Reborn As Noble

Chapter 103 The Playful Pursuit ( 103 )

The guards immediately straightened up when they saw Javier returning on Buddy, humming contentedly with a pouch of gold jingling in his hand.

”Huh? Young Master? We didnʼt notice you heading out!” one guard exclaimed, looking alarmed and confused.

Before Javier could respond, Liana—riding elegantly on her Pekko, Pikko—spoke up, her calm, authoritative tone settling the guards. ”Donʼt worry. I was with him the entire time.”

The guards visibly relaxed, nodding quickly. ”Oh! Miss Liana!”

One guard scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. ”We shouldʼve known everything would be fine if you were with him. Apologies for the oversight.”

Javier smirked mischievously but stayed quiet, letting Liana handle the situation.

”Young Master is perfectly safe,” she added, casting a quick glance at Javier, her tone subtly hinting at his recent mischief. ”However, I trust youʼll remain vigilant in the future.”

The guard relaxed but glanced at Javier, who was humming a tune while counting his pouch of gold coins. ”Understood, Miss Liana. If youʼre with him, weʼre at ease.”

Javier looked up with a mischievous grin. ”See? Iʼve got my guardian elf keeping me out of trouble.”

Liana sighed, her tone soft but firm. ”Trouble you willingly run into, young master. Letʼs not forget that.”

The guard gave an awkward chuckle, unsure if he should comment, before snapping back to attention. ”As you say, Miss Liana. Please donʼt hesitate to call if you need assistance.”

Liana nodded, her calm demeanor unshaken. ”Thank you. Carry on with your duties.”

Javier leaned forward on Buddy, smirking. ”See, Liana? They know whoʼs in charge.”

Liana shot him a sideways glance, unimpressed. ”Theyʼre just being polite, young master. You were supposed to stay within the estate grounds.”

Javier pouted slightly but didnʼt argue. The guards gave a polite salute as the duo passed, Buddy squawking cheerfully as if announcing their return.

Liana sighed softly. ”Young master, please refrain from wandering off like that again. It causes unnecessary trouble for everyone.”

”Unnecessary trouble? Nah, I call it ʼstrategic exploration.ʼ We even got some loot, didnʼt we, Buddy?” Javier grinned, patting Buddyʼs neck, while the bird squawked in agreement.

Liana shook her head but couldnʼt entirely suppress a faint smile. ”Strategic or not, youʼre lucky Iʼm here to cover for you. Otherwise, your father wouldʼve had the entire household turned upside down looking for you.”

Javier chuckled. ”Thatʼs why I have you, Liana. Youʼre the perfect partner-in-crime.”

Liana sighed again, though the corners of her lips remained slightly upturned. ”Iʼm more of a babysitter, young master.”

Javier leaned closer to Liana, a playful glint in his eyes. ”Ouuuu… someone here is scaaarryyy…” he teased, mimicking the guardsʼ earlier reaction with mock fear.

Liana arched an elegant brow, her expression calm, though a faint twitch appeared at the corner of her lips. ”Perhaps they simply know how to respect authority, young master.”

Javier smirked, leaning back on Buddy. ”Authority, huh? You mean how you boss me around like Iʼm your servant half the time?”

Liana placed a hand on her hip, eyes glinting with amusement. ”If I didnʼt, youʼd probably turn the estate into chaos within a day.”

Javier laughed, unabashed. ”You make it sound like thatʼs a bad thing. Chaos keeps life interesting, donʼt you think?”

Liana shook her head, her lips curling into a subtle smile. ”Interesting isnʼt the word Iʼd use.”

Buddy squawked in agreement, earning a dramatic gasp from Javier.

”Arghh Buddy! You Traitor!” Javier clutched his chest theatrically, pretending to be heartbroken.

Liana sighed, walking past him toward the estate gates. ”Enough theatrics, young master. Letʼs head back before you find yet another way to cause trouble.”

Javier swung a leg over Buddyʼs saddle, following her. ”Fine, fine. But admit it—things would be boring without me.”

Liana glanced back, her voice soft but fond. ”Perhaps. But boring would mean fewer gray hairs for me.”

Javier burst out laughing. ”Gray hairs? But your hairʼs already silver, Liana! Does that mean youʼve been stressed out since the day you were born?”

Before Liana could respond, Javier took off running, his laughter echoing through the estate.

”Young master!” Liana called after him, her calm demeanor cracking just enough to show a hint of exasperation. She sighed, shaking her head before mounting Pikko. ”Why do I even bother?”

Pikko squawked softly, as if offering support, and with a graceful nudge, the Pekko took off after Javier and Buddy, who were gleefully darting around like unruly children.

”Catch me if you can, scary elf!” Javier shouted over his shoulder, clearly enjoying himself.

Liana narrowed her eyes, a faint smile playing on her lips. ”Oh, Iʼll catch you, young master. And when I do, youʼll regret every word.”

The chase continued, drawing the attention of a few passing guards, who wisely chose to act like they hadnʼt seen a thing.

Javier darted around the estate, glancing back nervously as Liana gracefully chased him on Pikko. Her serene smile was somehow more terrifying than any scowl.

”It was just a joke, Liana! No need to be this mad!” Javier cried, his voice laced with playful panic. Explore more stories at

Lianaʼs smile didnʼt falter. ”Mad? Oh, young master, Iʼm not mad.”

Her calm tone sent a shiver down Javierʼs spine. He skidded to a stop, pointing an accusing finger at her. ”Errr… Liana… why… are… you… smiling?”

”Hmm?” she hummed innocently, tilting her head.

Javierʼs eyes widened in terror. ”Eeeekkk!! I know that face! Gyaaaahhh! GLORIAAAA!!”

Lianaʼs voice floated after him, cool and composed. ”Now, now, young master. Running only makes it worse.”

Javierʼs laughter mixed with exaggerated cries for help. ”Gloriaaaa! Save me from this crazy elf! Sheʼs going to kill me!”

Behind them, the household maids and guards exchanged amused glances, whispering among themselves. ”Young master never learns, does he?”

”Nope,” another replied with a chuckle. ”But itʼs entertaining every time.”

”Motherrrr!! Eeeekkk!!” Javier shouted, sprinting past the guards as if his life depended on it. His mind raced for his ultimate savior, but then reality hit him like a runaway Pekko. ”Ah… I forgot… Motherʼs not here…”

His voice turned into a panicked wail. ”Eeeeeekkkk!!”

Behind him, Liana rode gracefully on Pikko, her serene smile never fading. ”Young masterrrrr…” she called out, her tone laced with playful menace.

”Why are you dragging that word out like that?!” Javier yelled over his shoulder, picking up speed.

”Oh, no reason,” Liana replied, her voice sweet and teasing. ”I just wanted to remind you… running only delays the inevitable.”

Lianaʼs laughter rang out, light and melodic, but to Javier, it was the sound of his doom. The maids and guards paused, some stifling laughter while others openly enjoyed the show.

”Young master,” Liana continued, her teasing tone unwavering as Pikko closed the distance. ”You know you canʼt outrun me. Just surrender, and I promise Iʼll only scold you… for now.”

”For now?! Thatʼs worse! Someone save me!” Javier cried, zigzagging through the courtyard.

Javier bolted toward the manor, his panicked footsteps echoing in the courtyard.

”Eeeeeeyaaaaaaahhhh!!” he wailed dramatically, arms flailing as he disappeared inside.

Liana gracefully dismounted Pikko, smoothing her dress as she landed. She adjusted her hair with a serene smile, her eyes glinting with amusement. ”Young master, running only makes it more entertaining,” she teased softly.

Guards and maids peeked around corners, chuckling under their breath as the young masterʼs antics.

Inside the manor, Javier darted through hallways, weaving past furniture and startled staff. He shouted, ”Why is she so fast?! Someone help! Mother! Gloria! Errinette!”

Behind him, Lianaʼs calm footsteps echoed ominously. Her soft smile never faltered as she followed at a leisurely pace, knowing Javier would tire himself out soon.

Javier skidded to a halt at a dead end. ”Nooooooo!” he groaned, glancing around for an escape.

From behind, Lianaʼs serene voice floated through the hallway. ”Young master… thereʼs nowhere left to run.”

Javier pressed his back against the wall, palms up defensively, his mischievous grin replaced by a nervous laugh. ”Liana? We can talk about this, right? Ehehe…”

Liana slowly approached, her steps measured and graceful, her smile calm yet teasing. ”Young masterrr…” she sang sweetly, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

Javier gulped, trying to keep his cool but failing. ”Eeeekkk!! Liana… calm down, okay? Letʼs just call it even! No hard feelings, yes?”

Liana tilted her head, her smile unwavering. ”Oh, young master, you must take responsibility for your actions.”

”Responsibility?!” Javierʼs voice cracked as he edged away. ”I was just joking! You know me—always the funny guy, right?”

Liana sighed softly, her tone still teasing. ”Iʼm afraid this isnʼt something you can run away from.”

Javierʼs eyes darted left and right, desperately searching for an escape. ”Wait! How about I treat you to premium wyvern meat? Grilled to perfection! Just let me off the hook this once, alright?”

Liana chuckled lightly, raising an elegant brow. ”You canʼt bribe your way out of this one.”

Javierʼs shoulders slumped, realizing there was no escape. ”Gloriaaaa! Someone! Help me!” he whined, but only amused whispers from the maids responded.

Liana finally closed the gap between them, leaning slightly forward. ”Young master…”

”Eeeeeek!” Javier yelped, his dramatic wail echoing down the hall.

( End of chapter )