Reborn As Noble

Javier sat in the living room.

He slid off the mana glasses and set them carefully on the table. Leaning back on the couch, he reached for the mug of coffee Liana had made him just moments earlier.

He took a slow sip. The taste was perfectly bitter, strong, exactly how he liked it.

Liana really does know everything I love.

A small, satisfied smile flickering across his lips.

But still, something really weird about father’s orders this time.

Why would Father tell Hesbeirn to detain and capture the person he called a guest? If that person really was an expected guest, why not just escort them directly? Why use military force, with full arrest procedures, instead of a warm welcome?

He rubbed his chin, brow furrowed.

I’m sure I’ve seen that face before... but where? Was it at school? No, I doubt it, he’s not one of the instructors or the trainers. Besides, most of my school days were spent skipping class or catching up on sleep...

He let out a sigh, swirling the coffee in his cup.

Still, I can’t shake this feeling that something isn’t right. There’s a detail I’m missing.

But what is it?

He checked the time on his mana watch, eyes narrowing as he calculated.

Still early. The battle drones and puppet knights would keep the road completely clear, and those Pekko-drawn wagons could move at full speed without risk.

Hmm... judging by their current pace, they’ll reach Armand within a few hours, maybe two or three, max.

Javier yawned, stretching out on the couch.

Liana and the other girls are still holed up in their meeting, huh? Wonder what they’re plotting now.

Probably just another thing or something. Nothing I really need to worry about.

He set the empty coffee mug down on the table, letting himself sink deeper into the cushions.

A lazy grin crept across his face as the day’s tension eased from his shoulders.

Good thing Jarman, the ex-royal advisor was now working under Father to help Kliatana run Arjam. Father really does know how to snatch up the best talent. Jarman can handle all those mountains of paperwork. That’s his job now, not mine! Ehehehe.

No way I’m touching paperwork today, or ever again.

Javier grinned, eyes fluttering shut as he exhaled in relief.

And Heres... That idiot. I still can’t believe he got Kliatana pregnant already. Guess he’ll be busy now. Never thought he’d beat Marcellus or Cedric to it. Well, that means Father will finally get to be a grandfather.

Javier’s smile lingered as his eyelids grew heavier.

Yeah... this is the perfect time for a real nap.

Meanwhile...

Not far from Javier’s house, Buddy stood tall and proud on the side of the road, eyeing a passing Armand food wagon drawn by another Pekko. The massive bird fluffed his chest, strutting right into the middle of the road, cutting off the wagon with a sharp, commanding squawk.

”Cuquawked!!!”

The other Pekko halted obediently, while the merchant riding the front seat rubbed the back of his head, letting out a resigned sigh.

”Damn, it’s the young master’s Pekko again. Ahaha... All right, all right~” The merchant hopped down, swinging open the back of the wagon for inspection.

Buddy didn’t waste any time. He poked his beak into the crates, eyes gleaming at the sight of bright, juicy fruit. Without waiting, he snatched a handful and devoured them on the spot.

”Cuquawked!!” he announced triumphantly, going back for more.

The merchant shook his head, smiling as he scribbled something onto his logbook.

Heh... Lucky day for me. If the young master’s Pekko comes to eat, I can just write it up and claim the payment at the office later.

He quickly noted the tally: Fruit, fruit, fruit, meat, dried squid, meat...

Across the road, other merchants had pulled their wagons to a halt, grinning as they watched the scene.

”Hope the young master’s Pekko comes to check mine next,” one whispered, already daydreaming about a lighter wagon and a fatter reimbursement.

One of the Armand staff stationed in Arjam, Racia, noticed the commotion and strode over to the wagons where Buddy was holding court.

The merchant at the front gave her a polite bow. ”Ah, good day, Miss Racia.”

Racia glanced at Buddy, then at the half-empty crate in the back. ”Looks like today’s another easy profit for you, huh?”

The merchant grinned, still scribbling down everything Buddy snatched. ”You could say that, Miss Racia. But as Armand merchants, we have to be honest in our claims. Only what the young master’s Pekko actually eats goes on the list.”

Racia nodded, her lips twitching with amusement as she watched Buddy go for another round of fruit.

Down the line, the other merchants were already laughing and calling out.

”Oi, Barek! Enough already! If those birds get full, none of us’ll get our turn!”

Another merchant waved his hat. ”Let our wagons through before Buddy loses his appetite!”

Buddy, completely unfazed by the human noise, moved on to the next wagon, chest still puffed with importance, eyes scanning for anything especially tasty. The makeshift inspection parade rolled on, with Armand’s merchants joking, tallying up their ’losses,’ and keeping a watchful, good-natured eye on their noble master’s prized Pekko.

After a thorough inspection, Racia watched as the massive orange Pekko strutted away, a sack stuffed with dried fruit dangling triumphantly from his beak. Buddy’s feathers fluffed in smug satisfaction as he marched right back to the house.

As soon as he reached the door, he dropped the sack and started squawking.

Loud, insistent, and relentless.

”Cuquawked! Cuquawked! Cuquawked!”

Inside, Javier jolted awake, groaning. ”Giiihhh! Buddy! I’m trying to sleep here!”

But the Pekko wasn’t having it. He kept squawking, then started knocking at the door with his beak.

Javier shuffled over, eyes heavy with sleep, and yanked open the door. He glared at Buddy, voice flat and tired. ”What?”

”Cuquawked!”

Buddy immediately plopped down on the courtyard grass, looking up expectantly.

Javier rolled his eyes. ”Fine, fine.” He shuffled out, flopped down beside Buddy, and leaned back against the Pekko’s warm, soft feathers. Sleep tugged at his eyes. Without another word, he slid further under Buddy’s wing and stretched out on the grass.

”Wake me up if Liana comes looking for me,” Javier mumbled, already drifting.

”Cuquawked!”

Buddy straightened, chest puffing up with pride, his feathers gently covering Javier.

( End Of Chapter )