Reborn As Noble

Javier and Liana continued their leisurely stroll through the bustling streets, with Buddy and Pikko trailing obediently behind. The Pekkos occasionally drew curious glances from the townsfolk, who whispered and pointed at the unusual sight of such majestic birds navigating the capital.

As they approached the main square, Javier’s sharp eyes darted around, taking in the surroundings. There were carriages adorned with elaborate family emblems, nobles clad in luxurious fabrics, and their escorts—maids and guards—walking with measured precision.

”Hmm... which one is it?” Javier muttered, his gaze scanning the many ornate buildings that lined the square. ”Where do we go to find a house?”

Liana, walking beside him with her usual composed demeanor, smiled as she gestured toward a grand, well-maintained building with a large sign hanging above its entrance. The sign depicted a quill, a scroll, and a key—a clear indication of its purpose. ”Right here, young master,” Liana said, her tone calm but confident.

Javier looked at the building, tilting his head slightly. ”Huh. Fancy. I was expecting something smaller.”

Liana chuckled softly. ”This is the capital, young master. Everything here is grander.”

Javier shrugged. ”Alright then, let’s go check it out. Buddy, Pikko, stay here and behave.”

Buddy let out a squawk of protest but stopped at the base of the steps, sitting down obediently. Pikko followed suit, earning a few amused smiles from passersby.

As they stepped inside, the cool air of the establishment greeted them. The interior was spacious and elegant, with polished wooden floors and a large reception desk. Several clerks, busy sorting through documents, glanced up as the two entered.

One of the clerks, a well-dressed man with a sharp mustache, immediately approached them with a polite bow. ”Good day, esteemed guests. How may I assist you?”

Javier, with his hands casually in his pockets, glanced at Liana, letting her take the lead.

”We are looking to rent or purchase a house in the capital,” Liana said with her usual grace, her voice clear and refined.

The clerk’s eyes briefly flickered to the Armand emblem on her uniform, and his expression shifted to one of deeper respect. ”Ah, of course. Please, allow me to show you our available listings.”

He gestured toward a seating area and quickly retrieved a stack of parchment filled with property descriptions.

Javier flopped onto the cushioned chair with a yawn, watching Liana skim through the options with practiced ease. ”We’ll take something near the academy,” Javier said lazily. ”And make sure there’s room for Buddy and Pikko. Those two are part of the family.”

The clerk blinked in surprise. ”Pardon me, but... Buddy and Pikko?”

Liana chuckled softly, her eyes glancing toward the door where the two Pekkos waited. ”Our companions, the large birds outside. They’ll need accommodations as well.”

The clerk’s mouth opened slightly in astonishment but quickly recovered. ”Of course. I’ll ensure to include properties with adequate stables or open grounds.”

Javier grinned, leaning back. ”Good. Now, let’s see what you’ve got.”

Javier leaned casually against the counter, glancing at the list of properties. The prices ranged from 500 to 1500 gold coins if purchased outright. Though the sums didn’t faze him—he could easily afford one if he wanted to—he didn’t see the point.

”Liana,” he said with a small grin, ”we’re only going to be here for three months, so I think renting for four months is good. No need to waste money buying a house.”

Liana nodded. ”As you wish, young master.”

Turning to the staff, she pointed at one of the listings. ”This one. It seems sufficient.”

The clerk adjusted his glasses and scanned the property details. ”Ah, yes. That property is available for 35 silver coins per month. It includes a stable large enough for horses and a lawn spacious enough for... those birds, I presume?” His voice faltered slightly at the mention of Buddy and Pikko.

Liana smiled faintly. ”Yes, they’ll need the space.”

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The clerk cleared his throat. ”Very well. For four months, the rent will be 1 gold and 40 silver coins. With a 60 silver coin deposit, the total comes to 2 gold coins.”

Liana reached into her bag, pulling out a small pouch of coins. ”Here is the payment.” She placed the exact amount on the counter with graceful precision.

The clerk counted the coins quickly before asking, ”Would you like the rental agreement to be under the Armand household’s name?”

Before Liana could answer, Javier grinned mischievously and interjected, ”Put it under her name.”

The clerk hesitated, glancing between the two. ”Under... her name?”

”Yup,” Javier said with a chuckle, clearly amused. ”She’s the one who keeps everything in order anyway. Makes sense, right?”

Liana sighed, shaking her head slightly but unable to suppress a soft smile. ”Very well, young master.”

The clerk nodded and began preparing the documents, clearly trying not to show his curiosity about the dynamic between the two. ”It will only take a moment to finalize the paperwork.”

Javier leaned back, folding his arms behind his head. ”No rush. We’ve got time.”

After the paperwork was completed, the clerk handed Liana a small iron key, its polished surface gleaming in the light.

”Here is the key to the property,” he said with a professional tone, bowing slightly. ”My colleague will escort you to the location. Please follow him.”

Another staff member stepped forward, already mounted on a sturdy chestnut horse. He nodded politely. ”I will guide you to your rental house. It’s not far from here.”

Javier smirked as he secured Buddy’s reins. ”Great! Let’s get going.”

The staff member watched with wide eyes as Liana and Javier climbed onto their Pekkos. The two exotic birds towered over the horse, their vibrant feathers drawing attention from passersby.

As they began moving, the staff member glanced nervously over his shoulder at the towering Pekkos. ”These creatures... they’re quite... impressive,” he managed to say, his horse prancing uneasily.

”Buddy here is the best!” Javier said with a grin, patting Buddy’s side. ”Just don’t ride too slow, old man, or Buddy might get bored and decide to race.”

Liana, ever composed, added with a polite smile, ”Please don’t worry. They’re well-trained.”

The group made their way through the streets of the capital, attracting curious stares. It wasn’t every day that people saw noble-looking travelers riding such unique creatures. The sight of the striking maid and her mischievous young master only added to the spectacle.

Finally, the staff member slowed his horse as they approached a modest but well-maintained house surrounded by a neat lawn. A sturdy stable sat to one side, and the yard looked spacious enough for the Pekkos to roam comfortably.

”Here we are,” the staff member announced, dismounting. He gestured to the house with a practiced smile. ”If you need anything else, feel free to contact our office.”

Javier hopped off Buddy and stretched. ”Looks good to me. What do you think, Liana?”

Liana inspected the property, her eyes taking in every detail. ”It’s sufficient for our needs, young master. Let’s settle in.”

The staff member bowed and mounted his horse again. ”Enjoy your stay in the capital.” He trotted off, leaving the duo to explore their temporary home.

As soon as Liana unlocked the door, Javier rushed inside with the enthusiasm of a child seeing something new. Behind him, Buddy and Pikko plopped down in the front yard, basking in the sunlight like lazy royalty.

Javier darted from room to room, inspecting every corner. ”Oh, nice house! Not too small, not too big. Two rooms...” His eyes twinkled mischievously as he turned to Liana. ”Liana, you’re going to sleep with me!”

Liana let out a soft sigh, already accustomed to his antics. ”Yes, yes, young master,” she replied with a small smile, closing the door behind her and setting down her bag.

Javier flopped onto the main room’s couch, stretching out as if he owned the place—which he technically did for the next four months. ”This feels nice. Way better than that dormitory nonsense.”

Liana shook her head, her expression a mix of amusement and exasperation. ”I’ll start unpacking our things. Do let me know if there’s anything specific you’d like, young master.”

Javier grinned. ”Yeah, unpack everything, but save some energy. Tonight, we’re going to feast again! Let’s grill some meat for us.”

Liana chuckled softly as she began organizing their belongings. ”As you wish, young master.”

( End of Chapter )