Reborn As Noble

Chapter 182 Caught in the Act ( 182 )

Javier scanned the shelves with excitement gleaming in his eyes before grabbing a bottle with an ornate label. ”Well... Iʼm taking this one,” he announced with a smirk.

Marcellus leaned over, his brow furrowing. ”Oi! A little kid like you doesnʼt get to hog all the good wine. Go drink juice or something.”

Javier turned to him with an exaggerated look of offense. ”Huh? Who wants to drink something for kids? Iʼm drinking this one!”

”Youʼre eleven!” Cedric chimed in, smirking as he reached for the bottle in Javierʼs hands. ”Give it here. Thatʼs for adults.”

”Too late!” Javier declared, dodging Cedricʼs hand and clutching the bottle tightly. ”This oneʼs mine now!”

”Kid, you donʼt even know how to pick good wine,” Marcellus teased, leaning back with a chuckle. ”What are you going to do? Pretend youʼre a wine expert?”

”Ehehe...” Javier grinned slyly, holding the bottle close. ”Maybe I donʼt know wine, but if itʼs from Fatherʼs private stash, itʼs gotta be good, right?”

Cedric sighed, rubbing his temple. ”This kid is going to be trouble.”

”Heʼs already trouble,” Marcellus added, shaking his head, though his amused grin showed he wasnʼt about to stop the fun. ”Fine, kid, but if you get caught, weʼre saying it was your idea.”

”Pfft, like you two arenʼt the real masterminds,” Javier muttered, uncorking the bottle with a triumphant smile. ”Now, letʼs see what this is all about.”

Javier grabbed a glass and poured the wine with a flourish, his grin growing wider as he admired the deep crimson liquid. He lifted the glass to his lips and took a slow sip, savoring the taste.

”Fwah!!” he exclaimed, his eyes lighting up. ”This would go so well with grilled meat! Ehehehe!”

Marcellus and Cedric exchanged glances, shaking their heads with a mix of amusement and exasperation.

”Heʼs acting like heʼs a gourmet now,” Cedric muttered, taking a sip from his own glass.

”Let him have his moment,” Marcellus replied with a chuckle. ”At least heʼs appreciating it properly.”

Just as Javier was about to pour himself another glass, a familiar voice called faintly from outside the room.

”Young Master? Where are you?”

Javier froze mid-pour, his grin faltering. ”Uh-oh...”

”Is that Liana?” Cedric asked, glancing toward the door.

”Sounds like it,” Marcellus said, smirking as he leaned casually against the wine rack. ”What are you going to do now, little brother?”

Javier quickly capped the bottle and looked for a hiding spot. ”Sheʼs going to scold me if she finds me here! Ehehe, you two cover for me!”

”Oh no, youʼre on your own,” Cedric said, stepping aside with a laugh. ”This is your mess.”

”Traitors!” Javier whispered harshly, clinging to the bottle as he tried to think of a plan.

”Youuunnnggg Maaasssterrr...” Lianaʼs voice had a warning tone as it echoed closer.

”Crap! Sheʼs coming in!” Javier whispered in panic, glancing at Marcellus and Cedric, who were both grinning smugly, clearly enjoying his situation.

”I know youʼre inside with Master Cedric and Master Marcellus,” Liana called out, her tone calm but firm. ”Come out now.”

”Tch!” Javier clicked his tongue in frustration.

Marcellus leaned closer, smirking. ”Caught already, little brother? Youʼre losing your edge.”

”Shut up!” Javier hissed, his eyes darting toward the door.

Cedric chuckled, folding his arms as he leaned casually against the wall. ”You might want to face her before she drags you out herself. You know she will.”

”Yeah, yeah...” Javier muttered under his breath, straightening up and trying to look innocent.

The door creaked open, and Liana stepped inside, her eyes scanning the room. She paused for a moment, taking in the sight of Javier standing sheepishly near the table with Marcellus and Cedric lounging nearby.

”Young Master,” Liana began, her voice calm but with a hint of exasperation. ”Youʼre supposed to be in your room, not hiding in a wine cellar.”

”I wasnʼt hiding!” Javier protested, crossing his arms defensively. ”I was just... exploring.”

”Exploring the wine selection?” Liana raised an eyebrow, a faint smile betraying her amusement. ”Shall I tell Lady Francesca about your findings?”

”No! No need for that!” Javier said quickly, waving his hands. ”I was just about to leave!”

”Good,” Liana said, gesturing toward the door. ”Now, come along before you get in more trouble.”

Marcellus and Cedric chuckled as Javier reluctantly followed Liana, muttering under his breath about how unfair it all was. ”Traitors...” he whispered, shooting a glare at his brothers, who only waved at him with smug grins.

”Ehehe!” Javier grinned mischievously, clutching the wine bottle tightly as he followed Liana. ”At least I got good wine for tonight!”

Liana glanced over her shoulder, her eyes narrowing slightly as she saw her young master proudly carrying the large bottle of wine. ”Really, Young Master?” she said with a soft sigh. ”Acting like an adult now, are we?”

”I am an adult!” Javier retorted, puffing out his chest.

Liana raised an eyebrow, a faint smile tugging at her lips. ”Yes, yes... an ʼadultʼ at eleven years old.”

”Hey!” Javier frowned, pointing the bottle at her in mock indignation. ”In two more months, Iʼll be twelve!”

”Oh, my apologies,” Liana replied playfully, bowing slightly. ”How could I forget, Young Master? Such a monumental age indeed.”

”Exactly!” Javier said with a triumphant grin. ”Twelve is practically adulthood.”

”Yes, yes...” Liana said softly, shaking her head with a warm smile as they walked back to their room. ”Though I doubt Lady Francesca would agree with you.”

”Mother doesnʼt have to know,” Javier muttered, holding the bottle protectively. ”This is between us, Liana. Youʼll cover for me, right?”

”Haaa...” Liana sighed, her faint smile never fading. ”Weʼll see, Young Master.”

”Weʼre going to be drinking tonight, Liana!” Javier declared, his mischievous grin growing wider as he held up the wine bottle like a trophy.

Liana, walking calmly beside him, raised an eyebrow. ”Hmm? Did you forget? Youʼll be sleeping with Master Marcellus and Master Cedric tonight.”

Javierʼs grin vanished instantly. ”Ugh!” he groaned, slumping his shoulders. ”I canʼt sleep without you next to me, and you know that!”

Liana sighed softly, shaking her head. ”Haaa... fine. Iʼll see what I can do, Young Master.”

Javierʼs smirk returned as he leaned closer, lowering his voice playfully. ”Just sneak into my bed tonight, okay? Ehehehe.”

”Young Master...” Liana gave him a pointed look, but the faint blush on her cheeks didnʼt escape his notice. ”You really shouldnʼt say things like that so casually.”

”What? Itʼs true,” Javier said with a cheeky grin. ”I sleep better when youʼre there.”

Liana sighed again, though her soft smile showed she was amused. ”Very well, Young Master. Iʼll see what I can do... but no promises.”

”Ehehe, Iʼll take that as a yes,” Javier said confidently as they continued toward their room.

”Liana?” Javier called, his voice playful as they walked side by side.

”Yes, Young Master?” Liana replied, her tone calm and composed, already expecting his next move.

”Chuuu!” Javier grinned mischievously, puckering his lips and leaning slightly toward her.

Liana sighed softly, her eyes shining with a mix of amusement and resignation. ”Haaa...” she murmured, leaning closer to give him a quick, soft kiss on the lips.

Javierʼs grin widened, his eyes sparkling with delight. ”Ehehe, I knew you couldnʼt resist, Liana.”

”Itʼs because you never give up until you get what you want, Young Master,” Liana said gently as she straightened up, a faint blush on her cheeks.

”Of course not,” Javier said with a cheeky smirk. ”Thatʼs why you love me.”

Liana shook her head lightly, her soft smile staying in place. ”Yes, yes, Young Master. Now letʼs get moving before someone catches us.”

”Ehehe, fine,” Javier said, still grinning as they continued on their way.

Later that night, the grand dining room was filled with the warm glow of the light and the soft sound of cutlery clinking. Garius sat at the head of the table, with his wives—Lady Phenelopie and Lady Garcinia on his left, and Lady Francesca with Eridith on his right.

As Garius looked around the room, his sharp eyes narrowed slightly. ”Hmm? Where are the kids?” he asked, his voice calm but firm.

Francesca chuckled softly, taking a sip of her wine. ”Marcellus and Cedric?” she began, a playful glint in her eyes. ”They were found by their maids, already lying on the floor, completely drunk from your wine cellar collection.”

”Haaa...” Garius let out a long, exasperated sigh, pinching the bridge of his nose. ”Those two... theyʼll never change.”

”At least they didnʼt break anything this time,” Phenelopie added with a soft smile, resting a hand on her growing belly. Read exclusive chapters at

”And where is Javier?” Garius asked, looking at Errinette, who stood nearby with her usual calm demeanor.

”Young Master Javier is taking a shower right now,” Errinette replied smoothly. ”Liana is waiting for him in their room.”

”Haaa... at least one of them is behaving,” Garius muttered, leaning back in his chair.

His gaze then turned to Aelius, Athine, and Heres, who were sitting quietly at the far end of the table, their postures perfectly straight. ”Behave,” Garius said simply, his eyes locking onto each of them.

”Yes, esteemed Father,” they replied in unison, their voices steady as they nodded respectfully.

The tension eased slightly as the conversation shifted. Garcinia, seated to Gariusʼs left, chuckled softly. ”You know, dear, at least this gathering keeps everyone under one roof for a change.”

”Thatʼs true,” Francesca added, smiling warmly at Garius. ”Even if it takes your authority to make it happen.”

”Well, itʼs not over yet,” Phenelopie said with a knowing smile, her tone light as she glanced toward the door, as if expecting more antics before the night was through.

( End of Chapter )