Reborn As Noble

Liana stood gracefully and returned Haira’s bow with one of her own, her movement fluid and composed.

”Thank you, Haira. We shall prepare ourselves and be there to greet them properly when they arrive.”

Haira and the maids bowed again. ”We will be waiting nearby for you, Miss Liana. If you need anything, do not hesitate to call for us. Please take your time.”

Liana nodded. ”Thank you again.”

Haira took a step back, gave a graceful bow, and turned to leave. The other Armand maids smiled and bowed to Liana before following Haira from behind, settling at a respectful distance.

Liana glanced toward Gloria.

”Looks like we don’t have a choice but to meet them.”

Gloria picked up her glasses, wiped the lenses slowly with her handkerchief, and slipped them on, adjusting them with a practiced motion. The movement made her breasts bounce slightly in her bikini top.

”I find it weird that Mother tagged along. She always said she loves living in the Elven Nation. She never wanted to leave. She always said the forests there were the most beautiful thing she’d ever seen.”

Liana tucked a strand of silver hair behind her ear, her breasts shifting gently with the motion.

”Maybe she tagged along because Uncle is going. She probably didn’t want to be left behind.”

Gloria stood up gracefully, then bent forward to place her book on the table.

”Or maybe...” she murmured, ”...she’s worried. About him. About being left behind. About...” She trailed off, her lips pressing together.

Liana let out a soft laugh.

”Aunt Genevieve? Worried about Uncle? Gloria, your mother has been one of the most devoted wives in the Elven Nation for as long as I can remember. Everyone knows it. She dotes on him. Follows him around like a moon around its sun.”

Gloria nudged her glasses up and narrowed her eyes toward Liana.

”That’s what’s annoying. Those lovebirds. They never separate. They always stick to each other like they’re still in the middle of their honeymoon. Acting like teenagers in love, even after all these years. They don’t care who’s watching. They don’t care who’s around. They just... do whatever they want, whenever they want.”

She crossed her arms under her breasts, her voice dropping flat.

”That’s also the reason my brothers moved out. That’s the reason I left early to work in Armand. Living under the same roof as them was... exhausting. And if they act like that here, it’ll make everyone feel awkward.”

Liana let out a soft laugh.

”There’s nothing to worry about. I’m sure once they settle in and enjoy their vacation, they’ll find some quiet, private spot and make love to each other. Like any devoted couple would.”

Her smirk widened, and she wiggled her eyebrows.

”Who knows? You might be expecting a little sibling soon~”

Gloria gave Liana a flat look, then let out a weary exhale and waved her hand dismissively.

”No way. They’re both already grandparents. Azariah has already given my brother two children. Can you imagine? If Mother suddenly had a baby now, it would be the most awkward thing in the world. I’d have a little sibling younger than my own nephew and niece.”

Liana let out a soft laugh and began walking slowly toward the building, Gloria falling into step beside her.

”There’s nothing wrong with it. Just look at Queen Garcinia~ Prince Aelius and Princess Athine are expecting a child soon, and their mother is pregnant at the same time~”

Gloria shook her head.

”No. Even if I know my mother still looks young... thanks to Father giving her that special elven fruit to maintain her youth.” She mumbled under her breath. ”He’s crazy about it. Obsessed. He wants her to stay young forever so he can have more time with her. Like he can’t bear the thought of her growing old. Like he doesn’t want her to ever leave him.”

Liana smiled softly. Then she paused mid-step and lowered her voice.

”Speaking of that... since Young Master will soon reach the age of maturity... I was thinking... if you’d like to join me soon, for a quiet hunt. A private one.”

She glanced at Gloria.

”There’s a fruit I’ve been meaning to find. One that blooms only in the deep forest, hidden among the oldest trees. If we find it, perhaps we could keep Young Master’s youth blooming alongside ours. So the years will never take him from us.”

Gloria nudged her glasses up and smiled.

”Of course. Even if you hadn’t brought it up, I was already planning to go hunting for it alone if you didn’t.”

Liana smiled.

”Looks like after the vacation ends, we should focus on training and preparation. And then... the hunt.”

Gloria smirked.

”Without Young Master knowing.”

”Mm~ That would be a great present for Young Master~”

”Yes~ We both already found the perfect man in our lives. No way am I going to sit back and watch him grow old and leave me behind. Not a chance~”

Liana smirked and lowered her voice.

”It’s settled then~ Once Young Master leaves for his mission, we can go hunting.”

Gloria smirked and nudged her glasses up.

”That would be perfect.” She paused. ”Does everyone know? About Young Master leaving soon?”

Liana smiled and shook her head.

”Not yet. It’s better for Young Master to tell them himself.”

She paused, her voice dropping.

”We’ve both gotten used to his... ’surprise’ missions by now. The ones he springs on us at the last minute. But it’s different for the others. If we’re the ones who tell them, someone might slip. And if Buddy finds out before Young Master tells him himself, it would be troublesome~”

Gloria nodded.

”Agreed. That orange menace is troublesome enough as it is.” She nudged her glasses up, her smirk returning. ”Though this could be a good opportunity for us to use it as training for everyone.”

”Yes.” Liana nodded. ”The only thing we need to ensure is that Young Master trains Celine and Lyzia to control their mana and cast magic without incantation. I believe our Young Master will be able to do it before he leaves for the mission.” She paused and smiled. ”Do not mention to anyone that Young Master is going on a mission yet.”

Gloria rolled her eyes.

”I’m not that dumb. It’s better for Young Master to break the news himself so he can do it in his own way, his own time, and in his own words.”

( End Of Chapter )