""I know how Father might look like he’s manipulating things," Javier said softly, eyes on the sky.
"I’ve seen the threads he pulls. I’ve felt the nudges, the little tests. But I never call it bad or cruel. He isn’t shaping us to win petty fights or swell his pride. He’s shaping us to be people who can bear power without becoming monsters."
"He does not blind us with orders to break us. He teaches through example."
"He knows what makes us real humans. Discipline so we don’t break what we’re given, manners so we rember we are not greater than those we lead. He teaches restraint so that strength becos protection instead of tyranny. He forces lessons so we learn to keep others safe before we seek our own comfort."
He gave a short, self-deprecating laugh.
"I may grumble when he scolds, or stiffen when he speaks, but I never doubt him. Not because he is unassailable, but because his plans rarely have a fault. He thinks ahead of the small things others miss. He knows what makes a man worthy. Restraint, honor, and the courage to carry weight without showing off."
Javier’s smile was small, certain.
"I accept it because he thinks beyond the mont. He doesn’t only correct; he shows the consequence of pride, the cost of rashness. He lets wear a mask of foolishness so others lower their guard, he takes the politics we cannot touch."
He reached for Liana’s hand and squeezed it once.
"One day I’ll be a father. I don’t want to be a man who rules by temper or by show. I want discipline in my ho, manners at my table, and the steadiness to protect those who cannot fight. I’ll teach them firmness wrapped in kindness, because that is what makes a ruler, and what makes a real human."
Javier smile and continue.
"That is why I straighten when Father speaks, not out of fear, but because he’s given tools. And when the ti cos, I’ll pass those tools on."
"If you say so, Young Master," Liana replied with a pure smile.
Her heart felt light. For once, she wasn’t seeing the mischievous boy who always sched, laughed, or played lazy. She was seeing the other side of him, the young man who carried himself with maturity, who spoke with weight and conviction.
Her smile deepened. This was the Javier she wanted others to see, but only she was allowed to walk beside him when he showed it.
Then a familiar squawk split the air.
"Cuquawked!!"
Liana turned her head and saw Buddy trotting proudly toward them, feathers fluffed in excitent, with Pikko striding beside him in calm dignity.
And riding just behind them.
Hesbeirn on his own Pekko, a knowing smirk tugging at his lips.
"Yo! Brat!" Hesbeirn called out, his tone half-teasing, half-command. "Your father said to attend the council. Now."
Javier exhaled heavily, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "Uncle... really?"
"Yeah. If you don’t believe , suit yourself." Hesbeirn chuckled, the smirk never leaving his face.
"Fine," Javier muttered, swinging his gaze back to Liana. "Liana, let’s go."
"Yes, Young Master," she replied with her usual grace, gathering her skirt slightly as she mounted Pikko with practiced ease.
Javier, by contrast, gave no such restraint. With a sharp push off the cobblestones, he vaulted upward, twisting just enough to land in a stylish crouch atop Buddy’s saddle. The big bird squawked proudly, wings flaring as if to celebrate his master’s showy landing.
Liana sighed softly at his antics, though the corner of her lips betrayed a fond smile.
anwhile...
Garius and his procession arrived before the towering gates of the royal palace. His entourage moved in flawless formation, Giddie at the front, his sons and their maids at his flanks, Hesbeirn’s knights closing the rear.
The royal guards stationed at the gate stiffened at once when their eyes caught the crest of Armand. In unison, they brought their fists hard against their chests, saluting with crisp respect.
One of the captains stepped forward, bowing low, his voice steady but edged with formality.
"Welco to the Royal Palace, Count Garius De Armand. The palace is honored by your presence."
"Thank you for your kind words," Garius replied smoothly, his voice carrying both weight and courtesy.
He lifted one hand slightly, and Erinnette guided her Pekko forward with practiced grace. From a satchel at her side, she produced a finely wrapped pouch and placed it respectfully into the hands of the royal guard captain.
Garius inclined his head just enough to acknowledge the man’s service.
"Please," he said evenly, his tone calm yet commanding, "use this to treat yourself and your n to good food and drink. Guarding this palace is no light duty, you should all eat well, so your strength does not falter."
The captain bowed deeply, clutching the pouch in both hands, his voice thick with gratitude.
"Your generosity humbles us, Lord Armand. We shall honor your words."
The royal guard captain straightened, his fist still pressed firmly to his chest. Then he turned sharply, his voice booming with authority that echoed against the palace walls.
"Escort our honorable guest!"
At once, the royal guards moved into formation. Two lines parted smoothly, opening the great gates while others took position to flank Garius’s procession. The heavy doors rumbled as they swung wide, revealing the grand courtyard beyond.
With a calm smile, Garius gave Giddie’s reins a light tug, and the golden Pekko stepped forward, leading the Armand household inside.
Garius’s voice carried firm and steady, his eyes fixed forward as the palace gates closed behind them.
"Rember... once inside, we will face a sea of nobles. Many will co parading their sons and daughters before us, eager to flaunt them, eager to weave connections they believe will benefit their houses."
His tone sharpened.
"Do not let smiles or silken words distract you. Behind every bow lies intent, whether marriage, alliance, or envy. Keep your composure. Show courtesy, but let no one asure you lightly."
"And I want you all to rember this, act as yourselves. Do not rush to impress, nor scramble to please. Each of you has your own strength, your own role, and the court will see it whether you speak or stand silent."
His gaze shifted briefly toward the palace doors ahead, his voice lowering a shade.
"Do not bend to their pace. Let the situation dictate your response. Sotis restraint speaks louder than boldness, sotis silence cuts deeper than words. Trust in who you are, and the na you carry will speak for you."
"Yes, Esteem Father," Marcellus, Cedric, Aelius, Athine, and Heres replied in unison.
( End Of Chapter )
User Comments
0 comments from readers