Reborn As Noble

The grand celebration was lively, with nobles from all over the kingdom chatting and laughing in the hall. The air was filled with the delicious smells of rich food and wine, while cheerful music played in the background.

Javier sat at a table, looking around at different groups of nobles. He had a slight smirk on his face as he watched the fancy event, but he seemed a bit bored.

Liana quietly approached, carrying a plate of roasted meats. She placed it in front of him with care before pouring a glass of fine wine. After adjusting his napkin, she stepped back to her spot—close enough to help, but far enough to let him have his space.

"Young Master, behave," she said softly, her green eyes meeting his for a moment.

"Yes, yes," Javier replied, waving her off, but a playful grin showed he enjoyed her company.

Just as he was about to take a bite, Gracelle rushed in, her bright dress flowing as she moved. "Javier-sama!" she squealed, throwing her arms around him.

Javier's eyes widened, and he almost choked on a sip of wine, struggling to keep his noble composure. His serious face slipped for a second, but he quickly put on a strained smile.

Gracelle leaned in and kissed him firmly on the cheek. "I love you!" she shouted, making nearby guests glance over in amusement.

Javier froze, his mind racing to find a response that wouldn't cause rumors or embarrass his family. "Uhh… yeah… I love—" he began, but his voice faltered.

From her spot behind him, Liana narrowed her eyes slightly. Even though she kept a neutral expression, a hint of irritation bubbled beneath the surface.

Gracelle beamed, her youthful energy shining as she hugged Javier tighter, her eyes bright with determination.

"Javier-sama! I will try my best to become your future wife! Tehe~" she said playfully, tilting her head.

Javier let out a nervous laugh, glancing around the grand hall for a way out. "Umm... yeah…" he mumbled, unsure of how to handle the situation without making a scene.

Gracelle pouted, stepping back just enough to look him directly in the eyes. "Javier-sama?"

"Hmm?"

"Promise me! Promise me you'll take me as your wife! After all, you already kissed me!" Her voice was loud enough to catch the attention of a few people nearby.

Javier gulped, feeling Liana's gaze on him, even from behind. Taking a deep breath, he nodded stiffly. "Umm... o-okay."

Gracelle's smile grew as she clasped her hands together in delight. "Yay! I knew you'd agree, Javier-sama! I'll work hard to be the perfect wife for you!"

From her place behind Javier, Liana closed her eyes and let out a quiet sigh, her lips pressing into a thin line. "Young Master…" she thought, feeling both amused and frustrated. "You always find a way to attract trouble."

Liana understood that in noble society, marrying multiple wives was common—more wives meant more status and power. Even though she knew this, she still felt uncomfortable seeing Gracelle cling to Javier so eagerly.

She adjusted her posture, trying to remain composed as a maid, even though her thoughts were racing. It's to be expected. The Young Master is charming and talented, part of a noble family. Girls like Lady Gracelle will naturally be drawn to him.

Javier, clearly uncomfortable, managed to keep a polite smile on his face. He briefly glanced at Liana, silently asking for help.

Liana met his gaze and sighed softly. "Young Master," she said, stepping forward just enough to make her voice heard. "The guests are still waiting to meet you. It wouldn't be right to keep them waiting."

Gracelle's grip on Javier loosened as she looked up at Liana, her expression unsure but polite. "Oh, yes... I suppose Javier-sama is very busy tonight."

Javier took the chance to gently pull himself away. "Ah, yes, Lady Gracelle, duty calls," he said, relieved, and offered a quick bow. "We'll... talk later."

As Gracelle stepped back reluctantly, Liana leaned closer to Javier, lowering her voice so only he could hear. "You owe me for this, Young Master."

Javier grinned, feeling his playful side return. "Thanks, Liana. You really are my future wife."

Liana straightened up, her cheeks slightly pink, but she kept her professional demeanor. "Don't get ahead of yourself, Young Master. There are still many guests to greet."

As they moved on, Javier couldn't help but let out a quiet chuckle. Liana's calm yet slightly flustered reaction always amused him, making the grand party a bit more enjoyable.

"Lord Javier!" one of the girls called out, her voice sweet and cheerful. "What a pleasure to see you here!"

The others joined in, their voices lively. "You look so dashing tonight!"

"We were just saying how impressive you were during the dance!"

Javier instinctively straightened his posture, putting on a polite but strained smile. "Ah, ladies... thank you. You're all too kind."

Liana stepped back slightly, her expression composed, with a knowing glint in her eyes as she quietly observed.

One girl leaned in closer, her cheeks flushed. "Lord Javier, may we have the honor of your company for the next dance?"

"Or perhaps you'd like to join us for some refreshments?" another girl added.

Javier felt his shoulders tense, caught up in their enthusiasm. He glanced briefly at Liana, whose calm demeanor bordered on amused detachment.

"Ah..." he hesitated, looking between the girls and Liana. "I... uh... I would love to, but…"

Liana stepped forward, her voice gentle yet firm. "My apologies, ladies, but the Young Master has prior obligations this evening. Perhaps another time?"

The girls pouted slightly but nodded, stepping back with polite curtsies. "Of course. We'll hold you to that, Lord Javier!" one said with a playful wink before they walked away.

As soon as they were out of earshot, Javier let out a relieved sigh and turned to Liana with exaggerated gratitude. "Liana, you're a lifesaver."

Liana raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk on her lips. "I thought you enjoyed attention, Young Master. What happened?"

Javier groaned. "There's a difference between charming someone and being surrounded like a deer cornered by wolves."

Liana chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Well, consider this a lesson in managing your popularity."

"Lesson learned," Javier muttered, trailing after her as they walked away from the bustling crowd in the grand hall.

"Liana?" Javier's voice cut through the noise of the grand hall, quiet yet firm.

"Yes, Young Master?" Liana turned toward him, her eyes calm yet questioning.

"Follow me," he said, his tone serious.

Liana raised an eyebrow. "You can't leave the grand hall yet, Young Master. Don't embarrass your family during such an important celebration."

Javier smirked playfully. "I'm not. Just come on." He gestured toward a quiet area away from the crowd.

"What now, Young Master?" Liana sighed, more curious than annoyed.

Javier didn't answer, turning briskly toward the spot. Liana hesitated for a moment before following him, her steps measured.

Once they reached a quiet, dimly lit corner, Javier suddenly stopped. Without saying anything, he took her hand—his grip firm but gentle. Before Liana could protest, he pulled her into a tight embrace.

"Young Master?" she began, but her voice caught when he leaned closer.

Javier tilted his head, his eyes intense as he pressed his lips to hers in a tender yet desperate kiss, expressing everything he felt but couldn't say.

When he pulled back, his voice was raw. "I want you, Liana."

Liana blinked, her cheeks flushed, her mind racing. "Young Master…"

"I truly want you," he repeated, his hands trembling on her shoulders.

Her heart ached at his words, but she remained composed. "You know this isn't possible. I'm your maid; you're a noble's son."

"I don't care about that. You're everything to me," Javier insisted.

Her heart swelled at his words, but she held back. "Even if I feel the same, your family… your future…"

"Forget the world," he interrupted fiercely. "It's my life, and I want you in it."

Liana looked down, emotions swirling inside her. She wanted to believe him but felt the weight of her reality holding her back. "Young Master, you're still young. When you truly understand what you're asking… if you still feel this way later, then…"

Javier lifted her chin, his confidence returning. "Then it's a promise, Liana. Just wait for me."

A single tear slipped down her cheek as she smiled. "I'll wait, Young Master. But until then, you must focus on your path."

"And you must stay by my side," he insisted. Enjoy new chapters from My Virtual Library Empire

"Always," she whispered, stepping back and breaking the embrace, though the moment lingered.

Javier straightened and glanced at her. "Let's head back before someone notices."

Liana nodded, her composed expression returning, though her heart raced. "As you wish, Young Master."

They walked back to the grand hall in silence, the unspoken promise between them lingering like an unbroken thread, tying their fates together.

Liana walked a step behind Javier, her heart heavier than usual. This wasn't the first time her young master had declared his feelings. He had always been serious, even in his playful, mischievous way. Yet, every time he spoke of making her his wife once he became an adult, she felt torn between hope and hesitation.

She glanced at his back as he strode confidently ahead. Though still growing, he wasn't a child in mind. His determination and the fire in his eyes were anything but youthful whimsy.

Young Master… if that's what you truly want… if you truly mean it…

Then I'll wait.

The words echoed in her heart, firm and steady, as her resolve solidified. No matter the obstacles—society, her position, or his family—Liana knew she could never betray the young master she'd watched over for years. If this was the path he chose, she would walk it with him, no matter how uncertain or challenging it might be.

With a small smile, Liana adjusted her pace to walk beside him instead of behind. It wasn't just duty that tied her to Javier anymore; it was something far deeper, something she couldn't bring herself to ignore.

(End of Chapter)