Reborn As Noble

Chapter 1214: A Full Stomach, A Sharp Mind ( 1214 )

It’s not like I have to worry about those new cannon types, since they don’t pose any threat to the Armand defense system I installed.

If they try to use them, all my automated defense systems will shoot everything down before it even reaches the Armand border battlement.

My priority is the safety of the Armand people and my family.

That includes Arjam.

The problem is... if they use it on our allies.

The closest nation to Amazarak is... the Elven Kingdom.

He glanced at Garius, who was focused on his meal, and then at his mother.

Better finish this meal first... if I discuss matters like this during breakfast, it might ruin the mood.

Hmm... perhaps it’s better if I build more anti-air mana missile systems. Even though I’ve already built around 2,000 of them and placed several of them in strategic locations around Armand and Arjam, it wouldn’t hurt to reinforce our defenses further.

Since they only require mana, and Armand has Mana Relay Towers to supply them, ammunition won’t be a problem. I’ll just need to check them regularly and deploy more of my puppet knights to guard them alongside Armand soldiers.

I should discuss with Father about building a new defensive system for our closest allies.

Since these new humans, who I don’t even know where they came from, possess slightly modern weapons, we can’t take any chances.

Garius, who noticed Javier pausing from his meal, put down his knife and fork and reached for his drink.

"Javier?"

Javier snapped out of his thoughts. "Yes, Esteemed Father?"

"Stop thinking about what to plan and what to do while eating. I know there’s a lot on your mind, but you should focus on your meal first. A good meal helps clear the mind and gives you the energy to think better."

"I’m sorry, Father."

Garius just smirked. "I know there’s a lot on your mind. But sometimes, you need to take a moment to rest and recharge. The world won’t fall apart if you finish your meal first."

Garius put down his drink, glanced at Francesca, who smiled softly, then turned his gaze back to Javier.

"Even if the world falls apart, even if everything we’ve built crumbled to dust tomorrow, there’s always a way to rebuild. History is nothing but a series of collapses followed by better foundations. When the old walls crumble, they provide the very stone you need to build the new ones. The only thing that truly ends a legacy is the man who refuses to pick up a tool because he’s too busy mourning the rubble."

He let out an exhale and glanced at Alf and Erinette.

"You should know that Armand once fell to enemy hands before, back when I was still a child. I’m sure your mother here has already told you the story."

Javier glanced down at the table. "Y... yes... Father."

Garius just smiled and reached for his utensils again, looking at Javier.

"No matter what the problem, trouble, or challenge, I never let it spoil my dinner. If we lose it all tomorrow, we start again the morning after. But we’ll do it much faster with a full stomach and a sharp mind. Hunger clouds judgment, a rested, fed mind sees clearer paths and stronger solutions."

For now... Garius smiled. "Focus on what you should do. Check on Gracelle’s condition first, and when you’re ready, come meet me with the report you want to show me."

"Yes, Esteemed Father."

"Good. Eat."

Javier nodded and started eating his meal again.

After the meal.

Javier was inside the next building, in the first zone, being assisted by Myra as he put on his surgical scrubs, cap, and face mask.

"Myra?"

"Yes, Your Highness?" Myra said while helping Javier adjust his attire.

"Did you and your healer team get enough rest?"

"Yes, Your Highness. I’ve already arranged a separate shift schedule, four hours for each team to ensure everyone is well-rested while maintaining continuous care."

"Oh." Javier nodded and put on his surgical facemask. "So, how is her condition?"

"Gracelle’s condition is good so far. She’s been resting well, and the monitoring systems show stable vital signs and positive recovery progress."

"That’s good to hear." Javier said while heading toward the sink and thoroughly washing his hands.

After wearing his surgical attire, cap, mask, and gloves, he moved to the second zone and saw the room where Gracelle was.

He smiled behind his mask while being escorted by Myra and Kalea.

Once they arrived, Javier headed inside with them.

He checked the monitoring equipment and the IV line connected to her arm.

Gracelle stirred slowly when she felt people around her.

"Ah... Umm..." Gracelle fidgeted, feeling shy and weak, dressed only in a patient gown. She slowly pulled her blanket up to cover her lips.

"Good morning." Javier smiled behind his mask. "How do you feel?"

Gracelle fidgeted, still covering her lips with her blanket, and glanced up as Javier checked the tube in her arm. "Umm... I’m... I’m good."

"Feel any pain in your stomach?"

Gracelle tried to hold back a giggle when Javier gently pressed her stomach with his thumb.

"U... um... no... I don’t feel any pain... anymore."

Myra stepped beside Javier and smiled behind her mask. "This is the doctor who saved you."

"Re... really?" Gracelle glanced at Javier’s eyes before pulling her blanket up to cover her eyes. "Umm... thank... thank you."

Javier smiled. "We’ll check your condition again in a few hours. If you feel any pain or discomfort, just let them know, okay?"

"Mm..." Gracelle nodded behind her blanket before pulling it down slightly, just showing her eyes. "I’m..."

"Hmm?" Javier looked into her eyes. "Yes?"

"Umm... I’m... I’m thirsty..."

Javier chuckled softly. "Ah, sorry. We still need to monitor your recovery, and you just underwent surgery, so we can’t give you food or water for another few hours."

"So... umm... I... I can’t drink or eat?" Gracelle glanced at Javier.

"Not yet for now. But we will try to gradually reintroduce fluids once your body is ready."

"But... without drinking... won’t I... die?" Gracelle asked nervously.

Javier chuckled softly. "Don’t worry." He pointed toward the IV line. "This is giving you fluids and nutrients directly into your bloodstream, so you won’t get dehydrated. It’s helping your body heal without putting strain on your digestive system."

"B... but... I feel thirsty." She looked into his eyes with pleading puppy eyes. "Can I at least... umm... drink some water?"

"Okay. If you can hold on for a few more hours, I’ll tell them to give you a small sip of water."

"Umm... okay." Gracelle fidgeted and mumbled softly. "Th... thank you."

( End Of Chapter )