Noble Reincarnation: Born Blessed, So I'll Obtain Ultimate Power

Even after Henry left, the mock battle between Shirley and Jessica continued.

I watched their fight intently, completely absorbed.

Shirley was a serious and steadfast woman. When she concentrated, just like during the knight selection, she wouldn’t hold back even against me, a prince, and would boldly thrust her blade forward to achieve her goal.

Jessica was similar. The moment I ordered her to “fight seriously,” the atmosphere around her changed completely, and she radiated a fierceness and refined fighting spirit sharper than any seasoned warrior.

Watching these two clash, sparking both physically and mentally, was a beautiful sight.

So beautiful that I wanted to watch forever.

That’s why this was my mistake.

Even a serious fight, even if it’s a mock battle, can easily cross the line.

Shirley parried Jessica’s sword, and with a seamless movement, a lightning-fast thrust aimed straight at Jessica’s chest—

“No!”

Instinctively, I hooked my middle finger with my thumb and flicked it, using the rebound to deflect.

The burst of air I sent flying struck Shirley’s longsword.

The longsword, flicked from her hand, spun wildly and lodged itself far into the ground. Shirley stared at it in shock.

Jessica, caught in a checkmate, slumped backward.

“That’s enough.”

When I said that, both of them snapped back to reality.

I had to apologize for putting them in danger because I lost myself in enjoyment.

“Sor—”

“Impressive! As expected of Your Majesty!”

“That was... a burst of air. A pure burst of air...?”

Shirley was innocently delighted, praising me.

Jessica, surprised but blushing, looked at me with completely enamored eyes.

“Ugh.”

Having both of them look at me like that made things extremely awkward.

“...Anyway, that’s enough for now. Jessica, go change. We’re going to see Father.”

“Understood.”

Jessica instantly shifted her demeanor.

From a battle-hardened warrior a moment ago, she transformed in an instant back into a noble lady.

I watched Jessica’s figure as she headed back to the mansion to change into her dress, reading my intentions, and reflected on what just happened.

And then...

☆

I took Jessica, now dressed in a gown, to request an audience with Father.

An audience between the emperor and the retired emperor usually involved a solemn ceremony, but Father led us to the garden and appeared in casual clothes.

“Father.”

“Hmm, well met, Noah. Oh? So this is your new consort.”

Even after abdicating the throne to me and becoming retired emperor, Father’s intelligence network remained strong.

It seemed completely transparent that Jessica had become my new consort.

That was good—it saved me the trouble of explaining.

“Jessica, greet him.”

“Yes.”

Jessica stepped forward and respectfully bowed to Father.

It was a flawless bow, perfect for a concubine of noble standing.

Of course, the etiquette differed greatly depending on rank—empress, principal consort, consort, and concubine all had very different manners.

Jessica performed perfect concubine etiquette just one day after being introduced.

“Hmm, quite the woman.”

“I think so too.”

“I heard you are skilled in swordsmanship. Won’t you show us?”

“I would prefer not to, Father.”

Because of what happened with Shirley, I wanted to postpone that.

Father glanced at me briefly but did not insist, simply saying, “Very well.”

“So, you intend to have this young lady accompany the expeditionary army?”

As expected, Father was quick to get to the point, and I nodded calmly.

“Yes, that is the plan.”

“Would it not be better to keep flowers in a vase?”

“People are treasures, Father.”

“Hmm?”

“And there are still half the untouched treasures left. Jessica is only the beginning.”

“I see. Heh, that’s so like you, Noah.”

Father laughed happily.

At least now I knew he was favorable toward my plan.

“So, I would like your cooperation, Father.”

“What do you need me to do?”

“Those who oppose this will likely try to appeal directly to you.”