Reborn As Noble

The guards immediately straightened up when they saw Javier returning on Buddy, humming contentedly with a pouch of gold jingling in his hand.

"Huh? Young Master? We didn't notice you heading out!" one guard exclaimed, looking alarmed and confused.

Before Javier could respond, Liana—riding elegantly on her Pekko, Pikko—spoke up, her calm, authoritative tone settling the guards. "Don't worry. I was with him the entire time."

The guards visibly relaxed, nodding quickly. "Oh! Miss Liana!"

One guard scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. "We should've known everything would be fine if you were with him. Apologies for the oversight."

Javier smirked mischievously but stayed quiet, letting Liana handle the situation.

"Young Master is perfectly safe," she added, casting a quick glance at Javier, her tone subtly hinting at his recent mischief. "However, I trust you'll remain vigilant in the future."

The guard relaxed but glanced at Javier, who was humming a tune while counting his pouch of gold coins. "Understood, Miss Liana. If you're with him, we're at ease."

Javier looked up with a mischievous grin. "See? I've got my guardian elf keeping me out of trouble."

Liana sighed, her tone soft but firm. "Trouble you willingly run into, young master. Let's not forget that."

The guard gave an awkward chuckle, unsure if he should comment, before snapping back to attention. "As you say, Miss Liana. Please don't hesitate to call if you need assistance."

Liana nodded, her calm demeanor unshaken. "Thank you. Carry on with your duties."

Javier leaned forward on Buddy, smirking. "See, Liana? They know who's in charge."

Liana shot him a sideways glance, unimpressed. "They're just being polite, young master. You were supposed to stay within the estate grounds."

Javier pouted slightly but didn't argue. The guards gave a polite salute as the duo passed, Buddy squawking cheerfully as if announcing their return.

Liana sighed softly. "Young master, please refrain from wandering off like that again. It causes unnecessary trouble for everyone."

"Unnecessary trouble? Nah, I call it 'strategic exploration.' We even got some loot, didn't we, Buddy?" Javier grinned, patting Buddy's neck, while the bird squawked in agreement.

Liana shook her head but couldn't entirely suppress a faint smile. "Strategic or not, you're lucky I'm here to cover for you. Otherwise, your father would've had the entire household turned upside down looking for you."

Javier chuckled. "That's why I have you, Liana. You're the perfect partner-in-crime."

Liana sighed again, though the corners of her lips remained slightly upturned. "I'm more of a babysitter, young master."

Javier leaned closer to Liana, a playful glint in his eyes. "Ouuuu… someone here is scaaarryyy…" he teased, mimicking the guards' earlier reaction with mock fear.

Liana arched an elegant brow, her expression calm, though a faint twitch appeared at the corner of her lips. "Perhaps they simply know how to respect authority, young master."

Javier smirked, leaning back on Buddy. "Authority, huh? You mean how you boss me around like I'm your servant half the time?"

Liana placed a hand on her hip, eyes glinting with amusement. "If I didn't, you'd probably turn the estate into chaos within a day."

Javier laughed, unabashed. "You make it sound like that's a bad thing. Chaos keeps life interesting, don't you think?"

Liana shook her head, her lips curling into a subtle smile. "Interesting isn't the word I'd use."

Buddy squawked in agreement, earning a dramatic gasp from Javier.

"Arghh Buddy! You Traitor!" Javier clutched his chest theatrically, pretending to be heartbroken.

Liana sighed, walking past him toward the estate gates. "Enough theatrics, young master. Let's head back before you find yet another way to cause trouble."

Javier swung a leg over Buddy's saddle, following her. "Fine, fine. But admit it—things would be boring without me."

Liana glanced back, her voice soft but fond. "Perhaps. But boring would mean fewer gray hairs for me."

Javier burst out laughing. "Gray hairs? But your hair's already silver, Liana! Does that mean you've been stressed out since the day you were born?"

Before Liana could respond, Javier took off running, his laughter echoing through the estate.

"Young master!" Liana called after him, her calm demeanor cracking just enough to show a hint of exasperation. She sighed, shaking her head before mounting Pikko. "Why do I even bother?"

Pikko squawked softly, as if offering support, and with a graceful nudge, the Pekko took off after Javier and Buddy, who were gleefully darting around like unruly children.

"Catch me if you can, scary elf!" Javier shouted over his shoulder, clearly enjoying himself.

Liana narrowed her eyes, a faint smile playing on her lips. "Oh, I'll catch you, young master. And when I do, you'll regret every word."

The chase continued, drawing the attention of a few passing guards, who wisely chose to act like they hadn't seen a thing.

Javier darted around the estate, glancing back nervously as Liana gracefully chased him on Pikko. Her serene smile was somehow more terrifying than any scowl.

"It was just a joke, Liana! No need to be this mad!" Javier cried, his voice laced with playful panic. Explore more stories at My Virtual Library Empire

Liana's smile didn't falter. "Mad? Oh, young master, I'm not mad."

Her calm tone sent a shiver down Javier's spine. He skidded to a stop, pointing an accusing finger at her. "Errr… Liana… why… are… you… smiling?"

"Hmm?" she hummed innocently, tilting her head.

Javier's eyes widened in terror. "Eeeekkk!! I know that face! Gyaaaahhh! GLORIAAAA!!"

Liana's voice floated after him, cool and composed. "Now, now, young master. Running only makes it worse."

Javier's laughter mixed with exaggerated cries for help. "Gloriaaaa! Save me from this crazy elf! She's going to kill me!"

Behind them, the household maids and guards exchanged amused glances, whispering among themselves. "Young master never learns, does he?"

"Nope," another replied with a chuckle. "But it's entertaining every time."

"Motherrrr!! Eeeekkk!!" Javier shouted, sprinting past the guards as if his life depended on it. His mind raced for his ultimate savior, but then reality hit him like a runaway Pekko. "Ah… I forgot… Mother's not here…"

His voice turned into a panicked wail. "Eeeeeekkkk!!"

Behind him, Liana rode gracefully on Pikko, her serene smile never fading. "Young masterrrrr…" she called out, her tone laced with playful menace.

"Why are you dragging that word out like that?!" Javier yelled over his shoulder, picking up speed.

"Oh, no reason," Liana replied, her voice sweet and teasing. "I just wanted to remind you… running only delays the inevitable."

Liana's laughter rang out, light and melodic, but to Javier, it was the sound of his doom. The maids and guards paused, some stifling laughter while others openly enjoyed the show.

"Young master," Liana continued, her teasing tone unwavering as Pikko closed the distance. "You know you can't outrun me. Just surrender, and I promise I'll only scold you… for now."

"For now?! That's worse! Someone save me!" Javier cried, zigzagging through the courtyard.

Javier bolted toward the manor, his panicked footsteps echoing in the courtyard.

"Eeeeeeyaaaaaaahhhh!!" he wailed dramatically, arms flailing as he disappeared inside.

Liana gracefully dismounted Pikko, smoothing her dress as she landed. She adjusted her hair with a serene smile, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Young master, running only makes it more entertaining," she teased softly.

Guards and maids peeked around corners, chuckling under their breath as the young master's antics.

Inside the manor, Javier darted through hallways, weaving past furniture and startled staff. He shouted, "Why is she so fast?! Someone help! Mother! Gloria! Errinette!"

Behind him, Liana's calm footsteps echoed ominously. Her soft smile never faltered as she followed at a leisurely pace, knowing Javier would tire himself out soon.

Javier skidded to a halt at a dead end. "Nooooooo!" he groaned, glancing around for an escape.

From behind, Liana's serene voice floated through the hallway. "Young master… there's nowhere left to run."

Javier pressed his back against the wall, palms up defensively, his mischievous grin replaced by a nervous laugh. "Liana? We can talk about this, right? Ehehe…"

Liana slowly approached, her steps measured and graceful, her smile calm yet teasing. "Young masterrr…" she sang sweetly, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

Javier gulped, trying to keep his cool but failing. "Eeeekkk!! Liana… calm down, okay? Let's just call it even! No hard feelings, yes?"

Liana tilted her head, her smile unwavering. "Oh, young master, you must take responsibility for your actions."

"Responsibility?!" Javier's voice cracked as he edged away. "I was just joking! You know me—always the funny guy, right?"

Liana sighed softly, her tone still teasing. "I'm afraid this isn't something you can run away from."

Javier's eyes darted left and right, desperately searching for an escape. "Wait! How about I treat you to premium wyvern meat? Grilled to perfection! Just let me off the hook this once, alright?"

Liana chuckled lightly, raising an elegant brow. "You can't bribe your way out of this one."

Javier's shoulders slumped, realizing there was no escape. "Gloriaaaa! Someone! Help me!" he whined, but only amused whispers from the maids responded.

Liana finally closed the gap between them, leaning slightly forward. "Young master…"

"Eeeeeek!" Javier yelped, his dramatic wail echoing down the hall.

( End of chapter )