Reborn As Noble

Javier stirred awake, finding himself in an all-too-familiar predicament—his mother, Lady Francesca, hugging him tightly in her sleep.

Her hair spilled over the pillows, her serene beauty unmarred by the stern expression she'd worn the night before. Javier's eyes darted nervously as he recalled recent events.

"Of all the ways to wake up..." he muttered under his breath, careful not to disturb her.

Unfortunately, Lady Francesca's grip was unyielding, her arms wrapped around him like a vice. As he tried to wriggle free, she stirred, her eyes opening with a calm yet piercing gaze.

"Good morning, honey bun," she said sweetly, though her tone carried the weight of unspoken scolding.

"M-Mother... good morning," Javier stammered, his confidence wilting under her gaze.

She sat up gracefully, tousling his hair affectionately before tightening her grip just enough to make him wince. "Now, my dear son, do you remember what we discussed last night?"

"About how I was an irresponsible, reckless son who doesn't listen to his beautiful, wise, and hot mother?" he answered quickly, trying to flatter her.

Francesca smiled, her aura radiating warmth and subtle menace. "Correct. And?"
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Javier sighed, knowing there was no escape. "And I promise not to run away during important meetings again."

Her smile widened as she released his hair. "Good boy."

He rubbed his head, grumbling, "I was just enjoying my time with liana..."

"What was that?" she asked sweetly, her aura flaring slightly.

"Nothing, Mother!"

Lady Francesca rose from the bed, her silk nightgown flowing around her. "Today is a momentous occasion for our family, Javier. Every noble in the kingdom will be attending to honor your father's promotion to Count. I expect you to behave appropriately."

Javier groaned inwardly. "Another day of boring noble life..."

"What was that?" Francesca's voice cut through his thoughts like a knife.

"Nothing, Mother! I'll behave!"

Satisfied, Francesca left the room to prepare for the festivities, leaving Javier alone for a brief moment.

"Well, Buddy, Pikko, looks like today's going to be another exhausting day," he muttered, glancing at the two Pekko birds standing just outside the window. Buddy squawked cheerfully, while Pikko tilted her head, unimpressed.

Javier sighed and stretched, bracing himself for the chaos the evening would bring.

Javier let out a long, exaggerated sigh as he sprawled across the couch in his room. His eyes stared at the fancy ceiling, looking for something to ease his boredom.

"Haaaa… Being a noble son in this fantasy world is kinda boring. Rules here, rules there, do this, do that…."

He rolled onto his side, resting his head on his arm. "In my previous world, if I was bored, I could check my smartphone, play PC games, or hang out with friends. Maybe play some sports, listen to music... Here? No music players, no games, no computers—just a bunch of tomes and etiquette lessons. Haaaa…"

Javier frowned but then perked up a little. "Well, at least the food is good, the girls are cute… And the elves, dwarves, halflings, and beastkin? That's definitely a bonus. Still..."

He sat up and rubbed the back of his neck. "I'm a 24-year-old man stuck in an 11-year-old's body. What can I even do? It's not like I've hit puberty again yet! Haaaa..."

He thought about sneaking out, but then he imagined a certain elf with silver hair and piercing emerald eyes blocking his way.

"That beautiful, strict elf... Liana's always around, saying it's for my safety. How am I supposed to argue with her? It's not like I can fight her—though not because I can't, but because… well… I like her too much."

He flopped back onto the couch, muttering, "Study, study, study. Didn't I already graduate from university in my past life? Hello? I'm not a kid... well..mentally."

Javier sighed again, letting his mind wander. "What to do after this? If only they had some kind of music player. Even old-school medieval music would work! But no, the only way to hear music is to call those minstrels or bards…"

Before he could think more, a familiar voice interrupted him.

"Young Master? What were you thinking about just now?"

He turned to see Liana standing at the door, her arms crossed, and her calm expression mixed with suspicion.

"Huh? Oh, nothing," Javier said, quickly looking away.

Liana stepped closer, her emerald eyes narrowing slightly. "You're not planning to sneak out again, are you? If you do, I'll be the one they blame."

"But—"

"Young Master," Liana interrupted, her voice soft but firm. "Do you not want me around anymore?"

Javier froze, his eyes wide. "Huh? What are you saying?"

Liana sighed and crouched down to meet his gaze. "If you keep sneaking out and I'm blamed for neglect, what do you think will happen to me?"

Javier's playful mood faded. "Uh… nothing?"

Liana smiled faintly but shook her head. "What if I told you your parents might dismiss me? Maybe you'd like another maid to look after you?"

Javier jumped up, his face panicked. "No! I don't want that!"

"Then behave," Liana said simply, her smile softening.

Javier pouted but didn't argue. Instead, he pulled on her hand until she sat down next to him. Without a word, he laid his head on her lap, wrapping his arms around her waist. His face nuzzled against her stomach, and he breathed in her calming scent.

Liana blinked, surprised at first, but then smiled warmly. She gently ran her fingers through his messy black hair, letting him do as he pleased.

"You're such a handful, Young Master," she said softly, though her tone was kind.

Liana glanced toward the window. Outside, peering in with curious eyes, were Buddy and Pikko. They were tapping their beaks against the glass, as if demanding attention.

"Young Master," Liana began with a sigh, "did you forget to lock their pens again yesterday?"

Javier tilted his head, looking up at her from her lap. "Huh? You really think I had time for that? Remember how Mother dragged me by the hair to the meeting room last night?"

Liana smiled slightly at the memory of Lady Francesca's calm yet terrifying scolding. "Still, it's part of your responsibility to—"

"Hold up," Javier interrupted, waving a hand lazily. "You're also responsible for them, Liana. Don't forget you helped me pick them out."

She narrowed her eyes but didn't argue, knowing he had a point.

Javier smirked mischievously. "Besides, Buddy and Pikko are smart. They know how to open their pens on their own. They probably came here because they're hungry."

Outside, Buddy let out a cheerful squawk, as if agreeing, while Pikko pecked at the window.

"See?" Javier said, pointing. "They're practically begging for food. I say we feed them before they start tearing up the garden."

Liana sighed again, shaking her head, but there was a hint of amusement in her emerald eyes. "Fine, but you're coming with me, Young Master. They're your responsibility, after all."

"Aw, come on. Can't you just—"

"No excuses," Liana said firmly, gently lifting his head from her lap and standing up. "Let's go."

Javier groaned but followed her out. As they approached the window, Buddy and Pikko flapped their wings excitedly, their bright feathers glowing in the sunlight.

"Alright, alright," Javier said, opening the window. "You two are such troublemakers, you know that?"

Buddy hopped inside, nuzzling against Javier, while Pikko rubbed her beak affectionately against Liana's hand.

"Haaa," Javier sighed, scratching Buddy's head. "Why does it feel like I have more kids than I signed up for?"

Liana chuckled softly, her smile warm. "Because you're too soft on them, Young Master."

"Says the one who spoils Pikko more than I do," Javier shot back with a grin.

They both laughed as the two Pekko birds chirped happily, enjoying the affection from their owners.

( End of Chapter )