Reborn As Noble

Chapter 868: Behind the Painted Smile ( 868 )

Javier walked down the corridor with an irritated expression, hands shoved into his pockets, shoulders slouched.

Behind him, Liana and Gloria followed gracefully, their soft steps echoing lightly against the polished floor. Both wore gentle smiles that only made Javier’s annoyed face stand out more.

”Why,” he muttered, ”do I need to be near them and watch two people who are supposed to be adults act like school teenagers in love?” He let out a loud sigh. ”Ugh! And that bratty girl, why do I need to accompany her just to meet Heres? It’s not like Heres is going to eat her!”

Liana covered her mouth, a quiet laugh escaping. Gloria chuckled too, their calm composure only making Javier more exasperated.

”Young master,” Liana said kindly, ”you need to understand. This is her first time falling for a man. And that man happens to be Master Heres, your half brother.”

”Yeah, yeah, I know,” Javier grumbled, waving his hand lazily. ”But still, that girl should just go confess already! I even gave her a golden chance with the Pekko riding lesson! And she’s still panicking like a kid! What did she even learn during her royal princess days? Damn bratty girl...”

He slumped his shoulders dramatically, dragging his feet with a defeated look as they approached the grand hall.

Gloria’s soft giggle echoed behind him.

Then Javier turned his head sharply, narrowing his eyes at them. ”And why are you two so eager to help her anyway? Hm?” He eyed them suspiciously.

Both women smiled sweetly in unison.

”Hm~ well,” Liana said with a serene tone, ”she’s your friend. And friends should help each other. That way she will always become your ’Friend’.”

Gloria nodded lightly, her voice following with a calm melody. ”And if she’s your ’friend,’ that means she’s also our ’friend.’ So we should help your ’friend’ and make sure your ’friend’ finds her path.”

Javier squinted, clearly not catching the hidden meaning behind their words. ”Ugh... whatever.” He waved his hand dismissively. ”I’ve got more important things to do, and now I’m babysitting that brat.”

Gloria’s quiet laugh slipped out again as she leaned closer toward Liana, whispering something with a faint, amused grin.

Liana’s smile deepened, her eyes glinting slightly as she whispered back, ”Not now... let’s just see how young master reacts when he finally realizes.”

Javier turned his head back toward them. ”What was that?”

”Nothing~ young master,” they said in perfect sync, smiling innocently.

Javier stopped in his tracks the moment he saw Kliatana.

On the surface, she looked every bit the perfect noble lady. Posture straight, hair gleaming, expression calm and graceful, but the faint tap of her heel against the floor betrayed her irritation.

Javier exhaled hard, running a hand through his hair.

Great. She’s already in full princess mode.

He glanced toward the massive courtyard doors. Through the slight opening, he could clearly see Heres waiting, relaxed and composed, sitting beside his majestic Pekko.

Javier leaned toward Kliatana and hissed under his breath, ”He’s there waiting already! Why don’t you just go to him? Why do you even need me here!?”

Kliatana stiffened, whispering harshly back, ”Wha? If i go alone, I’ll look desperate!”

”Ugh,” Javier groaned, side-glancing her. ”But you are desperate, right?”

”I’m still a girl, you idiot!!” she snapped, lifting her hand instinctively as if ready to punch him.

Javier smirked mischievously, leaning back with a sly grin. ”Ah~ really? Then maybe I should just call him over.”

He inhaled sharply and pretended to shout, ”He....res~!”

”Wh-wha...WAAAH!?” Kliatana panicked, immediately grabbing his sleeve. ”Don’t you dare ruin this!!” she hissed, eyes wide with alarm.

Javier grinned wider, lowering his voice but making it just loud enough to irritate her. ”Ah~ Heres~ help! This girl here’s too rough! She’s about to hit me~!”

”Shhhh!!” Kliatana hissed, flustered, tugging hard on his clothes to shut him up.

Kliatana’s face turned red, halfway between rage and embarrassment. ”You evil, stupid, infuriating noble brat!!!”

Javier chuckled, straightening his robe. ”Relax, bratty. Now come on, Princess. Time to meet your prince~”

”Damn you, Javier!!” she growled under her breath, but her steps still followed him toward the courtyard doors.

Heres immediately rose to his feet the moment he saw Javier entering the courtyard. As always, his younger brother strolled in with that careless confidence, hands laced behind his head, posture annoyingly relaxed. Liana and Gloria followed gracefully at his sides, their presence calm and elegant as ever.

But Heres barely noticed them.

Because behind Javier...

There she was.

Kliatana.

The soft rustle of her dress brushed against the cobblestone as she walked, just a few steps behind him. The sunlight caught the fine threads of her gown, tracing her silhouette in gold. Her every step was measured and poised, her expression calm and refined.

Yet her eyes held that same quiet spark he’d remembered since the first time they met.

Heres felt his throat tighten. He swallowed hard, trying to compose himself, adjusting his stance instinctively, shoulders straight, chin lifted.

She’s here.

His mind whispered the words over and over.

Kliatana is here.

He inhaled deeply, willing his heart to steady. Don’t look too eager, Heres. Don’t let it show.

”Yo~ brother Heres!” Javier called out casually, voice echoing through the courtyard.

Heres nodded in return, calm and collected on the outside, yet inside, he could feel his pulse pounding against his chest.

He barely heard Javier’s chatter or the light footsteps of Liana and Gloria.

Because all he could see...

Was the beautiful, serene girl walking behind them.

”All right, brother Heres,” Javier began, stretching casually, ”I was hoping you could teach the Pekko ride in my place since I...”

Before he could finish, Liana’s fingers pinched his side hard.

”Guh!” he flinched, trying not to yelp.

Liana smiled sweetly, stepping forward with practiced grace. ”Ah, pardon me, Master Heres. It seems Young Master Javier isn’t feeling well.”

Heres blinked, faintly amused by the obvious lie, but said nothing.

Liana then turned toward Kliatana and gestured politely. ”Lady Kliatana, please, introduce yourself.”

Kliatana took a quiet breath, her posture straightening naturally into that of noble composure. Then, with flawless poise, she stepped forward and lowered herself into a graceful curtsy, her skirt flowing elegantly as she bowed her head.

( End Of Chapter )