Reborn As Noble

Chapter 16 Gold Coins and Grilled Skewers ( 16 )

”Ah, these fine things...” The dwarf inspected the wolf, running his hands over the fur, claws, and teeth. ”Heheh, sure these can be sold for much more after dismantlinʼ. For all this... 2 silver, eh?”

Javier raised an eyebrow, his smirk unwavering. ”Sigh... I guess Iʼll find another buyer then,” he said casually, turning away with a dramatic shrug.

”Wait! 5 silver!!” the dwarf called out, his voice tinged with desperation.

Javier glanced back over his shoulder, his expression unimpressed. ”Hmm... I think I saw some merchants over there callinʼ me. They might pay better,” he said, pointing toward a group of bustling traders nearby.

The dwarfʼs face turned red. ”Alright, alright! 1 gold coin! All five ! Not a copper more!”

Javierʼs smirk widened as he turned back. He walked up to the dwarf and leaned in slightly, his tone dripping with mock authority. ”Heheh... Next time, old man, donʼt play games with actual customers.” He perfectly mimicked the dwarfʼs thick accent, earning a mixture of surprise and begrudging respect from the burly merchant.

The dwarf barked out a hearty laugh. ”By the forge, yeʼve got nerve, lad! Fine, hereʼs yer coin. And next time, bring me more beasts like this. Yeʼve got the makinʼs of a proper hunter.”

Javier pocketed the gold coin, waving lazily as he walked away. ”Maybe. If yeʼre lucky, old man!” he called back, mimicking the slang again before disappearing into the bustling village.

”Now, where should I go next?” Javier muttered, glancing around the lively village market. His eyes sparkled as he spotted a lady with a kind smile arranging her wares. ”Oh!!! Nice lady there... ehehehe.”

Then something else caught his attention. ”Oh, that one looks good!” His gaze landed on a stall selling grilled skewers. ”Maybe Iʼll grab one of those later... Oh, look at the food!” The smells of roasted meat and fresh bread made his stomach rumble, but another glint nearby diverted his focus.

He stopped at a stall displaying jewelry. Among the trinkets, a simple but elegant silver necklace sparkled under the sunlight. ”Oh, thatʼs a nice necklace,” Javier said, stepping closer. ”Hello. How much is that?”

The vendor, an older woman, glanced down at him and crossed her arms. ”Huh? This one costs 10 silver. Not for some kid to buy.”

”At least let me have a look,” Javier said, flashing his most charming smile.

The woman hesitated but handed it to him. Javier held it up, imagining how it would look on Liana. Maybe I should buy this for her. Sheʼd look stunning with it... ehehehe.

”Alright, maʼam,” he said confidently, ”Iʼll buy this one!”

The woman raised an eyebrow, clearly not expecting him to have the coin. ”Do you even have that kind of money, boy?”

Javier reached into his pouch and pulled out a gold coin, casually flipping it in his hand. ”I think thisʼll cover it, right?”

The womanʼs jaw dropped slightly before quickly composing herself. ”Uh, yes, of course! Hereʼs your change, young sir.”

Javier took the necklace and the silver coins she handed back, giving her a wink. ”Thanks, maʼam.”

He walked away, whistling to himself. Canʼt wait to see Lianaʼs face when I give her this... ehehehe.

At the village gate, a group of guards stood at attention as a woman approached them. She wore a maidʼs uniform bearing the emblem of a Viscountʼs house. Accompanying her were three stern-looking guards in matching uniforms.

”Have you seen a kid around 11 years old here?” she asked firmly, her tone leaving no room for debate.

The gate guard straightened immediately. ”!!!! Yes!! Weʼve seen him!! Heʼs inside the village,” he blurted out, recognizing the urgency in her voice.

She smiled, but there was a sharpness behind it. ”Good. You three, ensure he doesnʼt pass through this gate unnoticed.”

”Yes, maʼam!” the guards replied in unison, moving to block the exit.

Meanwhile, Javier was strolling through the bustling marketplace, enjoying a juicy meat skewer. The lively atmosphere and the variety of sights kept him distracted. ”Ehehe... this is the life,” he muttered, biting into his skewer and glancing at the stalls selling everything from trinkets to fresh produce.

Suddenly, a familiar voice echoed through the crowd.

”Young Master!!!!!!”

Javier froze mid-bite, the skewer still in his mouth. His eyes widened as he turned toward the voice. He recognized it instantly.

”Oh no... Iʼve been found!” he whispered to himself, quickly scanning for an escape route.

The bustling market froze in its tracks as onlookers watched the dramatic chase unfold. Javier darted between stalls, laughter spilling from his lips, as Liana, determined and swift, pursued him like a hawk chasing its prey.

”Donʼt run!!” Lianaʼs voice rang out, commanding attention.

”Err... where should I go?” Javier muttered, glancing around before breaking into another sprint. ”Catch me if you can, Liana!” he teased, laughing.

”Oh no, you donʼt!” Liana retorted. With a burst of speed, she leaped toward him, locking her legs around his waist.

The impact brought both of them to the ground gently, but Javier squirmed under her hold. A crowd started gathering, whispering and murmuring as they noticed her refined maid attire and the Viscount emblem.

”Ekkk!! Liana! Not so rough!” Javier exclaimed, still laughing but clearly caught.

”Where do you think youʼre going, young master?” she demanded, her stern tone failing to hide her exasperation.

”Eh... just some sightseeing? Ehehe,” Javier replied sheepishly.

”Donʼt ʼeheheʼ me!” she scolded, gripping his arm. ”You know youʼre supposed to have permission or at least an escort if youʼre going out!”

Their banter drew gasps from the onlookers.

”Oh!? Lord Gariusʼs son? The Viscountʼs son?” one villager whispered.

”I canʼt believe it,” another murmured. ”Itʼs our first time seeing someone from the Viscountʼs family here.”

”And heʼs so handsome!” a young woman exclaimed, her cheeks turning pink as she admired Javier.

Javier, always quick on his feet—flashed a dazzling smile at the crowd. ”Why, thank you, kind villagers,” he said, his charm effortlessly disarming the tension. ”I only wanted to see this lovely village of ours.”

Liana sighed, rolling her eyes. ”Young master, weʼre going home—now.”

”But Liana! The skewer lady over there had another batch ready!” he protested, pointing toward a nearby stall.

The crowd chuckled, charmed by their interaction, but Liana remained firm. ”No more excuses. Letʼs go!”

With that, she stood, dusting herself off, and began dragging Javier by the arm, much to the amusement of the onlookers.

Javier glanced at the gathered villagers with a mischievous glint in his eye. ”Hey, Liana, isnʼt it rude not to introduce yourself? Especially when everyoneʼs waiting so eagerly. Ehehehe.”

Liana sighed deeply, pinching the bridge of her nose. The villagersʼ curious gazes confirmed his statement—they were waiting, clearly intrigued by the presence of someone bearing the Viscountʼs emblem. She straightened her posture.

”Fine,” she relented. Turning to face the crowd, she placed a hand over her chest and spoke in a refined, polite tone. ”I am Liana, a maid in service of the esteemed House of Armand, led by Viscount Garius de Armand. I attend to the youngest son of the Viscount, Master Javier de Armand.”

Her elegant introduction drew murmurs of awe and respect from the crowd. Javier couldnʼt help but clap his hands enthusiastically.

”Beautifully done, Liana! Truly, youʼre the picture of grace,” he teased with a grin, his applause drawing even more attention.

As Liana turned to glare at him, slightly flustered, Javier seized the opportunity. With a quick step back and a cheeky wave, he dashed off.

”See you around, Liana! Ehehehe!”

”Young Master! Get back here right now!” she called, but her words were drowned out by the laughter and cheers of the amused villagers.

Javier was already weaving through the marketplace, his laughter echoing behind him as Liana sighed in defeat.

( End of Chapter )