"I would have loved to show you the real Armand and Arjam," Gilmon said, a soft smile playing on his lips. "But since you’re here requesting an urgent audience with His Majesty about... certain movents from Garka and Turka, I suppose that sightseeing tour will have to wait."
Kayra’s eyes widened.
How could they possibly know that?
I hadn’t spoken a word about the attacks. I hadn’t even ntioned Garka or Turka by na.
Her gaze snapped back to Gilmon. "How... how do you know about that?"
"Ah, that?" Gilmon’s smile didn’t falter. He scratched his cheek casually. "Don’t worry yourself over it. It’s not as if we’re spying on your region or ddling in your politics. Let’s just say... we make it a point to keep an eye on the movents of any potential enemy."
"Why..." Kayra said in a low voice.
Gilmon looked at her.
"Why, after you all knew, you didn’t co and help us?"
Gilmon narrowed his eyes and exhaled.
"Lady Kayra. Armand is now a sovereign nation. And before Armand declared independence, did Armand ever ddle in the affairs of any other noble household or its region?"
Kayra glanced at the floor and shook her head gently. "No..."
"You do know what others would think if Armand suddenly sent help or aid to your region, don’t you? We are an independent nation now. If we intervene without a formal request, without a treaty, without clear cause, it would be seen as an act of aggression."
Gilmon glanced around the infirmary before his gaze settled back on her.
"Even if Kimar can’t legally challenge Armand, it gives him political ammunition. It paints Armand as an expansionist power, not a peaceful neighbor. Other nobles would fear we might turn on them next."
He adjusted the mana talkie in his ear.
"Armand does not impose its will where it is not wanted. Armand are not conquerors. If Armand marched into Tybalt without a formal request, your people might see us as invaders, not saviors. Your neighbors would fear us."
Gilmon exhaled softly.
"Before a formal request for aid is made to His Majesty, King Garius de Armand, there is nothing Armand can do. The decision is his alone. All you can do now is hope your plea moves him."
Kayra was about to say sothing, but Gilmon raised his palm.
"Now, Lady Kayra, there are more important things to attend to. I’m also quite busy. Well... with Hesbeirn calling for a drink, and this being a celebration month across the entire Armand nation, and with the upcoming weddings of His Majesty’s sons... I don’t think we have ti to spare."
Gilmon looked at Kayra’s daughter and smiled softly before turning back to Kayra. "It’s best you prepare before..." He was about to continue when a voice crackled through his mana talkie.
"Ugh! What? I’m talking here," Gilmon exhaled sharply into the device. "No, she’s not my affair! She’s Lady Kayra! Kayra!"
He paused, listening, then rolled his eyes. "Don’t tell you don’t know her, Hesbeirn. Hmm? Yeah... her."
Another pause. Gilmon’s face flushed slightly. "I don’t know! Don’t ask! Are you crazy, asking to ask her that?"
His voice rose in protest. "O–oi! Don’t you dare bring my wife into this, Hesbeirn! She’s not my affair!"
He sighed, shoulders slumping in resignation. "Yeah, yeah... fine. I’ll settle things up here fast and co to you later. Don’t drink all the booze! And spare so of that hydra at!"
"Mm, okay... Oh? You already helped contact the Armand estate? Thanks, mate! You’re the best!"
He paused, listening, then scoffed. "Huh? Of course I don’t want to! You know how Ga...ahem...His Majesty is... Serious. Not to ntion Alf and Erinnette!"
He nodded. "Yeah, yeah. Anyway, thanks. I’ll settle things up here and bring her for the audience."
Another pause, and he rolled his eyes. "Huh? Of course I know to inform the Armand Estate when I’m nearby. Yeah, yeah... I know. Pekko are fast, blah blah..."
He shifted his weight, growing impatient. "Mm, okay... Oh, co on! Stop talking already. If you keep this up, there’s no way I’ll get everything settled here."
A final sigh of relief. "Alright... see you later." Gilmon tapped the mana talkie and exhaled deeply before turning his attention back to Kayra.
"Alright, Lady Kayra. Best be ready. When the Pekko carriage arrives, we’re going straight to Armand."
anwhile.
Armand Estate.
Javier yawned, scratching his head as he walked down the hallway toward the main dining room.
He paused when he saw his father erging from the dining room, flanked as usual by Alf and Erinnette.
Man, those two really never leave his side. And it’s still early... too early for Father to be starting work already.
"Javier?"
"Y...yes, esteed Father?" Javier straightened up, his gaze flicking toward Garius before darting away.
"Good job on the rescue mission yesterday."
"Ah... I didn’t actually go on the mission, esteed Father."
"Even so." Garius’s tone was calm. "Your command and your decision saved lives."
Javier swallowed. "I just did what anyone would do, Esteed Father."
"Mm. Anyway... where are your girls?"
"Ah... I just left them in my room. Ehehe... They’re all still... umm... sleeping."
"Alright. Go to the dining room. Your mother is expecting you. She told Erinnette to call for you earlier."
"Yes, Esteed Father." Javier grinned and rubbed the back of his head, watching Garius walk toward the outside, Alf and Erinnette following closely behind.
I bet he’s going to feed that golden Pekko of his.
This old man never changes. It’s still too early for him to be working. At least take a day off, you dried plum.
Javier exhaled. Well... since my sweet mother is expecting , I guess I’d better get there.
He slipped both hands into his pockets and started toward the main dining room when a hand suddenly grabbed the back of his head and pulled his face firmly into soft chest.
"Mmph!!!" Javier’s voice was muffled. He glanced up. "M...Mother!!"
"My honey bun~ Co here, Mama will feed you~"
"M...Mother! I can feed myself!"
"No, no~ Today, Mama will feed my youngest baby."
"Mother! I’m not a child anymore!" Javier tried to pull away, but Francesca’s grip only tightened. She glanced down at him, her smile sweet and terrifying.
"Ara~ My honey bun wants to fight~?"
( End Of Chapter )
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