Reborn As Noble

Javier leaned back in his chair, letting out a sigh. "Haaa… maybe becoming friends with her or making an alliance will actually be helpful later—for both of us." He looked at Liana

"Please, let her know I'll be waiting here and extend an invitation for her to join me at this event."

Liana eyes shone with approval as she nodded politely. "Yes, young master. I'll relay your message immediately."

"Make it sound noble and charming, okay? I don't want her to think I'm doing this out of pity or just because I have to."

Liana looked back, her lips forming a knowing smile. "Of course, young master. I'll ensure your message is delivered with the utmost care."

"Haaa… noble life. Why does everything have to be a strategy? Can't we just enjoy life?"

Still, even with his complaints, he couldn't ignore the curiosity inside him. What would happen from this little act of diplomacy?

Liana walked back gracefully, young lady Gracelle followed behind her, looking elegant and calm. Her maid walked quietly, staying two steps behind her.

When they got closer to Javier, young lady Gracelle gave a polite curtsy, her green dress moving gently. "Young master Javier," she said softly, "thank you for your gracious invitation. It is an honor to join you this evening."

Javier stood up and bowed slightly "Lady Gracelle, the honor is mine. Please, do have a seat and make yourself comfortable. I'm delighted we have this opportunity to converse."

Liana stood next to Javier, watching him talk with confidence. She noticed he showed charm and formality, which he didn't usually show.

Gracelle smiled gently as she sat down across from him, her maid standing close by. "You're most kind, young lord Javier. I hope I'm not imposing on your evening."

"Not at all, A pleasant conversation always enriches a gathering like this, wouldn't you agree?"

Gracelle nodded "Indeed, I couldn't agree more."

Liana watched quietly, noticing how Javier was acting a bit different. He's trying, she thought with a small, happy smile. He's actually trying.

"Sorry if I ask something, young master Javier," Lady Gracelle started hesitantly, looking at the glass in his hand. "I noticed your glass was filled with red wine."

Javier tilted his head slightly and raised the glass. "You mean this red wine?"

"Yes, young master Javier," she answered politely but with curiosity. "I thought you could only drink when you are fifteen years old and are an adult."

Javier laughed a little and glanced at Liana, who was standing behind him with her usual calm face. "Oh, that. Liana poured it for me. And I don't mind at all—after all, a little doesn't hurt."

Gracelle blinked, surprised by how relaxed he was about it.

"Do you want to take a sip?" Javier asked, holding out the glass with a playful smile.

Gracelle gasped softly, surprised by his boldness. "Young Lord Javier,that would be inappropriate," she said, shock showing in her voice.

Liana stepped in smoothly, her voice calm but firm. "Young master, it's best not to offer your wine to a guest, especially one as young as Lady Gracelle."

Javier shrugged with a cheeky grin, pulling back the glass. "Fine, fine. Just trying to share the experience. No harm done."

Gracelle relaxed a bit, but she couldn't help smiling at his playful side. "You truly are as carefree as the rumors say, young lord Javier," she said softly, amused.

"That's just how I am," Javier replied with a wink, raising his glass slightly before taking a small sip. "But I promise, I'm not as reckless as I might seem."

Liana sighed inside, feeling both annoyed and fond. He always finds a way to turn simple moments into fun.

Inside Javier's mind.

Hah! I'm old enough to drink wine, duh… I am Nakamura Junichi, dumbass. If I want to drink a whole box of it, that's my choice. He rolled his eyes in his mind, a sly grin forming. Of course, in this world, I still look like an eleven-year-old. ehehe.

His eyes sparkled with mischief as he watched Gracelle, who looked flustered but curious. Acting on impulse, he gently pushed the wine glass toward her lips, his grin changing into a charming smile.

"Here," he said softly, "just a sip. I promise it's nothing too strong. It'll be our little secret."

Gracelle's cheeks turned bright pink, fully surprised by his boldness. She stammered, "Y-young lord Javier, I really shouldn't—"

Before she could finish, the rim of the glass touched her lips. Hesitantly, with his kind but persistent attitude, she drunk a small drop of wine.

"That's enough, young master," Liana said sharply, stepping forward. Her eyes showed a slight twitch in her brow, showing her disapproval. "You shouldn't force such things on a lady, no matter how 'gentle' your intentions might seem."

Gracelle quickly sat up straight, her maid looking just as shocked. "T-thank you, young master Javier," Gracelle murmured, her voice very quiet as she looked down, her cheeks still bright.

Javier, unfazed, leaned back with a satisfied smirk. "See? Nothing to worry about. I told you it was just a sip."

The soft music from the orchestra filled the big hall, creating a romantic and elegant feeling. Javier, who usually seemed indifferent, suddenly stood up and reached out his hand to Gracelle.

"Would you like to dance, Lady Gracelle?" he asked smoothly, his eyes looking into hers with confidence.

Gracelle heart skipped a beat. This gesture—this invitation—meant a lot in noble society. It showed that he recognized her as an equal. She smiled shyly and placed her hand.

"I would be honored, young master Javier," she replied, her voice a little shaky.

As they walked to the center of the dance floor, the nobles around them whispered quietly, curious about the youngest son of Viscount Garius showing such charm. Liana, standing behind and watching, raised an eyebrow but stayed calm.

Javier started the dance with ease, guiding Gracelle through the steps gracefully. Gracelle felt her face get warm, both from being close to him and realizing everyone was watching them.

But Javier wasn't completely focused on the dance.

"Ehehe..Let's see how Liana reacts to this"

As the music reached its peak, Javier spun Gracelle gently and pulled her close by the waist. The room seemed to hold its breath as he leaned in, his eyes locked onto her surprised ones.

Before she could say anything, his lips pressed against hers in a bold, passionate kiss. Gracelle froze, completely shocked. Her first kiss—so sudden and intense—made her heart race. She didn't pull away, her mind too overwhelmed to react.

When the kiss ended, a soft murmur spread through the room. Gracelle, still in Javier arms, could only stare at him.

Gracelle felt like the world was spinning as she stood frozen in the center of the dance floor. Her cheeks felt very hot, and her heart was pounding as if it might burst. She blinked quickly, staring at Javier with wide, shocked eyes.

What just happened? His handsome face, that confident smile, and those eyes stayed in her mind, replaying that moment over and over. Why does my heart feel like this? Why does he look even more handsome now?

She lightly touched her lips, which were still tingling from the kiss. She couldn't find the words or think straight. All she knew was that Javier De Armand had completely captured her attention.

Meanwhile, Liana stood at the edge of the room, feeling a strange tightness in her chest. A strange ache bothered her heart, one she didn't understand. Her eyes narrowed for a moment before she quickly returned to her usual calm expression.

How could you do this, young master Javier!? she thought, gripping the tray in her hands tighter.

If you wanted a kiss, I'm right here. Haven't I always been the one you turn to? Haven't we shared kisses that were more passionate? And didn't you always say you'd marry me when you turned eighteen?

Though her face stayed gentle and calm, a storm was brewing inside her.

You want to play games, young master? Fine... Just wait.

Javier, not aware of the trouble he had caused, returned to his seat with a carefree smile, clearly happy with the attention he'd created. He glanced at Liana and caught a hint of something in her eyes—was it jealousy? Amusement? He wasn't sure, but it made him smile even more.

But Liana wasn't going to let him win easily. Just wait, young master! You may have started this game, but you won't win it.

( End of Chapter )