Reborn As Noble

”I believe you have your own duty, Miss Gloria,” Liana said with a polite smile, though her tone carried a sharp edge.

Gloria chuckled, unfazed, and gently pressed Javier’s head harder against her breast. ”I’m sure our young master wants to relax with me for just a little while,” she replied sweetly, her fingers lightly brushing through his hair.

”No,” Liana said, her smile tightening. ”You should go and tend to your duties now, Miss Gloria.”

Gloria raised an eyebrow, her playful smirk widening. ”Ara... jealous?”

”Not even a bit,” Liana shot back, though the firmness in her voice betrayed her.

”Haaa... fine,” Gloria sighed dramatically, leaning toward Javier. Before Liana could stop her, Gloria planted a quick kiss on his lips, leaving him momentarily stunned.

”See you soon, young master,” she purred, winking as she gracefully stood up and left the room.

Javier stared after her, frozen, while Liana’s smile remained firmly in place. But the moment the door closed, she let out a low, audible huff.

”Young master,” Liana said, her voice dangerously calm as she took his hand and sat down beside him. ”We need to have a serious talk about boundaries.”

Javier scratched the back of his head nervously. ”Err... umm...”

Liana crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes at him. ”What? Was her kiss better than mine?”

Javier’s eyes widened in alarm. ”Umm... no, of course not!”

Liana’s gaze sharpened, clearly unconvinced. Before he could say anything else, she leaned in, grabbed his collar, and pressed her lips firmly against his in a fiery kiss. Javier’s thoughts momentarily blanked as the intensity of her emotions washed over him.

She pulled back just enough to look him straight in the eyes, her emerald gaze challenging. ”Which one is better?”

Javier blinked rapidly, his face flushed. ”You, of course! Definitely you!”

”Hmph,” Liana huffed, leaning back but not letting go of his hand. ”Good. Don’t forget it.”

Javier nodded quickly, deciding it was safer not to push his luck. Inside, though, he couldn’t help but grin to himself. Seeing Liana like this—passionate and flustered—was priceless.

Liana straightened up, shaking off her earlier embarrassment. ”Now, young master, we need to talk about something important.”

Javier tilted his head, a mischievous grin on his face. ”Oh? What is it?”

”It’s about school, young master. Madam asked me to—”

Before she could finish, Javier jumped up from the couch, his grin widening. ”No way! Hahaha!” He dashed toward the door, laughter trailing behind him.

”Blergh! I don’t want to go! I hate school!” he shouted, his voice bouncing off the walls as he ran down the hallway.

Liana sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. ”Young master...” Taking a deep breath, her emerald eyes narrowed. ”You can run, but you can’t hide!”

She sprinted after him, her silver hair flowing behind her as she tried to catch up. But Javier wasn’t just any child—he was using magic to boost his speed, making him a blur through the manor.

”Really, young master? Why do you hate school so much?” Liana called, her voice echoing as she pushed herself to keep pace.

”No way! I don’t want to go!” Javier’s laughter echoed as he rounded a corner.

”Young master!” Liana yelled again, pushing herself to move faster.

But Javier was determined. ”No way!” he shouted back, grinning as he practically flew through the halls.

Eventually, Liana slowed down, panting as she leaned on her knees. She scanned the corridor, but there was no sign of him. Letting out an exasperated sigh, she stood up straight and brushed a strand of hair from her face.

”This time, he really gave it his all,” she muttered, shaking her head. ”I couldn’t even come close.”

Liana adjusted her uniform and started walking back to the veranda, a slight frown on her face. ”I wonder what I’ll tell Madam Francesca about this... She won’t be happy.”

Liana finally gave up the chase after her young master, realizing it was a lost cause for now. She adjusted her uniform and headed to the garden, where Lady Francesca was enjoying tea with Lord Garius. They sat under a beautifully crafted gazebo, surrounded by blooming flowers, with their personal maids attending to them. Lord Garius was focused on a report, while Francesca casually flipped through documents, her elegance shining in the morning sun.

Mr. Alf and Mrs. Errinette stood nearby, ever vigilant, ensuring their lords’ comfort and security.

Liana approached and bowed gracefully. ”Pardon me, Madam, my Lord.”

Francesca looked up, her serene smile unwavering. ”Hmm... Liana. Report.”

Liana took a deep breath, her posture stiff. ”I’m sorry, Madam, but I couldn’t persuade young master to attend school.”

Francesca’s smile deepened, a mischievous glint appearing in her eyes as she turned to Garius. He responded with a hidden smirk, his lips curling slightly in amusement.

”By the way, Liana,” Francesca began, her tone light but deliberate.

”Yes, Madam?” Liana asked, tilting her head slightly in curiosity.

”Starting tomorrow, you are no longer Javier’s personal maid.”

Liana froze, her eyes widening in shock. ”B-But, Madam—”

Before she could continue, Lord Garius set down his report and fixed her with a firm gaze. ”You failed to persuade him. Starting tomorrow, you will be attending to Lady Francesca instead.”

”As.. you command, my Lord,” Liana replied, her voice steady despite the heaviness in her heart. She bowed deeply and turned to leave, her steps slow and burdened with emotion.

As she walked away, the weight of the announcement pressed down on her. ”What should I tell the young master?” she whispered to herself, gripping her hands tightly.

Liana couldn’t believe it. After serving and attending to her young master for so long, today was the last day she would be by his side.

Liana sat silently on the bench, the cool breeze brushing against her face as she tried to steady her trembling hands. Her chest felt heavy, an unfamiliar ache spreading through her. She had always prided herself on being composed, unshaken by the challenges of her duties, but today was different.

Tears began to flow down her cheeks as she whispered, ”I’m sorry, young master.”

Memories of their time together flooded her mind—his laughter, the playful moments ,Javier’s mischievous grin when he teased her, his determination during training sessions, and the way he’d casually call her his future bride without a hint of hesitation. Every moment spent by his side was etched into her heart.

”I’ve been with him since he was a baby,” she whispered, her voice cracking as fresh tears welled up. ”How am I supposed to leave now?”

She wiped her tears hastily, trying to regain control of her emotions. The young master deserved someone strong, someone who wouldn’t falter. And yet, here she was, breaking down at the thought of being separated from him.

I wish things could be different,” she murmured, wiping her tears with the back of her hand.

Leaning back against the bench, she gazed up at the sky. ”It’s for his own good,” she told herself, though the words felt hollow. ”Madam and Lord Garius must have their reasons.”

But the ache in her chest didn’t subside; it only grew as she thought about how Javier might react. Would he even care? Would he laugh it off, or… would he miss her, even just a little?

She sniffled, brushing away the tears that wouldn’t stop falling. ”Please, young master,” she whispered to the empty garden. ”Understand that I only want the best for you. I’m sorry if I’ve failed you.”

Liana took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions inside her. She knew she had to be strong, but the thought of not being there for Javier made her heart ache even more.

As she sat there, lost in her thoughts, she hoped that somehow, he would understand why she had to go. ”Please forgive me,” she whispered again, her voice barely audible in the quiet garden.

( End of Chapter )