Chapter 71: Breakfast with a Side of Mischief ( 71 )
Javier sat comfortably at the long dining table, a plate piled high with succulent cuts of meat before him. The aroma of grilled king boar and other high-quality meats filled the air—a feast he had secretly provided for himself after his recent hunts. Only Liana, his personal maid, knew the truth behind the bountiful supply of rare delicacies.
Between bites, he glanced at Liana, who stood nearby.
"Liana, did you eat your breakfast yet?"
Liana sighed, brushing a stray strand of her hair
."Haaa… how can I eat breakfast when the first thing I do in the morning is chase after you and your 'buddy'? You've worn me out already, young master."
Javier grinned mischievously and gestured toward the seat beside him.
"Then sit with me and eat. Ehehe, I won't tell anyone."
Liana shot him a sharp look
"Young master, maids cannot sit with their masters in the main dining room. It's against decorum, and I've told you countless times not to encourage the other maids to bend the rules."
"Tch! Too strict. You're no fun, Liana."
"Discipline ensures order, young master, If I indulged you, what would the other maids think? Or worse, what would your parents say?"
"Ugh, always with the 'what would they think' talk." He speared another piece of meat with his fork.
"You're lucky I like you enough not to argue."
Liana suppressed a chuckle, adjusting his napkin with practiced care. "And you're lucky I have the patience to handle your antics, young master. Now, finish your meal. You've got a full day ahead."
"Yes, ma'am," Javier teased, giving her a mock salute.
"But you know, Liana… I'd still rather have you sitting here with me."
"Eat your breakfast, young master,"
Javier smirked as he picked up a juicy piece of grilled king boar meat with his fork, holding it out toward Liana.
"Liana... say aaaaaa."
Liana's let out a frustrated sigh. "Young master, this is not proper," she whispered, glancing around the dining room.
"No one's here, I promise," Javier said with a playful grin. "Besides, I'm your young master. Doesn't that mean you have to do what I say?"
Liana gave him a doubtful look but leaned down hesitantly. After checking the room again to make sure no one was watching, she took a small bite of the meat. "There. Are you happy now?"
"Oh, we're just getting started," Javier replied, grinning widely as he speared another piece of meat. "Come on, Liana, aaaaaa!"
"Young master—"
"Aaaaaaa!"
Giving in, Liana leaned down again and accepted another bite.
"This is the last one," she said firmly, though her voice softened as she chewed.
"You say that every time, and yet here we are," Javier teased, already getting ready with the next piece. "You deserve this for working so hard to keep me in line."
Liana sighed but couldn't help the small smile that appeared on her lips. "You're impossible, young master."
"But I'm your impossible young master," he said playfully, holding up another piece. "Now, say aaaaa—"
"Fine, but only if you promise to behave for the rest of the day," Liana bargained, leaning in slightly.
"Deal," Javier said, but the sparkle in his amber eyes suggested he might not keep that promise.
Javier leaned back in his chair, smirking as he swirled the last piece of meat on his plate. "Liana... can you pour me some strong wine? Ehehe."
Liana raised an eyebrow and crossed her arms. "Young master, you're only 11 years old. You shouldn't drink too much alcohol."
"Hmm? But you always pour me some, like during Mother's birthday party, remember?" Javier replied, his mischievous grin getting wider.
Liana's composure wavered as she recalled the event. "Guh… Fine," she relented, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Just one glass. And you're not getting a drop more."
"Ehehe, love you, Liana. Muah!" Javier chirped, blowing her a playful kiss.
"Haaa... What am I going to do with you, young master?" Liana sighed, but a faint smile played at her lips as she went to get the wine.
As she poured a small amount into his glass, Javier's mind wandered.
(Don't worry, Liana. I'm already old enough to drink wine... ehehe. If I had been summoned here instead of reborn, you'd already be my wife.)
"Cheers, my lovely Liana."
"Just don't cause trouble after drinking, young master," Liana warned, shaking her head but smiling as she watched him sip. She couldn't help but wonder what kind of man he would become, this charming and mischievous boy she couldn't imagine her life without.
Liana carefully wiped Javier's mouth with a napkin, making sure her young master's face was spotless. His plate was clean, showing it was clear he had enjoyed every bite of the delicious breakfast she had prepared.
"Liana?"
"Yes, young master?"
"Our usual routine?"
Liana sighed, already knowing she wouldn't be able to deny him. "Haa... fine." She leaned closer, and their lips met in a gentle yet lingering kiss
"Love you, Liana. Ehehe," Javier whispered
"Yes, yes, I know, young master," she replied, her voice warm with affection. "Now, enough of your antics. Lady Francesca told me earlier that you should meet her once you've finished breakfast."
Instead of listening right away, Javier leaned in and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a tight hug. "Liana..."
His voice was filled with warmth and longing, leaving Liana momentarily surprised. She gently placed her hand on his back, returning the embrace. "Young master... what am I going to do with you?"
"Spoil me more, of course," he said, his voice muffled but cheerful.
Liana smiled softly, shaking her head. "You're already spoiled enough. Now, off you go to Lady Francesca before you cause any more chaos this morning."
"Fine, fine,"
"Young master?"
"Yes, my lovely maid, Liana?" Javier responded with a grin, excited for what she would say next.
"I'll be at the maid's dining area if you need to find me after this."
"Okay, Liana," he said, his mischievous smile growing. Without hesitation, he leaned in and kissed her lips.
Caught off guard, Liana froze for a moment, then let out a soft sigh and returned the kiss, her cheeks flushing slightly. As she pulled back, she gave him a stern but affectionate look.
"Young master, you really need to stop being so bold."
"Ehehe, only to you"
"Haa... what am I going to do with you?" she muttered, shaking her head, but a small smile remained on her lips as she left the room.
As Liana walked toward the maid's dining area, she couldn't help but smile to herself. Her young master, mischievous as ever, had a way of melting her heart despite all his antics. Deep down, she felt a warmth she couldn't quite put into words.
"I hope you truly mean it, young master, when you say you'll make me your wife someday," she thought, her emerald eyes softening as she glanced toward the direction he'd gone.
She could already picture the scene that would unfold in Lady Francesca's room. Javier would dash in, his charming grin on full display, and throw himself into his mother's arms.
Lady Francesca, ever doting, would catch him without hesitation, cradling him as if he were still a little boy. She'd undoubtedly let him bury his face against her breast, letting him inhaling her scent, enjoying the warmth and comfort as he fondled her breast with innocent affection while hugging her tightly and showering her with endearments.
"My precious honey bun!" Francesca would coo, planting kisses on his forehead, cheeks, and even his lips, completely unbothered by his boldness.
Liana paused for a moment, placing a hand lightly over her chest. "No matter how far he goes or how much he grows, I'll be by his side. Even if he keeps causing chaos, that's just who my young master is."
( End of Chapter )