Reborn As Noble

Buddy and Pikko chirped happily as they ate, completely unaware of the world around them. Liana stood beside Javier, watching the two mischievous birds, when she noticed Gloria approaching.

The composed head maid stopped a short distance away, her usual calm smile on her face. "Young Master, Madam is calling for you," she said gently.

Javier's eyes lit up at the sight of Gloria. "Ohhhh!! Gloriaaaaa!" he exclaimed, bounding toward her. Before anyone could stop him, he leaned in dramatically. "Chuuuuuu!!"

To Liana's surprise, Gloria didn't move away. Instead, she smiled warmly and leaned down slightly to meet him halfway. Javier planted a quick kiss on her lips, grinning like he'd just won the lottery.

Gloria ruffled his hair affectionately. "Young Master, you're as lively as ever."

Nearby, Liana's serene expression cracked slightly. Her eyes narrowed as a faint, unusual twinge of jealousy flickered across her face. She coughed softly to regain her composure. "Miss Gloria," she said, her tone calm but pointed, "don't spoil him too much."

Gloria turned toward Liana, her smile unwavering. "Oh, but how could I not? He's charming.I bet he grow into handsome man in the future."

Javier turned to Liana with an exaggerated pout. "See, Liana? Gloria understands me. Why can't you be as sweet as her?"

Liana crossed her arms, tilting her head slightly while her smile returned, though it now had a distinct edge. "Perhaps because someone has to ensure you behave, Young Master."

Javier laughed nervously, sensing the subtle warning in her words. "Ehehe, no need to glare at me, Liana. I'm just... expressing my gratitude!"

"Gratitude doesn't require kissing every maid in sight," Liana retorted, brushing past him to speak to Gloria. "I'll take him to Lady Francesca. Thank you for informing us."

Gloria nodded, her calm demeanor unshaken. "Of course. Take care, Young Master."

As Gloria walked away, Javier muttered under his breath, "Haaa, no one lets me have any fun..."

Liana shot him a sidelong glance, a small smirk on her lips. "Fun or not, you're going straight to Madam now. And no more sneaking kisses along the way."

Javier groaned dramatically. "Fine, fine... You're so strict, Liana."

Despite his complaints, there was a flicker of amusement in his eyes as he followed her back toward the manor.

As they walked back toward the manor, Liana's calm demeanor shifted slightly, and she spoke with feigned indifference. "Perhaps, Young Master, you're no longer interested in making me your wife in the future?"

Javier froze mid-step, his eyes widening. "Huh?" He turned to her, confusion and panic flashing across his face.

Liana continued, her tone calm but teasing. "Well, it seems you've taken a liking to kissing Gloria every day. I can only assume your affections have shifted."

Javier's jaw dropped, his face turning red as he waved his arms frantically. "Eeepp! No! Liana, it's not like that! You're still my favorite! Gloria's just... well, she's... uhhh..." He struggled to explain.

Liana raised an eyebrow, suppressing a smile as she let him flounder. "Hmm? Just what, Young Master?"

He scratched his head, looking defeated. "She's just nice! That's all! But you—" He pointed at her with determination. "—you're special, Liana. There's no one like you. You're my future wife, remember?"

Liana sighed softly, shaking her head with a faint smile. "Haa... Sometimes I wonder if you're serious, or if you're just teasing me."

Javier puffed out his chest. "I'm always serious when it comes to you! I'd never joke about that."

For a moment, Liana's composed expression softened, and a hint of pink dusted her cheeks. She quickly turned away, pretending to adjust her hair. "Well, if that's the case, perhaps you should focus less on kissing other maids and more on behaving like a proper noble."

Javier grinned mischievously. "Does that mean you'll let me kiss you, then?"

Liana spun around, her cheeks fully red. "Young Master!" she scolded, though her tone lacked real anger. Experience new tales on empire

Javier laughed, his playful nature returning. "See? You're the only one who gets flustered like this. That's why you're my favorite, Liana."

Liana let out another sigh, this time with a small, genuine smile. "Haa... You're impossible."

But as they reached the manor, her smile lingered. Despite his antics, Javier's sincerity warmed her heart more than she cared to admit.

As they reached the manor, Javier turned to Liana, a playful glint in his eyes. "Liana?"

"Yes, Young Master?" she replied, glancing at him with a mix of curiosity and exasperation.

"Chuuu…" he said, puckering his lips dramatically.

Liana rolled her eyes, a smile creeping onto her face despite her best efforts to maintain her composure. "Haaa… Young Master."

But as she looked into his earnest eyes, something shifted. There was a sincerity in his gaze that made her heart flutter. With a soft sigh, she leaned in closer, her cheeks still flushed. "Just one kiss, then."

Javier's eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly composed himself, his heart racing with excitement. "Really?"

"Yes, really," she replied, her voice a mix of teasing and genuine affection.

In that moment, Javier leaned in, and their lips met gently. It was a soft, innocent kiss, filled with the warmth of their friendship and the promise of something more. Liana felt a rush of emotions, a blend of fluster and joy, as she pulled away slightly, both of them smiling.

"That wasn't so bad, was it?" Javier teased, his confidence soaring.

Liana shook her head, still blushing. "You're lucky I'm in a good mood today, Young Master. Don't let it go to your head."

"Too late!" he exclaimed, puffing out his chest in mock arrogance. "I'm the luckiest guy in the world!"

Liana chuckled, shaking her head in disbelief. "You really are impossible."

As they entered the manor, the atmosphere shifted, the weight of the upcoming celebration hanging in the air. But for a moment, all that mattered was the bond they shared, a connection that felt deeper than either of them had dared to acknowledge.

Lord Garius stood by the Pekko pen, watching the vibrant creatures chirp and fluff their feathers. The playful duo seemed oblivious to his imposing presence, happily pecking at their food.

"So these are the two Pekko birds Javier bought for himself and Liana..." he mused aloud. His sharp gaze lingered on the pen before turning to Alf, who stood respectfully nearby. "I wonder how he managed to afford them, Alf?"

Alf bowed slightly. "According to our informant, Young Master Javier has been hunting monsters in the forest with Miss Liana. He sells the monster corpses, often dismantling the parts himself, and sometimes keeps the meat for personal use."

Garius's eyes narrowed, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "Hunting monsters at his age and managing dismantling? Impressive... but where does he store the earnings and all that meat?"

Errinette stepped forward, her voice calm and composed. "Our sources suggest the Young Master has a unique magic storage ability, my lord. He keeps everything there, away from prying eyes."

Garius raised an eyebrow, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "Oh? A special storage magic? Now that's interesting. Why would he keep something like that a secret, I wonder?"

Errinette allowed herself a faint smile. "Perhaps because he takes after a certain someone, my lord."

Garius's smirk faltered, and he let out a faint grunt. "Guh... You got me there, Errinette. Alf, Hesbeirn... always quick to remind me of my own youthful days."

Alf chuckled lightly. "It's uncanny, my lord. Young Master Javier's cunning and resourcefulness are quite reminiscent of you."

Hesbeirn chimed in with a knowing smile. "Indeed. He's a mirror of his father's younger years—always plotting something, yet staying one step ahead."

Garius let out a hearty laugh, the tension in his posture easing. "Hah! Perhaps I should feel proud rather than annoyed. Still, his secretive tendencies warrant attention. Errinette, Alf, Hesbeirn..." He turned to face them, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

"What do you say we pay a visit to our 'partners'—just like the old days?"

Errinette's expression didn't change, though her eyes sparkled with amusement. "If that's your wish, my lord. It's been quite some time since our last... collaboration."

Alf grinned, eager for the task ahead. "It'll be good to stretch our legs. The younger generation could learn a thing or two from watching us in action."

Hesbeirn chuckled deeply. "Lead the way, my lord. I'll ensure we leave no loose ends."

Garius glanced back at the Pekkos before stepping away. "Let's see if these old bones still remember how to play the game."

As the trio followed him, the faint sound of laughter drifted in the air—an echo of past exploits that had shaped the man who now bore the title of Count.

( End of Chapter )