Reborn As Noble

Liana kept staring at Buddy in suspicion, her eyes narrowing slowly.

”You are weird today, Buddy.”

”Cu... cuquawked!? Cuquawked...” (W... what? I’m always weird, remember? I’m just being my usual...)

Liana’s eyes narrowed further. She wiped her hands on the towel tucked at her waist, then slowly turned and began walking around the table, her footsteps deliberate, her gaze locked on Buddy.

”You’re suspicious. Using that long couch to rest your wing. Covering the entire thing like that. What are you hiding, Buddy?”

Buddy panicked. His head whipped around. His eyes darted left, then right, searching for any distraction. Then his gaze landed on Mimi, who was cutting into one of the huge burgers, her tongue sticking out the side of her lips, her tail swaying in delight.

Buddy squawked as loud as he could.

”Cuquawkedddd!!!” (Mimi is stealing a bite!)

Liana paused mid-step. She turned toward where Buddy was looking and spotted Mimi already munching on a piece of the cut burger, her cheeks puffed out, her expression blissful. Liana’s eyes flicked toward Buddy again.

”That was her portion.”

”Cuquawked? Cuquawked~” (Really? I saw her ate her portion already before~)

Liana glanced back at Mimi. The huge burger was already gone. Two empty plates sat near her. Mimi was now licking her fingers clean, one by one, her eyes half-lidded with satisfaction. Her tail swayed lazily, and a small crumb clung to the corner of her lips.

”Mimi!! Why did you eat Young Master’s portion!”

”Nya?” Mimi scratched the back of her head, her grin turning sheepish. Her tail swayed behind her as she slowly reached for another plate, grabbed it, and bolted.

Liana stared at her for a beat, watching Mimi sprint across the sand with the stolen plate, before she shouted after her.

”Mimiiii!!! That was Gracelle’s portion!!!”

”Eh!?” Gracelle flinched hard, snapping her head toward where Mimi was running.

”Nyahahaha! Junior said she doesn’t mind!” Mimi called back over her shoulder, her tail held high and proud, her laughter echoing across the beach as she skidded to a stop, crouched down, placed the plate on the sand, and grabbed the burger with both hands. She took a huge bite, her cheeks puffing out.

”Mmm~ Delicious, nya!”

Gracelle’s cheeks burned bright red. She stood up, both fists clenched at her sides, her voice rising into a shout.

”Mimiiiiiii!”

Liana let out a weary exhale, rubbing her temple. Her eyes landed on Gracelle, who was standing there with her cheeks puffed, her eyes glistening with frustration.

”You can take my portion,” Liana said, her voice calm and gentle. She gestured toward the table where the other girls were already seated. ”Go join the others. And eat it fast before Mimi steals it again.”

Gracelle nodded quickly, wiping her eyes before following Liana from behind. Liana picked up a plate with a burger stacked high, the meat still glistening with sauce, the cheese melted and dripping slightly over the edges. She handed it to Gracelle with a warm smile.

Gracelle took it carefully, holding it with both hands. She glanced toward the table, where the other girls were already gathering around. She took a slow breath, then walked toward them, her steps quiet and careful.

Liana watched her walk away before her eyes landed on Mimi, who was already sitting on the sand, the stolen burger half-eaten in her hands. A smear of sauce was on her cheek. Her tail swayed lazily behind her as she chewed with pure delight, her eyes half-lidded with bliss.

”Mimi~ Mimi~”

Liana shook her head and smiled. She pulled out another fresh cut of premium wyvern meat and placed it on the griddle. The meat sizzled the moment it touched the hot surface, the fat crackling and popping as the heat seared the surface, sending a rich, savory aroma drifting through the air. The edges turned golden brown, the juices sealing in as she pressed down gently with the spatula.

She stole a glance at all her co-wives.

Delya had already claimed her portion. She carried it to the table with her usual dreamy grace, setting it down gently before taking her seat. She reached for the small jar of chocolate powder and carefully poured a measured spoonful into her mug. She lifted the hot water pot with both hands, tilting it slowly into the mug, the steam curling upward in soft wisps. Her dreamy smile never faded as she stirred it.

Felicia was already seated. Her plate rested neatly in front of her, knife and fork placed precisely on either side. A glass of fruit wine sparkled beside her plate, catching the morning light. She unfolded her napkin and laid it across her lap, then picked up her knife and fork and cut a small, delicate piece from the burger. She lifted it to her lips with the poised elegance of a princess, chewing slowly, her tail curling in quiet satisfaction.

Gloria sat beside her, lifting her teacup and taking a slow sip. She set it down with a soft clink, then picked up her knife and gracefully divided the huge, wide burger into four neat pieces. She lifted one and took a bite, her eyes closing for a moment. She pressed one palm against her cheek and let out a soft, satisfied hum.

”Mmm~ So good~ The meat is perfectly juicy, the sauce is rich and creamy, and the cheese melts the moment it touches your tongue. Every bite is a burst of flavor. Liana’s cooking is always the best~”

While everyone was busy, Buddy slowly lifted his wing and peeked his head underneath. He watched Lyzia hugging Javier tightly, pressing her face against his neck, one leg draped over him, while Celine slept peacefully on his other side.

Great... just great...

Buddy glanced at Celine.

If it was just this girl... I wouldn’t even need to cover Master at all. Since she’s his addition to the harem. Everyone already knows she’s his future wife.

Then his gaze shifted toward Lyzia.

But this one!

He watched Lyzia nuzzle against Javier in her sleep, her silver hair spilling over his chest, her arms wrapped around him like she belonged there. Her lips curved into a small, contented smile.

Gihhh!!

If Liana finds out her little sister is sleeping on Master like this, all cuddled up and clinging to him like he’s hers, Master is going to be in huge, huge trouble!

Buddy poked Lyzia gently with his beak. She giggled softly in her sleep, shifting slightly, her fingers curling against Javier’s chest.

”Mm~ Don’t touch me there~”

Ugh! This little elf witch!

Liana is going to skin Master alive if she finds out about this. Or worse, she’ll skin me for hiding it.

He glanced around, checking if anyone was watching. Liana was still at the grill, flipping meat. Gloria was sipping tea. Felicia was cutting her burger with elegant precision. Mimi was licking her fingers clean. Delya was stirring her chocolate. Gracelle was eating quietly.

No one’s looking. Good.

Buddy let out a slow, weary exhale from his beak. He lowered his wing back into place, covering the couch completely once more.

I’ll give them a few more minutes. Then I’m waking Master up myself. Whether he likes it or not.

( End Of Chapter )