Reborn As Noble

At dawn…

Soft rays of sunlight filtered through the thin curtains of the inn room.

The air was crisp. The city slowly stirred.

Liana and Gloria woke up in silence.

No words.

No more tears.

Just a quiet, steady calm.

They moved as if on routine—packing their small bags with practiced hands.

Once ready, they stepped out of the room and made their way downstairs.

The stablekeeper gave a polite nod as they entered the rear courtyard.

There, waiting patiently—

Pikko and Peanut.

"Pikko, Peanut…"

Liana stepped forward and gently stroked her Pekko's head.

"We continue our journey."

Cuquawked!

Both Pekkos gave a chirp, fully rested and alert.

Gloria gave a small smile.

"Let's move early. We'll eat at the next town."

Liana nodded, checking the saddle.

"We need to reach the Beastkin–Elven border by tonight."

"Mm." Gloria mounted Peanut smoothly.

Liana followed, her voice steady.

"The marriage takes place in five days… we need to be fast."

"Yeah."

They kicked off gently, the two Pekkos dashing forward into the rising sun.

Pikko and Peanut dashed side by side along the road, their talons thudding against the packed dirt.

The wind brushed gently past their riders' cloaks.

Gloria glanced to her side.

"Liana?"

"Hmm?" Liana kept her eyes forward, focused on the road.

Gloria smiled faintly, her voice light.

"Not missing the young master?"

Liana was quiet for a moment.

Then she replied softly—

"Kinda."

The road ahead curved gently through the forest.

Gloria looked back at her again.

"Not jealous… leaving him alone in the estate?"

Liana hesitated.

A breeze blew her hair back as she answered—

"Maybe…"

Her voice was barely above a whisper.

But her fingers tightened slightly on the reins.

Just enough for Gloria to notice.

"After everything you said last night…" Gloria said softly, a playful edge in her voice,

"You still deeply love him, huh?"

Liana glanced sideways.

"Isn't it the same for you, Gloria?"

Gloria chuckled.

"Maybe~"

Liana rolled her eyes, smiling.

"Heh… I can see it in your eyes, Gloria."

"Same goes to you."

They both laughed quietly as the Pekkos kept trotting along the morning road.

Then Liana shifted back to her usual composed tone.

"Alright, enough about that. We're about to meet your family… and mine."

She gave a long sigh.

"And then we're going to be part of the wedding."

"Still can't believe your older sister picked my brother." Gloria shook her head.

"Same here."

She laughed softly.

"I was honestly shocked when the letter arrived."

"Yeah… same here."

Liana frowned slightly.

"And it came so late! They were supposed to inform us two weeks before the wedding at least."

Gloria sighed. "Don't they know how long the journey is to the Elven Kingdom border?"

"Apparently not. Or maybe they just assumed we could fly."

The two girls shared a tired, knowing look as their Pekkos continued down the winding road.

Javier was exhausted.

His eyes were heavy, bloodshot from the long ride.

He hadn't slept the entire night.

Even with the wind whipping at his face and Buddy's relentless speed—his body screamed for rest.

He arrived at the next town hours after Liana and Gloria had already passed through.

But he didn't stop.

He activated a tracking skill—tracing lingering mana signatures from the road.

Faint. Distant.

But enough to confirm the path they had taken.

Still…

His knees were starting to wobble.

His vision blurred at the edges.

"Buddy…" he muttered hoarsely.

"We stop here. And eat."

Cuquawked.

Buddy slowed down obediently, still energized, but keeping close.

Javier dismounted stiffly, feet hitting the ground like lead weights.

He walked toward a small vendor cart where smoke rose from a sizzling grill.

"Old man…" Javier called out, voice low.

The vendor looked up, blinking as he saw the dirt-covered boy with noble features and a worn cloak.

"Give me that big piece of roast meat. The whole thing. And grill more."

He tossed a gold coin onto the counter.

The vendor's eyes widened.

"Y-Yes! Coming right up!"

Javier rubbed his temples, then muttered—

"Do you have coffee?"

"We got the strong kind, son. Want a mug?"

Javier nodded without looking up.

"Big mug. Strong. Very strong."

Javier sat on the low wooden bench beside the vendor's cart, his posture slouched, his face pale from lack of sleep.

The aroma of roasted meat filled the morning air as the vendor handed over another slab to feed Buddy, who was already hungrily devouring his third serving.

"Owner, grill some more." Javier said without emotion.

"Yes, yes—just a moment"

the old man replied cheerfully, wiping sweat from his brow as he turned the skewer.

Javier lowered his gaze to the plate before him.

A thick cut of meat—crispy outside, juicy, piping hot.

Perfectly seasoned.

But...

He sat still.

Fork in hand.

Meat untouched.

When he finally did take a bite—

It was bland.

Tasteless.

He chewed slowly, eyes distant.

Everything I ate when Liana was around…

Always tasted good.

Even plain soup felt warm. Even burnt toast felt special.

He took another bite. Still bland.

Maybe it wasn't the food.

Maybe it was their presence.

Their voice. Their laughter. Gloria's soft teasing. Liana's scolding glare.

He swallowed.

And stared at the piece of meat again.

But when they're not here…

He set his fork down.

Even this feast…

Feels empty.

After finishing his slow, quiet meal, Javier glanced sideways.

Buddy was still near the cart, licking his beak and looking absurdly proud.

Several bones lay scattered nearby—leftovers from who-knew-how-many rounds of roast meat.

"…You done?" Javier muttered, raising a brow.

Buddy gave a satisfied squawk.

"Cuquawked!"

Javier stood, stretching slightly, then turned to the old beastkin vendor.

"Thank you for the meal."

The old man waved a hand, smiling kindly.

"You're welcome, boy. Take care of that bird. He's got a royal appetite."

"Yeah… tell me about it."

He patted Buddy's side.

"Buddy? You tired? Can you keep going?"

Buddy's chest puffed proudly.

"Cuquawked!!" — a firm yes.

Javier smiled faintly, then climbed back into the saddle, his movements still weary, but steady.

Once seated, he exhaled.

"Alright, Buddy."

He pointed down the road.

"Track Pikko and Peanut. Follow the route they used. Even if we can't move fast, a steady pace is fine."

Buddy snorted, adjusted his stance, and began walking.

The dust kicked up behind them as the two continued down the winding road.

Javier narrowed his eyes at the path ahead.

( End Of Chapter )