployed to secure all borders," Garius said, his eyes sharp as steel. "Double the patrol rotations. Every soldier must be equipped with the best weapons and armor we possess. No excuses."

Hesbeirn gave a firm nod.

"Assign elite units to assist the patrols. And make sure each squad is led by someone strong—strong enough to handle threats on the same level as you, Errinette, or Alf."

Hesbeirn's eyes gleamed with resolve.

"As you command, my lord."

Garius turned.

"Alf. Errinette."

The two stepped forward in sync, Alf's stoic expression unwavering, while Errinette's calm eyes were already calculating.

"Yes, my lord?" they answered in unison.

"Deploy the Elite Beastkin Assassin Unit—the ones trained for high-level infiltration. And send the Battle Maids, only those on par with Erisa's level. They need to be ready."

Errinette gave a brief nod. "They are still recovering from the last deployment, but I will prepare them."

"Make sure they're on standby—not fully mobilized, but armed and alert. Give them time to rest, but keep them within immediate reach."

"Understood," Alf replied firmly.

"And ensure," Garius added, "that all battle maids are equipped with the combat uniforms crafted by Javier. No standard gear. Only the best."

"Of course. Young master designs are unmatched. Those uniforms could even deflect magic blades and suppress aura detection."

"Cedric! Marcellus!"

Both sons straightened immediately, their tones sharp and respectful.

"Yes, Esteemed Father!?"

"Send your best mages and paladin units to reinforce the deployed troops. Prioritize adaptable formations. I want switchable teams ready—able to rotate instantly between front and rear support."

He took a step forward, his eyes gleaming.

"Ensure they're equipped with the finest armor, weapons, and staves we have. No room for weakness."

Cedric and Marcellus exchanged a brief nod.

"As you wish, Esteemed Father!" they replied in unison before turning to issue their orders without hesitation.

Garius's gaze then fell upon his youngest son.

"And you, Javier."

Javier stood firm. "Yes, Esteemed Father?"

"Do not let the other Celestials devour them. If you do… you won't just lose their power—you'll lose the girls."

Javier's hand rose in salute, his expression solemn.

"Yes, Esteemed Father."

Garius's voice turned firm but laced with care as he looked toward the two women beside Javier.

"Liana. Gloria."

They both responded in unison, bowing respectfully.

"Yes, my lord?"

"From now on, ensure you always stay by your young master's side. Do not leave him—not even for a moment."

Their expressions turned serious.

"As you command, my lord."

Then, Garius turned to Javier once again, his sharp gaze narrowing slightly.

"And you, Javier."

"Yes, Esteemed Father?"

"Don't wander too far from the estate. If you must travel around our region, be fully prepared. Always carry protection—magical, physical, and tactical."

Javier nodded without hesitation.

"Yes, Esteemed Father."

Garius exhaled quietly, his eyes shifting to the faint aura lingering around Liana and Gloria.

"…The Celestial bond within them is still fresh. Their spiritual link—the 'binding'—hasn't matured yet. It's not stable enough to withstand conflict with stronger vessels."

He looked back to Javier.

"Until their bond fully settles, they are vulnerable. Keep them safe. Their lives—and their Celestials—are tied to you."

Javier stepped forward slightly, placing a hand over his chest.

"I understand. I'll protect them, no matter what."

Javier, Liana, and Gloria quietly descended the stairs, their footsteps soft against the stone as they followed behind Garius and Francesca.

As they walked, Liana's sharp eyes flicked around.

"…Gloria," she whispered.

"I see it too," Gloria replied softly.

The secret maid unit, along with the elite guards who had been stationed around the hill moments ago, were gone. Not a single presence remained in the area. Instead, a large formation had gathered below, at the base of the hill.

Dozens of guards, elite maids, and several beastkin stood in organized rows, waiting. The moment they saw Garius and Francesca approaching, every single one of them bowed in perfect sync.

"Welcome, my lord! My lady!"

Their voices were calm, disciplined, and full of reverence.

Garius slowed his pace and glanced at the gathering with a nod of approval.

"…Hesbeirn."

"Yes, my lord?"

Garius looked toward the hill they had just descended and then at the estate behind them.

"I believe the task of guarding the hill has fulfilled its purpose."

He paused for a moment.

"From now on, assign them to patrol the estate. Rotate their positions. I want every corner watched, every gate secured."

Hesbeirn gave a sharp nod. "As you command, my lord. I'll see to it personally."

Javier grinned lazily, both hands clasped behind his back as he strolled down the path, his pace unhurried. The sunlight filtered through the trees, casting playful shadows along the trail toward the Pekko pen.

Liana, walking just behind him, tilted her head slightly. Her voice was gentle, but concern lingered in her tone.

"Young master?"

"Hmm?" Javier didn't turn, still looking forward.

"Are you… not worried?"

"About the Celestials?"

Liana nodded. "Yes."

Javier chuckled, his usual relaxed smirk tugging at his lips.

"Well…" he shrugged casually, "we'll think about it when it comes. I'm pretty sure Aria and Ari's binding will fully settle tomorrow. So after that—" he looked back over his shoulder, "all you both need to focus on is learning to control their power."

A warm, glowing voice echoed inside their minds.

"Oho~ boy~ I like you! You really know how to stay chill, huh?"

It was Aria, her tone playful with a tinge of mischief.

"That's right! Just let the binding settle—then we'll really get things going."

A second voice joined in, calmer but equally confident—Ari.

"The synchronization process will complete by dawn. Once it's done… Gloria and Liana will be able to access our full potential. No need to rush."

Gloria's expression remained calm, but her eyes flickered with understanding.

"…Still, we'll need proper training. Even if we can control it, we've never handled something like this."

Javier just stretched his arms with a small yawn, not a trace of worry on his face.

"Well, good thing I'm here then. When things get wild, just hide behind me."

Liana sighed softly. "You always say that, young master…"

But she smiled—quietly. Because deep down, she believed him.

( End of Chapter )