Javier glanced around again and spotted his family near the main reception area.
Garius stood with his usual stern, unreadable expression. Beside him, Lady Francesca radiated elegance and warmth. His gaze shifted to his stepmothers: Lady Garcinia, pleasant enough but nothing special, and Lady Phenelopie, who stood beside Francesca.
Then his brothers: Marcellus, wearing that smug look like the entire event revolved around him, and Cedric, practicing his polite smiles like a trained performer. Nearby stood his half-siblings: Aelius, looking indifferent and bored, and Heres, fidgeting nervously as if he'd rather be anywhere else. Athine, the youngest daughter and Aelius's little sister, clung to her brother side, wide-eyed at the grandeur around her.
Maids darted about, Armand staff moving smoothly to assist with the celebration.
Heh. No way I'm joining those nobles to greet them. Nope. Not interested.
His attention snapped when he heard a voice calling him.
"Young master."
Javier turned his gaze and saw Liana carrying a plate piled high with roasted meat—sliced beef glistening with juices, grilled chicken thighs seasoned to perfection, and a small side of dipping sauce. She set it down gracefully on the table before him, the porcelain barely clinking.
"Behave yourself, young master," she said, her tone soft but carrying the weight of expectation. "A favorable impression is paramount at such gatherings. One must maintain decorum befitting one's station. Remember, you represent not only yourself but the honor of House Armand. Your actions reflect upon your father's name and the esteem of your household."
Javier groaned. "Ugh. The way you said that sounds just like Alf."
Liana smiled softly. "At least try to comport yourself as a true noble son for this evening. It would please your mother."
"Ugh… fine." Javier grumbled.
Just as he was about to reach for his knife and fork, another voice sounded from behind.
"Liana, a word?" Francesca said, her gaze briefly flicking toward Javier, who was already fidgeting.
"Yes, madam." Liana offered a graceful, deep curtsy before turning and gliding toward Francesca with practiced elegance.
"I need you to ensure Javier behaves. Lord Garius does not expect much from him tonight, but I would rather avoid any… incidents. Understood?"
"Yes, madam. I shall keep him in line."
Satisfied, Francesca nodded and turned back toward the hall just as the announcer's voice rang out.
"Young Lady Gracelle of the House of Mathrias!"
Javier glanced at the entrance, barely interested. A petite girl, no older than ten, entered with two maids and a stoic bodyguard. She approached gracefully and curtsied deeply.
"Lord and Lady Armand," she began, her voice sweet but steady, "it is a great honor to attend this evening's gathering. I humbly extend the greetings of my house and wish for the continued prosperity of your family. May your influence grow and your name be spoken with reverence for generations to come."
Garius gave a curt nod, responding formally, "The honor is ours, Lady Gracelle. Please extend our regards to your esteemed family. You are most welcome here."
"Thank you, my lord." Gracie rose from her curtsy, her composure unwavering as she was guided further into the hall.
Javier rolled his eyes and turned back toward his plate. He was about to reach for his knife and fork again when a commotion broke out at the buffet table. He paused, setting the utensils down with a soft clink.
He glanced over and noticed the scene.
A boy—barely ten years old, the son of some minor baron—stood at the buffet table. He had a guard with him but no manners to match. The boy was openly rude to one of Javier's family maids, sneering as she tried to politely serve him. Then, with a laugh, he tipped a pitcher of juice over her head. The liquid soaked her uniform, dripping from her hair as she stood frozen, struggling to maintain her composure while the boy laughed.
Javier froze mid-reach, his eyes narrowing dangerously.
He rose from his seat, slipped both hands into his pockets, and began walking casually toward the commotion.
Liana blinked. "Young master, wait—"
Ignoring her, Javier strode toward the boy, his expression a mix of annoyance and fury.
"Oi, fucker." His voice cut through the surrounding chatter.
The boy turned, surprised. "Huh? What do you want?" Smirking, he tipped another glass over the maid's head.
Javier's gaze locked onto him, his tone dropping low. "Oh? How dare you speak to a higher noble in such a manner… Hmm?"
Before the boy could react, Javier raised his hand and punched him hard in the left eye. The sharp crack echoed through the hall. The boy crumpled to the floor, clutching his face, a bruise already blooming around his socket.
He looked up, tears of pain and shock in his eyes. "H-how dare you hit me in the face! You wanna die, asshole!?"
"Hmm?" Javier glared down at him, cracking his knuckles. "I don't know if you're dumb or what… but I assume you're ready to wage war against my noble house?"
The boy's face paled. "W-what are you talking about?"
Javier advanced, his voice rising so the surrounding nobles could hear. "This maid belongs to the Armand household. Yet you dare lay your filthy hands on her? Are you declaring war against me? Or do you wish for your family to go to war with mine?"
The boy's guard moved to intervene, but two Armand guards stepped forward, placing themselves between the guard and Javier, hands resting on their sword hilts. The guard froze.
"I gave you a warning. And I'm not playing here, boy. If I see you or anyone else touch any Armand staff or maid again, I'll make sure you and your family face consequences you won't walk away from. Understood?"
The commotion had drawn the entire hall's attention. Nobles and servants watched with wide eyes, whispers spreading like wildfire. Some murmured in shock, others in quiet approval. Liana quickly approached, placing a firm hand on Javier's arm.
"Young master, that's enough," she whispered, her voice low but urgent.
Javier huffed, glaring at the boy one last time before turning to the drenched maid. "Go clean yourself up."
The maid bowed deeply, tears streaming down her face. "Thank you, young master." She retreated quickly.
Javier turned back to the boy, his expression stern and cold. "Remember this well. You mess with my household, you mess with me. And trust me, you don't want that."
The boy nodded quickly, trembling, then stumbled away toward his guard.
Javier turned back toward his seat, shoving his hands back into his pockets, his jaw tight.
This is why I hate noble parties like this.
( End Of Chapter )