Reborn As Noble

Chapter 1613: Laughter and Suspicion ( 1613 )

Meanwhile.

At the Villa Main Hall.

Liana sat among her sisters, half-listening as Qamara chattered about something that had happened at the Elven court. Enania was laughing softly at something else. Azariah was keeping an eye on her two children, who were darting between the tables.

Liana’s gaze drifted across the hall.

Lyzia was sitting with Celine near one of the side tables, the two of them whispering to each other. Delya sat a short distance away with Gracelle, the two of them sharing a plate of sweets, Delya’s dreamy expression never fading.

Gloria was rolling her eyes at her mother, Genevieve, who was gesturing dramatically about something. Sythaeryn stood at the far end of the hall with Garius and the other kings, the four of them deep in conversation.

The hall was full. Delegations in fine silks and embroidered robes, escorts standing at the walls, maids weaving between the tables with trays. Music drifted from the musicians in the corner. Laughter and conversation filled the air.

I wonder what Young Master is doing now.

Liana let out a soft exhale, her eyes still on Lyzia.

Has he already eaten?

He probably hasn’t. He never remembers to eat when he’s working on something. He gets so focused on his inventions, on his plans, on whatever new idea has captured his attention, that hours pass without him realizing it. He’ll work right through dinner and only notice his hunger when his stomach finally protests.

A faint frown touched her lips.

I really wish he were here, surrounded by everyone, enjoying the feast, laughing with his brothers and the delegates and the kings.

But I know Young Master.

He’s never been comfortable in crowds. He’s never liked these gatherings, the noise, the formality, the endless conversations. Unless Father-in-law commands it, he’d rather be anywhere else.

He always prefers quiet. He prefers being alone with his work, or enjoying his time with us.

Her eyes softened.

Maybe I should contact him.

Liana pulled out her mana talkie from her pocket and slipped it into her ear. She was about to channel her mana when the crowd suddenly erupted into excited cheers and gasps. Liana glanced up, her hand pausing at her ear, and looked toward where everyone was staring.

In the middle of the hall, Buddy stood tall and proud, his beak curled into a satisfied smirk. Mimi was balanced on top of his head, her tail swaying lazily behind her, a wide grin on her face. She had her arms spread out wide, her body perfectly balanced, one foot planted on his head, her other leg raised gracefully behind her.

Mimi jumped in excitement, and Buddy shifted his head smoothly to make sure she landed perfectly on his back. Then she jumped again, and Buddy’s wind magic caught her, lifting her so she floated gently through the air, her tail swaying, her laughter ringing across the hall.

At a table near Athine, Macia and Vivica were watching with wide eyes. The two little girls jumped up from their seats and ran toward Buddy, their small voices rising with excitement.

”Buddy! Buddy! We want to ride too!”

Buddy smirked. He let out a soft, low squawk.

”Cuquawked~”

Both girls floated up, lifted by his wind magic, circling slowly around him. Their laughter filled the hall as they spun through the air, their hands reaching out, their hair streaming behind them. They shouted with joy, spinning in wide circles as the crowd gasped and clapped, delighted by the display.

Liana let out a weary exhale as she watched her two little nieces run toward Buddy.

”L... Liana!”

Azariah came running toward her, her eyes wide with panic. Liana smiled and shook her head.

”Don’t worry. Pekkos don’t hurt anyone unless they’re an enemy. They’re gentle with children.” She paused. ”In Armand, kids play with the wild pekkos outside the estate all the time. They climb on them, ride them, chase them around the fields. It’s normal. You have nothing to worry about.”

Azariah’s eyes were still fixed on her children, her worry visible in every line of her face. She looked back at Liana, her voice hesitant.

”Really?”

Liana shook her head with a warm smile.

”Yes. Don’t tell me you’ve never seen a pekko-drawn carriage in the Elven Nation? Or the postmen who ride them? Everywhere in Armand’s allied territories where pekkos travel, children play with them. Never once has a pekko hurt a child.”

She glanced toward Azariah’s children, who were now floating and spinning in the air alongside Macia and Vivica, their laughter echoing across the hall.

”Pekkos are the most protective toward children, Azariah. It’s instinct for them. They would never let harm come to a little one. Not while they’re nearby.”

Liana glanced at Azariah and pointed toward Mimi, who was spinning through the air with the children, her laughter ringing across the hall.

”Even my co-wife, Mimi, is enjoying herself with them. So you have nothing to worry about.”

Her expression shifted. She turned back toward Azariah, clasped both hands in her lap, and gestured calmly to the seat.

”Sit, Azariah. There’s something important I want to ask you.”

Azariah let out a worried exhale, then slowly sat with them.

”What is it you want to talk about?”

Liana touched her bracelet, and her dimensional storage shimmered open beside her. She drew out a bottle of wine, its glass catching the chandelier light in shimmering bands of color, each hue blending into the next like light passing through a prism. She uncorked it and poured it gracefully into her glass, the liquid catching the light as it settled.

She crossed her legs elegantly, lifted her glass, and took a slow sip. Her eyes closed for a moment, a faint smile touching her lips at the taste, smooth and rich, with a sweetness that lingered. She set the glass down and looked at them.

”I find it odd,” she began, her voice calm and measured, ”that our mother did not attend this gathering. It’s not like her to miss such an occasion, not when so many of our family are present, not when the delegations have traveled from so many nations to be here.”

She paused, her eyes drifting across the hall.

”Even if Aunt Mylezra is here, and her presence could be counted as a representative of the Elven Nation, since she still holds her seat as an Elder...” Liana’s gaze settled on Mylezra across the hall, who was nudging Nyxara with a cheeky smirk while Eridith poked at Nyxara’s reddened cheek with her finger. ”...it still strikes me as strange.”

Liana turned her glance toward the three of them. Azariah, Qamara, and Enania had gone quiet, their eyes darting away, their hands stilling in their laps.

Liana crossed her arms beneath her breasts and leaned forward slightly.

”So tell me. What is the true purpose of your visit here? Why did Mother send the three of you?”

( End Of Chapter )