Reborn As Noble

The dim light in Marcellus’s room in the capital city cast soft shadows against the walls. Lithia, his dark elf personal maid, stood near the door, her crimson eyes calm and composed.

”Master Marcellus, Master Cedric is here.”

Marcellus, seated by his desk, glanced up from a letter, already knowing why his younger brother had come.

”Okay, let him in.”

The door swung open as Cedric strolled in, his usual confident smirk in place.

”Yo, big brother.”

Marcellus sighed, rubbing his temple. ”What now, Cedric?”

Cedric waved a letter in his hand before tossing it onto the table. ”Hmm? You didn’t get Father’s letter from Lithia? I got mine from Meira here.”

From behind Cedric, Meira—a stunning catfolk maid—stood silently, her tail flicking lazily. She gave a polite nod to Lithia before stepping back, waiting patiently.

Marcellus picked up his own letter and tapped the parchment against the desk.

”I got it and already read it.” His tone was flat. ”Father considers our mission finished and wants us to return to the Armand region, right?”

Cedric grinned. ”Yeah! I can’t wait. Babysitting those summoned heroes was a pain.”

Marcellus leaned back in his chair, letting out a deep sigh.

”Do you think I enjoyed it?” He ran a hand through his hair, clearly annoyed. ”The only reason I agreed was because it was Father’s order—and because His Majesty asked him as a personal favor. Just because they were best friends back in the day... ugh.”

Cedric groaned. ”I don’t even want to think about it anymore.”

Then, his expression changed, and he crossed his arms thoughtfully.

”Hey… do you remember the time Father told us not to interfere during the party at our estate? When that low baron’s kid messed with our maid?”

Marcellus paused, then realization dawned.

”Oh, you mean when our little brother lost his temper?”

Cedric snorted. ”Yeah! That one. Honestly, I didn’t care if Javier kicked that jerk or punched his teeth in.”

He grinned, shaking his head.

”But Father’s order was absolute. He told us to pretend to be mad at Javier and let things play out.”

Marcellus smirked slightly. ”And then that brat pulled out Gravity Magic.”

Both brothers fell silent for a moment, remembering how Javier’s spell had forced every noble, knight, and guest in the hall to their knees.

Cedric exhaled, whistling low. ”I’ll admit, that caught me off guard. I knew he had talent, but damn… Triple Gravity?”

Marcellus nodded. ”I could’ve dispelled it easily, but…”

His expression darkened slightly. ”Father’s order was strict: ’Do not interfere. Do not counter his magic. Do not even try to break free.’”

Cedric shuddered. ”Tch. As much as I hate to say it, Father is scary when he gives a direct command.”

Marcellus sighed again, resting his chin on his knuckles. ”In the end, we had no choice but to play along. Javier probably thought we were against him that day.”

Cedric shrugged. ”Well, can you blame him? We were acting like arrogant jerks on purpose.”

Marcellus chuckled dryly. ”True. But in the end, it worked out, didn’t it? He made a statement. The nobles learned not to mess with Our Family.”

Cedric leaned against the desk, stretching his arms. ”Yeah, but I doubt he ever knew we weren’t actually mad at him.”

Marcellus smirked. ”We’ll explain it to him eventually.”

Cedric snickered. ”Or we could let him keep thinking we were jerks. More fun that way.”

Marcellus shook his head, but there was an amused glint in his eyes.

From the side, Lithia and Meira exchanged knowing glances but remained silent. After all, this was a family matter.

Then—

Cedric grinned mischievously, elbowing Marcellus.

”Ehehehehe… Can’t wait to ask for more gold from that boy.”

Marcellus chuckled, leaning back in his chair. ”Yeah, we both know he’s got a ridiculous amount stored away in that magic storage of his.”

Cedric rubbed his chin, smirking. ”More than Father, even.”

The brothers exchanged glances and then snickered in unison, ”Ehehehehehehe.”

Meira sighed, her tail flicking slightly. ”You two are terrible.”

Lithia, standing beside her, chuckled softly. ”It’s only natural, isn’t it? They’re his older brothers, after all.”

Cedric suddenly crossed his arms, his playful smirk fading slightly. ”Yeah… but only we get to bully him.”

Marcellus’s grin sharpened. ”If anyone else tries?”

His eyes darkened.

Cedric’s expression turned serious. ”I’ll kill them personally.”

A heavy silence filled the room.

For all their teasing and gold-digging, one truth never changed: no matter what, Javier was their little brother. And if anyone dared to truly harm him, they’d never live to regret it.

Then—

The tension vanished as Cedric stretched and yawned. ”Alright, let’s get packing. We’ll be back home soon.”

Marcellus smirked. ”Yeah. Can’t wait to see Javier’s face when we ask for another ’loan.’”

Cedric grinned. ”Think he’ll fall for it again?”

Marcellus snickered. ”Oh, definitely. Ehehehehe.”

Lithia and Meira sighed together.

Truly—these brothers were trouble.

Marcellus stood up, stretching slightly, and turned to Lithia. ”Lithia?”

The dark elf bowed her head slightly. ”Yes, Master Marcellus?”

”Everything packed up?”

Lithia nodded. ”Yes. Everything is prepared.”

Marcellus glanced at Cedric, who was casually leaning against the table. ”According to Father, we’re leaving together.”

Then, his eyes flickered back to Lithia. ”Tell the other three to be ready. We depart soon.”

Lithia sighed softly. ”Understood. They’ll be ready.”

Marcellus chuckled. ”Unlike Javier, we don’t have Erinette escorting us.”

Cedric snorted. ”Not like he needs an escort anyway. That brat’s already way too strong.”

Cedric then turned to Meira. ”Meira, we’ll be in the same carriage as Marcellus.”

Meira perked up, her ears twitching slightly. ”Understood, Master Cedric.”

”Tell the other maids to use horses and follow us.” His tone shifted slightly, becoming more serious. ”Ensure every weapon is ready.”

Meira smiled playfully, flicking her tail. ”Woooo~ someone is strict.”

Her voice was teasing.

Cedric rolled his eyes, smirking. ”Tch. Just do it.”

Marcellus grinned. ”Midnight departure. No delays.”

Lithia and Meira exchanged glances and nodded. ”Yes, Masters.”

The preparations for their return to the Armand region were officially set.

The carriage rolled smoothly through the quiet night, its wheels softly rattling against the stone path. Inside, Marcellus sat across from Cedric, his arms casually crossed as he leaned against the seat.

Beside him, Lithia sat elegantly, her dark elf features composed as always.

Meanwhile, Meira wasted no time wrapping her arms around Cedric, leaning into him with a satisfied sigh. ”Mmmm... Master Cedric~.”

Cedric grinned, resting an arm around her shoulders.

Marcellus clicked his tongue, smirking. ”Tch! Your girl couldn’t even last a minute before clinging to you?”

Cedric chuckled, giving Meira a playful squeeze. ”Hmm? She’s always like this ever since Mother found out about us.”

Then—he grinned wickedly at Marcellus. ”And you? Still looking awkward around her.”

Marcellus instantly stiffened, turning his gaze away. ”O-Of course!” he snapped, flustered.

Lithia, ever composed, raised an eyebrow but said nothing.

Cedric laughed, leaning back. ”What’s the matter? Mother already gave her blessing. You’re still acting like a damn teenager.”

Marcellus grumbled, running a hand through his hair. ”Yeah, yeah. But remember what Mother said?”

Cedric smirked, lowering his voice in a dramatic imitation of their mother’s elegant yet firm tone. ”’You may do as you wish, but do not give me grandchildren too soon.’”

Marcellus groaned, covering his face. ”Ugh. When she said that, I wanted to disappear.”

Cedric snickered. ”She didn’t even say it directly. Just gave us that look and said, ’Be responsible.’”

Marcellus sighed deeply, finally relaxing. ”Tch. I swear, nothing gets past Mother.”

Cedric grinned. ”Well, she’s not wrong. No kids—yet.”

Marcellus groaned again. ”Shut up. Just focus on getting home.”

Cedric laughed harder. ”Oh? Nervous now?”

Marcellus ignored him, looking out the carriage window as the capital slowly faded behind them. Stay tuned to freewebnovel

As the carriage rolled through the night, Cedric and Meira had already fallen asleep, tangled in a comfortable embrace. Meira’s tail curled around Cedric’s leg, her breathing steady as she nestled against him.

The gentle rhythm of the carriage wheels filled the silence.

Then—

A delicate touch.

Lithia, seated beside Marcellus, slowly reached for his hand, her slender fingers brushing against his.

She didn’t say a word—just held it, intertwining their fingers.

Marcellus stiffened slightly, then sighed, closing his eyes for a brief moment. He leaned toward her, his voice barely above a whisper. ”I love you, Lithia.”

Lithia’s fingers tightened around his. She didn’t need to say anything; her grip said it all.

In the quiet of the night, words weren’t necessary.

( End of Chapter )