Reborn As Noble

The sun had just begun to rise over the Armand estate, and the soft chirping of birds filled the cool morning air. Inside the manor, Liana walked quickly through the hallways, carried a tray of breakfast that she had made for her young master.

But when she entered his bedroom, she found it empty.

"Haaa... This young master of mine," she muttered, setting the tray down with a sigh. "It's still early, and he hasn't eaten breakfast yet. Where could he have gone this time?"

Liana placed her hands on her hips, her eyes scanning the room before she turned and headed outside. It didn't take long for her to figure out where Javier had gone. She made her way toward the Pekko pen, and sure enough, there he was—grinning widely as he saddled his bright orange Pekko, the one he named "Buddy."

"Young Master!?" she called, her voice a mix of annoyance and authority. "Where do you think you're going!?"

Javier, startled at first, turned and flashed his usual mischievous smile. "Oh, Liana! Good morning! I was just warming up Buddy here."

"Are you planning to sneak out again!?" Liana demanded, crossing her arms.

"Aww, that's harsh, Liana," Javier replied, rubbing the back of his head with a sheepish grin. "We're just playing around the estate. Not going far, I promise."

"Hmmph!" Liana narrowed her eyes, clearly not convinced. She whistled sharply, and moments later, her own Pekko—a sleek, silver-feathered bird named Pikko—trotted over to her side. With practiced ease, Liana mounted Pikko, patting its neck.

"Pikko, let's keep an eye on Buddy and our young master. If they even think about sneaking out, we'll stop them."

Pikko squawked happily, eagerly flapped its wings.

Javier huffed dramatically, patting Buddy on the neck. "See that, Buddy? They don't trust us. Isn't that rude?"

Liana smirked, raising an eyebrow. "It's hard to trust a cheeky and mischievous young master and his 'Buddy'"—she made air quotes with her fingers—"don't you think so, Pikko?"

Pikko squawked again, as if mocking them, much to Liana's amusement.

Javier grinned, undeterred by their skepticism. "Let's show them, Buddy! Let's go!"

With a loud squawk, Buddy dashed forward, carrying Javier across the estate at full speed. Javier's laughter echoed as the Pekko weaved and dashed with excitement. The pair soon sped past a group of maids who were busy sweeping leaves near the estate's main courtyard.

"Young Master!!" the maids cried in alarm, clutching their brooms as dust flew around them.

"Ehehe, sorry!!".

Liana sighed, watching the chaos unfold from atop Pikko. "Haaa... Look at this young master of mine. He's already causing a scene so early in the morning."

The maids, still flustered from Javier's sudden appearance, turned to Liana as she rode by. "Good morning, Miss Liana!"

"Good morning. Keep up the good work," Liana replied, her tone steady as she passed them.

The maids nodded, exchanging knowing smiles. It was clear that Javier's antics had long since become a normal part of their morning routine.

Meanwhile, Javier was still racing around on Buddy, waving to various workers as he sped by. "Good morning, everyone!" he called, laughing as Buddy kicked up small clouds of dust.

Liana, keeping a watchful eye on him from a distance, shook her head but couldn't hide the small smile on her lips. Despite his mischief, there was no denying that her young master brought energy and liveliness to the estate.

"All right, Pikko," she said with a quiet chuckle. "Let's follow him. Just in case he really does try to sneak out."

Javier was thoroughly enjoying himself, gripping Buddy's reins as the Pekko dashed around the estate. The wind rushed past him, and his laughter rang out across the grounds.

"Faster, Buddy! Let's show them what we can do!"

Just as he rounded a corner, he sped right past the garden terrace where his father, Lord Garius, was seated. The viscount was enjoying his morning tea, surrounded by the his butler and a group of his personal maids. They stood quietly, attending to his every need as he gazed at the peaceful morning view.

It was a calm moment—or it had been, until Javier came crashing through.

Buddy let out an excited squawk, its claws kicking up dirt and grass as it sped past the terrace. Javier's loud laughter filled the air as he waved casually at his father.

"Sorry, old man! Hahaha!" Javier called out, not bothering to slow down.

Lord Garius froze mid-sip, his face twitching as a fine mist of tea sprayed from his mouth. He gripped the porcelain teacup tightly and bolted upright, his usually calm demeanor replaced with visible irritation.

"Guuuuuuuuu!! JAVIERRRRRRRRR!!!" his voice boomed, startling everyone around him.

The butler, perfectly composed despite the chaos, stepped forward and calmly adjusted Lord Garius's cloak. "My lord, please be careful not to spill your tea."

"Careful? How can I be careful when that brat is tearing through the estate like a wild animal!?" Lord Garius fumed, pointing in the direction Javier had gone.

The maids exchanged nervous glances but kept their composure, quietly retrieving a fresh cup of tea for their master.

Meanwhile, Javier glanced over his shoulder, grinning as he heard his father's shout. "Looks like we woke him up, Buddy! Let's pick up the pace before he sends someone after us!"

Buddy squawked in agreement, its legs pumping faster as it darted around the estate.

From her perch atop Pikko, Liana couldn't help but sigh and shake her head at the scene. "Young master, must you provoke your father so early in the morning?"

Lord Garius slumped back into his chair with a growl. "That boy is really annoying... causing too much trouble early in the morning."

The butler offered a polite bow. "Shall I have someone fetch the young master, my lord?"

"No," Garius muttered, waving him off. "Let him run himself ragged. At least it keeps him out of my work for a while."

Despite his grumbling, there was a faint glimmer of amusement in his eyes. For all his son's mischief, even Garius had to admit that mornings at the estate were never dull.

Lady Francesca, radiant as always, strolled gracefully toward the garden terrace with her group of personal maids following her. Her elegant dress swayed with each step, and her presence was enough to catch the attention of everyone nearby. Her co-wives, Lady Phenelopie and Lady Garcinia, trailed slightly behind with their own entourages, the morning sunlight glinting off their beautifully embroidered gowns.

As Francesca walked, a blur of orange and black darted past her, causing the maids to step aside in surprise. She paused mid-step, her eyes narrowing as she caught sight of her youngest son and his ever-energetic Pekko.

"Haaah," Francesca sighed with a touch of exasperation. "My honey bun is already causing chaos this early in the morning."

Javier, noticing his mother from afar, immediately pulled Buddy to a stop. The Pekko skidded slightly, squawking before coming to a neat halt right in front of Lady Francesca.

Javier dismounted with practiced ease, his eyes sparkling mischievously. He straightened his slightly ruffled shirt, adopted a gentlemanly posture, and approached her like a knight greeting a queen.

"Good morning, my beautiful lady," Javier said in a deep, overly dramatic tone, taking Francesca's hand with a flourish. He bowed low, pressing a light kiss to her hand.

Francesca couldn't help but chuckle, her son's antics softening her mood instantly. "Oh, Javier," she said, shaking her head lightly, "you're far too charming for your own good. Who taught you to act this way?"

"I was born this way, Mother," Javier quipped, smirking as he straightened.

Behind her, Lady Phenelopie and Lady Garcinia observed the interaction but showed little interest. Phenelopie merely raised an eyebrow and muttered, "Such theatrics this early in the morning..."

Garcinia let out a faint, dismissive hum, clearly uninterested in joining the display of affection.

Javier's smirk grew sly as he noticed their lack of reaction. Shoo, shoo, you ugly ladies. Why ruin such a perfect moment? My mother is the real star here.

Francesca placed a hand on her hip. "Javier, are you planning to run wild all morning? Or shall I have to remind you that breakfast awaits?"

"Oh, but Mother," Javier replied smoothly, "how can I think of breakfast when such a lovely sight greets me first thing in the morning?"

Francesca laughed softly, patting his cheek. "Flattery won't save you if you don't behave today. Now, off with you before you charm every maid in the estate."

"Yes, my lady," Javier said, flashing her a playful grin before hopping back onto Buddy's saddle.

As he rode off, Lady Phenelopie and Lady Garcinia finally stepped closer.

"Must you indulge him so much, Francesca?" Phenelopie asked with a hint of irritation.

Francesca gave her a serene smile. "He's my youngest. Indulging him is my privilege."

Lady Garcinia simply sighed. "If only he were as composed as Marcellus or Cedric."

But Francesca, watching Javier ride away with his signature smirk, thought differently. Composed? Where's the fun in that?

( End of Chapter )