Reborn As Noble

Chapter 117 Crops and Companions ( 117 )

”Ohhh!!! Youʼre the best, Liana!!” Javier exclaimed, his eyes gleaming with excitement as he examined the freshly delivered sugarcane stalks.

”And look at this!” He pointed at a young cocoa tree, carefully packed in a sturdy container. ”Hehehe... Lucky me! I asked for seeds and got this beauty instead. You are awesome, Liana!”

Liana stood beside him, watched Javierʼs antics. With a subtle sigh, she extended her hand, palm up.

”Young Master, the payment,” she reminded him in her usual serene tone.

”Ah, right,” Javier replied with a grin, fishing out a heavy pouch of gold coins from his pocket.

The stout merchant, beamed as he accepted the pouch from Liana. The clinking of coins confirmed its weight, and he bowed deeply. ”Pleasure doinʼ business with ya, young master! If ya need more exotic plants or seeds, just holler!”

”Iʼll keep that in mind,” Javier said, a sly smile playing on his lips. His mind raced with schemes, visions of sugar and chocolate dancing before him.

Around them, the estate courtyard bustled with activity. Workers unloaded crates of wheat, barrels of salted meat, fresh vegetables, and other essentials. But Javierʼs focus remained locked on his prized acquisitions—the sugarcane and cocoa tree.

”Place the sugarcane stalks and cocoa tree gently onto the cart,” Liana instructed the workers, her tone firm yet polite. The worker moved the cargo.

Javier clapped his hands together, his grin widening. ”I canʼt wait for this... Hehehe.”

Liana glanced at him, shaking her head slightly. ”Young Master, I wonder why youʼre so eager to plant these peculiar crops. Sugarcane and cocoa arenʼt exactly staples in this region.”

”Just you wait, Liana,” Javier replied, his smirk turning mischievous. ”Hehehe... Soon. Very soon, youʼll see what Iʼm up to.”

Liana arched a delicate brow, her lips curving into a faint smile. ”I suppose time will tell.”

”Buddy!!” Javier called out, his voice ringing through the bustling courtyard.

A familiar squawk answered him as Buddy, his Pekko, came bounding across the estate grounds.

Javier crouched slightly, beaming. ”Do you think you can pull this cart to our land?” he asked, filled with anticipation.

Buddy tilted its head, blinking its wide eyes, and let out an enthusiastic squawk, bouncing slightly on its sturdy legs.

”Heh, I knew youʼd be up for it!” Javier grinned, already imagining his loyal companion helping with the transport.

But before he could get too carried away, Lianaʼs calm, authoritative voice interrupted him. ”Young Master... breakfast first. Madam is waiting for you in the dining room.”

Javier froze mid-thought and glanced sheepishly at Liana. ”Ah... right,” he muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.

Buddy squawked again, sensing Javierʼs change in mood.

”Later, Buddy!” Javier promised with a chuckle, giving the Pekko a quick pat on its beak. ”Weʼll handle the cart after breakfast. Eheheh!”

Buddy flapped its small wings in delight, letting out a cheerful squawked as Javier turned to follow Liana back toward the main estate.

As they walked toward the dining room, Javier glanced over his shoulder at Buddy, who was happily pecking at the ground.

”Liana?” Javier asked casually.

”Yes, Young Master?” Liana replied without missing a step, her calm and poised demeanor ever-present.

”Buddy and Pikko already eat?”

”Iʼve already taken care of it,” Liana said steadily. ”I filled their trough with Pekko food and changed their water this morning.” She paused briefly, then added with a soft sigh, ”Honestly, Young Master, I think you should ask Madam to hire or appoint a proper caretaker for them.” Stay connected through

Javier shook his head firmly, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. ”Nope. Buddy and Pikko arenʼt just animals—theyʼre our companions. We donʼt need to keep watch over them all the time. And theyʼre so well-behaved anyway.”

Liana gave a small nod, conceding the point. ”Thatʼs true. As long as we ensure they have plenty of food three times a day and fresh water, they seem content enough.”

”Exactly! And I want Buddy to grow even bigger and healthier!” Javier said excitedly, his eyes gleaming. ”Maybe we should treat them to more meat once we get to my land. Thatʼll make them even stronger, right?”

Liana allowed herself a faint smile. ”Perhaps. Just donʼt spoil them too much, Young Master.”

Javier laughed, his enthusiasm infectious. ”Spoil them? Nah, Iʼm just giving them the good life! Theyʼre part of the team, after all.”

Liana shook her head lightly, her expression a mix of amusement and resignation. ”Of course, Young Master.”

As Javier sat at the end of the long dining table, the air in the room felt heavy with the weight of formality. Lord Garius sat at the head, exuding an aura of authority, flanked by his three wives: Lady Francesca, Lady Phenelopie, and Lady Garcinia. Each was attended by their personal maids, their presence adding to the aristocratic ambiance of the room.

”Javier.” Lord Gariusʼs deep voice resonated through the hall.

Javier gulped, instinctively straightening in his chair. What now? he thought, bracing himself.

”Yes, esteemed father?” he replied, his tone respectful but cautious.

”Donʼt wander too far after breakfast,” Garius said, his sharp gaze fixed on his youngest son.

”Yes, esteemed father,” Javier stammered, inwardly wondering what his father had planned this time.

His eyes darted to Alf and Errinette, who stood attentively beside Garius. Both had neutral expressions, but Javier could tell they were silently enjoying his predicament.

As he took his seat, Liana seamlessly stepped into action. With practiced grace, she draped a napkin across his lap, arranged a plate of breakfast food—mostly meat, as Javier refused to touch vegetables—added fresh fruit and a dollop of honey, and poured him a cup of hot milk.

”Thanks, Liana,” Javier murmured as she stepped back, standing behind him at a respectful yet protective distance. She remained poised, ready to assist but blending into the background like a proper maid.

The clinking of silverware and polite conversation filled the hall, but Javier couldnʼt shake the feeling that his fatherʼs gaze lingered on him, as if Garius was silently assessing his every move. Haa... just let me eat in peace, Javier thought, digging into his meal.

Javier tore into the roasted king boar meat with unrestrained enthusiasm, his eyes gleaming with delight. The rich, smoky aroma filled his senses, and each bite delivered a perfect balance of tenderness and juiciness.

Inside his mind, it was a celebration. Meat... meat... meat... ehehehe... yummm... This is heaven!

The pile of meat on his plate seemed like a treasure trove, and he was determined to savor every last piece. He barely noticed the amused glances exchanged by the adults at the table.

Lady Francesca sighed softly, her expression a mix of fondness and mild exasperation. ”Javier, donʼt forget to eat your fruit too,” she reminded him gently.

Javier paused mid-bite, glancing at the vibrant slices of fruit on his plate. Hmph, theyʼre just here for decoration, he thought, but he nodded anyway.

”Yes, mother,” he replied obediently, though his hand reached for another piece of meat instead.

Behind him, Liana suppressed a small smile, her eyes twinkling with amusement. Young Master and his obsession with meat... she mused silently, watching him happily devour his breakfast.

( End of Chapter )