Before Garzin could speak, Javier leaned forward slightly, his face calm but his eyes steady.
"But we in Armand don't care what Kimar thinks, even if he learns of this later. It will take his messengers days to reach the capital, and by then, the matter will be settled. Kimar may label us whatever he wishes. Aggressors, meddlers, traitors. We have never cared for his opinion, not in the slightest."
He paused, letting the weight of that statement settle.
"As for you losing your noble rank and title… even if Kimar strips you of your privileges, Armand will still recognize you as a noble family, as the rightful rulers of this land. Your authority here will remain, backed by our support. Your family will retain its standing in our eyes, and your household will be treated with the respect due to a noble line."
He leaned back again, his expression open but firm.
