Once Javier arrived in front of his father’s private room, he knocked and entered once his father’s voice was heard.
He noticed his brothers standing in front of their father’s desk, both hands clasped behind their backs in a posture of disciplined respect, their expressions serious and attentive.
He noticed his mother, Francesca, seated beside his father, her expression unusually solemn.
I wonder what this is about.
And why Marcellus and Cedric are standing like that.
But I bet this is serious.
Just by looking at how stern Father’s face is, Alf’s expression, and Erinette’s calm but focused deanor.
Even if I know they’re always like this, this is the first ti I’ve seen my mother showing that rare, serious expression.
"Hmm? Javier? Good." Garius rose from his seat, clasping his hands behind his back as he moved to stand before his sons. His posture radiated authority, composed and unyielding. "Now stand with your brothers."
Father rarely makes us stand like this, except when sothing serious happens or the next mission is particularly grave.
Is it because of an upcoming war?
Or perhaps there’s an enemy far stronger than what we’ve encountered before?
But why does Father need to call Marcellus and Cedric too?
He knows I can handle pretty much any defense and offense. If Kimar tries sothing or declares war on us, there’s no need to call my brothers for this.
He glanced briefly at Marcellus, then Cedric.
Especially since they both just married their partners days ago.
Garius slowly took his seat on his throne and leaned forward, clasping his fingers together, his lips resting behind his hand as he narrowed his eyes.
"Marcellus, Cedric."
"Yes, esteed Father." They both stood at attention, their posture reflecting royal discipline.
"As we discussed before, with the upcoming civil war that will break out soon, you two will lead our soldiers to assist the Mathrias Region." Garius’s voice was steady and authoritative. "By showing Armand’s banner there, we will deter any nearby regions from considering an attack on Mathrias."
He let out a long exhale before continuing. "You two will be briefed by Alf, and Hesbeirn will be assigned as your commanding officer. He will deploy troops, especially the navy, for this mission."
"Yes, esteed Father."
Javier gritted his teeth and stomped his foot, the sound sharp in the quiet room. "Esteed Father."
"Hmm? What is it, Javier?" Garius looked at him, his expression unreadable.
"Forgive ..." Javier began, his tone respectful but firm. "But as you know, a mission like this should be handled by . If I were the one to take this mission, there would be no risk to our troops or the lives of my brothers. I can ensure success without unnecessary casualties."
Garius leaned back and rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
He clasped his fingers in front of him and looked at Javier’s face.
"No. You’ve already done enough missions. Even if I know your success rate is high, we cannot keep depending on you for this kind of mission. Marcellus and Cedric must also gain experience leading troops in the field."
Garius paused and looked into Javier’s eyes. "Besides, there is a more important mission for you."
Javier fell silent.
Garius continued. "You rember Gracelle, right?"
"Yes, esteed Father." Javier nodded, his expression growing serious.
Garius placed the three-page letter on the table. "Read this."
Javier walked forward, lifted the letter, and began reading it slowly.
Garius exhaled softly, his tone calm, stern, and serious. "According to that letter, Gracelle fell ill long ago. We still don’t know what kind of sickness it is. All we know is that she doesn’t have much ti left."
He continued. "And since this letter is from a week ago... her condition may have worsened. We still don’t know if she’s even alive."
He glanced toward Javier, who was already reading the letter with a tense expression, before leaning back on his throne. "So your mission is to use your invention, the GAASAD-1, to bring us to the Mathrias Region. That way, we can at least..." Garius stood and turned his back, clasping his hands behind him. "...pay her a final visit."
Javier noticed Garius’s knuckles turning white before he mumbled sothing under his breath. "So I can also co and punch Rolland in his face, for keeping this secret from , his trusted friend."
"I understand, esteed Father." Javier gave him a respectful bow.
Just as Garius was turning to face him, Javier continued.
"But I refuse."
Francesca’s eyes widened. "Honey bun..."
Alf shook his head, and Erinette paused in her duties.
Garius’s right eye glowed faintly, though his face remained calm.
Javier looked at his father. "I will use my inventions, such as GAASAD-1, 2, and 3, to bring us all to pay a visit. But I refuse to risk my brothers’ lives for such a matter."
Javier bowed slightly again. "Gracelle is... also a friend of mine. But I won’t risk my family’s lives for such a mission. So please, esteed Father, let take all the missions. Any mission you plan to give them that risks their lives, or even the lives of Armand’s soldiers, today or in the future,I will handle them."
He straightened, his expression resolute. "And I will prepare the GAASAD in the courtyard within five minutes."
Garius looked into Javier’s eyes.
Javier t his gaze with a serious but respectful expression, his posture firm yet deferential. "Since the place esteed Father intends to send them is the sa region where Gracelle is, I believe it would be more efficient and safer for to handle both matters."
Garius clasped both hands behind his back and looked at him with a faint, knowing smile.
"Are you sure, Javier De Armand?"
"Yes, esteed Father." Javier gave him a respectful bow. "If esteed Father wishes for my brothers and sister to gain experience, I respectfully suggest assigning them to paperwork or duties within Armand and Arjam. But for high-risk missions like this... please, let do it."
"You do know that once you say this, there will be no taking it back."
( End Of Chapter )
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