Reborn As Noble

Liana walked slowly toward the Pekko pen, her steps heavy with emotion. As she approached, Buddy and Pikko perked up, chirping softly at her arrival. Their vibrant feathers shimmered in the sunlight, a sight that usually brought her peace. But today, her heart felt too heavy to find any comfort.

"Hello, Buddy, Pikko," she said softly, kneeling by the trough. Her hands moved, changing the water and refilling their food. She brushed her fingers along Buddy's beak, his playful nudge almost bringing a bittersweet smile to her face.

"They love you, you know," she whispered, her voice trembling.

Liana paused, her hands resting on the edge of the trough. The lump in her throat grew harder to swallow as she thought about Javier—the young master who had been her everything. She had watched him grow, laugh, and become the bright, mischievous boy who never failed to warm her heart.

"Buddy, Pikko," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Please… look after him for me, okay? Keep him safe… make sure he doesn't get into too much trouble."

Her vision blurred as tears spilled down her cheeks. She tried to hold them back, wiping her face with trembling hands, but it was no use. The pain of leaving Javier, of no longer being able to serve him the way she always had, was too much to bear.

"I don't want to leave him," she sobbed, clutching the side of the trough. "But I can't disobey orders. If I do… I'll be dismissed. And then… then I won't be able to see him at all."

The thought of being completely separated from Javier was unbearable. Even if she could no longer serve as his personal maid, at least this way she could still see him from afar. It wasn't much, but it was better than nothing.

She took a shaky breath, trying to calm herself. "I just hope… he understands someday," she murmured, looking up at Buddy and Pikko. "Please… keep him smiling."

Liana stood, her legs weak beneath her. She patted Buddy one last time and gave Pikko a soft stroke along her feathers before stepping away. As she walked back toward the manor, she glanced over her shoulder one last time.

"I'll always care for you, young master," she whispered. Then, with a heavy heart, she turned away and continued on her way, the sound of her footsteps fading into the distance.

Liana quickly wiped her tears, taking a deep breath. She straightened her posture, ensuring she looked composed and serious as always. Today would be her last day serving her young master, and she was determined to make it as normal as possible. No one would notice her inner turmoil—not even him.

As she entered the manor, she scanned the halls with practiced precision. Her steps were steady, but her heart felt heavy. Turning a corner, she spotted Javier attempting to sneak out of the storage room, likely hiding after yet another one of his mischievous stunts.

"Young master," she called firmly, her voice steady but with a hint of warmth.

"Eeeekk! Umm… Liana…" Javier stammered, scratching the back of his head with a guilty grin.

"It's already past lunchtime," she said, her tone carrying an air of gentle authority. "Let's head to the dining room."

Javier blinked before breaking into a wide grin. "Hehehe… I love you, Liana!"

Liana sighed softly, rolling her eyes but managing a small smile. "Yes, yes… now, young master, let's go. No more running off."

"Wait, wait! You cooked for me, right?" Javier asked eagerly, falling in step beside her.

Liana paused for a moment before nodding. "Of course, young master. Now behave and follow me."

The familiar banter between them brought a fleeting warmth to her heart. Even as the weight of what was to come loomed over her, she was determined to make this last day a perfect one for him.

Javier took another bite of the tender, juicy meat and looked up at Liana, curiosity sparking in his eyes. "Wow… Today's meat tastes special. Why is that?"

Liana, standing behind him as always, gently shook her head with a faint smile. "Nothing special, young master. It's just the usual. Perhaps it's because it's my cooking and not the chefs'."

"Oh… okay…" Javier replied, his voice muffled slightly as he took another bite.

He focused on his plate, savoring the meal with enthusiasm. Liana, as composed as ever, stood by with a napkin in hand, gracefully wiping the corners of his mouth when necessary. Though her movements were precise and professional, there was a quiet tenderness in her actions—a faint trace of emotions she worked hard to suppress.

Oblivious to the storm in her heart, Javier continued to eat with his usual gusto, occasionally glancing up at her and grinning. Liana simply nodded in acknowledgment, her serene demeanor unbroken.

After finishing his lunch, Javier stretched his arms lazily and leaned back in his chair.

"Now, now, young master… time for your nap," Liana said in her usual calm tone, though there was a subtle softness in her voice today.

Javier raised an eyebrow, his sharp senses catching onto the slight difference. "Liana?"

"Yes, young master?" she replied, standing poised as always.

"What's going on?"

"Hmm?" She tilted her head slightly, her expression serene. "Oh… nothing, young master."

"But you're different today," Javier insisted, his piercing eyes narrowing slightly. "It's always about study or training after lunch, but today… this feels off."

Liana's lips curved into a small, reassuring smile, though her heart felt heavy. "Nothing is wrong, young master… really."

Javier studied her for a moment longer, his instincts telling him there was more to her words. But seeing her composed face, he decided not to press further.

"Well… if you say so," he finally replied, though doubt lingered in his mind.

When they reached Javier's bedroom, Liana guided him to the bed as usual. He lay down with a wide grin, clearly up to something mischievous.

Just as she was about to stand up and leave, Javier reached out, pulling her down onto the bed. Before she could react, he wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly.

"Ah, young master," Liana said, a soft sigh escaping her lips. Despite her protest, she couldn't help but smile.

He buried his face in her soft breast, letting out a contented hum. "You're so warm, Liana."

Liana chuckled softly, stroking his hair gently. "Now, now, young master… it's time to sleep."

"But this is so comfy," Javier murmured, his voice muffled.

She shook her head with a fond smile. "Hush now. Rest."

As she continued to cradle him gently, she couldn't help but cherish the moment. Knowing this was their last day together made it bittersweet, but she kept her emotions tucked away, focusing on the present.

As Javier's breathing slowed, signaling he had drifted into a peaceful sleep, Liana gently stroked his hair, her eyes soft with emotion. She leaned down, pressing a tender kiss on his forehead.

"Just remember, young master," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "I will always love you and care for you."

Carefully, she adjusted herself to lie beside him, wrapping her arms around his. Javier instinctively snuggled closer in his sleep, his trust in her unwavering even in his dreams.

Liana's heart ached as she held him, knowing this was likely the last time she could share such a quiet, precious moment with him. She vowed to make it last, cherishing every second of her duty today.

"I'm sorry, young master," she murmured, tears silently trailing down her cheeks. "I'm sorry I couldn't do more for you."

She closed her eyes, letting the rhythm of his breathing lull her into a bittersweet calm. For today, she would stay by his side until the very end, fulfilling her role one last time.

( End of Chapter )