Chapter 878: Caught in His Own Idea ( 878 )

Javier’s palm rose, a faint pulse of light flickering between his fingers. The iron ore floated into the air, shimmering as it melted into liquid, then reshaped into a blade, its edge gleaming under the mana light, before dissolving back into fluid metal again.

He was clearly lost in thought.

"Since the only option left is... direct intervention," he murmured, eyes still fixed on the floating metal. "Hmm... but the Crown...the Kingdom...will see it as a threat."

He waved his hand slightly; the ore shifted into droplets, spinning slowly around his fingers.

"Well... it’s not like they’d dare challenge Armand again after losing the last war against us,"

"But still... this is going to be a pain in the ass."

The ore solidified once more, hovering motionless in his palm. Javier sighed.

"And I’m sure Father will send me anyway."

Everyone in the room heard that last line clearly.

A ripple of quiet laughter ran through a few of the officers, quickly stifled when Garius’s sharp gaze swept across them.

The familiar smirk curved on Garius’s lips.

He rested his chin on one hand, watching his youngest son with a look that blended amusement and approval.

Garius said nothing, just waiting, letting Javier’s quiet muttering fill the room. The boy was still talking to himself, lost in the web of possibilities and consequences.

"...Kimar could use this as an excuse, but he won’t dare send his army. The other nobles... after losing two wars against us, none would dare declare war on Armand again," Javier mumbled, the ore shifting shapes in his hand. "If Arjam comes under Armand...not just our protection, but as our own..."

He paused, eyeing the far wall, voice lowering as another idea took shape.

"...If we do go for that, we could give the land to that bratty. She’s Ex-Royal, after all. Let her rule it under Armand’s banner... Not a bad idea."

He let the blade dissolve and reform, deep in thought.

"Hm... Since Armand won both wars the Human Kingdom declared, we have Right of Arm now, don’t we?" Javier asked himself, barely above a whisper. "That means, by law, we’re allowed to move our army and claim land as legal intervention. Nobody can call it rebellion; it’s written in the Royal Book of Noble Law..."

Garius’s eyes glinted. He was waiting for Javier to finally say it.

Javier spoke up, still half to himself.

"If we do that, we stop the nobles from seizing the land, claim it as Armand territory, and put that bratty Kliatana in charge. We restore order, enforce Armand law, send our officials to help her, use our military. No wasted gold on others. We clear out the bandits, just like here in Armand...no bandits left. People will be happy, refugees get homes and work, nobody goes hungry... Yeah. That’s a good idea."

He was still gazing at the ceiling, creation magic swirling the ore in slow circles above his palm.

"But if we do that, there’s always the risk Kimar will pull something... something that could target Father..."

Before he could drift further, Garius finally broke in, voice crisp.

"Javier, you suggest that, the best solution we have is Official Intervention? Military Occupation?" Garius’s eyes sharpened. "If that’s your decision, you know you’ll be the one leading the operation. I’ll assume you will agree to do this?"

Javier blinked, caught mid-thought. "Yes?" he answered, glancing at his father...only to realize what he’d just got out from his lips.

A ripple of laughter and contentment ran through the room. The tension dissolved. Across the table, plates clinked and conversation resumed as everyone started eating and drinking, the decision now settled in their minds.

"Wait...what?" Javier looked around, baffled.

Garius leaned back, a satisfied smirk on his face.

"Then it’s decided. Javier will lead the operation. As for any consequences from the crown... you can leave that problem for me to handle."

Javier was about to protest, mouth half open.

Francesca’s gentle smile cut him off. "Don’t worry, honeybun. You’re the only one who can truly command Your own Knights. I’m sure you’ll put a stop to the noble war and drive them out."

Marcellus grinned slyly across the table. "Ah, my little brother is going to be a hero again~"

Cedric leaned back, folding his arms with a proud look. "Yes, that’s our proud little brother."

Aelius and Athine exchanged warm smiles, nodding in quiet support.

Heres seemed lost in thought, daydreaming. His cheeks were faintly flushed. He abruptly stood and bowed. "Esteemed Father... if you’ll excuse me." Without waiting for an answer, he turned and slipped out.

Alf smirked, lips twitching at the corners.

Erinnette, gliding past with a bottle of wine, filled Garius’s cup, her own smile soft and pleased.

Hesbeirn only focused on his plate, devouring another slice of roast, then chased it with a long drink.

The senior officers and city overseer watched Javier with open pride, a quiet respect in their eyes.

Inside Javier’s mind, frustration was bubbling up.

I knew it! This was all Father’s plan from the start. I bet everyone already agreed behind my back, probably suggested, "Let’s wait for Javier’s decision," just to watch me walk right into it.

Ugh... next time, I’m going to make sure I show up to any "emergency meeting" before anyone else.

Javier caught the gleam in Liana and Gloria’s eyes from across the room.

Ugh... these two are definitely coming with me,.

He could already hear their voices in his head

"We don’t want to see you flirting with another girl again,"

"Six future wives are already more than enough, young master~"

And always with those dangerously sweet smiles.

He slumped deeper into his chair, doing his best to avoid meeting his father’s gaze.

If I look at him, he’ll probably give me another task. Not just scary, he always finds more work if you make eye contact. Nope.

He sighed.

It’s not like I don’t want to do it. I know this is the best way to stop the refugees, restore order, bring peace, and even give that bratty her own land again after all that’s happened.

But... why me?

He glanced at Marcellus and Cedric.

Both wore those same smug older-brother grins.

Ugh... I just wanted to enjoy the day with Liana and Gloria. Or maybe think about Felicia, Mimi, Delya, and Ferine. Wonder what those girls are doing right now...

No! Don’t get distracted, Javier. Focus. You’re already in this mess.

Here we go again...cleaning up after the kingdom’s screw-ups.

Whatever. I’ll just conquer the land, chase off those idiot noble armies, and get back to my peaceful days as fast as possible.

( End Of Chapter )