Reborn As Noble

”Lianaaaaaa…”

Liana sighed softly, turning just in time to see Javier rushing out of the bathroom, damp hair clinging to his face. Her eyebrows twitched.

”Young Master, don’t just rush out from the shower like that.” She placed a hand on her hip, her eyes filled with both amusement and exasperation. ”You’re already twelve now.”

Javier grinned. ”Hmm? I didn’t rush out naked.” He gestured at himself smugly. ”I’m wearing my towel here.”

Liana pinched the bridge of her nose. ”Yes, yes… but still.” She handed him a neatly folded set of clothes. ”Now, Young Master, you should get dressed.”

Her tone softened slightly. ”Lord Garius, Lady Francesca, and the whole family are waiting for you in the main dining room.”

Javier rolled his eyes playfully. ”Yeah, yeah… lucky they didn’t turn this into some grand noble party.”

Liana chuckled, shaking her head. Then—she smiled warmly. ”Anyway, Young Master… happy birthday.”

Javier blinked, and a wide grin spread across his face. ”Ehehe… thank you, Liana.”

Without hesitation, he leaned forward. ”Now, my chuuuuuuuu!”

Liana smiled softly. Then, without resistance, she leaned down and kissed him gently on the lips—a soft, warm kiss. Javier’s eyes fluttered shut for a moment before he pulled back, grinning mischievously.

His eyes gleamed with excitement. ”Just six more years, Liana…” His voice was filled with confidence. ”Once I turn eighteen, we’re getting married! Ehehehe!”

Liana shook her head fondly. ”Yes, yes, Young Master…” She gently nudged him toward his clothes. ”Now, now, let’s get you ready.”

Javier beamed. It was his day, and Liana was always there.

Inside his mind, Javier smirked. Can’t wait for six more years… ehehehe.

Then— a thought struck him. Wait… His smirk faded slightly. That means… I only have this year left to enjoy my life as a kid.

He blinked. Soon, I’ll be a teenager… and then… ugh. A brief moment of existential crisis washed over him. Then, with a shrug— Whatever.

Liana, who had been watching him closely, tilted her head. ”Young Master? What are you thinking?”

Javier snapped back to reality, grinning. ”Hmm? Oh, nothing.” Then his eyes lit up. ”By the way, where are my two minions?”

Liana sighed, shaking her head. ”They are no longer your minions, Young Master.” She folded her arms. ”Iria and Iziya were officially recruited by Lord Garius. They are now in the maid training area behind the estate.”

Javier paused. Then— ”Ohhh… well…” He grinned. ”Good luck to them! I bet they’re crying right now… kikiki!”

Liana sighed, shaking her head. ”Young Master, you shouldn’t say that.”

Javier shrugged. ”Well, you said it before, right? The maid training area isn’t just about etiquette and housework—” His eyes gleamed. ”But also magic and combat training. Ehehehe.”

Liana rubbed her temple. She knew exactly what kind of training awaited Iria and Iziya. The Armand Household didn’t accept just anyone. To serve here meant undergoing rigorous training—physically, mentally, and magically. Not everyone could handle it.

But—

Liana also understood the truth. Working at the Armand estate wasn’t solely about discipline. It promised good pay, a secure place to live, guaranteed meals, and a level of respect that many maids in other noble households never received. Even if Iria and Iziya were struggling now, they were far better off than before.

Still, she sighed again. Javier, meanwhile, grinned from ear to ear. ”Ehehehe… I should go check on them later.”

Liana gave him a knowing look. ”Young Master, don’t cause trouble for them.”

Javier pouted. ”Tch. No fun.”

Liana clapped her hands together. ”Now, Young Master, we’d better head to the main dining area.” Her voice was gentle yet firm. ”If we take too long, Lord Garius might personally come to get us.”

Javier waved a hand dismissively, still grinning. ”Nah, don’t worry about it…” He crossed his arms confidently. ”I’m sure Father is too lazy to get me. Ehehehe—”

”JAVIER!”

A deep, authoritative voice echoed down the hallway.

Javier froze mid-step.

Then—

”EEEEEEEEPPPPP!!!”

He whipped around instantly to see Lord Garius standing right behind him. His arms were crossed, and his expression was dead serious.

Javier forced an awkward smile, standing up straight. ”Uh… err… E-Esteemed Father!”

Garius’s eyes narrowed. ”Everyone is already waiting for you at the dining hall.” His voice was calm but heavy with impatience. ”What took you so long?”

Javier gulped. Liana, standing beside him, sighed knowingly. Here we go again…

Garius crossed his arms, his gaze sharp. ”Just because you’re the birthday boy today—”

Javier gulped.

”And just because you were the one who insisted that your birthday not be celebrated with a huge noble party—”

Garius narrowed his eyes.

”And only wanted it to be a private family gathering—”

Javier shifted uncomfortably, his heart racing.

”Umm… err…”

Garius exhaled sharply, the tension in the air palpable. ”Yet here you are, wasting time!?”

Javier began to sweat under his father’s intense scrutiny. Experience more on freewebnovel

Then—

”NOW. GO TO THE MAIN DINING AREA!”

Javier snapped to attention. ”Y-YES, ESTEEMED FATHER!!”

He bolted forward, nearly tripping over himself.

”EEEEKKK!!!”

Garius just shook his head, sighing in exasperation.

Javier rushed down the hall, his heart racing. ”Eeepp!! Father is scary…!” His feet barely touched the ground as he hurried toward the dining hall. ”I don’t know why… but he’s scary!!!”

”Young Master, Lord Garius has always been strict. You should be used to it by now,” Liana replied, trying to maintain her composure.

Javier pouted. ”Used to it!? That’s impossible!” He glanced over his shoulder, checking to see if Garius was still there.

Javier shuddered. ”Ugh… I swear, sometimes he feels scarier than a monster…”

Liana sighed, shaking her head. ”If you just listened from the start, Young Master, you wouldn’t have to run like this.”

Ignoring her, Javier burst into the main dining hall, slightly out of breath.

The moment he entered, all eyes turned to him. Seated at the long, elegant table was his entire family—every single member of the Armand Household.

At the far side, Eridith, his soon-to-be stepmother, was already munching on a large piece of roasted meat, completely unbothered by the formal atmosphere. She grinned when she saw him. ”Oh! Here comes the birthday boy~!”

Javier tensed slightly, glancing around the table. Francesca chuckled softly from her seat, her expression warm and welcoming.

But—

His half-siblings? Silent. They all sat perfectly still, their eyes fixed ahead, waiting.

Waiting for their father.

Javier’s gaze flickered toward the left side of the table. Seated there were Lady Garcinia and Lady Phenelopie, his father’s other wives. Even they looked composed and reserved, a testament to the atmosphere Garius cultivated.

Inside Javier’s mind, a realization hit. Even they… they’re scared of Father.

He scanned the table again, taking in the familiar faces. Marcellus and Cedric were seated in their usual spots, already attended by Lithia and Meira. Javier’s lips curled into a smirk. Oh, there they are. Looks like they survived.

He watched as Lithia gently poured wine for Marcellus, while Meira carefully adjusted Cedric’s napkin. Heh. Well, at least they seem happy to have them. Ehehehe.

Javier strode forward and took his seat at his usual place—the end of the table. Just as he sat down, a heavy silence settled over the room.

Javier’s smirk faded. Everyone was still waiting. Because—

Garius had yet to arrive.

Javier gulped. Ugh… I forgot…

Just moments ago, his father had been scolding him. And now—

Javier had run straight into the lion’s den.

( End of Chapter )