Reborn As Noble

Javier sighed softly, setting his glass down.

What he wanted was simple, one dance with Liana, then another with Gloria.

But that chance was gone.

Because already at the center, Athine and Aelius were dazzling everyone with their shining, perfect performance.

Every step they took, every turn they shared, drew the eyes of the entire hall. Nobles, officers, princes, all of them were stunned into silence, captivated by the pair who moved like they were born for the dance floor.

Javier leaned back slightly, exhaling through his nose.

Damn… these two lovebirds stole the scene.

His lips curved faintly into a half-smile, hidden by the rim of his goblet.

No matter what I do now, it'll never shine brighter than that.

And there it was.

Anyone could dance now.

Meira and Zania were already bickering, each tugging at Cedric's arm, fighting for their turn to drag him onto the floor.

Lithia and her mother? Yeah… both of them were already eyeing Marcellus.

Damn that eldest one, Javier thought, his brow twitching slightly. He's got a mother and daughter pair, identical in face, in figure, in youthful beauty. Both dark elves, both looking the same thanks to their race.

As for Heres?

Javier's gaze shifted, and he sighed.

Yeah… his personal maid group was fidgeting in the distance, clearly waiting for him. But the man himself? Already slumped over the table, arms folded, completely asleep.

Too drunk to even stand.

Marcellus had forced drink after drink down his throat until he toppled.

Javier rubbed his temple.

And I'm supposed to be the troublesome one?

And here came more trouble.

Father was being dragged, no, forced by Queen Mylezra, the moment Mother gave her permission.

Mother chuckled softly, shaking her head, as if she'd already seen through all of it.

And now, even that demon girl stood up, tugging at Father with boldness that made half the nobles gasp.

What a sight.

"Ah…" Javier muttered under his breath.

That was when it hit him.

Felicia, Mimi, Delya, and Ferine were still here too. They hadn't forgotten him, he had only been dragged away by Marcellus before they could swarm him again.

Javier's lips twitched as he raised his goblet.

Better drink more and pretend to be drunk…

He tipped the wine back, draining it in one gulp, expression perfectly calm even as his thoughts soured.

Or I'll be in the same mess as Father before the night is over.

And Javier noticed.

Liana was smiling.

Ah… I know that look, he thought, his chest tightening faintly.

She wants to dance with me too.

And right beside her, Gloria leaned in, whispering something softly into her ear.

Her glasses glinting under the crystal light. Javier didn't need to hear the words to guess.

Probably claiming her turn next.

He sighed inwardly. I can't run away. Not from Liana. She's… special to me.

Fine. Whatever.

Javier set his glass aside, his movements calm and unhurried. He walked slowly toward the musicians, leaned down, and whispered a quiet request. The conductor's eyes widened slightly, but he nodded, signaling the change.

As the melody shifted into a gentler, more intimate rhythm, Javier turned. His polished steps carried him toward the maids' corner.

Liana froze as he stopped in front of her.

Without a word, Javier extended his hand.

"Liana…"

Her breath caught, her lips parting slightly as her eyes widened. She blinked once, twice, then slowly, gracefully, her fingers lifted toward his.

"A-are you sure… Young Master?"

Javier's gaze softened, his voice steady. "Yes."

Liana placed her hand gently in his.

Her smile… it was different tonight.

Not just the soft, gentle smile she often gave him, nor the playful one when she teased. This one carried something else.

Happiness that brimmed from her heart, excitement that shimmered in her eyes, yet still wrapped in the same grace and serenity that defined her.

For a moment, Javier felt his breath catch.

It's the first time I've seen her smile like that.

He guided her away from the maids' corner, leading her toward the open floor. The musicians shifted, the melody flowing into a slower, more elegant tune that filled the hall with warmth.

Together, they stepped into rhythm.

Her gown swirled with every turn, her movements perfectly in tune with his lead. Javier's hand rested firmly at her waist, her other hand soft in his, the two of them moving as though the world itself slowed to watch.

The noise of the hall dimmed in his ears. Nobles, guests, and even his siblings seemed to fade away.

All that remained was the steady beat of the music.

And Liana, looking at him with that serene smile, as if this moment belonged only to them.

She's beautiful.

This special elf… so beautiful.

Her emerald eyes glimmered beneath the crystal lights. Her full lips curved into that serene smile. Her face, gentle, graceful.

And her body, soft and warm beneath his guiding hand.

She had been with him from the very first moment of his rebirth in this world.

Caring for him when he was helpless.

Loving only him as he grew.

Never faltering, never stepping away.

The dance continued, their steps flowing smoothly across the polished floor. To the hall, Javier's face remained calm, serious, noble, perfectly composed.

But inside…

His heart stirred with every beat of the music.

With every turn, every touch of her hand, every glimmer in her eyes, the weight of responsibility and the noise of the banquet slipped further away.

Javier could only look at Liana's face.

He looked down at her, and in that moment there was nothing else, no music, no voices, no stares from the hall. Only her.

She smelled faintly sweet, like blossoms after rain.

His heart began to race.

"What are you looking at, Young Master?" Liana whispered, her tone soft, though her eyes glimmered with curiosity.

"I'm looking at the beautiful elf who's dancing with me," Javier answered without hesitation.

Her cheeks warmed, though her smile never wavered.

"Really? Then don't focus too much on me, Young Master. Don't forget about Gloria, Felicia, Mimi, Delya, and Ferine too. After all… they'll become my co-wives as well."

Javier chuckled softly, leaning closer. As they moved with perfect grace, his lips drew near her neck, and he breathed in her scent, gentle and comforting.

They danced flawlessly, every step timed with the fading notes of the music.

And as the final chords lingered in the air, Javier lifted his gaze. Their eyes met, emerald against calm determination.

He lowered his head, closing the space between them.

And kissed her deeply, under the glow of the crystal lights, as the grand hall watched in silence.

( End Of Chapter )