Reborn As Noble - Chapter 261

Chapter 261: Seeds of Conflict ( 261 )

Meanwhile, at the Klimbert estate in the Klimbert region…

“What?! Blakor and his team are missing?!” Klimbert roared, his voice echoing through the grand hall.

“Yes, my lord,” the advisor replied, bowing his head nervously. “It seems they didn’t report back to us. Our investigation team has confirmed that Count Garius’s youngest son managed to return to the Armand region.”

“HOW?!” Klimbert slammed his fist on the table, his face red with fury. “Blakor and his team were the best assassins we had! And that brat—the one who humiliated my grandson at the battleground event—managed to make it back? How can you confirm this?!”

The advisor hesitated, then continued, “The priest from the Saint of Three Gods has also made an official complaint. They claim the Armand region rejected their preaching and denied them access.”

“ARRRGH!!!” Klimbert slammed his desk again, his rage boiling over. “How dare they reject the Saint of Three Gods! Don’t they realize that Duke Ibzles and I are among the highest-ranking members of the faith? Moreover, most of the nobles are also—”

Klimbert gritted his teeth, fists clenched. “That damn Count Garius… How dare he reject us so openly! Does he think his region can stay isolated forever?!”

The advisor gulped nervously. “My lord, the Armand region has been fully independent for decades. Unlike other territories, they don’t rely on the central kingdom for resources. They have their own army, economy, and even their own water and food supply. They don’t need outside support.”

Klimbert’s eye twitched. “And now they’ve outright rejected the faith… This will complicate our efforts to expand our influence.”

The room was tense as Klimbert sat down heavily, rubbing his temples.

Another noble, sitting across from him, adjusted his golden rings and spoke in a cold tone. “This isn’t just about the faith. That boy, Javier De Armand… he humiliated my grandson at the battleground event. That alone is enough for me to want him dead.”

Klimbert exhaled through his nose. “Yes… that brat. Not only did he disgrace us, but he’s proven to be far more dangerous than we initially thought. And now… Blakor is missing.”

The room fell silent.

Blakor and his entire team—some of the deadliest assassins under Klimbert’s command—had vanished without a trace. No reports, no bodies, no survivors. It was as if they had disappeared into thin air.

One of Klimbert’s top knights stepped forward hesitantly. “My lord… what if Count Garius anticipated everything? What if it was all a trap?”

Klimbert’s eyes darkened. “Are you suggesting that my best assassins were outsmarted?”

The knight swallowed hard but nodded. “Count Garius isn’t just any noble. He was a war strategist before he became a Count. He is the reason the Armand region remains untouchable. Reports indicate his youngest son has inherited his mind.”

Klimbert slammed his fist onto the table. ” That damn Garius… And now his brat is becoming just as much of a thorn in my side!”

Another noble leaned forward, his tone icy. “This is no longer just about a failed assassination. It’s about our standing in the kingdom. We cannot afford to let the Armand family—especially that brat—make a mockery of us any further.”

Klimbert clenched his jaw, deep in thought. The Armand region was independent. It didn’t rely on the kingdom’s support; it had its own army, economy, and even direct trade routes with the dwarves and the demon lands.

Even if he pressured them politically, Count Garius wouldn’t care.

But there was one leverage point he could exploit.

“The Saint of Three Gods,” Klimbert muttered darkly.

The room fell silent for a moment as several nobles exchanged knowing smirks.

Klimbert leaned forward, his fingers tapping against the desk. “The priests of the Saint of Three Gods have already formally complained about the Armand region rejecting their presence.” A sinister smile curled on his lips. “If we fan the flames of religious outrage, we can turn the entire kingdom against them.”

The same noble from before chuckled, raising his glass in approval. “If the Armand region refuses to accept the Saint of Three Gods, we can brand them as heretics.”

The advisor nodded. “Yes… we can spread the rumor that Count Garius and his people are secretly worshippers of demons. The church will have no choice but to act. Once the kingdom begins to see them as a threat—”

“—They’ll be isolated,” Klimbert finished, his smirk widening.

Another noble, one with close ties to the kingdom’s summoned heroes, spoke up. “The heroes summoned by the kingdom have already been approached by Duke Ibzles. If we push the right buttons, they will act against the Armands.”

Klimbert laughed, the sound deep and menacing. “Then we will use the church, the kingdom, and the heroes to corner Garius. And as for his precious son…”

His eyes gleamed with malice.

“We will make Javier De Armand suffer before he dies.”

The nobles around him laughed, raising their glasses in a silent toast to a plan that would shake the entire kingdom.

Meanwhile, in the Armand region, at the Armand estate.

“Alf?”

“Yes, my lord?”

“Can you give me the report about our food production and farms?”

“Here, my lord. It seems your suggestion to our local leaders—to ensure the villagers, farmers, and others focus on boosting our agriculture and farming—has significantly increased our food production. Now, everyone in the Armand region is thriving. From wheat and sugarcane to tea leaves and other essential crops, our fields are flourishing. The livestock sector is also thriving, with our Thunderhorn Bulls and Greatplume Chickens providing high-quality meat, leather, and eggs.

Additionally, the waterway and water reserve system that your youngest son, Javier, designed for his sugarcane farm has been implemented across all Armand farms.

“This has boosted our agriculture and overall efficiency. Now, every farm in the Armand region has access to a steady water supply, ensuring higher crop yields and better sustainability throughout the seasons.

Our wheat fields are flourishing, producing high-quality grain that’s not only enough for our people but also generating surplus for trade. The sugarcane fields have seen remarkable growth thanks to the new water system. Tea leaves from the highlands are in high demand, both locally and in neighboring regions.

As for livestock, our Thunderhorn Bulls—bred specifically in Armand—are thriving. Their meat is superior, their strength makes them ideal for farm work, and their hides are used for high-quality leather. The Greatplume Chickens, known for their rapid egg production and tender meat, are also flourishing.

Additionally, with the fishing industry along the coast and the expansion of Mana-fed Aquaculture, we have a stable supply of fish and seafood, further diversifying our food sources.

Overall, my lord, food security in Armand has reached an all-time high. Our people are well-fed, and there’s no fear of starvation. If this continues, we will soon become one of the leading agricultural powers in the kingdom.”

Garius leaned back, satisfied. “Good. This is what I wanted. A strong region, independent and self-sustaining. My people should never have to suffer from hunger.”

Alf nodded. “And thanks to Young Master Javier’s innovations, the efficiency of our food production has reached new heights. The waterway and reserve system he developed for his sugarcane farm proved invaluable, and we’ve expanded it to all major farmlands.”

Garius smirked. “That boy… Always thinking ahead.”

Erinnete stepped forward. “My lord, should we proceed with expanding trade routes for our agricultural surplus?”

Garius closed his eyes briefly, considering. “Not yet. We don’t want to rely too much on outside trade. Let’s prioritize stockpiling reserves and strengthening internal distribution first. If war or disaster ever strikes, Armand will be prepared.”

Alf and Erinnete exchanged glances and nodded.

“As you command, my lord.”

( End of Chapter )