Reborn As Noble

Javier groaned as the morning sunlight filtered through his curtains. He turned over, pulling the covers tighter around himself.

"Young master, wake up," Liana's calm but firm voice called as she gently shook his shoulder.

"Mmm? Oh, Liana… let me sleep a little longer," Javier mumbled, burying his face deeper into the pillow.

Liana crossed her arms, her expression unyielding. "No, wake up now. Today is important. Remember you wanted to visit the barracks but had to cancel because of the recent assassin attack?"

Javier sighed dramatically. "Ugh… fine, I'm up." He yawned widely, rubbing his eyes as he sat up.

"Now, go shower and wear your formal clothes. Don't forget the family crest. You represent the Armand name today."

Javier stretched lazily. "Okay, okay, stop nagging," he muttered with a faint smirk, shuffling toward the bathroom.

Liana raised an eyebrow, hands on her hips. "Nagging? Would you prefer I let you oversleep and show up looking like a slob?"

Javier grinned over his shoulder. "Heh, you wouldn't. You love me too much for that."

"Go shower, young master," Liana replied flatly.

As Javier disappeared into the bathroom, Liana prepared his formal attire, ensuring everything was pressed and polished, the family crest prominently displayed on his jacket.

"It's about time the soldiers see their young master in proper form," she murmured, anticipating the chaos Javier might cause at the barracks. "Let's hope he doesn't start another ruckus… though, knowing him, that might be asking too much."

After Javier showered and put on his formal clothes, he was accompanied by Liana to the main dining room. Javier took his seat at the usual place, excitement bubbling up as he anticipated breakfast.

"Meat, meat, meat... ehehehe!"

Javier's face lit up when he saw Gloria enter the main dining hall. "Gloria! Ehehehe!"

Liana, sitting nearby, sighed. "Eat your meal, young master."

Ignoring her, Javier turned his full attention to Gloria, his playful grin widening. "Gloriaaaa! Kiss!"

Gloria tilted her head slightly, her calm expression unchanged. "Ara, young master…" She leaned down gracefully, allowing him to plant a quick kiss on her lips.

Pulling back with a satisfied smirk, Javier glanced at Liana. "Ehehehe… Liana didn't give me a kiss today, so…"

Liana's eyes twitched slightly, though her demeanor remained composed. "Young master, focus on your meal." Her tone was polite, but there was a subtle edge to it.

Javier chuckled and stuffed a piece of bread in his mouth, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "Jealous?"

"Hardly," she replied, standing to adjust the tableware, though Javier noticed her hands moving a bit faster than usual.

Gloria smiled knowingly but said nothing. "Ara, young master, you do know how to brighten the morning."

As Gloria gracefully exited the dining room, she glanced back with a serene smile. "Now, now, young master, finish your breakfast. I'll inform the household maids who will escort us today to prepare." With that, she strode out, leaving Javier feeling triumphant.

His victory was short-lived.

Suddenly, Javier felt a sharp pinch on his back. "Ekkk! Liana!" He twisted around, glaring at her with mock betrayal.

Liana, her usual calm replaced by a rare flash of irritation, leaned in, her eyes narrowed. "How dare you kiss another woman while I'm right here!"

"aw..aw..awww!" Javier squirmed in his seat, trying to escape her grip.

"I-It's just Gloria! She always lets me!" he stammered, waving his hands defensively.

Liana's lips curled into a dangerously sweet smile. "That's not the point, young master."

Javier gulped, knowing that smile meant trouble. "C-Come on, Liana, it was just a little peck! It doesn't mean anything!" Explore stories at My Virtual Library Empire

Liana let go of his back, but her gaze remained sharp. "I'm watching you, young master. Don't push your luck."

Javier rubbed his back, sulking slightly, but deep down, he couldn't help but smirk. Getting a rise out of Liana was always worth the consequences. "Hehe, you're cute when you're jealous."

Liana's eyebrow twitched, prompting Javier to dive into his breakfast, pretending to focus intently on his food.

Javier's eyes sparkled mischievously as he leaned closer. "Lianaaaa... kisssss!"

Liana crossed her arms, raising an eyebrow. "Didn't you just get a kiss from the 'most beautiful and serene' head maid, Gloria?"

"But... but..." Javier pouted dramatically, his eyes glinting with playful determination.

Liana sighed, feeling herself give in. "Haaa, young master..." She leaned down, her long hair cascading around them, and gently pressed her lips to his.

This time, it wasn't a quick peck. Liana lingered, her touch soft and lasting longer than Gloria's, as if to prove a point. When she finally pulled back, her eyes met his, calm yet slightly flustered. "Satisfied?"

Javier's face lit up like a child with the biggest prize at the fair. "Yep! Your kiss is the best, Liana!"

She straightened, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, regaining her composure. "Now, finish your breakfast, young master. We don't have all day."

Javier nodded enthusiastically, a wide grin on his face, savoring the moment. "Totally worth it."

"Liana, you'll let me kiss you every day once we get married, right? Ehehehe," he said, his mischievous grin widening.

Liana sighed, teasing yet exasperated. "Haaaa... young master, don't we already kiss every day?"

Javier blinked, caught off guard. "But..."

She cut him off, smirking as she crossed her arms. "We'll see about that once you grow into a proper adult."

Javier leaned back, his grin returning. "This is why I love you."

Liana shook her head, her lips twitching to hold back a smile. "Yes, yes, you love all the beautiful women—especially ones as 'hot' as Miss Gloria."

Javier gasped, dramatically clutching his chest. "Liana! You wound me!"

She rolled her eyes, unable to hide the faint blush creeping onto her cheeks. "Finish your meal, young master."

"Fine," Javier mumbled under his breath, obediently returning to his food, his mind already scheming his next playful tease.

Once Javier finished his breakfast, Liana leaned in and gently wiped his mouth with a napkin. Turning to the household maids in the dining area, she instructed, "Take the plates away and ensure the table is cleaned."

"Yes, Miss Liana," the maids replied in unison, promptly moving to carry out her orders.

Liana straightened and adjusted Javier's collar, her expression composed. "Now, young master, I believe Miss Gloria and the others are waiting for us by the carriage."

"Okayyy..." Javier stretched lazily, but as he began to walk, he suddenly turned and headed toward the exit.

Liana narrowed her eyes. "Young master, where are you going?"

Javier glanced back with an innocent grin. "Hmm? Feeding Buddy and Pikko. I want to ride them instead of taking the carriage."

"Haaa... young master," Liana sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "We've already discussed this. You're supposed to arrive formally in the carriage. Riding your Pekko might... raise a few eyebrows."

Javier waved her off, already halfway out the door. "It's fine, Liana! They'll love it! Plus, Buddy and Pikko need the attention too. Ehehehe."

Liana hurried after him, muttering under her breath, "This boy..."

( End of Chapter )