Reborn As Noble

Javier yawned, rubbing the back of his neck. ”Is there anything else you need from me, Alf?”

”No, Prince Javier. Thank you for your work.”

”Mm. I’ll take my leave now, Alf. If you need anything and can’t reach Father... you can find me in my room.” Javier pushed himself up slowly from the chair.

”As you command, Prince Javier.”

Javier nodded with a faint smile. ”Anyway, Alf?”

”Yes, Prince Javier?” Alf glanced up.

”You should rest, too. I’m sure your wife is waiting.” Javier’s tone was light but earnest.

Alf smirked. ”Don’t worry about Erinnette. She promised to make me a late-night meal.”

”Ahaha.” Javier’s smile widened. ”You both should still rest early. Serving Father shouldn’t mean you never sleep.”

”Do not concern yourself, Prince Javier,” Alf replied evenly. ”We are accustomed to this.”

”No, Alf. You and Erinnette need proper rest. It’s time we trusted the other officers to handle things. You’ve both been busy all week with the coronation and the wedding—go get some sleep now. Father will need you early tomorrow.” Javier’s voice carried gentle insistence.

Before Alf could respond, the door opened and Erinnette slipped inside with a soft smile.

”Prince Javier,” she greeted warmly.

”Erinnette. You and Alf go rest. Let the others take over.”

Her eyes flicked to Alf briefly before she bowed gracefully. ”If you insist... thank you, Prince Javier.”

Javier turned to the officer. ”Tell the others that if you need anything, come find me in my room. Do not disturb Alf or Erinnette unless it’s absolutely urgent.”

”Yes, Prince Javier.” The officer stood, and the rest of the staff bowed respectfully.

”Alright, Alf. You and Erinnette go first.” Javier rose, tucking his hands into his pockets.

”If you say so, Prince Javier.” Alf stood and followed Erinnette, pausing at the door.

”Don’t worry about it, Alf. I’m sure they can handle the operation. Besides, if anything comes up, they can reach me.” Javier offered a soft smile.

”We take our leave, Prince Javier.” Erinnette said, giving a slight nod before linking her arm with Alf’s and heading out.

Javier waited until they were gone before turning back to the officer. ”Remember, don’t call for them. If something’s wrong, find me in my room.”

”Yes, Prince Javier.”

”Alright. I’ll take my leave.” Javier raised a hand in a lazy wave, kept the other in his pocket, and stepped out of the command center.

He walked slowly through the quiet hallway. I wonder if Liana and the others are still awake... Let’s hope they’ve already gone to sleep.

His thoughts drifted as he walked. Alf and Erinnette serve Father from dawn till he sleeps. And they never take a break, not when Father himself never does.

How can I make sure they get enough rest, even just for a day or two?

Javier rubbed his chin thoughtfully. Perhaps I should discuss it with Mother.

He let out a soft sigh. I wonder how Father manages without ever truly resting.

Maybe that’s why Mother never grew jealous of his other wives... She sees it, too. How much he cares. How much he carries for his family, for his people, and how little he gives himself in return.

That’s probably why Alf and Erinnette never take leave, either. They aren’t just servants, they care. They’re watching over him.

Even if I ordered them to take a day off, they’d refuse. They’d insist on staying by Father’s side, helping in any way they could.

Well... can’t blame them either. They only take orders from Father.

Maybe... I should take over Father’s duties for a day or two. Let him enjoy his honeymoon with Queen Mylezra. But, ugh, the paperwork...

Asking Marcellus or Cedric won’t work, they’re getting married in three days. They’re already swamped.

Javier stopped and looked toward the windows. He stepped closer, leaned his arms against the open frame, and glanced up at the midnight sky.

The sky is beautiful tonight.

”Young master?”

Javier turned and saw Liana standing nearby.

”Liana? Still not asleep yet?”

”Mmhmm~ not yet, young master. I was waiting for you.” Liana shook her head gracefully.

Javier opened his arms and Liana moved into them. He hugged her from behind as they both looked up at the night sky.

”Tonight’s sky is really beautiful, Liana,” he said, kissing her cheek and resting his chin softly atop her head.

Liana leaned back against him, smiling. Her hands settled over his where they rested.

”Mm... it is, young master.”

”Liana?”

”Mm?”

”My father never really rests properly. Neither do Alf and Erinnette. I was wondering... maybe I should take over his duties for a day or two? So they can all get some proper rest.”

”Mm? Are you sure~?” Liana smiled, a soft chuckle escaping her. ”If I remember correctly, you hate paperwork.”

”I do...” Javier’s smile was warm against her hair. ”But it’s the only way to make sure Father rests, and Alf and Erinnette get a real break, even if only for a day or two.”

”I don’t mind, young master. The choice is yours. I will always support your decision.”

Javier turned Liana gently to face him and smiled.

”I love you, Liana.”

”Mm... I love you too, young master.” Liana glanced up, a soft smile gracing her lips.

Javier chuckled. ”You know, you could start calling me by my name.”

”No~ Not yet,” she replied, lifting a finger to gently tap his nose. ”I still want to call you by that title. It feels special to me.” She smiled warmly. ”I don’t want to call you by name yet, because it would make me remember when you were still a little baby.”

Liana leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. ”A naughty, cheeky baby who insisted on nursing even though I didn’t have milk.”

Javier chuckled softly, his smile deepening.

Liana smiled again, eyes full of memory. ”And the day you were a boy, a mischievous one, always running off so I had to chase you all over the estate.”

”Yeah, I still remember it,” Javier said warmly. ”And now you’re my girl.”

”Mm... That’s why I’ll keep calling you ’young master’ until the day we’re officially married. I hope you don’t mind.” Liana met his gaze, her expression fond. ”I’ll miss that part of us someday, and I want to hold onto it a little longer.”

”You really are beautiful, Liana,” Javier said softly, tucking a strand of her hair behind her pointed ear. ”Your face, your body... you haven’t changed at all. Still the same as always.”

Liana smiled softly. ”It’s because I’m an elf, young master. We stop aging in appearance around eighteen, and stay this way... for a thousand years.”

( End Of Chapter )