Chapter 938: Borders Closed, Hearts Open ( 938 )

Javier puffed out his chest in satisfaction. Buddy glanced over, mimicking him perfectly, puffing his own chest and strutting along with a smug squawk.

Liana, Gloria, Felicia, Mimi, and Delya all let out soft laughs, the group’s spirits light as they continued down the main road.

Everywhere they went, townsfolk showed their respect, waving, bowing, or simply smiling at the sight of Armand’s future lord and his harem riding by on their proud Pekko.

"So, young master... You’re not going to stop at the border town?" Gloria asked, a hint of teasing in her voice.

Javier shook his head.

"Hmm? Nah, I don’t think we need to stop anywhere. Let’s just enjoy the sights, after all, it’s not even noon yet. Maybe when we pass by the old refugee camp, we’ll take a look. Most of the Arjam refugees have already returned home, but I’m sure a few chose to stay in Armand. Maybe they just fell in love with life here... or maybe there’s some reason we’ll never know."

He smiled, content to let the warm breeze and steady pace of their Pekko carry them home.

That night.

Armand Estate.

Armand Main Dining Room.

Javier sat at his usual spot at the far end of the long table. Liana and Gloria, in their roles as his personal maids, stood quietly behind him. Felicia, Mimi, and Delya sat close by, their conversation quiet and easy.

At the head of the table, Lord Garius presided, with Francesca seated at his right, Eridith beside her. On his left sat Garcinia, then Phenelopie. Heres was next to his mother, Phenelopie, with Kliatana by his side. On Eridith’s other side were Marcellus, Cedric, Aelius, and Athine, each quietly enjoying the meal.

Behind Garius, Alf and Erinnette stood at attention as always, watchful and efficient.

Garius glanced down the table, chewing a piece of steak. "So... Javier."

"Yes, esteemed father?" Javier replied.

"How did you find the northern border town and the surrounding area?"

"It’s good, esteemed father."

"Good?" Garius raised an eyebrow, his tone flat.

Javier caught himself. "Ah, I mean, the people are thriving, living in real happiness. Outsiders from other regions, even other kingdoms might think the locals are just putting on an act when any of us from the Armand family visit. But the live feeds from Sky Eyes show otherwise. It’s genuine."

Garius’s lips curled into a subtle smirk. "So... I’ve heard some news. Very recent news, in fact, that reached my ear~"

Javier swallowed hard, nearly choking on his meat, his eyes darting sideways.

Is this about my plan with Queen Mylezra to make sure Father can’t postpone the wedding? Or... is it something else?

Garius’s gaze swept over his sons and daughter, lingering on each face before settling back on Javier. He cut another piece of steak, savoring the flavor as if nothing in the world could hurry him.

"So... about this thing you’ve been planning to launch?" Garius continued. "If I’m not mistaken." He nodded to Alf, who promptly stepped forward and handed over a familiar notebook.

Garius flipped it open, eyes scanning the pages. "Looks like there’s a lot here, things I and the others haven’t seen yet. I take it everything’s already prepared?"

"A-ah... about that, esteemed father," Javier managed, forcing a smile, "I’ll... err... show you tomorrow, if you don’t mind. I just got back from Arjam, and, well... I’m still a bit tired..."

Garius’s smirk was hidden behind his calm expression. "Very well, Javier. I expect good news from you tomorrow morning?"

"Y-yes, esteemed father."

Garius lifted his wine glass, tapping it gently with his spoon, the clear, crisp sound silencing the room as all eyes turned to him.

He leaned back in his chair, interlacing his fingers. A composed, almost mischievous smile played on his lips.

"Now... I have an announcement to make for everyone," Garius began, his gaze sweeping across the table.

"From today onward, the Armand Region, along with Arjam, now under Armand and ruled by Kliatana," he said, pausing to glance at Kliatana, who smiled and nodded, "will no longer be part of the Human Kingdom. The public announcement will be made throughout Armand when the time is come."

Garius’s smirk grew as he looked at Javier, who quickly averted his eyes.

"I believe this announcement will be officially made after King Lioness, King Veldrac, and Queen Mylezra arrive in Armand. If I’m not mistaken..." Garius’s tone carried a teasing edge as he looked at Alf, "...that should be within this week?"

Francesca nodded gracefully, followed by supportive smiles from the other wives. Eridith smirked, adding, "I’ve been saying all along, we should’ve declared Armand’s independence sooner."

Garius just shook his head, amused. "So, within this week, I want no one leaving town or traveling anywhere in Armand without proper escorts."

He let the words settle, then continued, "And I believe everyone should stay within the estate for now. I’ve already instructed Hesbeirn to tighten security across Armand and Arjam. With important guests expected, we have to be careful."

His eyes swept the table, voice calm but firm. "With the borders closed and security doubled, plus Javier’s Sky Eyes, puppet knights, and battle drones patrolling, safety is assured. But do not be careless."

Garius’s smile returned as he turned to Javier. "And as for you, I believe you have something important to do tomorrow morning? After dinner, make sure you get proper rest."

He glanced at Gloria, who straightened up, eyes wide. "And Gloria?"

"Y-yes, my lord?"

Garius chuckled. "I trust you understand, within this week... you’ll have to wait a little longer for your special moment with my son."

Gloria’s cheeks turned pink as she shot Javier a glare, while Liana stifled a laugh behind her hand. Felicia looked away, shy, while Mimi and Delya exchanged confused glances, each tilting their head in curiosity.

Francesca smiled, her attention turning to Liana. "By the way, Liana?"

"Y-yes, my lady?" Liana replied, standing a little straighter.

"Don’t be too careless and end up pregnant too early, alright?"

"Y-yes... my lady." Liana’s ears turned faintly red, her voice small.

Francesca sighed softly, a faint look of worry crossing her serene features. "Honestly, with all my sons suddenly so eager to make their partners pregnant... Ahh~ I still can’t believe everyone is racing ahead like this, even though I’m not quite ready to become a grandmother."

Javier’s eyes went wide. He looked up, glancing at Marcellus and Cedric, both of whom did their best to look innocent and pretend nothing was out of the ordinary.

"Ehh!? I thought Heres was the one..."

( End Of Chapter )