Reborn As Noble

Javier stretched his arms and shook off the excitement from earlier. He grinned mischievously and said, ”That was fun! But honestly, I think I should have hit that brat more. Punching him would have felt better.”

Liana, standing just behind him, sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose. ”Young master, please…”

Javier turned to her, pretending to be confused. ”What? That brat was causing trouble in our town. Isn’t it my job as the lord’s son to keep things in order?”

Liana raised an eyebrow and replied firmly, ”Maintaining order doesn’t mean resorting to violence, young master. You already taught him a lesson. Any more, and it would reflect poorly on the Armand household.”

Gloria, who had been quietly watching, chuckled softly. ”Liana’s right, young master. As satisfying as it may have been, there’s a fine line between discipline and overstepping. You handled it well enough... in your own unique way.”

Javier shrugged with a carefree smirk and turned back to his pets, Buddy and Pikko. ”Hmph. Fine, fine. I guess I’ll leave it at that. But if that brat tries something again, I’m not holding back.”

Buddy squawked in agreement, as if he understood Javier, while Pikko pecked at his shoulder, more interested in food than in justice.

Liana sighed again but couldn’t help smiling a little. ”Sometimes, I don’t know if I should scold him or admire his confidence…” she muttered to herself.

Gloria leaned closer and whispered with amusement, ”It’s a bit of both, dear. That’s why he’s our young master.”

Javier tilted his head back and looked at the sky, which was now painted with orange as the sun began to set. He patted Buddy and grinned. ”Hmm… I think it’s time to head back to the estate. I’m full, and Buddy here looks like he’s had enough too.”

Liana, standing next to Pikko, chuckled softly. ”Yes, yes, young master. Let’s go back.” She gracefully got on Pikko.

Gloria, always calm and composed, clapped her hands lightly to get the attention of the maids and guards who were busy cleaning up or keeping the streets calm after the earlier excitement. ”Everyone, prepare to return to the estate.”

Before getting on her own horse, Gloria turned to the captain of the town’s guards and handed him another official document with a serene but commanding smile. ”Captain, make sure to report to the Armand household if anything suspicious happens. You know how to reach us.”

The captain saluted sharply, standing tall and respectful. ”Understood, Miss Gloria. We’ll keep the town secure.”

Javier climbed onto Buddy’s saddle easily, giving the large Pekko an affectionate pat. ”Alright, big guy. Let’s head home. Maybe there will be something even better waiting for us back at the estate!”

Buddy let out a squawk, as if agreeing, while Pikko chirped, ready to go at liana gentle command.

With the Armand household’s group gathered, they began their journey back to the estate, moving in an organized procession through the town. Javier led the way with his mischievous grin, Liana riding beside him with a calm and watchful look. Gloria rode at the back, making sure everything was in order as they left.

The townsfolk watched them go, whispering among themselves with admiration. The youngest son of the Armand household might be playful and unconventional, but he had once again shown why the Armand family was loved in their region.

As Buddy strutted forward with a proud walk, his large frame catching the eyes of people passing by, Javier relaxed comfortably in the saddle, humming a cheerful tune. He felt happy, and his grin was wide as he thought about the exciting day they had.

”Hehe… This is the best. I wish we could do this every day,” Javier said, his voice light and satisfied.

Liana, riding Pikko beside him, glanced at him with a gentle but firm expression. ”No, young master. You can’t.”

Javier groaned and slouched dramatically in his seat. ”Why can’t I go outside more often like my siblings and half-siblings?”

Liana spoke patiently, but there was a teasing tone in her voice. ”Because they’re all adults now, young master. You’re still a child.”

Javier puffed his cheeks in playful irritation. ”Yeah, yeah… whatever.”

But inside, he felt frustrated. Haaa… Nakamura Junichi, once an adult salaryman, was now treated like a child in this new world. He paused his thoughts and let out an internal sigh. Well, I am technically a child here, so I guess I can’t complain too much.

”Argh! I can’t wait until I hit puberty in this world. Once I do, maybe I’ll start flirting with the girls around. Hehe…” Javier’s grin wavered for a moment as he remembered something. ”Uhh… but I have Liana… so probably not.” He sighed inwardly. ”And then there’s Gracelle… ugh.”

Shaking off his thoughts, Javier turned to Liana, curious. ”By the way, Liana, I didn’t see any elves in town before.”

Liana glanced over at him, her silver hair shining in the sunlight. ”Hmm? That’s because elves rarely come to human towns. Most elves stay in their own country. Some visit human towns, like me, but it’s mostly for work… or marriage.”

Javier raised an eyebrow. ”Oh? Humans can marry elves too?”

Liana nodded calmly. ”Yes, but it’s more common for elven men to marry human women. You do know there are big differences in our lives, right?”

Javier tilted his head, confused. ”Differences?”

Liana smiled gently and explained, ”Elves live for thousands of years, while humans usually only live up to a hundred. That gap in lifespan and culture can be… challenging for many.”

Javier leaned back, thinking. ”Huh… so it’s mostly elven men marrying human women. That makes sense, I guess. But you’re here, working for a human family…”

Liana’s eyes softened as she looked at him. ”Yes, I am. And I don’t regret it for a moment, young master.”

Javier’s smirk returned. ”Hehe… Good. Because I’m keeping you forever.”

Liana’s cheeks flushed a little, but she quickly turned away, keeping her voice steady. ”You always say such silly things, young master.”

While riding their Pekko side by side, Javier turned to Liana with a playful glint in his eyes. ”Liana?”

”Yes, young master?” she replied, her voice calm and composed as always.

Javier’s smirk deepened. ”Let’s say we got married, had a child, grew old together, and then I died. Would you marry someone else after me?”

Liana’s grip on Pikko’s reins tightened. Her eyes narrowed, and her calm expression cracked, showing a rare flash of anger. ”Young master!”

Javier flinched slightly at her sharp tone but quickly recovered with a teasing grin. ”What? It’s a valid question, isn’t it?”

Liana slowed Pikko down, glaring at him. ”Why would you ask something so ridiculous?!”

Javier feigned innocence, shrugging. ”I mean, elves live for thousands of years, right? What’s a hundred years with me in the grand scheme of things? You’d have so much time left—”

Before he could finish, Liana cut him off, her voice firm. ”Enough! Young master, do you think I would treat such a bond so lightly?!”

Javier blinked, surprised by her intensity.

”If I ever…” she hesitated, her cheeks faintly pink, ”married you, it would be because you’re irreplaceable. Don’t ever think otherwise!”

Javier grinned slyly, leaning forward on Buddy. ”Oho… so you have thought about marrying me?”

Liana’s face turned crimson, and she looked away, tugging Pikko’s reins as if trying to escape the conversation. ”Young master, you are insufferable.” Find exclusive stories on freewebnovel

Javier chuckled, clearly enjoying her reaction. ”Hehe… I’ll take that as a yes.”

Behind them, Gloria watched the exchange with a serene smile, hiding her amusement at the young master’s antics and Liana’s rare flustered state.

Inside Liana’s mind, a swirl of thoughts raced as she processed Javier’s words. If what you say is true, young master, I will try to find a way to extend your youth once you reach adulthood.

The idea both troubled and intrigued her. She was aware of the vast differences in their ages and lifespans, and the thought of losing him after such a short time felt unbearable. Could I really find a way? she pondered. Elven magic is powerful... but would it be enough to alter fate?

Liana caught herself before letting her imagination run wild. But would extending his youth truly be the right thing to do? She felt protective of him, wishing to shield him from the pain of loss and the realities of life. Yet, she also knew that there was a beauty to the fleeting nature of human life—a beauty she couldn’t quite explain.

A soft sigh escaped her lips as she glanced at Javier, who was blissfully unaware of the weight of her thoughts. I can’t let these feelings lead me astray, she reminded herself. He’s still just a child in many ways, even if he acts older than he is.

Liana’s resolve strengthened. Whatever happens, I’ll cherish the time we have. And if there is a way to prolong his youth, I will seek it out… even if it means confronting the unknown.

She cast a sideways glance at him, her expression softening. Yes, I’ll find a way to protect you, young master. I promise.

( End of Chapter )