Reborn As Noble

The grand hall of the Armand estate was beautiful, filled with light from shining crystal chandeliers. The walls were decorated with the finest silks, and everyone was chatting happily while clinking their goblets. Nobles from all over the kingdom had come to celebrate Garius, who had just been promoted from Viscount to Count. This was an important moment for House Armand.

In the center of the room stood Garius, wearing a perfect formal suit with his new title's symbol on it. Next to him, Lady Francesca looked elegant in a sapphire gown that matched his outfit. They both smiled politely as they accepted congratulations from their friends.

"Garius!" shouted High Baron Mathrias, Garius's long-time friend, as he walked over with his wife, Lady Silvia, and their children. Mathrias laughed and patted Garius on the shoulder. "I can't believe my old friend is now a Count! You're lucky!"

Garius laughed back, smiling. "Luck had little to do with it, Mathrias. Hard work and good planning are important."

Mathrias grinned. "Hard work, good planning, and maybe a little help from above. Don't be so modest!"

Lady Silvia stepped forward, her face bright with joy. "And Francesca, you've done an amazing job with this event. It's wonderful, as always."

Francesca nodded gracefully. "Thank you, Silvia. It's lovely to have you here tonight."

Mathrias's sons were nearby, looking sharp but full of energy. However, it was their youngest child, Lady Gracelle, who caught everyone's attention. At just ten years old, she looked graceful in a soft pink gown, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she spotted a young boy.

Gracelle's cheeks turned pink when she saw Javier by the banquet table, talking animatedly with other children. She hesitated for a moment, then tugged at her mother's sleeve. "Mother, may I go say hello to him?"

Lady Silvia looked where Gracelle was pointing and tried to hide a smile. "Of course, dear. Go ahead."

As Gracelle walked over, Garius leaned toward Mathrias with a smirk. "Your daughter seems quite interested in my youngest. I wonder what trouble he's gotten into this time."

Mathrias laughed. "Knowing Javier? Probably something that will drive us fathers crazy. But Gracelle is smart—she won't get too attached."

Meanwhile, Francesca noticed a change in Liana's expression as she watched Gracelle approach Javier. Liana's eyes showed a hint of jealousy before she quickly hid it.

"Javier-sama," Gracelle said, her voice confident, even though she was young. Javier turned, looking confused at first, but then he recognized her.

"Oh, Gracelle! Hello! Um… are you enjoying the party?" he asked, scratching his head, unsure why she was looking at him so intently.

Gracelle clasped her hands together, her cheeks still pink. "Very much, especially because you're here. You promised, after all."

"Promise? What promise?" Javier asked, tilting his head.

Gracelle's blush deepened as she leaned closer. "The kiss, Javier-sama. Don't you remember? You promised to marry me."

Javier froze. "Wait, WHAT?!"

Liana tried to hold back her laughter nearby. "Oh, Young Master, it looks like you've made quite an impression."

Gracelle smiled brightly, not noticing Javier's panic. "It's okay if you forgot. I'll remind you every day! I'll be the best wife for you, I promise." She hugged him tightly, making the nobles around them laugh while Javier felt embarrassed.

"Liana! Help me out here!" Javier whispered, looking at his maid, who just smiled.

"But Young Master," Liana teased, "didn't you say you like making others happy? Look at her. She's so in love with you!"

Javier sighed. "This is all your fault, Liana. Just wait and see."

As Gracelle hugged Javier and excitedly talked about their "future," Garius watched from a distance, shaking his head and chuckling. "That boy of mine… always making things complicated."

Feeling brave in the festive atmosphere, Gracelle suddenly leaned in and kissed Javier softly on the lips.

"Mmmppphh!!" Javier's eyes went wide in panic, freezing as his mind raced.

Gracelle pulled back, her face shining with happiness. "Oh, Javier-sama… I love you!"

Javier turned to Liana, his eyes pleading for help, silently screaming, "Do something!"

Liana, standing nearby, noticed his desperate look but stayed calm. She crossed her arms and smirked slightly.

"Hmmph," she thought, keeping her voice professional as she straightened up. "That's what you get for playing with a girl's heart, Young Master."

Though she looked calm, a small pout appeared on her lips—a hint of jealousy she tried to hide.

Gracelle held onto Javier's arm, smiling brightly as if the kiss meant everything. But Javier was not happy about it.

"Liana!" he whispered urgently. "Do something! I can't handle this!"

Liana sighed softly and stepped closer, bowing to Gracelle. "Young Lady Gracelle," she said calmly, "the Young Master appreciates your affection, but there are many other guests who also want to greet him."

Gracelle blinked, surprised but quickly nodded. "Oh, of course! But I'll be back later, Javier-sama. Don't forget our promise!" She giggled and skipped away with a big smile.

Javier let out a long sigh of relief, leaning against a pillar. He turned to Liana. "What was that?! You just stood there!"

Liana raised an eyebrow, playfully narrowing her eyes. "And what should I have done—interrupt a lady's love confession?"

"Yes! Exactly that!"

Liana tilted her head, pretending to be innocent. "I thought you liked being the center of attention. Besides," she lowered her voice, "maybe now you'll think twice before playing with a girl's heart."

Javier groaned, running a hand through his hair. "Just wait, Liana. I'll get back at you for this."

Liana smiled knowingly. "I can't wait to see how you try, Young Master."

As the party went on, Gracelle looked dreamily at Javier from across the hall, while Liana stayed by his side. Even though she seemed calm, she felt a little possessive—an emotion she didn't understand.

"Haaaa…" Javier let out a big sigh, leaning against a pillar.

Liana raised an eyebrow, her voice steady but amused. "What now, Young Master?"

Javier groaned, rubbing his temples. "I just wanted to see how you would react."

Liana narrowed her eyes and crossed her arms. "By kissing her at the end of the dance? Now look what's happened. She's completely in love, and everyone thinks you promised to marry her."

Javier straightened up, looking serious. "No. I won't marry her before I marry you."

Liana stiffened, her calm look cracking as her cheeks turned slightly pink. "Yes, yes, here we go again with the promise," she said, trying to brush off his words while avoiding his gaze.

Javier smirked and stepped closer. "I'm serious. Just wait, Liana."

Liana sighed softly, shaking her head, but a small smile appeared on her lips. "If you're serious, then make sure you marry her too. You can't leave things hanging in noble society."
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Javier leaned in slightly, grinning mischievously. "Yes, I will… after you."

Liana met his gaze, feeling a mix of annoyance and affection. "Young Master, you really are impossible."

"I know." Javier's grin widened, his playful tone sincere. "But that's why you like me, right?"

Liana laughed softly, shaking her head. "Focus on getting through the rest of the evening first. Then we'll talk about your crazy plans for the future."

Javier laughed and followed her back into the busy hall. "Deal. But don't think you can escape from me, Liana. You're stuck with me—forever."

Liana didn't answer, but the faint blush on her cheeks said a lot.

(End Of Chapter)