Reborn As Noble

The household maids were in a frenzy, their faces pale with worry. They had scoured every corner of the estate—but their young master, Javier, was nowhere to be found.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the estate's surroundings were enveloped in the soft glow of light crystals, casting eerie shadows in the dimming light. Anxiety rippled through the maid group.

"This isn't like him... He's usually up to some mischief in plain sight, but now..." one maid whispered, her voice trembling.

"It's already sunset, and the area outside is getting darker by the minute! What if he wandered off?"

"We can't waste any more time. We need to report this to Miss Liana immediately!"

"Yes, hurry!"

Without hesitation, the group rushed back into the manor, After a search, they found Liana seated calmly in the maid's dining room, enjoying her dinner with her usual composed demeanor.

"M-Miss Liana! It's an emergency!"

Liana raised an eyebrow, setting her fork down gracefully. "What's the matter? You're all out of breath."

"It's the young master!" another maid exclaimed, wringing her hands nervously. "We've searched everywhere—the manor, the gardens, the stables,the pen—but we can't find him!"

Liana's eyes sharpened, though her face remained calm. "You mean to say Young master is missing?"

The maids nodded, a few of them on the verge of tears. "Yes, Miss Liana! We've looked everywhere, and it's already dark outside!"

Liana let out a soft sigh, dabbing her mouth with a napkin before standing. "Very well. I will handle this."

"Miss Liana, do you think he might have gone beyond the estate grounds?"

Liana's lips curved into a faint, knowing smile. "If I had to guess... yes. Knowing young master, he's probably decided to have one of his adventures."

The maids exchanged worried glances. "Should we alert Lord Garius or Lady Francesca?"

Liana waved a hand dismissively. "No need to trouble them just yet. I'll find him."

Liana's gaze drifted toward the window, where the estate grounds stretched into the encroaching darkness.

"Honestly, young master," she murmured under her breath, "you never fail to cause trouble. Let's hope you haven't gotten yourself into anything too reckless this time."

Liana made her way to the Pekko pen, immediately noting the absence of one particular bird. Javier's Pekko was missing, while her own lay comfortably in its corner, lazily pecking at the last remnants of its meal. She examined the trough—it was full of food, and the water had been freshly changed.

She sighed deeply, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Ugh! This young master..."

Without wasting time, she turned on her heel and headed back toward the manor. As she approached the hall, she encountered Gloria, the head maid, who was carrying a tray of fresh linens.

"Miss Gloria," Liana began, her voice steady but firm, "I'll need five to seven guards to accompany me, along with two other maids."

Gloria raised an eyebrow. "Oh? What's the matter?"

Liana's emerald eyes narrowed slightly. "Young Master Javier has sneaked out again."

Gloria's expression shifted into a knowing frown. "Do you want me to inform Lady Francesca about this?"

Liana shook her head. "Not yet. If we're not back before dinner, then please do."

The older maid nodded, though worry flickered in her eyes. "Be careful, Liana. You know how dangerous the roads can be at night—monsters are more active after sunset."

"I will," Liana replied with a faint smile, already walking briskly toward her room. "Thank you, Miss Gloria."

Upon reaching her quarters, Liana stepped inside and locked the door behind her. Her calm demeanor remained, but her movements were swift and deliberate as she opened her wardrobe. She exchanged her formal maid attire for her battle maid outfit, a sleek yet durable uniform tailored for both mobility and protection.

She adjusted the hidden compartments in the outfit, ensuring her dual blades were securely tucked at her sides. Next, she strapped a small but sharp dagger to her thigh, its sheath snug and well-concealed. Finally, she slung her compact but powerful magic bow across her back, along with a quiver of arrows charged with mana.

Once satisfied, she glanced at herself in the mirror—a composed and determined reflection stared back at her. "Young Master, you're going to owe me for this," she murmured to herself.

With her preparations complete, she exited her room and headed to rally the guards and maids, ready to track down the ever-elusive Javier.

The group of guards and maids mounted their horses. The setting sun painted the horizon in hues of amber and crimson, but the encroaching darkness was fast.

"Let's head to the village he always visits," Liana instructed firmly, gripping the reins of her horse with practiced ease.

"Yes, Miss Liana!"

They carried with them light crystals,casting long, clear beams across the darkening road. The sound of hooves pounding against the dirt filled the air as the group made their way swiftly through the forest-lined path.

"Stay alert," Liana called out, her sharp emerald eyes scanning the surroundings. "Monsters might be lurking."

"Yes, Miss Liana," the guards replied in unison, gripping their weapons tightly.

The tension in the air was palpable, but Liana's calm and commanding presence kept the group focused. As they drew closer to the village, she silently hoped Javier hadn't ventured further into the wilderness.

"Keep your eyes open," Liana reminded them, her tone unwavering. "If there's any sign of the young master or his Pekko, call out immediately."

"Yes, Miss Liana!" they responded, their determination matching hers as they pressed forward into the deepening night.

As Liana and her group rode into the small, bustling village, the soft glow of light crystals illuminated the cobblestone streets and wooden houses. The familiar chatter of villagers quieted as they noticed the Armand family emblem on the guards' attire, signifying the presence of their lord's household.

The village guard stationed at the entrance stepped forward, his expression brightening when he recognized Liana.

"Oh, good to see you, Miss Liana," the guard greeted warmly, bowing slightly out of respect. "It's been a while."

Liana pulled her horse to a stop, her posture composed but urgent. "Thank you. I need to ask—did the young master visit here recently?"

The guard scratched his head thoughtfully before shaking it. "No, he hasn't been here. Why? Did something happen?"

Liana's expression remained calm, though a trace of disappointment flickered in her emerald eyes. "Nothing. Just checking. Thank you for your time."

"You're welcome, Miss Liana," the guard replied, stepping back to let her group pass.

Liana turned to her party. "We'll search the nearby forest paths next. He must have ventured off somewhere unusual."

The guards nodded in agreement, and Liana led the group out of the village.

The group ventured deeper into the dense forest.The light crystals they carried barely pierced the darkness, but Liana's sharp eyes and keen senses kept her alert. Monsters appeared intermittently, their glowing eyes menacing in the shadows.

Liana raised her magic bow, her hands steady as she released arrow after arrow. Each one glowed faintly before striking, dispatching the monsters with precision. Her guards supported her, fending off any beasts that got too close.

"Monsters seem far more active than usual tonight," one of the guards muttered as he wiped sweat from his brow after cutting down a smaller beast.

Liana frowned, her focus unwavering as she loosed another arrow, downing a large wolf-like creature. "Too active... Something feels off."

The group pressed on, but despite their efforts, they found no trace of Javier—not a single clue in the usual places he frequented. The forest paths they had walked together before were empty, and the stillness made Liana's chest tighten with worry.

Finally, Liana pulled her horse to a stop, her frustration barely hidden behind her composed demeanor. "Let's head back to the manor. We'll inform Lady Francesca."

The guards exchanged hesitant glances but nodded, knowing the risks of lingering in the forest too long. They began their journey back, the horses' hooves breaking the eerie silence.

As Liana rode in silence, her thoughts raced.

Where are you, young master? Are you upset because I ignored you today? Did I push you too far this time?

Her grip on the reins tightened as she replayed the events of the day, guilt gnawing at her. "If something happens to you..." She shook her head, refusing to finish the thought.

The glow of the manor's lights in the distance offered a semblance of comfort, but her worry lingered, unresolved.

( End of Chapter )