Reborn As Noble

Buddy saw him fall.

The orange-feathered Pekko's eyes widened in alarm.

Then—

"CUQUAWKED!!!"

A desperate, loud squawk tore through the air, filled with panic.

Buddy flapped his wings violently, running in circles before suddenly bolting toward the manor.

In the courtyard, a maid was sweeping, humming softly to herself.

Then—

She yelped as something pecked her leg—hard.

Startled, she turned to see Buddy squawking loudly and pecking her again.

"O-Ow! What's wrong with this bird!?"

Buddy flapped his wings wildly, hopping frantically in place.

"CUQUAWKED! CUQUAWKED!!!"

The maid stared in confusion, heart racing.

Then—she realized.

Something was wrong.

She dropped her broom and sprinted toward the manor.

"S-Someone call Madam Francesca!! Something's wrong with Young Master Javier!!"

Buddy let out another desperate squawk, his alarm echoing through the estate.

And at that moment—

The entire household felt the weight of impending dread.

Francesca sat in the estate, calmly reviewing reports when—

A commotion broke out, jolting her from her focus.

She looked up, her golden eyes narrowing with concern.

Then—

"Madam! Madam!!"

A household maid rushed toward her, her face pale, breaths coming in quick gasps.

Francesca stood immediately.

"What? What happened?"

The maid's voice trembled, panicked.

"It's Young Master! Something's wrong!!"

Francesca's heart stopped, fear gripping her.

"What!?"

The maid shook her head, wide-eyed with urgency.

"I don't know, Madam! Buddy is outside, squawking loudly—like he's panicked!"

Francesca's breath hitched, a knot forming in her stomach.

Javier.

Something was terribly wrong.

Francesca rushed outside, following Buddy's frantic squawking.

The Pekko ran ahead, flapping its wings wildly, leading her toward the big tree near the Pekko pen.

And then—she saw him.

"JAVIER!!"

Her heart nearly stopped.

Javier was slumped against the tree, completely unconscious.

His face was pale, dried tears still visible on his cheeks.

Francesca knelt beside him in an instant, her hands trembling slightly as she checked his pulse.

A moment of silence hung heavy in the air.

Then—

A soft, relieved sigh escaped her lips.

"…He's just tired."

Her tense shoulders relaxed slightly, though worry gnawed at her.

"Probably too much thinking..."

She gazed at his face, brushing his messy hair back gently.

"I wonder what's troubling you this much, my love..."

She knew Javier was strong, but right now—he just looked like a lost child.

Francesca wrapped her arms around him, adjusting her grip to lift him.

Then—she froze.

"Uhh… h-he's heavy…!"

She wobbled slightly, struggling to lift her growing son.

"…When did you get this big!?"

Despite her small complaint, she held him close as she carried him toward the manor.

Because no matter how heavy he became—

He would always be her baby.

Meanwhile, the estate descended into chaos.

The moment the maid from earlier rushed inside, screaming about Young Master Javier, panic spread like wildfire.

Maid teams rushed around frantically, whispering in worried tones.

Guards tensed, ready for orders.

Even the kitchen staff halted their work, concern etched on their faces.

A storm of anxiety filled the manor.

Until—

Francesca entered, carrying Javier in her arms.

The entire manor fell silent, eyes wide with fear and concern.

The maids watched anxiously as she brought him inside, her expression resolute.

When she gently laid him on his bed, tucking him in with loving care—

Everyone finally exhaled in relief.

The household gradually calmed.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the estate, in the healing quarters, two women were slowly waking up.

Inside—Gloria and Liana sat up weakly in their beds, their bodies still recovering and their mana exhausted.

But finally—they could eat again.

A maid brought in a tray of warm food and set it between them.

Liana picked at her plate, deep in thought.

Then—she sighed softly.

"I wonder if Young Master has eaten yet…"

Her eyes reflected concern.

Even while injured and weak—

She was still thinking of Javier.

Gloria smirked, resting her head against the pillow.

"Ara~ You're worried about him already?"

Liana pouted slightly, looking away, embarrassed.

Gloria giggled, sipping her tea.

"I wonder… who's keeping him company while we're here?"

Her eyes sparkled mischievously, but Liana's expression shifted into worry.

Liana blinked, then frowned.

A thought crossed her mind.

"…Wait. Who is taking care of him?"

The two women paused, the weight of their concern settling in.

Then—

Both of them suddenly felt uneasy.

Who was watching over their spoiled young master…

While they weren't there?

Liana froze.

Her ears twitched, catching the urgent sound of frantic footsteps approaching.

Suddenly, the door to the healing quarters burst open, and a maid rushed inside, breathless.

"Young Master! Young Master is—"

Liana didn't wait to hear the rest.

Even in her weak condition, even as pain shot through her body—

She forced herself to stand.

Her legs trembled beneath her, and her vision swayed dizzily.

But she didn't care.

She grabbed the maid's shoulders, her emerald eyes sharp and filled with worry.

"What happened to him!?"

The maid stammered, trying to regain her composure.

"I—I don't know! He just collapsed! Madam Francesca is attending to him in the manor!"

Liana's chest tightened.

Javier… collapsed?

Panic surged within her, and her hands began to shake.

No. No, no, no—

She couldn't stay here.

She had to go to him.

Liana tried to move, but suddenly—

Firm hands gripped her arms, holding her back.

The healer intervened, trying to stop her.

"You're still weak! Don't move too much!"

Liana struggled, her breathing becoming rapid and labored.

"I can't! Young Master—Young Master is—"

Her voice cracked, a raw edge of desperation creeping in.

She pressed her hand against her chest, as if trying to quell the searing pain inside.

She wasn't there for him.

She wasn't beside him when he needed her most.

Tears formed in her eyes, blurring her vision.

But the healer held her tight, concern etched on their face.

Liana gritted her teeth, fighting against the urge to collapse.

"I have to go to him!!"

Even if her legs gave out.

Even if her body was still racked with pain.

She had to be there.

Because without her—

Javier was alone.

Meanwhile inside the manor.

Javier's eyelids fluttered open.

His vision was blurry, his body heavy.

But as his senses slowly returned…

The first thing he saw—

Was his mother.

Francesca sat beside him, watching over him with a gentle gaze.

Relief flashed in her eyes as she saw him wake up.

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Javier's breath hitched.

His chest tightened.

His lips trembled.

And then—

Tears fell.

Again.

Soft sobs escaped him as he reached for her.

"Mother…"

His voice was weak, broken.

Francesca immediately cupped his face, stroking his messy hair back.

"I'm here, my love."

Javier clutched her sleeve, his hands shaking.

Then, between his sobs—he whispered.

"Why…?"

Francesca tilted her head, confused.

"Hmm?"

"Why what, honey bun?"

Javier swallowed, his throat dry, his heart aching.

Then—

He lifted his tear-filled eyes to meet hers.

And with a trembling voice, he asked—

"Why Liana…?"

Francesca froze.

"…Huh?"

Javier clenched his fists, his body trembling.

"Why Gloria…?"

Francesca's eyes widened slightly.

And in that moment—she finally understood.

Her son still believed they were gone.

( End of Chapter )