Reborn As Noble

As the group made their way back to the manor, Errinette's sharp eyes spotted a small figure sneaking toward the pekko pen. She nudged Garius lightly.

"My lord, your youngest son is sneaking out again."

Garius squinted into the distance and saw Javier crouching near the pen, hand outstretched toward Buddy, his orange-feathered pekko.

"Eheheh… Buddy! Here, treats… ehehehe," Javier whispered excitedly, unaware of their watchful eyes.

Garius sighed, a faint grin appearing on his lips. "Javier!"

Javier froze, shoulders stiffening like a caught thief. "Eeeeeppp!!!" He turned slowly, eyes wide with guilt. "Err… father… I was just… err…"

Garius crossed his arms, voice stern but amused. "You're already wearing your formal clothes for the grand party, and here you are, playing with your bird!?"

Javier flinched, then yelped, "Eeekkkk! I'm sorryyyy!!" He bolted toward the manor, nearly tripping over his own feet.

Errinette chuckled softly. "Oh, that reaction… doesn't it remind you of someone, my lord?"

Garius smirked, shaking his head. "Heh… I know exactly who."

Alf and Hesbeirn exchanged amused glances, their quiet laughter trailing behind as they followed their lord.

"The apple doesn't fall far from the tree," Alf murmured with a grin.

"Not at all," Hesbeirn agreed, a spark of fondness in his eyes as they continued toward the manor.

"Eeeeepp!!" I darted back toward the manor, my heart pounding. "Why didn't I notice they were there?! Damn it!"

I had been so focused on sneaking Buddy some extra treats that I completely missed Father and his entourage strolling toward the house.

"Now Father is mad… Eeekkk!!"

His booming voice echoed in my head: 'Playing with your bird?!' Ugh, that tone sent shivers down my spine. And I was wearing these stuffy formal clothes too! Great. Just great.

I bolted through the side entrance, hoping no one else saw me. Why do I always get caught? I can't sit around with a straight face like Marcellus or Cedric. What's wrong with spending a little time with Buddy?

Slipping into the hallway, I leaned against the wall to catch my breath. "Father and his eagle eyes… Why is it always me?!"

"Ugh!" I slumped against the wall, clutching my forehead. "How is it possible that, as an adult,well,my mind and memory of course, I still feel so scared of my father?!"

Back in my previous life, I handled yelling bosses and unreasonable deadlines just fine. But now? A single glare from Father turns me into a quivering mess.

"And how come I didn't notice them at all?"

I squinted, replaying the scene. I had activated my Advanced Tracking Magic Skill! It should have pinged the second they got close.

I stared at my hands. "Did I mess up the skills? No, impossible. I triple-checked everything."

Then it hit me. Father's entourage wasn't ordinary. Errinette, Alf, Hesbeirn—seasoned warriors with decades of experience. If they wanted to sneak past advanced detection magic, they could do it in their sleep.

I groaned and slid further down the wall, resting my chin on my knees. "Ugh, it's not fair! Who trains their personal staff to counter advanced magic like that?! It's like living in a house full of cheat codes!"

Buddy's squawking outside only made me feel worse. He must be wondering why I abandoned him. I sighed. "I just wanted to feed my pekko, not face a boss-level encounter first thing in the morning…"

I froze mid-step, feeling Father's sharp gaze drilling into me like a hot poker.

"Javier!"

"Eeeppp!" My brain short-circuited. "Where to go? Where to hide?!"

"Come here!"

That command turned my legs to jelly, erasing all thoughts of escape. I trudged forward, head hanging low.

"Y-Yes, Esteemed Father?" I tried my best obedient son voice, flashing an innocent smile.

He wasn't buying it.

"You were supposed to be with your personal maid, Liana. Where is she?"

Sweat trickled down my temple as I fumbled for a response. "Err… umm…" What's the least incriminating way to phrase this?

"I… left her?" I offered sheepishly, trying to sound casual. "Eheheh…"

Father's eyes narrowed dangerously. Oh no. Oh no, no, no. Abort! Abort!

He pinched the bridge of his nose, clearly struggling to suppress his frustration. "I don't want any trouble during the grand party. Understand?"

I straightened like a soldier under inspection, nodding vigorously. "Yes, Esteemed Father!"

He glared at me, as if checking for crossed fingers. "Good. Now find Liana and stick with her!"

"Yesss!!" I bolted toward the manor, relieved to escape.

As I sprinted away, I swore I heard Errinette chuckle. "Just like someone we know…"

Father's groan of exasperation echoed behind me. "Don't remind me."

"Lianaaaaaaaaaa!" I dashed into the hallway, skidding to a stop when I saw her near the kitchen.

Liana turned, graceful as always, a tray in her hands. "Yes, young master?" Her calm tone was undermined by the slight narrowing of her eyes.

I scratched the back of my neck, trying to look innocent. "I was just... um... trying to give Buddy some meat. You know, for a treat."

Her expression remained unimpressed. "Haa... what trouble have you caused now?"

I hesitated, shifting nervously under her emerald gaze. "Umm... Father..."

Liana froze, her posture stiffening. Her usual calm shattered for a brief moment, and I swore I saw actual terror in her eyes.

"Lord Garius?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.

I nodded slowly, and she let out a long, shaky sigh. "What did he say?"

"He told me to find you and stick with you," I admitted sheepishly.

She closed her eyes, her shoulders relaxing a fraction. "Well, at least you didn't make things worse. Let's go, young master."

I quickly fell in step behind her, silently thanking that she was too focused on Father's looming presence to scold me further—for now.

Lord Garius adjusted his cuffs, his stern expression softening slightly as he turned to his wife.

"Francesca..."

She looked up from the mirror, a serene smile gracing her face. "Yes, darling?"

He nodded approvingly, taking in her elegant dress. "You ready?"

"Yes," she replied, standing gracefully and smoothing her gown.

Garius offered her his arm, his authoritative tone growing gentler. "Good. Now let's go to the grand hall." Read exclusive adventures at My Virtual Library Empire

As they stepped into the corridor, their united presence radiated authority and elegance, befitting the heads of the Viscount Armand family. Servants hurriedly bowed as they passed, their movements precise and respectful.

Garius glanced at Francesca as they walked. "I hope everything goes smoothly tonight. It's a chance to solidify our alliances."

Francesca chuckled lightly. "Darling, with you presiding, no one would dare cause trouble. Isn't that why you've been so strict with the preparations?"

He smirked. "True. But having you by my side ensures things will remain orderly."

Her smile deepened, and together they continued toward the grand hall, ready to lead the evening's celebration.

As Garius and Francesca made their way to the grand hall, their trusted retinue worked diligently behind the scenes to ensure a flawless evening.

The personal maids, including Errinette, coordinated the serving staff with sharp eyes, catching every small imperfection. Plates, goblets, and napkins were meticulously arranged under their supervision. Errinette moved gracefully between tasks, upholding the high standards of the Armand household.

Meanwhile, the elite guards, led by Hesbeirn, patrolled the perimeter and strategic entry points. Clad in polished armor with the Armand family crest, they were an imposing sight. Hesbeirn's calm yet firm commands resonated as he ensured each post was manned with vigilance. "Double-check the east wing. I don't want even a mouse slipping through," he ordered, his men snapping to attention.

Blending seamlessly into the bustling atmosphere was the elite secret unit, known only to the inner circle. These battle maids, trained to be both graceful and deadly, worked alongside the regular staff. Under Errinette's discreet guidance, they observed every guest, ready to catch any suspicious movements. Hidden weapons glinted beneath their elegant uniforms, a stark reminder of their formidable skills.

In the shadows, Alf coordinated the guards and the secret unit, his sharp mind strategizing for every possible scenario. "Keep an eye on the Klimbert envoys," he whispered to a disguised operative. "We can't give them a chance to disrupt this event."

The combined efforts of the Armand family's loyal retainers created an atmosphere of seamless efficiency. To the attending nobles and guests, the celebration seemed flawless, but beneath the surface lay a well-coordinated plan ensuring the safety and prestige of House Armand.