Reborn As Noble

Weird.

Javier stood there, unmoving, staring at the hallway Liana had just walked down.

Liana's never like this.

She always carried herself with grace, with discipline—but never like that.

Not with that smile.

That empty, polite smile.

She never shows that to me.

She would always come looking for me. No matter what.

Even when he skipped training.

Even when he teased her.

Even when he flirted with others.

She'd scold him. Nag him. Pull his ear.

But her eyes… always held something else.

Warmth. Concern.

But now…

Did I do something wrong?

His chest tightened.

Well… I did. A lot, maybe.

But even then, she's never looked at me like that.

Never walked away without at least one last glance.

I have to ask her.

Javier turned and made his way quickly through the halls.

He reached Liana's room, knocked once—

Then opened the door.

Empty.

The bed was neatly made. No sign of her belongings moved.

Javier clicked his tongue and closed it gently.

Not here…

He turned and headed toward the maid dining room.

Bustle. Chatter. The scent of freshly baked bread.

He scanned the tables.

Household maids filled the space.

But no Liana.

No Gloria either.

Several maids saw him at the entrance and immediately froze.

They all stood quickly, bowing nervously.

Javier gave a brief nod and left without saying a word.

Where is she?

He stepped back into the hallway, scanning left and right.

"Yo, little brother!"

Javier turned.

There he was.

Marcellus.

Tall. Smug. Confident stride.

And beside him—two Lithia.

Harny and Lithia, walking in perfect sync.

Inside Javier's head—

Ugh… this guy again.

This eldest… always showing off.

Two perfect dark elf beauties. Matching faces. Mother and daughter. Walking like they just won the damn lottery.

Damn.

Marcellus smirked as he approached, arms casually crossed.

"Oh? It's rare to see you without Liana and Gloria tailing you."

Javier glanced away, tone clipped.

"Yeah… I was trying to find them."

Marcellus raised an eyebrow.

"Hmm? That's strange. I just saw them a while ago—both carrying bags and riding their Pekkos."

Javier's eyes widened.

"…Huh?"

"Seriously."

Marcellus tilted his head, his expression half amused, half curious.

"I thought they were just following you. Figured you were sneaking out again."

"No… I wasn't."

Javier's voice dropped.

"I was at Father's chamber."

Marcellus paused for a beat.

"…Oh?"

A flicker of something passed in his eyes. Then he gave a shrug.

"Well, whatever the case…"

He stepped aside, motioning lazily with a grin.

"You'd better go find them. Before they get too far."

"Shit. Shit. Shit."

Javier's boots echoed down the hallway as he sprinted.

Where are they going?

First, Liana gave me that smile…

Then she went to Father's room…

And when I asked, she said nothing.

He clenched his jaw.

Did Father… give them a mission?

Without telling me?

He burst through the courtyard arch and rushed toward the Pekko pen.

His eyes scanned frantically.

Empty.

Only one Pekko remained—Buddy.

And Buddy was… digging the ground with his claws.

Like a giant chicken looking for worms.

"Cuquawked!!"

Buddy squawked loudly the moment he saw Javier, puffing up proudly and flapping once.

"Not now, Buddy!!" Javier snapped, running up to him.

He looked around again.

No Pikko.

No Peanut.

No Liana.

No Gloria.

Just dust. And Buddy's freshly scratched-up dirt patch.

Javier's fists clenched.

"Where the hell did they go…?"

Should I follow them?

Javier stood by the Pekko pen, staring into the empty distance.

But what if… it was Father's command again?

Like usual. Going to town. Delivering a report, handing over files or items. Bureaucratic errands.

He scratched his head.

"Yeah… probably that."

As usual.

He exhaled.

"No need to worry that much."

He tapped his fingers and opened his storage glyph.

With a quiet shimmer of light, he pulled out a portable magic grill—sleek, rune-lined, and already warm from embedded heat enchantments.

Then he took out a wrapped bundle of seasoned beast meat, still fresh.

"Alright…"

"Let's grill some meat. They won't take long."

Buddy squawked in agreement.

"Cuquawk!"

Javier smirked, flipping the first slice onto the grill.

"Alright, alright. Let's eat while we wait. They'll be back soon anyway."

The sizzle of meat filled the courtyard, mixing with the quiet morning breeze.

Javier leaned back slightly, arms resting on his knees, eyes half-focused on the horizon.

Still…

That smile she gave me…

Javier stared at the sizzling meat, but his thoughts drifted elsewhere.

I wonder why she looked at me like that...

Why she didn't say anything.

His hand rested on his lap, unmoving.

Maybe… I should apologize.

To Liana… and Gloria.

A soft sigh escaped him.

I shouldn't have flirted so freely with other girls. Not when I know…

I couldn't live without them.

He looked up at the sky—light clouds drifting slowly above the estate walls.

Yeah…

Let's do that. When they get back… I'll apologize properly.

I'll make it right.

That night.

The sky above the Armand estate was quiet—stars scattered across the darkness, the moon half-hidden behind drifting clouds.

But down below—

Javier was pacing.

Back and forth.

Back and forth.

In front of the massive double front doors to the estate, boots softly thudding against the marble steps.

Where are they...?

They usually don't take this long.

He clenched his jaw, fingers twitching.

"Damn... When they come back, I'm going to scold them hard for being this late."

But his own voice sounded hollow.

He stopped, turned again. Walked another lap.

Restless. Uneasy.

Then—

A soft, familiar voice floated from behind.

"Honey bun?"

Javier turned.

"Hmm? Yes, Esteemed Mother?"

Lady Francesca stood at the doorway, arms gently folded, a curious look in her eyes.

"Why are you walking back and forth like a trapped Pekko?"

He rubbed the back of his neck.

"Ah… I'm just waiting for Liana and Gloria to return."

Francesca tilted her head.

"Hmm? Didn't they both go back to their hometown?"

Javier froze.

"…Hah!?" His voice cracked.

"Why?!"

Francesca raised a brow, a bit surprised.

"I thought they already told you."

Javier stepped forward, eyes wide.

"No— they didn't!"

Francesca gently placed a finger on her chin, eyes thoughtful.

"My~ That's unusual."

She gave a small shrug.

"Perhaps because Liana was going to a wedding."

"WHATTT!!!?"

"A wedding?! But why?!"

Francesca blinked at his sudden outburst.

"Hmm? Why what, honey bun?"

She turned slightly, gesturing for Erisa to prepare her tea in the drawing room.

"They both said they were going—"

"NO NO NO!!" Javier shouted, hands gripping his head.

"They shouldn't be marrying anyone else!!"

Before Francesca could finish her sentence—

Javier bolted.

He turned and ran down the hall at full speed, nearly slipping at the corner.

"Javier—wait!" Francesca called out, startled.

She sighed, one hand on her cheek.

"Liana's sister is the one getting married, honey bun…"

She turned to Erisa, who simply smiled.

"…Honestly," Francesca muttered. "Such a dramatic child."

( End Of Chapter )