After several hours, they finally reached the Armand border town near the Beastkin Kingdom. The wind whipped past Javier's coat, dust trailing behind Buddy's powerful stride.
"Alright, Buddy! Slow down at the gate!"
Cuquawked!!
Buddy obeyed, coming to a smooth, smug trot as the border checkpoint ca into view.
Just as Javier was about to reach the guards, a familiar voice buzzed softly in his ear.
Bzzt—bzzt.
"Young master, have you eaten yet?" It was Liana.
Javier chuckled softly. "Liana… I just arrived at the border town."
There was a pause. "Who are you with? Another beastkin female?"
He blinked. "Huh? No—I'm alone. I was just about to check in with the guards here—"
"You're with another woman, aren't you?" Her voice sharpened, dead serious.
"No! I literally just—ugh, hang on." He sighed and turned to the stunned guards who had noticed his arrival. "Can you do a favor?"
The guards straightened instantly. "Y-Young master!"
"Confirm for her I'm alone. Just and my Pekko."
The nearest guard blinked in confusion. "Err… hello?"
"Is the young master really alone? Be honest," Liana's voice ca through the talkie, making the poor man stiffen like a board.
"Y-Yes! Absolutely alone! Just him and his Pekko, Miss Liana!"
There was silence on the other end. Then,
"…Fine. But if I find out you're lying, I'll personally pay a visit."
Javier pinched the bridge of his nose. "Liana…"
"You better call before you sleep," she muttered, voice low and possessive.
"Of course, my beloved future wife," Javier teased, smirking.
"Don't tease !" Bzzt—the talkie cut off.
The guards were sweating.
Javier gave them a look. "Don't ask."
"No, young master," they chorused in unison.
Buddy, still standing tall and proud, fluffed his feathers and let out a satisfied Squawked.
"Captain! Captain!"
A young soldier rushed toward the small outpost stationed near the border wall, breathless and wide-eyed.
The captain turned with practiced calm, his hand resting casually on the hilt of his blade. "Yes?"
"Young Master Javier is here!"
The words jolted him. The captain straightened at once. "Understood. I'll be there."
Without wasting a second, he grabbed his light armor coat and sprinted out. Within minutes, he spotted Javier casually strolling along the border wall, inspecting the defenses, with a few guards escorting him.
"Young master!"
The captain ca to a sharp halt and saluted with precision.
Javier glanced over his shoulder. "Oh, at ease. No need to be that stiff—I'm just checking things out."
The captain relaxed slightly, though his posture remained respectful. "As you command, young master."
Javier continued walking along the wall, hands behind his back, surveying the stationed archers, guard towers, and the distant terrain beyond the wall. The captain followed closely beside him.
"Good," Javier muttered as he observed the rotations. "You've set up the patrols with a complete formation—knights, mages, scouts, archers, and priests."
The captain nodded. "Yes, young master. It was Lord Garius's directive to increase patrol unit strength. We now deploy in teams of ten to twelve per squad. Mage units rotate every six hours to avoid mana depletion, and scouts coordinate with the mana talkie system connected to the relay tower."
Javier tapped his finger against his chin. "Mm. Smart. With the way things are going, better to prevent than regret."
He paused and glanced over the wall, narrowing his eyes slightly at the distant woods. "Increase night patrols as well. Use two mixed-vision scouts per squad."
"Understood, young master."
"Also, make sure the radar I installed last month still syncs with the relay tower. If you see any weird signals or anomalies, don't ignore them."
"Yes, young master."
Javier nodded with a light grin. "Good work so far. Keep it steady, captain."
The captain stiffened slightly. "We serve the Armand family with everything we have."
Javier walked leisurely through the bustling border town, his hands tucked behind his back and his expression calm yet observant. Around him, the streets buzzed with life—beastkin vendors called out their wares, human children darted between market stalls, and a few elves passed by with baskets of herbs, chatting quietly as they walked.
The peaceful coexistence made him smile.
"Young master!"
A voice called from behind. A middle-aged man in formal attire hurried over, flanked by a pair of guards. He bowed deeply when he reached Javier.
"City overseer Gellin, at your service."
Javier turned slightly, offering a casual nod.
"At ease. No need to be so formal—I'm just here for a walk."
The overseer straightened but kept a respectful posture.
"Of course, young master. Please, allow us to accompany you."
They followed Javier quietly as he strolled through the main avenue. Buddy, his Pekko, strutted beside him with his usual smug bob, occasionally squawking like he was singing.
The townspeople greeted him as he passed—so waved, others bowed slightly, while curious children pointed with wide eyes. The guards on patrol saluted with quiet reverence.
Javier's gaze swept over the clean stone paths, orderly shops, and well-kept buildings. No one looked desperate. No one looked starved. And importantly—there were no beggars or holess to be found.
"It's a good thing we don't have any holess or beggars in Armand."
"That is thanks to our lord's decree. Those who struggle to live are given work—on farms, in workshops, or with trade caravans. In return, they're provided housing, food, and basic care. Everyone has a place as long as they're willing to work."
Javier smiled. "That's how it should be."
A few beastkin kids ran past, laughing, and Buddy let out a playful squawk as if responding to them. The children giggled and waved at the Pekko.
"Our town has grown steadily," the overseer added. "The harmony between races was once fragile, but now… it's sothing we take pride in."
Javier nodded again, his tone calm but certain.
"Keep it that way. So make sure it stays strong while we still have it."
The overseer bowed again.
"Understood, young master."
Everywhere Javier walked, the warmth of the people followed him.
Children playing by the roadside paused their gas to wave excitedly.
"Young master Javier!!"
Javier smiled and lifted a hand in return. "Yo~ Don't trip while running, okay?"
The kids giggled, beaming with admiration. It was as if seeing him brought them joy beyond reason.
anwhile, the adults—true Armand citizens—bowed politely with their hands over their chests as he passed. Respectful, yet genuine.
Javier nodded back at each one, a calm smile on his lips.
( End Of Chapter )
User Comments
0 comments from readers