Next Morning.
Arjam Region.
Farkam Town.
Javier woke with a groan, his whole body stiff. He tried to sit up, only to realize he couldn’t move at all. Sothing heavy pinned him on every side.
What the...?
He blinked, trying to clear his vision. Liana was hugging him tightly from the right, one arm locked firmly around his chest. Gloria had claid his left side, her grip unyielding. Mimi, sohow, was sprawled right across his chest, her head nestled under his chin.
Felicia lay curled along his right thigh, her tail draped over his knee, while Delya’s long hair tickled his left leg, her arms wrapped around his other thigh like a pillow.
For a mont, he just stared at the ceiling, mory returning in sluggish pieces. He was supposed to go straight to Armand and stop the Keeper.
He rembered... sothing hitting his neck.
No, I have to get up. If the Keeper’s already there, Father will definitely send out recognition letters to the four nations, Beastkin, Demon, Dwarven, and Elven. That ans official support, and once those letters are sent, there’s no turning back. Armand’s sovereignty will be sealed.
Javier tried to wiggle free, but both Liana and Gloria tightened their hold.
"Where do you think you’re going, young master~?" Liana’s voice was soft, but the warning in it was unmistakable.
Liana, I need to.." Javier struggled, but Gloria pressed in closer.
"Ara~ are you planning to run away and leave us all here, young master? How cruel~" Gloria teased, her grip like iron.
"But if I don’t go, it’s all paperwork, responsibility, and..."
Liana buried her face against Javier’s neck, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Please, young master... just let it go. I’m sure Lord Garius has already planned for everything ahead."
On the other side, Gloria pressed closer, her lips at his ear.
"Besides, it’s not such a bad thing. We can help you with the paperwork, or anything else you need."
Javier let out a long sigh, shoulders sinking in defeat. "Fine..."
Inside, his thoughts churned with reluctant acceptance.
Yeah... I know. Father probably predicted every step before I ever noticed. I can’t send drones or puppets to attack my own people just to keep Armand from gaining independence. I’m not heartless enough to risk innocent lives, not even for my own freedom.
Still... sob, sob... paperwork. And all the ti I wanted to spend with Liana, Gloria, and the rest of my harem... It’s all going to vanish under a mountain of responsibilities.
Gihhh! Just you wait, Father. I’ll find a way to make you stay young and healthy forever. There’s no way I’m taking the throne while you’re still around!
Fine. You win this round.
But later... kekeke...
Javier wrapped his arms tighter around Liana and Gloria, pulling them close. Mimi, still drooling in her sleep, sprawled across his chest without a care in the world. With a little effort, Javier hooked his legs and drew Delya and Felicia closer too, pulling his entire harem into one warm, tangled embrace.
Later that morning.
After breakfast, Javier stepped out into the courtyard of their temporary house in Arjam.
He watched as Buddy pecked through a crate of fresh fruit, sending orange rinds flying. Nearby, Pikko strutted around the roast at pile, while Peanut, Jito, and the two Pekko belonging to Delya and Felicia eagerly squawked over their share.
"Cuquawked!" Buddy called, feathers ruffling as he claid another fruit.
Javier rubbed his chin, watching the chaos.
Did the girls already na their Pekko?
He realized he’d never actually asked. I should really get their nas, can’t have them running around naless forever. I’ll have to check with them later.
Wait...now’s not the ti for Pekko introductions!
Javier squatted down, both hands buried in his hair as frustration set in.
The border gates... they’re closed. I heard it over the mana talkie. Father sealed the Armand border, just as soon as he got the decree. That ans it’s all happening now. Father’s already stripped of his rank and title by royal decree.
He clenched his teeth.
What an idiot.
King Kimar actually thinks removing Father’s rank would do anything? What a fool. No wonder Father refused to support Duke Kimar as king back then. A man like that doesn’t have the vision, the talent, or the sense to rule. He can’t even spot or gather the best minds to help him govern, let alone outplay Father.
Now...
How do I beat Father at his own ga?
That Eyes of Truth is the real problem. It’s impossible to hide anything when he can see right through you. Every sche, every little plan.
I swear, it’s like he’s reading my mind before I’ve even finished the thought.
I’ll need to take precautions this ti. Make sure my mind can’t be read so easily when we et again. There’s no way he won’t summon back to Armand after all this.
Esspecially with his wedding to Queen Mylezra coming up.
And this ti, I’m sure he won’t be able to postponed it any longer.
Ehehehe...he’s not the only one who can set things in motion.
Javier slipped a hand into his pocket, pulling out a small, finely crafted clock. The date and ti glinted on its polished surface.
Just wait. Within this week, you’ll hear the news yourself.
The Elven Kingdom will announce a new interim ruler to assist Queen Mylezra in governing the nation. All thanks to the plan I sent over, relayed straight to her using my own mana talkie signal drones. This ti, even Father won’t be able to stall the wedding.
And as for that fifth promised bride... Well, she’ll be arriving sooner than expected.
Ah~consider this my thank you gift, Father. Kekekeke...
Javier rubbed his hands together, a sly grin spreading across his face as the Pekko flock pecked contentedly behind him.
This ti, there’s no way he can counter . I’ll finally get my first real win!
Ehehehe...
Praise this genius! Let the world bow before my brilliance!
Javier grinned smugly, lifting his chin and striking a pose that would make any iken jealous.
Ah, victory at last... my first win over Father’s endless plans!
I can pictured it now~ Queen Mylezra arriving in Armand, the grand wedding proceeding without a single hitch, Father left with no room to maneuver. This ti, he wouldn’t be able to wriggle out of marrying Mylezra, not as the head of the Armand Region, but as the Sovereign of the newly independent Armand Nation!
Not only that, I’ve already set aside a mountain of my own gold to fund everything. A grand feast for all of Armand and Arjam, every citizen celebrating in style. I’ve even designed a special dress for Mother, Lady Francesca, so she’ll outshine everyone as Father’s First Wife. I made sure every one of my stepmothers, especially that dragon, has a dress perfectly suited for her.
And I can’t wait to launch my mana satellite and show off the first prototype Holo Mana TV.
Javier grinned, pulling out a sleek, palm-sized cube. With a casual flick, he tossed it onto the ground. A shimring holo-panel rose into view, broadcasting a live feed from the courtyard where Buddy and the other Pekko feasted. In his other hand, Javier held a mana cam, capturing it all in real ti.
Just you wait, this grand wedding for Queen Mylezra and Father will be the first event broadcast live to all of Armand! The vow renewal ceremony will be stread too, giving Mother her mont in the spotlight before Father takes Mylezra’s hand.
Kekeke! This is what happens when you try to outplay Javier De Armand, Father!
Javier’s laughter echoed through the courtyard as the Pekko flock squawked in chorus, the world’s first live mana broadcast already underway.
( End Of Chapter )
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